Sarah Palin, Republican Vice Presidential Candidate

[0ni0n]

If I invest $X in the markets I expect a 10% on return in investment.

$1 returns $1.10
$100 returns $110
$1,000 returns $1,100
$1,000,000 returns $1,100,000
$1,000,000,000 returns you don't get anything because you make too much so therefore all that money has to be taxed I hate your guts for having that much money.

When is it fair to make money, only the first 3 examples?

Have you heard of the capital gains tax? All of the returns you listed above will be taxed, just at different rates. Institutional investors can borrow really really cheap like no individual investor could, and they make enormous windfalls off the difference in borrowing rate and the rate of return. Hedge fund managers are paying themselves hefty bonuses year after year, yet they aren't willing to give back the system that permits them to succeed in the first place. Don't even get me started on the number of tropical tax havens that the riches use.

[eunhye]

Has nothing to do with hedge fund managers. I could use a Russian oligarch who has nothing to do with the US yet he invests $1B of his own money and expects a 10% ROI. He could have invested less I am sure but I'm using a huge number that seems to make everyone's eye open a little wider. He could just invest $10M for all I care. All I am asking though is it fair for this guy to make this money?

[Creeps]

eunhye, this topic has progressed far beyond your scope of understanding, just leave the thread and start one about cupcakes

[0ni0n]

Has nothing to do with hedge fund managers. I could use a Russian oligarch who has nothing to do with the US yet he invests $1B of his own money and expects a 10% ROI.

The point i am trying to make is that they are making insane returns off that $1,000,000,000, contrary to what you think. The means through which they achieve this high return include hedge fund, investment banks and some other wealth management vehicles. There are so many ways to get your money offshore and avoid taxes that it almost makes it seem unfair.

[Dimmauk]

Is Sarah Palin preparing for 2012?


Sarah Palin may soon be free. Soon, she may not have the millstone of John McCain around her neck. And she can begin her race for president in 2012.

Some are already talking about it. In careful terms. If John McCain loses next week, Sarah Palin “has absolutely earned a right to run in 2012,” says Greg Mueller, who was a senior aide in the presidential campaigns of Pat Buchanan and Steve Forbes. Mueller says Palin has given conservatives “hope” and “something to believe in.”

And even if the McCain-Palin ticket does win on Nov. 4 — and Mueller says it could — “if McCain decides to serve for just one term, Sarah Palin as the economic populist and traditional American values candidates will be very appealing by the time we get to 2012.”

It is clear that while trying to bond with voters, John McCain and Sarah Palin have not managed to bond with each other. Perhaps we should not be surprised. They barely know one another.

When McCain appeared on the “Late Show With David Letterman” on Oct. 16, McCain praised Palin but went out of his way to point out how little he knew about her before he chose her as his running mate. “I didn’t know her real well,” McCain said. “I knew her reputation. I didn’t know her well at all. I didn’t know her well at all.”

The discomfort between the two can be palpable. Chuck Todd, the NBC News political director, was in the room when Brian Williams interviewed Palin and McCain recently. “There was a tenseness,” Todd said later. “When you see the two of them together, the chemistry is just not there. You do wonder, is John McCain starting to blame her for things? Blaming himself? Is she blaming him?”

I am guessing one and three. John McCain is blaming Palin for demonstrating her inexperience and lack of knowledge. And Palin is blaming McCain for running what she views as a bad campaign — a campaign that did not go after Barack Obama over the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and did not exploit Obama’s statement about how small-town people “cling” to guns and religion — and for never picking a clear message that had any traction with voters.

But here’s the difference: If McCain loses, he doesn’t get to run again, and Palin does.

All that negative stuff about her? Charging Alaska taxpayers a per diem allowance for 300 nights she spent at home, flying her kids at state expense to events they were not invited to, accepting wildly expensive clothes from the Republican National Committee and, according to one ethics panel, having abused her office as governor?

Not only will all that have faded by the 2012 campaign, Palin already has her defense ready: Some of these accusations are part of a double standard that is applied to women and not to men.

She says Hillary Clinton ran into the same problem.

“I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race,” Palin told Jill Zuckman of the Chicago Tribune recently. “Do you remember the conversations that took place about her — say, superficial things that they don’t talk about with men, like her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that, that’s a bit of that double standard. Certainly there’s a double standard.”

Palin went on: “But I’m not going to complain about it, I’m not going to whine about it, I’m going to plow through that because we are embarking on something greater than that, than allowing that double standard to adversely affect us.”

If she runs in 2012, Palin will run to shatter the glass ceiling. By then, Americans may have shown they are willing to vote for an African-American for president, but how about a woman?

Mueller thinks Palin would make a strong candidate. There certainly will be others jockeying for the job. And Mueller named Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.

But Mueller thinks that, while some conservative intellectuals have deserted and derided Sarah Palin, the Republican base likes her and could stick with her.

“She would run in 2012 as the populist, conservative reformer that she was originally introduced to the country as,” Mueller said. “If Obama wins, you will see him moving the country to a sort of Euro-socialism. That will fail, and she can target an economic-populist message to the country.”

Mueller also argues that Palin could run a more convincing campaign on traditional conservative issues in 2012 than McCain has in 2008

“One weakness in McCain’s campaign is not campaigning on strong, pro-life, traditional values issues,” Mueller said. “There has been a certain level of discomfort over the years by McCain over guns, God and life issues.”

Mueller says McCain and Palin could still win next week. But if that happens, Mueller thinks Palin should get a lot of the credit. “A lot of conservatives are not excited by John McCain, even though I think he has been saying some good things,” Mueller said. “If they vote, they will vote for Sarah.”

And if not in 2008, maybe in 2012.




I think this would be huge mistake on the RNC, if anybody should be leading the Republicans, it should be Mitt Romney.

[arus2001]

You want to live in America and make American money, then hire fucking Americans. If you don't like the taxes (of which from the conglomerate standpoint, Democrats are at least looking to cut you tax breaks if you do hire domestically), then move to and seek citizenship in India, China, or wherever the hell you'd like to outsource just because you wanna be a greedy shit. It's basically the economic equivalent of being two-faced, and no you're not some hero of Gotham.

Nobody needs more than $250k a year to live. Nobody. Fuck the Gucci bags, the Prada shoes, or having a Ferrari to match the color of your underwear. Did you work hard? Good for you. Did you not? Lucky shit. There is such a thing as humility, but for every person you blindly tell, "You can do it because I did!" with that haughty sense of encouragement, there are innumerable factors beyond their control that often prevent them from doing just that.

My life could be worse. While I wasn't born in some ghetto and got shit for schooling, being in the boonies isn't particularly much better. The region thrived on steel years ago, but that's pretty much a memory thanks to Chinese dumping and other economic influences. Local malls are dying. Our young population is moving elsewhere if they can. Good jobs with living wages simply aren't freely advertised to the public. You need to know people, to have experience, but the catch 22 in that is you can't really get either without actually being in the game to begin with. And you'll definitely have competition for openings. Local roads are in poor shape. There is no public transportation to speak of in many areas. Gas prices are still a nebulous void of contention. Illegal immigrants in Ohio? Yeah, they're here, too. Hell, I haven't really touched on personal stuff like my right knee being shit or my susceptibility to migraines that can be downright paralyzing if I don't get to tend to them with meds or an environment change as they start.

Nobody should have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet while the same fat cat that signs your paycheck sits on a yacht sipping martinis. That's borderline enslavement, really, but without the ol' ball and chain or vast southern plantations to serve as a visual reminder, it's okay. Just keep in mind the next time you don't tip your waiter, who's likely making $2.15 an hour and NEEDS that gratuity, that they'll remember you the next time you come in. How about a nice loogie on your burger? Sound yummy? I somehow doubt that's the kind of trickle down economics Republicans had in mind, though.

But hey, I'm not an economist. I'm certainly not making $250k a year. Or $50k for that matter. Nah, I have to share a place with others, giving up personal freedoms in the process and pray to god I don't get the axe wherever I'm working at the time because I don't have seniority and cuts need to be made in the workforce. Maybe I am the figurative Joe the Plumber, but I know I'm not alone in my current situation. Personally, I'm not asking for a hand out. I'm asking for a chance to get my foot in the door. Funny how being a white male in America these days almost feels like a bad thing with all the tap dancing we have to do around sexual harassment or racial discrimination.

[Creeps]

If Sarah Palin ever holds an important office in this country, I'm wrapping up my affairs, packing my shit and heading for Europe

[Acturus]

If Sarah Palin ever holds an important office in this country, I'm wrapping up my affairs, packing my shit and heading for Europe

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard a variation of this... I'd convert them all to Euros.

[Creeps]

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard a variation of this... I'd convert them all to Euros.

lol winner

[ZarakiKujata]

I think this would be huge mistake on the RNC, if anybody should be leading the Republicans, it should be Mitt Romney.

Mitt Romney abandoned every single position that got him elected in Massachusetts, he has no credibility or chance imo. I think the only person capable of being a standard bearer for the GOP is Chuck Hagel based on intelligence, positions, etc; sadly they all hate him too much cause he is a real maverick who stood up to them on the Iraq War..

Palin makes me afraid in Bill Maher levels of what she would do to the world because I don't think she realizes or cares to understand the realities and complexities of Iran and Ahmadinejad's position and wouldn't hesitate to nuke them to bring about the end of days.

edit: You won't be safe with euros or in Europe with Palin in power; as Tina Fey said when it happens its time to leave Earth.

[Remyo]

You want to live in America and make American money, then hire fucking Americans. If you don't like the taxes (of which from the conglomerate standpoint, Democrats are at least looking to cut you tax breaks if you do hire domestically), then move to and seek citizenship in India, China, or wherever the hell you'd like to outsource just because you wanna be a greedy shit. It's basically the economic equivalent of being two-faced, and no you're not some hero of Gotham.

Nobody needs more than $250k a year to live. Nobody. Fuck the Gucci bags, the Prada shoes, or having a Ferrari to match the color of your underwear. Did you work hard? Good for you. Did you not? Lucky shit. There is such a thing as humility, but for every person you blindly tell, "You can do it because I did!" with that haughty sense of encouragement, there are innumerable factors beyond their control that often prevent them from doing just that.

My life could be worse. While I wasn't born in some ghetto and got shit for schooling, being in the boonies isn't particularly much better. The region thrived on steel years ago, but that's pretty much a memory thanks to Chinese dumping and other economic influences. Local malls are dying. Our young population is moving elsewhere if they can. Good jobs with living wages simply aren't freely advertised to the public. You need to know people, to have experience, but the catch 22 in that is you can't really get either without actually being in the game to begin with. And you'll definitely have competition for openings. Local roads are in poor shape. There is no public transportation to speak of in many areas. Gas prices are still a nebulous void of contention. Illegal immigrants in Ohio? Yeah, they're here, too. Hell, I haven't really touched on personal stuff like my right knee being shit or my susceptibility to migraines that can be downright paralyzing if I don't get to tend to them with meds or an environment change as they start.

Nobody should have to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet while the same fat cat that signs your paycheck sits on a yacht sipping martinis. That's borderline enslavement, really, but without the ol' ball and chain or vast southern plantations to serve as a visual reminder, it's okay. Just keep in mind the next time you don't tip your waiter, who's likely making $2.15 an hour and NEEDS that gratuity, that they'll remember you the next time you come in. How about a nice loogie on your burger? Sound yummy? I somehow doubt that's the kind of trickle down economics Republicans had in mind, though.

But hey, I'm not an economist. I'm certainly not making $250k a year. Or $50k for that matter. Nah, I have to share a place with others, giving up personal freedoms in the process and pray to god I don't get the axe wherever I'm working at the time because I don't have seniority and cuts need to be made in the workforce. Maybe I am the figurative Joe the Plumber, but I know I'm not alone in my current situation. Personally, I'm not asking for a hand out. I'm asking for a chance to get my foot in the door. Funny how being a white male in America these days almost feels like a bad thing with all the tap dancing we have to do around sexual harassment or racial discrimination.

so we should cap everyone to 250k a year? yea that'd work well.

[Remyo]

as Tina Fey said when it happens its time to leave Earth.

was that quote taken out of context?

[Zosi]

I think this would be huge mistake on the RNC, if anybody should be leading the Republicans, it should be Mitt Romney.

Agreed 100%. The article ridiculously overstates Palin's influence and popularity, and makes the hilarious claim that Obama is doomed to be a failure who'll be unreelectable in 2012. While that may be a (social) conservative's wet dream, those of us who live in the real world know to never take things that happen in wet dreams seriously.

[kuronosan]

so we should cap everyone to 250k a year? yea that'd work well.

I think you took what he said way out of context.

[ZarakiKujata]

was that quote taken out of context?

No it isnt. Someone asked her what she'll do if Sarah Palin wins the election and if she plans to keep playing her on SNL, she said something to the extent that shes done with anything Palin related come Nov 5th and that leaving the country isn't enough, she's leaving Earth to avoid her

[Dimmauk]

Mitt Romney abandoned every single position that got him elected in Massachusetts, he has no credibility or chance imo. I think the only person capable of being a standard bearer for the GOP is Chuck Hagel based on intelligence, positions, etc; sadly they all hate him too much cause he is a real maverick who stood up to them on the Iraq War..

Palin makes me afraid in Bill Maher levels of what she would do to the world because I don't think she realizes or cares to understand the realities and complexities of Iran and Ahmadinejad's position and wouldn't hesitate to nuke them to bring about the end of days.

edit: You won't be safe with euros or in Europe with Palin in power; as Tina Fey said when it happens its time to leave Earth.

The reason I picked Romney as I described about 20 pages back, was that Obama wont get the Economy fixed in one term. It is just too fucked up right now. The RNC will use this to position Romney as the best person to fix the Economy. They would need someone as VP to even out the issues, like Huckabee or Ridge. They will use Obama's race to counteract the scary Mormon feelings people have about Romney.

[Zosi]

Nowhere on Earth would be safe if we elected an insane religious fundamentalist (is that redundant?) who believes in the literal Apocalypse into the public office that directly controls the world's largest nuclear arms stockpile. It's particularly hilarious that the very people who'd elect her are the ones most worried about Iran or North Korea getting nukes. Guess it's only OK to have a fucking nutcase in charge of nukes when they're YOUR nukes.

[Maxxthepenguin]

ITT Remyo thinks those AIG guys are working harder than a poor person and doing their job well for their multi-million dollar paychecks.

People are NOT paid according to how much they work.

[kuronosan]

ITT Remyo thinks those AIG guys are working harder than a poor person and doing their job well for their multi-million dollar paychecks.

People are NOT paid according to how much they work.

This.

[SwampdonkeyPLD]

Agreed 100%. The article ridiculously overstates Palin's influence and popularity, and makes the hilarious claim that Obama is doomed to be a failure who'll be unreelectable in 2012. While that may be a (social) conservative's wet dream, those of us who live in the real world know to never take things that happen in wet dreams seriously.

So John McCain is the reason thousands of people are showing up to rallies? Yea right, it's Palin.

And if it isn't Palin in 2012 it will be Jindal. Every other prominent Republican out there has some fundamental fuckup that just goes against conservatism. If there had been one running this year I bet McCain would not have won the primary.