I truly don't think it matters much vis-a-vis "electability" in the general election. I think Obama has lost too many so-called "independents" -- and permanently so.

I think a lot of the GOP "base" realize this, and see this upcoming election as an opportunity to get a real leader in there instead of the nauseating "reach across the aisle" beltway bums we have been afflicted with on the GOP side -- many were hoping for a replay of "Carter out / Reagan in," and that's why they're having such a hard time getting behind any of these lackluster Republican candidates. Many of us cannot believe such an opportunity is being squandered with a field of politics-as-usual elitist RINOs, with the alternative choice being Ron Paul who for many is not an easily acquired taste.

But in the end, I think whoever the GOP nominee is will be the next president.

Ain't this precious?

And our own mainstream media is only maybe three or four degrees away from these types of obscene charades and ostentation.

See the laudations they poured on Teddy "liberal lion" Kennedy, the "hero" of Chappaquiddick; see the teary and mawkish sentimentality given to the administration of power-abusing sleazebag Bill Clinton.

Don't even get me started on the utter delinquency in reporting vis-a-vis the current administration, going back to before the 2008 election.

See the "selective memory" and "selective perception" shown by our own fine so-called "journalists" and "news" media.

True, it's not in the same ballpark as this obscene spectacle in North Korea -- nor am I comparing Kennedy or Clinton or any other "inside the beltway" ruling-class moron to such a radical thuggish militant dictator -- but the ballparks are within viewing distance. You might need binoculars, but the chasm between isn't infinite.

Worse still, there are people in the USA -- some of them in politics, some of them in the media -- who (secretly or otherwise) view such nations as "viable role models." Don't doubt it. Power-lust and derangement know no national boundaries.

I used the word "fiefdom" too, posted my comment, and only afterward did I read yours above mine. The description is that obvious, isn't it? Weak, puffed-up bureaucratic bullies.

All hyperbole aside, apparently Ultra-Corrupt Absolutist Dictator tactics are alive and well and being vigorously exercised within the scumbag leftist bureaucracy that "serves" Richmond.

Rulers of their pathetic little fiefdom over there in Richmond, they are. Cretinous punks.

Rico is being ironic and facetious -- it's a deliberate and rather accurate illustration of the absurdity of the liberal and politically correct mindset.

You folks who voted him down need to unclench your brain tissue and let the blood start flowing there again. Sheesh.

A large percentage of Europeans are effete snots who despise or resent Americans and a prosperous and powerful America; or else have outright hostility toward the US.

Add to it the Euro-socialism, which philosophy doesn't mesh with core American values nor with our constitution.

Doesn't take a rocket scientist to extrapolate on why "Obama still highly popular in Europe."

Also, Europe ain't doing so hot, and misery loves company.

The European fans of Obama no doubt love seeing us suffer under this nightmare of an administration, and they love the fact that Obama goes around kowtowing to foreign dignitaries and apologizing for America.

What BB and af said.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin

The OP's version is correct. I cite that one myself, all the time. Yah it's a good one.

http://books.google.com/books?id=W2MFAAAAQAAJ&...

"...his outfits made her happy."

" ' When I put the dress on, I'm really happy. I forget everything,' Moss said."

In the words of Simple Jack, you ma-ma-ma-ma-make me happy.

This "story" is more insipid, superfluous, abstract, and meaningless than most. I can't believe I wasted five minutes of my life perusing it and leaving this comment.

By no means a first attempt. They have been turning up the heat under the pot for a long time now, by degrees.

TSA, Obamacare and mandatory insurance, political correctness, "save the planet" behavior-control hoaxes, many other absurd nanny-state measures, baldfaced-liar state-run "news" media, etc., etc., etc.