The issues of interest to Iowa caucus-voters “tend to be the same issues that everyone is concerned about around the country,” ABC's Kate Snow maintained Tuesday night, a contention she illustrated by citing “one voter” who recited to her a litany of liberal agenda topics: “She's worried about health care, Social Security and...'getting the Hell out of Iraq.'”
Snow's conclusion from Des Moines followed a World News piece from Jake Tapper in New Hampshire where he similarly found getting out of Iraq is the most important issue, at least to “independent” voters. After pointing out how there are more independents than either Republicans or Democrats in the Granite State, Tapper explained that “a key issue for so many independents here, such as contractor Gerry Hamel, is opposition to the war in Iraq.” Hamel expressed his view that “we can only be there so long and it's time to leave.” Tapper helped Hamel out as Tapper unintentionally showed how Snow's take on Iraq matched the Democratic position: “And the Democratic candidates are saying that, not the Republicans?” Hamel agreed.
Partial excerpts from the back-to-back stories on the September 4 ABC's World News:
JAKE TAPPER, IN NEW HAMPSHIRE: A key issue for so many independents here, such as contractor Gerry Hamel, is opposition to the war in Iraq.
GERRY HAMEL, INDEPENDENT VOTER: “We can only be there so long and it's time to leave.
TAPPER: And the Democratic candidates are saying that, not the Republicans?
HAMEL: I think the Democrats are.
TAPPER: Hamel went for McCain in the 2000 presidential primary, but is now leaning Democratic.
Then, in the next story, Kate Snow checked in from Des Moines, with the Iowa state capitol in the background, and after she noted how an Obama rally attracted young people, she concluded her report:
The majority of caucus-goers, though, are over 50, they are white, they are well-educated, they're not all farmers. Far from it. In fact, a lot of voters in Iowa now live in urban areas like this, in Des Moines, or suburban areas. Their issues tend to be the same issues that everyone is concerned about around the country. One voter said to me yesterday she's worried about health care, Social Security and, Charlie [Gibson], “getting the Hell out of Iraq.”
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Another impartial survey
September 4, 2007 - 19:54 ET by Conservative_in_mass.I figured I would go ahead and conduct my own in depth analysis of what is on the mind of the voters and came up with this:
We need to complete the mission in Iraq. The Social Security system needs to be revamped immediately before it goes bust. Health Care should not be mandatory or universal.
I conducted a hard hitting, detailed interview with myself...Back to you Charlie.
Thanks for that report
September 4, 2007 - 19:56 ET byCIM, and might i add get the libs the Hell out of the media
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
How could I have forgotten
September 4, 2007 - 20:04 ET by Conservative_in_mass.How could I have forgotten that one botg. Thats the biggest one of all. At least then I could watch the news without cursing...
I've gotta say, everyone....
September 4, 2007 - 19:56 ET by MrShyI'm right with that Des Moines woman and her 3 concerns... I worry about socialized medicine, more gobbling-up of my money by bigger government, and our country bending to the will of the brainwashed and/or agenda-driven left and foolishly pulling our troops from Iraq.
:)
Where Did Tapper Get His Numbers?
September 4, 2007 - 19:55 ET by Del DolemonteTapper claims that there are more Independents than either Republicans or Democrats in New Hampshire, but fails to tell us that the spread between the Indies and Republicans is too small to be measured.
Tapper also failed to inform his gullible viewers that NH went for Kerry in 2004 and tossed 2 GOP House members in 2006, at the same time they re-elected a Democrat Governor.
N.H. is becoming
September 4, 2007 - 19:58 ET by Conservative_in_mass.N.H. is becoming increasingly liberal because of the exodus of liberals from Massachusetts. The taxes here are getting too high for them so they are now migrating north for "tax relief". Care to guess whats going to happen up there in a few years if this keeps up?
NH Still Has Some Sanity...
September 4, 2007 - 20:27 ET by Del DolemonteI'm in a strange situation here in NH-my neighborhood is at the intersection of 3 towns. The policies of all 3 affect my neighborhood directly, even though I only can live in one town at once.
Town "A", where I actually live, derives much of their tax income from waterfront properties on Lake Winnipesaukee. Given the astronomical numbers of those places-especially the newer 4 to 6 million dollar places-it lowers most of the other people's tax burden. In addition, my immediate part of town has a 10 acre minimum lot size. Less development, and vacant land can be put into "current use", which means I can own a 20 acre lot and only have to pay 37 dollars a year for taxes. I can still build a house on that land, but that would only take up 1 acre, so the rest of the land would still be in CU. My taxes are still low.
Town "B", which lies about 1.5 miles to my south, enacted townwide zoning in 1956. 'Nuff said.
And Town "C", 1 mile to my west, has as its largest taxpayer a hydroelectric dam. Even with that, their tax rate is still double what Town "A" has.
Coincidentally, DM
September 4, 2007 - 23:45 ET by Scout FinchOne of my favorite books from my teen years, "The Cheerleader", by Ruth Doan MacDougall, took place in a fictional town called "Gunthwaite, NH". Ruth herself is a known Liberal, but her series on "Snowy" the Gunthwaite cheerleader, are so beloved. She depicts a small town in the 1950's New Hampshire perfectly. I think she even mentions Lake Winnipesaukee in her books. I so loved New Hampshire based on Ruth's novels. You're in my heart forever.
I don't
September 4, 2007 - 21:12 ET by MidAmericaI don't understand.
Liberals moving to a location for the lower taxes is like conservatives moving to San Francisco for the 'diversity' of lifestyles.
The liberals want as many new taxes as they can get away with. Those voters should be eagerly moving to where the taxes are highest.
No, No Mid!
September 4, 2007 - 21:21 ET by BlondeThey want more and higher taxes for everyone else....not for themselves.
It's the classic lib paradigm....do as I say, not as I do....
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Yes indeedie Blondie
September 4, 2007 - 21:26 ET byWe need to to good with your money, if was about doing good with their money they'd just do it
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
Exactly the point
September 5, 2007 - 10:38 ET by Conservative_in_mass.One of the most infamous examples of liberal duplicity was when Rose Kennedy's estate was probated a few years back. The Kennedy's established her primary residence in Florida, so as to avoid paying Mass. inheritance taxes.
Teddy had no comment on this "personal"matter.
Try talking to more than one Iowan, Kate
September 4, 2007 - 19:56 ET by nkviking75"In fact, a lot of voters in Iowa now live in urban areas like this, in Des Moines, or suburban areas."
True, Kate. It's also true that Des Moines is a Democrat stronghold in Iowa. The Dems have a lock on Polk County. Kate, if you talked to "one voter" in Des Moines, odds are she'll give you the liberal point of view.
Try looking for lots of voters all over my state. You're bound to find pockets of Republicans, especially in the western district of Steve King, the most conservative member of Iowa's congressional delegation.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Hey Viking, what good would
September 4, 2007 - 20:00 ET by MrShyHey Viking, what good would going into your neck of the Iowan (oops, ok word?) woods be for them? I mean, come one... :p
(my first time using this sarcasm-off thingy..... /sarc)
oh, funny, I just now
September 4, 2007 - 20:02 ET by MrShyoh, funny, I just now noticed you also used the word "Iowan" (in your subject) so nevermind my earlier concern! :p
Silly me
September 4, 2007 - 20:02 ET by nkviking75Silly me. Of course Kate wouldn't want to undermine her agenda.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
correction:
September 4, 2007 - 20:31 ET by MrShy* "come on" ..... I can't seem to edit a previous post, just my last one, I guess :(
MrShy
September 4, 2007 - 20:37 ET byyou can only edit until someone replies
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
thx botg :)
September 4, 2007 - 20:39 ET by MrShyThat bites, but then, makes sense I guess...
No, I'm sorry nkviking75
September 4, 2007 - 20:07 ET by SportPoliticsNo, no no no no no.
I'm sorry mr victoryking warmonger, you have lied, obviously, since she told us everyone is concerned with getting the hell out of Iraq.
How can you possibly say that everyone doesn't want out now ? Your arrogance is immense.
I'm sorry, SP, but you're out of line
September 4, 2007 - 20:16 ET by nkviking75I can say that because I don't want us out now. Yeah, it would be nice to have this war wrapped up, but I don't want us to pull out abruptly and leave Iraq to the terrorists. President Bush had it right last week. The only way Iraq will be another Vietnam is if we abandon Iraq like we did Vietnam. Millions of people suffered and died because of the way we left Southeast Asia. Thousands took to the sea in rickety boats rather than remain behind to face the Communists. Some made it here to America. No one knows how many died at sea.
Obviously, you didn't think it through before you accused me of lying. You ought to know from this site alone that there are many Americans who recognize the need to hang in awhile longer in Iraq, even as we wish it wasn't necessary.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
nk
September 4, 2007 - 20:23 ET by BlondeBetter turn your sarcasm metre back on.
Sporty was kind of channeling the libs there...
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
OOPS! A whole carton of eggs on my face
September 4, 2007 - 20:29 ET by nkviking75"Sporty was kind of channeling the libs there..."
Darn good at it too. Sorry, SP.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
I said this on Pat
September 4, 2007 - 20:27 ET by drillanwrI said this on Pat Dollard's site last night [edited for NB language standards] :
Yeah, every time I hear someone demand “Bring The Troops Home NOW!”
I always insist, “No, you REALLY don’t want them home … They’re pretty f-ing pissed at you people right about now …”
Drillanwr....
September 4, 2007 - 20:46 ET by MrShyHaha, good one... and like the one below, too :)
"Bring the troops home NOW"..... sheesh.... really, I'll bet if we could completely survey all 130-140 K of them (rough number?) we'd get 98% (or 99.9) genuinely saying "clam the f- up, you screaming, hysterical banshees, and let us finish the task at hand here!!"
and THEN we'll come home to an entire country that embraces us and beams with pride..... oops, that might be a bit of wishful thinking :(
Excellent, Drill
September 4, 2007 - 20:46 ET by BlondeYeah, the last thing the libs want is a bunch of pissed off troops home now....pissed off at them at their lack of support. Sheesh!
A great comment....did you really leave that at Pat Dollard's site? Bravo to you!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Blonde...
September 4, 2007 - 20:50 ET by MrShyDid you go and steal "sheesh" from me just now? (see above)
:)
Mr Shy,
September 4, 2007 - 21:12 ET by BlondeSorry, fella....I've been using it as a term of derision for quite a while here.
I'm a very sharing type person, though....so feel free.....we can certainly share our derision.
Personally...I use it when I'm disgusted with liberal kind of stuff.....or when I'm just kind of overwhelmingly disgusted with the stupidity. Kinda like that.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
did you really leave that at Pat Dollard's site?
September 5, 2007 - 09:54 ET by drillanwrYes, I did ... It was in response to one of the other posters remarking about time for a civil war in this country (in regards to the DePalma/Cuban anti-Iraq War, antitroops propaganda flick)...
“She's worried about
September 4, 2007 - 20:12 ET by drillanwr“She's worried about health care, Social Security and...'getting the Hell out of Iraq.'”
We're trying our damnedest, lady! The Devil and his two Little Nickies are dead ... Now our troops are cleaning up the rest of Hell ... Might be a bit easier if they had a little help from the WHOLE USA, though. Not a whole lot of help ... Just a bit more PATIENCE and SUPPORT!!!
The MSM is feeling the
September 4, 2007 - 21:42 ET by kubob21The MSM is feeling the ground shift around their feet and as always instead of telling the truth about that shifting ground that is possible success in Iraq, they desperately dig in and try to change the debate to obsure the dramatic statement that President Bush's landing in Anbar, Anbar! and meeting in peace with Sunnis and Shia made. Both Chrissie and Olby were in full fledged, spittle flying rages, trying to change the debate to an off the cuff remark (slamming their hero Clinton, but that was over their heads) the President made in the book "Dead Certain". Why? Because where in Nov 2006 Chrissie and Olby wanted nothing but stories about Iraq, now they want to hear about anything but Iraq. The cheerleading for our defeat by Kos, Huffpo, the Dems, Hollyweird, Chrissie, Olby, Blitzen, Roberts, Russert, Mitchell, and the rest of the MSM has moved from debate, to disgusting anti-US military, to anti-Amercanisim and deriding America's drive for freedom and democracy, to a never before seen outright treachery designed to destroy American hopes for the ugly purpose of enshrining liberal dreams of power to turn U.S. citizens into drones whose sole purpose will be to sacrifice to allow liberal elites luxury and privelege. Not bad for a run-on sentence Eh?
kubob21, no, not bad at ALL
September 4, 2007 - 22:06 ET by MrShykubob21, no, not bad at ALL !!!
But it was so delicious that I'm suspicious you're a demwit/moonbat disguising as a "neocon" on NB, like what happened in reverse on DailyKos !! (jk, really... well, 93% kidding...)
They're indeed moving the goalposts, throwing at us nebulous fluff pieces of obvious Libs calling for "getting the troops out", asking "yeah, but where's the political progress in Iraq" (and they KNOW that security had to come first!), suddenly belittling Gen Petreaus and marginalizing his importance (funny, if the war was continued daily suicide bombings, which it's NOT anymore, they'd be spot-lighting him right up to the day he delivers his report, with panting and hyperventilating impatience), and on and on....
Kate Blow, I have a much better idea.
September 4, 2007 - 21:56 ET by Dave RWhy don't you get the Hell out of my country.
And take your hideous All-But-Communist Network employer with you, as well as your family. That last move would raise the mean intelligence level for the USA at least three points. Hell, perhaps even four.
You nailed it, they are p-ed
September 4, 2007 - 22:38 ET by Night WatchmanYou nailed it, they are p-ed off.
"The military professionals who make up the core of today’s career force
no longer believe President Bush is on the right track in Iraq.
According to this year’s Military Times Poll, only 35 percent approve
of the way President Bush is handling the war in Iraq; 42 percent
disapprove. It is the first time in the war that those who disapprove
outnumber those who approve. What’s more, only 41 percent now believe
we should have gone to war in the first place."
http://www.militaryt...
quick change on the link
September 4, 2007 - 22:44 ET bywhy do they disagree?
Supreme Court, National Security, Borders, Fiscal Restraint, my litmus test for President.
Military Times tilts left, NW
September 4, 2007 - 23:03 ET by RJWho did they "poll?" Um, let me guess...Democrats?
Reports I hear say the opposite....that, naturally, the troops would like to go home, but also that morale is high and they're committed to staying to finish the job.
This, in spite of the left and the MSM's best attempts to discourage them.