Politikal Pressure

South Carolina Election Endorsements

2008-11-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

U.S. Senate:
Bob Conley (D), challenger

U.S. House District #1:
No endorsement

U.S. House District #2:
Rob Miller (D), challenger

U.S. House District #4:
Paul Corden (D), challenger

U.S. House District #5:
Frank Waggoner (C), challenger

U.S. House District #6:
Nancy Harrelson (R), challenger

Amendment 1
Vote NO

Amendment 2
Vote NO

Amendment 3
Vote NO

Hillary: US will "totally obliterate" Iran, if Israel is attacked

2008-05-01T11:37:00.003-04:00

Senator Clinton is sounding more like a -- what's the word -- neocon everyday.
A year ago, John McCain sang a few bars of the Brian Wilson-infused "Bomb Bomb Bomb, Bomb Bomb Iran." Not wanting to be outflanked, the former First Lady recently said: "If I'm the president, we will attack Iran ... we would be able to totally obliterate them."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7376741.stm

Global warming hiatus

2008-04-30T23:20:00.001-04:00

"Natural variations over the next 10 years might be heading in the cold direction, [but] if you run the model long enough, eventually global warming will win"

Complete article here.

The drums of war ...

2008-04-11T21:07:00.005-04:00

My fellow American citizen,

The media is conditioning the American people for war once again.

The same rhetoric, the same propaganda -- albeit more refined -- that was used before the invasion of Iraq is now being employed vis-à-vis Iran.

The following video documents the frightening similarities between what is being said now about Iran and everything that we were told about Iraq before the war which later turned out to be false:

Remember, we were told that there was "irrefutable evidence" that Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of mass destruction. Five years later, the weapons have yet to be found. Now, we are being told that Iran is racing to build nuclear bombs, even though a recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) report showed that the Iranians halted their weapons program in 2003.

America cannot afford to go to war with Iran! We have already lost over 4,000 men and women in Iraq. We are currently borrowing over $2 billion a day (mainly from China and Saudi Arabia) to pay for the war in Iraq, in addition to printing more dollars that are backed by nothing. We have $9.5 trillion in public debt, while our total debt reaches upwards of $50 trillion ($50,000,000,000,000).

Exclusive: Ron Paul blimp over Columbia, SC

2007-12-17T16:37:00.000-05:00

Paul campaign collects $6 million in online fundraising drive

2007-12-16T23:56:00.000-05:00

If you thought the $4.3 million raised on November 5th was impressive, then think again.

In commemoration of the Boston Tea Party of 1773, the Paul campaign collected $5.9 million in a 24 hour online fundraiser.

Like the "money bomb" on November 5th, the Tea Party '07 fundraising extravaganza was not organized by the Ron Paul campaign, but rather by individual supporters.

With the help of fundraising drives such as the Tea Party '07, Ron Paul has surpassed his fundraising goal of $12 million for the fourth quarter. As of 12:18 (12.17.07), the Ron Paul campaign has raised more than $17,980,000.

Both the Kucinich and Huckabee campaigns have attempted to re-create the magic, launching online fundraising efforts of their own that imitate the two highly successful efforts made by Ron Paul supporters. It is yet to be known if the Ohio Democrat and the Arkansas Republican will be able to do more than duplicate Paul's methods.

Huckabee's resumé called into question

2007-12-16T00:38:00.000-05:00

According to WorldNetDaily.com and the National Review Online, presidential candidate Mike Huckabee does not have a theology degree, despite the Arkansas Republican's repeated claims of being the only candidate with, you guessed it, a theology degree.

From WorldNetDaily.com:

Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee told the Christian Broadcasting Network he had a theology degree, he told voters in Iowa he had a theology degree, he repeated the claim in last month's CNN YouTube debate ... but, his campaign now says, it was not true. (Full story)

The Huckabee camp will try to spin this one. They'll attempt to wiggle out of it using technicalities.

Will this "I smoked but I did not inhale" moment for Huckabee turn evangelical voters away from his campaign?

NEA endorses Clinton and Huckabee

2007-12-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

The New Hampshire NEA endorsed not one presidential candidate this year, but two.
Those two are Hillary Clinton and Mike Huckabee.

Poll Results: Did Giuliani and Romney hog the time at the CNN Youtube debate?

2007-11-28T23:12:00.000-05:00

Poll ResultsDid Giuliani and Romney hog the time at the CNN Youtube debate?

CNN Youtube Republican Debate

2007-11-28T19:59:00.000-05:00

8:10-8:16
Surprise, surprise. The debate began with a mano-a-mano altercation between Romney and Giuliani. The spurs were out.

8:17-8:19
Thompson took a pledge to veto any bill involving amnesty as President.

8:19-8:20
Giuliani opines: "NY was not a sanctuary city"

8:20-8:21
McCain: I second Fred

*Everyone is rambling. Anderson Cooper is not firm enough. He is letting people talk too long.*

8:23-8:24
Tancredo: "These guys are trying to out-Tancredo Tancredo"
and "There are not jobs that Americans won't take to"

8:25
Hunter: Border fence in San Diego worked well

8:27-8:28
Huckabee: I wanted to makes illegals legals

*All candidates have been asked at least one question ... except Ron Paul. They went back to Romney, but still no question for Paul.*

8:28-8:30
Romney and Huckabee got into it!

8:31-8:32
Paul's first question. Youtuber: Do you believe in CFR and NAU conspirary?
Paul: I do not like trend to internationalist government.

8:34
Youtuber: How will cut national debt?
McCain: There is national debt ... I've got a record of controlling spending.

8:35
Youtuber: How will cut national debt?
Romney: Ditto, McCain

Giuliani:

8:37
What three federal departments will you cut?
Thompson: I will reform ... umm ... umm ... Social Security
Paul: 1. Department of Education 2. Dept. of Energy 3. Dept. of Homeland Security

Huckabee: "I will be get rid of the IRS [and I am a total populist]!"

8:40
McCain: I do not support FairTax!

8:41
McCain: Congressman Paul, your isolationism is shameful. It would have let Hitler come to power
*Boos and cheers ensue*

8:42
Paul: I am a non-interventionist, not an isolationist! More military men support me than you!

*Lightning round on taxes*

8:50
Youtuber with two kids: What will you do to protect American children from lead in toys?
Tancredo: This is an immigration issue
Hunter: Buy American this Christmas!

8:59
Gun-totting Youtuber: What is your opinion on gun control?
Hunter: I am a strong 2nd Amendment man

9:00-9:01
Sepia-toned Youtuber: Giuliani, why did you say everyone has the right to protect themselves when you said that people should have to pass a written exam to get a gun?
Giuliani: We should follow current gun laws.

The entire debate was a verbal tennis match between Romney and Giuliani.

Is Ron Paul's foreign policy really THAT crazy?

2007-11-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

Another original video from the boys at Politikal Pressure Media...
(The good stuff begins at 3:45)

Ron Paul rakes in $4 million in a single day

2007-11-05T23:51:00.000-05:00

ThisNovember5th.com proved itself as more than a quasi-anarchist's pipe dream, but rather a major political feat.

The Ron Paul "money bomb" generated $4 million of contributions to Paul's campaign in a single day –– the symbolically rich November 5th. This successful fund raiser boosted Paul's overall haul for the 4th quarter to $7.1 million.

While the goal was an ambitious $10 million, the $4 million raised is a powerful testament to the growing strength of Paul's campaign.

Back in January, Romney successfully raised $3.1 million in a single day.

It will be interesting to see how many media outlets pick up this story.

"1776": "300" meets the Founding Fathers

2007-10-24T23:17:00.000-04:00

Things on Leo's mind...

2007-10-19T17:51:00.001-04:00

Christianity in China

2007-10-18T21:55:00.000-04:00

The New York Times of all places had an interesting video report on Christianity in China.

Quote of the Week

2007-10-17T10:34:00.000-04:00

"I'm talking about reading the Constitution. There's a lot of healing in there."
-John Mayer

Poll: If Hillary and Rudy secure the nominations of their parties, will you vote third party?

2007-10-13T11:52:00.001-04:00

Politikal Pressure Poll ResultsIf Hillary and Rudy secure the nominations of their parties, will you vote third party?
Yes - 45.45%
Yes, if Ron Paul runs a third party campaign - 45.45%
No - 9.09%

Fred Thompson: Lost In Expression

2007-10-12T16:46:00.000-04:00

"You f--king liberal bastard! If this is to mock the legacy of Ronald Reagen you seriously need to put a bullet in your head. Ronald Reagan was the greatest president ever! the republican party had lost its soul cus there isnt any Reagan conservatives anymore other then the greatest american Sean Hannity."
-Youtuber "Tallacus" commenting on the above video

Another Fred supporter opines: "I like fred because he was on tv alot and he’s cool and he has a hot wife.. and he’s uh umm yeah Fred in 08 man!!! law Order rulz!!!"

Of course, Sean Hannity showed me that quotes like the two above are not indicators of the cerebral aptitude of Thompson supporters, but rather the propaganda of unhinged Ron Paul crusaders. Thanks Seanity.

Quote of the Week

2007-10-08T15:40:00.001-04:00

"To my as yet undetermined Republican opponent, the candidate I will have defeated. I want to compliment you, whoever you turn out to be, in advance, on running on what I'm sure will have been an honorable albeit losing campaign." -Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton on SNL

Fred, Jeri, and the kids on Hannity

2007-10-03T22:33:00.000-04:00

Sean Hannity had an "exclusive" interview with former Senator Fred Thompson and family on his show tonight.

Surprisingly enough, no tough questions were asked. Can you believe it?

The tone of the entire interview was exhibited in a single question, which was addressed to Thompson's wife: "If Senator Thompson is elected president, that would make you the youngest first lady since Jacqueline Kennedy?" Jeri replied profoundly, saying: "I have one question, do I get the clothes?" Hmm. I'm sure that is the same way Mrs. Kennedy would have responded if the question had been posed to her –– "Could I have Mrs. Cleveland's petticoat?"

Sean did not confine himself to one penetrating question. "Have you both ever had a moment to stop and think [about] what happens if you win [the election]?" he asked. Jeri responded first, saying, "I wonder if I could get some sleep." Fantastic answer, would you like some fries with that? However, as impossible as it might seem, Sean's question was more revealing that Jeri's answer. Sean phrased the question by assuming that Fred could win in 'O8 –– and assumption he would never have handed to a second-tier candidate.

Fred deemed it necessary to point out that he's "been around since Watergate!" Ouch! Who is he campaigning for, again?

When probed –– wrong word, "probed" actually implies that there was some objectivity in the interview –– about Dr. James Dobson's recent comments on Thompson, the former Senator told Sean that he shouldn't "read too much into the Dobson thing." Thompson displayed a strong "bury the hatchet" attitude, informing viewers that he had no intention to "chastise" Dobson. Sean proceeded to give a brief synopsis of Thompson's spiritual life. "I have my own relationship to the good Lord," said Thompson, "I know in my heart of hearts that I'm straight with Him and I'm on good terms with Him."

Sean ended the interview, asking: "Would you want to have a conversation with Dr. Dobson, do you think that might help?" Thompson answered: "I don't particularly care to have a conversation with him. If he wants to call up and apologize again, it is okay with me, but I'm not going to dance to anybody's tune."

Open question: Did Fred go on with Sean because he knew that he would face tough questions on any other show? Or, did he go on with Sean because he knew it would be like Fuddruckers? (Kids eat for free!) Or both?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Politikal Pressure's Quote of the Week

2007-10-01T22:54:00.000-04:00

Fred Thompson did it! The former Tennessee Senator has won the honor of being the first politician canonized into Politikal Pressure's Quote of the Week feature, a remarkably prestigious award from an incredibly obsolete blog.

"Factually, the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United States is certainly factual." -Fred Thompson

Ron Paul and the SC Straw Poll

2007-09-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

Report From The South Carolina Straw Poll

2007-09-20T22:42:00.000-04:00

Columbia, SC

The whirlwind of Presidential politics descended upon Columbia, South Carolina, on September 20th.

The event, a "stump meeting and straw poll," which was held by the Palmetto Family Council –– a sister organization to Dr. Dobson Focus on the Family –– attracted around 600 value-centric voters.

While candidates from both parties were invited, only the Republicans showed up or phoned in –– with the notable exception of Mayor Giuliani.

Four Republican candidates spoke live. The rest phoned in. Romney displayed his typical one-upmanship, by joining attendees via video message. If that wasn't enough, Romney also had a surrogate speaker.

Ron Paul might not have been in attendance, but his signs were everywhere. His supporters were measuring a perfect ten when it came to zealousness. Whenever a candidate finished speaking –– it literally did not matter who it was –– the Paulites would chant their candidate's name and wave his signs. Congressman Duncan Hunter even joked about the strong turnout for Paul, saying: "I've had my picture taken with at least a hundred Ron Paul supporters."

A series of boos were reserved for the absent Giuliani, who not only refused to attend, but did not phone in, send a pre-recorded message, or send a surrogate.

The two candidates who owned the night were Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul. Together, they earned over 70% of the total votes cast.

(I will have footage of the debate, including Huckabee's speech and Paul's message, on Youtube by tomorrow. So please check back soon.)

Poll: Do you think that the recent New Hampshire Republican Debate was stacked against Ron Paul?

2007-09-11T23:34:00.000-04:00

Poll ResultsDo you think that the recent New Hampshire Republican Debate was stacked against Ron Paul?

My thoughts on why voter turnout is so low

2007-05-24T23:38:00.000-04:00

The worst dentist (complete with his arsenal of medieval torture instruments), the longest transpacific flight (with that creepy grandpa drooling on your right shoulder and the flight attendant who keeps bumping your left knee with the beverage cart), and the largest pit full of man-eating spiders all look like Elmo when compared to election day. There’s just something about standing in line and having to make a decision that terrifies the American people. The problem has become so epidemic in this country that psychologists are labeling suffrage the new boogeyman. But why do so many Americans dread voting?

In 2006––the year that will become the advent of the new calendar when Aldous Huxley’s predictions of our inevitable dystopian future come true––only 41.3 percent of eligible American voters showed up at the polls. Should those who actually voted be considered brave or insane?

Despite the general consensus in the medical community that the “time for debate is over,” there are other self-proclaimed experts who do not blame low voter turnout on the frail psyche of the postmodern man. Instead, some blame Warlord Bush and his régime. They say that the poor condition of America’s roads and the dangers of going to polling locations, both Bush’s fault, discourages would-be voters. Perhaps the least politically correct explanation behind low turnout numbers is that the dread associated with voting only besets the Caucasian race. Proponents of this theory argue that the reason voter turnout in Iraq has been so high is because Arabs are not afflicted with the malady. Still others blame Mapquest.

To remedy low voter turnout, whatever the cause may be, the good people at eBay and American Idol have offered solutions. The whizzes at eBay suggested that each candidate should sell merchandise via their own online storefronts, and whoever sales the most goods gets the Oval Office. Despite a thumbs-down from Simon Cowell, the idea proposed by the producers of American Idol has been very popular. Simply put, their idea is to have each candidate sing their favorite song on national television. Viewers can text in for who they want to win. The interest group for voice coaches has been lobbying for Political Idol.

In their recent elections, the French reversed their image around the world as cowards and flocked to the polls. 84 percent of Frenchies voted! The bravery of the French populace––perhaps aided by some pinot noir and Camembert––should be a wake-up call for all Americans.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think the solution is simply throwing government money at the problem. Like many other Americans, I am still waiting for the most important voices in this debate, the candidates themselves, to weigh in. Although a Clinton-Obama rendition of “Ebony and Ivory” would certainly be exciting television, I personally favor sticking to traditional election practices. However, if I fall victim to the Election Day jitters, my shrink in Cuba is just a phone call away.

The Untold Story of the South Carolina Marriage Amendment

2006-11-07T18:35:00.000-05:00

The marriage amendment on the South Carolina ballot this year has received national attention.

But what hasn't received attention is the deceitful hustle behind the scenes. The opposition to the amendment––supporters of same-sex marriage––have used reverse psychology in their ads and rhetoric to confuse voters on what "Yes" and "No" mean. This goblet-switching method is not the least bit surprising. After all, how else would proponents of same-sex marriage hope to pass their agenda in conservative South Carolina? I have personally spoken with several people who were so muddled from all the misinformation about this amendment that they were flirting with the idea of not even voting.

The South Carolina Equality Coalition's––the Palmetto State's premier Uranian cocktail lounge–– Dumb Amendment campaign was armed with some flashy adjectives. One highlight was calling the marriage amendment "preposterous." The greatest shortcoming of this ad––besides the fact that the characters they are using are same-sex animal couples that I swear could be runaways from an early 90's Happy Tree Friends––is that its snake-tongue shows. The ad fallaciously states that homosexual partners can not make medical decisions for each other or even visit one another in the hospital. You can legally make decisions for other adults without being married! It is called guardianship for adults. If you die, you can leave your assets with another person without being married––it's called a will.

The State's (South Carolina's daily newspaper) coverage of this story would have been sufficient to tip any scale to the left. Even the main page of the newspaper's website boasted a link to the Dumb Amendent ad. But where's the representation of the other side? Ah, good ol' liberal lucidity in the media.

The Song of the Donkey

2006-10-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

Pish! Our guns may be silent,
But our koan reverberates.
We’re too smart to be violent,
Too right [sic] to be interested.
We speak with our mouillé words
To our constituency,
And peddle our kitsch, our swords,
At two-hundred clichés per minute.
We make polydactyl promises
(Six-fifths as large as our resources).
We laud the dishabille, prick the disabled,
And sneer at our proboscidean counterparts.
We love to raise taxes
To spike up the price of congou,
But don’t you dare bring up the Boston Tea Party,
Or we’ll accuse you of politicizing a national tragedy.
If our perpetual satori doesn’t impress you all,
Then vote for us because we don’t want the wall.
We predicted the past, so we’re the ones to call!

New header

2006-02-23T22:43:00.000-05:00

The new header: