Cardinalfan9

Mr. Speaker, I share the concerns of Mr. Ward and I for one am very disappointed in the GOP for this latest blow to middle and rural America. In my state of West Virginia, most notably my hometown of Bramwell, small businesses and students need to know the government has their back, not the backs of the rich. This is a travesty of a budget and I call on all rural representativss to oppose this bill.

Good afternoon America! This is Public Matters, I'm your host Walt O'Malley. And boy, what a crazy week it has been for our presidental primaries. On the Democratic side, Rep. DeJesus, a moderate Democrat, dropped out of the race and endorsed frontrunner Calvin Ward of Arkansas. Ward fashions himself as a Kennedy Democrat, fiscally responsible and socially compassionate. Senator Mike Solin of Ohio, whose rejuvenated liberalism platform puts him as the overall most progressive one of the 3, has seen a rise in the polls, behind Ward just 6 points. And Louis Hong of Louisiana has yet to gain any more traction, holding steady at 21%. Hong, a prototypical Blue Dog, is conservative on social issues and progressive on economics and Heath care. His anti abortion views and his support for Voter ID laws are costing him dearly. Now, ladies and gentlemen, it is of my opinion that any of those men would be better than any GOP candidates. And where do we begin with these corporate shill Republicans? How about Will Conway? Attempting a progressive Republican platform is admirable. Too bad he announced his support for a flat tax, which is blatant giveaway to the rich and upper crust. He wants to raise taxes on the consumer class. The flat tax has no basis on economic reality. And they call us lefties pie in the sky! Aside from the libertarian psuedo liberal campaign of Conway, the other candidates seem to be running as cookie cutter conservatives, as far right VP David Parker dropped from the race. They've spent their time arguing about wedding cakes and states rights. Do they even know what the average American cares about? They are defending discrimination. That's a fact. And for what? A small slice of the conservative base? What a shame. At least Conway is talking about issues that matter to the American people. I hope to have the 3 Democratic candidates interviewed in the upcoming week, and I also invite the Republican candidates as well. If they are up to the challenge! *Laughs* Thanks for watching everyone. See you next time, and remember, if it matters to the public, you know I'll be covering it. *smiles*

Perhaps comparisons to slavery are a bit much, but Cal's point about states rights definitely needs to be listened to. Clear differences between the 2 parties are emerging: the Democrats believe that the federal government at its best can and should be a beneficent force in the lives of everyday people. Republicans believe that the federal government at its best is only there to get on our case about everyday choices. One is the truth, the other is a gross stereotype. Simple as that friends.

Hey Cal! What's your beer of choice?

A man wearing a wife beater and a John Deere cap approaches you. Senator, I'm a lifelong Democrat but their movement to the left on illegal immigration, abortion, and guns really bothers me. I voted for Fitzgerald because he sounded like an old school Democrat more than Hillary Clinton. Why should conservative Democrats like myself support you if you make it to the general election when your platform calls for a double down on the same tired far-left agenda?

Funny thing about the 1st amendment. Everyone says they think it's absolute, non-negotiable. Yet, when you press them on specifics, they waver. How many people can look at me with a straight face, and say they support the right for neo-nazis to assemble and support football players kneeling during the anthem? Those who defend both are far and few in between. The point is, everyone has limits.

Dems aren't "rushing left". Boy Wonder has a lot to learn about the American public's position on these issues Shame on the GOP for bringing up the damn "wedding cake" scenario. Must we continue these tiring debates that go nowhere? "Illegals getting benefits" That would be a good point- if the far right support benefits for American citizens. But they don't. So basically you're against illegals taking things you don't even think the average American should have? I agree with "America First". If only more Republicans actually did.

An older man wearing a wife beater and a John Deere cap approaches you. Why don't we get on to the issues that matter.. do you support ethanol subsidies for Iowa farmers? Who gives a rip about wedding cakes anyways? *Chuckles*

Mr. Parker, What will you do to ensure that foreign governments will no longer influence our electoral process?

Yes I do. Radical Islamic terrorism must be defeated.

Walt O'Malley was born in Flint, Michigan on September 21, 1964. Growing up, his dad was an auto worker and his mom a nurse, Walt understood the importance of working class and manufacturing jobs staying in America, earning decent union wages. This emphasis on working class issues lead him to become a politician, and after a few years in the state senate, he was elected to congress in 1990, where he was a represenative until 2010, when he resigned due to his disagreements with the Obama administration on health care. He is pretty far to the left on economic issues, while leaning a tad right on immigration issues. Pretty much a left-wing Lou Dobbs. Hosts "Public Matters" in which he interviews lawmakers and gives his take on the issues facing America.

Character Name: Walt O'Malley (Media) Home State: Michigan Previous Job: Politics (Congressman, Governor, Mayor, or lower rank) Date of Birth: 09/21/1964 Race / Ethnicity: White Religion: Catholic Wealth: Upper Middle Class Gender: Male Sexuality: Heterosexual Are you married?: Yes How many children do you have?: 4 Walt O'Malley was born in Flint, Michigan on September 21, 1964. Growing up, his dad was an auto worker and his mom a nurse, Walt understood the importance of working class and manufacturing jobs staying in America, earning decent union wages. This emphasis on working class issues lead him to become a politician, and after a few years in the state senate, he was elected to congress in 1990, where he was a represenative until 2010, when he resigned due to his disagreements with the Obama administration on health care. He is pretty far to the left on economic issues, while leaning a tad right on immigration issues. Pretty much a left-wing Lou Dobbs. Hosts "Public Matters" in which he interviews lawmakers and gives his take on the issues facing America. View full character

A gruff looking man wearing a Vietnam vet hat approaches you.. Sir, all do respect to you and your cause, but how much more progress do we need on equal rights? Gay marriage is legal in all 50 states, affirmative action ensures minority protection, and the badge of moral stigma of slavery is being laid to rest. Equality is not ever going to be 100%. It's as simple as that. And by the way, it's not a right to be in the military. It's very restrictive and no, not everyone can join.

Speaker MacMillan, Here in New Hampshire, both Republicans and Democrats, we're issue orientated. Which is why I support your campaign. However I'm concerned that many Republicans have gone way too far to the left. With Conway basically endorsing welfare for life, he's still polling second! What does this say about the Republican primary voting base in your mind?

You've called yourself a "proactive progressive." Can you elaborate on that a bit?