2012 US Presidential Elections

[Yusuf]

WASHINGTON: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emaunuel, who served as US President Barack Obama's first chief of staff, says his former boss' re-election was far from a sure thing.

"There's no doubt there's a challenge politically because the economy is not where the American middle-class family needs it to be for their bottom line," Emanuel said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Obama faces uphill re-election climb, says ex-aide - The Times of India

 

[W.G.Ewald]

When Bush was in his second term as president, the hysterical American left said he would declare martial law and suspend elections. Recently the Democratic governor of North Carolina said elections should be suspended,
Bev Perdue | NC Governor | Suspend Elections | Jobs | The Daily Caller
Politics is so amusing.

 

[pmaitra]

2012 US Presidential Elections

This thread is about the US Presidential Elections slated to be held in 2012. I would invite members to comment on their preferred party, preferred candidate, preferred policy and any other preferences. Also, please indicate whether you are commenting from the perspective of India, US, any other country or the rest of the world collectively.

P.S.: Note that the election might have only parties, there are actually numerous political parties in the US. For example, the Tea Party (not to be confused with the Boston Tea Party) comes under the banner of the Republican Party.

More details about the candidates shall follow.

Disclaimer:

I have my personal biases and I will be posting debates and videos, which some readers might find rhetoric. I would encourage all to extend support to whomsoever they please.

Looking forward to a healthy debate and discussion.

P. Maitra

 

[pmaitra]

2012 US Presidential Elections - Declared Candidates (1/2)

2012 US Presidential Elections - Declared Candidates (1/2)

Declared 2012 PFP & Socialist Presidential Candidate Political Activist Stewart Alexander
In terms of hedging your bets, the 59-year old former radio talk show host has it down pat and probably created a little bit of history for himself in the process. Alexander has declared his candidacy for the Oval Office seat with two different political parties; the Socialist Party and the Peace and Freedom Party. This will be Alexander's first attempt for the office after failed Vice-Presidential bid in 2008. Alexander's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate U.S. Representative from Minnesota Michele Bachmann
Michele Bachmann, the three terms Minnesota Congresswoman, is the current chair of the Congressional Tea Party Caucus. The attractive Iowan has seen her fortune plummet in recent weeks following the entry of Texas Governor, Rick Perry, into the race. The resignation of deputy campaign manager, David Polyansky, and the redeployment of campaign manager Ed Rollins into a consulting role tell us that all is not well in the Bachmann camp. Her September poll numbers, hovering between 6-8%, is just a third of her post-Ames Straw Poll victory figures barely a month ago. Pundits have long cited the risks of Bachmann's increasing tendency to move to the right, and it now appears that she may be holding her two top strategists responsible for the shift in her campaign's fortunes. Bachmann's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Businessman, Politician & Media Herman Cain
Cancer survivor, YouTube sensation and former mathematician with the US Navy, Herman Cain has a r̩sum̩ that demands your attention. His experience on all three major fronts of American politics - corporate, legislative and media Рthrough his stellar career at Pillsbury, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (as chairman) and as the host of WSB's "The Herman Cain Show" in Atlanta, guarantees that the articulate Republican will never face a question of credibility. Cain's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate Former Chair of the Libertarian Party of Texas Roger Gary
Roger Gary is a long-time Liberty activist and lifetime member of the Libertarian Party since 1977. This 64-year old candidate resides in San Antonio, where he was elected and served 6 years as Director of the San Antonio River Authority. His stance on major issues falls in line with the Libertarian Party Platform, such as civil liberties issues, non-intervention foreign policy, and smaller federal government. Gary's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich
After a 13-year absence from mainstream politics, Newton Leroy Gingrich has announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. His campaign, which kicks off with 17-city swing, has unfortunately begun under a torrent of criticisms following his controversial statements on Medicare and a perceived attack of fellow Republican Paul Ryan. Nevertheless, Gingrich, a fighter and above all, a consummate politician, is expected to make a swift recovery and stamp his mark on the race. Gingrich's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate 3-Tour Combat Vet, Philosopher and Law Student RJ Harris
RJ Harris is a 2012 Libertarian Party Presidential Candidate and a career Army National Guard Officer, aviator and 3-tour combat veteran. His 2010 Congressional Campaign was endorsed by Senator Rand Paul along with many prominent Libertarians and Conservatives both in the Libertarian and Republican Parties. He has run a small business, worked in the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Philosophy, and he is a third-year J.D. Candidate at OU Law. RJ and his wife Jennifer of 20 years flourish with their five children in Norman, Oklahoma. Harris's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Utah and Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman
The 51-year old former Governor of Utah officially announced his much-anticipated entry into the presidential race, with the Statue of Liberty spectacularly serving as the backdrop. The highly rated and charismatic Republican technocrat is considered by many in Washington as one of most dangerous dark horses in the race, and is one of the few capable of unseating President Obama. Huntsman's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson
The former Libertarian Republican Governor does not attend church, is pro-choice, anti-big government, pro-immigration, an outspoken critic of the war on drugs and favors legalizing marijuana. He led New Mexico for eight years, during which time the state saw no tax increase, and he vetoed over 750 separate pieces of legislation to keep the government from growing. However, his views on civil liberties, foreign policy and drugs may be difficult for many conservatives to reconcile with. Johnson's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Political Consultant & Gay Rights Activist Fred Karger
Fred Karger, one of the shrewdest Republican political operators of the past three decades, announced the formation of his 2012 Exploratory Committee on July 18, 2010, making him the first ever openly gay aspirant for the presidency. Despite being a lifelong Republican, the 61-year old Karger will be running on an independent ticket. His campaign was hit with a sucker punch when he was locked out of the Carolina Republican Party Presidential Debate of May 5, with the organizers citing his low poll numbers as the reason. Karger's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Andy Martin
The self-professed People's Attorney General and Internet Powerhouse is famously remembered as the source of the chain mail and online reports questioning the citizenship of President Obama and the claim that he was a Muslim. The 66-year old Martin filed his papers as a candidate for the next presidential election on Feb 8, and was quoted two weeks later saying, "Obama plays for keeps. He plays rough, and that's the only way to beat him, and I'm the only one that is tough enough to do that." Martin's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Jimmy McMillan
The former mayoral, gubernatorial and senatorial candidate for the Rent Is Too Damn High Party announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination on December last year. Explaining his decision not to contest the Democratic nomination, a party he was formerly registered with, karate expert McMillan was quoted as saying "the rent is too damn high." The flamboyant Vietnam veteran also gave some words of advice to President Obama, "If you don't do your job right, I am coming at you!" McMillan's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Career Flight Attendant Tom Miller
Tom Miller feels that the country is being destroyed from within chiefly through a series of failed fiscal and immigration policies; a state of affair brought forth by an entrenched political elite. Miller sees himself as a representative of the people, as envisioned by the Founding Fathers themselves, and offers a solution-based approach to tackle the multitude of issues facing the nation. Ultimately, he hopes to re-empower the American people around the concept of small government. Miller's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate Current President of the United States Barack Obama
Born to a Kenyan father and a Caucasian mother, the former community activist and lawyer came into national prominence with a show stopping keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, befitting his reputation as a brilliant orator. In 2008, after a hard fought win against Hillary Clinton to secure the Democratic nomination, the former Senator from Illinois crushed Republican John McCain to become the first African American to claim the presidency. Obama's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]

More details here: 2012 Presidential Candidates

 

[pmaitra]

2012 US Presidential Elections - Declared Candidates (2/2)

2012 US Presidential Elections - Declared Candidates (2/2)

[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate U.S. Representative from the State of Texas Ron Paul
The former medical doctor officially announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination on May 13, 2011. The 75-year old Texas Congressman will once again center his campaign on the theme of liberty, human rights and financial market reforms. With his small but vocal pockets of supporters spread all over the country, the Libertarian leaning Republican is set to be one of the most controversial characters on the campaign trail. Paul's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Current Governor of Texas Rick Perry
After almost two years of uncertainty, Texas Governor Rick Perry's wall of resistance has crumbled. Perry took advantage of the publicity generated by the Ames Straw Poll and announced his entry into the Republican nomination race in Charleston, South Carolina, with a confident declaration, "I full well believe I'm going to win". His candidacy is expected to reinvigorate the hitherto subdued Republican evangelical grassroots, and inject some excitement into the contest. Perry's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate New York attorney and founder of the Paralegal Institute Carl Person
Carl Person is a self-confessed high school dropout who would later go on to become a New York attorney and found the Paralegal Institute. He finished third in voting in 2010 for New York Attorney General, a position he claims holds more power than the United States President. A small business owner for nearly 20 years, he says he knows how to turn around the economy: privatization and reduction or elimination of business regulations. Person's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Louisiana Buddy Roemer
After being away from politics for the last two decades, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer announced on March this year the launch of his presidential exploratory committee. The 67-year old former Democrat has cited campaign finance reforms as one of the bulwarks of his platform and has imposed a $100 limit on disclosed contributions per individual for his potential run. At a Tea Party rally in May, he claims that the current system is "disastrous, it's dysfunctional." Roemer's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney
John McCain's defeat to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election signaled the reemergence of the former Massachusetts Governor as a serious contender, and clear favorite, for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. The Harvard man has been comfortably leading almost every poll since then. He was knocked off his perch for about two months by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, during the summer of 2011. However, he has since recovered and has once again returned to his seat at the top of the leader board. And unless Perry, Cain, Huntsman, Bachmann and company can pull something out of their collective hats, the liberal turned conservative turned moderate former venture capitalist may just walk through the primaries. While his ideology and personal beliefs may be subject to debate, his knack for business is beyond question – and his across the board appeal makes him a dangerous opponent for President Obama. Romney's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Former US Senator from Pennsylvania Rick Santorum
The former two-term senator from Pennsylvania officially announced his entry into the GOP Presidential nomination race on June 6, 2011, symbolically launching his campaign at the Somerset County Courthouse, located not far from the coal mine where his grandfather first worked after arriving from Italy. Despite his dismal poll numbers, Santorum is confident of gaining grounds on early favorite Mitt Romney and warns, "We are going to be in this race, and we're in it to win." Santorum's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Matt Snyder
Matthew Bradley Snyder is a supporter of people, not parties. He believes in the passion that stirs the heart of the common man. It is not political ambition, but personal experience, that enflames that passion. A president should exude it, not emulate it. Snyder is a true representative of the people. Snyder's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Democratic Presidential Candidate Pro-life Activist Randall Terry
At a glance, it may seem a little odd for a pro-life and anti-LGBT candidate to run for the Democratic nomination. A closer look however, would tell us that an estimated 30-40% of Democrats actually shares the 52-year old Terry's views. And for those who consider this as nothing more than a publicity stunt by an anti-abortionist radical, think again. Randall Terry is planning to spend close to $3 million for a 30-second slot in the 2012 Super Bowl. Terry's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Independent Presidential Candidate Danny Woodring
Danny Earl Woodring, a 63-year-old Vietnam vet (DAV) and recipient of the Purple Heart, has joined the race for the presidency as a write-in independent conservative. The telco consultant is running his campaign exclusively from the internet and welcomes assistance from volunteers. The father of five and grandfather of eight currently resides in Palm Bay, Florida, with wife Ina. Woodring's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Libertarian Presidential Candidate Libertarian Activist R. Lee Wrights
R. Lee Wrights officially announced his candidacy for the Libertarian 2012 presidential nomination race at the party's annual state convention in Hickory, on April 15, 2011. The 52-year old former sergeant with the U.S. Air Force proclaimed "I am still a warrior, but I am not at war", a clear indication of his anti-war stance. The Tar Heel Libertarian has been an ever-present name in the Libertarian circles for over a decade and once served as Vice-Chair of the Libertarian National Committee. Wrights's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]
Declared 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Businessman Vern Wuensche
Wuensche ran for President in 2008, garnering a tenth place finish in both the Iowa and New Hampshire primaries, despite spending only $36,000. In 100 days, the owner of Houston's third oldest construction company, visited over 6,000 local businesses and churches in 242 towns in both states. He believes that businesses survive and thrive chiefly through the caliber of those who runs them and thus, these executives are perfectly qualified for a public office shorn of proven management experience Wuensche's profile, official website and positions on the issues
[HR][/HR]

More details here: 2012 Presidential Candidates

 

[Zebra]

pmaitra , btw which one do you think is good for India ?

 

[SPIEZ]

No Sarah Palin .. now I m not interested in the elections.

 

[niharjhatn]

pmaitra , btw which one do you think is good for India ?

All, by which I mean none. US foreign policy (despite all the talk) remains firmly consistent over the years despite government changes. All of them see India as a potential moneybag... even when Obama visited, he purposely sweet talked India with the stick and carrot approach, talking about bring farmers from the US to help reform the agriculture here... but all it was is stick-and-carrot hoping to get tenders for the Indian fighter planes etc.

That said, i still prefer democrats. Republicans remind me of crazy warmongers. In the recent debates, some truly scary things were said of Iran:

If there was any hope among Democrats that Republicans were going to have a tougher time attacking President Obama on foreign policy than they have on the economy, the debate tonight might make them think again.

Just moments after the debate began, the candidates started piling on Mr. Obama, accusing him of bungling the situation with Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

"If we re-elect Barack Obama, Iran will have a nuclear weapon," Mitt Romney charged. "If you elect me as president, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."

Newt Gingrich also slammed Mr. Obama, saying that his "administration skipped all the ways to be smart" when it comes to Iran. Those included a failure to do covert operations or work with Israel.

Scary!! They argue that Obama has not pulled troops from Iraq, but want to engage in covert operations and topple another thorn in the US's side!!

 

[dev.uitda]

Ron Paul 2012

Check youtube for Ron Paul revolution 2012. He is a staunch conservative (spending wise) republican with liberal principles (personal freedom wise). His call is to
1. End all wars
2. Close as much as foreign bases and strengthen USA's fort instead by taking advantage of its geographical position
3. Lesser government in everyday life
4. Legalise drugs
5. Enhance and protect the secrecy, liberty and freedom of all individuals
6. Reduce Black Budget ops and have a transparent government
7. Balance the budget by closing unnecessary government operation (promises to cut spending by 1 trillion in 2012-2013)
8. No more corporate bail outs
9. Revised tax plans
10. Audit and End the FED bank
11. Phase out IRS. (ie there will be no income tax in USA by 2016)
12. Abide by constitution
13. Recognizes that the constitution doesnt give him the power to run the world. So instead of sanctions and wars he wants to try diplomacy and friendship. He doesnt mean isolation but non-intervention.
I am witnessing a wave here. But the corporate media has blacked him out totally. He keeps winning one debate after another. He has won almost all straw polls. He has won all internet based polls and they were removed/manipulated from the websites citing technical problems. Check the internet and youtube. Ron Paul Revolution 2012

 

[trackwhack]

Ron Paul will make for an excellent Pres but he is in the wrong party. The republicans wont let him in. The corporations wont let him in and finally if there is a grand Free Mason team running the shit in the US, they wont let him in. He does not have the funding that Romney has. If he still secures the Republican nomination, he may beat Obama. And I also suspect that if he makes president, someone with strong interests in maintaining status quo will shoot him.
Rick Perry lets see - Rick Perry wont make Pres for 3 reasons - America does not want a Bush on steroids, his oratory skills make Bush sound like Martin Luther King Jr. and .... I forgot the third one ... oops.
The others are all clowns including Cain, so Romney will secure the nomination. And he will get pasted by Obama.
So here is to another 4 years of Obamamama. Boney M. - Bahama Mama 1979 - YouTube

 

[dev.uitda]

Well, Rick Perry is an alumni of my college and I have seen his undergraduate transcript. He has a GPA of 2/4. Worst behavior. Last month he said he has cleaned up Texas Air by reducing ozone in Texas. He is the son of Sarah Palin and George Bush..

 

[agentperry]

changes comes to washington and not from washington. obama said right thing and even proved it. only new candidates or dummy are placed in washington while the world domination is not affected at all by these fancy elections.
a change will come to washington in form of new person in white house but not from washington, usa will be what it is and what it is said to be

 

[sesha_maruthi27]

I think it will be a second term for OBAMA.............. I WISH HIM ALL THE BEST...............

 

[SPIEZ]

I want Sara jay! :thumb:

 

[Tshering22]

Looking at the American feelings now, I am sure that whoever is going to take power in 2012 will be a Republican.

 

[Galaxy]

Looking at the American feelings now, I am sure that whoever is going to take power in 2012 will be a Republican.

Good for us. :thumb:

 

[The Messiah]

2012 US Presidential Elections - Declared Candidates (2/2)

U.S. Representative from the State of Texas

Ron Paul

The former medical doctor officially announced his candidacy for the 2012 Republican Presidential nomination on May 13, 2011. The 75-year old Texas Congressman will once again center his campaign on the theme of liberty, human rights and financial market reforms. With his small but vocal pockets of supporters spread all over the country, the Libertarian leaning Republican is set to be one of the most controversial characters on the campaign trail

Paul's profile, official website and positions on the issues

Former Governor of Massachusetts

Mitt Romney

John McCain's defeat to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election signaled the reemergence of the former Massachusetts Governor as a serious contender, and clear favorite, for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.

The Harvard man has been comfortably leading almost every poll since then. He was knocked off his perch for about two months by Texas Governor, Rick Perry, during the summer of 2011. However, he has since recovered and has once again returned to his seat at the top of the leader board. And unless Perry, Cain, Huntsman, Bachmann and company can pull something out of their collective hats, the liberal turned conservative turned moderate former venture capitalist may just walk through the primaries. While his ideology and personal beliefs may be subject to debate, his knack for business is beyond question – and his across the board appeal makes him a dangerous opponent for President Obama.

These two would be good for us but at the same would not be good for usa.

So it is win-win scenario.

 

[pmaitra]

Looking at the American feelings now, I am sure that whoever is going to take power in 2012 will be a Republican.

I have the same feelings too. Republicans tend to be good for us.

These two would be good for us but at the same would not be good for usa.

Well, the other policies might or might not be, but bringing the troops back home would definitely be good for the US.

 

[pmaitra]

pmaitra , btw which one do you think is good for India ?

Good for India? I am not so sure. At least I doubt if any will be as good as George Bush, for India i.e..

Personally, I'd like to see Ron Paul as the President.

Ron Paul will make for an excellent Pres but he is in the wrong party. The republicans wont let him in. The corporations wont let him in and finally if there is a grand Free Mason team running the shit in the US, they wont let him in. He does not have the funding that Romney has. If he still secures the Republican nomination, he may beat Obama. And I also suspect that if he makes president, someone with strong interests in maintaining status quo will shoot him.
Rick Perry lets see - Rick Perry wont make Pres for 3 reasons - America does not want a Bush on steroids, his oratory skills make Bush sound like Martin Luther King Jr. and .... I forgot the third one ... oops.
The others are all clowns including Cain, so Romney will secure the nomination. And he will get pasted by Obama.
So here is to another 4 years of Obamamama. Boney M. - Bahama Mama 1979 - YouTube

He is not in the wrong party. He is doing what Republicans have done for decades. Most of the current members in the Republican Party are in the wrong party. They are not doing what Republicans are supposed to do and calling the shots.

BTW, Ron Paul is doing well with his fundraising. Let's see how things go.

 

[The Messiah]

Well, the other policies might or might not be, but bringing the troops back home would definitely be good for the US.

Troops will come back when they will come back no matter who is the president.

The loonier the president the better it is for us. Actually obama is good for usa but that is not in our interest so i hope he loses