Santorum 2012?

[August1991]

Rick Santorum, on the other hand, I find just the opposite. I'm apparently one of the few women in Canada who finds Stephen Harper a likeable guy, but the reason I do is that in some ways he reminds me a lot of my dad. Rick Santorum is in the same vein: he reminds me of a regular guy. He has an authenticity and normalcy that the others lack. Of the four of them, Santorum is the only guy I could imagine as a co-worker or a neighbor. I could never vote for the guy, but of course I'm not their target voter anyway, and wouldn't be even if I were an American.

That's a curious way to choose a politician. Would you choose your heart surgeon because he was like your "dear old dad"? Or, perhaps a better comparison Kimmy would be how you would choose a lawyer in a particularly messy civil suit. I suspect the "Dad factor" would play a role for all of two seconds.

Santorum is a crazy religious fanatic. He wants to take us back to the Middle Ages. We already have enough religious fanatics in the United States of America already, we don't need one in the White House.

...

We certainly don't need Ron Paul either. He wants to get rid of regulations. Can you imagine what will happen to the food industry? If Ron Paul wins in 2012 we will be calling him "President E. Coli".

Back to Santorum, the religious fanatic. Insane Santorum, is that like Latin for insane asylum?

Let's send these Puritans back to England on the Mayflower! We've put up with them for long enough, let's send them all back to England!

So Larsen, if I understand properly, you don't want the government "to get rid of regulations" except in areas where presumably you enjoy your freedom.

Your argument strikes me as self-serving.

[kimmy]

That's a curious way to choose a politician. Would you choose your heart surgeon because he was like your "dear old dad"? Or, perhaps a better comparison Kimmy would be how you would choose a lawyer in a particularly messy civil suit. I suspect the "Dad factor" would play a role for all of two seconds.

August, you knucklehead! As I keep pointing out, I did not "choose" Santorum at all! I was referring strictly to the candidates' stage-presence. I dislike Santorum's views immensely and would never support him.

-k

[kimmy]

That's a like a guy with a grade 8 education calling a high school grad a "snob". How far up his ass can this guy ram his head?

He's got more college degrees than Barack Obama-- a BA, an MBA, and a Juris Doctorate. We're not talking about a dumb guy ridiculing educated people... we're talking about a very educated guy trying to sell uneducated people on the idea that education isn't for everybody.

His daughter Elizabeth is also in college (though she is taking a year off to campaign for him.) I wonder if he's worried that she is going to get "indoctrinated" into a "liberal" or lose her "faith commitment" (like "62%" of her classmates, according to Rick.) She's been talking about how she has gay friends who support her dad. I wonder how Rick feels knowing that his pristine daughter is befriending Sodomites as she attends college and tours the country supporting his campaign.

I often notice Elizabeth on stage with Rick during his speeches-- she always stands out because of her long curly black hair. Honestly, the girl has magnificent hair. Anyway, when Rick made particular mention of her during his speech on Tuesday I did a bit of reading about her. As it turns out, she has been hosting town hall meetings for him. And when Rick had to leave the campaign during his youngest daughter's medical emergency, Elizabeth stepped in and took over his campaign appearances during his absence. She is 20 years old. That blew me away. I'm 28 now, and the idea of attempting to host a town hall meeting or do campaign appearances terrifies me beyond belief. The idea that Rick's 20 year old daughter is doing that stuff for him is amazing to me. She sounds like quite an impressive young woman.

-k

[August1991]

August, you knucklehead! As I keep pointing out, I did not "choose" Santorum at all! I was referring strictly to the candidates' stage-presence. I dislike Santorum's views immensely and would never support him.

I couldn't (wouldn't) choose Santorum either.

But as you put it, this "stage presence" factor in choosing politicians is the issue.

----

To decide our government, we only get one vote every four years or so. Many of us don't even bother, and among those who do, it seems that some women decide according to the "Dad Factor" - or as you put it Kimmy, "stage presence".

Edited March 3, 2012 by August1991

[kimmy]

I couldn't (wouldn't) choose Santorum either.

But as you put it, this "stage presence" factor in choosing politicians is the issue.

----

To decide our government, we only get one vote every four years or so. Many of us don't even bother, and among those who do, it seems that some women decide according to the "Dad Factor" - or as you put it Kimmy, "stage presence".

I doubt that very much. One of the decisive factors in Tuesday's Michigan vote was that Santorum lost badly among female voters. People remarked on it immediately when he came out and led off his concession speech with a transparent appeal to female voters. He (or his advisors) knew what went wrong, and that speech was a heavy-handed plea for women to give him another chance.

You've written often enough about Harper's "women problem" over the years; Santorum has a similar "women problem". I'm a little weird, August... I'm in a minority in finding Harper likeable... and I'm in a minority in finding Santorum likeable too. The "dad factor" kind of works for me, but it clearly doesn't work for many women. Rick's "regular guy" factor clearly doesn't work for many women either.

Moonlight suggested earlier that maybe Mitt Romney's good looks help him with women... but I have a hunch that a lot of the issue is just that women have read some of the stuff that Santorum has said and written over the years.

-k

[August1991]

You've written often enough about Harper's "women problem" over the years; Santorum has a similar "women problem". I'm a little weird, August... I'm in a minority in finding Harper likeable... and I'm in a minority in finding Santorum likeable too. The "dad factor" kind of works for me, but it clearly doesn't work for many women. Rick's "regular guy" factor clearly doesn't work for many women either.

Moonlight suggested earlier that maybe Mitt Romney's good looks help him with women... but I have a hunch that a lot of the issue is just that women have read some of the stuff that Santorum has said and written over the years.

Whatever.

Kimmy, you apparently choose your government according to a Dad Factor. IOW, in civilized States - people choose the government randomly, and peacefully.

What is the definition of a Civilized State?

Answer: A civilized State transfers power randomly, and peacefully.

----

I have some fear when some women view the "State" as a "good man". The State is not a husband, not family and friendship is something else. These are all different relationships/institutions.

I fear that many single females are Leftists because they want the State to be a good husband.

Edited March 3, 2012 by August1991

[j44]

Lol @ whatever.

[kimmy]

Whatever.

Kimmy, you apparently choose your government according to a Dad Factor.

*sigh* ...I'm not sure if you're being purposefully obtuse, or if you're drunk, or what.

I offered my opinion on the way the candidates deliver their message, not an opinion about who I support.

I supported Harper in previous years because I thought he was the best option. I ceased to support Harper in the last election because his government did some things that lost my trust.

I'd never support Santorum, because his statements about personal liberty are anathema to my views. I could flat out never support the man. End of story. No sweater vest and no amount of "regular guy" relateability could change that.

IOW, in civilized States - people choose the government randomly, and peacefully.

I agree with the latter... but not the former.

-k

[cybercoma]

I doubt that very much. One of the decisive factors in Tuesday's Michigan vote was that Santorum lost badly among female voters. People remarked on it immediately when he came out and led off his concession speech with a transparent appeal to female voters. He (or his advisors) knew what went wrong, and that speech was a heavy-handed plea for women to give him another chance.

You've written often enough about Harper's "women problem" over the years; Santorum has a similar "women problem". I'm a little weird, August... I'm in a minority in finding Harper likeable... and I'm in a minority in finding Santorum likeable too. The "dad factor" kind of works for me, but it clearly doesn't work for many women. Rick's "regular guy" factor clearly doesn't work for many women either.

Moonlight suggested earlier that maybe Mitt Romney's good looks help him with women... but I have a hunch that a lot of the issue is just that women have read some of the stuff that Santorum has said and written over the years.

-k

Women won't vote for Santorum? But... his daughter asked them nicely before Iowa.

[MiddleClassCentrist]

At least Santorum is more of a true Republican than Romney.

[Yukon Jack]

How do people like Santorum even get elected? Its just insane to me that even some

Americans are that insane

How do people like 0bama even get elected????

This guy made a rousing speech, which obviously made people blind.

He quit his State Senate seat in order to run for U.S. Senate.

Then he quit his United States Senate seat to run for President.

Both of those jobs that he abandoned for personal gratification and Napoleon-like glorification were unfulfilled. The only thing he accomplished in his life, politically, is pulling the wool over the eyes of pretty much all African-Americans, and, of course, the guilt-ridden white people to whom the goal of life is to be politically correct.

The third job he is going to leave will not be left voluntarily.

[j44]

How do people like 0bama even get elected????

This guy made a rousing speech, which obviously made people blind.

He quit his State Senate seat in order to run for U.S. Senate.

Then he quit his United States Senate seat to run for President.

Both of those jobs that he abandoned for personal gratification and Napoleon-like glorification were unfulfilled. The only thing he accomplished in his life, politically, is pulling the wool over the eyes of pretty much all African-Americans, and, of course, the guilt-ridden white people to whom the goal of life is to be politically correct.

The third job he is going to leave will not be left voluntarily.

Napolean-like? Really?

How is he pulling the wool over African American's eyes?

And I'm pretty sure white people don't vote for him just because he is black. At least not most of them.

[bush_cheney2004]

...And I'm pretty sure white people don't vote for him just because he is black. At least not most of them.

Indeed...maybe they voted for him because he's "white" too. This worked for all previous presidents.

[waldo]

The only thing he accomplished in his life, politically, is...

Obama's Illinois State Senator accomplishments/record:

equally, let me know if you'd like to work your rabid fervour into a look see on his U.S. Senate record, hey?

[Shady]

I fear that many single females are Leftists because they want the State to be a good husband.

I think you're exactly right.

[Guest American Woman]

August1991, on 02 March 2012 - 10:13 PM, said: I fear that many single females are Leftists because they want the State to be a good husband.

I think you're exactly right.

Good Lord. And why are single males Leftists? Are they looking for a "good husband" too?

[Shady]

Good Lord. And why are single males Leftists? Are they looking for a "good husband" too?

There's a gender gap in politics for several reasons. But one of them is for exactly what August stated. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But it's the truth.

[Guest American Woman]

There's a gender gap in politics for several reasons. But one of them is for exactly what August stated. I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But it's the truth.

Whose "truth?" And I noticed you didn't (most likely, couldn't) answer the question ....

[Shady]

Whose "truth?" And I noticed you didn't (most likely, couldn't) answer the question ....

Whose truth? Surveys, polls, and especially exit polling data. As for your question, there are always anomalies. Just like there are some very conservative women. But it doesn't discount the overall tendencies.

[Guest American Woman]

Whose truth? Surveys, polls, and especially exit polling data. As for your question, there are always anomalies. Just like there are some very conservative women. But it doesn't discount the overall tendencies.

Really? Surveys, polls, and exit polling data say single women are more likely to be liberals because they "want the state to be a good husband??" I'd love to take a look at your sources verifying that.

Edited March 3, 2012 by American Woman

[Shady]

Really? Surveys, polls, and exiting polling data say single women are more likely to be liberals because they "want the state to be a good husband??" I'd love to take a look at your sources verifying that.

No, not to be a "good husband", but to provide for them, services, etc. Are you denying a gender gap in politics?

[Guest American Woman]

No, not to be a "good husband", but to provide for them, services, etc. Are you denying a gender gap in politics?

I'm denying your reasoning regarding it. Women are less likely than men to want the state telling them what they can or can't do regarding things like abortion. Women are less likely than men to care if gays get married. Woman are more likely to be concerned about the less fortunate. None of that has to do with "good husbands." Furthermore, women aren't looking for a "good husband" to take care of them - not since the 50's.

[cybercoma]

Sometimes I really like AW's posts and it makes me uncomfortable. Hrmph.

[Shady]

I'm denying your reasoning regarding it. Women are less likely than men to want the state telling them what they can or can't do regarding things like abortion. Women are less likely than men to care if gays get married. Woman are more likely to be concerned about the less fortunate. None of that has to do with "good husbands." Furthermore, women aren't looking for a "good husband" to take care of them - not since the 50's.

There's a reason the phrase "Nanny-State" exists. Government has expanded significantly, mostly due to women voting. Government spending has expanded significantly, mostly due to women voting. I don't know if women are less likely to want the state involved in abortion, or marriage, or if they're more "concerned" about the less fortunate. What I do know, is that they want government spending money on everything under the sun. Take the latest example of that Fluke woman testifying before congress. It wasn't a man asking for somebody else to pay for his condoms. Just another woman, asking the government to make something else "free."

[bush_cheney2004]

.... It wasn't a man asking for somebody else to pay for his condoms. Just another woman, asking the government to make something else "free."

But it runs much deeper than that....reproductive freedom for women was/is largely driven by economics. Without state intervention to level the biological playing field (pun intended), women would remain at a severe disadvantage.