Tea Time for the end of 2012

As the year comes to an end, I decided to end it with a Tea Time. There are quite a few articles that talks about what to expect next year along some reviewing 2012. I couldn't help but adding a mix of both US Politics and world news as well. Enjoy!

2012 and 2013

10 things that will excite in 2013 -- USA Today

The Top 10 Global Stories To Watch In 2013 -- The Guardian

The top 10 political quotes of 2012 -- Aaron Blake, Washington Post

Zeitgeist -- Google
2012: The Year Our Sports Broke -- David Zirin, The Nation
Bond King’s Fearless Forecasts for 2013 -- Min Zeng, Wall Street Journal

Politics

Budget Compromise Takes Shape -- Janet Hook & Carol E. Lee, Wall Street Journal

Make Your Own Deficit-Reduction Plan -- Wall Street Journel

The ‘fiscal cliff’s’ Most Valuable Republicans -- Aaron Blake, Washington Post
Hillary Clinton hospitalized with blood clot -- Matthew Lew, USA Today

World

Al-Qaida Carves Out Own Country in Mali -- Rukmini Callimachi, Real Clear Politics
Vietnam’s Blogosphere: The Battleground for Rival Factions of the Ruling Communists -- Patrick Boehler, Time
India Demands Change as It Mourns Gang-Rape Victim -- Nilanjana Bhowmick, Time
The Hunt for the Vicuña: Can This Andean Creature Be a Cash Cow? -- Jean Freidman-Rudovsky

Syria’s descent into hell -- John McCain, Joseph I. Lieberman and Lindsey O. Graham, Washington Post

Friday Morning Breakfast Menu 12/28

Here’s your Friday morning primer of breakfast links.

Obama Still Holds the Cards - Joan Walsh, Salon
Republicans Rejecting Their Own Ideas - E.J. Dionne, Washington Post
Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf dies - POLITICO, STEPHANIE GASKELL
9 Wildest Things Fox News Said In 2012 - Huff Post, Hunter Stuart
Markey to Seek Kerry’s Senate Seat - The Hill, Jonathan Easley
Chuck Hagel and His Enemies - The New Yorker, Connie Bruck
One-Stoplight Town Seeks Mayor - New York Times, ROBBIE BROWN
How Obama Can Beat the GOP Fanatics - Robert Reich, Business Insider
2012: Good For Stocks, Bad For Pundits - David Weidner, Wall Street Journal

Sports
More Jets Drama: Sanchez Gets Job Back - Brian Costello, New York Post
Phil Jackson 'intrigued' by Nets job - CBS Sports, Ken Berger
Previewing Friday's bowl games - USA Today, Eddie Timanus

Editorials
Time to Confront Climate Change - New York Times
Kerry Well-Suited for Secretary of State - Washington Post

Freshman Introductions: Deb Fischer and Angus King

Angus King

Angus King is the first ever Independent elected to serve in the Senate from Maine. He follows in the footsteps of Republican Senator Olympia Snowe, who announced she would not run for re-election earlier this year, citing frustration due to partisanship. King previously served as the two term Independent Governor of the state between 1995 and 2003. King will caucus with the Democrats once sworn in; meaning there will be 55 Senators in the caucus a pickup of two seats from the 112th congress. Before serving as Governor, King was the host of a statewide political talk show on public television and served as an assistant on the staff of Maine Democratic Senator William Hathaway in the mid 70’s. During the 80’s King worked for several companies that were developers of alternative and renewable energy including founding his own company which worked to conserve electricity at commercial and industrial businesses throughout New England. A major focus of King’s Campaign was his promise to fight for government reforms including campaign finance, filibuster reform, and the No Budget, No Pay Act.

Deb Fischer 

With the retirement of Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Democrats basically lost all hope at being able to retain his seat. In a last ditch effort Democrats persuaded former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey to come home to his native state and run for his former seat. It was a short-term fix as Kerrey was pegged as out of touch with his former constituents because he had since moved away from his native Nebraska. The Republican nominee, Deb Fischer, easily won the election. Fischer was born, raised, and educated in Nebraska and has worked since College on her husband’s Cattle Ranch. She was first elected to political office in 2004 when she was elected to the Nebraska State Legislature. She was vastly outspent (10 to 1) in her primary but managed to pull off a major upset in part due to a last minute endorsement from Sarah Palin. She is in favor of disbanding the EPA, repealing Obamacare, and helped lead the opposition in the State Legislature against imposing a statewide smoking ban. She is strongly prolife and anti-gay marriage. The election of Fischer marks the end of an era of a moderate voice in Nebraska politics; she will bring what is a growing feature of Republican Party -- hardline tea party ideology.

Evening Tea 12/26/12

To read as you curl up with some tea on this cold winter's night. Enjoy

The Anecdotal Presidency -- Victor Hanson, The National Review
In tragedy, an opportunity -- Joesph A. Califano Jr., Philadelphia Inquirer
Don’t Let Pro-Israel Extremists Sink Chuck Hagel -- James Besser, NY Times
Schatz chosen to replace Inouye -- Katie Glueck, Politico
13 people to watch in politics in 2013, Mackenzie Weinger, Politico
Creamed by Congress: Farm Bill Inaction May Mean Higher Dairy Prices -- Alex Rogers, Time
Why Are People Hoarding Coins? -- Investopedia

Tea Time Wishes you a merry Christmas!

A handful of non political heartfelt stories to cheer up anyone's day! Merry Christmas from FPP!!!
26 Moments That Restored Our Faith In Humanity This Year - Stopera, BuzzFeed
Pets In Holiday Outfits Warm Our Hearts (SLIDESHOW) - Huffington Post
Hurricane Sandy 'Miracle' For Long Island Family Who Lost Home Brings Holiday Smiles - HELEN O'NEILL, Huffington Post
Muslims And Catholics Come Together For Christmas Donations In London, Ontario - Sarah Medina, Huffington Post
Price Check on Kindness, Lane Four, Please -Rob White, Huffington Post

Freshman Introductions: Jeff Flake and Ted Cruz

Jeff Flake

Jon Kyl’s replacement has been found for the Arizona Senate Seat -- Congressman Jeff Flake. Congressman Flake, a Mormon, represents a largely Mormon and affluent area of Phoenix – the eastern suburbs. Flake attended Brigham Young University and then worked in Africa at various Mormon and other philanthropic organizations. He then served as Executive Director of Goldwater Institute in Arizona. He was elected to the US House in 2000 and has been reelected easily every time sense then. Congressmen Flake is known for being “rogue” on many issues voting frequently against his own party. For instance, he was one 15 republicans to vote in favor of ending DADT, but he is opposed to gay marriage. Flake is strong anti-abortionist being highly regarded and rated by Right to Life. He is most known, though, for his ardent opposition to pork barrel spending and earmarks going so far as publishing a newsletter with what he thinks is the pork barrel project of week. He is also known for instituting what is called “the flake hour” in which he forces congressmen to explain why congress should pay for those pet projects; he is strong fiscal conservative who voted against Bush’s TARP. Flake is a fierce fighter for privacy along with one of the few republicans to come at against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq voting against Obama’s surge in Afghanistan.

Ted Cruz

Ted Cruz was born in Calgary, Canada to a couple that had met at the University of Texas Austin. His mom was from Delaware and his father was a Cuban immigrant who had fought in the Cuban Revolution for Castro but would later come to oppose the Castro regime. Ted Cruz proved to be an excellent debater and parliamentarian wining or placing in many high level competitions while attending Princeton undergrad or Harvard Law where he received a J.D. Magna Cum Laude. After a number of years working in private practice, teaching at UT Austin, or working various federal Government jobs, Mr. Cruz became the Solicitor General of Texas, a position he held until 2008. While serving as Solicitor General, Cruz successfully defended the state in many cases that showcased his and his state's social conservatism such as the Ten Commandments on the grounds of the state capital or “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Monday Breakfast Menu 12/24

 

Here’s your Monday morning primer of breakfast links.

Idaho Senator Charged With DUI - Rosalind S. Helderman, The Washington Post
Chelsea Clinton's Next Act - MAGGIE HABERMAN, Poltico
David Gregory Hammers Wayne LaPierre - Andrew Kirell, Mediate
Behind the Ugly Attacks on Hagel - Amy Davidson, The New Yorker
The NRA Gets Downright Offensive - Ana Marie Cox, The Guardian
GOP Brings Politics to a Crisis Point - Michael Tomasky, The Daily Beast
Kerry's Lifelong Training to Be A Diplomat - Al Hunt, Bloomberg
NRA Fires Blank on Gun Violence - Denver Post
Mark Sanford — Ready For A Comeback? - Associated Press
Benghazi Questions, State Dept. Answers - Debra Saunders, SF Chronicle
NFL Sunday Recap - Matt White, Eonline

Freshmen Introductions

The following are some of the freshmen of the 113^th Congress. There are 12 new senators: 1 independent, 3 republicans, and 8 democrats. There will be 2 additional senators joining the list as well to replace former senators Jim DeMint (R-SC) and Daniel Inouye (D-HW). Inouye’s replacement is yet to be decided while DeMint is being replaced by Tim Scott. These 14 senators will be introduced to FPP’s readers in the next week in a new segment called Freshmen Introductions. I have also listed the names of members of the house to be who won seats currently held by members of the other party.

US Senators
Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Chris Murphey (D-CT)
Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Angus King (I-ME)
Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Deb Fischer (R-OK)
Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)

Change of Party  House Freshmen
Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ1)
Tom Cotton (R-AR4)
Ami Bera (D-CA7)
Julia Brownley (D-CA26)
Raul Ruiz (D-CA36)
Scott Peters (D-CA52)
Patrick Murphy (D-FL18)
Joe Garcia (D-FL26)
Tammy Duckworth (D-IL8)
Brad Schneider (D-IL10)
Bill Foster (D-IL11)
Cheri Bustos (D-IL17)
Jackie Walorski (R-IN2)
Andy Barr (R-KY6)
John Delaney (D-MD6)
Rick Nolan (D-MN8)
Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH1)
Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH2)
Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY18)
Dan Maffei (D-NY24)
Chris Collins (R-NY27)
Richard Hudson (R-NC8)
Mark Meadows (R-NC11)
George Holding (R-NC12)
Markwayne Mullin (R-OK2)
Keith Rothfus (R-PN12)
Pete Gallego (D-TX23)

Breaking News: Kerry Nominated

President Obama today announced the nomination of Massachusetts senator John Kerry (D) to the office of Secretary of State replacing a retiring Hilleary Clinton. This leaves Massachusetts with an open seat in the US senate and a large cast of interesting characters eager to fill it

Tea Time Goes Global

For a little international flare in your evening. A great selection of articles about what's happening in the world.

South Korean President-Elect Calls for Reconciliation After Tight Race -- Choe Sang-Hun, NY Times
Putin Defends Position on Syria and Chastises U.S. on Libya -- David M. Herszenhorn and Nick Cumming-Bruce , NY Times
U.N. Vote Planned on Mali Security -- Rick Gladstone, NY Times
The Swiss Difference: A Gun Culture That Works -- Helena Bachmann, Time
Must-Reads from Around the World -- Time
Is Narendra Modi a Step Closer to Being India’s Next Prime Minister? -- Krista Mahr, Time
Politics this week -- The Economist
A healthier menu -- The Economist
Coming out swinging -- The Economist

Tea Time

Here is the stories to read with your Tuesday cup of tea

Congressman Is Chosen to Succeed DeMint as South Carolina Senator -- Jeff Zeleny, NY Times
Obama Expected to Name Kerry as Secretary of State -- David E. Sanger, NY Times
Daniel Inouye, Hawaii’s Quiet Voice of Conscience in Senate, Dies at 88 -- Robert D. McFadden, NY Times
Grand old white male party gets diversity memo -- Jim Vandehei and Mike Allen, Politico
Rick Snyder's right-to-work poll crash -- Katie Glueck, Politico
Affleck's name floated for Senate -- Caitlin McDevitt, Politico
The GOP's Voter Suppression Strategy -- Ari Berman, The Nation
Newtown -- Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journel

Falling Over the Cliff

By: Katie Beemer, Guest Contributor Fourth Party Politics

The budget cliff. It slowly looms over us, threatening to overcome the United States. Part of me wonders if this problem could be overturned simply, without all of the fuss. Groups in Washington need to man up and get past their differences long enough to solve the looming crisis. 

While both Democrats and Republicans have many differences, this is a petty one. Both sides refuse to compromise. The Democrats just want to raise taxes, and the Republicans just want to cut spending. It will take a combination of both techniques to solve our budget crises. We must raise taxes while simultaneously cutting spending. Remember what we learned in Kindergarten? “Sharing is caring.” So, the people on the Hill need to learn how to share in a way so that everyone does not lose. The way we are going, the entire country will lose, not to mention it will probably send the world markets into a spiral. This conundrum we face is indeed difficult to solve, but not impossible. If Americans can get past the partisanship of politics, the United States would be a much happier place. Hopefully, we will not ring in the new year with the tragedy of falling over the fiscal cliff hanging over our necks.

BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court agrees to take up DOMA and Prop 8, NBC's Pete Williams reports.

The Supreme Court announced Friday that it will take up two same-sex marriage cases. The first is a case stemming from California’s Prop 8 ban on gay marriage and the second is a case from New York challenging the constitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.

Arguments are expected in the spring and decisions in the cases are likely near the end of the court’s term in June. 

Tea Time (leave the partiers at home)

Here the round up of articles to enjoy with dinner and tea this Evening

1. As G.O.P. Governors Gather, Prescriptions and Whispers for 2016 -- Jeff Zeleny, NY Times
2. Romney Blames Loss on Obama’s ‘Gifts’ to Minorities and Young Voters -- Ashley Parker, NY Times
3. Senator-Elect Angus King of Maine to Align Himself With Democrats -- Johnthan Weisman, NY Times
4. David Petraeus affair scandal tests Washington code -- Anna Palmer, Politico 
5. Montana tells lawmaker gold is for fools --  Kevin Cirilli, Politico
6. Obama: Donovan to take on recovery role -- Bryon Tau, Politico
7. BP to Plead Guilty to Felonies, Pay $4.5 Billion in Spill -- Tom Fowler, Wall Street Journal

Forward Unto Dawn

By Craig Petersen FPP contributor

Where am I? This isn't what I remembered. I was molded into a being by those who knew what was what. They made me idealistic. They gave me visions of a past that was scarred, smudged around the corners, but something that at its core was meant to be glorified -- Something that, despite its condition, was something to be proud of: they told me the future was shining, that there may come a day when we as mortal men and women may achieve earthly enlightenment. This future, one that is inexorable in nature, is one that would be to the benefit of all mankind. It is one in which all mankind would actively strive toward. But as I'm looking around today at what has unfolded, I can see only a present decimated by those who wish to live in meticulous absurdity in an effort to score those few extra points for their own sides. There has been no observable progress towards to betterment of humankind. From where I stand, it would appear that those groups who would pull humanity to a previous destination in time are far stronger than they should ever morally be.

There were days in our past that were bad, and there were days in our past that were good. It seems as though a polarizing effect has caused men and women to change their preconceptions of truth, morality, and ethics with reckless abandon. This particular fact holds no sway over me. However, it does bother me that some are allowing this change to jeopardize the enlightenment of others. There was a day when intelligence was idolized, when love for fellow man was preached to crowds, when acceptance of all people was said to be equivalent in importance to food or drink. Religion has always been a proponent of love, peace, and happiness; now, it is used as a weapon by those who would discriminate, judge, and diminish others. Mob mentalities have given courage to the weak man and allow him to speak heinously about their fellow humans. These attitudes and behaviors serve only to limit our potential as creatures of Earth.

To the Viewers of FPP:

Good Friday morning! The Fourth Party Politics team has posted over 30 articles in a span of two weeks leading up to Tuesday’s election. It may have taken us longer to get where we are today than we first planed, but we finely got there after ten months. The FPP team is still recuperating, but the election has provided us with much to talk about in the coming weeks and months and we want to say thank you for staying with us throughout the campaign, and please, stay tuned.

Sincerely,

Jason Colella & William Snyder
FPP's Founders

Tea Time

Here’s your Thursday night roundup of tea time links.

For those who want to look at the results; both of these allow you to see results overall, county by county, States, and by Congressional Districts.

New York Times
CNN

Articles:

For Romney, All His Career Options Are Still Open. Except One. -- by Michael Barbaro, New York Times

Handicapping the 2016 presidential field -- by Chris Cillizza, Washington Post

Angus King, still undecided, doesn’t rule out joining GOP -- by Ed O'Keefe, Washington Post

As Florida Vote Count Drags On, G.O.P. Says It Looks Good for Obama -- by Lizette Alvarez, New York Times

Exclusive: Clinton would dominate 2016 Iowa caucuses, PPP shows -- by Alexander Burns, Politico

Barack Obama's second-term Cabinet -- by Edward-Isaac Dovere, Politico

Live Blog: Election Night Coverage

Obama: 303
Romney: 206
270 To Win

BREAKING NEWS - Obama wins the election after claiming victory in Ohio.

Tonight the country comes to a crossroads, and one of two dramatically different paths will be taken. The race for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue features two distinctly different views of how government should play a role in the lives of citizens. One party wants to make government so small it will drown in the bathtub. The other wants to continue to rebuild the economy after the financial crisis and raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans to pay for the programs that most benefit middle class Americans. With a falling unemployment rate and job creation for over 30 consecutive months, the daunting task of removing a sitting president becomes even more difficult for Gov. Romney. Only once since 1900 has a political party been taken out of power after holding just one term in the White House, Jimmy Carter and the Democrats in 1980.

1:01 - We can now give the President the other electoral vote from Maine's 2nd congressional district and award him Virginia’s 13 electoral votes. Also Mitt Romney will carry Alaska and its 3 electoral votes. Tammy Baldwin has also been declared the winner in the Wisconsin senate race; she will be the first openly gay senator.

12:11 - Obama picks up Colorado and its 9 EV

11:56 -- Democratic Senators Cantwell (WA) and Feinstein (CA) are reelected.

11:53 -- Henrich (D) of New Mexico is elected to US Senate while Flake (R) is victorious in Arizona.

11:48 - Obama picks up Nevada and its 6 EV

11:16 - BREAKING NEWS - Obama wins Ohio and is re-elected president

11:15 - Romney wins North Carolina, Obama takes Iowa

11:02 - The time is now 11 o’clock in the east and new polls have just closed on the west coast. We can project Romney will carry the state of Idaho and its 4 electoral votes. Also we can project that President Obama will carry the states of California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington totaling 78 electoral votes.
Remaining states yet to be called:
Ohio
Florida
Colorado
Michigan
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Nevada
Alaska

11:00 --Tim Kaine wins the Senate race in Virginia replacing fellow democratic Webb.

10:47 - We can now project that President Obama will carry the state of Minnesota which has 10 electoral votes.

10:40 - Mitt Romney wins Arizona and its 11 electoral votes.

10:21 -- Republicans pick up NE. Senate State reducing Dems gains to two on the night.

10:12 -- BREAKING NEWS: Romney wins Missouri.

10:11 -- Senator Claire McCaskill is reelected over Todd Akin in Missouri Senate Race.

10:04 - The time is now 10 o’clock in the east and new polls have just closed totaling 23 electoral votes. We can project Romney will carry the states of Montana and Utah totaling 9 electoral votes. Also standby polls are closed in Nevada and Iowa and we characterize those races as too early to call.

9:51 --BREAKING NEWS: Elizabeth Warren wins Ma. Senate bringing Dem up to plus three for the night.

9:50 -- BREAKING NEWS: Obama wins New Hampshire.

9:48 --BREAKING NEWS: Joe Donnelly wins Indiana Senate bringing Dem up to plus two for the night.

9:44 -- Klobuchar (D) of Mn., Brasso (R) of WY., Cruz (R) of TX., Brown (D) of Ohio, and Whicker (R) of MS. all can be called for winning their senate races. So far the Democrats have picked up one senate seat. We can call Democratic victory in NH Gubernatorial and Republican victory in North Dakota Gubernatorial

9:31 - BREAKING NEWS: Obama wins Wisconsin

9:25 – BREAKING NEWS: We can comfortably call the State of Pennsylvania for Obama and FPP can report Democrats will retain the Senate.

9:16 -- Michigan can be called for Obama while North Dakota can be called for Romney. More Senate races can be called Manchin (D) of West Virginia, Nelson (D) of Florida, Stabenow of Michigan, Gillbrand (D) of New York, Whitehouse (D) of Rhode Island, Mendez of New Jersey, Casey in Pennsylvania and Murphy (D) of Connecticut.

9:02 - The time is now 9 o’clock in the east and a slew polls have just closed totaling 153 electoral votes. We can project Romney will carry the states of Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska (4 of 5) South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming totaling 62 electoral votes. Also we can project that President Obama will carry the states of Maine (3 of 4) New York and New Mexico totaling 37 electoral votes.

8:48 – We can call the Maine Senate Race to Angus King, an independent who will caucus with the democrats; he was expected to win and won fairly easily. Senator Cardin (D) of Maryland has been projected victorious along with Senator Carper (D) of Delaware.

8:31 - Polls just closed moment’s ago in Arkansas were we can project it six electoral votes will go for Mitt Romney.

8:15 – Florida is moving toward Obama . NC is currently in Obama corner with 9% reporting while Virginia currently shows a Romney lead. Obama also has a sizable lead in Ohio with 1% percent reporting also he is winning the white working vote there. Bob Corker is projected winner of TN. Senate.

8:13 - Projection: Romney wins Georgia 16EV

8:05 - The time is now 8 o’clock in the east and a slew polls have just closed totaling 172 electoral votes. We can project Romney will carry the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee totaling 33 electoral votes. Also we can project that president Obama will carry the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Washington, DC totaling 72 electoral votes.

Election Day Breakfast Menu

Here’s your Tuesday morning primer of breakfast links.

The Real Loser: Truth - Kevin Kruse, The New York Times
Obama, Finishes Where He Started - Sam Stein, The Huffington Post
Election Overtime: A Winless Wednesday – Elizabeth Titus, Politico
What to Watch for in Ohio - Rosalind Helderman, The Washington Post
Turnout, Turnout, Turnout - Michael Tomasky, The Daily Beast

The Obama Landslide Scenario - Steve Kornacki, salon.com

Ready for a Recount? -  Jeffrey Toobin, The New Yorker
Ron Paul Questions Value of Federal Aid - Pete Kasperowicz, The Hill
Romney's Quiet Rise - Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal
What Obama and Romney Should be Worrying About - Bill McKenzie, The Dallas Morning News

Demographic Voter Makeup: Virginia

*Editor’s note: This is the last installment in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin.

Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies and birthplace of four of the first five Presidents. Virginia is an important battleground state with 8,001,024 people which makes it the 12th largest state with 13 electoral votes. From the first election to 1808, the state had the most electoral votes. Barack Obama defeated John McCain there by a margin of 53% to 46% in 2008. Much like North Carolina, Virginia has seen drastic demographic changes making it far more likely to vote for a Democrat then in previous elections; it has voted Republican in every election since 1952 with the exception of 2008 and 1964. The state has two Democratic Senators, a Republican Governor, an equally divided State Senate, and a heavily Republican State House.

Population

Population: 8,001,024 (2010)
State rank: 12^th
Change since 2000 census: up 13.0%
Most populated cities
Virginia Beach 437,994
Norfolk 242,803
Chesapeake 222,209
Arlington CDP 207,627
Household Income
Under $15K: 10.4%
$15K-$50K: 31.2%
$50K-$100K: 31.6%
$100K-$200K: 20.8%
Over $200K: 6.1%
Median Income: $60,539

Read more after the jump

Alternate Voices

By: Katie Beemer, Guest Contributor Fourth Party Politics
 

We have heard overwhelming amounts of information from the major party candidates this season, but almost nothing about the third party candidates. While this is not unusual, it is important to also take into consideration their voice. What do they believe that makes them different? Here’s some basic info on each of these candidates:

Third Party Ramifications

 By: Nathan Wood, Political Contributor Fourth Party Politics

On November 6, 2012, we will know who will be the leader of the free world for the next four years. But, this is not the only thing that will happen as a result of the presidential election. This year, third party candidates not only have the power to steal voters from either side of the aisle, but they have a chance to have a stronger future influence in the American political system.

Mobilize

Tomorrow is the day; the race has been run; the fight has been fought; it comes down to you, information, and your vote.

You, yeah you the reader, are the voter – the one who makes the difference. This means you have to vote. So, go vote tomorrow! But, it also means if you have an issue you strongly support or a candidate you like today and tomorrow is your one and only chance in election season 2012 to show the electorate your passion. If you have time go volunteer, if you can’t I am sure there is a phonebank somewhere  that would love your help. If that’s doesn't float your boat. There is always social media; you can tweet, write on your timeline, or do whatever social media thing you do (like blog). It is all for one simple idea GOTV (GET OUT THE VOTE) which brings up another point make sure that everyone else votes as well; the government is designed to represent the people, so the people need to voice their opinions.

Information is also pivotal, and, as much as I want you to go vote, I don’t want the blind leading the blind. So, please look up the candidates; find out what they stand for. For the ballot proposals and mileages, learn the pros and cons of each. I know so many people that when they get to things like Circuit Court Judge or City Council they will just simply vote for the man or women with cooler name. Don’t do that, please, look them up so when you show up it you can fill in bubbles and leave. We are the only ones who can institute the change we want to see in the world. SO PLEASE GO VOTE!

Demographic Voter Makeup: Ohio

*Editor’s note: This is part eleven in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today Virginia

It is hard to find a credible path to the White House for Mitt Romney without Ohio. No Republican has ever won the White House without winning the Buckeye State. Since 1944, Ohioans have sided with the losing candidate only once when they voted for Nixon in 1960, making Ohio a true bellwether state. Ohio, like much of the industrial Midwest, has lost significant population resulting in a loss of about a third of its electoral votes since the 1960s. 2010 marks the fifth consecutive Census where Ohio has lost electoral votes. Mitt Romney will have to overcome the vastly improved economy and his opposition to the auto bailout in order to win Ohio’s 18 electoral votes. One out of every eight jobs in Ohio is directly tied to the auto industry. Democrats in Ohio remain motivated due to a victory last year that struck down a bill restricting workers’ rights to collectively bargain. In 2008 Barack Obama defeated John McCain by 5 points, 52% to 47%. In all likelihood whoever wins Ohio wins the presidency.

Population: 11,536,504 (2010)

State rank: 7th
Change since 2000 census: Up 1.6%
Most populated cities
Columbus 787,033
Cleveland 396,815
Cincinnati 296,943
Toledo 287,208
Household Income
Under $15K: 14.5%
$15K-$50K: 38.5%
$50K-$100K: 31.3%
$100K-$200K: 13.3%
Over $200K: 2.5%
Median Income: $46,838
Home Value

Under $100K: 30.2%

$100K-$300K: 60.3%
Over $300K: 9.5%
Median Value: $136,900

Read more after the Jump

Demographic Voter Makeup: Nevada

*Editor’s note: This is part ten in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow Ohio and Virginia

Nevada has seen the largest percentage in population growth over the past decade with its population tripling since 1980. This population growth gives Nevada one more electoral vote than it had in 2008 (now up to 6) when it voted overwhelming for Barack Obama by a margin of 55% to 43%. However, the economic outlook has declined considerably since President Obama won the Silver State four years ago. Nevada has the nation’s highest rates of home foreclosure and unemployment. The advantage for the president is a large Hispanic voter base and a huge push for early voting. Nevada is the only state to ever cast just two electoral votes. In the 1864 election, just after gaining statehood, the third elector was snowbound and because the new state government had yet to be called into session, there was no way to select a replacement elector.

Population

Population: 2,700,551 (2010)

State rank: 35^th
Change since 2000 census: up 35.1%
Most populated cities
Las Vegas 583,756
Henderson 257,729
Reno 225,221
Paradise CDP 223,167
Household Income
Under $15K: 9.4%
$15K-$50K: 35.1%
$50K-$100K: 34.9%
$100K-$200K: 17.2%
Over $200K: 3.3%
Median Income: $55,322

Read more after the jump

Bridges: Acts of Political Absurdity

By: Jason Colella, Co-Owner and Sr. Political Editor Fourth Party Politics

Picture Courtesy of Forbes

I would bet when I said the word "bridge" you thought this would be another boring article about Alaska and its infamous bridge to nowhere. If you did, I forgive you. That’s not where this going. However, welcome to the Wolverine State, the great state of Michigan, and what has to be some of the bloodiest and most expensive ballot proposals in the entire country - Proposition 5 and 6 (six is where most of the money is being spent).

The only spot in the US where America is north of Canada is in downtown Detroit. There is a bridge and tunnel connecting the cities of Detroit and Windsor there. The bridge is the Ambassador Bridge completed in 1929, and it also holds the distinction of being the only privately owned border crossing between the US and Canada. The State of Michigan and the government of Canada would like to build a new bridge to cross the Detroit River because it then could connect to a Canadian highway 401 and reduce traffic issues in Detroit and mainly in Windsor while also helping to increase trade between the two countries growing both economies.

Read more after the jump

Momentum versus the Map

By: William Snyder, Managing editor Fourth Party Politics

On Tuesday the country comes to a crossroads, and one of two dramatically different paths will be taken. The race for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue features two distinctly different views of how government should play a role in the lives of citizens. One party wants to make government so small the only thing it can regulate is a women’s vagina. The other wants to continue to rebuild the economy after the financial crisis and raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans to pay for the programs that most benefit middle class Americans. With a falling unemployment rate and job creation for over 30 consecutive months, the daunting task of removing a sitting president becomes even more difficult for Governor Romney. Only once since 1900 has a political party been taken out of power after holding just one term in the White House, Jimmy Carter and the Democrats in 1980. Will Mitt Romney’s say or do anything approach to be elected President gain the trust of swing voters in Toledo and Orlando or will voters come to realize Mr. Romney’s history of being a chronic political flip-flopper and cause a trust issue with moderates in the end?  

It has become clear that following the first debate in Denver last month Mitt Romney had the momentum while President Obama had the map and his campaign was trying to run out the clock up by three late in the fourth quarter. Enter Hurricane Sandy as a true October surprise. The President was pushed into the national spotlight to deal with an historic crisis which for a period of two days completely froze the race and the momentum. Up until last week, when the race was frozen in place, this race was starting to shape up a lot like that of the 1980 election when Reagan made a huge surge in the closing weeks of the campaign to overtake Jimmy Carter. Following the aftermath of Sandy, polling has been somewhat limited but suggests a race closer to that of 2004 with an incumbent narrowly edging out the victory. Based on all of the public polling in the last week the challenge still lies with the Romney campaign to demonstrate they can get to 270 electoral votes. It is still clear that the map and the math favor the President because he has more paths to 270 and they are much clearer paths. In all likelihood the race comes down to two states; Virginia, and Ohio. If Governor Romney wants any chance what so ever he must win Virginia and recent polls have shown the President with a slim margin of error lead. The simplest path for Romney is to hold the south and win Ohio then all he has to do is take New Hampshire where the trusted local poll conducted by WMUR has the race tied. However it appears that Ohio is becoming more of a stretch for the Romney campaign. Ohio is still the simplest way and maybe the most competitive but I think the reason they are looking at other options like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota is because they know they can’t count on Ohio. One of the things you don’t hear the pundits talking about is how drastically Mitt Romney is going to over preform John McCain across the board in both solid blue and solid red states which is why national tracking polls show such a tight race. The last few days polls have been released showing Romney gaining ground in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Minnesota, but the question is can he really win there? Personally I think those states will be tight races possibly within 3 or 4 points but it’s Lucy and the football close and not realistic for a Romney win in those states.

Predictions

President:
Obama 49.2% 277 electoral votes
Romney 48.9% 261 electoral votes
Johnson 1.3%
Stein 0.3%
Goode 0.2%
Anderson 0.1%

State with closest winning margin:
Virginia. I have been back and forth between Virginia and Colorado on this one for the last couple of weeks. Recent polling suggests former congressman and constitution party presidential nominee Virgil Goode could have an impact in his home state and take votes away from Romney. A recent Washington Post/ABC poll had Goode polling in 2% of the vote

Senate:
Current: D51 R47 I2 (both caucus with Democrats)
Prediction: D51 R47 I2 (both expected to caucus with Democrats)
Democrats: Pick-ups: MA, ME, IN Holds: CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WA, WV
Republicans Pick-ups: ND, WI Holds: AZ, MS, NE, NV, TN, TX, UT, WY,

House:

Current: D191 R241
Prediction: Democrats net 4-10 seats and Republicans keep overwhelming control of the house.

One would think Democrats would have the upper hand in more house elections after 2010, but state Republican parties had control of redistricting in many states which will make it a much tougher task for Democrats to take back the house in the coming years. The untold tale of this election is that Republicans and tea partyers are likely to strengthen their already strong hold on state legislature.

Yours in Democracy, -William  Snyder

Demographic Voter Makeup: Colorado

*Editor’s note: This is part nine in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Later Today Nevada

Colorado has only voted Democratic in two of the last ten presidential elections and only three times since WWII. In 2008 and in the 2010 midterms Independents and women voted overwhelmingly in favor of Democrats, which lead to surprise Democratic wins in the governor’s and senate races. With a growing Hispanic population, Colorado is now considered in play for Democrats when it never would have been in the past. The state’s population has been growing, and now has nine electoral votes up from six in the 1960s. The Centennial State voted for Barack Obama by 54%-45% margin over John McCain

Population

Population: 5,029,196 (2010)
State rank: 22^nd
Change since 2000 census: up 16.9%
Most populated cities
Denver 600,158
Colorado Springs 416,427
Aurora 325,078
Fort Collins 143,986
Household Income
Under $15K: 11.2%
$15K-$50K: 33.3%
$50K-$100K: 32.3%
$100K-$200K: 18.8%
Over $200K: 4.4%
Median Income: $56,334

Read more after the jump

Demographic Voter Makeup: Pennsylvania

*Editor’s note: This is part eight in a series that will break down the demographic statistics of voters in all six of FPP’S designated swing states plus the states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. Tomorrow Colorado and Nevada

Pennsylvania was the second state admitted to the Union, officially becoming a state in December 1787. The Keystone State has participated in all 56 presidential elections. Pennsylvania is generally considered a swing state, but it has voted Democratic in the last five elections. In 2008, Barack Obama beat John McCain by about 11%. While still an important prize with 20 electoral votes, Pennsylvania, like many industrial northern states, has seen mass population decline in recent decades. Peaking at 38 electoral votes in the early 1900’s, the state has lost about 45 percent of its electoral votes in 80 years.

Population

Population: 12,702,379 (2010)
State rank: 6^th
Change since 2000 census: up 3.4%
Most populated cities
Philadelphia 1,526,006
Pittsburgh 305,704
Allentown 118,032
Erie 101,786
Household Income
Under $15K: 13.2%
$15K-$50K: 36.8%
$50K-$100K: 31.5%
$100K-$200K: 15.0%
Over $200K: 3.5%
Median Income: $50,028

Read more after the jump

Victorious Victors?: SDS and The Port Huron Statement

By Jason Colella Co-Owner and Sr. Political Editor of FPP

The Students for a Democratic Society’s (SDS) Manifesto, the Port Huron Statement, is celebrating its 50th anniversary; and consequently, the University of Michigan just wrapped a two day conference talking about the statement then and its implication for today. It helped define and frame an entire era, student movement, the New Left itself, and to some extent conservatives. The Statement was born out of SDS which was founded by Al Harbor in 1960 in Ann Arbor. By 1962, it was a major Student Org on campus and by 1962 it was headed up by the editor of the Michigan Daily – Tom Hayden. Hayden was a well-spoken radical with infinite passion for social justice and a sincere desire for societal change. Earlier that year the preeminent student civil rights origination Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) approached SDS to help write a manifesto for the movement still in its infancy and it was decided that Hayden should draft the document. The draft was then brought to an SDS convention in Port Huron, Michigan where it was edited section by section by groups. This very process showcased the overarching point of the statement itself – participatory democracy. Hayden then edited it into a final copy.