Doctor Fate wrote:

George Pataki, gone before Iowa

The man is as delusional as Dr. Carson. Pataki thinks his record will win the day. However, his name ID is minimal and his personality is a bit less impressive than his name ID.

For a NY State politician, Pataki is about as good as it gets. Yeah, he doesn't have much personality, but he did an effective job at governing a difficult state, and completely avoided the taint of scandal. He'd be an able administrator, which I know doesn't get people elected, but should be acknowledged. If the field is loaded with people far to the right, he might garner enough moderates (yes, they exist) to stick around until someone has to consider him for a VP position. He probably should have done more with his life since he's been governor, however.

Doctor Fate wrote:This is a joke. Only the NYT would call it a "luxury speedboat." Here it is:



Furthermore, how about a comparison of "luxury houses." This is Rubio's.



This is Clinton's.

It's not about how much you have, it's about living within your means. No Republican is going to give Romney a hard time about his houses, because the guy is worth a bundle. Here Rubio blows 80K on a speedboat when he comes into an advance on a book, and then, later, liquidates his retirement account. I know to the old time conservatives (like my Dad!) that's going to matter.

You do see the irony, right? This is what Hillary said:

"You have no reason to remember, but we came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt," Clinton said. "We had no money when we got there, and we struggled to piece together the resources for mortgages for houses, for Chelsea's education. It was not easy. Bill has worked really hard. And it's been amazing to me. He's worked very hard."

The Clinton's bought their $1.7 million house in 1999 before Bill's term was up.

That house went for 1.7 million (even in 1999)? Give Hillary props for good negotiating skills...

I'm trying to work out what that is behind the tennis court. Any ideas ?

Sassenach wrote:I'm trying to work out what that is behind the tennis court. Any ideas ?

Bocce

Here is a recounting of Hillary's job as Secretary of State which, if nothing else, gives a sense of the valuable experience gained in foreign policy. http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillary_ ... y_of_State

While there may not have any big achievements, which ones were possible that she failed to grasp? Events give possibilities for great achievement. I think the most important question is whether she competently handled running the department, whether she was up to the demands of the job. I think the answer is yes.

freeman3 wrote:That house went for 1.7 million (even in 1999)? Give Hillary props for good negotiating skills...

and a very expensive part of the country at that.

There were 2 other sealed offers for that house, and it hasn't been disclosed whether the Clinton offer was the highest. If I had money to burn I would certainly take $100k less to be able to tell people that the Clintons' bought my house.

I know a family that lives in Chappaqua. They told me that everyone around town waves hi to Bill, and no one can stand Hillary.

bbauska wrote:

Sassenach wrote:I'm trying to work out what that is behind the tennis court. Any ideas ?

Bocce

Monica?

Ray Jay wrote:You do see the irony, right? This is what Hillary said:

"You have no reason to remember, but we came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt," Clinton said. "We had no money when we got there, and we struggled to piece together the resources for mortgages for houses, for Chelsea's education. It was not easy. Bill has worked really hard. And it's been amazing to me. He's worked very hard."

The Clinton's bought their $1.7 million house in 1999 before Bill's term was up.

Again, the critical difference is between Democrats and Republicans. Hillary is a Democrat, and I think Democratic primary voters are less likely to care about living within your means. I think a sizable minority of Republicans are going to care that Rubio has made some profligate financial decisions in his personal life.

Kind of calls into question his raison d'etre for being in politics. It's difficult to call for financial austerity when a politician is financially irresponsible themselves. But I'm sure most Republican voters will rationalize it.

Ray Jay wrote:

bbauska wrote:

Sassenach wrote:I'm trying to work out what that is behind the tennis court. Any ideas ?

Bocce

Monica?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocce

I don't get the Monica reference.

Well, that's where Bill keeps her-- behind the tennis courts (RJ's little joke). I think you might be looking at it things a tad too literally, Brad (looking at the actual appearance of what lies behind the tennis court which of course is not Monica Lewinsky rather than allow for a dig that doesn't track the actual appearance)

geojanes wrote:It's not about how much you have, it's about living within your means. No Republican is going to give Romney a hard time about his houses, because the guy is worth a bundle. Here Rubio blows 80K on a speedboat when he comes into an advance on a book, and then, later, liquidates his retirement account. I know to the old time conservatives (like my Dad!) that's going to matter.

He got an $800k advance and spent $80 on a boat. So what?

He struggled financially in his 20's. So what?

He cashed out one of several small retirement funds he had and did some work around the house, so what?

How do you know he's not living within his means? This is an NYT attack, at the behest of the Clintonistas. After all, the field must be cleared. How else do you elect Hillary, a woman with no compelling agenda and no (likeable) personality?

geojanes wrote:Again, the critical difference is between Democrats and Republicans. Hillary is a Democrat, and I think Democratic primary voters are less likely to care about living within your means. I think a sizable minority of Republicans are going to care that Rubio has made some profligate financial decisions in his personal life.

And, Democrats are completely indifferent to graft and corruption.

Good point.