IDoSugar -- Meant to be.

Obama Uses Polls, Focus Groups to Sell Stimulus — Smart?

LibertySugar — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:30:23 -0800

While Karl Rove and the Bush Administration came under fire for governing in constant-campaign mode, it looks like the shrewd Obama campaign will use some of its tactics to help rule. In hopes of selling a $775 billion stimulus plan to Congress, the Obama team has turned to polling and focus group data. Expect to hear poll-tested language, including "recovery" (not "recession") and "investment" (not "infrastructure"), during Obama's term. Bloomberg reports that public polling by presidents is nothing new. Bill Clinton polled policy details, while George W. Bush tended to poll the presentation only. Of course, messaging is an important way to pass legislation (for example it's much easier to push a "rescue" plan than a "bailout"); but, focus group feedback probably shouldn't replace in-depth policy research or be used to manipulate the public. Then again, polls and focus groups might be the best way to listen to what the people want! Source

Obama Uses Polls, Focus Groups to Sell Stimulus — Smart?

Yes! This shows they want to listen to the American people.

No. Talk to me straight, not with poll-tested language.

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

Do You Think the Roland Burris Affair Is Fair?

CitizenSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:30:47 -0800

We've all heard the tale by now: Illinois’s governor Roland Burris was appointed to replace President-elect Barack Obama as a US Senator, only he was appointed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was recently arrested by federal agents and accused of trying to sell the seat to raise campaign money. While most critics admit Burris is qualified, Democratic party leaders said they wouldn’t recognize anybody Blagojevich named.Burris went on The Early Show yesterday and dismissed his critics, saying his appointment was valid and even showed up for the Senate later in the day, only to be refused. He then announced he was rejected for the seat while lawmakers waited the gaveling of the 111th Congress into session. Burris's lawyers were quick to say an "extraordinarily arbitrary and unlawful process is afoot." The news today is that Burris is sitting down with Senate leaders and may be granted a seat, despite all the hoopla. Source

Do You Think the Roland Burris Affair Is Fair?

It's fair. Blagojevich proved he's untrustworthy and his pick shouldn't be honored.

It's unfair. Burris is being punished for Blagojevich's mistake.

Something else. See my comment below.

Americans Are Optimistic About 2009 — Are You?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:45:00 -0800

Despite the recession and shaky economy, most Americans are optimistic about what lies ahead in 2009. A new poll shows expectations for better conditions were higher among younger generations with 64 percent of those under 45 having an optimistic view.

Younger Americans were more likely to adopt New Year's resolutions as well. More than half of those aged 45 or younger plan to adopt lifestyle changes next year, compared with 29 percent of those 45 or older.

Last week, CitizenSugar readers shared suggestions for America's New Year's resolutions, with an emphasis on fixing the economy and international relations. There's certainly some change in the works — are you still feeling fine with 2009?

Source

Which Former First Lady's Memoir Piques Your Interest?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:30:46 -0800

Yesterday news broke that First Lady Laura Bush has signed on to pen a memoir with Scribner, the house of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Laura's mother-in-law, Barbara Bush. The book is currently untitled, but scheduled for release in 2010, and it's unclear what type of secrets she will reveal. Memoirs are somewhat of a right of passage for former first ladies — Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Nancy Davis Reagan have each written one. Is there one you find particularly alluring? Source

Which Former First Lady's Memoir Piques Your Interest?

Laura Bush

Hillary Clinton

Barbara Bush

Nancy Davis Reagan

Someone else. See my comments below.

Should Jeb Bush Run For President Someday?

CitizenSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:30:35 -0800

In an interview with FOX News Sunday former president George Bush senior described his youngest son, Jeb, the former governor of Florida, "as qualified and as able as anyone I know in the political scene" to be president.

"I'd like to see him run. I'd like to see him be president some day. As president, it's about service, service for the greatest country on the face of the Earth and the honor that goes with it. I think Jeb fits that description."

Bush senior added that "right now is probably a bad time, because we've got enough Bushes in there," but that Jeb should run for Senate from Florida. Source

Should Jeb Bush Run For President Someday?

Yes! He'd have to prove himself with a campaign, but he has all the right experience.

Maybe. We'd have to see him as a senator to know if he could take on the prez role.

No! His record in Florida isn't exactly clean, and we've seen enough of the Bushes.

Something else. See my comment below.

What Politician Would You Like as a Neighbor?

CitizenSugar — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 10:00:51 -0800

Former Republican vice presidential candidate (and new grandma) Sarah Palin recently won a poll on the most desirable celebrity neighbors with 14 percent, closely followed by Oprah Winfrey.

The 2008 campaign gave us an up close look at the lives of Palin, John McCain, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, but I suspect being neighbors with Condoleezza Rice, Eliot Spitzer or Rod R. Blagojevich would be pretty entertaining as well. What politician do you wish you could borrow eggs and sugar from?

Source

Should "So Help Me God" Be Banned at the Inauguration?

LibertySugar — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 10:00:01 -0800

A group of atheists and non-religious organizations want Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony, which will take place Jan. 20, to exclude any references to God and religion. In a lawsuit filed this week, the plaintiffs demanded that the words "so help me God" not be added to the end of the president's oath of office. Similar unsuccessful suits were filed before the 2001 and 2005 Inaugurations, but this one claims "there can be no purpose for placing 'so help me God' in an oath or sponsoring prayers to God, other than promoting the particular point of view that God exists."Obama will follow presidential forefathers and use the Bible Abraham Lincoln used for his inauguration. Do you think the reference and use of the Bible interferes with the Constitution's ban on the establishment of religion?Source

Should "So Help Me God" Be Banned at the Inauguration?

Yes! Doing so negates the Constitution's ban on the establishment of religion.

No! It's part of the oath and tradition and doesn't exactly favor any religion.

Something else. See my comment below.

Will Saltsman's Mixed CD Scandal Help His Campaign?

CitizenSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:30:24 -0800

Former Tennessee GOP leader Chip Saltsman incited quite a controversy this holiday when, as part of his campaign to be the next RNC chairman, he gave out copies of a mixed CD including conservative satirist Paul Shanklin's track, "Barack the Magic Negro." The song, which is set to the tune of "Puff the Magic Dragon," originally aired on Rush Limbaugh's talk radio show and has been described as a parody, but Saltsman's gift isn't sitting well with the media and most of the public. Current RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, who is seeking another term, even issued a statement saying it is "shocking" and "appalling."Meanwhile, experts say the move hasn't hampered Saltsman's bid at all — in fact, it might have helped it. The chairman of the Maine Republican Party went on record saying it was "no big deal." Today, Politico reports RNC chairmanship hopefuls Duncan and Saul Anuzis could have hurt their campaigns by chastising Saltsman. Do you think it will all blow over? Source

Will Saltsman's Mixed CD Scandal Help His Campaign?

Yes! The other candidates will look bad for making a big deal out of it.

No. It's bad news all around. It will put a damper on his campaign.

Hard to say. See my comment below.

Would You Visit an Offbeat Historical Landmark?

LibertySugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:00:23 -0800

Tourists flock to Mt. Rushmore, the Washington Monument and Civil War landmarks like Fort Fisher in North Carolina each year, but would you consider seeking out a more salacious historical site? The restroom at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport where Republican Sen. Larry Craig was arrested in a sex sting is losing its appeal as a tourist stop, according to an official. Craig was accused of soliciting sex in the bathroom in June 2007 and pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct later that Summer. Word is one person offered to buy the restroom stall for $5,000, but airport officials say they don't sell fixtures for novelty purposes. The men's room is described as the "busiest restroom at Minneapolis-St. Paul International," and is in the middle of the main thoroughfare, but no doubt many travelers popped in after hearing Craig's tale. Source

Would You Visit an Offbeat Historical Landmark?

Yay! It's entertaining to take pictures at historical spots, even if they are lowbrow.

Nay! It seems seedy and gross in this case.

Undecided — I guess it would depend.

SF Flyers May Pay For Their Carbon — Would It Fly With You?

LibertySugar — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 10:00:11 -0800

San Francisco International Airport will soon be populated with kiosks where green, and presumably well-off, travelers can buy indulgences for their environmental sin of air travel. The machines give travelers a chance to buy carbon offsets by calculating their trip's carbon footprint, along with the cost of an investment necessary to reduce general environmental impact by the same amount. Once the travelers pay, they get receipts telling them which projects they have sponsored. All you need is a credit card to save the planet! Offsetting a trip to Europe would cost about $36, while a two-hour trip would only cost $4. Would you participate?Source

SF Flyers May Pay For Their Carbon — Would It Fly With You?

Yes! It's a perfect way to help the environment while still fulfilling practical travel needs.

No. The taxes I pay on my ticket should be used to help the environment.

No way! It's a scam. Why would I pay a random company just to make myself feel better?

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.