Calculate Your Obama Tax Cut!
Did you watch Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin's speech last night? Of course you did; it was a must-see. And regardless of your politics, you can't deny that she delivered it superbly, with polish and poise. In short, at least as a stylistic matter, it was the Best Speech Ever.
But how was the Palin speech as a matter of substance? The AP fact-checked it and identified some issues:
PALIN: "The Democratic nominee for president supports plans to raise income taxes, raise payroll taxes, raise investment income taxes, raise the death tax, raise business taxes, and increase the tax burden on the American people by hundreds of billions of dollars."THE FACTS: The Tax Policy Center, a think tank run jointly by the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute, concluded that Obama's plan would increase after-tax income for middle-income taxpayers by about 5 percent by 2012, or nearly $2,200 annually. McCain's plan, which cuts taxes across all income levels, would raise after tax-income for middle-income taxpayers by 3 percent, the center concluded.
Who cares about Kansas -- what about Biglaw associates (and partners)? How would they be affected by Obama's tax plan? With their six- and seven-figure salaries, some are doing a lot better than "middle income."
Check out some surprising numbers, after the jump.
A series of guest posts on ATL by Ted Frank -- here, here, and here -- suggested that Obama's tax plan wouldn't be kind to denizens of law firms. But under the latest version of his plan -- new and improved, arguably for political expediency -- most ATL readers will receive a tax cut.
Shortly before the Labor Day holiday (so some of you probably missed it), an online tool allowing you to calculate your Obama tax cut made its debut. Check it out here (via TaxProf Blog). You can enter your approximate adjusted gross income and see what Obama can do for you.
A few data points relevant to firm lawyers:
What about law firm partners? If you enter $500,000+ into the calculator, you get this message: "You will probably not get an Obama Tax Cut."
And you might even get an Obama tax hike. Check out this table, based on research by the Tax Policy Center:
So many partners at Am Law 100 firms, who fall into that $603,403 to $2.87 million band, will see their taxes go up by about ten percent in an Obama administration. Top partners at Am Law 100 firms, who earn more than $2.87 million, will see their taxes go up even more.
But who's going to feel bad for millionaires -- and millionaire lawyers, to boot -- whose taxes go up so we can have a better health care system?
Calculate Your Obama Tax Cut [TaxProf Blog]
Obama and McCain Tax Proposals [Washington Post]
(257) Comments
booty juice. got it
On the road...and First? OK, second?
mccain to TTT
Whoa! Obama must be God on Earth because He now has everyone convinced that He is the true agent of tax relief. I have seen the Light and it is Obama.
Same ol' Dem, same ol' socialism.
What's the definition of a Marxist?
Someone who loves humanity in groups of one million or more.
You fail to account for Obama's increase in payroll taxes, captial gains taxes, corporate taxes, ect... which will impact blue collar workers, the middle class and any other person who has a job or who is/will be unemployed but actually wants a job.
It is only rational to support this tax plan if you are lazy/don't want to work/don't have a job and don't want one, or alternatively if you are super-rich (>$100MM net worth).
Corporate/payroll taxes will adversley affect workers' salaries, reduce employment/wages, not to mention a blow to small businesses.
All of this to bankroll a bigger goverment with more social programs and more spending on those who choose not to work hard.
HTH.
4, you making bank north of $600K? Doubt it.
Lat- Props for fairness and honest reporting. You would never see this on Fox News.
Really??? You're making 18k a year and McCain's tax cut is going to line your pockets to the tune of $19? That should certainly pay for your bootstrap.
Best Speech Ever??? I though she sounded like a robot. Rudy kicked ass, though.
Could we lose the liberal bias here?
What about the fact-checker who looked into Obama's promise that a 'diner-waitress would be able to take a day off of work without fear of losing her job', under the Obama economy?
Please, Obama promises anything and everything to get elected, you can't seriously consider any of his proposals.
8 - It's hard to cut taxes on people paying no taxes. You're looking for income redistribution. Go hire Robin Hood.
Also, Lat's table fails to note that this is FAMILY income. So if you're single or if your spouse also works, cut the numbers roughly in half. Which means no Biglaw associates get a tax cut under Obama's plan, but do get a tax hike when adding in the effects of the Payroll tax hike.
And that's assuming he's telling the truth.
Did I accidentally stumble on Daily Kos? If this site is going to turn into just another liberal rag I am out.
Your charts are complete b.s. Obama clearly has said that he will raise taxes on anyone who makes above $250,000.
Hey idiot:
It was not the "best speech ever." You've been drinking the Fox News Kool Aid, you jackass. It was a condescending, nasty screech from a lightweight of a human being. That speech did not hold a candle to Barack's speech.
May God bring Palin shame.
5 - You're an idiot.
Elie, how come you didnt take this opportunity to bash Palin? Oh wait, this article was written by Lat. Makes sense...it's actually well-written and unbiased
Elie, how come you didnt take this opportunity to bash Palin? Oh wait, this article was written by Lat. Makes sense...it's actually well-written and somewhat-neutral
Rudy looks like a soft boiled egg. I kept waiting for his dentures to fly out each time he said (tried to say?) the word "Senate." His speech was abysmal and he doesn't even fit in with the WT crowd at the RNC.
Well, since 95% of America makes under $250,000, we're supposed to feel sorry for that 5% that's going to have their taxes raised? Wah, wah, wah, my heart bleeds for you, really. And you really think that just because we make under $250,000 we don't work hard? How delusional can you be? My spouse and I work hard, but we want to see our family too. So yeah, we're not crying rivers for the rich folks who'll get a tax raise, so the 95% of the rest of us won't and can get some affordable healthcare.
Oh, all you conservatives shut up about the bias of the chart for singles, etc. It's biased the same way on both sides. The chart is from the Washington Post link, Lat didn't make it.
God, shut up and quit whining. You sound like Palin with that annoying voice talking about her retarded kid all night and her preganant Britney Spears wanna be daughter.
If Obama wins I am moving to Canada. It will be just as socialist, but at least it will be mostly white people.
19 - Don't let Obama's shifty speak fool you. When he says $250,000, he means families making $250,000. That means $125,000 per spouse, and that is the level where he will hike taxes on single individuals.
If you make over $125,000, Barack Obama will raise your taxes. And that's just what he's promising BEFORE he is elected. Just wait until after.
What I find most offensive about Obama's tax plan is that he plans to raise taxes on families that make over 250K, but on individuals making over 200K. That's a pretty big marriage penalty for couples with two professional jobs (and the obscene student loans that come with the degrees). Guess Obama thinks I should have been a stay-at-home mom instead of taking a BigLaw job.
And I will have easier access to my weed.
10, you might be the first person who's ever accused Lat of having a "liberal bias." i'm sure the rest of us just missed it. nice work, Sherlock.
23, as if us single people don't deal with higher taxes than those married. Get an f-in clue. All marriage is is a tax break.
5:
What's ect.? Did you mean etc.?
20-I think you mean JAMIE LYNN Spears.
Rudy saved NYC on 9/11
Watch your mouth, MF
Nice. After those ridiculous Ted Frank guest posts, it's good to see ATL set the record straight.
Well done 28. Sorry for confusing my celebrity preteen whores with my celebrity adult whores.
And by "white people" I am including Asians and Jews, who are alright by me.
- 21
19: Nice class warfare there. People more successful than you should give up their hard-earned money to compensate you and your wife for your lack of talent.
19 = Wah, wah, wah!! I lost in the genetic lottery, so I demand that the government steal money from my intellectual superiors and give it to me. It won't make me any smarter, but at least I'll be able to afford better healthcare (e.g. a physchologist to help me deal with my inferiority complex.)
20, typical democrat - fighting for the people... Good job making fun of a baby who did nothing wrong in this world but was born that way. If you have no intelligent arguments to make about the actual CANDIDATE, don't stoop down that low to make fun of her kids.
--someone with a down syndrome family member
Wow 21, way to be the most racist person on this post. And intelligent too I might add. A black man in office will certainly make the minority birth rate go up more so than a "abstinence only education" mom who has a pregnant teenage daughter because she wouldn't teach her about condoms. . . .
Wait a minute? . . .
Wow 21, way to be the most racist person on this post. And intelligent too I might add. A black man in office will certainly make the minority birth rate go up more so than a "abstinence only education" mom who has a pregnant teenage daughter because she wouldn't teach her about condoms. . . .
Wait a minute? . . .
Wow 21, way to be the most racist person on this post. And intelligent too I might add. A black man in office will certainly make the minority birth rate go up more so than a "abstinence only education" mom who has a pregnant teenage daughter because she wouldn't teach her about condoms. . . .
Wait a minute? . . .
Wow 21, way to be the most racist person on this post. And intelligent too I might add. A black man in office will certainly make the minority birth rate go up more so than a "abstinence only education" mom who has a pregnant teenage daughter because she wouldn't teach her about condoms. . . .
Wait a minute? . . .
37/38 - If only someone would have taught your mom about condoms.
26: You are wrong. Two married lawyers pay far more in taxes than two single lawyers combined. There is a huge marriage penalty for double income couples. The penalty only turns into a "tax break" if one spouse doesn't work, because the other spouse can then take advantage of the non-working spouse's standard deductions and exemptions.
The tax code shits on two-income professional families. And Obama likes it that way because he intends to amplify this effect.
if all you losers vote based on your straight economic self-interest--and everyone else in this country follows your admirable lead--it'd be an absolute landslide for obama. remember your kant, morons
37/38 - If only someone would have taught your mom about condoms.
19: Your will be out money too. What do you think happens when your employer has to pay double the social security and medicare taxes? Are they just going to take that hit? No, they will pass some of that along to you and to their clients, because it sure as h*ll is not coming from their bottom line profit. So good luck getting a decent raise during the Obama term.
Oh, and do you plan to sell stock in the next 4 years? If so, and if you will make money on that stock, the taxes will likely go up by 70 to 80% on captial gains.
Want affordable healthcare? Unless you are very poor, you will not see any change from Obama.
Hope this helps.
37/38 - If only someone would have taught your mom about condoms.
34,
I'm not making fun of the kid. I'm making fun of a lady with a 4 month old special needs kid who is trying to be a vp. As if she'll have the time for both.
And she's the one who keeps mentioning him, as if he's a shield. "Can't attack me, my kid is special needs." No one would've known the kid was special needs if she didn't announce it in a goddamn press conference. Talk about selling your kid out for your own publicity. I find her disgusting and shameful as a mother, female, and human.
But honestly, I was not making fun of the kid, just Palin. Sorry if it came out otherwise. Passionate hatred of a politician often brings out the worst, and really I am sorry.
6 - Certainly not. Do I need to be making that much to find offensive socialist schemes aimed purely at wealth redistribution? Do you have something intelligent to say that might reflect an intellectually consistent belief system?
Who are you and what have you done with David Lat???
Concur w/ 33.
19: in the spirit of Aldous Huxley, repeat after me:
"I am happy to be a hard-working Delta. Alphas have to make decisions, and Betas have too many responsibilities. I am happy to be a Delta."
Possessions are fleeting. Happiness is born of passionate human relationships, and a decent, BigLaw-subsidized standard of living.
11- try checking the upper left-hand corner of the chart. See where it says FAMILY INCOME in bold?
Moron.
Lawyers - get the real stats for yourselves. Go to http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/06in11si.xls -- you'll see just how few people there really are with high AGI.
Only 943,398 with AGI of $500k+.
Only 354,093 with AGI of $1mm+.
108,425,446 tax returns for AGI under $75,000.
119,565,854 tax returns for AGI under $100,000.
Even BigLaw paralegals make more money than most Americans. That's reality. BigLaw isn't.
40,
Hey you live in NY and own a place? I do, single person one bedroom pays the same as a married couple. Are your living expenses split cause your married? Yup. Mine aren't. Choice or not, you could've just lived with your partner and had those same benefits without getting married. You chose your life. Don't complain now. The two incomes combined and your status as married qualifies you for economic perks I don't get. You know, legal financial security (instead of the living together situation), a larger mortgage qualification, etc.
You chose your life, stop complaining.
5 is correct - Also big deficits increase inflation which hurts the middle class more than the wealthy. Dont kid yourself...Obama will raise taxes to pay for many new spending programs but he won't raise taxes or cut spending in a way to balance the budget.
@15 - How is 5 incorrect, explain yourself, dipshit
43 - our bosses always have some excuse at their disposal for poor raises. As for selling stock, we'll worry about buying stock after funding for retirement, children's college funds and paying off student loans. If we were "very poor" we wouldn't have to worry about healthcare at all, its called Medicare. But maybe Obama can help do something about for-profit health insurance companies that have to pay more attention to their stockholder's wallets than the health of their customers.
THIS IS 2009 INCOME FOLKS -- THE BUSH TAX CUTS EXPIRE IN 2010!
McCain vows to extend the tax cuts. Barak vows to repeal them (at least for anyone making over 200K). Hence the impact will absolutely not be f-cking zero for those making between 226K and 603K in 2010.
It's right on the first page of the TAX POLICY CENTER website where Lat pulled the chart -- "These projections assume the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire in 2010 and the AMT is fully effective."
Don't you see that this is the heart of the tax plan distinction between the candidates and your chart is completely misleading...
35-38, maybe your post should be using condoms--looks like it's breeding
55 is right -- LAT needs to do his homework before posting misleading pro-obama BS.
56,
That was hilarious. I don't know what happened there, the screen froze. I apologize.
35-38
53: perhaps 15 was referring to 5's use of "HTH."
15 called 5 an idiot; he didn't say 5 was incorrect.
so ease back there on the namecalling, cowboy.
54: I missed the part in Obama's speeches and website, where he wants to nationalized healthcare. What other fantasies are rolling around in that dome of yours?
As for "excuses", this will be no excuse, your employer will actually have less money and will actually have to make it up somewhere and some smaller businesses will have to lay off people.
You sound like you have a job and work for a living, so it makes no sense to vote Democrat. You (and all other working people) will take all of the burden and receive little, if any, of the benefit.
Hope this helps.
i despise obama
Big deficits do add to inflation. Unfortunately, however, our deficits are not big enough. The government should use debt like a successful corporation - continue to borrow as long as the marginal return on investment is higher than the cost of funds. As a percentage of GDP, the national debt is very low. The government should tax less and borrow more.
55 and 57,
Lat didn't make the damn chart. It's on both of the linked websites. Blame the Washington Post or TaxProf or whoever made the chart. Lat was just reporting it. Give him a break. It's the only story posted today that's worth anything.
If you think this sucks, go read Hope's dribble on how to be the office whore.
Obama is to POTUS
as
Homer Simpson is to Sanitation Commissioner
The comparison is valid:
"Do we want old man Patterson (McCain) with his finger on the button (nuke button)?"
"Daddy (Obama) made a lot of craaaazy promises!"
Homer goes on stage with U2 / Bono.
Homer runs out of money in a month and sells out his town to get funding.
"Can't someone else (government) do it (bumblingly overmanage your life wastefully)?
Why do I have to choose between someone who will lower my taxes but doesn't support gay marriage or abortion rights and someone who is socially liberal but whose economic and fiscal policy doesn't make much sense. Why can't we have a candidate who is socially liberal enough to leave gay marriage and abortion alone (let the states decide for themselves) without influence from the religious right, but who also has some sense of how to stimulate the economy and handle foreign policy.
How many people live in this country and Obama and McCain are the BEST we can do? Southpark was right--most elections ARE between a douche and a turd sandwich.
@52 You chose to live alone and that costs more. This does not mean that other people who share a home should have to pay more it taxes. You also chose to be a moron.
What a stupid justification for a marriage penalty. Dont complain about a penalty because you SPEND the same amount. Yeah, let's base our tax rates on how much someone spends. Moron.
I agree with #5 and these issues need to be addressed. Doesn't BO plan to roll back ALL of the Bush tax cuts (death tax, marraige penalty, child credits) and is that figured into this chart? Also, doesn't he want to increase the upper cap on payroll taxes and won't that kick in at around $98K? Is this chart just income taxes? If so, that is unfair and misleading.
60,
You are retarded. We're in a recession. So what if you have a job now, you could be laid off soon like the other hundreds of lawyers. Adding to the economic health of the country in general helps everyone. I have a job, I have a nice home. You know what? Mine and 90% of americans property values have declined because the economy is shit. Bear Sterns collapsed. Shit sucks. Helping all this will help everyone. So what if you have an extra $5K tax break for one year. How's that gonna help you when the nations dollar means shit in the world economy and your property values plummet 20%.
So economically worth it. Good analysis! You and all the other morons win the gold star sticker from kindergarten economics 101. However, in the long run you're hurting everyone, including yourself and your children.
Obama will not have an impact on you, nor will McCain. Your ability to earna aliving in this profession is now dependent on whether the ABA will allow unfettered out sourcing. If it doesn't move to protect US lawyers, they might as well move the patent and trademark office to Banglore.
60: You are an idiot. Higher taxes, especially on the wealthy & corporations, adversely affect the economy.
That would have been Rudy Giuliani but because he can't run a campaign for shyte and because middle 'murka couldn't quite accept a one o'them Eye-tallyans, we are stuck with a the Crypt Keeper and Mrs. Perky versus Empty Promises and Hair-Plugged Plagiarizer.
We are in a recession?? Second quarter GDP growth was 3.3%, retard. Go back to kindergarten economics 101 for a refresher.
65 -- That would have been Rudy Giuliani but because he can't run a campaign for shyte and because middle 'murka couldn't quite accept a one o'them Eye-tallyans, we are stuck with a the Crypt Keeper and Mrs. Perky versus Empty Promises and Hair-Plugged Plagiarizer.
66, you are obviously stuck in a sexless loveless marriage. I bet you're fat too. And ugly. And not just run of the mill ugly, but grotesquely deformed ugly.
Like I said. You could've lived together and not have gotten married and avoided the marriage tax penalty if you chose to. Instead you chose marriage. Deal with it.
Anyone who believes that Obama intends to deliver on his promises to cut taxes is willfully blind. Obama is one of the very furthest to the left in the entire Senate, and he certainly plans to raise taxes and entitlements, not cut them.
67 see 55 -- The chart and projections assume all of the Bush tax cuts expire in 2009 and 2010. McCain said he would make them permanent.
-nuff said
If I were an outgoing OT07 clerk (or, as Lat loves to call 'em, "The Elect") I'd do everything in my power to take my $275,000-$300,000 bonus this year (instead of going to Tibet or something) and not risk an Obama tax hike on it.
This so-called recession is nothing but an invention by the liberal media to influence the election. As soon as Obama wins everything will be wonderful. The emperor has no clothes.
Lat time I looked, Clinton left office with a budget surplus and an economy that was chugging along. After 8 years of Bush and his band of thugs we have the largest deficit ever, an unwinnable war, an economy that hasn't bottomed out and the hatred of the world because of our incredible arrogance. All of you who complain that your taxes will be raised should try and remember that we are all going to have to pay the price for the Neanderthals that may or may not have actually been elected. McCain's female Spiro Agnew notwithstanding, do any of you actually think she is capable of being President. McCain will be in diapers in tow years and we will be relegated to this hockey mom automotan. I'm moving to Canada for a different reason.
I don't get it. Why do people care more about the abortions they won't have and the gay marriages they won't have than the taxes they WILL pay?
I personally don't care about abortion. The more people I meet, particularly lawyers, the more I see its usefulness.
Plus, assuming that the majority of folks getting abortions are Lefties who will raise kids that are Lefties, I see it as a net gain.
I watched Sarah Palin’s speech with more than a little satisfaction.
After all the hypocritical, false, and unbelievable personal and sexist attacks (she is really the grandmother of her daughter, a mother of 5 cannot take care of the kids and be VP ect.), and after predicting she was “Dan Quale with an up-do” and would fall flat on her face, Palin delivered a speech that was better than both Clintons’ Denver speeches (and they were great), Biden’s speech (which was flat) and more personal, connecting, skilled, moving, effective and engaging that Obama’s speech.
Sarah Palin is a natural communicator—more so than even Ronald Regan or Bill Clinton.
Regarding taxes:
As a Democrat, who meets Obama’s absurd definition of “rich” (i.e. household income of $25,000+) I do not want to see my taxes raised.
But more important than that is the effect that the Obama tax plan will have on the economy.
New growth in the economy is fueled by entrepreneurs.
But why would entrepreneurs take the risks they take with new businesses if they have to turn around and pay an increased SS tax, a confiscatory 60% (after state taxes) federal income tax, ect., and then pay an increased capital gains tax on long term investments?
In a down economy, Obama’s tax plan will spend more, tax more, and ruin growth.
Less revenue, fewer jobs (are you listening 2L’s?), and a growing national debt.
We desperately need to REDUCE spending, balance the budget and fix the economy.
Only one candidate is even promising to cut spending, and his/her name is not Obama.
Yes, Bush screwed to pooch, the economy, and much more. But we are where we are, and now is the time to tighten the belt and fix things.
79: I think just about everyone agrees that the Bush presidency has been a disaster. Most of us do not want another disaster, therefore McCain is the logical choice, unless you want to further ruin the economy, reward laziness with entitlements, and have less money in your pocket/bank account.
HTH.
72, you are mentally incompetent. Read the news. For fucks sake CNN has a damn "recession 2008 watch" ticker. So what if it was up a little. Is this how you justify your flacid penis to your wife as well.
If you don't see we're in an economic downturn, then you really must live in some shitty middle of nowhere place that doesn't matter. Say, Palin's vagina?
PS: I meant of course $250,000, not $25K
--81
79,
Do you also believe that aliens abducted your mother and 9/11 was a hoax. God are you fuckin insane!!
You're right. Bear Sterns probably was just lonely and wanted some attention too.
80 - If at some point in the future doctors are able to determine through prenatal testing whether a child will grow up to be homosexual and parents begin aborting such children, you will see a sudden change in opinion about abortion, at least among those in the gay community.
81: Agreed. We need to get back to true conservative values. Nothing involving religion, gay marriage, abortions, ect..., but true FISCAL conservative values. I could really care less about social neo-cons and I would venture to say that most intelligent, rational voters could care less as well.
Balance the budget, cut government programs & agencies, stop funding the war, and don't raise taxes, and will we all be better off.
83:
And what a warm, rewarding, comfortable place that would be.
83-
The fact that CNN has a "Recession 2008 Watch" for an economy that grew last quarter is absolute proof that the media is trying to create a recession. Your brilliant rebuttle proved 72's point. Way to go!
84: you don't have to correct a post that nobody cares to read.
68 - actually, you're the "retard" - you can only spit back the slanted info you get from MSNBC and perhaps the Daily Kos.
We are NOT in a recession - a recession is defined by having 2 negative growth periods and sadly for the liberals, we actually had 3% growth this quarter. I an not saying this is the strongest economy we've know, but gas prices are stabilizing and things seem to be turning around. Unemployment is still well under 6%, a number that use to be seen as "full employment"
I prefer to keep working hard and to be optimistic about our country and the economy instead of wringing my hands and bitching about our gov't and country.
Try looking at how the rest of the world lives - Americans have it so good.
- NOT 60, just someone sick of the liberal's bitching and moaning.
81,
Way to not look at the issues. Hmmm. Could possibly investing in science and research, say alternative energy and stem cell research really impact the economy and send it booming? Aren't these hundred billion dollar projects?
Doesn't the Iraq war cost millions a day? Can't we save that money?
You're right. No stem cells, no alternative energy research, more war all add up to economic growth. At least I'll get an extra couple hundred measly dollars to spend on my childs tuition bill so she can get a job in a country where research isn't valued and be outcompeted by international kids. Great plan.
Cosign 89.
83: You need to google "economic recession" and see what the definition is. The fact that there was an increase at all negates any possibility of a recession.
HTH.
Palin had 5 kids. You know that vag is like a hot dry playground slide.
The bemused, admiring smile on veteran network anchor Bob Schieffer’s face as Plain took on the media said it all.
The mouse not only roared, she altered the course of a presidential election.
93,
A recession is a contraction phase of the business cycle. In the USA, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines it more broadly as "a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real GDP, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales."[1] Newspapers often quote the rule of thumb that a recession occurs when real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is negative for two or more consecutive quarters. However, not only is this a flawed measure that fails to register several official (NBER defined) US recessions, the quotation has been taken out of context from a 1974 New York Times article that listed a number of rules of thumb, the rest of which have been ignored [2]. A sustained recession may become a depression.
87: Agree. I wish people would stop voting on hot button social issues that shouldn't even be in the purview of the federal government and would think more about foreign policy, economics, and what kinds of social programs we should (or shouldn't) federally fund. I am socially very liberal but think there would be tremendous benefits to privatizing social security etc. It is too bad that we had Bush for 8 years and the republican party has become so socially and ethically retarded. I can't in good conscience vote for either of these two candidates, but it does make me feel somewhat comforted that Obama has at least read the Constitution once, because I am not sure Bush ever has, unless they make some kind of "Ernie & Bert learn about America" picture book.
Learn something recession unbelievers. Just cause were up a little when we're in the greatest economic downturn since the great depression means nothing. it's still technically a recession. There is no "recession = 2 quarters" definition. Someone just made that up as an estimate.
There's this lovely little thing called knowlege. Don't just google, read one thing, and make a decision. Don't be ignorant, it's highly unattractive.
96: Thanks for proving my point.
-93
87: Agree. I wish people would stop voting on hot button social issues that shouldn't even be in the purview of the federal government and would think more about foreign policy, economics, and what kinds of social programs we should (or shouldn't) federally fund. I am socially very liberal but think there would be tremendous benefits to privatizing social security etc. It is too bad that we had Bush for 8 years and the republican party has become so socially and ethically retarded. I can't in good conscience vote for either of these two candidates, but it does make me feel somewhat comforted that Obama has at least read the Constitution once, because I am not sure Bush ever has, unless they make some kind of "Ernie & Bert learn about America" picture book.
93, you're retarded. Read how the 2 cycle measure was wrong? I disproved your point. I hope to God you're some 1L posting on this site and not a lawyer.
96
50 - Right, the table makes it clear, but it's Lat's analysis that I was responding to, and his analysis ignores the fact that the income levels represent "family" income. That should have been obvious. But, since you signed your message "Moron," maybe it wasn't obvious to you.
God damn dat Obama is pug ugly. Damn boy! Whats wrong with you?
96-
So you are smart enough to realize that the economy is cyclical. Then is Clinton responsible for the economy he handed Bush, or is he responsible for the giant pop that followed in 2001 when the bubble burst? And is Bush responsible for the marvelous economy of the past 4 years that gave you two pay raises, or for the current phase of contraction.
Bush has made a lot of mistakes, but to blame it all on him, especially when Congress is largely Democratic, is stupid. And to raise taxes and government spending on entitlements during "a contraction phase of the business cycle" is the even more stupid.
Anyone who says 3.3% economic growth is "up a little" is completely clueless about economics. I bet you majored in astronomy.
79 -- the deficit is about 167 billion. Far less than it was last year and definitely not the highest it's ever been.
96/101:
From your post: Recession = "...a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy"
This has not happened.
Hope this helps.
Watch this:
http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=184086
90: apparetly you not only "care[d ]to read" it you took the time to comment on it.
Just like the Dems who are still crying this moring--even though Palin is "inconsequential".
The Obamatrons are protesting too much.
Al things being equal (awful war, dismal economy, incumbant republican president with 28% approval rating) the Obama should be 20 points up, but is virtually even. (Lok at the so called swing state pollng.)
The "girl" just sunk an already lurching Obama ship.
104, "Bush has made a lot of mistakes, but to blame it all on him, especially when Congress is largely Democratic, is stupid." -- Congress has only been "largely democratic" since 2007. It was Republican for the overwhelming part of his presidency. HTH.
65- McCain is your man. He favors a repeal of Roe, which would allow the states to decide the issue. He also opposed a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage as antithetical to the principles of conservatism.
Also, he's wicked handsome.
Notice that the "insider" comparing her to Steve Forbes is unwilling to be named.
Looks like Obama's communities are gonna need a little more organizing:
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/chicago.summer.shootings.2.810166.html
I'd take Palin's experience over Obama's any day. And Obama is at the TOP of his ticket.
107,
I disagree. Real estate developement, travel, employment services, manufacturing services as a whole in the US are down, mortgage industry, etc.
Just a few.
We may disagree, it's ok you know. (just wanted everyone on this board to understand that).
Signed,
Not 96
55 hits the nail on the head and I can't believe Lat was so f-ing gullible as to post this drivel. The Tax Policy Center is hardly an unbiased source as it's run by Brookings (center-left) and Urban Institute (far left). Bottom line is everyone with Biglaw salaries will get punished bigtime under the Obama plan (as will many with far less income). The only real beneficiaries are those who already suckle at the govt teat who will now get all kinds of refundable credits for having the strength to wake up in the morning and sit on their asses.
Dude--If she like wins the vice presidency, what am I supposed to call her pregnant daughter--The First Whore or The First Slut?
The economy was doing just fine until the Dems took over Congress. In fact, the Clinton economy was in recession until the Republicans took over Congress in 1994. Maybe the focus should be on who controls Congress instead of who is President.
113 - That's the last straw! We need to pull out of Chicago!
Say it with me:
No blood for pizza!
No blood for pizza!
No blood for pizza!
98-
"the greatest economic downturn since the great depression"
What are you talking about? And to follow that with a lecture about how the other person is so stupid? Is this Joe Biden?
http://ace.mu.nu/archives/271413.php
111,
You just made me vomit on myself. He's f-in 80.
Republican's your not voting for McCain, he's gonna die. You're choosing Palin.
I'm not writing this as a dem or rep, but I'm just pointing out the obvious. He's above the life expectancy. The odds are he's gonna die while in office (not wishing it on him, it's a statistical fact the odds are in favor of him dying).
Just be realistic about this. And no talk of sex with 80 year olds, it's just gross.
116:
Like, dude, call me when yo graduate from HS.
In the meantime, try washing you mouth out with soap....
The only experience Obama has is as a lowly state legislator. He has 2 years in the Senate, PRACTICALLY ALL OF WHICH HAVE BEEN SPENT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT. He has done nothing. His only claim to the office is that he is a black guy who delivered a nice speech in 2004.
Bush was a dumb ass in 2000, and he is a dumb ass now.
His party should have nominated John McCain then, and we would not be in this mess.
Fortunately, we have a chance to fix things by electing McCain-Palin.