Editor’s Note: You can now buy episodes of CNN GPS online through iTunes.
By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
Despite the tea party’s extraordinary energy over the past year, it looks like former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will win his party’s nomination. At the end of the day, Republicans are following a familiar pattern: Nominating the mainstream candidate who has waited his turn. This is the party that’s had a Bush or a Dole on its ticket for 20 years. It’s a party that also had Richard Nixon on its presidential ticket for 20 years.
In 2011-2012, we’ve learned that the tea party’s passion was not enough to change the Republican Party. However, something else is changing the party, and you can see it in the attack ads Romney’s opponents are running against him.
Watch: Why we can’t cut our way back to more jobs.
His opponents have gone against Romney on two levels. First, they have called him a “Massachusetts moderate.” After deploying this epithet, Romney’s opponents point to specific positions of his that deviate from party orthodoxy: Romney’s health care plan is strikingly similar to Obama’s; Romney’s positions on abortion and gays used to be a lot more liberal than they are now; etc.
Even though this seems like a fairly coherent line of attack (Romney has described himself as moderate, after all), it’s not having much traction. Perhaps this is because voters think Romney would be more viable in a general election. Perhaps they feel he has genuinely changed his mind. Or perhaps they don’t care that he’s flip-flopped (I’ve often thought that hardcore activists almost like the fact that you are pandering to them; it gives them a sense of power).
Watch: What’s behind America’s jobless recovery?
Instead, a second line of attack has been gaining traction against Romney – that of Romney as job-killer or Romney as the private equity guy, who buys companies, hollows them out and outsources jobs.
Now it is striking that this attack is coming in a Republican presidential primary. After all, what Romney did while at Bain Capital was classic capitalist “creative destruction.” He took over businesses and tried to make them more productive and efficient. To do so, he often had to shed jobs.
Watch: GPS Special – Getting Back to Work.
Republicans should be celebrating Romney’s prior work as an example of how the market functions – driving out inefficiency, generating productivity and creating a lean, mean capitalist machine.
The fact that Romney’s past has turned into a line of attack tells you that something has changed in America. Even in the Republican Party, there is a huge concern about what globalization and technological change are doing to the average, middle-class American. There is a sense that the system is not working for the median American worker.
Read: Fareed Zakaria on how to create jobs in America
If you look at job creation over the last 20-25 years in America, you’ll notice that we haven't been able to create any jobs in what is called the “tradable sector” of the economy - those jobs that are subject to global competition. The only jobs we’ve really created have been in industries like health care, government, and construction, which are basically local industries shielded from global competition. You can't outsource the building of a New York skyscraper to a Chinese worker.
America hasn’t been able to create jobs in any sector that’s subject to global and technological pressures. As a result, there is a huge sense of disillusionment, disappointment and pessimism among Americans.
Watch: Why Obama should declare a jobs emergency.
None of the Republicans are addressing this problem centrally. They’re simply talking about cutting government spending as if that is going to solve the problem of creating new industries, opportunities and jobs. Simply cutting government strikes me as a very inadequate response to a massive challenge.
Hopefully during the general election, we’ll have a substantive national debate about how to create jobs in America.
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Whatever Mitt Romney's problems may be, he has one real asset like all the other right-wing politicians running for office. That asset is the ignorance of the general public coupled with their lack of compassion. This is why we're at war and will continue to be for some time!
Romney is the one candidate who can beat Obama, that is why CNN and the other left-biased media will bring out the knives. If there is any doubt as to the media bias, I would suggest reading what James Carville and the other Clinton supporters who went bonkers during the 2008 demacratic primary (and rightly so) when the media went after Hillary with knives in order to boost of Obama. This was a left on left fight and media media went for the more-left of the two democrats (of course)
Romney can't beat Obama. Ron Paul can beat Obama, but none of these other "candidates" are going to knock Obama out of office. Don't fool yourself.
CNN has a duty to Time-Warner stock holders to run the stories that people WANT to read, thereby maximizing advertising revenue. It is not Time-Warner's job to be a nanny-corporation that tries to force readers to read things that are good for them. CNN's only obligation is to Time-Warner stockholders. CNN has no responsibility to you.
If the customer wants a banana split, you sell him a banana split. You don't tell him that a bowl of spinach would be better for him.
It's called capitalism.
Bill: huh? It has been evident for some time that the media wants a Romney vs Obama matchup. Either way, it would remain status quo for the next 4 years. Who does the media have it's 'knives' out for? It isn't Romney so much as it is Paul.
Ron Paul is the one candidate the establishment definitely does not want getting any more popular. And Paul is also the one candidate that has the best chance against Obama as he can pull the moderate and Independent votes that no other candidate can.
Who won the battle for Independent votes in Romney's home state of NH? Paul got 31% while Romney got 27%. Paul is more electable than Romney.
Republicans talk the talk, American move in circle while the rest of the world move forward. Capitalism or not, American come to the point can't tell the difference between banana split to spinach. In God we Trust, yes, go back to the fundamentals. You will see where American drove itself to the ditch.
I don't like Mormons either but for different reasons than the Republicans.
I don't like Mormons because they spent around 100 million dollars suppressing the rights of gay people in California.
Want to see how crazy the Mormon church is? Check out "Prop 8: The Mormon Proposition"
If there is/was anyone capable of beating Obama, it is/was Huntsman, plain and simple. Voters in the middle like me who may have voted for Obama before but who are upset with the current state of affairs are more likely to vote for someone who is more moderate in his TONE like Huntsman. There are many of us sitting on the fence that are more liable to vote for another term for Obama than someone like Romney, but would have voted for Huntsman. Oh well.
YAWN! Really? I think you watch way too much Fox "news." Liberal media is a myth.
RE:ApostasyUSA
"I don't like Mormons either but for different reasons than the Republicans.
I don't like Mormons because they spent around 100 million dollars suppressing the rights of gay people in California.
Want to see how crazy the Mormon church is? Check out "Prop 8: The Mormon Proposition""
Then you must not like black people either, then, since 58% of them voted in favor of Prop 8 while at the same time voting for Obama.
I'm right there with ya, Chris. I voted for Obama but am currently backing Huntsman. He's my top choice. He's vowed to break up the banks that are too-big-to-fail and wants Congressional term limits. These are two things have have been ticking off EVERYBODY (left, right, red, blue and everyone in-between) since W left office. If he got the nod and ran on those two platforms alone, Huntsman would clobber Obama in a landslide, becuase those are two things practically EVERYONE agrees on. Why he's trailing so bad in polls baffles me. If not Huntsman, I'd vote for Ron Paul. If anyone else gets the nod, then I'll have to vote for Obama again. You conservatives need to take heed. We left leaning independents are telling exactly what will get our vote. It's up to you to make sure it happens.
Bill, you are exactly what is wrong in this country. All you can see is 'beating Obama'. You don't care about the society, the country's credit rating, or the kids that have been killed in Republican wars. Instead of thinking about WHO might be the president, why not think about HOW you would make difference yourself. Don't propose a PERSON, propose a SOLUTION. Think it over carefully, it is a very difficult task. What would YOU do to bring jobs here? How would YOU make middle class people have a livable situation? How would YOU solve the disaster movie of rising health care costs and no money for insurance?
Romney lacks the backbone to stand up for what he believes. He ran Massachusetts as a liberal. He's all ambition and not substance.
Don't kid yourselves. I do not see one GOP candidate that can even come close to beating Obama. Romney would put up the best challenge, but would get buried if Obama changes the Vice President.
Agree with DT, Bill your obsession with beating Obama IS the problem. I will not vote for a candidate or party whose only desire is destroying a President. I have yet to see anything new from the GOP, seen it all before in the last 30 years. And spare me the media bias garbage, there are many media outlets, many with a conservative bias – get over it.
I agree with Chris and Warhammer. that Huntsman would be the best candidate...Romney, however, really is a good candidate. People don't realize what Obama is doing because the media keeps it quiet....but he is really hurting this country is so many ways. The GOP needs to stop the social agenda too...I'm an independent.
Romney is just one more millionaire Republican who thinks he can "buy" the next election. There were a number of those people in the last election running for offices in California. EVERY ONE of them lost. Democrats won every office which was up for grabs, including local dogcatcher.
Get a grip. No one likes the media when it reports things they'd rather not have said, left or right. Do you think Obama likes what the media does? Why don't you try being objective for a change?
Romney should be congratulated for his expertise in finance.
If you have a problem with taxes and debits, you don't bring in a basketball coach to fix things!
We need a Romney and we need him now!
Decent article though
I'm a left leaning liberal and the only Republican I would consider out there is Huntsman too. If the Repubs really wanted to get rid of Obama they would nominate Huntsman but I guess he's to "liberal" for them. I was a Hillary supporter who was never over infatuated with Obama since I did not consider him ready for the Presidency and I believe I was correct in my assessment. However, I will vote for him again over anyone on the right with the exception of Huntsman who would get my serious consideration. Anyone else on the Republican side is a nut job I would never vote for. Why is it the Repubs are totally overlooking their only decent choice? Baffles me.
The problem is american citizens. They will vote "Yes" to build a billion dollar stadium for the rich on tax palyer money. But "NO" to a tax cut to manufacruring industry that create job. So the jobs were outsourced to oversea.
The GOP goal is to beat Obama so that more trickle down to the rich. Do the GOP candidates care about the middle class, I said "No" but will let you make your own conclusion.
Romney can beat obama? what a joke. All Obama has to do is say "He's running against me?? Wow I was thinking of asking him to be my running mate". O'romney care and his Gordon Gecko image will just hand the Presidency to Mr. Obama which would make me sick since Obama has been so utterly lame and foolish. All I can say is I hope to God Ron Paul runs as an independent, he's got my vote!
Romney Can Beat Obama !! All he needs is the support of the people. He will get this soon after the nomination. Why? Because Romney has the intelligence and the money necessary to show all the defects in the democratic party and the Obama administration. He will probably not attack Democrats. That is because his main goal, as it has been his past accomplishments is in bringing people together. At the moment it is difficult to bring the Republican party together. That will happen after the nomination. But, truly there are flaws in the Republican party. To much ideology. As a conservative myself, I agree that the foundation can't be change, or at least should not be changed, yet there are new ways of doing things.
Right wing viewers continue to view CNN as some sort of Communist network, when in reality it is pretty middle of the road. No one else believes your view.
And Fareed is correct – you can't just cut government and somehow have jobs appear like magic.
He also gives way too much credibility to Bain's version of 'creative destruction.' Those of us who lived through the 1980s vogue for the 'leveraged buy out' which is what Bain did can hardly name one company that went through the process left standing today. The entire point of the LBO was to ransack asset-rich companies, load them up with borrowed debt, and then excape with the money. Bain did it very well. It created NO jobs and left companies and lives in ruins, like the planet eating robot of Star Trek fame.
All of you left leaning Independents or Dems who say you would support Hunstman...do you want to have no medicare as he has stated he supports the Ryan voucher plan??
Two important points:
1) The media does not generally "have it out for Ron Paul". He is all over the Sunday shows, was given plenty of time at the debates, and is a constant cable news guest. The people who "have it out for Ron Paul" are the GOP elite, who are terrified that he will get the nomination and cut off (among other things) war profiteering so important to their base.
2) because of the sports culture obsession in the USA, many people simply want their "team" to beat the other "team" without giving a lot of thought to the candidate's policies and proposals.
only Ron Paul can beat Obama..
I agree with Jordan...out of the selection, only Ron Paul would beat Obama because he'll pull independents and others from the middle of the political spectrum. I voted for Obama, but I would really like the opportunity to vote for Ron Paul. Any of the others get nominated and I'll be forced to vote for Obama again.
How can Ron Paul beat Obama when he can't even beat the other Republicans? lol
I find it strange that any media that is not on the right is labeled as being on the left. While I am well aware of media manipulation, I am pretty confident that, like the majority of Americans, it is for the most part middle of the road. Romney is being touted as a viable candidate because he is a moderate as are the majority of the voters. Obama in office has been extremely moderate, unlike the rhetoric of Obama on the campaign trail. The real problem in this is the bizarre, irrational and extreme polarization of issues arising from the extreme right, and the lack of a counterattack from the moderate majority seeking to find a common ground.
wawawa. Lefty media. No different than Fox. You are just worried that the undereducated abortion rights, evangelicals will not come out to vote for a centrist, flip-flopping democrepublican. He gets the nomination and Obama is guaranteed a second term. The Republican party is lost in the woods and feeding on itself. Yay for America. You all should vote for Paul. He is doing what many said could not be done.
Really? You think that Christian Bible Thumper with the brains of a chimp and the moral incompetence to think for himself along the lines of equity for all (including Gay Americans) will win on his divisive and hatful rethoric designed to pander to the Republican mass of stupidity will win?
You're wrong.
You've overlooked the 10% of Americans that are Gay, their Families, their partners, their friends and those that now, more than ever 51% believe Gays should have the same rights as straights (divorce).
So, Romney, take your Book of Golden Plates provided to you by your "alien leader" and use it to serve yourself a piece of crock pie.
Oh, shut it. You big baby. For the last decade Fox has led in veiwership – in every catagory. In all of cable tv Fox News is like 2nd. CNN doesn't even break the top 15. If I give you all news organizations are left wing nut jobs will you give me Fox might not be as fair and balanced as they claim – you know like how every Republican candidate used to either have their own show or was a commentator. Or Glenn Beck. Now since Fox has more viewers, we have to rename the media as a whole. It's now called the Right Wing Media. Tell a friend.
romney cannot beat obama because americans want change. with romney, u.s. policy and decision making will go back to what we saw in the bush era. only RON PAUL will give us real, needed change.
Isn't it fascinating how national polls show Mitt Romney has a chance against Obama, but they ignore the same national polls that show Ron Paul has the same chance as Mitt has to defeat Obama?
Ignorance, I say.
You are responding just like you didn't even read this article. You and others like you are the reason the GOP are nuts right now. You just want someone who can "beat" Obama! Your lack of insight and depth of these issues are what the GOP candidates bank on. They can say anything and you will believe anything, as long as it comes from your party. Grow a pair and think for yourself!
Simple facts: Obama took the Independent, Young and Peace votes. Currently, Ron Paul carries most of these voters in Republican contests.
There is also an ignorance factor going on. Ron Paul started the Tea Party movement in ideology. In polls saying voters facor Tea Party voting for everyone but Paul is about as silly as Republicans calling themselves conservative. I suppose the general public doesn't really know what the difference between ROmney and Obama is, or Paul vs everyone else.
The real problem is that Democrats have more knowledge of issues than Republicans - and that's a bigger danger to Obama than anything else - because if Ron Paul carries the Independent and Issues campaign against Obama, it would be devastating to Obama's vote totals. Peace, Individual Liberties, Less Drug Laws, Less Bombing other countries, The Youth, The Independents...
These are things Obama has slowly lost. Ron Paul has all of those going. Other Republicans do not.
Obama will win against Romney - and any other GOP candidate (with Jon Huntsman - who is going nowhere in the GOP primaries - giving Obama the toughest race). The lack of enthusiasm for Romney, and the support of losers like Bachmann and Santorum proves that the GOP is broken. Few Independents and no Dems are going to vote for Romney, and I suspect that most ultra-righties will stay home on election day, because they vie Romney as the GOP's answer to Obama.
the truth is the truth unless it comes from fascist Fox News!
fat chance. besides, newt takes great exception to that – yes, and the other 4 musketeers too.
2020 – As long as Americans get more upset with a welfare mother buying steak with food stamps than a creep like Romney stealing millions from working Americans...it will be difficult to change or fix this country's problems. The Rich have successfully moved the lower and middle classes to fight among themselves and ignore THEM. If America keeps going "around and around"....THAT'S GOOD!.....for the Rich. They don't have to pay more taxes and they can keep their wealth! A Romney win will just forestall the inevitable. The longer the Republicans have ANY power, the more poor they create. It's just physics. Eventually people will wise up (or get p--d off and things will begin to change.
As a republican since 1983, I will never vote for Romney or Obama, To me their is no difference. So it wouldn't matter which got elected. I support views now, not people.
Roney has NO shot, Bill. Obama will destroy him in the debates.
I would vote for a corpse before I voted in a Mormon. Romney has no chance at winning.
I am SICK AND TIRED of all of the nut job, conspiracy theorist, Glenn Beck watching, GOP blowing right wingers accusing CNN of being "liberal media"...just because they dont skew the news ala Fox, you are under the opinion that it is biased towards the left. Why dont you pull your head out and LEARN something about the world we live in, instead of complaining about how the world doesnt match your ideology! Better yet...if you dont like the news here, go somewhere else!
Sure he is "the one candidate that can beat obama" but that in and of itself does not tell us what he will do other than, "cut spanding and taxes to create jobs" and it definantly does not mean he is qualified to be president.
You seem to be living in a dilusional realm Bill. Keep drinkiing the cool aid and don't forget that it was your boy GWB who got us into this mess. Funny how none of the candidates ever mention his name or the good old days when the GOP had there PAWN running the White House. Your party is weak and so are your candidates. Good luck in Nov.
Romney has zero chance of beating Obama in a general election 15 to 20 % of republicans will either stay home or wrtie in Ron Paul.
Romney will have a Very, Very Difficult time defeating Obama. Put Ron Paul into the mix, and he would defeat Obama. Mark my word. ( but only one problem : Ron Paul most likely won't make it that far) >unfortunately<
Ron Paul 2012 (or) Obama
Perry must be working for CNN then, since he is using the same leftist arguments against Romney that the Occupy movement uses against the entire GOP. Did CNN put words in his mouth? The other GOP candidates are the ones pulling out the knives.
Saying that James Carville's statements are proof of a "liberal bias" in the media is just like saying that Sarah Palin's statements are proof of a conservative bias in the media. We already know where those people stand and that they represent liberal and conservitive views. Every organization that reports their statements does not necessarily agree with them.
Bill, you seem to be grasping. The Obama/Clinton primary struggle was a remarkably civil discussion when compared to the 2012 Republican back-alley go for the jugular brawl.
Someone needs to explain to me how CNN is a left wing media outlet. David Gergon and Ed Rollins both work for CNN and so does Carvels wife. The Right loves to make the claim that all media is left and all educators are left, but we somehow live in a center right country. Have you ever just considered we are a center left country and the far right is the fringed? Next time you want to claim the media is in the tank for the left just turn on Fox News or AM radio. People have rejected all the social issues of the right, and they are moving left of center on economic issues as well. It’s called progress, and it’s why the GOP is about to nominate the most liberal candidate in the field. The Tea Party is not a real thing. It’s just the same far right/Christian conservatives/1%ers that have always tried to keep the country from moving forward despite where the country is as a whole.
Bill – you have your facts wrong. Carville is a huge Hillary Clinton supporter and family friend. Carville went after Obama not Clinton. And yes, Carville is biased, he is a Democratic operative. All of the reporters on FOX are Republican agents, so things balance out. If you want to get your dose of anti Obama, go to Fox. Your mistake is that you expect any of these news outlets to be unbiased.
Bill,
I can bet (not like Romney though!) that Romney cannor defeat Obama; Obama prefers Romney for he knows how defeat Romney decisively. As long as the Republicans are considering that defeating Obama is the only criterion for selecting their candidates, Obama has already won 2012 Presidential election even before Nov 3rd 2012.
To defeat Obama, the GOP candidate must have a roadmap for job recovery, deficit reduction viable options, budget balancing, and foreign policy. Romney will fail in everyone of the key issues. 1. He had been a proven job killer; he had bankrupted 22 companies; they are inhonorable deeds; he made money for his companies were excused (by the judges who heard the cases); he became richer by each bankrupcy; many lost their jobs in each one of his 22 bankrupcies. 2. Killing social programs will not reduce deficit; but increasing the revenue to the Government, and paying back to the 'lenders' alone will reduce the deficit. 3. Romney has no idea how he would balance the budget. The only technique he knows is by declaring Bankrupcy! No, no one including you will support his technique of 'Bunkrupting our own Nation'. 4. Foreign Policy: he is yet another war monger without knowing its consequences. We lost 000's of lives in Iraq besides 1.2 T$; Romney wants war with Iran; and wants to send troops again to Iraq.
Above all, he had never been firm on any vital issues; he changes his mind as often as he wants. His flop-flopping frequency is even faster than the 'Gates' in the modern Intel Chips! Do you think American are idiots to handover Presidency to Romney? I am sorry you are out of touch.
Romney approve rating in MA was low during his term. He couldn't handle it so he left with his pockets full. Several corporate businesses declared bankrupt because of him. I know this because I'm a MA resident for 40 years. So why let him be the president if he couldn't handle a small state called MASSACHUSETTS? Seriously if people decide to vote for Romney, its going to be another Bush era. Both Georges and Jeb Bush (Former Governor of Florida) endorsed Romney....All im saying is RON PAUL 2012!
Romney and Obama. The difference is one is wall street elite the other is supported by wall street elite. That is all. Romney is not anything that the vast majority of small government Republicans stand for. He is a compormised canidate that Obama knows he will beat.
As other comments have stated: liberal media is a myth. I would like you to rationally explain to me the possibility of a news engine like CNN to be left leaning. Like a previous commentator stated: it is accountable to time-warner and its shareholders. Leftist ideology is not profitable, nothing about it is financially driven but rather humanitarian.
To the extreme, a leftist leaning news engine would be funded by the government to spout propaganda in order to keep it in power as seen in soviet Russia or Nazi Germany.
But that is not possible in a capitalist society such as the United States.
As an educated center-aligned media theorist, I can tell you with 100% confidence that news engines like CNN are simply more balanced. Fox News is corporate propaganda and nothing more. It's bias and lies should be criminal, but that's topic for another discussion.
Fareed, I think you should be president, and not Romney or Obama. That would solve our problems.
I agree, Fareed would make a good president. It's a pity he wasn't born in the U.S.
Fareed's suggestion of jobs in "tradable sector" makes sense. America should focus on high-end products in space tech, nanotech, cybertec etc.etc.
If Fareed Zakaria was President then you would no longer be living in America.
LDSMom must be on some medication (or should!)... pray tell, why wld I not be living in America if Fareed was pres?
seconded.
I like him myself. I watch him often. But that doesn't make a good president, just people I like. Do you actually KNOW about his views on the Fed, crony capitalism, central economic planning, monetary policy, foreign policy, liberty and freedom?
How can you support someone when you don't know their views.
This is actually why i like him. he doesn't try to brainwash me into believing what he believes. But this also makes me unaware in what he believes. news caster shouldn't be giving us their opinions, they should be given us the information so we can form our own onions. And he is one of the best at doing that.
Romney claims to be a Mormon. What does that mean? He calls on Joseph Smith when he is in trouble? He made a ton of money by hurting other people through pant closure. Now, he calls it capitalism and free market. This guy is a crook like all the others. This guy did not serve on day in teh military becasue his father was a rich man and laied him out. I say no, if you wantt to be President than you must have served in teh US military for at leasst 3 years. This Romney caracter has taken the easy route to riches by hurting American families. Vote No on this guy, please vote NO to Romeny.
so you have to serve in the military for 3 years so you won't vote for Romney? how many years did HIllary serve? How about Obama? How about biden? So I guess you won't be voting.
Hey, I thought Newt was the candidate known for "hurting other people through pant closure," or lack thereof.
Umm, I'm not sure what your comment about Joseph Smith had to do with, well, anything, but for the record: Mormons pray to God, not Joseph Smith.
I'm not voting for Romney. But Michael's right. Mormons don't "call on Joseph Smith". Mormons pray to God and believe Salvation comes only through Jesus Christ.
agreed
notice how romney tries to distance himself from bain when the fact of the matter is that he STILL has an interest in the company and profited from bains actions weather he was actively employed there or not? romney cannot relate to the common man in america and will cater only to special interests groups and his big business cronies.
Precisely!! And, it is perpetuated by media figures like Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh.
Working in business and working in government are two different things. In business, a boss can do basically whatever he wants, as long as Board and shareholders are happy. In government, the President doesn't get to write the laws.
I realize that Romney passed legislation in Massachusetts with a Democratic legislature. But it was liberal legislation. And despite that, he was governor only for his resume. We have to ask ourselves. Are we really willing to put this opportunist in office?
So voting "present" hundreds of times in the Illinois legislature is not "opportunistic"? If you are worried about electing an opportunist – you're a bit late my friend...
Romneys problem is CNN and all of the other Liberal media out there that will do its best to destroy him once he becomes the GOP choice.
GOP was formed on liberal ideas.
For 21th century, we need new idea to solve today's problem, not same old same old like the trickle down economics. Unless more manufacturing jobs are created in US, cutting unless it is reduction of tax cut for the rich otherwise it will only speed up the destruction of US.
The GOP model has been diluted by more that 60 years of liberal progressive slop.
Typical conservative response...nah nah nah blame blame blame.....
If by "liberal media" you mean real news networks with educated columnists willing to interview experts and report on real news, with both sides covered without smearing and slandering, then yes we absolutely need more of that.
Your getting confused...that is what Fox does...not CNN
You just could be right about that.The sad thing is that too many people allow millionaire radio talk show hosts that they have very little in common with(especially financially), and others with extremist views and agendas, to convince them that certain candidates and policies should be voted for, when, in reality, it's against their own best interests, but they either were too dumb or too lazy to find out the truth for themselves.
Its amazing to hear all these sounds bites. In a way most of you'll deserve Obama, and live with the same problems for the next 4 years.
America deserves a POTUS who is intelligent, God-fearing, and just flat gets things done.
Ask Bin Laden.
We deserve another four years of THIS POTUS.
The one guy who can actually beat Obama is Ron Paul..... He is the only candidate who can beat him in a debate....He has beaten everyone in a debate........Romney has no chance against Obama...if you want him out we need to nominate Ron Paul
If Ron Paul ends up being the front runner...then he will get my vote. "ANYONE BUT OBAMA"
one small voice... Actually one good thing he has going for him is that Main Stream America is tired of being called so many names by the Left just because us as fellow Americans have a different opinion than the Left. For this your party of so called "tolerence" spew nothing but hate and name calling. That is not what America is made of no matter how hard the Left try to make it so.
What's clear is the desire to beat Obama for the White House has supplanted the issues that these politicans are running for, such as jobs and the economy. Now it's just hate. Beat Obama just to beat Obama. Nobody's voting because they want a better economy or better foreign policy!! Imagine the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on this election only to have their supporters completely miss the reason these Repubs are telling them why they would be a better president. Of course, these guys aren't offering much in the way of answers as to how they will fix the country.
You are absolutely right. In fact, listening to Romney discuss Obama's policies you have to know that they are completely divorced from reality. Just meat for the right wing attack dogs.
Message to right wing: Do not presume that the independent voters whom you need to win agree with your talking points, or are too stupid to think for themselves.
The repubs would vote in a cat if they "thought" it could beat Obama....
Romney's real problem is...even if he claws his way to the top of the gop'ers pack....he still loses the prez election! This is all window dressing.
Zakaria is about offshoring construction jobs to China. Part of those "local jobs" too can be unfortunately as technology advances. Look at California bridge project where Chinese firm gained the contract by offering low bid; they are pre-fabricating parts of the structure in China and shipping it here so that part work is done at lower costs. Uncomfortable side of technical advances...
You my friend are delusional. Zakaria has never once advocated off-shoring jobs. He strongly favors "on-shoring" jobs by focusing on things like improved education and manufacturing skills, and innovation. This is his message every week.
correction – "Zakaria is wrong about protected nature of construction jobs and that they stay only locally." They too can be offshored to China as technology advancements allows it so...
Romney will lose SC and most if not all of the south. Social Conservatives are the rule around here. Most of the Republicans around her share a more liberal fiscal position than one may believe...they are socially conservative populist. The only reason they vote Republican at all is because of the "Godless" democrats. I just have this feeling there there is going to be a major populist movement within the next 10 years where the Tea Party marries the OWS crowd. When that happens, the entire liberal/conservative paradigm will shift.
I would like to see the OWS and Tea Party marry. Fully half of the electorate is unrepresented by either party. I just joined the Green Party, it is a blend of liberal/conservative ideas that fits reasonably well with my views. AND it refuses corporate donations. Time to get corporations out of Congress/Presidency. Time to be concerned about creating something better in this country than abusive corporate raiders.
I'm so sick of hearing we're voting for Romney because he's the frontrunner, who has "waited his turn" and that no one is enthusiastic about him. FALSE! This is the liberal media's way of fighting him–making him seem undesirable. Note to idiots: people don't vote for the guy they DON'T want as president. And so far, Mitt has gotten the most votes–the most enthusiasm.
I'm VERY enthusiastic about the candidate who has spent his life fixing organizations and turning them around for the better. He did it in the private sector, he did it for the Olympics, he did it for Massachusetts–when they were hundreds of millions in debt, he balanced the budget and created a surplus. He'll do the same thing for us as president! We're lucky to have him! Go Mitt 2012!
Anyone who thinks that Romney fixed Massachusetts may want to find out what he actually did here and why he decided not to run again. He left the Gov office with a 36% approval and a lower approval by corporate executives.
Tax rates on many corporations almost doubled because of legislation supported by Romney and he increased taxes, but called them fees, on the middle class.
His job creation rate as governer was the third-lowest in the US post Hurricane Katrina Louisiana and Michigan. At the same time, wages in the New England state stagnated.
I suggest anyone that thinks that Mitt is a good choice as the GOP choice to get us outof f our current economic problems read this.
http://onforb.es/ygQQeM
and this
http://bit.ly/qw0sCf
I live in Mass, I hate the guy. And his wife is an elitist jerk wo thinks people exist to serve her. Ask anyone in retail in Boston that had the unpleasent task of waiting on her
Onesmallvoice You are so correct!
Romney's counter attack already seems obvious. He will say that government rules made his tactics profitable and that he will change the rules, having first hand knowledge of how they affect businessmen. Of course this is total BS but the average voter will lap it up.
His REAL problem is he is not going to be elected. Not n ow, not ever! The Republicans had better hope Hillary doesn't run the next time or they will face another 8 years of being on the outside looking in.
OBAMA SUCKS
Ron Paul 2012!!! No matter how many times the MEDIA tries to tell us it is Romney, the people will RISE UP against the millions of dollars in misleading 'journalism' and Ron Paul will be on the ticket, because he has the best plan, and is most electable because people in America now HATE THE ESTABLISHMENT. Obama is included in the establishment, as evidenced in his endless attacks on middle class citizens, and small business owners...
regrettably, you are so right.
We all already know Romney's real problem. His hair has more personality and firmer positions than he does.
LOL!Emperor,You nailed it .Thread OVER.
Exactly!
Amen! I heard Romney this morning on the news blaming Obama for the state of the country??...has he forgotten we were put here by eight years of George W. at the helm? You can't dig out of the mess George W. left in just a few years. Looking back five years....everything was worse, the economy, unemployment, gas prices, war, health care, and hundreds of billions of debt. At least Obama is doing something rather than making it worse. Let's sure hope Romney is un-electible. Another republican in office scares the crap out of me!
Fantastic!
Have you forgotten that it doesnt matter what Bush did because we elected someone who was suppose to make our situation better but instead would rather be king Berry and hurt the economy with his failed poloicies? Or are you just a blind supporter ....Obamabot!! Wake up!! Get your head out of your a__!!!!
Typical Dumbocrat...votes based on hair and other superficial reasons...this is exactly why we got the most failed President of the 20th Century...Barack Hussein Obama....pitifiul
we live in the 21st century, dummy
I believe you mean 21st Century. And I hate to tell you, but Warren G. Harding already holds the esteemed position of "Worst President of the 20th Century"
Another brainwashed rightwing fanatic. Go ahead, think what is fed to you. But don't dare look at the facts and records of the last 10 presidents. If you have the ability to read and absorb, you'll be eating your ridiculous words. Happy tax hikes for you should, God forbid, a Repug makes it to the White House. Boy are you in for a huge, nasty shock of reality.
And voting for Bush because he sounded like you and you wanted to have a beer with him wasn't superficial...? Let's face it; these days a lot of us vote for superficial reasons and that's why we're failing (abortion, gay marriage, etc., etc.). Our debate structure doesn't even give the time for politicians to back up their ideas after they've given their soundbite answer. So before you try to call a spade a spade, look in the mirror and ponder whether or not your just another spade cut from a slightly different mold.
Chris more or less said what I'd have said. Bush managed to get himself elected in 2000 by pretending to be a good old boy from Texas who'd be fun to have a beer with. I don't see the logical contradiction in pointing out that Romney, particularly by comparison, is an unformed block of human clay.
To the people who say Obama is the worst president in recent history. Really!! did you forget about Bush or should I say Cheaney, who was running the country then anyway? Although we would all like the recovery from Bush's failed policies to happen overnight, it's not realistic. Honestly, they should just change the name of the republican party to the "angry, selfish, biggoted, middle aged, white person party" You don't like Obama (because he's black), you don't like gay people( because you're too narrow minded to understand anyone that's not a redneck like you) you don't like poor people (because you despise charity and helping out anyone) you don't like minorities ( see Obama) you don't like sick people and Obama's health care reform (because god forbid we join the rest of the civilized industrial world and have a universal health care system , what the hell does the rest of the world know anyway) So republicans let me ask you this what are you going to do when your child brings home their boyfriend or girlfriend who is a minority? what are you going to do if one of your children or close relatives come out of the closet? what are you going to do if you lose your job and are forced to rely on the charity of others you despise so much? what are you going to do when you're spouse gets sick and you don't have the money or coverage to pay for their medical bills? what are you going to do when there are no more bootstraps to pull yourself up by? So come on republicans, lets hear some solutions, what are you going to do?
that would be GWB bozo. lowest IQ( has followers), brain located externally (Karl Rove) and biggest cluster this country has ever been in as a result of his presidency. Stay home. Stop pretending to read and understand global-economic foundational principles.
Best post of the week!
Whenever the camera is on him and his wife and sons, they look like the "stepford family". Just kind of robotic, with no personality. So it's hard to feel like we know him at all.
His real problem is being a Mormon's moron and thinks he can win in the presidential iraqtion by badmouthing China. Since Oba Mao (not related to Chairman Mao) is known to have a lengthier and girthier kwok, the chance of Ronny winning the presidential iraqtion is nil. Furthermore, who would want another Curious George who thought iration, erection, and election were the same as president anyway?
Come on OBAMA! I love the welfare state! Tax the rich and give me their money!
yea, that Barack Obama and his hateful wife really have great "personality" don't they....I think it was developed by hanging out with communists, racists and fools their entire lives.
The Obama family has a ton of personality...you're just too willfully blind to see it. The FLOTUS has a wonderful demeanor and I for one (a white woman) give her major kudos for being so graceful under all the scrutiny and attacks. I would love to pit her again Sarah Palin...it would be no contest and Sarah would go down faster than you people can spin your lies!
You are truly an idiot....
BC – it doesn't make me a racist..who are you kidding! I mentioned it so that the narrow minded don't automatically think I'm a black woman sticking up for another. Face it – the majority of the Repubs are White and so I felt it necessary to point out that there are many others who aren't Republican and support our President.
captain koo koo. the truth is you do not possess the education, intelligence or understanding of the job. One person does not the country make. Congress is the problem, and you just wait and see what happens there in the next two cycles.
Hey Captain Bigot, oh I mean rascist, oh I mean toothless, oh I MEAN WORTHLESS!
Shame, shame on you, you sir seem to be the hateful one...try channeling that anger in a positive manor, you will feel better.
Ka-ching! Brilliant.
@FLIndependent....Why did you have to mention you are a ("White Women")? That in itself makes you a racist!!
Vote Mitt Romney's hair 2012!
Let's WRAP our heads around this:
President Mitt Romney, our first Commander-in-Chief that sat out a military draft on a Religious deferment
Romney says his 5 sons of military age serve their country "better" by working on his endless political campaigns of the past decade
So when he attacks Iran, religious deferment Mitt will have no problem sending YOUR sons to war, because his sons have better things to do.
"Perfect family"?
Illegal immigrants TO a Mexican polygamy commune in Chihuahua...
Some Romneys still there are surprised by his recent immigration flip-flops... Bit I'm not – He will lie about anything just to gain office, ANYTHING!
Hit the nail on hte head!
You are my hero! I could not have summed up Mitt any better than that.
Makes me sick that he avoided serving his country.
Yet you probably voted for Clinton.
It didn't hurt George W. Bush.
yes, he should have served his country like Obama did.....Oh, wait Obama not only didn't serve his country he never had a job...Here's an idea-don't worry about someone's military training-worry if they ever had a job, met a payroll or hang out with racist ministers and domestic terrorists for most of their adult life.
You voted for Obama...he was the most anemically credentialed President in modern day history...and one more thing, Romney's earned it, unlike your community organizer.
Two words got Obama elected: President Palin.
Dawg, don't you know people already stopped taking you seriously? Stop fighting it.
What Quodex said.
McCain's baffling choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate was the best thing that ever happened to the Democratic party. It cost McCain my vote, among many others. It wasn't just the possibility of Sarah Palin as president; it was the fact that when he made his first major decision, McCain made a staggering error in judgement: picking someone with so much problematic baggage, so little experience, and nothing at all in her favor. Out of all the Republicans in the country, he picked THAT one?
Guess Mitt will be following the tradition blazed by Obama's and Biden Military service
Which branch of the service were YOU in, Lee?
And when did Barack Obama serve in the military? Your justifications are ignorant.
The GOP have to choose someone who isn't an absolute extremist wacko (everyone but Romney), or they hand Obama another 4 years on one of their tarnished silver platters. Better the devil you know.
There's no such animal in the Teapublican Party.
Jon Huntsman isn't an extremist wacko.
Independents like me, who actually elect the next President, will NEVER vote for Romney. Under Romney the Rich will get Richer and the rest of us get stuck with the check!
What an independent you are!
You mean those who work as opposed to those "occupy" and collect checks?
Bill: "You mean those who work as opposed to those "occupy" and collect checks?"
Seeing as how you're commenting on CNN during traditional work hours here in the States, it seems as though you're either just "occupying" your desk at the office and collecting checks for work you didn't do or you're unemployed which means you're really collecting checks for work you didn't do. YOU ARE the problem that you're railing against.
Sounds more like a progressive stance than an indy.
Romney's real problem...Americans want their President to care about them. Romney says he cares, but his record at Bain underscores that he really doesn't. Venture capital is like a marriage, it's great at the beginning, but if it turns sour all that is remembered is the pain. Bain even rhymes with pain....maybe on some level Romney understood.
And how many people feel like the current president cares them?
I can see your LDS connection, and think that is fair. However, I think many many more middle class Americans think this president cares about their well being than did the last one. I think Romney would care a good deal more than Bush did, but also think he's less likely to relate as well, or fight as hard, as Obama does.
I feel that Obama cares. I really do feel that Obama has the best of intentions, but I feel he was doomed from day 1. He's not willful enough to fight the established politics in Washington. I think if Obama was elected in a different time, he could have proven to be a wonderful president. However, he was dealt a bad hand, and all things considered, I think he's done much more good than bad with it.
@David – I totally agree with you, however I would say we, the people that voted for Obama, failed him. We allowed the Tea Partiers to take over in 2010 to our detriment. Before that happened, things were moving along nicely...health care reform passed, gas prices down, many beneficial pieces of legislation signed into law (although you would never know it by the media), etc. Obama's campaign slogan was "Yes WE Can", not "Yes I Can".
Because of Obamacare, my wife has been able to purchase insurance for the first time in 20 years, so yes, I appreciate Obama for that. She'd been previously denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Now instead of paying $15-20k a year on medical bills, we have a monthly premium that is manageable. What many people don't realize is when you're uninsured, you pay 5 -20 times more for non-generic drugs than insurance companies pay. It's discrimination against the uninsured—especially when you take over 20 medications.
Sure, Obamacare has some problems that need to be worked out, but while primary care physicians are going broke and millions of American families take out bankruptcy for medical bills, the health insurance companies are upping their profits by 40-50% a year, while denying citizens coverage. Google "Health Insurer Profits"
We need to take a good look at corporatism. Corporations have limited liability and assume little social responsibility. Many are just down right predatory. We don't have to get rid of corporations, we just need them to take more social responsibility and translate their policies into respect for consumers instead of predation. The current status quo is unsustainable as we're beginning to see as the middle-class goes by the wayside.
I don't want any Republican in the White House. Not this year anyway. When the GOP finally figures out what sort of party it wants to be - sane or wacko - I may consider them again.
What the heck has Obama done for this world besides make a lot of empty promises who could never keep? You all talk as if you know it all...OBAMA the flipping savior of the world. He's just another politician like most of them all. Can you honestly say that you are better off financially and every other way since Obama took office. He has done nothing but ride on the wave of his wonderfulness....so go right ahead and hail KING OBAMA....you all are full of yourselves...you have all been deceived...at least Mitt can provide his long for birth certificate.
Donald, so nice of you to take time out of your busy schedule to join us tonight!
Wow! Rodney can actually do that? How fabulous!
"Can you honestly say that you are better off financially and every other way since Obama took office..."
Yes. My company is hiring more people. My salary has gone up. My insurance rates have gone down. I don't worry so much about airplanes crashing into my office building. The value of my 401K has increased. The possibility of losing my health-care no longer chains me to my job. My mother pays less for her medicines. I see fewer American soldiers getting blown up in pointless wars. Etc., etc.
As a fellow independent voter, I COULD see myself voting for a republican, but only if the right one got the nomination. Romney is not the right one. The only way I could consider a Republican vote in the general election is if Paul or Huntsman got the nomination, and even then, Obama still might get my vote.
This country is better off than it was 4 years ago. Obama may not be perfect, but he's got us going in the right direction.
And the communist wackos that Obama has installed as Tzars, they're not wacko ?
I found a wacko =)
Do I win a prize?
I wish people would take the time to understand words like "communist," and "socialist" before they try to use them. If Obama's "failed socialist policies" have in fact failed as socialist policies *it* *is* *precisely* *because* *they* *are* ***not*** *socialist* *policies.* To call the economic policies of this administration "socialist" is like calling a dog a mule because they both have four legs and tail. No communist would have bailed out an industry without nationalizing it, and probably no socialist would either. What you had instead were high interest loans that had performance stipulations other than interest terms and payment terms, and by the way, the government made a profit from those loans. It is not unusual for a bank to do exactly the same thing. Pure capitalism. And dare I say this? Capitalism is not the quintessence of Good or of Evil, nor is a socialist economic philosophy or any other economic philosophy the quintessence of Good or Evil. They are all just a means of getting something done, multiple tools in a toolbox. You do not use a hammer to turn a screw. When you have a system that is all hammers, all screwdrivers, all ratchets, a totalitarian system of any kind, that's when you have a problem. We are in the fix we are in now because we got out of balance, no brakes on the go cart, an now we have to deal with the consequences. We broke it, we bought it, and we are slowly getting over it.
It used to be anyone who started off as "I'm a republican, but..." was always just another progressive liberal lier. Now we have to contend with "I'm and Independent ...." too ? Give me a break!
Pssst ... "liar" not "lier". Didn't I pay taxes to get you edumaketed and stuff? =)
Romeny is the only qualified guy to lead this country with real life experience! nothing wrong with cutting GOVERNOMENT jobs and spending, while allowing the private sector to thrive.....look at our idiot in chief we have, he looks like a deer in the headlight when it comes to the economy! please! Romney will put us back on the right track people!
He's got real life experience all right– experience scr ***ing over average Americans.
Have you investigated this information on your own or are you repeating blather that you heard through the media?
The only track Rodney will put us on it the one heading into the blank wall.
Cutting government is not the answer to our problems. It will not create jobs, it will destroy jobs. It will not create demand for products, it will cut demand for products. People who believe that cutting government will help a slow recovering economy need to seriously think about HOW that could possibly help us in a time where jobs and demand for products is low. The deficit is fun to talk about and blame all of our woes on, but it's actually costing us a lot less than major cuts in government will. And, when they make those cuts to government, if anyone gets more money out of the deal – you can be sure it will be those who need it the least.
Why not just vote for Obama instead of dragging down your own candidate by his association with yourself, Oh Mighty Lord of the Flies?
Romney's real problem? Well, he gets elected and it either going to be the Empire State building, the Sears Tower, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Hoover Dam or the Golden Gate bridge collapsing to another terrorist attack.. And along with that would be another Middle East war, a bankrupt America and more dead American soldiers. These republicans and teabags are infidels and incompetent and backward confederates who would take this country back to the stone age.
Are you absolutely serious? Romney would be better at standing up for America and Americans than the current President.
I seem to remember the last terrorist attack we had on our soil was under a Republican president. Thank God for President Obama who has kept us safe throughout his entire term so far and, oh yes, was the one who got Osama Bin Laden!!
Zakaria's real problem : a LACKEY for Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR real problem: Zakaria NAILED it, and you're pathetically jealous!
that is so NOT true.
Zakaria is such a lacky
obama's disgrace of a presidency is already over.the only question left is who takes over and cleans up the terrible mess he made.
Uh..have you forgotten that Obama is cleaning up the mess that Bush/Cheney created? The disgrace started with, well, you know.....REPUBLICANS!
Have you forgotten the totally Democratic Congress that Bush had to deal with? Before blaming Bush for everything, take a look at his Congress. And, take a look at the current Congressional mess with Republicans in the House and Democrats in the Senate, which means nothing is getting done because everyone is fighting and Obama is fueling the fire.
Obama had only ever cared about his own agenda. Destruction of the American middle class. He and his communist friends want a two class system, no middle class.
Don't you know anything
Yeah haven't you heard ITS ALL BUSH'S FAULT!!!! I wonder what we're going to say if he wins another four years, its all congress' fault?
No it's not all Bush's fault; Republicans started pushing us over the cliff beginning with Reagan.
Zakaria is Obama's sidekick. Dont be writing such a biased article you damned lackey!
It will still be bush's fault for a decade or so
Nope, BONEhRs fault cause he's a bigot and raciest.
I blame the state of the economy on Taft. What a disgusting excuse for a president.
You are so right. Nobama has made a much larger mess of things than Bush did in 2 terms! Spent more money than Bush did in 2 wars! Now that's a feat. The man has got to go.
It is so ironic that people are attacking Romney for being a good leader and business man in capitalist America. He's a hard working guy and what he has done is not easy whatsoever. In fact, his accomplishments completely trump Obamas....except Obama is now president. I think the media needs to chill out and let the people decide what they want. All of these articles on why people should or should not vote for a candidate are so tainted that its creating those "pessimistic Americans" you cite.
JD, just WHAT kind of "Hard Work" has ole Mitt ever done?
A JD and MBA from Harvard, creating an investment banking firm from the ground up. Turning a corrupt and bankrupt olympics into a success, but maybe he should have been something really successful like a 'community organizer.'
Everything MR did was motivated by putting more money in his and his rich buddies pockets, at least Obama was motivated by helping real people and trying to make a difference.
I believe Romney is a powerful alternative to Obama and thats why there are so many articles on CNN trying to undermine him. Im with JDenver, let the people decide. Stop trying to control us. These pieces are ridiculous. How much more American can you get than Romney. He's the perfect answer to our bleeding economy.
The problem is: that's the exact same thing you Republicans said about Bush/Cheney. Why should we believe you now?
I hope Romney is elected. And I hope he cuts the government in half when he does. And I also think the teaparty is more radical than an MSNBC liberal...thats all
Interesting things that Fareed talked about, yet he failed to mention that Romney does not have compassion for others. With that he was able to " downsize" companies. "Downsize" is a nice way of firing people I guess. It is the PC thing anyway. I don't like the fact that he can say anything and the media lets him get away with it. On one of these debates he mentioned "Clean coal" and said it was the way of the future. Fareed is missing the mark in this article. American can create jobs, yet when labor is competing with $5 a day labor. We can't compete. Politicians broke America allowing jobs to move overseas and removing tariffs. Reinstate tariffs on foreign manufacturers and jobs will come back. Penalize companies that ship jobs out. Read Howard Zin's book, the founding fathers used tariffs to protect American workers. Many Politicians today don't really care about the middle class, they just want to get elected and get their retirement.
The real problem is America does not tax corporations for profits overseas. At first it was to stop headquarters from moving, they never foresaw jobs moving.
Mr. Zakaria, while you had the microphone, it would have been nice if you had thrown out a few suggestions of your own for creating jobs. I would have been interested to hear them. Please post a comment as FZ or something.
President Obama, the greatest President in US history. Four more fuc*king years baby.
Hello Mr. Anti-republican. Romney should worry about people like you who in the name of intelligence disguise common people. How much ever republicans are showing differences, but they will be united come NOV to make Obama a one term President. Although personally, I think Obama is more conservative than Romney but because he has never shown spine, he will have to deal with this fact.
How much more American can you get than Romney. He's the perfect answer to our bleeding economy.
^ Explain why Massachusetts was 47th out of 50 in job creation when he was Governor.
Explain why he then refused to run for re-election when his poll numbers were in the 30's.
Hmmm.?
President Obama's the greatest President in US history and he's goanna win by a landslide in November. Hahahahaha!
How many years of "U.S.History" have you lived through as a teen and adult? Otherwise, you are you just taking someone else's word for "hisotry".
Hey there skippy, I think your grounds card pass has expired. Its back to the mental ward for you. Maybe you should suggest they up your dosage a little bit too ?
Romney's real problem is that he is a sane center left Republican trying to fit in a party gone insane.
Oops, meant to say center right, not center left.
The Republican party allowed Obama to be elected by the incompetence and dishonesty of their own leaders. You can rant against 'ol GW but he was just doing what his handlers wanted. That legacy will probably live on for another four years, as Republican demands haven't changed a whit from then til now. Tough for you, good news for the rest of us..
What's amazing is when GWB was appointed to office by the US Supreme court, at least he inherited a surplus and a stable and thriving America. But unfortunately, when he left he left President Obama who was elected by the people with two deadly and costly wars along with an inflated national deficit and the worst economic crisis in America since the Great Depression. But inspite of all this mess President Obama has inherited along with the constant and deliberate roadblocks by the opposition, he has managed to thrive at home and abroad. But we all know President Obama will never get credit even if the unemployment rate was at zero % because you rightwing extremists are envious and jeaalous of the Black President being successful in overming all the obstacles to move this country forward. But just remember, God has endorsed President Obama, so he can't go wrong. Hahahahaha!
Not exactly true that we can't compete for jobs that can be globalized. Our high tech jobs are unparalleled. The problem is that they usually cannot make short-term profit, so investors avoid high tech (e.g., 7 years to generate a new cancer drug vs. 3 months to create a new sports information web site). So ultimately we may lose our incentives for high tech as well. An alternative is non-profit high tech consortiums that spin off new companies, also known as research universities, but that is just socialism to the Tea Party.
If this man Romney is elected, the only business that will be conducted in the white house will be how to clean out the rest of america. This man and his wealthy friends are set to make themselves billions. It will be the end of america as we know it.
Romney, go home lamme. You can't compete with Obama, you have no brain, all u do is BS peoples... You have no American Future.. Ur same like the moron Bush.. who burned out America for his interest. Pack ur bags.. and Get a F.Out ...
Read your post again and then ask if you are in a credible position to determine if someone has a brain.
In order to create jobs companies have to bring them back to the US from acrossed the ponds.
AMERICA.... NEVER VOTE any of the NEW PRESIDENT CANDIDATE except OBAMA.. if it wasn't for OBAMA.. we would be Fu*K and from the TOP of the WORLD. we would be competing with Mongolia or God knows which cheap a$$ country. VOTE OBAMA and LETS HAVE THE FUTURE.. AS WE SEE THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.. VOTE OBAMA AND ONLY OBAMA
Good grief! What has this country come to. I don't know which is worse....the
pathetic candidates we have to choose from or the stupidity and ignorance of the
electorate displayed on this web site. From ghosties and ghoulies and long fingered
beasties and things that go bump in the night, may be Good Lord deliver me.
I see a few positives in Mitt being President..I could have as many wives as I want, blame all America's ills on Black Americans who are supposedly the decsedants of the evil Cain, deport 11 mil alleged illegals (not the ones who are maintaining my mansions) and voila, all our problems will be solved. Vote Mitt 2012, NOT!
Do you even stop and think before posting all those lies or does it just come naturally to you?
If these republican candidates think President Obama has improved our trust and credibility abroad and stabilized our economic crisis at home for them to get back in the White House and fu*ck things up all over again, they better think twice. You people had your chance for eight years and all you brought us were pain, heartache and sorrow. Now you are asking for another chance to bury us alive. Hell no, it ain't goanna happen. Not in November and I hope not in a hundred f-ing years.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204879004577108500491449164.html?KEYWORDS=mitt+romney+bain
Rpmney's biggest problem: he does not excite the GOP base... at all.
They keep searching for somebody - anybody - else. He will ultimately win the candidacy, not by his own merits, but as a default - no one else can really compete. The democrats had someone like that in 2004 - John Kerry. I think Mitt Romney will fair just about as well in 2012 as Kerry did in 2004, and for much the same reason: being electable is not enough to actually get you elected.
Except the energetic commitment to make Obama a one term president is far stronger than it was to unseat Kerry. The only way that the Democrats could defeat George W. Bush was to run against him in 2008....when he wasn't a candidate.
Wishful thinking by the rest of you, but Obama is history and will be the victim of one of the biggest landslides. I was going to run my dog against Obama when I saw that he would win any match up against Obama, Reid, or Pelosi.
Actually despite what a pathetic default candidate Kerry was, he almost did beat Bush. You're claim that the effort to unseat Obama is stronger has no evidence either, since his approval rating hovers in the mid-to-upper 40s currently. I know it seems that way because the tea-party and Fox News crowd shouts so loud, but you are crazy if you think that demographic represents a landslide majority. Since some third party candidate(s) are sure to round up 3-5 % of the vote, that means even if the economy doesn't improve anymore by November, all Obama needs is about 5% to be unsatisfied enough with the alternative the GOP has settled on to either vote for him or stay home. And...in answer to the expected reply, no I'm not an Obama homer, I didn't vote for him last time and am wishing (without much hope) that the republican party would nominate a reasonable, credible grown-up instead of Mitt or Newt
@King Kevin – Your claim that the enthusiasm wasn't there to unseat Bush in 2004 is totally without merit. There was a HUGE fraction that were so upset with Bush started the illegal Iraq war that they wanted him out! Also, if it weren't for the guy who oversaw the elections in Ohio and promised he would deliver a win for Bush, Kerry would have won and most likely did but for some reason Kerry chose to give in easily which was definitely the country's loss. This time around the Obama supporters are the silent majority...you'll see!
King Kevin (modest, aren't we?): Anyone who calls the elections–one way or another– a year out is living in a dream world. ANYTHING can happen between now and then.
FAREED ZAKARIA'S BASIC PROBLEM – foreign born journalist with NO credibility.. big pen, big mouth, on any topic - he thinks he's the last word & knows the USA .. NOT .. HE IS AN ELITIST WITH ZERO CONNECTION EXCEPT TO THE WELFARE STATE & PREZ OBOZO LOVERS.
And, he's still on Obama's payroll
^This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. Being an adviser for the Cabinet of the President does not mean he is completely biased in his other pursuits. Also, this "elitist" and "foreign-born journalist" knows a lot more about America than any other pundit on TV and he displays a very fair view of the world. So, excuse me for liking an elitist, but it's better than trusting Plumber Joe for my news.
"Foreign born journalist" so what right does he have to comment on the US scene?
Hmmm. Rupert Murdoch owns Fox and is "foreign born" and, unlike Zakaria, does not even have his primary residence in the USA. I am sure that you are just as outraged about Murdoch, eh?
Romney's real problem? His belief in the magical underwear!
You're an idiot and a bigot...and I say that as someone who doesn't even like Mitt.
magic Underwear = bigot ?
Thx, Fareed. Your words define so well. Thanks for the service you provide for us. Inspirational. Bless you and yours.
What I find outrageous is the Republicans created the economic crisis but they have nontheless blame President Obama for the economic woes he inherited. And when the unemployment rate started to decline, they failed to give credit where credit is due. And that stimulus package that has saved millions of American jobs and given companies tax incentives to keep or re-hire employees, the GOP seem to have a problem with that too. O' wait, and then there's the heated issue the healthcare ligislation the rightwing leadership and their base accused President Obama of passing with a mandate forcing Americans to buy health insurance. I have a question... Would you rather be forced to fight and die in an illegitimate Middle Eastern war or be force to get healthcare that is going to save the lives of you and your love ones? And for those of you who already have coverage, wouldn't it be a plus to be able to have affordable prescription drugs. And don't you think a healthier America is simply a stronger America? O' my bad, all these policies are un-American policies becasue they are passed by a black President. Now i got it!
Bravo – you are so on target!
Mitt Romney is vacuous and without ethics. He is a panderer and is trying to buy the American Presidency. Neither his ethics nor his personality reasonate with the American public. He will be slaughtered in a Presidential Election running against Barack Obama. I suspect that is why one side of the media's aisle finds him so popular.
>> This is the party that’s had a Bush or a Dole on its ticket for 20 years. It’s a party that also had Richard Nixon on its presidential ticket for 20 years.
Made me count 'em... Really, Nixon was 5 out of 6 (20 of 24 years) 1952-1972, not on ticket in 1964.
A Bush or a Dole was on every ticket 1976 – 2008, so let's call that 32 years straight.
Yes, and let's sum that up – Bush I was a one-termer, Nixon was a disgraced President, Bush II (well need I say more!). Get over yourselves Republicans!
Just media entertainment for the wackos posting anti Romney comments. Apparently they don't have anything better to do besides praising Comrade Obama's policies and Mr. Zakaria's articles. This gentleman is well known for his liberal points of view and his a–kissing to Muslims.
I am amazed that no one is making a big deal of the fact that Romney's wife has MS...it may be in remission, but if it gets worse, she will need a lot of attention. I have a good friend who has had it for 5 years and she is in need of 24/7 care already. I know it is different in each person, but if the rigors of the WH kick in, we could have a president taking more care of his wife than the country.
Equally interesting is that Huntsman is a Mormon too, or at least from a Mormon family with ties to the LDS. Google him and look at his family's background and his involvment in the Mormon church.
If Rummy should get into office, he'll name Rick Perry as Defense Secretary and redeploy the troops back to Iraq in order to move the equipment left behind into Iran.
I can't help thinking Mitt Romney is the Republicans' John Kerry. I was for it before I was against it. You can list the topics; abortion, Romney/Obamacare, etc. If I was a Democrat I'd be rubbing my hands with glee.
On that basis Barbour was a shoo-in until he did something really stupid, and now he has. I just love watching this train wreck.
Obama told a fairy tale to get elected as president, He told everything will be solved at the touch of a magic wand. But other than copying excatly what Bush did his one acheivement is zero. The only thing he contributed was to destabilise the middle east. The dictators were thrown out and fanatics/american enemies were sworn in. He rebuked at bush calling iran the axis of evil, now he is lost what to do with nuclear Iran.The health care circus has not begun. When the mandatory provisions are thrown in the states would go bankrupt. The health insurance with hefty payment by the customers will turn out into a emergency coverage with customers paying out 60-70% cost, in addition to health care insurance premiums. Untrained people will be treating the sick and even cars will have better mechanic.There will be emergence of health care system for the elite where people with money will be treated by the real doctors. So the elite ruling class excluded from obama care and the rich will have the real care.
Obama didn't tell a fairy tale...Fox News & his detractors told the fairy tale. President Obama fulfilled many of his promises and also said that turning the ship around will most likely take two terms for him and possibly more with another president. The Bush/Cheney debaucle was so deep that NO ONE can correct it within 3 years. This President is doing all that he can with a Congress that has no intention of helping. As far as healthcare, the law passed by Obama isn't going to make things worse, things were already bad. We are already at a point where only the rich can afford the care that they need. We have to wait and see if the new law will make a long term impact which I believe it wil. It may need some tweaking but it certainly doesn't need to be repealed...that is just nonsense!
... with that kind of a crystal ball, you have probably made millions in the stock market, and no-doubt have no worry for the future at all
Where do get such drivel? What an embarrassingly ignorant post.
Always read the fine print !
No one took the time to examine who BO really was. It is a shame that so many blindly accept him at face value while they tear down every other candidate.
Speaking of Health care, those who are required to purchase a policy, but cannot afford enough coverage and end up with a minimal coverage policy (think SafeAuto). What happens to them when their Insurance won't cover the bill ? Can you say death panels ?
Since 9/11 have you people been to a motor vehicle or airport and see how your lives and your families lives have change? The six points to re-new your driver's license or the long lines at the airports and alll the intrusion into your person and belongings. Yet these rightwing nutjobs keep accusing President Obama of messing up this country just for trying to clean up the mess. How pathetic! And since our illegitimate Iraqi war, don't you and your family members feel more vulnerable to terrorist attacks when you travel abroad? Well, you can blame that on the Republicans too.
Perhaps many of you live in very remote arears of America. But everyday I wake up and look across the Hudson River, the New York sky line looks different simply because GWB and the very same republicans in office failed to defend and protect America from the 9/11 attacks. But its no surprise they didn't celebrate with everyday Americans on that historic night when we sang patriotic songs and wave Ole Glory over the news that OBL was killed and no longer a threat to our freedom and democracy. Yet you people still want to vote for these inept and misguided politicians? America its time to wake up!
Even at the eight years of obama if it happens as hoped by zakaria , the republicans/bush can continue to be blamed as if obama administration never happened.Wish could blame somebody else and not take any responsibility
I must say that there was nothing at all new in this so-called analysis. Everything said here has been parroted a zillion times already!
Ah, CNN, already pulling punches to desperately keep their fallen-from-grace hero from slipping further in public opinion. Zakaria is a smart guy, and I don't mind opinion pieces, but CNN should at least try to strive for objectivity. Provide writers to articulate counter-arguments.
writer to counter arguments – Sorry there is no such animal at CNN !
I used to consider Zakaria something of a centrist, but it's become increasingly obvious that whatever his overall political perspective might be, he's got a strong investment and personal liking for President Obama and is decidedly left-leaning when it comes to American foreign policy. He had a recent piece downplaying the threats of a nuclear Iran, making statements such as "is it worth going to war just to prevent a rogue state from having a few rusty nukes"? (paraphrased). Further pieces this fall on Iran reveal more apologism and more cautioning against any kind of military confrontation. Being opinionated doesn't necessarily equal having what we'd call a stringent "agenda," but let's not pretend he's writing from an objective viewpoint here. Many, many Americans have a very different and decidedly not isolationist worldview, and by presenting only Zakaria's point of view on such crucial issues without providing any kind of real dissenting intellectual commentary is irresponsible. CNN has been able, in many ways, to elevate itself above the blatant partisanship of MSNBC and Fox, and hopefully they'll realign their priorities before this election and in light of recent events. I am still interested in Zakaria's perspectives and intelligence, but think he might be better suited to a more honestly left-leaning publication instead of being a sort of unchallenged liberal pundit for CNN. Come on, CNN–prove to Fox that you're above this level of criticism and provide a more balanced approach that better represents your viewership.
Mellissa: You sound very objective & rational. But, I am not sure if you have studied Mr. Fareed Zakaria closely.
I have reviewe most of his writings and commented extensively. Here's my take.
Mr. Zakaria has this uncanny "DESIRE" to stay in the limelight with all these "PROPHESIES" by "merely" stating the obvious by sewing & weaving already published facts....something that's not much of a no brainer to majority of informed Americans!
He does this typically by making broad, sweeping statements often times encompassing both sides of the aisle, leaving him just enough room to wriggle out in the event of an unsavory situation! Often times on issues closest to his heart, including support for Muslim issues all over the world, anti-Semitism, or America bashing we see him unleashing his passion with a variety of cherry-picked data, half-truths to further his cause.
Having said that, Mr. Zakaria is on this crusade in his quest to “capture” a coveted, influential public position such as the US Secretary of State to further his overarching Islamic, anti-Semite agenda. No wonder there was web site that propped out of nowhere during the Presidential campaign in 2004 appealing to the future President to appoint Mr. Zakaria as the next US Secretary of State. His efforts at commenting/ prophesizing on everything under the sun (many of which he knows precious little about!) is a balancing act at depicting his overall concern for world/US affairs in fulfillment of his coveted Islamic, anti-Semite agenda!
Amit-Atlanta-USA
Understand THIS that No foreigner will EVER come to America and be conservative unless one that is out of his mind. What makes people come to this great country is Liberalism. Liberalism alone has made this country great. How many people come here because Arizona or Texas??? People come to America because of New York city and Los Angeles.
Conservatism is am amoral philosophy that tends to emphasize the rule of the few, the haves over the have nots which are the masses. Conservatism is causing havoc all over the world. Those who call themselves conservatives are either RICH, IGNORANT or simply have been worked on by the propagandistic media.
You can outsource construction jobs, btw... you just have to import the cheap laborers.
Maybe Romney owes his success to his magic Mormon underwear?
Mitt Romney = A handsome version of Carl Icahn or Michael Milken.
Romney's real problem is that he's Mormon.
Zakaria's real problem : Biased man in general.
"Hopefully during the general election, we’ll have a substantive national debate about how to create jobs in America." Now that is a novel idea for a general election. As usual, it will be sound-bites and attack ads.
Mr. Zakaria, my hat off to you to stay motivated and share your point of view. Very few in this world have your gifts.
As expected when an opinion is shared, not everybody agrees. But so far, none of the pro-GOP comments above are about hard facts. Instead they are all about anecdotal or personal convictions, beliefs, none of which can be substantiated, or just common plain vulgarity. Despite all this, they know you are onto something. The proof? They keep reading you over and over, and use CNN forums to vent their own frustrations and self-insecurity.
But you persevere. Just like our President. Thank you.
I think it's pretty factual to reference previously-written stories by Mr. Zakaria as evidence of a particular persuasion. Which, again, no one is going to be without, but I fault CNN for not providing some balanced commentary on such important issues as the Iranian nuclear dispute, or the 2012 presidential election.
time for President Obama to do a Biden/Hillary swap! OBAMA/CLINTON 2012! LANDSLIDE VICTORY! LETS GO!
Mitt "Fraud"ney has no CHANCE!
The only argument for Mitt: "anyone but Obama"
WELL then you're in for an UNPLEASANT SURPRISE when the $1B DNC machine exposes Mitt on national tv.
Mitt is a failed, 1-term Governor with 34% approval, even with all the leftish junk he did.
PHONY POPULIST proof: "Mittstant Replay" youtube -or- mittvmittcom
SPREAD THE WORD
Mr Zakaria,
Can I just say that it is a relief that the debate about Romney is about private equity and leveraged derivatives and not about mormonism or abortion rights. Who would have thought core capitalistic fundamentals would be on trial...in America.
Mitt Romney is intelligent and hard working. The fact that he has a JD MBA from Harvard, the fact that he founded what today is one of the top 3 managment consulting firms in the world, the fact that he became CEO of Bain Capital and then had aspirations to run for public office should all be testimony to his character.
The thing that people forget is that Romney is a politician, ad just like every politician, he changed his stances in order to get elected. Obama did the same thing, McCain did the same thing heck even good ol' W did the same thing.
At the end of the day, it should come down to whos going to "not mess things up further" in 4 years. No one is going to "fundamentally transform" or "change" America. Its a 4 year presidency, things will change, most will stay the same.
The important thing is to go out and vote! If you dont like someone, make your ballot heard ad not just sound off on an internet message board.
The only guy who can beat Obama is Mitt Romney.......are you reading their credentials, achievements and family background...He is the real American guy to beat Obama.......watch out Obama has collected lots of money (billions)...he will fight it out...that he is already campaigning instead of governing, Plus ........ he controlled the media network.....better yet to make matters worse use your coconut shell like chi-chi-echia....and let the grass grow on your heads too.
Caspar:
Explain how Obama is so sinister by campaigning at this point in his first term just like every other first term President did at this point in the election cycle.
Explain how Obama "controls the media". The #1 cable news network is Fox. The top 5 radio talk shows are all conservative. Every big city has at least a half-dozen "Christian formatted" radio stations. What on earth are you talking about?
How funny we keep pinning our hope on a savior to rescue us every 4 years! Time to wake up and realize that presidents and parties don't make or break our destiny. Only way to progress is through innovation, supporting and funding our research facilities and Universities. Only through producing bright minds and staying on the cutting edge of technology we can beat other nations and provide a viable middle class. All we are doing is tearing each other down by accusing and labeling each other. History shows that great civilizations don't fall because of a bad leader, they gradually decline by forgetting what got them there in the first place.
Mike, Completely agree with you. All this talk of a "revolution" and a "change" are just talking points for political campaigns. All the successful people in the coutnry are pioneers in thier fields of innovation and development. People need to stop hoping for a rescue every 4 years and just accept that true change comes from within.
Those who criticize Romney for cutting jobs while he was at Bain Capital yet call for cuts in government spending are either hypocrites or not truthful. A government dollar spent goes into someone's pocket. If you subscribe to the multiplier effect - more credible than trickle-down economics - that government dollar impacts six or seven individuals in the chain. Cutting government spending means cutting jobs. The argument that cutting government spending means leaving more money in the hands of individuals who, in turn spend the money, is bogus; while most Americans do not have a high propensity to save, some do. The government does not; most western governments not only spend every dollar of tax revenue but are happy to borrow, some excessively, to finance spending programs. It would be refreshing to see some Republican candidate admit that cutting government spending means cutting jobs. If it is valid for Romney and Bain Capital, it is valid for the federal government. Hypocritical or just not truthful? In either case the individual is not the sort of person one would like to see sitting in the Oval Office.
No amount of taxation or cutting Government jobs is going to resolve a US15 trillion Government debt – stat !
Solving America's financial woes is all about exports, exports, and more exports. This is the moment, and America must seize it – to sell sell and sell overseas. Amercan goods and services are admired world wide.
Look at your car plants for one example, these big companies were losing billions for the last 5 years and more for some, yet only recently did they suddently find themselves making more money than ever. How? Their CEOs finally came to their senses and expanded operations overseas particulatly in China and the emerging countries.
So, Bingo! This is America's solution to clear its monstrous debts and return to economics sanity. For too long American factories have relied on debt ridden local consumers who are living beyond their means. That over reliance has now become a mirage and a big national headache.
Forget the job cuts and the American consumers. Go sell to the world.
And ..... insist on closing down 90% of all US foreign military bases. Congressmen would fight that because they have their self interest groups to look after, their financiars – the military hardware supplires, defence contractors, etc.
By doing the above, I guarantee America would become debt free – and back in No.1 by 2030 – possibly knocking down China to number 2.
Bear in mind that China have not completely liberalised local enterprise. And that 10 + million brilliant business minded Chinese technocrats should be ready and waiting to enter the business world with their new inventions and innovations. And their opportunities will come as China,Banks become increasingly flushed with foreign cash.
Non of these presidential hopefuls can beat Obama.Their manifesto is pro the wealthy and what the average Americans want is a more assured social security and they are already seeing some kind of light in the Obama's administration policies,so i do not want to believe they would leave known for an unknown.
I am an American and the last thing I want is a hand out. I can stand on my own feet. Democrats can keep their welfare checks.
Mitt Rommeny looks like the man to challenge Obama in the next presidential elections and yet,his own party members are out to destroy him before the polls start! Now, i wonder is that the type of poltical party that wnats to control the White House if they should beat Obama? I think that the majority of americans will rather stick with the devil they know rather than the angel that they don't! After all,Bush's ratings as a leader were low and they still elected him into office for a sceond term!
The GOP had poor choice this time, with probably and may be one exception: Huntsman. Romney gives me the impression he is not honest and is fake. Ron Paul is truly great but too old. Gingrich is OK but lacks tact and pretends to be historian when he knows nothing about history. Who else was there???? Already forgotten.
Fareed, when will you write about something you are knowledgeable in? For example, India's caste system.
Fareed zakaria is a muslim, who stood for 9/11 mosque.Sorry I disclosed it. So what will you expect him to write about India.
His real problem is that he's a republican!!!!!!!! Hahahahahahahahahaha
Obama is nothing but a Chicago Thug. He is not my president and he never will be. He is a snake oil salesman.
Elaine, Chicago thug? You watch way too much Fox "news". Do yourself a favor and turn off the TV. Read a book – preferably one with facts and not propoganda. Thank you.
For the GOP who have of late become a part of NO and taken over by the extreme rightwing Tea-Partyers Romney and even more so Huntsman are the only real bets if they have a chance to unseat Obama. Rest of the gang are a bunch of ideological losers. While Gingrich with all his intelligence can never shrug off his Washington insider image and also his huge personal baggage, Rick Santorum with his extreme views on abortion, gay marriage, contraception, etc.is completely off main stream, Rick Perry after all the debate debacles shows he is ill equipped (at least for now) and ofcourse Ron Paul with his extreme view imicable to US security particularly those on radical Islam (Iran, the war on terror plus his opposition to the Fed etc.). None of these guys can ever win the crucial independent votes necessary to win the presidency.
This story appears in the Google News feed as "Romney's real problem is that he is a Mormon". You might want to get that fixed!
Not quite true that Romney isnt saying how he will create jobs. Declaring China a currency manipulator is his only courageous stance, but it is a winner for jobs. With this, a 40% surcharge is applied to all Chinese goods, based on the yuan's undervalue. Then a $10 alarm clock costs $14, a $50 pair of shoes costs $70, and US manufacturers can suddenly compete with a level playing field. And for as long as China continues to sell $300b+ to the US, the penalties amount to $120b per year into the coffers of the US Treasury. The benefit to jobs will be in the millions, people off of welfare and unemployment, more income taxes, more to balance the budget. It's all good. And Romney is right: China is the last country to afford a trade war. This is about the only thing i agree with Romney on, but it is a really big thing, in my view, for restoring the health of the US economy.
politicians don't create jobs. Do you really think that Barack Obama who never actually had a private sector job knows the first thing about creating jobs????
Since jobs have been created at a slow but steady clip for the last nineteen months, as per the Treasury Department, it would appear he knows more about job creation than you give him credit for.
I think Mitt Romney's problem is narcissim.
No one believes that he cares about anyone other than himself, his family and perhaps members of his church.
Since being elected, Obama has been distant too. They might cancel each other.
other then illegal aliens, his cronies (Solyndra), and undermining the interests of the US, attacking the US energy industry and virtually any business that works what does Obama care about again?
Please explain how fixing bridges and roads does create jobs? and please exlain how he is undermining america (Seems that was done before he took office), and how asking the oil companies to stop taking tax payer subsidies or put plans in place to try to prevent oil spills is attacking the energy industry?
Whenever I think of Alaska, I think of Sarah Palin. Whenever I think of Sarah Palin, I think of teabaggers. Whenever I think of teabaggers, I think of nascar. Whenever I think of nascar, I think of trailer trash. Whenever I think of trailer trash, I think of Sarah Palin. Whenever I think of Sarah Palin, I think of teabaggers. Whenever I think of....
Love it!
So is it really President Obama's responsibility to create jobs or the Republicantebag House? After all, they have set up roadblocks to stall the President's jobs bills, saying they won't work. Then they say they have all the answers to creating jobs and re-growing the American economy. Well, if so then why is the unemployment rate still above 8%? And what is it that the GOPbags are waiting for? Since they have all the answers to job growth why haven't they responded by stepping forwarded with it? From day one President Obama has said to the opposition if you have a better plan for creating jobs and re-growing the American economy, then step forward with the answers. So why hasn't the opposition responded? Is it perhaps because they haven't got a clue since they created the economic crisis in the first place?
All appropriations must start in the House. That answers your question. The House has been very busy passing abortion bills.
@Joe – I always wonder the same thing. If the Repubs have all the answers then why aren't things wonderful since they took the House. Also, if Romney has the answers and is such a patriot, with all his money & influence why can't he try to improve the economy now – why do the people have to suffer until the next election. I'm sure he has enough businesses in his pocket that he can now convince to hire to turn the economy but that wouldn't be to his benefit now, would it? Also, this morning on MSNBC I heard one of the pundits say that Romney and/or the Repub candidate is going to have many big businesses contributing to their compaign...isn't it funny how they all have so much money for that but not enough to hire!
I agree with Michael Smerconish that this assault by Romney's Republican opponents on his work in venture capital will take the wind out of the sails for future Democratic attacks later.
You see, the problem is not what it seems and portrayed in media. We as a nation have more money than any time in history. We just forgot to share it equitably and take care of our own. A few on top take everything and their logic is that if you work hard, you deserve it, else you need to starve to death. I got news for you, there are millions of people who work harder than ever. Look at productivity increase over decades. But hard work does not equate to success anymore becasue system is rigged to serve the people who created the scams not the players. We created a system in which we just sit behind a computer and with a click, buy and sell stocks and day trade without producing a thing. Then we turn around and spend that money and on top of that borrow our way to oblivion on the money we don't have. That's how we run up deficits! Time to go back to basics and produce something tangible which we can export!
Very well stated!
THE REAL LIFE GORDON GEKKO!! GREED IS GOOD!!
As a veteran, I will never get beyond the fact that Romney's FIVE sons each of who has never served in the military. Don't tell me "they serve in other ways." They are rich millionaires who leave the horrors of war to small town, rural and innercity kids. They should be ashamed of themselves – not proud of being millionaires and worthless.
I appreciate Fareed Zakaria for his ability to reduce complex issues into a comprehensible message. I think he has achieved this again with this post.
I wish the Tea Party folks and the Occupiers could rally around their common beliefs, which I believe to be: "Greed and corruption are destroying our nation." I think the Tea Party's perception of capitalism is clouding their ability to accept the importance of economic fairness in a global and connected society. Capitalism does not have to be a zero sum game to be capitalism. In fact, capitalism will thrive when it's based on tangle value creation (vs. transactional wealth) of goods and services that provide a social benefit.
If we continue to cheer the mantra that "Greed is Good," and perpetuate the belief that capitalism is a zero sum game, we will miss our chance to sustain our reputation as a great nation. If "Greed is Good," then business is easy – it doesn't matter who you hurt, so long as you gets yours, and the more, the better (value as vapor). If "Greed is Good," we will hire foreigners to do our bidding rather than employee our neighbors and enrich our neighborhoods, and thereby our economy. "Greed IS Good" for a few.
Judging by Mitt Romney's history, I think he believes that "Greed (vs. capitalism) is Good." I believe he will legislate to protect and perpetuate the wealth of a few. I believe he will always outsource without considering the social consequences of doing so. I believe he will govern in his own best interest and I don't think that bodes well for our nation.
If outsourcing to the best/cheapest labor is a critical component of capitalism, then I support Fareed's nomination for president. I think he's a better option than those running and I think he will be cheaper too. Why must our president be born in America if our workforce need not be born in America (or even a citizen of this country)?
We will have to reduce the size of government (and social services) because the only way we can afford government is to generate taxes. Income taxes are increasingly becoming the property of foreign governments. The only way to increase government revenues will be to tax transactional wealth (money absent value), and that can't happen! Romney will make sure we eliminate social services (education, healthcare, etc.) before dipping our ladle into the bulging pot of ill gotten gains.
I am an independent, and I fear Ron Paul's Libertarian beliefs. I think we are living the result of unfettered what humans can/will do to one another if "Greed is Good" and freedoms are ungoverned. Nevertheless, I think Paul may be our only hope for "turning this ship on a dime," and that begins with reining in the Federal Reserve and the power of money to corrupt our culture from the top down.
I voted for Obama. I had high hopes for a president that might care about the critical importance of a country's working class (where value-for-value exchange still occurs). I don't see much difference between Obama and Romney. I think they both treasure money over matter and will sing whichever tune required to make and/or broker more for themselves. Romney preaches to the top (rich). Obama preaches to the middle/bottom (poor). The Democrats do the bidding of the moochers (make money while sleeping on a couch) while the Republicans do the bidding of the looters (make money while sleeping on a yacht).
My next vote will go to the person defending the future of the people making money while they work. If I can't find such a candidate, I will vote for the one that does less damage to the people making money while they work. I will not vote for Mitt Romney.
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/01/12/the-bain-bomb-fizzles/?iid=HP_LN
Thanks for the link Selby. I have no problem with negative campaigning, so long as the facts are true and pertinent to the decision I'm being asked to make. My problem with Gingrich's attacks are the timing. If he believed these things, he had a responsibility to make them an issue long ago. I have very little respect for complicit silence. I am seeing more links to Romney's time at Bain beginning to appear. Many will be useful and informative. I suspect many will not.
Here's a great article I read the other day. "The Dumbest Idea In The World: Maximizing Shareholder Value" http://t.co/VW1catX3
The author does a much better job of articulating my beliefs about Romney's style of "capitalism." That's why professional writers and journalists are so important!
"Romney as the private equity guy, who buys companies, hollows them out and outsources jobs."
That's a laughable criticism coming from the party that is all about outsourcing to what are effectively slave labor factories so their ultra wealthy cronies can be ever richer. The Republicans care not about this country or its people, only about servicing the enormous greed of their candidates and corporate owners.
Not that the Dems are any better. Both parties are utterly and totally corrupt, owned by the corporations and almost never do anything that is in the best interest of the country and its people.
I still find it funny that when a reporter refuted his claim that his campaign is not run by lobbyists, he immediately turned into a broken record, just saying over and over again "my campaign is not run by lobbyists."
If he can't even deal with simple situation like that, I don't want this moron as the commander-in-chief.
He's perceived as the fortunate son, who belongs to a secretive cult religion, who becomes irritated and condescending when questioned about his conduct.
Mitt "Bernie Madoff" Romney – Fareed, you must be "jealous" and "envious" because you called Mitt Madoff Romney a fraud
Fareed you made one mistake – granted a small mathematical mistake – but an interesting one.
You said a Bush or a Dole was on the Republican ticket for 20 years – when in fact it was for 8 straight Presidential elections between 1976 and 2004. Imagine that – 8 straight elections! Dole twice, first Bush 4 times and Dubya twice. So 2008 was the first time in 36 years neither a Bush nor a Dole was on the ticket.
IIf Obama ends up winning 2012, you could have another Bush on the ticket in 2016 (Jeb or his son George).
Raj, your calculation is correct. AND COMBINED, every GOP presidential ticket from 1952 – 2004 featured Nixon, Dole, or a Bush, except for 1964 (Goldwater-Miller).... in contrast to the Kennedy "dynasty" appearing only once on the 1960 ticket, compared to twice for LBJ.
we (US) haven't been able to create any jobs in what is called the “tradable sector” of the economy. Which Presidential Candidate say they can?? You think America is here to stay, if it cant compete in the tradable sector, lets say 10-20-30 years from now?
If you're a believer in unfettered capitalism, and that the market will regulate itself in some kind of economic Darwinisn with the winners making the most money no matter how they did it, then you should have no problem with Mr. Romney's financial success. If you believe that the private sector and not government is responsible for jobs (creating them or eliminating them, goes both ways), then you should have no problem with Mr. Romney's financial success. Hmm, so now Republicans are having problems with his financial success? He didn't do anything illegal, just business as usual. Sorry, GOP, you can't have it both ways.
You are right bill he reminds me of Gordon Gekko too. He likes to fire people and make profit. Why doesn't he release his emails or tax returns?
LoL – Why doesn't obama release any of his collage transcripts or papers ?
Answer: Because he doesn't believe they are relevant.
I disagree, with one aspect, on a global competirive playing field high tech jobs, financial industry jobs, strategic consultanct jobs are still in the US domain. Not sure what the % might be but China is not anywhere near competing in these areas
CNN this editorial belongs in the opinion section not in the news. This is an opinionated editorial. Fareed is inventing "problems" and labeling all Christians and catholics who are pro-life as "activists" getting a "sense of power" from "pandering?" What in the world is this piece of junk and you have the nerve to run it? What did you invest too much money in your tea party bed-fellows?
Greed is good!!
Fareed who, this guy is so full of B.S. and bias he should have no business on such a fine and upstanding news media outlet as CNN.... oh, wait... nevermind
MIXED MEX MITT ...the VOLTURE.....the biggest HYPOCRITE and PREVARICATOR
Romney was not a "job creator," he was (is?) a return on investment creator. Jobs, added or delete, and the fate of companies after he left, were consequential to his main goal: making more money for his wealthy investors, and himself. I think people will see that in the end.
IWhy doesn't Mr. Fareed wear his turbin in public? Did he forget to pick it up from the dry-clean?
He sold it, so he can buy a little portion of brain.
The Republican party proudly represents the top .0001% of Americans who own the wealth. They are not worried about jobs, health care, the environment, immmigration or social issues and they don't need retirement. The only issue the GOP cares about is not letting the Bush tax cuts expire especially for the super rich and cutting enough social programs so that with their low taxes the deficit does not get out of hand. A very profitable war with Iran would be a super plus for the Republicans but after Bush's Iraq disaster that might be hard to pull off. The GOP war on the American middle class is in full swing.
Your argument's fine until you get to the claim that "America has not been able to create any jobs in any sector that's subject to global and technological pressures." Huh? What about Silicon Valley – it's led the recovery from the Great Recession, and the high tech CEOs have been the leading advocates for relaxing the H1-B visa restrictions precisely because they claim they can't find enough Americans to fill the high tech jobs they have. I don't accept your claim.
We have a $650 billion goods trade deficit, which is 10-15 million jobs overseas making our goods instead of here. For scale, we created 2 million jobs since 2000 and 15-20 million in each of the preceding 3 decades. One solution is to tax U.S. companies for the wage differential when they offshore jobs. The true cost of foreign imports excludes unemployment insurance, damage to the U.S. skills base, damaged families and household wealth, etc. Free trade was not about sending your jobs to your trading partner. This was inconceivable when David Ricardo developed his theories.
One of the major problems with the republifascist party is that there are no moderates anymore. The whole party has moved to the extreme fascist right.
God, you so stupid.
Facists are not reguarly follow right wing beliefs. Maybe you should go back and read some history books instead of drinking the leftist lemonade ! !
WE can't create jobs because Obama's policies are killing the ability to create jobs...everything he proposes and does is exactly the opposite of what he should do...his regulations, committees, health care fiasco will bankrupt America.
Agree, Jenna, his massive spending only leads to requiring more taxes and crushing the economy. Romney has the business sense to run a tight ship, knowing its the way for the government to stay off business' backs. They'll hire more people and create jobs.
But Governemnt jobs are up !!!
Jenna, instead of repeating the Faux News soundbites, how about giving us details/specifics on the policies you think are hurting the economy that Obama put in place. Also, do you not realize that there are many policy ideas, ie Obama's job plan, that haven't been put into effect because the Repub/Tea Party Congress hasn't passed them?
"Even in the Republican Party, there is a huge concern about what globalization and technological change are doing to the average, middle-class American. There is a sense that the system is not working for the median American worker."
This is the most absurd statement I've ever read. There isn't a republican on the face of the earth that could care less about the Median American worker or Middle Class. Even republicans that ARE median American workers continually support positions that are contrary to thier own best interest. Ideology trumps common sense. Idiots. I'm living overseas and think that Americans deserve to get what they've been begging for for the last few years – A republican White House and Congress. If this happens I think Democrats need to go home and let republicans push through everything and anything they want. I say give America what America has been begging for and let the fools pay the consequences.
What makes you such an expert on the subject ?
I myself have lived in the great socialist Europe. Good Beer, lhigh taxes, lousy health care and minimal freedom.
My god, even children are required to have photo id cards on them at all times.
If you are living overseas and are not American – keep your opinons to yourself please !
The European model is not that great.
I think you may be missing AJ's point. AJ is saying that s/he's so confident that s/he's right about the failure of conservative, top down, "Voodoo economics, that s/he's willing to step aside and abdicate the throne to those s/he disagrees with. I think this could be a great strategy. If AJ is right, our collapse will be expedited and meaningful change can occur sooner rather than later. If AJ is wrong, the country will be repaired. Sounds like a win-win to me.
I'll never vote for or support Republicans who would allow another 9/11 to happen. These people really don't give a damn about the welfare and well being of the American people whatsoever. The GWB administration failed to protect and defend America from the 9/11 terrorist attacks then they made us even more vulnerable to domestic and global terrorism by starting an illegitimate Iraqi war. And what is outrageous about this war is after the Republicans didn't find WMD's in Iraq, they jokingly re-named their mission "Iraqi Freedom" as though the Iraqi people came to the UN asking for regime change or to be freedom from something. And if you still have reservations as to whether these wealthy Republicans really don't give a hoot about the American people, then just ask yourself why did Dick Cheyney go on CNN a few months ago and stated without restraint that he has no regrets whatsoever. All these dead Americans and Dick Cheyney and the Republicans have no regrets whatsoever.
And sadly to say, our troops are still dying in Afghanistan ten years later because Dick Cheyney and these very same Republicans in congress deliberately and recklessly abandoned and prolonged the Afghan war to start their illegitimate Iraqi war. And that is an Afghan war that should have been over at least five years ago. When Americans protested and complained at the onset of the Iraqi war, GWB said we should show solidarity for our troops because they have voluntered to sacrifice their lives for their country. Well, that is plain old BS. No American soldier enlists in our arm forces to die. Yes they are aware of the risks but they don't enlist to fight for a cause or die for a casue that's in the interest of wealthy Republicans.
Oh delusional one. There is not a shred of fact in your entire rant. You do know that the major FBI/CIA failures that led to the 9-11 Trade Center occurred during the Clinton tenure and carried over into the beginning of Bush'es first term. I do not blame either men for the act of terrorist's. That would be like blaming the the victim for the mugging. You need to be in a rubber room.
That may well be all well and good, however everyone knows that Bush & Co. were given warnings about a possible attack by the Clinton administration and by the memo sent to Bush just days before it happened. Sorry, but there were not at all diligent and most likely could have stopped it or, at the very least, minimized the damage.
Great analysis as always Fareed our blog http://www.politicswatcher.com made this very point earlier this week!
Check this article out...its from CNN money defending Bain and Mitt Romney against UNTRUE claims from Newt aka "Angry Muffin" supported anti-romney ads..... http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2012/01/12/the-bain-bomb-fizzles/?iid=HP_LN poor newt needs to follow his advice to Ron Paul and STOP LYING:)
America deserves RomneyCare! Hey, he stuck us with it, why not the rest of the country? Oh wait, he was for it before he was against it, before he was for it...., but that was when he was pro-choice. Mittens will say whatever you want to hear, it just won't be the truth.
For all you Democrats and ReFlubicant.., here are your reasons to vote for R-Money or (any ReFlubicants) if he wins the nomination.
You are on Medicare, SS or Medicade and you just want to get off
You want a war with China or Iran
Tired of being rich or a member of the elite 1%
Enjoy being rich
Enjoy wearing your flip-Flop on your Mittens ot vice-versa
Poor, and yearn to give youe little pay check to the 1%
You have a house in Foreclosure
Hate your Pay role Tax cut
You are a middle Class and just Hate being so.
You are one Ignorant person
You Hate the middle Class
You have 250 Million in the bank
You think Corporations are people
Lastly, you yearn to be fired from your million Dollar job
Whew, that sums up the one reason you need a prescription for some lithium.
You know...I wish the GOP would give lessons on how to convince people to vote against their best interests. How DO they do it? Just think, after taking the course you could sell "Coals to Newcastle", "Refrigerators to Eskimos" "East River Bridges to New Yorkers" and "snake oil" from the back of your BMW mini-van! The world would be YOURS to command! REALLY, I wonder if they do offer a course or courses and where I could sign up? Anyone know?....PLEASE!
No one should be elected president who makes comments such as, "I enjoy firing people." No one shoudl be elected president who says, "Corporations are people, too". And no one should be elected president that stands with a party that has openly boo'd our troops at one of their presidential debates. Romney is not qualified to become president.
How CNN continues to give this giy a forum is beyond me.
I agree 100%.
Well, it appears that the GOP and Mitt Romney figured out a way to defeat the Tea Party. Now maybe the new Republicans elected to the House and Senate will get something done. I like the fact that Romney wants to raise taxes, pay down the debt, and begin to cut wasteful spending.
Where did you hear that Romney want to raise taxes? He took Grover's pledge, same as the other GOP candidates. Are you saying that he's the kind of person who says one thing and then does another.
No one can beat OBAMA...that is my HOPE!! His huge number of supporters are saving their energy for the Republican Nominee....Obama has done a magnificent job with the MESS he inherited....Now to give him a DEMO House and Senate..and pray for the Supreme Court..to change....
Thanks Jo An – for your post – I agree – he inherited such a mess with "bush" it will take 8 yrs to straighten out, if the truth be known.
I'm not sure I agree with Fareed's use of the phrase "creative destruction." That refers to a process in which technological innovation replaces one job with another – as when the automobile put the horse buggy builders out of business. The "creative" part of that was the the automobile created both new products and new jobs – more of both than had existed when we all got around in buggies. The problem Mitt Romney has is that his brand of capitalism doesn't create new products and new jobs, just huge profits for people like himself. That is what will cost him the Presidency.
What most people fail to understand is the free market capitalism creates wealth, not jobs. No company goes into business with the explicit mission of creating jobs.They're in it to make money. And you can bet that any business would lay off every employee to maximize profits if they could create the same product for less money. This has been the trend for the past 30 years, with few notable exceptions, that more often not turned into spectacular failures.
And that's what separates business leaders from political leaders. When a business man fires a worker (whether he enjoys it or not) that person just disappears for his purposes. A political leaders is responsible for the fate of all the citizens of his country, employed or not. He can't simply ignore those who don't meet his standards.
"Even in the Republican Party, there is a huge concern about what globalization and technological change are doing to the average, middle-class American. There is a sense that the system is not working for the median American worker." To be honest you are pretty naive to even think that Perry and Newt are attacking Romney over this ... this is just the new form of campaigning. Well, Newt is just being Newt and is out for his revenge, party be damned. And Perry ... well, he just wants the power and could not care less about the American worker. He will say/do whatever it takes. But neither one cares a hoot about the American worker.
I suspect that you are right, but Romney doesn't seen to share that concern.
Romney's biggest problem is he is running as a Republican. They don't take kindly to moderates......gays, liberals, Mormon's, illegal immigrants, etc,. Almost everyone except white protestants.
His biggest problem is his record.
No more war! Vote Peace. Vote Ron Paul 2012!
If Romney intends to use to the Bain Capital model for job creation, no thanks.
Actually, Romney is being targeted by conservatives and progressives alike for the companies that failed under Bain and yet still made millions of dollars in profit for them despite that failure. That's the part of Romney's record that doesn't look so good: the part where cynical manipulation of the lending and bankruptcy code is what made the money, not "reorganization" or "increased efficiency" efforts. Bain also pocketed bailout $$ from the federal government and left the taxpayers on the hook for pension funds of Bain companies that went bankrupt.
Until we come to define what it is that the government is doing, who is doing it and actively engage the day to day process of governance, we will continue to make broad, unrealistic assumptions about what government actually does. This will result in throwing money at ineffective programs, while rendering critical and effective programs useless. Its time to engage the civil servants and their "customers" directly for what works and resign politicians to their place as the purveyors of fairy tales.
i'm really having trouble distinguishing Mittens from Obama....Mittens appears to have changed his stance on issues to suit his political gain. I don't want more of the same. Typical, smooth talking, politicians....
Seriously, Fareed? Is this supposed to be objective journalism here? You say "Romney's Health Care plan is strikingly similar to Obama's." That comment is at best misleading since you're referring to the plan enacted when he was governor. His current Health Care plan is nowhere near Obamacare and he has vowed to repeal it. You also say the Republicans' only plan to create jobs is to cut government spending. That's not remotely true. Their plan is to cut burdensome regulations and remove punishing taxes which inhibit job creation and the expansion of business. In fact, the GOP controlled Congress has passed several jobs bills while the Democrat Senate lets the bills languish. God forbid you would mention any of that. And third, the reason why Gingrich and Santorum are attacking Romney on his record at Bain isn't because of a shift in ideology regarding businesses in America, it's because they're desperate. If these attacks had any legitimacy, you wouldn't be seeing Romney's poll numbers going up because of it. Your show says GPS, but you are completely lost my friend. There's a place for criticism and analysis but if you are going to hide facts and mislead people, get out of the business and just write a blog.
The problem is that business generally doesn't base hiring on the tax code or regulations. They base it on demand for their products and services. Low demand = low hiring. Romney and other "pro business" GOP candidates should already know that. It's a basic tenant of a supply and demand based economy.
I'm sorry, but he will not repeal it. Senator John Chafee in 1993 came up with a Republican health care plan to oppose Clintons offering. This later become the template for BOTH Romneycare *and* Obamacare. They are one in the same, and BOTH are full-on Republican health care plans. They have always been that way. All the Democrat plans have been single payer plans, which neither of these are.
I never in my life imagined that the nature and merit of capitalism would become a political argument between Democrats and Republicans, let alone Republicans and Republicans. We’re at the precipice, we’re standing on the cliff with one foot over the edge. I’m asking, begging everyone to please step back before it’s too late.
I was an avid supporter of prop 8 until I bought a second subway in a mormon district. The problem with mormons is that they discriminate on non mormons. I didnot hire my employees based on religion but had a few mormon patrons in a heavily mormon district. I had even a few mormon patrons even suggesting to me to convert to mormonism to get a lot more business. I would never vote for a mormon or trust a mormon again. Their belief in their being somehow superior because of their faith makes them the most prejudiced pompous ricks. It would a big mistake for any christian to vote for this cult.
The second problem comes from the mormons thinking themselves to be gods if romney is elected and in his term finishes his 459th step and starts believing himself to be god what would prevent him from implementing a final solution like hitler? Romney has a track record of killing jobs without remorse or any empathy for the families he destroyed(knowing mormons I believe it comes from the belief that he is not harming any mormons). If elected he would convert America into a scene from madmax movie.
Jason, I am sorry you feel that way but all Mormons I know are generally well meaning, peaceful, caring people. Then again, you do sound a bit drunk.
Note to Fareed: PLEASE stop saying "at the end of the day". Thank you.
Romney is the 1%
So all the governments leaders say its hard to erase our deficit. Why is that they don't take their campaign money and put it towards the u.s. deficit and show us that they are trying to be great leaders not just talk about how they will be great leaders.
ITS TIME ALL CANIDATES PUT THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTHS ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Romney and the rest of the GOP keep "blaming" Obama for the economy. Obama should say "Thank you". For almost every month since he has been president the rate of job loses has dropped and job gains has grown. So if they want to keep reminding people of that then bless them.
Romney is a RACIST MORMON who is for abortions, more illegal wars, carbon tax, open borders, amnesty for illegals, gun control, wrote Obamacare and made his money by outsourcing American jobs...we might as well just keep Omamba!
you just convinced me to vote for him
...except the war part....
Actually his main problem will be the BHO's lap dog media that will do nothing to make him look good and everything to make him look bad. I just hope that Main Stream America can see through it all and vote what they think is right. No matter the outcome the voter should vote on somewhat accurate info not just the Left leaning media bs.
Zakaria before I even entertain the idea of commenting on your liberal commentary, please polish up your English. What's your problem? I know you have to dumb down your language but this too dumbed down, man...yo!
We do not believe to ads (period) You are waisting your time talking about worthless and meaningless topics
"Even in the Republican Party, there is a huge concern about what globalization and technological change are doing to the average, middle-class American." --i don't see why anyone is surprised about this. This is the natural outcome of NAFTA and GATT.... Perot talked about that great sucking sound....seems like people are only starting to notice.
Ron Paul's honesty is Romneys real problem!
Not to mention Romneys flippity flops!
Your article hit the nail right on the head. No U.S. politician has successfully tackled the issues raised by globalism. We can't cut taxes or lower worker wages enough to compete with countries where workers make a fraction of our minimum wage. Illegal immigrants and H1B are undercutting our workers domestically. Neither U.S. political party is offering a solution.
Romney is just another Bush...another weak president...meaning that it will be another Vice President led oval office.
God help us all.
Oh and of course, Obama has no problems....CNN the socialist network never stops, but always covers for the worthless communist Obama.
////// "Even in the Republican Party, there is a huge concern about what globalization and technological change are doing to the average, middle-class American." ///////
Oh, Fareed, I hope you are not so naive to really believe this.. the attacks on Romney from his own crowd are not because they got enlightened all of a sudden.. the attacks are meant to cut him down to size.. that's all..
Mitt lost to Kennedy. Mitt lost his reelection. Mitt lost to McCain. Mitt is completely lost.
Obama 2012
This article touches on something I've been saying for years. For 20 years we've been unable to create jobs in any field that is subject to globalization. 20 years. In this time we have moved even further into the post-industrialism of the information age. Rather than beating our hands on the walls trying to create jobs we know will not survive, we could repurpose the same energy, passion, and resources into reforming our educational system, opening new doors both for those who have had the misfortune of losing their jobs to globalization, and to future generations so they are able to find a place in the new world. We can continue to ignore the writing on the wall, or we can embrace a future for America that is brighter than anything we've experienced yet.
He's no moderate. His company started small and as it became successful, he took the jobs overseas. Key here is that his company was successful before he took the jobs overseas. It's the greed of more money that made him make the move resulting in jobs lost. He said it recently... he likes to fire people. That's what made him successful.
I have decided to stop relying on mere men for my personal prosperity and well-being. Rather, I depend on Jesus Christ. Eventually, whoever is elected will kneel to Him anyway.
vote for vermin supreme
Check him out on youtube
How can you state what Romney is in support of or what his views are? He continues to change his position.
""There were a number of those people in the last election running for offices in California. EVERY ONE of them lost. Democrats won every office which was up for grabs, including local dogcatcher.""
Yes I did notice th at happened. But tell me one thing. How is that working out for you in California? I mean considering the state is broke!"
Romney’s problem is Romney is that simple
Romney's problem is simple-he's a Republican. He should be a Democrat, and run directly against President Obama. That would be his only chance to win. As for the rest of the candidates, they're not worthy of the office. Not even Ron Paul, who I would vote for if I were a Republican. But I am an independent who has voted for the candidate, not the party.
As for jobs, just turn the unemployment figure around-over 90% are still working. The problem is not how many are working or not, but the type of jobs that are available nowadays. If you remove all the minimum wage and part-time jobs from the equation, then you get a true indicator of the mess we're in. The American Dream of owning your home, making enough money to raise a family, is becoming a fantasy, and that's how the multinational corporations want it to stay. As long as the people are kept in a fearful and desperate financial situation, we are under their control. THAT-is the legacy left behind by the most destructive president of any generation-Ronald Wilson Reagan. He opened the door. More to come later.
As always you young people are mentally bankrupt. One generation blames the one before. It is always somebody else's fault. So sad.
if the republicans what a republican president, they better nominate RON PAUL. i klnow that just the mention of ron paul scares or leaves a bad taste in any republican's mouth, but he is their only hope and america's only hope. romney, gingrich, or any of the rest guarantees obama gets reelected
.
This article seems one-sided to me. I am not sure if the author is a Republican complaining, or a Republican supporting. I think that in trying to make Romney look good for his efforts at Bain, you took one side of the story. First, the overall intentions of most venture capitalists are to make money. The more money the better! In doing so, cut costs! Outsource, if you have to. Layoff, and find cheaper products and services. The word "quality" is hardly used as it usually means increased costs. And, having read many of the responses to this article whereby people are writing that their companies are doing well and hiring, I work in an industry that in the mid-1990s was all American, but today is about 30% American and the remaining is outsourced to Mexico, Central American, and the Far East/India. AT&T, Cincinnati Bell, Convergys, most your computer manufactures, and the IT industry as a whole outsources more than 1/2 t0 3/4 of their service support operations to foreign countries. We are talking hundreds of thousands, if not in the millions now of employees' jobs lost in the USA. For those of us who remain in the U.S., we see raises on average of 3% every two years, when the cost of living rises approximately 6% per year. Since I came to my company, we have been purchased by investment firms multiple times, each time with massive layoffs due to consolidations and outsourcing. So, don't give me this stuff about how Romney should be praised for his work with Bain. He and his work at Bain killed, not only American jobs, but the futures of many struggling Americans whose dreams now are to find ways to make ends meet, afford healthcare on dwindling benefits, and if lucky afford education for their children. And for those Obama haters, this started a long time ago with a few Presidents in office, so don’t try to convince me that it’s a Democrat thing. In fact, I ONLY voted Republican until I switched in the second term of George W. Bush’s term.
The Republicans are asking President Obama where are the jobs but first of all, the jobs you're asking for disappeared with the economic crisis you people created. Secondly, Mitt Romnet and the GOP are yet to explain why their friend and Republican Governor of Florida Rick Scott killed so many jobs by turning down the High-Speed Rail project proposed by the Obama administration. And they're yet to explain why for three straight years they have opposed a comprehensive jobs bill proposed by this administration.
That's right Joe. I live in Florida and Rick Scott turned down the funding for high speed rail. It is very obvious to those that pay attention that the stimulus may not have been as effective as it should have been because, like Scott, a number of the Repub governors either turned down the money our used it in ways that did not create jobs.
CNN has a duty to Time-Warner stock holders to run the stories that people WANT to read, thereby maximizing advertising revenue. It is not Time-Warner's job to be a nanny-corporation that tries to force readers to read things that are good for them. CNN's only obligation is to Time-Warner stockholders. CNN has no responsibility to you.
If the customer wants a banana split, you sell him a banana split. You don't tell him that a bowl of spinach would be better for him.
El Flaco,
So what you are suggesting is that the media should not be fair and unbiased, but instead should feed people banana splits an what ever else the people want to hear. The Ministry of Truth in the book,1984 operated in a similar fashion. But they went a step further. They changed the past to reflect the present, kinda like Bush did with his explanation of going into Iraq. Weapons of mass destruction quickly turned to liberating the Iraqis. Is this REALLY the kind of news you want?If so, turn to Fox News.
The crisis that America is in reflects the politcal circus we are entertained with everyday. Putting the right political puppet in office is all about money. The American people and the occupy movement should be revolting right now for complete reform of our political election system. Who really gives a crap what CNN has to say, Who really gives a crap about all these insane political ads that attempt to stab each other in the back while in the same party, what insanity. In fact the system is such a laughing stock and only caters to the millions of American idiots who like hype, bravado and political entertainment. I can just vision right now a typical idiot saying something like this: "I think Romeny has charisma and speaks well on the issues thats why I will elect him". Another lame idiot in the public that has no wisdom and knowledge. Whats even more interesting, take a poll of every American voter and have them provide you an intelligent report on each candidate with sound rational reasoning backed by facts and see what the result will be, you will find how uneducated the public really is, how easily they are persuaded and how misinformed they really are.
Its time for the American people to get their act together, not the politicians for we already know their end game. If you want real change do your homework and avoid the media.
Fareed Zakaria is great at explaining things in an easily understandable manner.
Simply put, we've outsourced our way to the bottom.
Now we have a service economy, propped up by insidious marketing. A pill for everything and McMansions for everyone, for profit Universities, etc.
All of these propped up service industries are bubbles and when they burst we'll find out the balloon is filled with poop.
The eco progressives have gotten what they wanted – chased manufacturing plants from the borders of the US, as far as they could chase them.. Now their chickens have come home to roost and their solution is more of the same.
Unfortunately, you're right.
fareed, you are way off the mark on romney and how it appears to you some voters are less interested in his baggage – perhaps you should have qualified that as republicans voters may be doing so – we democrats are quite keen of his anti middle class practices and will hold him to it. more disturbingly is your notion that what he did at bain is good capitialism – he was/is a vuture who would take over small businesses to suck any value it had left by making them go into debt to allow him to take out his huge fees – and let those compamies go banckrupt and destroy jobs if they couldn't afford to buy him out or if a buyer could not be found. sometimes he would do it very indirectly, like with the "Lifelike company" where he planted a relative at a 100,000 year salary who went bust after 4 years of trying to get out of their new debt and extra payroll. perhaps more research is necessary at your end – fareed
Romney and Bain didn't have to shed jobs, they did so the CEO and Stockholders could make more money. It was a short term "how can we make the most money right now" strategy that typically ran every company into the ground. The funny part is that you have to go to the people that lost their jobs to find out about it because the company is private and can do whatever they want without having to report it to anyone.
It was Bain who consulted with companies and told them to cut things like retirement benefits and health care so the guys at the top could make more money. I believe that has been part of what led to our current economic downfall. Could you imagine giving the top job to the guy who was a big part in creating the problem in the first place? Doesn't seem to matter who is there...if you aren't already rich in this country..you're screwed..
fareed analysis is off, way off. usa does not have the right trade equation with china, and romney has eloquently articulated that; a state of affair which he will fix it with china. ron paul too has spoken wonderfully on this. fareed is wrong as well in terms of job creation in high tech. the jobs in high tech are going begging in usa. we have a manpower problem, not a job problem in high technology. our exports are up as well. however, europe is causing a slow down. we have actually managed to avoid a recession. however, china is a problem only because the chinese do not allow the real free market to work. they continue to manipualte their currency, block our exports, our legal structure increases our cost of production, our tax structure needs a change on and on. ron paul can do it better than obama or romney can.
A Republican dies and goes to heaven, and St. Pete assigns him posh living quarters with gilded accessories, etc. Another younger saint asks why such royal treatment, and St. Pete responds...."My son, we've never HAD a Republican before."
That's as old as the crust in your mamas underwear
It’s much simpler than that. Americans are just starting to realize what’s been going on in Washington over the past few decades.
Americans are starting to realize that the key to wealth and success is buying favors and preferential treatment from our senators and congress, by the use of lobbyists.
Sadly this corrupt practice is legal.
Imagine that!
Buying politicians is nothing new. It has been going throughout our history. It just seems more obvious today because of the ability to get news out instantaneously. Every major business interest has bought off politicians – land grabs, oil, steel, shipping, mining, banks, you name it. Even our revered Abraham Lincoln was involved in sweet deals with the railroads during the construction of the trans-continental railroad.
America is not the greatest country in the world, at least not anymore and it will continue to get worse until people start realizing that fact.
I’m sure the practice of buying of politicians has existed since time immemorial (since the Egyptians or the Mesopotamians, for that matter), but it’s still wrong; it harms decent people, and it’s not in the best interests of decent citizens.
This is why the great Hebrew prophets railed against any form of corruption. (See: Moses, Isaiah, Amos, Jeremiah, etc.)
Which leader would boast (or admit) that they’ve taken money, in exchange for favors?
They’re ashamed of it, and rightfully so; so they deny they’ve done it, when then can, and they rationalize it, when they can’t deny it.
Americans should insist it stop!
Mr. Zakaria has a tendency to over interpret and bestow grand theories to events that have a far simpler explanation. The reason Romney's "jobs record" is under attack by Republican primary candidates has nothing to do with some fundamental shift in GOP thinking, but is rather a function of the primary process. Desperate to stop Romney, candidates are hurling whatever criticism they can get their hands on to see if it sticks.
This column and the responses in this column-(from both the right and left)-are exactly what is wrong with Congress and our government functioning properly.
So much ideology, so much partisan rancor.
It's honestly disgusting.
Like Obama has not completed one good thing and offers absolutely zero to the American public?
Like Newt, Mitt, Ron Paul and Huntsman have no merits and bring nothing to the table ?
Give me a break.
Give the country a break.
Give us middle class-praying we dont get fired- Americans a break.
What is the singular most important challenge facing the country today?
Taxes? Get real.
Iran? Are you kidding me?
Gay Marriage? Seriously? This is the one issue you are going to decide a President over?
Global Warming ? My head is starting to spin.
I could make a list a mile long but it all honestly boils down to one thing.
The economy.
Nobody has any worth unless they are in 100% lockstep agreement with every single party position, right ?
Wrong.
People gripe n moan about a dysfunctional congress but righties can't admit that the left has done some serious good for America and we have had some amazing left leaning Presidents.
People are up in arms because we can't pass the simplest legislation without threat of veto but lefties won't give the slightest bit of credit to the right or right leaning presidents on any number of issues.
Whatever happened to moderation and compromise?
People want to crucify Romney because he created wealth for his investors?
People want to burn the one guy who has serious real world experience overcoming the single biggest challenge facing the next president because he had the audacity to want everyone in his state to have health insurance?
It just boggles my mind.
We have the government we deserve.
Romney created wealth for his investors by stealing the pensions and jobs from people that "actually worked for a living". The guy is a leech. Without working Americans to such blood from, he'd have withered away long ago.
He didn't steal pensions or suck blood.
He laid people off.
Lots of people.
He also created opportunity where there was failure.
Nature prunes itself all the time and people don't get all up in arms over it.
Forest fires, wars between ant colonies, predator/prey relationships....it is natural.
Layoffs are a harsh reality of the business cycle.
This doesn't make him a bad man, a thief or a vampire.
It makes him a savvy business leader able to make the tough decisions.
“substantive national debate”, are you serious?
From all the posts I've read, I see one problem: divisiveness. One blames the left; another, the right. Jon Huntsman has it right: Country First. It isn't about party or ideology. It's about what's best for all of us that will allow those who want to be employed to do so. There are also unique factors involved that haven't been in play on this level: the effect of the economies of the rest of the world. It's a domino effect: if one goes down, there's a ripple effect in nightmare rocket rides in the stock market, lost profits and lost jobs. There are also systemic issues such as the availability of H-1 visas (those legal workers from overseas to fill American jobs) and the lack of readiness of our own citizens to qualify for the new jobs out there, much are high-tech. It isn't a matter of cutting spending or raising taxes. A new philosophy needs to be adopted by all involved, including government. However, with 527 organizations (Super PACS) driving the debate these days and money flowing into the US government – and it's protected by the Supreme Court as Free Speech – it's going to be a hard sell.
Romney winning in these primaries for one reason and one reason only, and it is NOT because anything has changed in the Republican Party. Hard-line conservatives who have been upset for the last 3 years that a black man is sitting in the Oval Office has driven them to vote for the candidate which they think has the best chance of beating Obama. That's it, pure and simple. It has nothing to do with an epiphany about the economy or what needs to be done to get it growing again. What we're seeing here is more expression of rage at President Obama, to the point that a man who stands for virtually nothing could be the GOP nominee.
Americans are looking for jobs right now. Zakaria, you as an American should be looking at issues with two lens and not one.At the moment you think Obama is the right person to create the jobs Americans desperately need. And you keep on advising the president who is unable to create jobs. Is it not time that you advised the Republicans how they can create the jobs for Americans? Obama was pressured to decline the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada that would have created many jobs for Americans.
President Obama has not declined the Keystone Pipeline – it has been put on hold until further studies on safety are completed. Besides, this is not the end all to our job problem. What can be done right now is what the President wants to do – that is work on our infrastructure which is in desperate need of attention, but who is stopping that??
Romney's real problem, and the media's problem for that matter, is that Ron Paul is near tied with Romney when it comes to their ability to defeat Obama in November. All three are about neck and neck and the establishment and the media HATE it because Paul would actually fix things. Don't take my word for it though. How about Dana Bash's comments on CNN, "...worried like I am that Ron Paul could be the nominee." Ohhhh, the big secret is that we are being lied to by our media. Go watch BBC, RT, Al Jazeera, NHK, French news, CBC, or any other international news and you'll see them reading from the same polls, the same exit polls, our media does. The only difference is they show and talk about how Ron Paul is the people's favorite and of ALL the GOP candidates, has the best chance of beating Obama. Problems is our media and government would rather ride the gravy train until this country is destroyed rather than suck it up and fix some things.
Romney's real problem is himself. He has foot in mouth disease. Making comments like he likes to be able to fire people and corporations are people.
Why would anyone believe a Republican? They cling to guns and religion and shoot their own citizens in the back for personal gain and gratification. They divide America, spread their bigotry, racism and hate then they run off to their private island in some remote area of the world, drink alot, get laid and laugh their tales off at we foolish Americans who keep voting for them. Again, just ask Dick Cheyney. While our kids are still dying in Afghanistan ten years later, he says he has no regrets whatsoever while his love ones are living life to the fullest. And I'm sure he and GBW and Donald Rumsfeld are somewhere playing gulf right now or perhaps raping some minor. Its time the dumb and complacent American people wake to hell up, put their prejudices aside and campaign and vote for politicians who really care about their welfare and their children welfare. Or perhaps you people would eventually wake to hell up when these politicians outrageous actions hit home and take away one of you love ones. Peopel its time to wake to hell up.
don't know about shooting their own people in the back -but I definitely Know some Republicans that Actually saw their Own Mother along side of the highway, in her own car, with a flat tire, after finding out that it was in fact their own mother, they didn't even stop to get out to help her. can you imagine that ? I guess they were hopefully waiting on a Democrat to help her ?? really doesn't make any sense to me, that they feel that way. pitiful.
Romney's problem is his brain,,,,,empty
Mr. Zakaria has identified exactly what every middle class American has known for the past 15 years. There is a reason why citizen unrest in all countries is happening. We are all tired of the 1% controlling the rest of us, the " unclean" masses.
If you are a Republican stop voting against your own best interests. If you are a Democrat help all of us get money and bought and paid for politicians out of our political system.
Yes, but the Dems. are servants of Satan & want to turn America into wusses. Wouldn't you rather be a Proud Corporate Serf than using Govt. to even the playing field?
"Deregulation & Tax Cuts" are the Repub. answer to every economic problem in America." Fight 'em over There Instead of Over Here" is the Repub. answer to every foreign policy problem facing America. And both policies fit on bumper stickers.
Romney's biggest problem is a Texas Doctor named Ron.
Really want to know how you should vote in November? Well, think about what you would do the next time a Republican gets in office, drags us into another illegitimate war and then come knocking on your door for your kid to sign up to fight their war while their own kid goes off to ivy league college.
10 -4
Have all you supporters of Ron Paul actually read his publications that are socially far to the right of the KKK? He is a holocaust denier, a racist, totally anti immigration (not just illegals), etc. And Rick Santorum wants the government out of our lives everywhere except in our homes and bedrooms with a religiously conservative theocracy. I'm not happy with Obama, either, but these "conservatives" are really scary!!
As a Republican, I would rather vote for a democrat than a Mormon...
The recent video circulating of US Marines urinating on dead Afghan soldiers is more reason why Americans shouldn't vote for Republicans whatsoever. That tragedy and travesty is what GWB and these same Republicans in congress allow to take place when they're in charge. A few months ago there was another video showing American soldiers in Afghanistan murdering Afghan civilians for sport and displaying body parts as keepsake. More reason why GWB and cabinet and all the Republicans in congres should all be executed.
And sometimes I just wonder why the domestic Islamic radicals in the United States don't ever target these worthless Republican politicians and teach them a fuc*king lesson. And I just wondered why the Time Square bomber didn't bother to go to Crawford Ranch instead of targeting innocent American citizens. Perhaps if these worthless Republican politicians start being targeted they would eventually stop fuc*king up the lives of Americans and people abroad.
It is not in the bag CNN. There have only been TWO delegate events. Chill and let the people decide who the people want, for a change.
Willard "Mitt" Romney is his own worst enemy with his connections to Bain Capital and his governorship at Massachusetts. I can't get over the picture of him posing with his rich wall street cronies with money in their suits and hands. He likes to fire people and thinks corporations are people. Wow ain't that rich! Bain is his pain and he is the real Gordon Gekko in the election. Greed is Good!!
Miittens real problem is himself.
Mitt albatross are his days with bain capital. He was in charge of dissolving companies, and there's no way you can positively spin this
This incompetent idiot is going around the country attacking President Obama on the economy and saying that too many Americans have been out of work too long and the President hasn't done anything about it. Well, Mitt Romney that is total BS. And perhaps you should explain to the American people why the Republican teabags you support in congress have voted against every jobs bill the President has introduced for three straight years. Furthermore, to ignore what the Stimulus bill has done in helping small businesses to resurface in these trying times or to ignore the fact that many existing businesses are re-hiring as a result of tax incentives is totally outrageous. To ignore the millions of jobs the Stimulus bill has saved in federal, state and local government or the quarter of a million jobs saved in our Auto industry is totally ludicrous. To ignore the fact that some Governors like Bobby Jindel has turned down much needed stimulus relief or the fact that your friend, Florida Governor Rick Scott has turned down the High-Speed Rail project and subsequently killed hundreds of much needed jobs is totally outrageous.
And when you say to the American people how you would work with entrepreneurs to create jobs, what you incompetent idiot forgot to address is that three quarters of the 14 million unemployed have expertise in the private sector that include retail and non skilled jobs. Are these entrepreneurs going to re-open hundreds of retail stores across the country and re-hire many of these unskilled workers? Mitt Romney you're such an incompetent idiot.
Incompetent idiot? Mitt took over a filing Salt Lake OLympics and got it done on schedule and with a profit. He built Bain Capital into a billion dollar business. He took Massachussetts form a deficit to a surplus. He has a dual JD-MBA from Harvard. The real incompetent is Obama and his record shows it. Obama is gifted at making promises he can't keep and the job of President is too much for him. Oh, and he does apologize a lot to an uncaring world. However the only idiots around here are partisan democrats who want victory at any cost and refuse to moderate.
get real! obama has helped to further destroy this country. the republicans want the white house because they think that if anybody is going to destroy the united states, it should be them. we, the american people are screwed either way. other than getting our vote, it's not about us.
see how All the candidates are playing dumb when it comes to creating jobs? with 14 million americans out of work, there is no possible way to create 14 million jobs. the government COULD man up, hire a several hundred thousand new immigration agents whose job it would be to help round up and deport the 14 million illegal immigrants in america sucking our country dry. then there would be 14 million jobs available like magic. the recession would be history in less than a year. the president willing to do that would end up a hero of the american people. name one federal law on the books not being enforced that the average american can benefit from? not a one.
Romney's problem is he is the face of the 1% and wallstreet. Romney=Gordon Gekko.
Bain is his pain.
http://www.bagnewsnotes.com/files/2011/10/Romney-Bain-Capital-money-shot.jpg
LOL, address the problem "centrally"? Why not create a five year central plan like the communists? This is America, and we don't need the Central planning dem party to lead us like sheep and feed us their table scraps.
No, you prefer the table scraps fed to you by the GOP = GREEDY OPPOSITION PARTY.
Zakaria is just a stupid I n d i a n and try's to act like he knows what he is talking about...send him back to India we don't want or ned the maggot.
Someone wrote to me that the crowd you see in Romney's rally are mostly Mormons,
" You can tell?"
"Of course, I can see they are wearing their temple undergarments "
Why do they wear temple undergarments? Is that to gauge how many women they screwed in a twenty four hour period?
Note that in the Mormon religion, "revelation" trumps their books which is why there was polygamy and could be again. This is also why they banned black men from being in the leadership until the 1970s and why they taught that Adam is god of the earth. They believe Jesus and God are separate gods and that there are many gods. They (LDS) believe you can become a god after you die. They believe God started out as a man and then became God.
If you paid any attention to what the Bible says, these things would make sense to you. The mormons can make a convincing argument when you get them one on one. Most of their answers come directly from the King James version of the Bible. That is the translated version of the Bible that the translator was killed by the Catholics for because he made it so the common man could understand.
Now if you can get past the "no coffee, no liquor, and nothing but scripture and sacrament on sunday the rest is easy.
Willard's problem is he is a corporate vulture.
Mittens doesn't like all the attention on Bain capital. That was his capitalist venture and he was rich enough to pull it off, so the rest of the world can envy Mittens.
The guy aint right in the head. Anyone who believes Joseph Smith Jr. found a some gold tablets in the new world is a complete idiot.
Mitt Romney has a serious Mormon problem that isn't going away here's just one example of that http://tiny.cc/Romneyracist
Romney is the perfect Dummy.
You are correct, Mr. Zakaria – the GOP'ers need to back him- instead of continued fighting within -it's not good for the party -nor it's good for the country -Thank You for your talking points – I hope more people will read your article.
What people are discovering is the more they come to know Romney, the less the like him. It's like peeling an onion which only brings tears to the eyes.
Why did Romney only serve one term as governor? He bailed to run for president. Rather strange trying to convince voters he is not a career politician. He's been running for office most of his life and fortunately so far has only been successful once. Lets hope that he loses this time as well.
Republicans care about the middle-class? What planet are you from Mr. Zakaria? The Republicans only pay attention to the middle class every four years. Once the election is over the middle class becomes invisible again to them. We don't put enough money in their pockets to warrant any attention. It doesn't matter who they nominate. The way the Republicans are attacking each other they won't be able to hide any of their prior bad acts. If the electorate uses their brain in November the Republican nominee should finish behind the Tooth Fairy in the election.
The GOP = GREEDY OPPOSITION PARTY's nominating process has already turned in to mud-slinging, name calling dirty campaign. No one is really talking about solutions or not anyone that has a chance at the nomination. These people are afraid to run on their records, have no idea how to solve any problems or the capacity to work together. So what do they do? They revert the standard practice of demonizing the opponent. Great way to select the leader of the free world.
The more the real Romney cuts loose, the more loathsome, cynical, and out of touch he seems. That is Mitt Romney's real problem. That beneath the plaid and the mild manner, lies the heart of cynical career politician, however mediocre, and all values will fall in the pursuit of his "ascension". If you have someone who can only thrive in a "risk management" situation, it is expected in the absence of which, there will be impetus to create one. Romney people want jobs, medicare, pensions, a home, good schools for their kids. People do not want another war.
Romney's real problem is Romney himself. He is a fake. He has changed all his positions. He has no core of beliefs. He will say anything to get elected. His record is moderate but he is saying all lies right now to the right wing Christians fanatics and tea baggers to win the primary. He will change again when the general election starts to show his moderate side to win the independents. But even the right wing now knows his true colors. Gingrich will not go down easy without a bloody fight which will actually hurt the GOP. The right wing GOP supporters may have some problems voting for him in the general election. To them there is no difference between Romney and Obama. Romney has now also become a Mexican to win the Hispanic votes. How cool is that? LOL.
I've been a Republican all my life, but would rather see Obama win again than Mitt Romney.
Romney is soooo out of touch. I consider myself a conservative Republican, but I'll vote for Obama over Romney.
It is not "envy" or "class warfare". In the last 10 years since Bush's stupid tax cuts it is a simple fact – the rich have gotten richer. The middle class is slipping backward. I'm working harder and harder and getting further behind. The only way out of this is to raise the taxes on the wealthy. Let Bush's unpaid for tax cuts expire and then add on another tax bracket at the $1million level for good measure.
Please fellow Republicans, can we unite on one candidate who can beat Obama – Jon Huntsman?
Gingrich has too much baggage.
Romney is out of touch.
Paul is too old and too wacko (although I agree with his principles, a leader can't be so cavalier).
Perry should follow Bachman out the door.
Santorum is too conservative on social issues to win the general election.
Michael, I agree with you. I have been a conservative Republican all my life and active in the party, but I will never vote for Romney. The Mormon religion is so far out of the realm of normal that I really feel like I'm in the twilight zone. This primary season is a freak show, but it's only a taste of the crazy we'll get once the beliefs of Mormons become known AFTER Mitt gets the nod.
You want to know what the beliefs of the Mormons are? Ask them, or, if you are too fat to get up the stairs and out of your grandmothers basement, you could go to mormon.org.
GOP= GOOFY- OUT OF TOUCH-POT HEADS
Mormonism is a polytheistic religion. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are all monotheistic religions. The news media is licking it's lips than Romney will be the Republican pick because it's going to embarrass the Republican party FOREVER with the pagan beliefs of the Mormons which we're blessing.
How is Mormonism polytheistic? And isn't it interesting that the two most rational GOP candidates are Mormons?
I like Romney, and I'm a Democrat.
Since Romney has been unwilling to stake out firmly held convictions, we must judge him by his actions. Bain was more than 15 years ago. What has he been doing lately? Applying hairspray and talking out of both sides of his mouth? Oh yeah, he's running for President.....and we all envy his wealth and firmly held hair.
Those faulting Mormonism because of its doctrines are truly stupid people. SO its not unnatural to say they simply "miss the point". Mitts unpardonable sin IS he lacks feeling the pain of his lessor fortunate citizens. Actually its inexcuseable judging from his past training in life. Mitt uses the word "envy" to describe a fiscal condition in America
thats obviously OUT OF BALANCE and extremely oppressive. If these conditions continue, its going to cause a revolution in this country that will burn his eyebrows from his hansome face.
rich, mormon and from mass, enough for me
So, Newt is a rich fornicator, is he your choice? They are all rich, there isn't a poor or middle class candidate even in the running, mostly because they can't be bought as easily as someone who has more money than they know what to do with.
That expression he wears on his face in that picture will be the exact same one he will lbe wearinf after his first debate with Obama. Its called the OH SH%T look. haha
Romney looks like the type of guy who would enjoy firing people.
Vulture capitalist and corporate raider
Romney's main problem is he is out of touch with the middle class. He likes to get his shoes shined on tarmacs and pose with his buddies with money in his suit. The story about his poor dog on top of his car in 1983 when his kids and wife were in the car is quite disturbing. I can't fathom putting my cat or dog on top of the roof of my car under any conditions I would consider it animal abuse.
No one likes the idea of a Mormon prez. But if one were to consider Mitt Romeny fairly, it ought to be about what he stands for. The last election, voters were concerned about the economy, immigration, ending the war. In the upcoming election, it is still about job creation, the economy, only with the economy now we are post-bailout mode, we have not reached banking reform legislation that helps the economy grow and every republican knows why!!!!
I did not agree with Obama in the last few years, I figured he had the authority to do more for the economy, especially small businesses. So I removed myself from the Dem party and plan on voting for Ron Paul. I would consider revoting for Obama if he made more sense on the economy, today our economy does not show a lot of positive growth.
If a leader is rich, it is likely that they will not be aware of, sensitive to, or be concerned about the plight of those who are less fortunate. It is more likely that rich leaders will blame the poor for being poor, to ease their conscience and feel justified.
This has always been the case.
Consider the Pres. Hoover and Pres. Wilson; consider J. D. Rockefeller; or even consider the Tsar and his family.
The problem is one must be rich and have wealthy patrons (customers) and supporters to be a politician today. Good and decent people like Abraham Lincoln wouldn't stand a chance of being elected today.
There's something terribly wrong with such a corrupt system of our government, where lobbyists have so much influence. Of course the rich won't stand for anyone changing this–nor will our politicians, who are benefitting from this cozy arrangement with the rich donors.
Remember, in Ancient Rome there were about thirty wealth families that ran the empire, and if anyone dared to stand in their way or interfere with their plans, they risked grave consequences.
The American people should be outraged about this and demand that changes be made!
You extream right wing fools ! If you wanted a guy to beat the president you would have Jon Huntsman as your choice and you would get all the left leaning independants like me and all of the young voters that went with Obama in 2008. But nooooo you are going to do the same thing that you did in 2008 and you will lose. And all of those folks mentioned will vote him in again !
Forgive my cynicism, but I’m starting to think that it makes little, if any, difference who’s in the Executive Officer, or who’s holding which seats in the House or Senate. I’m starting to think that one side is about as bad (and corrupt) as the other.
If they put in Romney Obama will win the election and we are Done. Romney isn’t brilliant, he is a flopper without principal and actually no different than Obama. One is as useless as the other.
Cut spending and cut the size of this monolithic Government, when do we measure the impacts of poor results? When America is dead? I think not, inform yourselves or live by your stand in ignorance and these results.
If they cut the size of government, how will they be able to reward their patrons and friends with lucrative jobs and perks?
Classic capitalism? You mean 1. buy a healthy company; 2. Over leverage it; 3. Now pay indecent dividends from the money you've borrowed to the in crowd; 4. Dump it when you've put it so deeply into hock it can't dig its way out.
If that's healthy capitalism, it's no wonder we're in the weeds.
Donald M
Don,
What is sad is the American people have turned a blind eye to all of this, while the rich, with the aid of our leaders (both parties), have fleeced the country.
We the people deserve part of the blame for looking the other way.
How does that saying go about people getting the government they deserve?
Will someone explain what a declaration of a "jobs emergency" means? Does it automatically create jobs from the dust? Will it make it affordable to bring jobs sent overseas back home? Will it bring down consumer costs so that a family actually can exist on a single income?
It sounded like a credible analysis of the Romney campaign, but when the "jobs emergency" thing came up at the end I realized it was just another democrat posing as an objective third party. If you can't beat them, bite them, right?
Romney will win the Republican nomination. Ron Paul will decide to run as an independent because of his strong level of support across demographics. Ron Paul will win the general election in spite of media and "status quo" political efforts to keep it from happening. Bank on it.
Oh, A Paul / Huntsman ticket would look very good.
You ARE joking, aren't you? Have you really lstened to Ron Paul? He has a bunch of wacko ideas that even the American people won't fall for.
Bi-partisan politics is passe and the Republicans and Democrats are a two headed snake. The American people are waking up to this fact in droves – when will you wake up?
I'm voting again for Obama, even though I've found him disappointing in some ways. But what is this crap about blaming the president for everything that goes wrong? He's not a dictator, and has had to deal with a Congress (especially the House) whose main objective is to thwart him at every turn and not let him accomplish anything. Remember Senator Mitch saying that the Republicans' main goal was to defeat Obama in 2012. Now THAT'S statesmanship.
Who was it that said the people get the leaders or government that they deserve?
A lot of people have said similar things but I believe the original was Vladimir Viardo, a Russian.
Thank you and well done, to you, Professor!
Alexis d'Touqueville?
the GOP is a bunch of clowns, vote for them & you will see where the US is going to be 4 years from now.
In government, less is more – vote Ron Paul!
The former Ceo of GE called Rommey the best canidate for president Maybe for the rich and big business he is no friend of the average man Obama is not much different he goes about it in a different way Maybe he should don a KKK outfit on the next Gop state conventions?Would that make him more appealing to the far crazy right of the party?
None of these candidates are appealing you have Gordon Gekko=Mitt Romney, Angry Kung Fu Panda= Newt Gingrich, Howdy Doody=Rick Santorum, George W. Bush the extreme version=Rick Perry and Yoda=Ron Paul.
Romney's problem is he thinks corporations are people and union people are stooges.
Mitt's problem is that he is a republican.
The GOP clown show rolls on.
Our leaders (both parties) seem to forget (or they never understood) that to be a good leader means to be a servant.
It's like being a good shepherd, who puts the interest of the flock before his/her own interests.
A good shepherd would lay down their life for the sheep; and evil shepherd would steal from the flock and run at the first sign of danger, leaving the flock to be destroyed.
Good shepherds led the flock; evil shepherds drove the flock from the back.
God give us good shepherds, not thieves, robbers and cowards!
I find it interesting that Wall Street's recklessness and the lack of understanding from the Congress and Administrations of BOTH parties of how financial markets work, does not play right into Romney's strong suit. He obviously understands it because he made his living in the financial markets and a good one at that. Isn't it Congress's job to pass laws and regulations for the financial industry? So all that went on in those markets was sanctioned by the laws and regulations that Congress passed. I don't remember hearing of anyone in the financial industry going to prison for violating any law or regulation. Bernie Madoff doesn't count he committed fraud! Like it or not everything that has happened to this country and is wrong with this country was started in Washington DC. They set up the rules. Both parties are at fault no denying that. The voters are going to have to be more selective and we are going to have better people to select from. For starters-term limits, no pensions, they need to contribute to Social Security like the rest of us and their pension funds need to be rolled over into Social Security. Health care-they need to be under Obamacare if it is good enough for us it is good enough for them! I would not provide them health care at all. They could be covered under their spouses health care insurance. They CANNOT exempt themselves from the laws they pass. All books written with information learned while paid by the taxpayer those royalties should go in the public coffers.
@ Harriet
I totally agree that we should vote for the best candidate, regardless of the political party. We need to overcome the fringe left and right wings of both parties who vote straight ticket – what poor, brainwashed souls they are.
Romney's real problem is he is a hedge fund manager. We want him to see as last choice for president. Anyone would be better than a corporate looter who has warm relations with other corporate mafia. He will another war and make corporate heads more rich at the cost of american tax payer's dollars.
This sick economy is one of the results of 300,000 million Americans buying Chinese made crap instead of Made In America goods.
Collectively you all destroyed the businesses your forefathers created. And you spit on the Unions that fought the last 100 years to give you YOUR 40 hour weeks, Vacation, Health Care, Pensions.
You all make me sick. Are you all so stupid and think you can do that and keep your jobs, your homes, a strong tax base and schools?
In Kinder garden you all played musical chairs. 300,000 million Americans have been playing economic musical chairs for the last 40 years. lol, enjoy the game suckers you are all losing.
Bad things are supposed to happen to stupid people.
Ad wars focus on jobs
"...More than half of the television ads produced by the National Republican Congressional Committee this past fall have focused on jobs."
GIVE ME A BREAK! DO YOU THINK AMERICANS ARE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THE SINCERITY BEHIND THAT STATEMENT? ...Er, well yes, I am afraid you are correct to assume that.
Will Americans vote the same Republican party back in power, backed by businesses that employ millions of illegal aliens nationwide during this ongoing recession? Yes they will.
Will Americans vote the same Republican party back in power that made expenses tied to out sourcing American jobs tax deductable for major American Corporations? Yes they will.
Will Americans vote the same Republican party back in power that WILL NOT mention repealing NAFTA or China's Most Favored Nation trade status? Yes they will.
Will Americans vote the same Republican party back in power that caused the deregulation that lead us to the financial crisis? Yes they will.
Will Americans vote the same Republican party back in power that caused the deregulation that lead us to the Bank fraud prolonging the home mortgage crisis? Yes they will.
Will Americans vote the same Republican party back in power that WILL NOT consider repealing H1B Wavier exemptions that allow over 65,000 foreign tech workers into the US to take even more American jobs? Yes they will.
Why you may ask?
...Bad things are supposed to happen to stupid people.
Oh dear, what on earth does the average American have to be mad about?
Our wonderful US Government passes NAFTA and American jobs disappear in a great sucking sound south of the border. Ross Perot was right by the way!
US Government will not enforce existing immigration laws and secure the border. Could that be because..
>>Democrats want illegal immigrants because they, and their now naturalized children, vote Democratic to keep the gravy train of free tax payer benefits flowing at the expense of real Americans.
>>Republicans want illegal immigrants because their supporters want cheap labor at the expense of out of work Americans!
US Government gives China Most Favored Nation status and China proceeds to lie, counterfeit and cheat its way to prosperity. More American jobs disappear in a great sucking sound south across the Pacific. Ross Perot was right again by the way!
American companies cry and whine they can NOT find American Tech workers at $4.00 an hour so the US Government passes the H1B Wavier law allowing them to import Indians and others to take American high paying jobs and make their expenses to do so tax deductable!
Bush lies to us and blows the Clinton Surplus on the Iraq war just because Saddam tied to kill his daddy! Or maybe he simply misspelled "Iran" on the attack order. Lol, like that was any stretch of the imagination!
Oil Companies doubled their gasoline prices during the Bush years leading us to the recession.
Republican deregulation helps WALL STREET to SCREW US ALL creating the recession!
Republican deregulation helps BP SCREW US ALL AGAIN!!!
,,,\ , ("0.o") , /,,, So I ask again, why get mad?
Bad things are supposed to happen to stupid people that re-elect their tormentors over and over again.
Bend over and just take it.
Maybe Mr. Zakaria should open an economics 101 textbook and read about public spending crowding out private enterprise...
The only problem Romney has is re tards like zakaria should just shut their big mouth!
You would think that the creative destruction inherent in capitalism would help renew the US economy naturally. One of the problems with unfettered capitalism, however, is when the economy hits a "low", it can go way down below levels that are socially acceptable (and beyond levels that will allow politicians to be re-elected). As a result, we have tinkered with capitalism to the point where we don't know what to adjust, like an auto mechanic who has messed with the carburetor, the fuel line, the spark plugs, etc., to adjust a rattle in the engine. Additionally, everyone of us expects the government to find the "silver bullet" solution to the problem, but if you can truly identify a specific issue that is wrong with the economy, it is multi-causational, not merely a single cause. Finally, we need a government that historically solves major problems through compromise to muddle through this mess. Even if you accept the belief that Congressmen, Senators, the President and the civil servants are smarter than the average citizen (which certainly seems doubtful on many occasions), that's a tall order.
Making a living out of high interest has NEVER been a good way of life. This includes hedging business, stock, high interest credit and many of Wall Street approaches. Mr. Romney grows up with this background. A history has recorded, the best leaders are the people persons and down the earth who e.g. knows how to flip the soil and grow seeds to crops. If the occupiers have been parading for greediness of the 1%, after that choose Romney as a leader, it seems pathetic.
The best thing Obama can do is NOTHING! Every time he does something, he simply makes the situation much worse. He cannot buy his way out of these problems by spending money. He has to solve the core problems.......which continue to go totally unaddressed.
This country is not going to recover. It isn't going to recover, because business no longer needs America to be successful and to make money. That's the bottom line. There are too many other places where business can operate, and they can do it cheaply, in many ways.
Romney's real problem is he's a fake, phony, disingenuine person just like a lot of politicians running for office who make big promises. He will say and do anything to get elected and make profit. He is the face/poster child of 1%, wallstreet barons, fat cats and corporations who put profit over people. A example is Bain capital where Romney and his buddies made profit, but jobs were lost. He claims he created jobs at Bain and while he was governor of Massachusetts where is the proof. I want to see ads of workers saying their jobs were saved and created because of Romney. The truth is you don't see the ads. And when he was governor of Massachusetts the state ranked 47th out of 50 in jobs creation. And also his time running for office he has flip flopped on issues like abortion, gun control, gay rights and health care. He been running for office for years and has the same dried up philosophies that have been heard before. Now he is trying to buy his way to the presidency. What makes him think he can change the politics in Washington? He is no different than anyone else in Washington he can't be trusted.
Why is Romney running on his record as a businessman in the first place. ? As many pointed out leading in the private sector is nothing like leading in Govt. If he is the jobs guru then what do he do about jobs in MA when he was Governor (a job much more similar in nature to being President) ? He was Governor before the greatest recession since the great depression – and if he is the jobs guru as he says jobs must have being growing on trees in MA during his tenure. The truth is that under Romney MA was 47th out of 50 in jobs growth and Romney left office with a 34% job approval rating with zero chance of being re-elected.. He was a total failure as Governor and would be a total failure as President.
You simply can't compete with countries where the minimum wage is pennies.... without tariffs. We pay more for some goods but benefit in the long term with high employment and a strong middle class.
The last three years are not the change Obama promised as he campained on. The economy is far worse, the debt has skyrocketed to a frightening new high, unemployment is still higher than when he took office and on and on and on. His vision of a socialist country is against the basic principles on which our country was founded. Obama's inexperience and lack of leadership is ruining our country. He needs to go. Any republican would do a better job than Obama.
once unemployment benefits exhausted, you're not counted as being unemployed anymore. figure in those unemployed and the unemployment rate is much higher than the government would have you believe.
Romney's problem is he's trying to act like a person he isn't. He is claiming to be an individual who understands the economy better than anyone else just like all these crooked politicians. He is not a fortune teller and prognosticator of the economy. If he was a great creator of jobs someone would have said how many jobs he helped to create at Bain or as governor. I don't hear about it I hear he was ranked 47th out of 50 as governor of Massachusetts in job creation. And at Bain I've heard him say he created 100,000 jobs. How and when did he create these jobs? Where are the testimonials of people benefiting from these mysterious jobs? I don't hear these questions answered. It is outrageous and disingenuous when politicians on both sides make up false claims they can magically make the economy great. No one individual can make the economy great. All of the these slick politicians are guilty of misleading the public. It is the duty of the people to do research on these so called leaders and hold them accountable and making sure the politicians are doing what they say.
It seems everyone is missing the point: you can't compete with someone able to work (and survive, even if in crap conditions that they are used to) for $4-5 per DAY if you are in the USA. I know, I tried, but between the tax fraud and the like, a bunch of guys/gals from overseas came from overseas and destroyed my career. They made $10-11 an hour here, and after 6 years, they went home to enjoy about $900,000.00 (taxes paid!!!) for the rest of their life. They are now in the Phillipines (1994 PerCap: $740 yr VS USA PerCap: $8400.00 yr). Do the MATH!
I don't think any of these candidates has ever had to worry about whether they can pay rent, putting food on the table and sleeping in cars. They (the candidates) cannot talk about real issues, because they have never lived them. And out of all these candidates running for office. Romney is the richest and he has stated many people are envious of the rich because they are successful. How could he possibly understand the common person's problems? Simple he can't.
Well thank god Obama has no problems or none that CNN would ever talk about..
I would love it if some one would be gracious enough to tell me what happen to COMMOM SENSE..It makes one wonder if some of us should be on drugs to see that a duck is a duck if it looks the part quacks and swim in the lake . ...My God... I came accross a couple during the course of my job in the medical field who did not have health insurance and one of them was on social security disability, but did not have medicare. I bring this up just to give those of you ( who are willing to see) just how some of us have been convinced to chop off our own arm. The couple tells me that they do not need Obama's care because it would be just Canada, having to wait to long for a test or procedure. I ask them how do they know this? They said that's what they have been told...my question ? how could anyone know if it has not been implemented yet. Well that didn't go over well, to that they stated that government shouldn't be in health care, but I ask ..What is medicare, the medicare that you want is Goverment..dah... Then the couple states that they did have insurance but could no longer afford the premium and had to let it go. Okay... so you need affordable health insurance right? Yeah, but not government insurance...okay...Them they informed me that the medical insurance companies need to lower their premiums...So I asked them this simple question...have you ever watched the ticker tape of the stock exchange? well the ssinsurance company basically stay in the green not red, which means they are making money...So..do you really expect the insurance companies to lower their premiums.....I don't think so ..not with the cost of health care. I did not / could not discuss the fact that although they did not have health insurance they were being treated and the government was paying some of that bill even though they did not have governemnt insurance . It would have been fruitless to tell them that they way I understand it is that their premium would be based upon their income and it should be affordable , that they could not be turned down because of their poor health.. that they themselves drives up the cost of healthcare by not having any coverage.
I think that all those who are so against national healthcare should spend the day at their local hospital ER. Then what say yea, refuse treatment and let the people suffer or even die on the sidewalk...what sa yea....
So now Zakaria is telling us what Romney's real problem is? Is he the one that gets to decide? Or is the liberal media telling all of the drones what to think agian. I would just once like to see a story with unbais point and then counter point.
A very perceptive article. Great job, Fareed.
I think that America's problem is that everyone has an extreme point of view. There is never a balanced approach to problems such as job growth.
Extreme capitalism, which the Republicans preach, will destroy rather than create jobs. Neither will extreme socialism, because the government cannot take over job creation; it is not sustainable.
Where is the balance? Both the US and Canada need to find this balance.
Farheed, you are an expert on Pakistan, all things middle East, The European debt criss, South American neo-socialist politics and now Romney to name a few. How do you maintain all that knowledge in that little head of yours?
"Now it is striking that this attack is coming in a Republican presidential primary. After all, what Romney did while at Bain Capital was classic capitalist 'creative destruction.' He took over businesses and tried to make them more productive and efficient. To do so, he often had to shed jobs.
"Republicans should be celebrating Romney’s prior work as an example of how the market functions – driving out inefficiency, generating productivity and creating a lean, mean capitalist machine."
One suspects that the reality is that most rank-and-file Republicans do not fully appreciate the extent to which "market capitalism" (a new political buzz word) is about layoffs and outsourcing - in addition to reducing salaries, benefits and retirement payments to U.S. workers who are not laid off. It's possible that a lot of them think they're voting about affirmative action and welfare benefits (not realizing that they may need welfare benefits themselves in a decade or so).
Fareed,
In reference to your article “Romney’s Real Problem”, CNN 1/11/12, I agree with you as far as you’ve gone. The Republicans are not addressing the REAL ISSUE: How do we create new industries that are wealth-producing in order for the nation to pay its bills.
However, you have not acknowledged that the Democrats have also failed to address this issue. Thus, in my opinion, you continue to encourage a great divide in our country – the Left versus the Right. Certainly a polarized political approach to such a root dilemma is not in the best interests of our country.
Based on past experience, to hope for a “substantive national debate” during the general election is unrealistic. And why should we be looking exclusively to “a political solution”? Maybe we should approach the challenge as an experienced business would: bring together the “Best and Brightest” in a constructive environment that objectively defines the scope of challenge, evaluates the various alternatives, and selects the best approach to address this huge problem.
Unless this happens we are SUNK!
Romney believes in the idea of Austerity Measures, which is what Europe is doing now. Essentially he wants to cut the economy, not the debt. This is meant to help the banks, not the people and doesn't address the fact that the only reason we are afloat at all is because of our economy which pays the interest rates on that massive debt. When the economy shrinks we can't pay either the debt nor the interest on it.
Romney is a fool.
Very little difference between Obama and Romney, both are puppets of the same special interests. there is little difference between their policies.
Ron Paul is the only candidate for change.
Why can't the GOP run someone with even half the intellect of Fahreed? He's the only one who can make sense out of the mess we've gotten ourselves in today.
Zakaria misses the boat about the jobs created in recent years. They are jobs that do not bring in money. He says "The only jobs we’ve really created have been in industries like health care, government, and construction," These consume our money without bringing it in.
What you don't understand Fahreed, is that the private sector is best for creating jobs. If you tax them, they'll move to other countries. When the government runs the economy, it's socialist and just ruins everything to where only the companies that get government money do well. And then they raise the prices on their goods causing inflation.
For example, fed education dept got a huge budget annually, yet spend 40% of those $$$$$$$ on overhead, i.e. adminstration operation at DC. When the rest of money goes to states, another 40% of remaining budget will be spent on state adminstration of education dept plus on the accompliance to fed education policy. How much money really goes to our teachers and children per head? You do the math. This has been going for more than three decades? It is simply legal corruption. That is why there are so many fat cats running around DC area and the real estates are so booming.
Bring any of those clowns on. Obama will beat Romney without blinking. Just take your loss. Republican ideas created this recession, it takes democrats to bring things back.
Colbert for prez in 2012.
Too bad Zakaria can't run for president - he has infinitely more to offer than any of the GOP candidates, candidates whose lack of compassion and ethics and understanding of the problems America is facing is compounded by their inherent arrogance and willful disregard of the majority of Americans well-being.
I really like his thorough analysis of the issues. But remember, it is quite a feat to sit on the sidelines and take issue with our concerns as well as make projections and forecasts on "How it should be done". However, once in the pot of boiling water, it is and will always be a different "ball of wax".
I don't believe Romney can make a better fiscal policy and eventually a job creating environment if he gets elected. For an example, Romney emphased upon building more huge Navy ships to generate the job on the back of taxpayers $$$, indicating he will go the same way as Bush did before, i.e. starting another abroad war to stimulating the economy at home.
I am not anti-military and I am also for strong defence policy, but we don't have a strong enemy that we have to spend a quater of our fed budget annually to deal with. We should spend the real dollars on the next generation of defence systems' R&D utilizing the hi-tech, but should not manufacture the out-dated weaponries, unwanted bombers, jets and ships at all. I know our defence industries need contracts to survive and they have a huge lobby on hill. Our president and congress can offer them the demostic contracts to build the new hospitals, unversities, power plants with renewable nature sources, and smart power transport lines and grids, large scale of water reservation systems, super high ways of internets with machnism of defence against cyber terrorism. All those may only cost 1/10 of our current defence budget to do annually. Obama and GOP politicians should do the right things for this country.
Zakaria absolutely hit nail on the head with this article.
As someone who has lost job due to outsourcing, I fully understand the gravity of the challenge. America not being able to compete and create jobs in the world economy IS the story. Most of the responders on this list fail to even comprehend this core issue.
Too often all we hear from our politician is that all we need is a series of good tax cuts. Our dreams will come true. We have had it easy and we have believed our own self-congratulatory marketing.
We really need to wake up. Sadly, competing in the world economy takes real work and sacrifice, not some quick-fix tax cut.
Good article!
I agree that Romney's mission at Bain was "How To Make Money" and NOT "How To Create Great Jobs in the USA for Americans! Only a national policy totally dedicated to "GROWTH" ... will new, high paying jobs be created and will expand the middle class population to earn more and contribute more to the economy. A bit of Obama's ideas, a bit of Ron Paul's courageous and far sighted ideas, and a lot from the "Creative Brain Trust" of the USA can make this possible. I like Jack Welsh's proposed strategy: 5% annual growth and 5% unemployment! Just like Jack Kennedy set a goal to land on the moon some years ago,, it is time to set a national goal of 5% and 5%!! Key government policies, major corporate strategy, a new national Energy policy and total revision of our sad foreign policy need to be focused on the " GROWTH" of our economy and the long term stability of this country. A leader with this vision and mission is the one that I will vote for.
I do agree with you–But, what do you see or know in factual terms the achievements of the Obama Administration toward your diatribe of issues? Or for that matter the lack of
Ron Paul is the only President who will take the Oath of Office seriously.
We can't create any jobs in the "“tradable sector" not because we don't innovate and have great ideas to sell, but because we let China steal all our intellectual property or let them buy off our firms with illegal trade advantages like export subsidies and currency manipulation so the jobs that should come from innovation go to Shenzhen. Romney understand this. Fareed does not because he's been leading our naive march right over the cliff.
Let's make Barack Obama a twe-term president. Not perfect, but far superior to any Republican except maybe Huntsman, who is dropping out.
Silly comments-show me a few facts or are we so poorly educated that we cannot determine fact from fiction. Check out the last three years of Obama's administration as compared to the Bush's administration 8 years. I see a marked and clear difference of the financial, political and social trends in favor of the American Citizens from the Obama Administration. The most I get from the Bush's administration is, well.... we all know what. Makes a lot of difference on the direction the vane is pointing as we head into the abyss of 2012.
Why isn't there a disclosure statement with every article written by Fareed ? He is a hired consultant for the Obama administration. As a consultant for the WH, he has a potential issue with loyalty. This is not a effort to discredit him, only a desire that full disclosure take place.
75% of CNN is on the PObama payroll directly or indirectly
Zakaria has obviously officiallty joined Obama's relection campaign operating within CNN – apparently he was called into CNN's executive meeting on campaign strategy and told to start hitting the GOP frontrunners, and take aim at Romney
CNN should put a POSTSCRIPT after everything on their web site wihich states " I am Barack Obama and I approve this message"
CNN = Certainly Not News
When Romney ran in MA for a governor"s office, his opponent, a woman as I remember, was a total zero and I could not believe that the Democrats in MA were that stupid. The campain was a joke and he easily won. Romney thinks and his backers in the Republican Party that he may do the same with Obama. As I see it , Romney is no match for Obama-Mitt is not smart enough, not even in the same class. Ron Paul is the only one that can beat Obama with SUBSTANCE and his message. The media has been trying to destroy Ron Paul . I hope that the next debate is not foolishly biased like the last one-it makes mockery out of our "democracy ". So, Romney's real problem is Ron Paul and Mitt is no match with his b.s. and loads of money. People can see that Romney is more of the same 1% agenda we had for years.
Right and wrong! Romney is dangerous to Christianity ... but Ron Paul, as libertarian, is even more so! The conclusion is: we need a Gingrich-Santorum ticket, or else Santorum-Bachmann! The third choice would be Gingrich-Bachmann ticket, although I fear that the two wouldn't get along.
His problem is his 1% agenda.
COLBERT 2012!!
I am a mormon and I like Ron Paul. I also like Romney becuase I think he has the skills to help our economy. I am shocked at how some of you have insulted the Mormon religion.
You hit the nail of your "problem" in the head. Mormons and libertarians, as enemies of traditional Christianity, will get along for the sake of hurting Christians!
Celeste, I hope that you do not blame me for "insulting your religion." There was never a greater insult to Christianity, sort of the Crucifiction, that the Mormon "rewriting of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Talk about your "religion!
Obama continues to let our American soldiers patrol daily along the same routes full of IED in Afganistan. It is sane to all of us at home to see so many terribly wounded soldiers coming home. That is why the congress should declare a war status prior to going into war with anyone or states and let military generals decide what should take to eliminate the enemies by anymeans ( including Nukes) to minimize our casualties first. We should never fight so-called political-correct war like this ever. It is senseless to let our children die and wound as we see last decades.
COLBERT 2012!!!!
I agree I would definitely vote for Stephen Colbert rather than any of these GOP candidates.
Mormons and jobs don't mix. that's the crux of Mitt Romney's problem. A President that outsorces American jobs to China in order to maximize own profit does not belong in the White House!
There is an interesting book out called "the Real Romney" by Michael Kranish and Scott Helman. It gives insight into Mitt Romney's family life, governorship of Massachusetts and at Bain.
Mitt "multimillionaire" Romney pays 15% in taxes when people making less pay more. And was payed 374,327 in speaker fees.
By his estimation $374,327 "Isn't much". Hey Mitt – Double check with your campaign manager how far the market research consultant said you were supposed to roll up the sleeves on your shirt to connect with the common man to make up for that one!
Getting to the root of the problem and closing off the leak of Government spending is the only to stabilize our economy "for good" not just throwing out another stimulus package that sends us more into debt. If you have cracks in your house walls you don't just plaster over them you fix your foundation. Ron Paul is the only viable candidate that speaks of getting to the root of the problem which auditing and controlling the Federal Reserve. Any one that lets ridiculous party names like Republican or Democrat get in the way of seeing that should reevaluate the prospective.
Romney is a fake, the solution simple -Obama 2012
Romney's real problem is attention deficit. One of the richest men in the world, and certainly in America. The presidency for him is a narcissistic prize. It will make him a king. He wants to be highly regarded. He has been a robber baron who's now bored with that concept. He needs you pawns to love him, and just like he did with those bankrupted companies, he will make YOU part of the calculus. You voted for him, but he'll celebrate with the wealthiest of us and forget you. I've seen him in the debates. He is not worthy of the respect he's managed to purchase and deceive from you. He is the vulture that the candidates YOU USED TO SUPPORT (remember?) say he is. He hasn't changed. "JUST BEAT OBAMA!!" you cry, never worrying about what comes after. Like a football game. A return to the old status quo? It was deteriorating. Rich getting richer, but not you. Rather pathetic, really to know such ignorance and hate abound.
I'm not an American, so trash me if you will, BUT I think you'all expected way too much from one individual, and are now sadly disappointed. Perhaps a different perspective, a realistic look at history and reflect as Mr. Zakaria notes "America hasn’t been able to create jobs in any sector that’s subject to global and technological pressures. As a result, there is a huge sense of disillusionment, disappointment and pessimism among Americans." I'm not sure how Mr. Obama can lead when he can't even really be heard. The current situation is difficult to watch and I'm afraid to look into Boehner's eyes.
Romney's problem is he has a lot of skeletons in his tax closet in the Cayman Islands and at Bain.
The real problem for Willard is tax evasion.
It's about time he will release his tax returns on Tuesday.
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Week 3: 5th November to 11th November
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This is the party that’s had a Bush or a Dole on its ticket for 20 years. It’s a party that also had Richard Nixon on its presidential ticket for 20 years. This need to be underlined !! People, let's to it again, let's fight for our rights !
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