2012 Conventions; Tampa & Charlotte

[INDY500]

I thought I'd start a thread just for the conventions to highlight those activities and then maybe we can start a 2012 election thread.

So here's the first headline:

Isaac May Impact 2012 Republican National Convention

As delegates and the media gather for the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., Aug. 27-30, an unwanted visitor, "Isaac," may join in.

Tropical Storm Isaac is forecast to become a hurricane later this week as it moves west-northwestward, touring the northern Caribbean with squalls of heavy rain, gusty winds and rough seas.

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Good idea .

Didn't one of the conventions, can't remember which party, deal with a similar problem a number of years back? Not having much luck with that, are they?

Hope the storm passes them by (and for those it will definitely affect, hopefully it won't be too bad).

 

[INDY500]

Good idea .

Didn't one of the conventions, can't remember which party, deal with a similar problem a number of years back? Not having much luck with that, are they?

Hope the storm passes them by (and for those it will definitely affect, hopefully it won't be too bad).

Good memory. The GOP convention turned it's first day into a hurricane relief telethon or something. Odd since they were in Minneapolis.

 

[digitize]

Time for Ron Paul to officially win the GOP nomination!

August surprise: How Ron Paul can win the nomination - National Ron Paul | Examiner.com

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Yeah, they decided to put some of their activities on hold and stuff. Which I actually thought was rather nice and understandable, even though, as you said, they wouldn't have been affected given where they were. But meh. The joys of this stuff coinciding with the peak of hurricane season, eh?

Course, then again, hurricanes are probably a pretty good metaphor for the craziness of politics in general, huh ?

 

[deep]

Democrats and Republicans have equal interest in polls. One of them just pays a bit more attention to who’s dancing on them.

'Hands Down' - GOP 'Best Customers' At Party Conventions

 

[U2DMfan]

5 speeches to pay attention to (or not) on Day 1 of the Republican convention.

Speaker John Boehner
Senator Rand Paul (KY)
Governor Nikki Haley (SC)
Mike Huckabee
Mrs. Ann Romney

6 more for day 2 (Tuesday) - the rest of the schedule isn't available yet.
I made it 6 because all of these are potential 2016 candidates and Santorum, well, you never know what wacky shit he's going to say.

Senator Rick Santorum
U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (NH)
Governor Mary Fallin (OK)
Governor Bob McDonnell (VA)
Governor Bobby Jindal (LA)
Governor Susana Martinez (NM)
Governor Chris Christie (NJ)

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Good to note. Will keep an eye out.

The second day's lineup should be particularly interesting...

 

[MrsSpringsteen]

Does anyone know how they decide where it's going to be? Why would you have it in FL in August? Not to mention how freaking hot and humid it is.

Don't think I'll be watching that much (the Democratic one either), and I already know I have to wash my hair whenever Santorum is speaking.

 

[Popmartijn]

Does anyone know how they decide where it's going to be? Why would you have it in FL in August? Not to mention how freaking hot and humid it is.

I think they decide based on whichever location is most advantageous to them in the general election. Why have in in Florida? Big swing state. Holding the convention there will generate lots of local/state press, which might influence some state voters to vote Republican.

In other news...
GOP Convention In Stadium Built With 62% Government Funds | The Daily Dolt

[T]he GOP has announced that its Tuesday night session will be themed “We Built This!” The sentiment serves as both a celebration of American entrepreneurship and an attack on President Obama’s previous comments to business owners. President Obama received criticism over his remark, “Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you [business owners] to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.”

However, the stadium where the GOP will be announcing “We Built This!” was financed primarily by the government. The Tampa Bay Times Forum arena, which houses the Tampa Bay Lightning, was built in 1996 as the “Ice Palace” with 62% government funds. The total budget for the project was $139 million, of which public money accounted for $86 million and team money accounted for $53 million.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

So what will all the douchey religious nut jobs who always blame the gays and our all around lack of morals for hurricane strikes say when a hurricane hits Tampa right as the Republicans get to town?

 

[U2DMfan]

I think they decide based on whichever location is most advantageous to them in the general election.

Yep. That's pretty much the lone reason.

 

[corianderstem]

So what will all the douchey religious nut jobs who always blame the gays and our all around lack of morals for hurricane strikes say when a hurricane hits Tampa right as the Republicans get to town?

They'll blame the conservatives for not being conservative enough.

Or maybe for spending too much time thinking about and discussing women's ladyparts.

 

[BigMacPhisto]

Governor Nikki Haley (SC)

Watch this one on mute and a good time will be had for all.

 

[deep]

write your own caption

 

[deep]

So what will all the douchey religious nut jobs who always blame the gays and our all around lack of morals for hurricane strikes say when a hurricane hits Tampa right as the Republicans get to town?

It is a good place marker, it is a sign.
When Romney does not win, they will refer to this.
They will say nominating a non-Christian cultist that was soft on abortion and gay rights, and a money changer > is why God allowed Obama to win a second term

GOP blew it, they had a true God fearing man in Santorum.

 

[INDY500]

Sarah Palin Strippers Flown to Tampa to Give Republicans Lap Dances For RNC Weekend

Sarah Palin Strippers Flown to Tampa to Give Republicans Lap Dances For RNC Weekend

To rev up for the upcoming Republican National Convention in August, Tampa –– the strip club capital of the South –– strip clubs are getting creative to increase the number of patrons. To cater to potential new customers among the 50,000 people in town for the RNC, one adult venue hired Sarah Palin look-a-like and porn star Lisa Ann to strip at their club. It is no secret that sex and politics often mix, but this becomes a real problem when a party’s stance is built around condemning any kind of deviant sexuality.

Capitalism.

 

[deep]

Who built them ^ ??


I already posted that the GOP was better at supporting these small businesses.

'Hands Down' - GOP 'Best Customers' At Party Conventions

 

[INDY500]

write your own caption

Palin/Haley 2020

 

[deep]

here's a caption

"How long do we have to smile and wave?"

"Until they throw us a bone."

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

It is a good place marker, it is a sign.
When Romney does not win, they will refer to this.
They will say nominating a non-Christian cultist that was soft on abortion and gay rights, and a money changer > is why God allowed Obama to win a second term

GOP blew it, they had a true God fearing man in Santorum.

I'm depressed because you're probably right.

 

[BigMacPhisto]

I've prognosticated since the beginning of the year as to what the Fox News spin on the Romney-loss will be. And it will be three things:

1 - Romney wasn't conservative enough. Obviously, this holds no water. He's pretty much running to the right of Bush for Christ's sake. But that's what they'll believe considering they think they're the silent majority. That he failed to show strong differences between himself and Obama. In John Kerry's case, this mode of thinking was correct, but certainly not in Romney's.

2 - Romney was a dull candidacy that didn't inspire anyone. This will get about double the air time as #1 and will usually be coupled with it on Fox News.

3 - This is the biggie and the most obvious. The conservatives will complain that the public is uninformed, and Fox News (of all places!) will be the ones to state this case ad nausea. In fact, I already found an article earlier this spring written by Bill O'Reilly that made that exact case. This will ultimately be their big excuse after they raise the Tea Partiers hopes only to see a huge loss in November. "It's not that the rest of the country isn't with us, it's that they're misled by propaganda!"

 

[Moonlit_Angel]

Pretty much, yeah. It has been really funny watching the GOP and the Fox News types and such trying to build up enthusiasm for Romney. You know after he loses they'll eventually drop him like a hot potato and try and find someone much more tied to the base.

That Palin strippers story is just all sorts of wrong on so many levels. Ick.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

I've prognosticated since the beginning of the year as to what the Fox News spin on the Romney-loss will be. And it will be three things:

1 - Romney wasn't conservative enough. Obviously, this holds no water. He's pretty much running to the right of Bush for Christ's sake. But that's what they'll believe considering they think they're the silent majority. That he failed to show strong differences between himself and Obama. In John Kerry's case, this mode of thinking was correct, but certainly not in Romney's.

2 - Romney was a dull candidacy that didn't inspire anyone. This will get about double the air time as #1 and will usually be coupled with it on Fox News.

3 - This is the biggie and the most obvious. The conservatives will complain that the public is uninformed, and Fox News (of all places!) will be the ones to state this case ad nausea. In fact, I already found an article earlier this spring written by Bill O'Reilly that made that exact case. This will ultimately be their big excuse after they raise the Tea Partiers hopes only to see a huge loss in November. "It's not that the rest of the country isn't with us, it's that they're misled by propaganda!"

He can run to the right of Bush all he wants, but he can't run from his record... that's what they'll spin it as.

Funny thing is... I'm gonna vote for Obama again, but if Governor Mittens was running instead of Candidate Mittens, I'd probably vote for President Mittens.

I'm not voting for the Big O because he's done such a good job... he hasn't. I'm voting for him because the other option sucks.

 

[U2DMfan]

Me too. But not even because of Mitt 'Snake Oil' Romney.

But because having a Republican President empowers those goons from the Tea Party.
They will control the whole show. Divided Government (balance of power) is one thing we need that we can accomplish (or simply maintain). The congressional Republicans will have no choice but to play a little ball (see: Clinton's 2nd term).

And I say this as someone that is somewhat fiscally conservative.
So really, I think it's not such a bad thing to lose the congress to Republicans. What we don't need is rubber stamping lunacy via Romney pacifying those those Tea Party clowns.

 

[Irvine511]

Who built them ^ ??

that's pretty funny.

 

[Irvine511]

I've prognosticated since the beginning of the year as to what the Fox News spin on the Romney-loss will be. And it will be three things:

1 - Romney wasn't conservative enough. Obviously, this holds no water. He's pretty much running to the right of Bush for Christ's sake. But that's what they'll believe considering they think they're the silent majority. That he failed to show strong differences between himself and Obama. In John Kerry's case, this mode of thinking was correct, but certainly not in Romney's.

2 - Romney was a dull candidacy that didn't inspire anyone. This will get about double the air time as #1 and will usually be coupled with it on Fox News.

3 - This is the biggie and the most obvious. The conservatives will complain that the public is uninformed, and Fox News (of all places!) will be the ones to state this case ad nausea. In fact, I already found an article earlier this spring written by Bill O'Reilly that made that exact case. This will ultimately be their big excuse after they raise the Tea Partiers hopes only to see a huge loss in November. "It's not that the rest of the country isn't with us, it's that they're misled by propaganda!"

they'll blame the liberal media. they always do. for everything.

 

[financeguy]

Wow, is the election over? Must have missed that.

 

[PhilsFan]

Sarah Palin Strippers Flown to Tampa to Give Republicans Lap Dances For RNC Weekend

Capitalism.

I actually met her once. Did an interview at a media entity I used to be employed at. She's a Lakers fan, which bugged me.

 

[Irvine511]

So what will all the douchey religious nut jobs who always blame the gays and our all around lack of morals for hurricane strikes say when a hurricane hits Tampa right as the Republicans get to town?

some of them have their hands full and probably won't be saying much:

Rev. Grant Storms, critic of Southern Decadence, convicted of obscenity for public masturbation
Published: Wednesday, August 22, 2012, 6:59 PM

By Paul Purpura, The Times-Picayune

The Rev. Grant Storms, the former "Christian patriot" pastor whose marches against homosexuality at New Orleans' Southern Decadence festival briefly put him in the national spotlight, was convicted of obscenity Wednesday, for exposing himself while masturbating at Lafreniere Park last year. In his confession, he described public masturbation as "a thrill," but authorities debunked suspicions that he was a pedophile.

Storms, 55, who lives in Metairie, declined to comment after the conviction. Judge Ross LaDart of the 24th Judicial District Court, who presided over the daylong trial because Storms waived a jury, did not even break to deliberate. He promptly found Storms guilty of the single count of obscenity. He sentenced Storms to three years of probation, citing no evidence of a criminal history.

LaDart also ordered Storms to be evaluated, apparently psychologically. The judge noted that in Storms' confession, he admitted that Feb. 25, 2011, the day he was arrested, was the third time that week that he masturbated in Lafreniere Park.

"Lafreniere Park is a public place," LaDart said in announcing the verdict.

"Lafreniere Park is a place that was chosen by this defendant to engage in a history of masturbation."

Storms declined to testify. His attorneys, Brett Emmanuel and Donald Cashio, did not overtly deny their client masturbated in the park but argued he never exposed his penis. The exposure was a necessary element of the obscenity charge.

In his confession, Storms told Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Sgt. Kevin Balser he had taken a break from his grass cutting business to sip a beer in the park, where he said he became "horny." He said he put his hands into his underwear, but he never exposed himself.

"Why do you go to the park and do this, as far as masturbating?" Balser asked Storms hours after the arrest.
"I don't know," Storms responded. "I guess a thrill."
"So it's a thrill-slash-fantasy for you?" Balser asked.
"Yes," Storms said.

The incident immediately raised speculation that Storms was a pedophile, because he masturbated with children nearby. Assistant District Attorney Seth Shute shot those allegations down outright Wednesday, saying in opening statements that detectives found no evidence of child pornography on his computer or cell phone, and there was "never a shred of evidence (showing) that Mr. Storms was masturbating to children."

Apparently attempting to explain to police why he exposed himself, Storms confessed that as a grass cutter, he carried a "pee bottle" with him, and on the day of his arrest, he sipped a beer in his van and then had to urinate. He did it in the bottle, instead of walking to a park restroom. However, Detective Donald Zanotelli testified he searched Storms' van and found no bottles with urine in them.

Following his arrest, Storms provided an impromptu press conference for local television reporters, accusing the Sheriff's Office of suggesting he was a pedophile and calling detectives "maniacal" and "coercive." But he admitted to have watched pornography that day and to putting his hands in his pants. "I apologize deeply for my inappropriate, sinful actions," he said tearfully, describing himself as "disoriented and confused."

The press conference came back to haunt Storms, as Shute used a recording of it as evidence Wednesday. "It begs the question: What is he apologizing for?" Shute said.

The exposure appeared to be incidental. Shute's key witness was Maria Soto, an Hispanic nanny who at times needed help from an interpreter to testify. She said she was taking three children to Lafreniere for a picnic when she parked in a shady spot next to Storms' minivan. She got out of her car and happened to see him doing the deed as he reclined in the driver's seat, wearing a hat that partially covered his face.

She said he saw her and immediately covered his penis with his other hand. Emmanuel, Storms' attorney, challenged her claim of seeing the penis, asking her at one point if she had ever seen a man masturbate. She became angry. "That's embarrassing for you to ask me that," Soto told him.

Storms received national media attention in 2003, for his leading his small congregation through the French Quarter during the annual gay festival, Southern Decadence, admonishing homosexuals and calling the city of New Orleans a "prostitute" for allowing the event that generates tourism dollars. A Bourbon Street merchants association at one point went to court to get a restraining order barring Storms and his followers from using bullhorns. National news media converged on New Orleans in 2003 to cover his protests.

Grant Storms, Anti-Gay Louisiana Pastor, Convicted Of Obscenity For Masturbating In Public

raise your free hand if you're surprised.