TVTropes Now available in the app store!
Open

Follow TV Tropes

Following

The General US Politics Thread

Go To

Nov 2023 Mod notice:


There may be other, more specific, threads about some aspects of US politics, but this one tends to act as a hub for all sorts of related news and information, so it's usually one of the busiest OTC threads.

If you're new to OTC, it's worth reading the Introduction to On-Topic Conversations and the On-Topic Conversations debate guidelines before posting here.

Rumor-based, fear-mongering and/or inflammatory statements that damage the quality of the thread will be thumped. Off-topic posts will also be thumped. Repeat offenders may be suspended.

If time spent moderating this thread remains a distraction from moderation of the wiki itself, the thread will need to be locked. We want to avoid that, so please follow the forum rules when posting here.


In line with the general forum rules, 'gravedancing' is prohibited here. If you're celebrating someone's death or hoping that they die, your post will get thumped. This rule applies regardless of what the person you're discussing has said or done.

Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM

LMage Since: May, 2011
#36426: Nov 2nd 2012 at 7:33:22 PM

So, what are the polls looking like? A last check their was 5 point distances between Romney and Obama in Ohio with Obama leading, but that was before the Hurricane.

TheyCallMeTomu Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
#36427: Nov 2nd 2012 at 7:46:07 PM

A lot of the polling stopped when the Hurricane hit.

Completion oldtimeytropey from Space Since: Apr, 2012
oldtimeytropey
#36428: Nov 2nd 2012 at 7:57:43 PM

State polls are still going on, and the polls in Ohio show Obama retaining that lead. He has gone up in other swing states, too, and is now projected to win over 300 electoral votes.

PotatoesRock Since: Oct, 2012
#36429: Nov 2nd 2012 at 7:59:15 PM

Five Thirty Eight has Obama set at an over 80% chance of taking the election as of now.

johnnyfog Actual Wrestling Legend from the Zocalo Since: Apr, 2010 Relationship Status: They can't hide forever. We've got satellites.
Actual Wrestling Legend
#36430: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:00:50 PM

I Like Those Odds.

I'm a skeptical squirrel
Fighteer Lost in Space from The Time Vortex (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: TV Tropes ruined my love life
Lost in Space
#36432: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:06:38 PM

I was polled twice this week, and I got three robocalls today. It's getting serious.

"It's Occam's Shuriken! If the answer is elusive, never rule out ninjas!"
johnnyfog Actual Wrestling Legend from the Zocalo Since: Apr, 2010 Relationship Status: They can't hide forever. We've got satellites.
Actual Wrestling Legend
#36433: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:08:58 PM

wuh woh! PACs are airing attack ads in NY.

How convenient that Romney no longer needs to approve these messages. Now it's endorsed by 'TAKE BACK OUR FUTURE'

I'm a skeptical squirrel
GlennMagusHarvey Since: Jan, 2001
#36434: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:09:14 PM

Since you're in Pennsylvania, how is Romney's Hail Mary pass there going?

Kostya (Unlucky Thirteen)
#36435: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:11:38 PM

I hate these ads. I'm kind of glad Sandy kept me isolated from cable for the last four days.

So today a friend asked if I wanted to volunteer to help out the Obama campaign. I'm still deciding if I want to say yes.

[up]The ads are numerous and, to an uninformed person, very persuasive. It hinges heavily on what amount of PA residents are still undecided or likely to change position. If that number is little he might be too late and they're just going to be a nuisance for the next four days.

edited 2nd Nov '12 8:12:33 PM by Kostya

BestOf FABRICATI DIEM, PVNC! from Finland Since: Oct, 2010 Relationship Status: Falling within your bell curve
FABRICATI DIEM, PVNC!
#36436: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:14:24 PM

BBC says US Presidential election reaches endgame. Campaining for swing state votes going on at a frantic pace for both candidates. Also: sky often blue, water mostly wet.

Quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur.
Enkufka Wandering Student ಠ_ಠ from Bay of White fish Since: Dec, 2009
Wandering Student ಠ_ಠ
#36437: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:17:29 PM

@Kostya: I volunteered earlier this year. It's not that hard. Also, glad you're back with us. smile

RE ads: We got 5 phone ads today alone, all against Obama. I'm fairly certain that someone in missouri tried to robocall my cellphone too. I also got a flier from Americans For Prosperity stating that americans don't need more taxes.

missing the point that the reasons democrats call for more taxes is because the Republicans are so fucking hellbent on getting the deficit solved right fucking now, not once thinking mayby they should've thought of that before they gave a massive tax cut to the rich, went to war twice, and gave a massive backhander to the pharmaceutical industry.

Which also reminds me that the guy responsible for said deal is up for election in my state. I apologize on behalf of Wisconsin for him. :|

Very big Daydream Believer. "That's not knowledge, that's a crapshoot!" -Al Murray "Welcome to QI" -Stephen Fry
Completion oldtimeytropey from Space Since: Apr, 2012
oldtimeytropey
#36438: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:17:46 PM

Polling forecasters not connected to media outlets are all saying the outcome is clear. Media is saying it's a horse race.

Fighteer Lost in Space from The Time Vortex (Time Abyss) Relationship Status: TV Tropes ruined my love life
Lost in Space
#36439: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:17:54 PM

I'm getting the impression that, while most pundits are saying that everyone who's going to make up their mind has already, the candidates seem to be spending ever more money to reach those last few people who might be persuaded one way or the other.

"It's Occam's Shuriken! If the answer is elusive, never rule out ninjas!"
GlennMagusHarvey Since: Jan, 2001
#36440: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:19:35 PM

There's also the fact that if either side puts down the sword in any state or locality they will be seen as giving it up.

Completion oldtimeytropey from Space Since: Apr, 2012
oldtimeytropey
#36441: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:20:04 PM

I don't understand why someone would be undecided at this point.

[up] That's true, too.

edited 2nd Nov '12 8:20:21 PM by Completion

Enkufka Wandering Student ಠ_ಠ from Bay of White fish Since: Dec, 2009
Wandering Student ಠ_ಠ
#36442: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:21:24 PM

I don't think that the presidency has actually been any sort of horserace at all until the first debate. The mainstream media simply had in its best interest making it out to be one because it improves their ratings.

EDIT: What do you all think of this report? Especially you economics types?

edited 2nd Nov '12 8:23:34 PM by Enkufka

Very big Daydream Believer. "That's not knowledge, that's a crapshoot!" -Al Murray "Welcome to QI" -Stephen Fry
Kostya (Unlucky Thirteen)
#36443: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:23:10 PM

[up][up][up][up][up][up]I've actually been lurking for a few days. I was just afraid to post too much because I can only use so much data on my phone without Wi-fi.

[up][up][up][up][up]To me it's been relatively clear since the summer. There was a scare after that first debate but things have settled out to Obama winning pretty easily through the electoral college although the popular vote appears to be another matter.

[up][up][up][up]Which is honestly smart since most states have one percent or fewer differences. It might not sway many but they both need everyone they can get.

I still say anybody who cares enough to vote knows by now but I could be wrong.

edited 2nd Nov '12 8:23:42 PM by Kostya

TheyCallMeTomu Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
#36444: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:26:53 PM

It basically says "the argument for lower top marginal tax rates is silly."

At least, just reading the summary.

Completion oldtimeytropey from Space Since: Apr, 2012
oldtimeytropey
#36445: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:35:20 PM

"Wee, I'm an econ student, I'll read and give you my expert analysis!"

-sees length of the report-

Fuck that. tongue

EDIT: Okay, I saw one graph - a very important one - about the top marginal tax rates in the 1950s to 1980s. These tax rates are a point of contention, mainly because these rates (91 - 70%) were present during the highest growth period of the U.S. economy and the worst inflation and stagnation of the economy we've ever had in the 1970s. Stagflation is only possible when the government is messing with economic policy too much. So the conclusion I drew from it, was that top marginal tax rates don't have anything to do with economic prosperity. Price controls, however, do cause stagflation.

tldr: Tax rates on top marginal level have nothing to do with economic growth. It gives you more social services, though. Corporate taxes kill, though. High levels of welfare services are correlated with high levels of unemployment. High taxes mean people save more, though, especially with capital gains taxes. That's generally seen as a bad thing on a macro level. Income taxes don't usually make people save more.

edited 2nd Nov '12 8:49:05 PM by Completion

TheyCallMeTomu Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
#36446: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:54:14 PM

Protip: You can usually just read the abstract or the summary if all you want is the jist of something.

Completion oldtimeytropey from Space Since: Apr, 2012
oldtimeytropey
#36447: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:55:02 PM

Oh, ho, ho... I knew that.

The summary makes perfect sense: no contribution to growth, higher concentration in top brackets. Though higher capital gains tax means higher savings, which means stagflation. One theory on why the U.S. economy experienced stagflation, an unnatural economic situation, is due to an increase in capital gains.

edited 2nd Nov '12 9:10:57 PM by Completion

RavenWilder Since: Apr, 2009
#36448: Nov 2nd 2012 at 8:59:33 PM

Aren't candidates legally required to spend all the money they've raised for their campaigns? Even if they don't think spending more on ads will have much of an effect, they may have to just to eat through all the millions they've raised.

Kostya (Unlucky Thirteen)
#36449: Nov 2nd 2012 at 9:07:18 PM

I thought they could keep it provided they didn't use it for anything except their next campaign.

RavenWilder Since: Apr, 2009
#36450: Nov 2nd 2012 at 9:12:57 PM

Generally speaking, Presidents don't campaign for public office again after their terms are over, and I believe Romney's said that, if this bid for the Presidency fails, he's gonna leave politics and go back to business.


Total posts: 417,856
Top