KoPoint

If you paid less than five tickets to ride this ride then you are currently getting more than your money’s worth.  In the last 72 hours worth of polling Newt Gingrich has been seven points on the leading edge of Mitt Romney, tied, and now roughly seven points behind.  It’s hard to say for sure which specific factor has lead to this massive decline, however recent debate performances combined with an all out media onslaught probably has something to do with it.  

Most interesting of note, despite solid showings, Ron Paul slips to last place in nearly most polling in Florida, giving Rick Santorum a run at third place going into the weekend.  Ron Paul is currently in Maine campaigning and his lack of presence may show in the final days leading to the Primary on the 31st.  With Mr. Paul out of sight and out of mind, Santorum has been hosting multiple events after his well received appearance in last night’s CNN debate.  

It’s hard to say at this point which way this contest will shake out, but keep an eye on available polling data (www.realclearpolitics.com) to see the latest from Florida.

Mike Daisey was a self-described “worshipper in the cult of Mac.” Then he saw some photos from a new iPhone, taken by workers at the factory where it was made. Mike wondered: Who makes all my crap? He traveled to China to find out.

Listen to the Episode -»

danpatterson:

In the last decade, Apple has become one of the mightiest, richest and most successful companies in the world, in part by mastering global manufacturing. Apple and its high-technology peers — as well as dozens of other American industries — have achieved a pace of innovation nearly unmatched in modern history. However, the workers assembling iPhones, iPads and other devices often labor in harsh conditions, according to employees inside those plants, worker advocates and documents published by companies themselves. Problems are as varied as onerous work environments and serious — sometimes deadly — safety problems. Employees work excessive overtime, in some cases seven days a week, and live in crowded dorms. Some say they stand so long that their legs swell until they can hardly walk. Under-age workers have helped build Apple’s products, and the company’s suppliers have improperly disposed of hazardous waste and falsified records, according to company reports and advocacy groups that, within China, are often considered reliable, independent monitors.

Full Story on the New York Times -»

In what marks a u-turn for the microblogging company, Twitter has now announced it will censor certain tweets depending on the rules of each country. Prior to this technology being activated, if Twitter blocked a tweet, it was deleted across the service globally. The new system allows it to block tweets which may not comply with a certain country’s laws just in that location, but the messages will be still be live across Twitter around the world.

Full Story on the Telegraph -»

After enjoying a few days of increasing poll numbers in the wake of a major victory in South Carolina, Newt Gingrich falls behind Mitt Romney for the first time in Florida.  According to current poll numbers, Gingrich has fallen behind Romney by roughly five points.  Going into tonight’s debate, Gingrich has suffered an all out assault on his character and platform from all sides, setting up what should be another hot and heavy debate.  (..with clapping.)

According to a recent Rasmussen telephone poll, nearly 34% believe it would be best for the Republican Party, and the GOP primary in general, for another candidate to enter the race.  With current infighting and plenty of controversy to go around, the leading candidates roll into Florida wearing their campaign on their sleeves and their common decency at home.  However, at nearly 31%, plenty of conservatives also believe this is not the time to introduce any further candidates into the fray.   This also left an additional 24% not feeling one way or another about new blood in the race.

With politics, mud slinging, and platforming at a fever pitch, it truly is anyone’s contest at this point.

Congressional Reactions to the State of the Union

Listen to interviews done by TRNS correspondents with members of Congress following President Obama’s State of the Union address.

shortformblog:

“Greetings from the home of Super Bowl 46.” Seriously, that’s your intro?

Yep.

shortformblog:

To close out, Obama again pulls out the Bin Laden hook he used at the beginning:

One of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL Team took with them on the mission to get bin Laden.  On it are each of their names.  Some may be Democrats.  Some may be Republicans.  But that doesn’t matter.  Just like it didn’t matter that day in the Situation Room, when I sat next to Bob Gates – a man who was George Bush’s defense secretary; and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for president.  
 
All that mattered that day was the mission.  No one thought about politics.  No one thought about themselves.  One of the young men involved in the raid later told me that he didn’t deserve credit for the mission.  It only succeeded, he said, because every single member of that unit did their job – the pilot who landed the helicopter that spun out of control; the translator who kept others from entering the compound; the troops who separated the women and children from the fight; the SEALs who charged up the stairs.  More than that, the mission only succeeded because every member of that unit trusted each other – because you can’t charge up those stairs, into darkness and danger, unless you know that there’s someone behind you, watching your back. 

Think this was totally the right way to intro — and end — his speech.

In a recent interview with RockCellarMagazine Oliver Stone (He’s a film director..probably heard of him…) gave a quick, yet pointed comment on the current state of affairs, oh and Ron Paul.  

Rock Cellar Magazine:  In Our History you ask if there’s “a potential wild card in an internal economic collapse of the empire”? Is America an empire? And if so, do you foresee the fall of the empire?

Oliver Stone:  Yes.  Yes, both.   I don’t think it’s a wild card, I think it’s a given. There’s no way that we can continue this spending spree.  In fact, I think in many ways the most interesting candidate – I’d even vote for him if he was running against Obama – is Ron Paul.  Because he’s the only one of anybody who’s saying anything intelligent about the future of the world.

How do we go on being who we are? We have an identity crisis here.  But as long as we keep running this fantasy through our minds that we can dominate history, it’s not a wild card, it’s a given!

(Photo Credit: RCM Ed Rampell)

 With a lackluster performance last night in the first Florida debate, it is hard to tell if Mr. Gingrich will hold his climbing lead in Florida or if Mitt Romney will retake any ground.  Stay plugged in for the latest or check out the latest polling results at RealClearPolitics.com.

The KoPoint political team has been hard at work producing independent audio content from the 2012 presidential campaign cycle. Gain greater insight on the American political system by listening to our podcasts and live reports.

Get involved with KoPoint politics.

Mitt Romney’s campaign released details of his federal tax returns on Tuesday morning, showing that he is likely to pay a total of $6.2 million in taxes on $45 million in income over the two tax years of 2010 and 2011. (View full returns here).

shortformblog:

• one He’ll likely propose reforming taxes, ending the Bush tax cuts and raising taxes for the wealthy.
• two He’ll likely make another push for the “Buffett Rule,” which would set a minimum tax rate for the super-rich.
• three More tax breaks for big business, in an effort to encourage them to…

Sarah Palin, talking to Fox Business News, about Chris Christie’s commenting on Newt Gingrich.

Via the NYT.

(via joshsternberg)

talkradionewsservice:

New polls show that Newt Gingrich may be able to leverage the momentum he gained from his surprising victory in South Carolina for another upset.

According to a Rasmussen poll, the former Speaker of the House leads the GOP field in Florida at 41 percent, 9 points ahead of Mitt Romney. An additional poll from InsiderAdvantage reflects a similar outcome, with Gingrich again ahead of Romney 34 percent to 26 percent.

Full Story -»

Real Clear Politics: Early Polls in Florida Show Newt Surge Continuing

Story Discovered by Chris Poirier

Though South Carolina is still in the process of certifying it’s final vote tallies prior to awarding it’s delegates to the winner, it is clear that Gingrich will not suffer the same fate as Romney did in Iowa.  This contest appears to be in the bag for Newt, who currently is boasting a roughly 13% lead with 99% of precincts reporting, and sets him on course to be a driving force as the primaries travel to Florida for the next official primary vote.

Votes begin their tally in South Carolina with Newt Gingrich showing an early, solid lead.  Most news organizations have already made the call that Newt Gingrich will take South Carolina.  For the most up to date information, be sure to check out South Carolina’s State Election Commission site for tally details.  SCvotes.org

Welcome to the Ko Point Political Explainer’s South Carolina Edition.

This week sees the return of Chris Poirier and Dan Patterson, and debuts the work of John Hansen in Guest Contributor Roles. We also enjoyed the contribution of Dan’s Associate and former Intern, now with DVF, Amanda Grinstead in a Show ID!

Longest show ever, we busted the 15 minute mark by 2 and a half minutes. But when things are good, what can we do: we gotta cover them.

Show Notes:
1) Element: Show Intro and SC Preview
Ramp: Atomic Ramp, taken from “Atomic” by Blondie

2) Element Sweep :This is KoPOint”
Intro to John Hansen
Talkset- John Hansen- South Carolina Preview
Bed: Cybarasta- Autumn Fruit, downloaded from openwiremusic.com

3) Element) OnestoneSweep
Ramp: Losecontrolramp, taken from Ash, “Lose Control”

4) Element: Chris Poiier Intro
Talkset- Chris Poirier: “KPPE Candidate Profile of Rick Santorum”
Bed: Riddimperialism- “Rhapsody in Dub feat CKLM” downloaded from openwiremusic.com

5) Element: KoPointSweepVic
Ramp: Showemwhatyougotramp, taken from Public Enemy’s “Show em what you got”

6) Talkset- What is Socialism
Bed: LR60 and Mr Moods- “Silently”, downloaded from openmusicwire.com

7) Element- alamodeid
Ramp: Songforthedeadramp, taken from Queens of the Stone Age, “Songs for the Dead”

8) Element- Dan Patterson Intro
Talkset: Dan Patterson “Notes from the Trail, South Carolina”
Bed: King Dubby “Stalag Riddim” downloaded from openmusicwire.com

9) Element- This is Kopoint Sweep
Ramp- Innocentsmile ramp, from Ash “Innocent Smile”

10) Talkset- KPPE Comentary
Bed- King Dubby, “Searching the Dub” downloaded from openmusicwire.com

11) Element Kopointshortsweepamanda
Element- FLApreview
Ramp: Kissramp, from Prince, “Kiss”

12) Element; KP Sweep Hansen
Outro

If you paid less than five tickets to ride this ride then you are currently getting more than your money’s worth.  In the last 72 hours worth of polling Newt Gingrich has been seven points on the leading edge of Mitt Romney, tied, and now roughly seven points behind.  It’s hard to say for sure which specific factor has lead to this massive decline, however recent debate performances combined with an all out media onslaught probably has something to do with it.  

Most interesting of note, despite solid showings, Ron Paul slips to last place in nearly most polling in Florida, giving Rick Santorum a run at third place going into the weekend.  Ron Paul is currently in Maine campaigning and his lack of presence may show in the final days leading to the Primary on the 31st.  With Mr. Paul out of sight and out of mind, Santorum has been hosting multiple events after his well received appearance in last night’s CNN debate.  

It’s hard to say at this point which way this contest will shake out, but keep an eye on available polling data (www.realclearpolitics.com) to see the latest from Florida.

Mike Daisey was a self-described “worshipper in the cult of Mac.” Then he saw some photos from a new iPhone, taken by workers at the factory where it was made. Mike wondered: Who makes all my crap? He traveled to China to find out.

Listen to the Episode -»

danpatterson:

In the last decade, Apple has become one of the mightiest, richest and most successful companies in the world, in part by mastering global manufacturing. Apple and its high-technology peers — as well as dozens of other American industries — have achieved a pace of innovation nearly unmatched in modern history. However, the workers assembling iPhones, iPads and other devices often labor in harsh conditions, according to employees inside those plants, worker advocates and documents published by companies themselves. Problems are as varied as onerous work environments and serious — sometimes deadly — safety problems. Employees work excessive overtime, in some cases seven days a week, and live in crowded dorms. Some say they stand so long that their legs swell until they can hardly walk. Under-age workers have helped build Apple’s products, and the company’s suppliers have improperly disposed of hazardous waste and falsified records, according to company reports and advocacy groups that, within China, are often considered reliable, independent monitors.

Full Story on the New York Times -»

In what marks a u-turn for the microblogging company, Twitter has now announced it will censor certain tweets depending on the rules of each country. Prior to this technology being activated, if Twitter blocked a tweet, it was deleted across the service globally. The new system allows it to block tweets which may not comply with a certain country’s laws just in that location, but the messages will be still be live across Twitter around the world.

Full Story on the Telegraph -»

After enjoying a few days of increasing poll numbers in the wake of a major victory in South Carolina, Newt Gingrich falls behind Mitt Romney for the first time in Florida.  According to current poll numbers, Gingrich has fallen behind Romney by roughly five points.  Going into tonight’s debate, Gingrich has suffered an all out assault on his character and platform from all sides, setting up what should be another hot and heavy debate.  (..with clapping.)

According to a recent Rasmussen telephone poll, nearly 34% believe it would be best for the Republican Party, and the GOP primary in general, for another candidate to enter the race.  With current infighting and plenty of controversy to go around, the leading candidates roll into Florida wearing their campaign on their sleeves and their common decency at home.  However, at nearly 31%, plenty of conservatives also believe this is not the time to introduce any further candidates into the fray.   This also left an additional 24% not feeling one way or another about new blood in the race.

With politics, mud slinging, and platforming at a fever pitch, it truly is anyone’s contest at this point.

Congressional Reactions to the State of the Union

Listen to interviews done by TRNS correspondents with members of Congress following President Obama’s State of the Union address.

shortformblog:

“Greetings from the home of Super Bowl 46.” Seriously, that’s your intro?

Yep.

shortformblog:

To close out, Obama again pulls out the Bin Laden hook he used at the beginning:

One of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL Team took with them on the mission to get bin Laden.  On it are each of their names.  Some may be Democrats.  Some may be Republicans.  But that doesn’t matter.  Just like it didn’t matter that day in the Situation Room, when I sat next to Bob Gates – a man who was George Bush’s defense secretary; and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for president.  
 
All that mattered that day was the mission.  No one thought about politics.  No one thought about themselves.  One of the young men involved in the raid later told me that he didn’t deserve credit for the mission.  It only succeeded, he said, because every single member of that unit did their job – the pilot who landed the helicopter that spun out of control; the translator who kept others from entering the compound; the troops who separated the women and children from the fight; the SEALs who charged up the stairs.  More than that, the mission only succeeded because every member of that unit trusted each other – because you can’t charge up those stairs, into darkness and danger, unless you know that there’s someone behind you, watching your back. 

Think this was totally the right way to intro — and end — his speech.

In a recent interview with RockCellarMagazine Oliver Stone (He’s a film director..probably heard of him…) gave a quick, yet pointed comment on the current state of affairs, oh and Ron Paul.  

Rock Cellar Magazine:  In Our History you ask if there’s “a potential wild card in an internal economic collapse of the empire”? Is America an empire? And if so, do you foresee the fall of the empire?

Oliver Stone:  Yes.  Yes, both.   I don’t think it’s a wild card, I think it’s a given. There’s no way that we can continue this spending spree.  In fact, I think in many ways the most interesting candidate – I’d even vote for him if he was running against Obama – is Ron Paul.  Because he’s the only one of anybody who’s saying anything intelligent about the future of the world.

How do we go on being who we are? We have an identity crisis here.  But as long as we keep running this fantasy through our minds that we can dominate history, it’s not a wild card, it’s a given!

(Photo Credit: RCM Ed Rampell)

 With a lackluster performance last night in the first Florida debate, it is hard to tell if Mr. Gingrich will hold his climbing lead in Florida or if Mitt Romney will retake any ground.  Stay plugged in for the latest or check out the latest polling results at RealClearPolitics.com.

The KoPoint political team has been hard at work producing independent audio content from the 2012 presidential campaign cycle. Gain greater insight on the American political system by listening to our podcasts and live reports.

Get involved with KoPoint politics.

Mitt Romney’s campaign released details of his federal tax returns on Tuesday morning, showing that he is likely to pay a total of $6.2 million in taxes on $45 million in income over the two tax years of 2010 and 2011. (View full returns here).

shortformblog:

• one He’ll likely propose reforming taxes, ending the Bush tax cuts and raising taxes for the wealthy.
• two He’ll likely make another push for the “Buffett Rule,” which would set a minimum tax rate for the super-rich.
• three More tax breaks for big business, in an effort to encourage them to…

Sarah Palin, talking to Fox Business News, about Chris Christie’s commenting on Newt Gingrich.

Via the NYT.

(via joshsternberg)

talkradionewsservice:

New polls show that Newt Gingrich may be able to leverage the momentum he gained from his surprising victory in South Carolina for another upset.

According to a Rasmussen poll, the former Speaker of the House leads the GOP field in Florida at 41 percent, 9 points ahead of Mitt Romney. An additional poll from InsiderAdvantage reflects a similar outcome, with Gingrich again ahead of Romney 34 percent to 26 percent.

Full Story -»

Real Clear Politics: Early Polls in Florida Show Newt Surge Continuing

Story Discovered by Chris Poirier

Though South Carolina is still in the process of certifying it’s final vote tallies prior to awarding it’s delegates to the winner, it is clear that Gingrich will not suffer the same fate as Romney did in Iowa.  This contest appears to be in the bag for Newt, who currently is boasting a roughly 13% lead with 99% of precincts reporting, and sets him on course to be a driving force as the primaries travel to Florida for the next official primary vote.

Votes begin their tally in South Carolina with Newt Gingrich showing an early, solid lead.  Most news organizations have already made the call that Newt Gingrich will take South Carolina.  For the most up to date information, be sure to check out South Carolina’s State Election Commission site for tally details.  SCvotes.org

Welcome to the Ko Point Political Explainer’s South Carolina Edition.

This week sees the return of Chris Poirier and Dan Patterson, and debuts the work of John Hansen in Guest Contributor Roles. We also enjoyed the contribution of Dan’s Associate and former Intern, now with DVF, Amanda Grinstead in a Show ID!

Longest show ever, we busted the 15 minute mark by 2 and a half minutes. But when things are good, what can we do: we gotta cover them.

Show Notes:
1) Element: Show Intro and SC Preview
Ramp: Atomic Ramp, taken from “Atomic” by Blondie

2) Element Sweep :This is KoPOint”
Intro to John Hansen
Talkset- John Hansen- South Carolina Preview
Bed: Cybarasta- Autumn Fruit, downloaded from openwiremusic.com

3) Element) OnestoneSweep
Ramp: Losecontrolramp, taken from Ash, “Lose Control”

4) Element: Chris Poiier Intro
Talkset- Chris Poirier: “KPPE Candidate Profile of Rick Santorum”
Bed: Riddimperialism- “Rhapsody in Dub feat CKLM” downloaded from openwiremusic.com

5) Element: KoPointSweepVic
Ramp: Showemwhatyougotramp, taken from Public Enemy’s “Show em what you got”

6) Talkset- What is Socialism
Bed: LR60 and Mr Moods- “Silently”, downloaded from openmusicwire.com

7) Element- alamodeid
Ramp: Songforthedeadramp, taken from Queens of the Stone Age, “Songs for the Dead”

8) Element- Dan Patterson Intro
Talkset: Dan Patterson “Notes from the Trail, South Carolina”
Bed: King Dubby “Stalag Riddim” downloaded from openmusicwire.com

9) Element- This is Kopoint Sweep
Ramp- Innocentsmile ramp, from Ash “Innocent Smile”

10) Talkset- KPPE Comentary
Bed- King Dubby, “Searching the Dub” downloaded from openmusicwire.com

11) Element Kopointshortsweepamanda
Element- FLApreview
Ramp: Kissramp, from Prince, “Kiss”

12) Element; KP Sweep Hansen
Outro