Posts Tagged ‘Mitt Romney’

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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The Votes are counted

Stacey Dash

I’m relieved the carnival is over. A lyric from a song comes to mind.

“Storm clouds gathering move along the dusty boulevard

Outside the circus gathering

Moved silently along rain swept boulevards.

The procession moved on the shouting is over

The fabulous freaks are leaving town.

As the moon rose again for the very first time.”

(Mo’Kelly – poetry…not a good start for a political monologue and if you’re “relieved” that it is over…you really have not the stomach for genuine political discourse.  You were only here all of 3 minutes.)

I guess the first thing I want to say is congratulations to us all for participating in this countries 45th democratic election.

(Mo’Kelly  - It is NOT the 45th election.  Maybe she thinks so because President Obama is the “44th” president.  Also, it is “country’s” not “countries.”  Stay in school.)

God Bless President Obama and Vice President Biden and all members of the government elected or reelected. We are truly blessed to have the privilege to have our votes counted and be represented in our government. But that’s about as far as I feel like waxing poetry at the moment. Here are the facts people. I voted for Romney because our economy is in a tailspin.

(Mo’Kelly – Not true, and you list NOT ONE economic indicator which supports such an opinion.)

I drive by block after block of homes that have been foreclosed upon. I see growing numbers of people living in their cars. I know what the unemployment record is in our country and I know what the cost of gasoline is as well. I’m all about exploring a problem and figuring out what the solution is. Everybody can point out problems and they do it all the time on T.V. . That’s how I ended up being a part of this national dialogue on American politics.

(Mo’Kelly – You were NEVER in the national dialogue, you posted a tweet.  Know the difference.)

Rather than talk about real issues superficial ones are glued together for lively debate. Most of the hot topics are meant to push emotional buttons but they didn’t have anything to do with outcomes of any of the last several elections where they were dragged into the public arena for good t.v. Of course womens’ health and gay rights are of critical importance to the long term health of our country. Of course our education system needs an overhaul but these issues are always dragged out for the political arena and then stuffed back into the box afterward. I don’t have time for that. I actually care about what’s really going on. I believe in the dynamic process of democracy.

(Mo’Kelly – Caring and believing are not to be confused with being informed.)

There’s this assumption that people only vote for their own color. I can’t even touch that but we all know it’s true for a bunch of uninformed people. Of course a whole bunch of people only voted for Romney/Ryan because they’re the white ticket. Those voters are reactionary and prejudiced. The same is true for those that voted for Obama/Biden on grounds that Obama is black.

(Mo’Kelly – Not exactly, context is key.  After 43 homogeneous presidents, slavery and Jim Crow, it’s ridiculous to compare the desire to elect President Obama with continuing the tradition of the previous 43.   African-Americans did NOT vote for Lynn Swann when he ran for governor of Pennsylvania, Alan Keyes when he ran for president or Illinois senator.  We did NOT vote for Ken Blackwell when he ran for Ohio governor and did NOT vote for Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson en masse when they ran for president.  The fact that you are not savvy enough to recognize these truths and conveniently omit this history highlight your lack of sophistication on the issue.)

Well guess what? I reject this paradigm. I didn’t cast a vote against Barack Hussein Obama who I happen to consider one of the greatest statesmen the world has ever known. I cast a vote for non-partisanship. A bunch of you may immediately point out that it isn’t Obama’s fault that more bipartisanship hasn’t occurred. It’s an obstructionist GOP that should be held to blame. Right? Well that just doesn’t cut it for me. If the captain of my ship can’t get his crew to work together maybe it’s time for a new captain. It’s that simple for me.

(Mo’Kelly – It’s that “simple” for you because the complexity of true analysis of the issues is clearly escaping you.)

And I’m not a politician. I’m a Mother, an actress, entrepreneur, designer, producer, writer and soon to be director but I’m not a spin doctor or an economist and I’m certainly not a House Nigger.

(Mo’Kelly – You’re not a political commentator either.  But you are still uninformed and swimming in waters way too deep in which to keep from drowning.)

I’m a self-made woman that’s managed to struggle and work hard for more than twenty years to earn a career for myself. You wouldn’t be reading this now if you really believe that I’m a nobody.

(Mo’Kelly – Not true.  Everybody enjoys a good laugh.  And Mo’Kelly always needs new material.)

I am somebody and I do have opinions, a temper and plenty of attitude.

(And none of the aforementioned validates anything you have to say on the issues of politics.)

When I hire someone to represent me and my hard earned investments, I vett them first.

(Mo’Kelly – When exactly did “vett” become part of your lexicon?  Tell the truth.)

If they fail for whatever reason you won’t find me holding the door for them with bag lunch sandwich. I’ll mop the floor with them and let them find their own way to the door.

Mo’Kelly can’t take this anymore.  If you’d like to read the rest, click HERE.

Stacey, I’d gladly look at you all day, everyday.  But I’ve heard enough and really don’t care to hear more.  Hush, you’re ruining the fantasy.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Beyond the campaign promises, even beyond the election, a healthy dose of reality is approaching. I would argue it is a bigger pill to swallow than in previous elections. This is much less about singing the praises of either candidate and more about signaling to rank and file members of both parties what to expect beginning November 7, 2012.

Specifically, not a lot.

If President Obama is re-elected, there is no interruption in the ongoing economic recovery or added uncertainty abroad as to the direction of America’s foreign policy. In a way, that’s the good news.  (Think President Obama keeping Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense and keeping the Bush tax cuts.)   But not only that, there aren’t a slew of contentious confirmation hearings to install a completely new cabinet. In short, for supporters of President Obama, you would get to see him try to finish the job of restoring the country’s economic status. But let’s be clear, with a second term Obama supporters should expect more Republican obstruction and even (baseless) threats of impeachment (re: Benghazi). Given that good old fashioned democracy would have then failed in removing President Obama, expect the next best thing…impeachment politics.

A re-election of President Obama will not in any way deter or dissuade the opposition from the policies and practices employed during the first four years. If you were frustrated during the first term, you will continue to be frustrated during the second. If you’re hoping that a second term will encourage Republican opposition to relent, I’m here to tell you it won’t happen.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Senator Mitch McConnell said during the first term that the (Republican) goal was to  ”deny President Obama a second term.”  You can best believe the goal will be at the beginning of a second term is to find a way to remove him before that second term ends. Unfortunately, we now live in a country where many of its elected leaders don’t root for America’s success, they root for the failure of the opposition party; even if it means sending the country to hell in the process.

Both parties recognize the fact that whoever wins this election will receive the credit for a greatly improved economy as it continues to naturally correct. A greater recession requires a longer correction, but nevertheless the economy continues to improve and whoever should sit in the Oval Office come January of 2013 will reap the benefits in the coming years.  To the victor go these economic spoils.

For the Democrats it means setting the stage for an Obama administration successor. For the Republicans, this election may mean easily walking into re-election. In many ways, this election is more about laying the groundwork for 2016 and getting in on the ground floor of the economy elevator on the way up.

Nevertheless, a Republican administration will have its own set of unavoidable problems and obstacles awaiting it. Gov. Romney along the way has held fast to two specific promises; “repeal ObamaCare day one” and also encouraging a bi-partisan move forward, “sitting down with Democratic leaders,” also on day one.

Let’s highlight the obvious; these actions (both supposedly on day one) are mutually exclusive. If “President Romney’s” first act to encourage “a bi-partisan path forward” is championing a purely partisan repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you can kiss any real bi-partisanship goodbye until 2020.   It’s one or the other.  You can be partisan or bi-partisan…not both.

Republicans have attempted to repeal the Affordable Care Act more than 30 times. Each time they failed, thanks largely to insufficient votes in the Senate. After November 6, it is highly unlikely the Republicans will gain control of the Senate; and definitely not have a filibuster-proof majority of 60.  The ACA status quo would remain. Either “President Romney” will attempt to keep his repeal promise and usher in another 2 years of partisan gridlock for the 113th congress or he will break his primary campaign promise and let it go altogether; offending his base. Depending on how cynical you are, breaking a campaign promise doesn’t matter after getting elected.  Voters typically have short memories.  But, for those of the opinion that the ACA is going to go away with the election of Mitt Romney, you will be horrendously disappointed.

Horrendously. Please see civics 101.  If it could have been repealed, it would have been repealed by now.  None of that changes November 7.

What Gov. Romney also forgot to tell voters on the campaign trail is that pledging to repeal “ObamaCare” day one, means that he will go through both hell and high water during Democrat-controlled Senate confirmations of his cabinet (simple majority) on day 2,3,4,5  and 6. Click on the link to use recent history as your guide.

In addition, a Romney administration will not realistically be able to sign off on any legislation (economic or otherwise) until the last days of January, maybe first part of February or later if obstructionism plays a role.  Meaning, those of you wishing for an economic change of course will have to wait a minimum of four months from the date of this editorial to feel the results of any Romney legislative action. Maybe even more, if Democratic obstructionism strikes back with the same ferocity in a show of retribution. Going even further, this also assumes the economy continues to improve with no help from lame duck Obama administration in-between time from early November to late January. It’s a four-month wait, assuming no economic setbacks or obstructionism.

Good luck with that assumption.

It may sound good on the Republican campaign trail to pledge to undo the signature legislation of the previous Democratic administration, but it’s horrible politics to actually try to do it.  Campaigning and governance are not the same thing.  As I said earlier, it’s partly why President Obama continued the Bush tax cuts and did not remove Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense.  Republican obstructionism which may lead to a changing of the guard doesn’t encourage bi-partisanship, it engenders lingering political animosity and has a price attached.

A win November 6 for Mitt Romney likely ensures four years of political payback from the Democrats. Four years now of Republican complaints regarding Democratic obstruction, while gleefully abdicating responsibility for their party’s actions from 2009 – 2012 during the Obama administration. Yes, I know…”that’s politics.”

Just know that it is coming if Romney should win.

There are those voters out there who are genuinely disappointed in the Obama administration. Some will vote for the president to have a second term, others will choose to turn over the country to Gov. Romney. What troubles me the most is that we have done nothing to fix our broken political system which has been shamelessly manipulated for partisan political interests for far too long; not working for the greater good.

Come November 7, we’ll get more of the same. Because it’s not about whether the person in the Oval Office is failing us, it’s failing to recognize our political system failed us first.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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Let’s be clear. This election really has nothing to do with Mitt Romney. Republicans don’t support him and never have. They (the larger electorate) may not remember these remarks but I surely do.  But don’t take my word for it…take theirs.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show
Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm-9pm PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Follow Mo’Kelly

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show
Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 11pm-midnight PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Follow Mo’Kelly

Actress Stacey Dash was evidently taken aback by the response to her recent tweet endorsing candidate Mitt Romney for president. The negative response wasn’t necessarily unforeseen by those who commonly deal in this arena but therein lies the point. Dash didn’t see it coming. She didn’t see it coming because she decided to swim in waters completely unfamiliar to her and outside her area of expertise.

Were many of the tweets in response rude and crass?  Absolutely.  Were they completely unjustified in their taunts and misogyny?  No doubt.  There is no excuse for the evil nature of many of the tweet responses.

Let’s be clear…

Ostensibly there is nothing wrong with Dash voting her interests. In fact, I’m absolutely positive there’s nothing wrong with it. In addition, there’s nothing inappropriate about expressing the sentiment that she and others would be best served by electing Mitt Romney. Virtually half the voting population would agree with her. I don’t begrudge her in the least for not supporting President Obama.

That’s why we vote.

The salient point here on this occasion is that neither Dash nor most celebrities understand that they are not political operatives. Just having an opinion in no way validates it or means it shouldn’t be scrutinized and/or criticized.  Neither does it mean that same opinion should be publicized either, more importantly.  Clearly Stacey Dash was unaware that scrutiny and criticism were part of the political commentary package deal.  She didn’t know, because she like most celebrities doesn’t spend any sustained time within the political spectrum.  The acrimony and division within the public sphere is nothing new.  She should have known better, irrespective of her political leanings.  She didn’t know because like most celebrities,  this is not what she does, political advocacy/engagement is not her area of expertise. If we were to turn this on its head, I would expect the same sort of rebuke from celebrities the moment I “endorse” a certain acting method or take a side in the next SAG or WGA strike.

Stay in your lane, as they say.

RELATED: Stacey Dash Blogs about Her ‘Ordeal’ After Romney Defeat

We know this, because outside of the presidential election season, they (celebrities) have NOTHING to say the other 3 years and 10 months out of the year. They have NOTHING to say on the midterm elections, nothing to say on the important congressional and state races. They have NOTHING to say about the local ballot initiatives, propositions and measures which have all sorts of ramifications and consequences relative to “their interests.”

The question I would ask Dash or Samuel L. Jackson, Kid Rock, Clint Eastwood, Chuck Norris et. al. would be, “So who and what else are you voting for down the ticket and why have you had nothing to say publicly regarding them?”

Here is the reality…

It can be easily argued that celebrities are generally no more informed than the random voter to the right and left of you right now, maybe even less informed. When Kim Kardashian tweets about her favorite purse or even favorite candidate, millions see it. It doesn’t mean she wields political clout or is informed. When Jay-Z holds a presidential fundraiser, the amount of press coverage quintuples, if only because the hip-hop community, its media, as well as mainstream media are all in on the coverage. It doesn’t mean he’s informed.

One was formerly married for 72 days and the other is a former drug dealer.  Consider the sources.  Their success as entertainers means nothing relative to the public discourse and political debate.   “Celebrity” validates nothing outside of the entertainer’s sphere of expertise and often indicts it.

Celebrities by and large are surrounded by “yes” people who offer little resistance to their opinions and whims. Infrequently do people tell them “no,” much less earnestly challenge them on the validity of their opinions, political or otherwise.

Not all opinions are created equal. Some are less informed, misinformed and altogether uninformed. Just because one has an opinion, it does not mean it is well-supported or above being ridiculed.  Those who dwell in the political realm already know this to be true.  Those who don’t, (like Dash), are “surprised” by the pushback when they receive it and its mean-spirited nature.

When Stacey Dash wants to tell “me” that Mitt Romney is the “only choice for your future” she best believe that she needs to be ready for a response.  There is NOTHING “humble” about such an opinion.  It is arrogance unparalleled to suggest she knows what’s best for you, me and 350 million other Americans.  She was offering advice unsolicited and it was unsupported and unsubstantiated by ANYTHING in her life and career.

Mitt Romney, the “only choice for your future”…as argued by Stacey Dash?  Stacey, I think you’re gorgeous, but leave the heavy lifting of political commentary to the trained professionals.  Magazine spreads are what you do.  Political commentary is what I and those like me do.

The actress, best known for “Clueless” and scantily clad magazine covers is now “endorsing” someone for president?  Say that out loud.  Use that as your reason for voting for Mitt Romney on Facebook and let Mo’Kelly know what type of response you get.

By no means does this excuse the classless and reprehensible remarks made to her by many who disagreed.  But again, how did she NOT know this would happen?

In addition, celebrities promulgate the big lie that the singular vote for president is of greater importance than the other 50 items on the ballot with direct impact on your local community. The Dream Act affects a small segment of Americans, as does the president’s support of gay marriage.  The Affordable Care Act has already been passed and Romney wouldn’t have the votes to repeal it, even if elected.  Conversely, the bond measure which will pay for the roads, parks and schools where you live means far more. The city council, the state assembly and of course your mayor will much more directly affect your life on a day-in/day-out basis than the President of the United States. I doubt Dash was making a foreign policy case for Romney, so even more so, her tweet was even more wrongly skewed and misled in its focus. We don’t select presidents on a singular criterion and we don’t vote only once every four years for one office.

You can best be sure there will be no tweets from celebrities reminding us to vote in the midterm elections or to make sure voters are informed as to the fullness of the remaining items on the ballot; only the top of the ticket. That too is why celebrities often encounter resistance to their tweets of selective and opportunistic political involvement. It is now en vogue for celebrities to publicly align themselves with a politician or party. It’s a good way to get press, coverage and increase one’s social media presence. Politics is also partly to blame because it has become celebrity-like in nature. Seeing the president and candidates making the rounds on the late-night circuit only helps to blur these lines, not clearly delineate between the two. We’re not just electing a president, we need someone who looks good on TV and has all of his hair.

Yes, I said “his.”

We are superficial, patriarchal and in denial as to both…you could say a perfect fit with the entertainment industry as it relates to presidential politics.

Stacey Dash probably had no idea how much of a stir her singular tweet in support of Mitt Romney would cause.  And that’s the point. She had no idea, because she like many of her Hollywood counterparts hasn’t put in the time and would have known better…had she.  Political involvement and engagement isn’t a five-week-every four years proposition.

In addition, the fact that this tweet also coincides with the “Clueless” reunion tour shouldn’t be overlooked either.

Jus’ sayin’.

I don’t mind that Stacey Dash or any other African-American or entertainer should support Mitt Romney.  I do mind that she felt it important to publicly endorse anyone and then became offended when taken to task for it.  She should have known better as to each; and not knowing only highlights her lack of involvement in the political spectrum.  Not knowing any better also undermined the perception of the value of the very endorsement she thought so important to share.

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show
Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 11pm-midnight PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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In-freakin’-credible!

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show
Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 11pm-midnight PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

Follow Mo’Kelly

The Mo’Kelly Report is a syndicated politics and entertainment journal. Visit http://mrmokelly.com for the latest from Mr. Mo’Kelly. Tune into The Mo’Kelly Show Saturdays from 6-8pm PDT on KFI AM640 and XM 166 Saturdays and Sundays from 11pm-midnight PDT. Contact Mo’Kelly at mrmokelly@gmail.com.

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