Russia Isolated in Middle East ?

BBC News: Reports that the UK Coalition Foreign Secretary William Hague has stated that Russia will be isolated in the Middle East should it veto the latest Syrian Resolution. This will work for PM Putin of Russia its past and future President, he has already fuelled the myth that the UK is up to no good, our bad relationship with Russia will not improve as long as PM Putin a ex KGB man is still in charge of Russia. The recent rigged Parliament Elections in Russia show that Putin plays rhetoric to Democracy, the modern Russia has a dark heart, the successor to the KGB, the FSB goes around killing its opponents, even in London, thus for the next few years the West should see Russia like the old USSR, rouge, not to be trusted, it’s a new Cold War folks.

Syria and Russia

Telegraph: Reports that Russia will thwart a Western/Arab UN Resolution demanding that President Assad of Syria step down. Thus folks as predicted in this blog the good people of Syria will have to win their freedom by themselves, China and Russia will use their VETO on the UN Security Council to prevent any escalation of Western intervention in Syria, as the article notes in the case of Russia there is a close economic and military relationship between Putin’s Russia and the Assad Regime, thus the US and UK should not expect much support from Moscow, as China is the banker for the US there is limited pressure that can be placed on China, so if the people of Syria want freedom they will have to take it, there will be no help from the West or the UN.

Greece Latest - Eurozone Crisis

Guardian Live - Euro: Reports that a deal between the Greek Government and its bond debt holders could come in days. This is starting to look like a soap opera folks, every few days you get a report either in the Guardian or the NYT that a deal is on the way, and thus far no deal. Also will all the debt holders take the deal, if your insured as the hedge funds are it would better to take the insurance, there is always the chance that this deal wont work and the EU/IMF/ECB will placing pressure on Greece to do a new deal. Lets see the details folks, do a 100% of the debt holders sign up, who invokes their insurance that Greece has defaulted. Its all in the small print folks.

Republican Race - LIVE REPORTS 2

Guardian Live - Florida: Reports that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has invoked Ronald Reagan “ ..61 times in 19 debates .. ”. The Speaker is the Conservative in the race but Reagan was about winning at the end of the day, Reagan never closed down the US Government, he knew how to deal in Washington D.C, in any deal he would take over 50% and come back for what was remaining later, lets recall Reagan was President of the Screen Actors Union, Producers in that period make Putin look like a Democrat! Reagan in his time was hated by liberals, in fact Democrats wanted to run against Reagan in 1980, they thought he would be easy to beat, yes folks Democrats of that period needed a therapist. As stated in this blog one can argue that Reagan would not have had much time for either Gingrich or Romney as the Republican Nominee, Gingrich is the modern Barry Goldwater, cant get elected, while Romney is the new President Ford, weak in the General Election. Thus on high Reagan must be smiling, all the Republicans want to be Reagan, while Democrats want a liberal Reagan, Obama is not that, he might have been but he has blow it big time with ObamaCare.

Republican Race - LIVE REPORTS

Telegraph Live - Florida: Reports that the combative former White Press Secretary Robert Gibbs has joined the Obama re-elect committee. Thus folks after Romney wins Florida expect the Obama Campaign and the Democrats to define Romney as a flip flopper and extreme on immigration, the Democrats have the Bill Clinton playbook of 1996 as their guide, if you can define the opposition before they have a chance of defining themselves your half way to winning. But the Obama Team have a problem, the President’s class warfare rhetoric might make the base happy but it has not won back Independent voters, at the end of the day Americans want to get rich and become part of the Middle Class, hell they want to be part of 1% rich class. The European welfare structure starting with the New Deal, then Great Society has not quite removed that Western spirit of the individual making a difference, its just harder. The Democrats need people to be on welfare, that’s their base, the class warfare rhetoric might work on the East and West cost, but what about the fly over States, those States that liberal think are simple and not sophisticated, yes folks liberals are that much up their own backside, that arrogant, that might be the weakness of the Obama team, arrogance becomes before a 49 State loss.

Florida WIN for ROMNEY ? - Republican Race

BBC News: Reports that before Tuesday’s vote in Florida Governor Romney has a average lead of 12% in the Polls. Thus folks the Polls would have to be totally wrong for Florida not to be a BIG WIN for Romney. The question is can Republican Elders get Gingrich and Santorum to get out of the race, a long draw out contest helps President Obama, it can be argued that the Obama/Clinton fight of 08 was long draw out, but then the liberal main stream media was and still is supporting President Obama. The left wing media once the race is over will start to say that the Republican Party is split, its in a civil war, while forgetting the 08 race. Thus folks the Republicans have to finish this race and move on, get the money in to fight the Chicago machine. If as expected Romney wins big this race is over, those that stay in are just doing so for political vanity.

Florida Voters - Republican Race

Vote ROMNEY

Vote TAKING THE FIGHT TO OBAMA

Vote END OF OBAMACARE

Vote FOR THE US

Romney and Florida - Poll LEAD

The Hill: Reports on a new NBC News/Marist poll for Florida, in this poll Romney leads Gingrich by 42% to 27%, a 15% lead. Thus folks this race looks over in Florida, if this is the result on Tuesday it would mean that Romney has wiped out Gingrich as a real contender. As the article notes as we get in to February the States coming up look positive for Romney, if Romney can win most of the February States this race is effect over folks, as stated in previous post the Romney Campaign has to turn its fire on President Obama, it has to define him as he is, a out of touch big government liberal, also it should expect to fight fire with fire, the Chicago re-elect committee will start to fight dirty, will try to define Romney as a flip flopper, bit rich considering the Obama record. Also expect liberals try to define Romney as part of the 1% rich Americans verses the poor 99%. Expect liberal Adverts to point out that while in business Romney closed down unprofitable companies and thus job losses. Also liberals will argue that RomneyCare is the father ObamaCare, thus remove a political weapon from the Romney Campaign, its going to get very dirty quite fast folks.

Florida Polls - Republican Race

RCP: Reports on its average of the Florida Polls, as of now the candidates stand at the following, Romney 41.0%, Gingrich 29.7%, Santorum 13.5% and Paul on 9.8%. The Romney lead is 11.3%. Thus folks it will be hard for Speaker Gingrich turn this around before the Tuesday vote, the last Republican debate was a win for Governor Romney, the bounce that Gingrich got from South Carolina has gone up in smoke. The Primary in Florida selects 50 delegates, in the Florida vote winner takes all, thus Romney should sweep the board. If Romney wins big and if the polls are not wrong, then this race is over folks, yes Gingrich, Santorum will stay in the race, in the case of Gingrich its to wound Romney before the General Election, while for Santorum it could be a bid for the VP spot. In the case Congressman Paul its to get his ideas on the Republican Manifesto for November; also to speak at prime time at the Republican Convention. Thus after a BIG win in Florida the Romney Campaign has to turn its attention to President Obama, the Democrats will start to define Romney before the Republican Race is over, they are following the 1996 playbook of Bill Clinton, who defined Senator Dole before he had chance to define himself or Bill Clinton. The Republican Elders should really placing pressure on the other Republican Candidates to get out of the race, the longer this goes the more chance that POTUS will win re-election.

When IS a STATE no longer SOVEREIGN ?

Sunday Telegraph: Reports that EU countries within the Eurozone will sign an agreement tomorrow that will allow bankrupt eurozone countries to have their budgets run by the EU. Thus Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain can expect a German Gauleiter part of the 4th German economic Reich to turn up with the power of VETO over taxes and spending. What was the point of WW2 folks.
　
　

The Death of Sherlock Holmes ?

The Sunday Mail: Reports on the much discuss death of Mr Sherlock Holmes. This blog has followed the Blog of Dr Watson and Holmes Web Site and was sad to hear of the death of Mr Holmes and the allegations that all his deductions were mere set ups. There are wild rumours that death itself was hoax, thus to use the methods of Mr Holmes lets have a look at the case, as from press reports and internet gossip it seems Mr Holmes jumped off high building. If this was a hoax, one would have to ask why would a man jump off a building, 1, The Reports are true, all his successful cases were set ups, 2, The Man that fell from the building was not Mr Holmes, lets recall the events are being told by a distraught Dr Watson, from reports it seems that Dr Watson before he could check the body was thrown to the road by a cyclist. One has to ask WHY, was it accidental, considering the Mr Holmes and Dr Watson and their cases, nothing is an accident, thus a set to remove the good Doctor from the body or to cause distress and some lack of clarity for the good Doctor. Thus if not Mr Holmes WHO fell off the building, it has been reported that a Professor Moriarty is missing, that could mean that the body might be that of the Professor with a good mask of Mr Holmes. Also as Doctor Watson was dazed he could not attend his friend, thus a hoax. But folks, if that body was not Mr Holmes, would it not come to light, there are reports or rumours that Mr Holmes had a brother in the Security Services, also it has been discussed that Mr Holmes had friends in the medical area who might have helped him with a spare body, lets recall that famous case from WW2 folks, the Man That Never Was, a body set up to fool Nazi Germany and help with an Allied invasion. Thus folks we await further news, lets be honest the Met need all the help it can get, Mr Holmes whereabouts will cause much debate in till we hear something, lets hope sometime soon, the game is afoot or words to that effect have become a call on the Internet.

Greece and its DEBT

The New York Times: Reports that Greece is close to a deal with the bond debt holders. Lets see folks if this happens, the UK Guardian has a similar story a few days ago, those talks stalled, lets see the details, the article notes that the bond holders will take a 70% loss, lets see if the hedge funds invoke their insurance clause, this would mean that Greece has defaulted and cause problems for Greece and the Troika. This story has some road to go folks.

IMF and Greece

Telegraph: Reports that the IMF has stated that Greece will have to transfer Budget control over to the EU if it wants support from the EU/IMF/ECB. Folks sometime soon Athens will have to make a choice, is it a Sovereign State or is it a colony of Germany and the EU, for the good of Greece it has to default, then return to its native currency, the Greek Government has passed laws for Austerity, but the people and Greek system is not moving, assets in the billions have not been sold, the Greeks are still fiddling their taxes or sending money out of Country, one would not be surprise wake one morning with the news that the Greek Banking system has gone down the toilet. Greece either cuts bait as they or it should ask to be taken over by Germany as a Colony.

Greece and its Budget

BBC News: Reports that Greece has rejected a German idea for the EU to have direct control of the Budget of Greece, with a EU budget commissioner to control Greek taxes and spending. This could be the final straw for the Greeks folks, older Greeks recall the German occupation of Greece during the WW2, the idea that Germany wants in essence to make Greece an economic Colony of Germany will go down like a lead balloon. There are reports that the Greek Government and its bond holders are close to a deal, lets see the small print folks, this has been running for weeks, reports of success then failure. The Germans have made it clear that at the end of the day they can see a Greek economic meltdown, this might be a Germany way to cut its spending to Greece, have them walk away from the table.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that was killed on Friday in Afghanistan, the Soldier was “ Lance Corporal Gajbahadur Gurung of 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Lance Corporal Gurung.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier has been killed in Afghanistan today, the Soldier was from the “ 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 397 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 352 in combat action and 45 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Romney LEADS in New Poll - Florida

Guardian Live - Florida: Reports on a new Quinnipac University poll in Florida, in this Poll Governor Romney leads Speaker Gingrich, by 39% to 29%, a 9% lead. The vote is only a few days away folks, already Romney has a lead with those that voted early, thus it can be postulated that Florida is going to go for Romney. It seems that Speaker from the review of this blog and others did himself no favours in the debate, he had his chance and he blew it folks, Romney is the Man, he will be the Nominee.

Romney TAKES FIGHT TO Gingrich

Telegraph: Reports that Governor Romney had a good debate, taking on Speaker Gingrich, the article states the following on the Romney fight back, “ ..overpowered his rival during bitter disputes over immigration policy, personal finances and the former Speaker's proposal to build a colony on the moon. ” . On the whole former Senator Santorum won the debate, he didn’t get in the trenches and fight with Romney and Gingrich, but when you go in to the trenches Romney was on form, he bought a gun to knife fight. Thus if your in the Oval I would be worried, Romney just might be harder to beat, thus you want Gingrich as the nominee. Lets see the Polls over the weekend folks.

Florida Republican Debate - Republican Race

BBC News: Reports on the heated clash between Governor Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich when it comes to immigration, the former Speaker accused Romney of being anti immigration. This Debate folks was interesting, yes you had Gingrich and Romney going over old ground of immigration, Gingrich wanting people who have been the US illegally for years but have been productive in the community to be judged by their neighbours if they should stay, while Romney wants the law enforced and for workers to work legally in the US. It was old ground nothing new, what was interesting was the trench warfare of both candidates, while they were in the trenches it was up to Senator Santorum to take the fight to President Obama. Also this blog thinks that President Reagan was the greatest President of the later half the 20th Century, but to be honest this blog will postulate that he would not have much time for either Romney or Gingrich, Romney recalls President Ford, a moderate but a loser to Jimmy Carter in 1976, while Gingrich is the modern Barry Goldwater, a major loser to LBJ in 1964. Reagan would want a Conservative but with charisma, both Candidates have problems on that score.

The CNN Debate - Republican Debate

CNN: Reports on its Thursday Debate ( Friday morning UK Time ) in the Republican Race, the article states the following in Romney and Gingrich, “ ..for the two men in the middle, the spotlight might be a bit hotter. ”. This is the time for Governor Romney to take the fight to Speaker Gingrich, go through all his negatives, stress that the Republican voter has to think who can beat President Obama. The Speaker in return didn’t have a good first debate in Florida after the winning South Carolina, the Speaker blamed the fact that the audience were not allowed to react, he has stated he will not take part in debates if this is the rule. Thus Gingrich will playing to the debate audience and those on TV, he is looking to repeat his performance in South Carolina. The race is tied but there are showing signs that the Romney fight back has worked. Thus Gingrich has win Florida, later contests help Paul and Romney, if he is to be real contender he has to win, if Romney wins he will be the nominee but it will be a long fight.

Brokered Convention - Republican Race

Guardian: Reports on the prospects of a Brokered Convention, that being no Candidate having a majority of the delegates by the times of the Republican Convention, the article states the following on such an event, “ ..used to be common.. But the last truly brokered convention in American politics happened in 1952. ”. This would allow a new Candidate to take the nomination, but it would be risky, all the baggage of the Candidates have been exposed in the nomination race, a new candidate would not have been tested. On the other hand it would limit the damage the Democrats could do, they could not define the Nominee before the Convention, it would give the Republican Convention a buzz, the media would be all over it, thus a chance for a new Nominee to get good press. But since the modern ERA, it has been down to delegate count, lets recall Ronald Reagan only lost to President Ford by a hundred delegates, still more chance that either Romney or Gingrich will be the nominee, the good money on Romney.

Afghanistan Front News

MOD: Has announced the name of the UK Soldier that died in Afghanistan on Tuesday of non combat action, the Soldier was, “ Signaller Ian Sartorius-Jones from 20th Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) ”. Our thoughts are with the family of Signaller Sartorius-Jones.

Florida Polls - RCP

RCP: Reports on its average of the Florida Polls in the Republican Race, today Speaker Gingrich leads Governor Romney by 36.0 to 32.0%, while third is Senator Santorum on 11.6%. Thus a 4% lead for the Speaker. The Romney Campaign has do double down in its attack on Gingrich as a Washington Insider, the Campaign can not afford to lose Florida, thus Romney’s Super Pac must start to hit Gingrich on all his negatives, his ethic problems while in Congress, his troubled leadership of the Republican House in the 1990s, while also stressing the family image of Mitt Romney. As this is Florida stress that Gingrich took money from a Government Agency that shattered the Housing market. In other words Florida is a knife fight, the Romney Campaign if it wants to be the nominee has to show STEEL, the Obama re-elect committee will go after Romney if he is the nominee, thus time for Governor Romney and his Campaign to become hard headed and ruthless, that’s the only way to win against the Chicago political mob.

Greece and the EU

Guardian: Reports that German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stated that Greece might not be saved from a economic crash and default. What is interesting folks is that the German Chancellor is still pushing for a Federal EU, with Brussels in charge of the Budgets of the Eurozone, in theory interesting discussion, try telling Paris they cant do something, see how long that idea lasts, a second, if Greece does default then it’s a new game folks. Also it looks like the Socialist Candidate will win the French Presidency, and that Party has stated it wants new talks on the new Eurozone Treatiy. If Greece falls this will call in to question, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Spain, banks in France and Germany will need to be bailed out, a federal EU is the last thing EU leaders should be thinking about, they need a workable plan to save Greece, otherwise like Obama a lot of hot hair.

Obama’s State of the Union Address Part Two

BBC News: Reports on President Obama’s call in the State of the Union Address for taxes to go up for the rich. The speech was typical class warfare, one got the idea that Obama thought he was LBJ and he was recreating the Great Society, one thing you have to say about LBJ was that he was a better political operator, he got Republican support for his Civil Rights reform, Obama could not get one Republican to support ObamaCare. The Speech was all about BIG GOV, it was not Bill Clinton’s the Era of Big Government is over. The President even after the scandal of his green policy still wants to spend money on green jobs that cost the US taxpayer and are not worth the paper they are written. POTUS also wants to give amnesty to young immigrants who are in the US illegally. On Foreign Policy POTUS state that US troops were coming home from Afghanistan, problem he has given the Taliban a timetable when NATO is leaving, the US troops withdrawal starts at the height of the Summer fighting in Afghanistan in 2012. Through praising the troops who killed OBL he wanted to take credit for the order, slight problem he has undermined the Pakistan Government and the Government could fall at any time. On Iran Obama stated all options were all the table, the problem has to be asked does Tehran see Obama as a threat and if you were Israel would you trust Obama to support you, one has doubts. It was a Campaign speech folks, nothing less or more, also this Obama is not the same Obama as 2008, the magic has gone, the odd flourish but its not the same candidate.

Obama’s State of the Union Address

Watch the Speech in full folks, but to this political geek it was a pandering left wing speech, and it was to long!

State of the Union and Class warfare

The New York Times: Reports that President Obama has invited Debbie Bosanek the secretary of Warren Buffet to the State of the Union Speech. Thus expect folks the usual class warfare argument, why should a Secretary pay more in tax than a billionaire. In a odd way this might help Newt Gingrich, as Romney will be defined as Mr1% after he released his tax returns, while the former Speaker paid 31% in taxes. This blog will watch the State of Union just to see if Obama can surprise, thus in many respects he will recall the Occupy them that the rich don’t pay their fare share, etc the usual left wing rubbish. That he as President is there to protect the Middle Class, that odd since he has placed more Americans on foot stamps that any other President. That is the disappointment with President Obama, one can guess what he is going to say before he speaks, this is why this blog tends to read transcripts of his speech’s and remarks, get over the boring waffle. Lets hope he keeps the Speech short, hot air is bad for the planet.

Romney and this Taxes

Guardian: Reports the following on Governor Romney’s tax returns, “ ..he paid a much lower rate on his multimillion-dollar income than the average American….places him in the top 1% of earners..”. This is a problem folks, you can see the Democratic Adverts NOW, Romney is Mr 1%, while the rest of the US is 99%. Also this should help Speaker Gingrich, the article notes that he paid 31% in tax. Gingrich should ask Romney who is Accountant is, take some advice. One can see why Republican Elders are getting worried about Romney, a Republican Convention without a Candidate having a majority of the delegates might not be that bad folks. In that time after the 1st ballot a better Nominee can be found, what about Jeb Bush or Condi Rice. This election cycle could be up there with 2000 folks.

Doubling Down - Iran Crisis

Telegraph: Reports that the UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has stated that the UK could send our reinforcements to the Persian Gulf should the crisis with Iran escalate. The drum beat for WAR is going up by notches folks, it only takes a local Iran Commander to make a mistake for this to get out of hand. Thus far all bluff out of Tehran, they would be mad to take on the US, UK and France. It seems Iran is a chicken after all, some hope then that it will back down over its nuclear plans.

Greece and its DEBT

BBC News: Reports that the EU is placing pressure on the Greek Debt holders to agree to a lower interest rate on their bonds as demanded by the Greek Government. The lack of a deal causing a fall in EU stock markets, if there is not deal and Greece defaults this will cause major losses for French and German Banks. The Greeks will have to go back to their native currency, the EU will still have to bailout out Greece as they will be frozen out of the bond market more that before. Greece is the Achilles heel of the EU and the Euro, if it goes down it could take the Euro, then the bond market will be asking about Ireland, Portugal, even Italy. Thus a deal is needed, not for the benefit of the Greeks but for the EU. A deal is good for the EU but a default would be good for the Greek people. The Classic Greeks must hold their heads in shame when looking at the present Greece.

Death in Afghanistan

MOD: Reports that a UK Soldier has died in Afghanistan, the death is believed not to be from combat operations, the Soldier was from the “ 200 Signal Squadron ”. Thus since 2001 the UK has lost 396 of its Armed Forces Personnel in Afghanistan, of that total it has lost 351 in combat action and 45 due to illness, accidents or other incidents.

Romney ATTACKS Gingrich - Republican Race

CNN News - Politics: Reports the following on a new Romney Advert in Florida that has Gingrich as its target, the article states the following, “ .….zeroes in on Gingrich as a lobbyist and Washington insider. ” Although Florida is not as Conservative as South Carolina its Republican voters are Conservative and they have a negative view of Washington D.C and those that work there, thus the advert should recall the time that the Speaker worked for a Government Agency that helped people buy homes, the advert recalls many of the voters in Florida who lost their homes because they could not afford to mortgage or saw their mortgage be more expensive than the house after the housing collapse. One piece of advice to the Romney Campaign, it should be careful that Gingrich does not play the tape of Romney stating that the Government should not help people who have lost their homes or are stuck in worthless houses, Governor Romney stated that the market should be allowed to work, in other words people should be homeless, in economic terms it works, as a political statement it’s a problem. Lets hope this advert was not rushed, and lets see the response from Newt Gingrich.

Florida and the Republican Race

The New York Times: Reports on a bounce for Speaker Gingrich after his win in South Carolina, it reports on two polls that show a Gingrich lead over Romney from between 8% to 9%. Thus folks the Romney Campaign has to get negative fast in Florida, it has to demonstrate that Speaker Gingrich cant win a General Election against President Obama, that his ethics problems in the late 1990s could come back to haunt the Republican Party if he is the nominee. Also it should use the psychological flawed argument, thus the Coup against him when he was Speaker, its time for Romney to show that he wants to be the nominee, time to unleash his Super Pac, time to show he is a winner. The Presidency is not given, its taken, its about power folks.

The Iran War ?

Guardian: Reports the following on the EU embargo of oil from Iran, “ ..agreed on Monday by European foreign ministers, sets a potential bomb ticking, timed to detonate on 1 July. ” Thus folks as economic pressure mounts on Tehran and their local currency hit’s the floor, and the Regime has to use its reserves of Dollars it will have to impose cuts, thus it will have to cut funds to its friends, as the Tehran Regime is not that popular with its own people it can not afford to lose its friends, thus there will come at time when Tehran will start to place pressure on the Obama Administration. The Tehran Regime will recall that it bought down Jimmy Carter by using American hostages as a political weapon, lets recall it has a American hostage sentenced to death for being part of the CIA in the view of Tehran. Also as the article notes it might play the dangerous game it played in the late 1980s of harassing the oil tankers going through the Persian Gulf. The major problem that the US and EU has is the fact that it cant be seen as weak by Israel, if Israel thinks that the West is going to lessen sanctions because there are Presidential Elections in the US and France it will strike Iran. The final vote on Iran is not with the Oval, No 10 or Paris, its Israel, and they play to win.

Western Navies and Iran

Telegraph: Reports that the US, UK and France have sent Naval craft through the Strait of Hormuz. This should make the point to Tehran that any threat to the Strait of Hormuz will not be tolerated by the West. The Strait is of massive economic importance to the West and the World economy, as the article notes 35% of the Worlds oil comes through this narrow passage in the Persian Gulf. The Tehran Regime has threatened to take action should the US send back another Aircraft Carrier through the Strait, well folks lets see what Tehran does, if nothing it shows they are all wind, if they take action it would be disaster for Iran, the US could wipe out any threat in the region. One has feeling that the tension with Iran needs to reach a climax, Iran either does not go nuclear or the Israel and its Ally have to take military action to prevent a nuclear armed Iran.

Embargo of Oil from Iran - EU

BBC News: Reports that the EU has finally banned the import of Iranian Oil in to the EU and frozen the assets of Iranian Central Bank within EU Countries. Thus more pressure on Tehran to come back and talk about its nuclear plans, the problem is as the article notes is the fact that Tehran sells the majority of its oil to China and Japan, thus the Oval will need to talk to China and Japan about getting them on board, since China is the banker of the US with its 15 trillion debt it will be hard to pressure them, but Japan a close ally should come on board. It has to be asked will this be enough for Israel, how long will they wait for Tehran to move, how long before the Oval is informed that Israeli planes going over SA air space have attacked Iran. The clock is ticking folks.

Florida Polls - RCP

RCP: Has the average of the polls for the Florida Primary, leading is Governor Romney on 40.5%, way back in 2nd is Speaker Gingrich on 22%, in third is Rick Santorum on 15%. Thus folks since Romney has the money and the ground game in Florida one has to say that it would be hard for him to lose this State to Gingrich, but lets recall Romney had a big lead in South Carolina and this morning UK time he lost by double digits to Gingrich. Thus lets see the effect of the South Carolina result and the debates, the Romney tax issue should be off the table after Tuesday, while one would expect Gingrich to get a bounce out of SC it is not assured, Romney won big in NH but lost big in SC. If Romney does lose Florida and it’s a big IF folks then he has to look at his strategy going forward, he might need a new Campaign team folks, Reagan after losing Iowa in 1980 but before winning NH fired his Campaign Manager and the rest is history folks.

Money and Florida - Republican Race

The Hill: Reports that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has asked his supporters to donate after his win in South Carolina. The TV Advert market is expensive in Florida. All the polls in Florida show a healthy lead for Governor Romney, but lets see the polls to see the effect of the SC result, there might be no change, Romney won New Hampshire but had a major defeat in SC. Also there are two debates in Florida, so the Speaker can show he is a great at debates, at lest the tax problem is off the table for Romney, of course that’s based on the idea that there is nothing in the tax records. More Polls folks, fantastic.

Romney's Taxes and the Republican Race

CNN News - Politics: Reports that Governor Mitt Romney will release his tax records for 2010 and his estimated tax bill for 2011 on Tuesday. Thus a win for the liberal NYT folks, they asked for this in their editorial, but the win was made sure when it become an issue in the Republican race, in the recent South Carolina debate Newt Gingrich released his tax returns half way through the debate, the Romney arguments up to this point was that he was not going to give political bullets to the Obama re-election committee, well with the loss of SC he has been pushed in to the move by his Campaign Staff. But it should be noted that on strategy that Governor Romney was right, this is a tactical mistake, the Obama Campaign wont use anything they find in till General Election, they will have months to go through the records. The Republican field has to learn it is in a knife fight, the Chicago political mob don’t play fair, they play to win, thus a win for the Democrats folks.

Bond Holders and Greece

Guardian: Reports that Greek bond debt negotiators have left Athens, Greece without an agreement but talks will go by phone. Yes folks the phone, okay it’s the 21st Century and you can talk without being in the same building as a different person, but we are talking here about Greece defaulting on its debt, do you really want a deal based on good telephone line or a good broadband provider. As reported the hedge funds who own a large amount of Greek debt would be better off with a default, they are insured, any legal demand that they accept a 60% to 70% cut can be seen as a default. Lets see if the Troika of the EU/IMF/ECB will take any deal or will they demand a real deal, this could go down to the wire folks. Poor Greece.

The Gingrich COMEBACK - Republican Race

Sunday Telegraph: Reports in his winning Speech in South Carolina former House Speaker Newt Gingrich again called President Obama the greatest Food Stamp President in history. One of the reasons that the good people of South Carolina voted in great numbers for the Speaker is the fact that he will take the fight to President Obama, the elite media see any attack on President Obama as a form of racism, yes folks if you say he is should not give up the day job to sing ( for some reason POTUS sang at a campaign event ) then you’re a racist. The elite main stream media was in the tank for Obama in 2008, thus expect little critical comment of POTUS, if either Gingrich or Romney discovered the cure for cancer the elite media would say it was racist and Obama should get credit even a Nobel ( sorry they already given him that for nothing! ). Thus we Conservatives on the Internet that to keep an eye on POTUS, tell the truth about his failures in the 1st term. The real press folks is not the liberal NYT or the elite TV media, we don’t shiver with pride very time POTUS makes a over long speech.

Gingrich WINS South Carolina - Republican Race

BBC News: Reports that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has beaten Governor Romney in South Carolina by 40% to 28%. Thus folks we have a long race, next is the even bigger State of Florida, that takes a lot of TV advert buys, thus money and a good ground operation. As Romney has the money and the campaign structure and is leading in the Polls in Florida its important that he WINS Florida. If Speaker Gingrich can use the win in South Carolina to take Florida then we due have a very long race. But as the Speaker was honest today he does not have the money of a Romney, but he does have his Super Pac and it can be postulated that Conservatives will start to give money to Gingrich because he did win BIG in SC. More debates folks, Governor Romney should release his tax returns, get the issue off the table, also he should use the fact that he is wealthy, greed is good as someone once said, thus Romney should argue that since he made himself wealthy he can make the US wealthy again after Obama.

South Carolina Polls = RCP

RCP: Reports on its Average of South Carolina Polls, on top is Newt Gingrich at 32.5%, while 2nd is Governor Romney on 31.5%, in third is Congressman Paul on 14%. Thus folks it is a split decision between Gingrich and Romney, if Gingrich can win and then have a good showing in Florida we have a long race, if on the other hand the Romney takes SC and Florida this race is over, that how important SC is this year folks. Only 24 hours to go before the result.

The Expectations Game - South Carolina

CNN - Politics: Reports that a Governor Romney advisor, Stuart Stevens has stated that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich could win South Carolina. Thus the Romney Campaign is playing the election expectations game, should Governor Romney win SC it will be seen as a major plus for the Campaign, it would show that the Gingrich bounce in the polls was not enough and that his debate performances only get him so far, that the Gingrich field operation is not as good at the Romney Campaign. On the other should Gingrich win it will be a blow for Romney, this would mean that the Campaign will go on for months, bit like 1976 with Ronald Reagan vs. President Ford. Lets recall Reagan only lost to Ford by about a hundred votes, thus since the delegates go by % of the vote and not winner takes all, this could mean that by the Republican Convention that none of the candidates have reached a majority in delegate count. That’s how important SC is folks, short or long race is down to the voters.

The Vote in South Carolina

Vote ROMNEY = 1 Term Obama

Vote ROMNEY = No ObamaCare

Vote ROMNEY = Stronger Millitary

Vote ROMNEY = Protect an Ally = Israel

VOTE ROMNEY

Greek Deal - Eurozone Crisis

Guardian Live - Euro: Reports that the Greek Government and its bond debt holders have reached an agreement. Lets see it on paper folks, have seen EU deals fall apart when you see the small print, lets see how much of the debt is written off, and is the deal good enough for the Troika of the EU/IMF/ECB, one has to be wary of Greeks bearing gifts, they might be hollow and with a nasty surprise.

The Huhne Case - Driving Points

Telegraph: Reports that the Liberal Democrat Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will learn in weeks if he will be charged by the Police for getting his then wife to take driving points for him. This case has been going on for months folks, either the Police charge the Secretary of State or close down the case. Lets be honest here folks Mr Huhne is not that popular with Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy PM in the UK Coalition Government, Mr Clegg beat Mr Huhne for the Liberal Democrat leadership and there has been tension since, there have been constant rumours that should Nick Clegg fall it would be down to the political schemes of Mr Huhne, the Secretary of State is very ambitions. If and it’s a big IF Mr Huhne is charged and is convicted there could be a by-election, the Conservatives could take the Seat, so it might be a good result for the Conservative Party if Mr Huhne has to resign.

Gingrich and the Main Stream Media

BBC News: Reports that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich was highly critical of the main stream media for going over his personal history at last nights Republican Debate. The Republican Debate started at 1am UK time folks, but it was worth the wait, the former Speaker really went after CNN and ABC News, he accused the MSM of protecting President Obama while out to destroy the Republican Candidates. Governor Romney had one high, he stated he was not going to say sorry for being wealthy, while on the downside he stated he would not release his tax returns in till April. As noted in this blog the liberal NYT has started this demand, they are no interested in the truth, they are seeking anything that helps Obama get re-elected, thus it can be argued that since Romney is the presumptive Republican Nominee he should not give the liberal media any arrows to throw at him in till he is good and ready, wise strategic if not tactical move by Romney. On the whole after two hours it was a Gingrich night, Senator Santorum will not get the nomination but he might hand it to Romney by splitting the Conservative vote, thus in a way Santorum is a great ally for Romney.

Gingrich and South Carolina

The New York Times: Has looked at all the recent polls out of South Carolina and writes the following, “ Yes, Mr. Gingrich does have momentum — and a lot of it. ” But as the article notes due to changeable voters either Gingrich or Romney could win well, also as noted in my posts we have the ex wife problem that the Gingrich Campaign had to deal with, the former Speaker’s line on this has been that he has made mistakes and is a grandfather and looks to the Lord for forgiveness, this might go down well with the Conservative Republican voters SC. It can be expected that the Speaker will do well in tonight’ debate, but one should expect Romney to take issue with Gingrich on is Super Pac, stress his family background, yes you get the idea, Romney will have a tough fight with President Obama, thus he better start learning how to street fight, it’s the Chicago way.

Does Gingrich have the Big Mo ? = Republican Race

Guardian Live - SC: Reports on a new ARG Poll in South Carolina, in this Poll Speaker Gingrich leads Governor Romney by 33% to 32%. Thus this is the time for the Speaker to peek, the vote is on Saturday, it can be expected that he will have a good debate, also he should get some of the Perry supporters. If and its still a big IF, Gingrich wins SC it does not mean that Romney wont be the Republican Nominee, it just means the race will last longer, this helps Romney, he has the money and the Campaign structure, depends what Gingrich wants, does he really want a fight or does he want the VP spot, that’s an interesting thought folks.

Romney and the Republican Race

Telegraph: Reports that the final result from Iowa is in, and it shows that former Senator Rick Santorum won Iowa in the end by 34 votes but due to loss votes neither Santorum or Romney can be declared the winner. One has to feel sorry for Senator Santorum, this news just might have come to late, at the end of the day Conservative Republicans who don’t trust Romney have a choice, either Gingrich or Santorum, the Speaker is the most well known of the two, has a record, for good or ill folks. It will be interesting to see the polls to see if the Perry support for Gingrich has any effect in South Carolina, also there is the debate tonight, at the same time as stated in previous post the former wife of the Speaker takes to the airways, lets see what damage that interview does to the Speaker.

Perry OUT - Republican Race

BBC News: Reports that Texas Governor Rick Perry has announced that he is out of the Republican Race and is supporting Speaker Newt Gingrich. This is good news for the former House Speaker, but he has a new problem, his former Wife has given an interview that could damage his Campaign, the article states that the former Speaker wanted an Open Marriage, in other words allowing him to have affairs. This could hurt him with Christians in South Carolina, but it can be argued that voters in SC are going to support a winner in the shape of Governor Mitt Romney, if Romney wins big on Saturday folks this race is over, the Republican Party wants to start fighting POTUS, not more months of internal battles that helps President Obama.

Greek THREAT to DEBT Holders - Greek Crisis

Guardian Live - Euro: Reports from the NYT that the new Greek PM, Lucas Papademos has threatened to pass a law through the Greek Parliament that would force debt holders to take a haircut of Greek debt. This is might be an empty threat folks, as this would surly invoke the insurance on that debt held by the hedge funds, in Greece would have defaulted. This talks will go down to the wire folks, also the Troika if they have their eyes open will not be that impressed with the Greek austerity sell off, the Greeks have managed to only sell 1 billion of their assets out of over 50 billion. Yes folks that Greek horse is hollow as Greek promises.

French Bank Losses - Greece Crisis

Telegraph Live - Euro: Reports that the French Banking Authorities have told French Banks to write off between 70% and 75% of Greek Debt. Thus one has to presume that the French Government will cover such major losses after losing its AAA rating, thus banking debts will become French Government Debts. As France is on AA+ by the S&P credit Agency one has to ask will France bailing out their banks mean that France could face another downgrade. No wonder the Greek debt holders are holding firm, in essence they are getting blackmailed by the EU.

Rendition Inquiry Cancelled

BBC News: Reports that the UK Government has cancelled its Rendition Inquiry due to the on going Police investigation, it hopes for an Inquiry after the Police have finished. Folks I will give a £5 to Labour if there is ever an Inquiry in to this, a real Inquiry would ask very awkward questions of the last Labour Government, one can postulate that once the Police find nothing, and they will find nothing, this will all go away, that’s the British tradition, there are times for real investigations, such as the Iraq Inquiry but not this, what was an issue of national security in it day can look like an over reaction later, the British have a find tradition of letting sleeping dogs sleep, God knows what you could find.
　

Romney’s Taxes and the NYT

The New York Times: Has the following Editorial on releasing Romney’s tax records, “ … the former governor of Massachusetts and onetime chief executive of a private equity firm, is still hedging about whether he will do so. ”. Thus it starts folks, Governor Romney has not even won the Republican nomination and the liberal main stream media (msm) is starting on its mission to define Romney as part of the 1% vs. 99%. Thus any negative stories that the msm can find about Romney will be on the front page folks. If you really wanted to go after Romney you would stress the time he took his dog around country and put him on the top of the Car, or the allegation in his time as a Mormon Bishop he told a Woman she would have to give up her child or the religion. The tax records of Romney is quite petty for the liberal NYT. Must do better NYT if your going to destroy the Romney bid for the Presidency.
　

US Sanctions on Iran = Failure - Israel

The Hill: Reports that the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has told the Israeli Parliament that new US sanctions wont stop Iran going for a nuclear bomb. Thus folks we come down to it, does PM Netanyahu trust Obama to stop Iran getting the bomb. Lets look at Obama’s ability for loyalty to his own family, if that does not define a character then what does, to save his racist Preacher Candidate Obama threw his own grandmother under the bus, thus place Israel in the grandmother category and Iran as the racist preacher. In 2009 when the streets of Tehran was full of protesters against a stolen election and the Regime was shooting its own people President Obama was no where is sight, mild rebuke. The problem with President Obama is that he thinks he is the cleverest guy in the room, there always more clever people than you folks, even this blog has learned that lesson the hard way! But Obama is very self centred, he cant get beyond the fact that he might be WRONG, that what you get when people always say your fantastic, no one is that fantastic all the TIME. President Obama thinks that once Iran listens to him they will change, the problem is Iran has the Obama number, its called weakness, its easy to send a US Special Forces to kill OBL, hardly rocket science and then take the credit, the problem is that it undermined the US and Pakistan relationship, also caused problems for the secular Government of Pakistan. If Obama was really clever he would have sent it a black ops job team, quiet, no fuzz, take out OBL, then sent in a cleaner in, remove any trace of OBL or the operation and then kept his mouth shut in till closer to the November election. In that time the Pakistan Regime would have been told to get its act together but in private, the US would have given more support to the Pakistan Government before the story would have broken. In other words folks the Obama mission has had very negative consequences. Thus back to Israel, if you cant trust Obama, and you doubt his judgement its time to strike Iran.

Romney vs. Obama - New Poll

CNN - Politics: Reports on its new poll of a match up of Governor Romney vs. President Obama, in this match up Romney wins by 1%, by 48% to 47%. Thus folks if you’re a Conservative and a Republican there is only one option, if Romney wins big in South Carolina and then does the same in Florida the Republican Elders have to bring this race to a close, the Romney Campaign has to get ready for the most dirty nasty fight that will be mounted by the Obama re-elected committee, thus Governor Romney has to define himself before Obama defines him as part of the 1% vs. 99%. Thus expect sob stories from those that lose their jobs when Romney was in private business, expect the liberal main stream media to define Romney to the right of Ronald Reagan, its only January folks, it going to get worse folks.

Gingrich and the Republican Debate

Guardian: Reports the following on former Speaker Newt Gingrich and the Republican Debate, “ Insta-analysis had it that Newt Gingrich stole the show… ”. The question is it enough folks or is it to late, have the Tea Party movement set aside its deep reservations about Governor Romney and gotten on his train, the VOTE on Saturday will be interesting folks, lets take it as a given that Romney wins, does he win big, does he take Tea Party movement and Christians in SC, do the rest of the field with the exception of Congressman Paul get out of the race, or can Gingrich do a Reagan and take it down to the Republican Convention, we shall see folks, a week is a long time in politics.

Romney and the Republican Debate

Telegraph: Reports the following on the debate performance of Governor Mitt Romney, “ ..gave his weakest performance of the 16 debates so far.. ”. There is another debate Thursday folks, lets see the polls for the next 24 hours to 48 hours, does Romney go up por down, can Gingrich claw himself to equal level with Romney. At least Romney from reports didn’t have the disaster that Governor Perry had in early debates, but events move fast, from Gingrich calling POTUS a Food Stamp President, one can expect that to be set up as a political advert by the Gingrich Campaign an his Super Pac, the audience at the debate really showed their support when Gingrich went after the Oval.

Republican Debate in South Carolina

BBC News: Reports that Republican frontrunner Governor Mitt Romney came under attack for his business and State government record at the Republican Debate. The one good clip this blog saw was when Newt Gingrich called President Obama a food stamps President, this was the former Speaker on good form, attacking POTUS not his Republican rivals. When it comes to the Polls in SC you take your pick, some have a close race between Romney and Gingrich, while others show Romney with a vast lead. After winning Iowa, NH if Romney takes SC with a big enough margin this race is over in real terms, the former Speaker will go because he wants revenge on Romney, while the cranky Congressman Paul wants some power at the Republican Convention. If this is the result then Romney must turn his Campaign to fighting Obama, as the Chicago re-elect committee wont wait for the conventions, once its sure that its Romney expect a heavy negative attack, they will follow the 1996 Bill Clinton playbook, define your opposition before he can define himself. Its tough but its Democracy folks.

South Carolina Polls - Republican Race

RCP: Has the Average of the polls from South Carolina, today they are the following, Governor Romney 26.7%, Speaker Gingrich 22%, Paul and Santorum are both on 14.7%. Thus its down to South Carolina for Conservatives to defeat Governor Romney, the lead of 4.7% matches the ARG Poll. The negative adverts by the Gingrich Super Pac seem to be working, they seem to have prevented Romney getting much of a bounce from NH. The Republican Elders must be worried that the attacks on the Romney business record will be used by the Obama re-elect committee, what the attacks will do will force Romney to create a defence against his Republican opponents, but also use that defence against President Obama. This could be a very interesting race folks, one still has to say that Romney is the presumptive Republican Nominee.

South Carolina Poll - Republican Race

CNN - Politics: Reports a new poll from American Research Group, in this poll Governor Romney leads Speaker Gingrich by 29% to 25%, the poll has a 4% margin of error. Thus a close race folks, if Romney can win this Southern State the Republican race is over, if Gingrich wins and Romney comes a close 2nd then we have a longer race. To get in the weeds here folks, its not winner takes all, the % of delegates goes by vote share. Lets recall that in 1976 Reagan lost 5* Primaries but would not get out of the race, at the end President Ford only won by a very narrow margin. It will take something big for Romney not to be the nominee, if Gingrich can take SC and win other States the race will go down to the Convention. There has been the theory that the race could go to the Republican Convention, that in the present day look far out there folks, but nothing over till its over folks.

*Double checked folks on the 1976 Republican Race, Reagan lost the first 5 Primaries to President Ford, not 9 as stated in post. This blog picked up that first impression from one of the US networks. This blog does not change its content in less factually wrong.

Iran vs. Amir Hekmati

The Hill: Reports on the case of Amir Hekmati, an ex US Marine, sentenced to death for being a spy for the CIA, the article states the following, “ Military analysts say Iran is using Hekmati as a bargaining chip against the U.S. and European allies.. ”. The White House staff should keep President Obama far away from this case, no meeting with his family, no constant updates, Tehran might try to sucker Obama in to talks, think Iran - Contra and you get the idea. From reports from the period President Reagan allowed his need to save the hostages in Lebanon to cloud his judgement via Iran, the Oval thought it was talking to moderates in Iran, that was mistake, thus the fate of one individual can not be allowed to shape US Foreign Policy, the case should be left at the State Department, any back channel talks should be about one thing, how to stop Tehran getting the bomb. It is a harsh world folks, compassion can not be allowed in real politics, even a great President like Ronald Reagan can make mistakes, lets hope Obama has learned that lesson.

Iran vs. US/UK

Sunday Mail: Reports that the Tehran Regime blames the US and the UK for the assassination Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan a nuclear scientist. It can be argued as a policy the UK and the US does not go around killing Iranian nuclear scientists, this is typical PR from the Tehran Regime, the most likely suspect has to be Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence Agency, as long as they get the right individual, don’t use UK passports and are sure it will delay a nuclear armed Iran such operations from the perspective of Israel are the only option left for Israel. If Tehran is foolish to block the Persian Gulf the West in the shape of the UK and US will have to take action, in the late 1980s the US Fleet under orders from President Reagan, protected tankers and sunk Iranian ships and platforms, thus keeping oil reaching the West. Lets see if Tehran is that stupid folks.

UK THREAT to Iran - Persian Gulf

Guardian: Reports that the Foreign Secretary William Hague has stated that all options are on the table when it comes to Iran, even military force. The rhetoric is getting harsher out of London and Washington D.C folks, lets hope Tehran has its ears open, the problem with Tehran is there are two power groups, the most powerful group is that of the Supreme Leader, he has the final say if Iran goes nuclear, the 2nd most powerful group is the court of the President. These two groups don’t get on, even if the West wants talks, your not sure who has the power, can the follow through with any agreement, just think Iran - Contra but worse folks. The West, in this case the US and UK have to hold their nerve, if talking does not work then the Sabre has to be used, it should be used with overwhelming force, this is not something that the West can get wrong.

Greece on the BRINK of COLLAPSE ?

Sunday Telegraph: Reports that Greece could be the “ ..first European country to default on its debt in 60 years..”. As noted in the London Times yesterday folks hedge funds have bought Greek debt and are betting on its failure, as the article notes these debts are insured, thus if Greece officially defaults the hedge funds will be laughing all the way to the bank, thus in many respects they don’t have to do a lot, just say NO to any hair cuts in the debt that they hold, if that happens there will be no deal, the Troika wont give any more money to Greece and then Greece falls over a cliff. As this blog has stated, that would be the best thing for Greece even with the austerity packages over years it will still have 120% debt to GDP. In other words folks, lot of pain and Greece will still be in pain, the EU/IMF/ECB has to cut Greece off, it’s a drug addict, it needs to go cold turkey, its harsh folks, but it’s the only way for Greece to move on, otherwise its just back and white 1950s austerity for nothing at the end of the day.

Republican Race - Gallup

Gallup:Has a poll on the Republican race for President, today in the poll the front runner is Governor Mitt Romney on 34%, while away back in 2nd place is former Speaker Newt Gingrich on 15%, with Senator Rick Santorum just 1% behind on 14%. Folks this blog is going to take a risk, Romney is the Republican nominee, this blog would VERY surprised if Romney didn’t win South Carolina, or come in a close 2nd. If there are Republican Elders they should start to talk to the rest of the candidates in the field, time for them to get out of the race, they are helping Obama win re-election by keeping the race going for months.

Appeasing Iran - LIBERAL NYT

The New York Times: The liberal NYT writes the following in its editorial on Iran, “ There is another option besides force: negotiations with the United States and other major powers over curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for ending sanctions and diplomatic isolation. ”. In other words folks Appeasing Iran, this should not surprise the reader, this is the same paper that covered up for Stalin, lets be honest if Israel was destroyed tomorrow by a nuclear bomb from Iran the bloated liberal NYT would find some way to blame Israel. The Oval or Administration Officials have leaked that POTUS has sent a back channel warning to Tehran, one can presume this was done to keep the NYT on board in case trouble should break out in the Persian Gulf. That the suppose paper of record should have learned nothing from its Stalin past and the failed policy of appeasement of the 1930s shows how out of touch this once might paper is at the present, shame of the NYT.

US warns Iran - Persian Gulf

The New York Times: Reports that the Obama Administration has warned the Tehran Regime through a secret channel that closing the Strait of Hormuz is a red line, any such closure and the US would react with military force. This was a mistake by the Oval, secret communications with Iran always ends badly, just look at Iran - Contra during the Reagan Administration. One would not be surprised if Tehran tried to play games with President Obama, Tehran it can be argued has worked out that Obama is worried that he will have another War in the Middle East, the liberal base of the Democratic Party was not happy that the US was part of the NATO mission to overthrow Colonel Gaddafi, they would not be happy for President Obama off all people to be fighting Iran. Thus Iran could offer concessions that look good at first, but end up with the US selling out Israel, that the problem with secret talks, they start out as one thing, Reagan thought he was talking to moderates in Tehran but it turned in to arms for hostages. The Oval should have followed the 2nd Reagan example, sending in the US Fleet, protecting tankers and taking on Iran, even sinking their ships and platforms, that’s the lesson of Iran that Obama should have learned about the Reagan Administration. Also if it’s a secret channel, what’s it doing on the front page of the NYT web site.

Greece and its Debt Holders

Guardian Live - Euro: Reports that the discussions between Greece and its bond debt holders are on the brink of collapse. It is reported in the UK Times that “ Hedge funds betting on a Greek bankruptcy now control significant chunk of its debt …” ( pay wall ) thus in their interest for Greece to go belly up as they get the insurance on any default. it’s a hash business model but you can see their point, Greece is going to go sooner or later, its just a matter of time, thus these hedge funds might as well make some money out of it, they do pay tax or their corporations and their workers pay a high tax, thus supporting the welfare state, it’s a vicious world folks.

France AA+ ? = Downgrade

Telegraph Live - Euro: Reports on rumours that France is going to be downgraded by the credit agency Standard and Poor’s ( S&P), thus France goes from AAA to AA+. This has been on the cards for some time folks, the French Government has for some time getting the French people ready for this downgrade, of course the ramifications are economic and political, it will cost more for France to loan from the markets, also its election year in France, it can be argued that the French President is on his way out, even with his polls raising, the same thing happened to the US, but there the US economy is not run by Germany. Thus expect the Markets on the Monday to go down folks.

50% Job Disapproval for POTUS - Gallup

Gallup: Reports on its daily tracking poll on the job performance of President Obama, today POTUS has a 42% Approval rating, while 50% of Americans Disapprove of the Obama record. This is not a great start to an re-election campaign folks, this year will see the White House with one aim, getting President Obama re-elected, every action will be political, but to fair that's every White House in this context. The Republican Nominee will be Governor Mitt Romney, thus expect the most vicious political attacks in history to start folks. This is Chicago politics at its most dirty and vicious, they expect no quarter and give no quarter. Let the fun start folks.

Covert Action and Iran

Guardian: Has an opinion article on the covert action in Iran, the article states the following, “ ..illegal action will only ruin any chance of dialogue with Tehran….The covert war against Iran, if not stopped, could escalate out of control. ” This what the Guardian really thinks folks, the left would allow Iran to get the bomb, and should something happen to Israel they will just say it’s the fault of the Israel and the West. Any covert action has risks, innocent people will get hurt or even killed, the question that the left has to answer, do the left want Israel to strike Iran with its Air Force or would they rather cover action that prevents Iran getting the bomb, and becoming a threat to Israel and the Middle East. In the real world there are hard choices folks, sometimes risks have to be taken, or evil wins.

Death in Tehran - Nuclear Connection ?

Telegraph: Reports that Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan a nuclear scientist in Iran has been killed by a car bomb. One can guess that its Israel, doubt that the CIA or MI6 would given a hit order for a civilian even one doing nuclear work for Iran, but on the other hand one doubts that the Oval or No 10 are asking to much questions on how the CIA, MI6 or Mossad are going to stop Iran from getting the bomb this year. Its all very murky folks, one can postulate that that whatever Intelligence network is doing the ordering is using locals as to prevent a direct connection back to them, the question what ever you think about the strategy is are these covert hit jobs working, Tehran seems to pushing for the bomb, thus we can expect more Executive Action by who knows who, Iran can not be allowed to get the bomb.

Romney WIN in NH

BBC News: Reports on Governor Romney’s victory in New Hampshire with nearly 40% of the vote, 2nd place was Congressman Paul, while third was Governor Hunstman. The projected winner of the NH Primary came at 1am UK time folks, the numbers have not changed much since then, Romney is close to 40%, this gives him a 17% over 2nd place Congressman Paul, lets be honest here folks, Paul is not going to win SC, and he is not going to be the Republican in any context, Hunstman is also a Mormon, and the exit polls show that a large majority of his voters would be happy to see Obama get a 2nd term, thus he will no play well in SC. As for Gingrich and Santorum they are both under 10%, and as long as they stay in the race they split the vote with Paul and Hunstman in SC, in most recent polls Romney also leads in SC, and thus this race is over folks, it might go on but Romney is the Republican Nominee, thus the Romney Campaign has to move to attack President Obama, the General Election start NOW folks.

Gingrich’s Billionaire Friend and SC

The New York Times: Reports that a long time friend of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, a gambling billionaire Sheldon Adelson has given five million to a Pro Gingrich Super Pac. Lets get straight to the point folks, the liberal NYT has thrown any negative stories it has on Mr Adelson in to the story, what Mr Adelson has done is legal after the US Supreme Court ruled that it was legal for individuals, Corporations or Unions to fund Super Pacs. Lets look at the political consequences for South Carolina, the article notes that the Super Pac has bought $3.4 million of advert space in SC. The targets of the ads will be Governor Romney, from reports it seems that the former Speaker holds Romney responsible for his loss of support in Iowa with his long arm Super Pac attacking the record of the former Speaker. Thus more of an even fight in SC, of course in way it works for Romney, this funding will keep Gingrich in the race, he will take votes away from Santorum, this a split Conservative vote and Romney WINS big in SC and thus the Republican nomination. At least when the General Election comes around it will be fair fight, Romney has millionaire supporters, thus the funds to take on POTUS.

New Hampshire Live - Republican Race

Guardian Live - NH: Reports on the slow pace of voting in NH. The left wing Guardian cant help itself with the following, “ …the "race for second place" doesn't get the pulse racing… ”, also adding Mitt Romney to that mix. As stated if Romney can win by 20 points or more over Paul and keep his lead in South Carolina this race is over, it has been argued that Newt Gingrich will keep going to just to get revenge on Mitt Romney for his negative adverts in Iowa, lets hope the former Speaker is a bigger man than that, or Romney informally should tell him that he could either be his VP or Secretary State if he gets out of the race fast after SC. As to former Senator Rick Santorum he has not used his 2nd place in Iowa to gain much movement in his NH polls. Thus the Santorum Campaign must come in either second or a close third to gain movement in SC, but it might just be to late, depends if Conservatives with BIG MONEY can decide on a Candidate in SC and spend the money on negative adverts to hurt the Romney Campaign, its all down to SC folks.

More on Daley BOOT

Guardian: Reports the following on the ousting of Bill Daley as Obama’s Chief of Staff, “ ..Daley, who was brought in to exercise tighter control over a sometimes ill-disciplined White House staff …he failed to do ”. This is an election year folks, thus the White House needs tough Chief of Staff who has the ear of the President, if your Chief of Staff cant control the White House this creates problems on the Campaign trail, also if he is not part of the inner team you risk different messages coming out of the White House. Lets see how the Daley’s of Chicago react to this after the fuzz had died down, Obama would not have dared to sack the legendary Mayor Daley of Chicago, even JFK ( 13 Days - film ) was afraid of that Daley. That the thing about US politics, it’s a rough business, and Chicago politics is even harsher.

New Hampshire Live - Poll

Telegraph Live - NH: Read the latest from New Hampshire folks, Click HERE.

Daley Resignation and the Oval

BBC News: Reports that the resignation of Bill Daley as President Obama’s Chief of Staff is due to his failure to connect to the kitchen cabinet of the Obama team. That the problem if you spend two years running for President, you develop an inner team, totally loyal to one man, the President, a President thinks that since this team got him elected they know better than Washington insiders, that was Jimmy Carter’s problem as seen from the Hill. In essence to fire a Daley of Chicago is big political news, the main stream media wont deal with it, they will cover for Obama, that the point for the next year folks, what ever Obama does, it will be good, the reverse for the Republicans.

All Change at the White House - Chief of Staff

The White House: Remarks by President Obama on the departure of Chief of Staff Bill Daley, the President stated the following reasons for the departure, “ ..Bill told me that he wanted to spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and he felt it was the right decision. ”. In other words he got the boot, you only say something like this if you don’t want a revenge book to land on the Oval Office desk. One has to wonder that someone could not have thought of something less traditional for when someone is sacked. This old chestnut of spending more time with the family went out with Emperor Augustus. If this is the strategic level of the Obama re-elect committee they have more problems that just a jobless rate.

Vote Romney - NH

Vote for ROMNEY

Vote for ONE TERM OBAMA

Vote to REPEAL ObamaCare

Vote NH to CHANGE the US back to RIGHT DIRECTION

VOTE ROMNEY

No Transaction Tax - Cameron

Daily Mail: Reports that UK Coalition PM David Cameron has stated he will use his veto again to stop a Euro transaction tax. This shows leadership by PM David Cameron, the latest call by the French President is way to gain votes in his re-election bid, even the German Chancellor has admitted she does not have support for the move in the German Parliament. This kind of tax in itself is not bad, but it has to be GLOBAL, all the major financial countries have to part, otherwise in this 21st Century global system the bankers or financial institutions will just move, the present over regulation of the EU has not stopped the present mess, in fact the biggest breakers of rules are the Germans and the French, they can take a hike if they want to tax London to pay for their mistakes.

Greece Bailout and the Eurozone

Guardian Live - Euro: Reports that German Chancellor Merkel has stated that Greece will not get its 130 billion Euros bailout unless it agrees a haircut debt deal with its debt and bondholders. This could be a way out for Greece folks, the Greeks could just throw in the towel, default, then the EU would have to bailout Greece as it would not be able to get money from the markets, it could return to its native currency and reconstruct its economy, brining the Greeks in to the 21 Century. It would be hard, very had for the people, otherwise the Greeks are going to suffer for years, and for what, they will still be in debt and the only winners will be the bankers. Time to leave the Euro Greece.

Transaction Tax and the Eurozone

Telegraph Live - Euro: Reports that Chancellor Merkel has admitted she does not have the total support of the German Parliament for transaction tax. The UK has made it clear it will block a EU transaction tax, thus will German Parliament allow German market to suffer as to help the French President get re-elected, this blog has its doubts folks. Since the US and UK are a No, it not worth the paper its written on, it’s a GLOBAL market folks, the bankers and financial institutions will just move to London or New York. The Counties that will suffer will be France and Germany, another rock in the shoe folks, Greece being a mighty stone. EU leaders will never learn, no wonder the present mess.

CIA Agent DEATH Sentence ? - IRAN

BBC News: Reports that Amir Mirzai Hekmati a US Citizen has been sentenced to death for being a CIA Agent in Iran. The Tehran Regime is playing hardball folks, expect this story to grow over the next days, weeks, the Iranian Regime will know how damaging the hostage crisis was to Jimmy Carter, thus they will play this for all its worth, if they were smart, they would release Mr Hekmati at once after the US freed Iranians held hostage by Pirates in the region, releasing Mr Hekmati would be good PR, this kind of act just focuses the World on how much the Tehran Regime is a outlaw State. The Obama Administration would be forced to take action should Tehran follow through with the sentence, this might be the idea folks, Tehran is seeking diversion form his nuclear plans. It is a game within a game folks, never ending, in less Tehran goes nuclear, then Israel will hit Iran.

South Carolina Poll - Republican Race

CNN - Politics: Reports on its new CNN/Time poll in South Carolina, leading with 37% is Governor Romney, while Senator Santorum is on 19% and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is on 18%. Thus folks if this is the result the race is OVER, Romney will be the Republican nominee, one can expect an increase in the Romney numbers should he win big in New Hampshire, Santorum needs to come second in NH for a good bounce in SC. If Paul is second, then the Santorum Campaign will be running on illusion not political reality. Also Rick Santorum might be looking for the VP spot on a Romney ticket, thus he can not afford to push this Campaign to far, the wild card will be Newt Gingrich, he has seen his Campaign destroyed by the negative adverts of the Romney Super Pac, thus he might be out to damage Romney before the General Election. It is down to SC folks if the Conservatives in the Republican Party want to stop Romney, otherwise time to get on the Romney train.

Ed Miliband = Troubles

Sunday Mail: Reports on the divisions in the Labour Party over the leadership of “ Red ” Ed Miliband, the strife is between supporters of Ed Miliband and his brother David Miliband. This is worse folks that the fight between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, it shows how narrow the Labour world is, two brothers fighting, one really cant blame David Milband, or to be fair his supporters, they see a leader that was not elected by the Labour MPs but by the Unions, they see a weak leader who even the public cant see walking through Number 10 Downing Street as PM. This is not new to the Labour Party, they could not get rid of then PM Gordon Brown when it was seen he would be a disaster in the General Election. It has been heard inside Labour that they don’t have to change, that the votes got it wrong, that is the arrogance of New Labour folks, if the Labour Party does not get rid of Ed Miliband it could be out of power for more than ten years, is that a price worth paying Labour Party supporters have to ask themselves.

Santorum the MAN of the Hour?

Guardian: Reports that former US Senator Rick Santorum faces problems in using his close second in Iowa to his advantage, the article states the following, “ This is a clash of two Americas, the social conservativism of the mid-west colliding with east coast moderates. ”. In New Hampshire polls Governor Romney has a double digit lead over Congressman Paul who is in second, while Senator Santorum has seen a narrow bounce in his poll numbers, not enough to be the new Bill Clinton. In many respects in this election cycle one can discount NH, it’s a lock of Romney, its down to South Carolina folks, if Romney wins there its over, it will be safe for the Romney Campaign to divert its full attention to attacking President Obama. Yes 7 months of a Presidential Campaign, YES if you’re a political geek, no so if your normal.

Nuclear ALARM - Iran

Sunday Telegraph: Reports the following on Iran’s nuclear plans, “ ..Tehran has begun injecting uranium gas into sophisticated centrifuges at the Fordow facility near the holy city of Qom. ”. Folks with the threat to Western Oil in the Persian Gulf, the fast developing build up of Iran’s nuclear ability, the chances are high that there will be some act of military action between the US,UK and Iran. One has to wonder why Israel has not hit Iran yet, does the Israeli Intelligence Agency the Mossad know more that the rest or is it hopping that Western sanctions can have some effect on Iran. The US has a Naval force in the Gulf, the UK is sending its best Naval destroyer out there, also it is believed that the UK is sending out a nuclear submarine to the region in the event that Iran tries to shut off Oil to the West. It can be postulated that Iran might try to cause havoc in Iraq and Syria, although these Countries are sympathetic to Tehran by causing bombings in these Countries it will allow these Governments to clamp down on the Opposition and divert the West to these problems areas, also Iran might try to send terrorists in Israel through Lebanon and cause the Gaza to become more troublesome to Israel. The political games of the Middle East are quite interesting, Saudi Arabia wants Iran to be dealt with, it would not surprise this blog to see SA allow Israel to use its airspace to attack Iran. Interesting times ahead folks.