Obama's Bain Capital attacks may be working with battleground state voters
By Holly Bailey | The Ticket
President Barack Obama's re-election campaign has come under fire for its attacks on Mitt Romney's time at Bain Capital—with several Democrats, including Bill Clinton and Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, suggesting Obama's focus on private equity companies could backfire. But if a new poll of voters in key swing states is any judge, the Obama campaign is unlikely to drop its Bain strategy anytime soon.
A new Purple Strategies poll found that a plurality of voters in 12 key battleground states—Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin—are skeptical of Romney's argument that private equity companies create jobs. Among those polled, 47 percent say "private equity hurts workers," compared to 38 percent who say it "helps" the economy.
In Ohio, the numbers were starkest: 49 percent of those surveyed said private equity companies put profits over workers, compared to 33 percent who said private equity "helps" the economy. Eighteen percent said they were "not sure." In Florida, the gap wasn't as big, but it still favored Obama: 47 percent of those polled said private equity hurts workers, compared to 40 percent who said it helps the economy.
Meanwhile, voters in two other key swing states—Colorado and Virginia—were evenly split on their views of private equity. In Colorado, 44 percent said it hurts workers, compared to 43 percent who said it helps the economy. In Virginia, 44 percent said it helps the economy, compared to 42 percent who said it hurts workers. (Results for other key states were not disclosed. The poll has a plus or minus 2.2 percent margin of error.)
The poll isn't a great sign for Romney, who has cited his work at Bain Capital as proof that he's helped to create jobs around the country. In their analysis of the findings, the pollsters note that Obama's Bain strategy is a "classic wedge issue," consolidating Democrats and winning over a plurality of independent voters, 48 percent of whom say private equity hurts, compared to 38 percent who say it helps.
"While the overall results on this argument appear to bode well for the president, the electoral map dynamics may argue for a more subtle state-by-state strategy," the pollsters write.
It's a shame that President Obama doesn't have a better record of his own to run on where he wouldn't need to exaggerate the negatives then depend on people's ignorance of what PE firms actually do.
Do you not follow political campaigns?
Campaigns do both. They talk themselves up and talk down the other guy.
Is this a new concept to you?
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 08, 2012, 12:45:59 PM
Obama's Bain Capital attacks may be working with battleground state voters
By Holly Bailey | The Ticket
President Barack Obama's re-election campaign has come under fire for its attacks on Mitt Romney's time at Bain Capital—with several Democrats, including Bill Clinton and Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker, suggesting Obama's focus on private equity companies could backfire. But if a new poll of voters in key swing states is any judge, the Obama campaign is unlikely to drop its Bain strategy anytime soon.
A new Purple Strategies poll found that a plurality of voters in 12 key battleground states—Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin—are skeptical of Romney's argument that private equity companies create jobs. Among those polled, 47 percent say "private equity hurts workers," compared to 38 percent who say it "helps" the economy.
In Ohio, the numbers were starkest: 49 percent of those surveyed said private equity companies put profits over workers, compared to 33 percent who said private equity "helps" the economy. Eighteen percent said they were "not sure." In Florida, the gap wasn't as big, but it still favored Obama: 47 percent of those polled said private equity hurts workers, compared to 40 percent who said it helps the economy.
Meanwhile, voters in two other key swing states—Colorado and Virginia—were evenly split on their views of private equity. In Colorado, 44 percent said it hurts workers, compared to 43 percent who said it helps the economy. In Virginia, 44 percent said it helps the economy, compared to 42 percent who said it hurts workers. (Results for other key states were not disclosed. The poll has a plus or minus 2.2 percent margin of error.)
The poll isn't a great sign for Romney, who has cited his work at Bain Capital as proof that he's helped to create jobs around the country. In their analysis of the findings, the pollsters note that Obama's Bain strategy is a "classic wedge issue," consolidating Democrats and winning over a plurality of independent voters, 48 percent of whom say private equity hurts, compared to 38 percent who say it helps.
"While the overall results on this argument appear to bode well for the president, the electoral map dynamics may argue for a more subtle state-by-state strategy," the pollsters write.
It's sad when politicians can take advantage of stupid people like that. I'm confident that if you asked them what a PE firm does, you would get some hilarious answers. I hope the president doesn't plan to hang his hat on the ignorant fainting masses again this round.
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PkaNfNzoaQY/The6Se0usSI/AAAAAAAAAes/LNwRse3RHeo/s1600/aa1.jpg)
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 08, 2012, 12:53:16 PM
Do you not follow political campaigns?
Campaigns do both. They talk themselves up and talk down the other guy.
Is this a new concept to you?
That's the odd part, I haven't heard the Obama campaign talking about the president's sterling record.
Quote from: Gaspar on June 08, 2012, 12:53:40 PM
It's sad when politicians can take advantage of stupid people like that.
That must be why Oklahoma elects a dentist to be state superintendent of schools.
Quote from: Conan71 on June 08, 2012, 12:54:54 PM
That's the odd part, I haven't heard the Obama campaign talking about the president's sterling record.
We won't get much of that here in Oklahoma. Would you spend a bunch of campaign money in Oklahoma if you were Obama?
Quote from: RecycleMichael on June 08, 2012, 12:57:28 PM
We won't get much of that here in Oklahoma. Would you spend a bunch of campaign money in Oklahoma if you were Obama?
I don't think he even considers us one of the 54 states!
Quote from: Gaspar on June 08, 2012, 12:59:11 PM
I don't think he even considers us one of the 54 states!
Ahem, it's 57.
Quote from: Gaspar on June 08, 2012, 02:50:22 PM
New math is hard to keep up with.
It's not that hard, it's just that these newer states have only been in the union for a short time.
Quote from: guido911 on June 08, 2012, 03:06:33 PM
It's not that hard, it's just that these newer states have only been in the union for a short time.
I can only think of four though.
New Michigan (built on the ruins of old Michigan)
Atlantis
Mexifornia
Toyotathon
Quote from: Conan71 on June 08, 2012, 12:49:45 PM
It's a shame that President Obama doesn't have a better record of his own to run on where he wouldn't need to exaggerate the negatives then depend on people's ignorance of what PE firms actually do.
As opposed to Romney, who depends on people's ignorance of what PE firms actually do? ???
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 03:10:20 PM
As opposed to Romney, who depends on people's ignorance of what PE firms actually do? ???
You are absolutely shameless. In my life, I have NEVER known a person who holds himself up with such high esteem and knowledge in so many different areas. I mean NEVER and I am being 100% serious. How many companies do you own; how many persons do you employ; how many colleges degrees do you hold; how many zillions do you have in the bank?
Yes, I'm an elitist pig because I read. ::)
At least I have the stones to explain my reasoning, McWhinerson.
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 03:26:14 PM
Yes, I'm an elitist pig because I read. ::)
At least I have the stones to explain my reasoning, McWhinerson.
So the answer is No. You do you own any companies, employ anyone, and have no real money. Well, but you READ. Well, that settles it. Nate for president!!!
I am through explaining anything more to you anyway. You have reached boring status with me.
Quote from: guido911 on June 08, 2012, 04:01:40 PM
I am through explaining anything more to you anyway. You have reached boring status with me.
Too bad, I like being informed. Guess I'll just have to founder along in ignorance until you change your mind.
Quote from: guido911 on June 08, 2012, 03:15:17 PM
You are absolutely shameless. In my life, I have NEVER known a person who holds himself up with such high esteem and knowledge in so many different areas. I mean NEVER and I am being 100% serious. How many companies do you own; how many persons do you employ; how many colleges degrees do you hold; how many zillions do you have in the bank?
He's part of the self esteem generation.
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 03:26:14 PM
Yes, I'm an elitist pig because I read Marvel comic books. :)
Nah, comics didn't do much for me after I finished my family's enormous collection of Archie. The mystery and intrigue of the real world is more interesting, anyway. ;)
I am still not quite sure what it is guido has against facts, but that's his problem, not mine.
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 09:47:52 PM
I am still not quite sure what it is guido has against facts, but that's his problem, not mine.
I think Guido doesn't really have a problem with facts. Pretty much everyone here (except me, of course) picks the facts and makes unstated assumptions to make a point. Sometimes the assumptions are actually stated and there is a disagreement on the validity of the assumption (frequently you and me).
Quote from: Red Arrow on June 08, 2012, 09:59:39 PM
I think Guido doesn't really have a problem with facts.
You're right, it appears to be more of a problem with sharing. He's perfectly happy to share his opinion, but when someone asks what facts help form the basis of it (obviously, philosophy figures in to what an individual takes away from the facts) he doesn't seem terribly happy to share that. Maybe it's just me. Probably is, actually; I'm really good at rubbing people the wrong way.
Also, guido, just because I've never actually changed a half shaft on my Honda doesn't mean I don't know how. I'm even pretty likely to tell someone who is going to do it the long way and take two hours what the shortcuts are so they can save an hour and a half of their life if they so choose. I guess that makes me a dick. You don't actually know what sort of esteem I hold myself in, nor anyone else for that matter. You should stick to what you actually know and not spew whatever you make up to make yourself feel better or whatever the hell it is you're doing when you decide personal attacks are your best option.
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 10:41:36 PM
Also, guido, just because I've never actually changed a half shaft on my Honda doesn't mean I don't know how. I'm even pretty likely to tell someone who is going to do it the long way and take two hours what the shortcuts are so they can save an hour and a half of their life if they so choose.
Having actually done the job lends credibility to the shortcuts. I have frequently found the the folks who wrote the manuals have not done the job either.
Quote from: Red Arrow on June 08, 2012, 10:48:34 PM
Having actually done the job lends credibility to the shortcuts.
Indeed, which is why I would be more than happy to communicate the source of the information. In this case, my (former, only because I'm two hours away now) mechanic, who is an Acura Gold certified "technician" (or whatever the hell they call them these days) with somewhere over 25 years of experience. Who I just so happened to watch change my half shaft in less than 15 minutes.
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 11:02:57 PM
Indeed, which is why I would be more than happy to communicate the source of the information. In this case, my (former, only because I'm two hours away now) mechanic, who is an Acura Gold certified "technician" (or whatever the hell they call them these days) with somewhere over 25 years of experience. Who I just so happened to watch change my half shaft in less than 15 minutes.
Direct observation
can be an acceptable substitute.
I wouldn't trust the alignment though without an additional check. My 1981 Buick Shop Manual (Genuine GM, not Chilten etc) says that marking the strut is sufficient. I don't believe it.
Edit:
I forgot to ask, did he still charge the flat rate?
Quote from: nathanm on June 08, 2012, 11:02:57 PM
Indeed, which is why I would be more than happy to communicate the source of the information. In this case, my (former, only because I'm two hours away now) mechanic, who is an Acura Gold certified "technician" (or whatever the hell they call them these days) with somewhere over 25 years of experience. Who I just so happened to watch change my half shaft in less than 15 minutes.
I'm a kinetic learner. I approve of that sort of training ;)
This thread confirms my belief that republicans can't make the case for Romney. They just are running against Obama.
Quote from: Gaspar on June 08, 2012, 03:09:36 PM
I can only think of four though.
New Michigan (built on the ruins of old Michigan)
Atlantis
Mexifornia
Toyotathon
You forgot Arizexico.