South Carolina Primary-Jeb Bush

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Jeb Bush 2

Meeting Jeb Bush in person is quite a different experience then the Jeb Bush you see on the television stage.  He is much more personal, relaxed and his humor is even funny. As a whole here  (below) are the positive and negatives sides of his run for the Presidency.

POSITIVE

1. CONSERVATIVE RECORD- Jeb has a strong record of conservative achievement as Governor of Florida

2. WILL ATTACK- Governor Bush will forcefully attack his opponents. The success rate is to be considered below.

3.  LOOK- The Governor is taller then most of his opponents.

NEGATIVE

1. NAME- It appears the public wants a change from the names of Bush, Clinton in the White House.

2. ATTACK MODE- His attacks have appeared to prepared in the past.

3. LOOK- He sometimes appears quirky or uncomfortable as he stands on the debate stage. His expressions appear to often to be forced except when he’s angry.

 

South Carolina Republican Debate -A Few Notes

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CNN REPUBLICAN DEBATES 2016

You’re busy and don’t have time to read extensive pieces on the debate or you’re thinking they’re all pretty much alike well then here’s a few tidbits you might find interesting from yesterday’s brawl.

Match 1- Jeb Bush vs Donald Trump– Bush might not have had a knockout but he landed some good upper cuts making Donald Trump appear more as a conspiracy Democrat on 911 then a Republican. Donald Trump did throw many punches Jeb’s way but few of them landed only inflicting body shots.

Match 2- Ted Cruz vs Marco Rubio- The decision goes to Marco Rubio but only by  a 1/2 point for the punches were going all over the place when it came to the issue of immigration. The win goes to Marco though when he was able to demonstrate Ted Cruz’s difficult with telling the truth on various issues and people.

Match 3- Jeb Bush vs John Kasich- A slow fight with few punches landing on either side. This smack down was more of a patty cake contest.  Jeb Bush landed one punch showing John Kasich to be a bit more liberal on his governor’s record then he would have liked to portray. John Kasich came back with “can’t we get along” type of message.  I’m not sure he knows he’s in a fight.

Match 3- Ben Carson vs Ben Carson- Ben Carson continued to train for the big fight but none of the punches came his way and he didn’t land any knockdown’s as well.  He was the calm reflective man who might have thought too much and spoke too little.

BIG WINNER-  Marco Rubio after having such a difficult fight at the last battle he came out swinging with facts and spontaneity that the crowd continued have expected and was humble enough to thank George W. Bush for keeping us safe (smartest line of the night).  Jeb Bush came in a close second attacking the front runner with pounds of punches.

BIGGEST LOSER- Sorry Donald this wasn’t your best performance. You came out like Mike Tyson throwing everything at once but Jeb and Ted ducked and blocked all the attacking punches.

South Carolina Debate- Bush/Rubio Deal

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Senator Marco Rubio Jeb Bush

I believe a deal has been made with Senator Marco Rubio and Jeb Bush before the South Carolina Debate in which they wouldn’t attack each other for an added benefit.  The candidate that did worse in South Carolina Republican Primary would leave the race and endorse the other candidate publicly or privately. There was also a side deal where Jeb would take on the Donald and Marco would take on Ted. Conspiracy or true you decide?

Hold On!!!

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Hold on Hold on 2

It’s not as dramatic as these pictures but for my creative side it just might be.  For until November 2nd I will probably just look to keep what I have and not try some new bold venture  until this election cycle occurs.  With the stock market in a bear mood, the world on cliffs  it only adds to the anxiety I have as Bernie/Hillary are the probably Democratic nominees for President.  In the upcoming months I will plan on making some bold decisions depending on where the electoral outcome falls, right or left.  I will also take time to enjoy the small things in my life a bit more then I’ve done in the past just in case they maybe more difficult to enjoy in the future.  I’m not conceding anything just planning and waiting.

Republican Presidential Election-South Carolina-Marco Rubio

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Marco Rubio

Marco Rubio is the next nominee I will review as a Presidential contender. This one is the most difficult for me because I’m already leaning in his direction but it’s important for me to pull away from my biases and state the facts good, bad and in-between to determine whether this emotional pull is based on facts on the ground not one’s in my mind. As always I welcome with open arms your comments. 

POSITIVE

1.LOOK-  Senator Rubio has the look that can appeal to those  “independent” to swing his way.

2. CONSERVATIVE- He has a consistent conservative record even stating he would rather stand for life then any elected office.

3.IMMIGRATION- Marco has stated his goal is to build consensus on this issue by securing the border first and only then see if he can build consensus on what to do with those who have come across the country illegally. His record shows that he will pull out of pushing legislation against the will of the people instead of forcing it upon them (Obamacare, Dodd Frank etc)

4. LIFE EXPERIENCE- This should be stated with Ted Cruz as well for their background is the story of the American Dream from rags to middle class and beyond.

5. YOUNG- Senator Rubio’s youthful look can draw young people to the Republican party and therefore build on it’s growth.

6. CONSISTENTLY BEATS DEMOCRATS-  Marco Rubio consistently wins polls against any Democratic nominee that would run against him.  This would make the general election race the easiest for us to win.

7. GREAT SPEAKER- Other then last weeks poor debate performance (in one spot) Marco has had the greatest speaking skills of any of the nominees.

NEGATIVE

1. LOOK –For some Senator Rubio looks to young for this position

2. EXPERIENCE- Senator Rubio doesn’t have the extensive resume of his opponents (Jeb Bush, John Kasich) .

3. HIGH EXPECTATIONS- Where others might flub a line or two Marco Rubio isn’t expected to perform as such and if it occurs those mistakes are painted in more bold colors then in others.

4. GO NEGATIVE- Does the Senator have the ability to attack his opponents and inflict injury as a Donald does in a general election? He had one brilliant moment with Jeb Bush in a previous debate but can he revive this skill for this Saturday’s debate

5. GRASSROOTS-  Is there a strong loyal grassroots network in effect that can pull him through this entire race?

6. PASSIONATE SUPPORTERS- It appears the Senator doesn’t have the passionate supporters of a Ted Cruz or Donald Trump.

Jeb Bush, John Kasich, and Ben Carson coming soon…

 

Republican Presidential Election-South Carolina- Ted Cruz

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Ted Cruz 2

The focus of this blog introspective will be on Ted Cruz and his strengths and weaknesses he brings to the Republican Presidential competition.  Ted Cruz appears to have just the right parts (money, support, grown game) to stay in this race to the bitter end and even get the nomination but is he your best choice? I will again start with the positive and then the negative so you can get the full view.  I again warmly request your comments as well.

POSITIVE

1. CONSISTENT CONSERVATIVE- Ted Cruz has a Conservative record in his policy decisions that has been shown for many years. There are always a few minuses that his competitors will bring up but they are much less then most.

2. STAND ALONE- Senator Cruz isn’t afraid to stand alone on an issue that he believes in no matter what the personal consequences might be.

3. ORGANIZATION-  The Senator has produced an excellent grass roots campaign that appears to be unmatched by his competitors in the race.

4.  DETERMINED SUPPORTERS-Ted Cruz strong actions have produced loyal followers throughout the country that will be with him throughout the electoral process.

5. INTELLIGENT-  Even his strongest critics can’t argue with his brilliance.

6. WHITE HOUSE EXPERIENCE- Senator Cruz has actually worked in the White House in a policy role.

NEGATIVE

1.GRANDSTANDING- Many of his actions (closing down government) had a poor chance of being successful with this administration and only benefited his own political aspirations.

2. STAND ALONE- His stances against those in power may make it difficult to find allies in the legislative branch to pass his agenda.

3. LOOK- He has the appearance of a used car salesman and his performance on stage appears to theatrical.

4. DETERMINED DETRACTORS- Ted Cruz has some of the most virulent critics who will stop at almost nothing from having him enter 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

5. EXTREME LABEL- Senator Cruz wears it with pride but it could bring out those on the fence to vote against him.

 

Republican Presidential Election South Carolina- Donald Trump

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donald trump

I’ve decided to do an introspective of each candidate running for the Presidency in the format of good, bad & maybe even ugly (see below).  Donald Trump is the front runner so I believe that’s a good place to start. I’ll start out with the positive because I believe it’s important to see the good before you look toward the bad. I hope this introspective will help the voters in South Carolina and the other primary states look at the big picture as everything is thrown out them. Please feel free to add your own comments as well.

GOOD

1. OUTSIDER- He has not worked in the system and therefore might have a unique perspective to it.

2. INDEPENDENT- Donald is self financing his campaign so he doesn’t own anybody anything plus he has enough wealth to not worry about what he would be doing after the Presidency. Therefore he could truly do the work of the people or (supposed to be positive)

3. GREAT NEGOTIATOR/BUSINESSMAN- As he says better then me (but not in his exact words) he has the ability and knowledge to know when to make a deal and when to walk away from one whether it be on trade or foreign policy.

4. POLITICAL INCORRECT- Mr. Trump is not afraid to say what many have been thinking but were afraid would cost too much if they opened their mouth.

5. TOUGH- Donald Trump is ready and willing to say “you’re fired” to any government bureaucrat that won’t perform their duties.

6. COMMITTED LOYAL FOLLOWERS- His followers appear to support him no matter what “political error” he might commit and will come out in a blizzard to vote for him.

NEGATIVE

1.OUTSIDER – Mr. Trump has no real experience working in government and all the angles and people it truly takes to build legislation momentum there. It is if a restaurant owner decided to build a skyscraper.

2. PLATITUDE- Donald speaks of big policy changes without the real specifics of how it would be done. How could he pass legal constitution muster to ban on all Muslim’s from entering the U.S isn’t that an obvious violation of our 1st Amendment?

3. EGO – A President must be confident not only in himself but more importantly his country. How could he deal with legislative and/or judicial defeat of his actions? Would he respect the constitution and let the 3 branches have their power or would he usurp one or more if he didn’t get his way?

4. CONSERVATIVE-Play tapes of Donald Trump c. 5 years ago and he will appear to be as liberal as Hillary Clinton supporting Abortion, Obamacare, and even Hillary Clinton. How can we trust that he’s had such a change of heart that stays passed the election cycle?

5. TOUGH- Can Donald Trump truly dial it down when time calls for it or would he push the buttons of conflict way to soon?

6. COMMITTED DETRACTORS- There is a large group that strongly opposes the Donald and will vote through a  hurricane for a rock over him no matter what good policy decisions he might come up with.

 

 

Guacamola saves me $$$

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Guacamole

Guacamole saved me $$$ not just by avoiding a visit to the doctor’s office for my physical health but helping me with my financial well being as well.  For it only takes a few ingredients to make this delicious healthy dish and when one is missing it’s surely left behind.  Yes, I left the Cilantro along with other ingredients in the supermarket and if I didn’t decide to make Guacamole that night they would have stayed there along with the free cash I was providing this store.  Another reason Guacamole is a good investment in your life.

Carrying your name

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family tree

One’s family name is not greater then another neither shall we belittle the great name we carry,  that is what I believe is the significant message of the Bible/Torah portion that I’ve read. For the Kohen (Spiritual leader) was commanded by G-D to carry an Ephod (religious vest) which contained the names of the twelve tribes 6 on one stone and 6 on the other.  G-D didn’t say make the tribe of Joseph larger because of their great accomplishment or  neither make the tribe of Judah smaller even with some difficult moments in their past. For even if there were problems in our family history we should look to the good side that they’ve shown and honor it by keeping those values in our heart and soul as if they were imprinted in the stone of our being today.

 

Presidential Election become European?

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Bernie Sanders Donald Trump 2

The one ingredient that has separated American politics from the European is not the ocean between us but the Constitution and free enterprise system we have held dear until today. Bernie Sanders is a Democratic Socialist who believes that the government must play a leading role in our economic future, which is contrary to the free market system that has built great wealth for the people of this country and the world for over 20o years. Donald Trump has proposed “solutions” to problems that surely would be challenged if not overthrown by the courts (banning Muslim travel to the U.S.,) for their unconstitutionality. Similar to what is occurring in our White House today (Not enforcing Immigration law, EPA making laws, Regulating our 2nd Amendment, Obamacare mandates  etc). Come to think of it the move to European Socialism has been in effect for c. 7 years under the Obama Administration and for most the pain continues to build.  Therefore let us look to a leader who truly believes in what makes America special for the over 200 years our Constitution under G-D and the Free Market System and let the pain of the last few years go away instead of grow.