October 14, 2011 4:04 PM

Obama trails "generic" Republican in Gallup poll

By
Brian Montopoli
Topics
Campaign 2012

Barack Obama (Credit: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
President Obama may be lucky there's no such thing as a "generic" Republican presidential candidate.

In a new Gallup poll, the president trails a "generic" GOP candidate by eight points, 46 percent to 38 percent, among registered voters. That matches his performance against a "generic" candidate in September. He led a "generic" Republican rival 45 percent to 39 percent in August.

Mr. Obama fares better when matched up against actual human beings. In September, Gallup had him more-or-less tied with Mitt Romney and Rick Perry, and other polls have consistently shown the president ahead of all of the GOP candidates with the exception of Romney.

Generic polls are often unreliable because they compare a known quantity to an unknown quantity.

The RealClearPolitics polling average has Mr. Obama leading Romney by 0.7 percentage points, Ron Paul by 6.2 points, Perry by 7.4 points, Herman Cain by 8.0 points, Jon Huntsman by 9.0 points, Michele Bachmann by 14.2 points and Newt Gingrich by 15 points.


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by hhandyman October 15, 2011 3:33 PM EDT
Generic candidate has NO flaws while the rest of the republican candidates are human each with his own set of flaws. None of which is any better than the man in office today. Compare any supposed superior generic to any one vs human flaws and the living breathing one is in a non win battle which makes this article a farce in facts,.
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by doneinone October 15, 2011 12:31 PM EDT
Anyone see Obama's press conf. two days ago? America's most eloquent President couldn't string one complete thought without the help of a teleprompter or earpiece. He was asked two questions and had more than 150 ahs, ums, duhs, ah, a, doh, so, the, uuu, ahhh, err,hmm.
Someone put a clip together of this without editing the same non-word and it sounded as if he was in the bathroom with an extreme case of the runs going on for more than 2 min.
It was even considered if when the question was asked from a reported is he waiting for the response from an advisor or something typed on a teleprompter. err, umm, a, ahh, the a, so , doh, dah....LOL
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by southpaw99 October 14, 2011 7:43 PM EDT
Well your poll doesn't take into consideration the millions of us that will come out of the wood-work to vote against any republican who has been an obstructionist.
Your polls are inaccurate!
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by Captha3210 October 14, 2011 6:06 PM EDT
Annual fees on pharmaceutical companies ($27 billion), health insurance companies ($60 billion), and medical device-makers ($20 billion)
- Annual penalties on individuals who do not have health insurance (up to a maximum of $695/person)
- Increase in the Medicare payroll tax from 1.45% to 2.35% for individuals making $200,000+ and families making $250,000+
- 3.8% tax on unearned income for millionaires
- Insurance companies will be subject to a tax on each high-end insurance plan (so-called "Cadillac" plans) they offer
Miscellaneous:
- Illegal immigrants are not eligible for insurance or subsidies
- By Executive Order, such federal funding can't be used for abortion
- The federal government will assist states by covering all of the increased expenses of expanding Medicaid coverage (90% of costs after 2020)
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
• Removed a ruling that now allows individual states to enact automotive fuel efficiency standards above federal standards (2009)
• Offered attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles (2009)
• Overturned Bush-era rule that weakened the Endangered Species Act (2009)
• Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government (2009)
• Ended the Bush-era policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions (2009)
• Signed a measure requiring energy producing plants to begin producing 15% of their energy from renewable sources (2009)
• Announced that the federal government would reengage in the long-delayed effort to clean up "Superfund" toxic waste sites (2009)
• Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production (2009) * Note: Much of Obama's energy reform was killed by Senate Republicans
• Proposed a new refuge for wild mustangs (2009)
• Cancelled several Bush-era mountain-top removal and mining permits (2009)
• Reengaged in international treaties and agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009)
* Note: Bush had withdrawn from such efforts
• Asked Congress for an energy reform and "cap and trade" bill (2009) * Note: The Congress failed to pass such a bill
• Developing plan to lease US coastal waters for wind and water-current energy production (2009)
• Overturned Bush-era policies that allowed uranium mining near national parks such as the Grand Canyon (2009)
• Expanded the Petrified Forest National Park (2009)
• Signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act that protects millions of acres of scenic, historic, and recreational lands and trails (2009)
• Requiring that government buildings and facilities be retrofitted to save energy costs (2009) * Note: These green retrofits are moving very slowly
• Authorized studies in several western states to determine how to support large-scale solar installations (2009)
• Attended the Copenhagen talks and, after the talks were stalled, negotiated an international (voluntary) agreement on reducing carbon emissions and raising funds to assist developing nations in offsetting carbon emissions (2009)
• Banned importation of pythons in response to a growing population of pythons damaging the Florida Everglades (2009)
• Committing the federal government to increasing research and use of renewable, clean energy sources such as wind, biomass, etc. (2009)
• Executive orders establishing a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all federal operations (2009) (2010)
• Called for exploring the possibility of additional off-shore oil drilling in the Gulf, Atlantic, and off Alaska (but not in ANWR) (2010)
• Agreed to consider increases in nuclear energy production and requested a study on the feasibility of nuclear power plant construction (2010) * Note: Nearly all energy initiatives were defeated by Republican opposition in Congress
• Increased investment in clean energy projects (2010)
• Executive Order to develop a new strategy for and commitment to ocean and lake resources, and for scientific research on water quality (2010)
NOTE: If you listen to the Republican Party or the media President Obama did nothing for the country..............TOTAL LIE!
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by Captha3210 October 14, 2011 6:05 PM EDT
years (2010) * Note: 32 million additional Americans will receive healthcare coverage and costs will be lowered for most Americans, but many of the goals are phased in over four years
Components of the bill
- Prevents insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals/family members with pre-existing health conditions; a temporary plan is being developed to cover high-risk individuals with pre-existing conditions until the full reforms go into effect in 2014
- Prevents insurance companies from placing lifetime limits on benefits
- Bans "rescission" so insurance companies can't cancel coverage if individuals keep their policies current or if they become ill
- An individual's out-of-pocket healthcare expenses are capped
- Closes the "donut hole" (Part D) for Medicare prescription drug coverage (under Bush, Medicare helped pay for drugs up to $2,600 and above $4,550, but individuals had to pay 100% of the costs in between these amounts); now Medicare helps cover costs irrespective of the amount - seniors will now pay only 25% of drug costs up to $4,550 and only 5% of drug costs above that amount
- In 2010, an emergency provision will offer seniors a $250 rebate on the costs incurred within the "donut hole"
- Individuals living at or below the poverty line were eligible for healthcare under Medicaid, but by 2014 individuals/families living slightly above (making up to $14,404/$29,327) the poverty line will also be eligible for benefits
- Individuals/families making less than $43,320/$88,200 per year will qualify for government subsidies to help purchase health insurance
- All individuals must have health insurance or face a government fine; all large (over 50 employees) employers must offer health insurance to employees or pay a fine
- Small businesses can get a tax credit if they offer health care
- There are hardship exemptions if individuals can't afford health insurance
- Families can keep their children in college on their plans through age 26
- Promotes health insurance "exchanges" so consumers can buy "wholesale"
- Creates consumer assistance offices to help consumers file complaints or appeal decisions from insurance companies; beginning in 2011, insurance companies can no longer make excessive rate hikes without justification and approval, and those doing so may be barred from participating in new health insurance exchanges
Funding sources:
- Large employers (over 50 workers) that don't offer health benefits will be charged a $2,000/worker fee; if the employer offers coverage but employees instead purchase federally subsidized insurance the fee is $3,000/worker receiving federal subsidies or $750/worker (whichever is lower)
-
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by Captha3210 October 14, 2011 6:04 PM EDT
• Hosted nuclear non-proliferation summit for several nations (2010)
• Executive Order to establish support offices in the State Department to assist the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan (2010)
• Presidential Memoranda to continue drug interdiction support with Columbia (2010)
HEALTHCARE
• Removed Bush era restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research (2009)
• Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research (2009)
• Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children (2009)
• Established an independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare (2009)
• Reversed some of the Bush-era restrictions that prevented Medicare from negotiating with pharmaceutical firms for cheaper drugs, allowing government to again competitively bid (2009) * Note: Obama had promised to lift all restrictions but, while he did negotiate with drug companies for them to lower their costs the deal only lifted some restrictions
• Expanding government vaccination programs (2009)
• Issued new disease prevention guidelines and priorities for the CDC (2009)
• Authorized the FDA to finally begin regulating tobacco (2009)
• Tasked federal labs to prioritize research on and deployment of H1N1 vaccines (2009)
• Asked multiple congressional committees to bring forward a healthcare reform bill; held dozens of public hearings and town halls on the issue (2009) (2010)
• Established a new council on National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health to be chaired by Surgeon General and charged with promoting healthy lifestyles and integrative healthcare (2010)
• When accusations to the contrary arose, an Executive Order was signed to reaffirm that federal funds are not to be used for abortion services (2010)
• Historic healthcare reform bill signed - $940 billion over 10
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by Captha3210 October 14, 2011 6:04 PM EDT
• Authorized the Navy SEALS operation that freed by force the US shipping captain held by Somali pirates (2009)
• Restored the US commitment to the UN population fund for family planning; overturned the ban on providing funds internationally for family planning (2009) * Note: The family planning efforts were suspended under Bush
• Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return "home" to visit families (2009)
• Extended an offer of engagement (free from sanctions and penalties) to Iran through December 31, 2009 (Iran did not accept the offer) (2009)
• Sent envoys to the Middle East and other parts of the world, reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy (2009)
• Authorized discussions with North Korea and the private mission by former president, Bill Clinton, to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons (2009)
• Authorized discussions with Myanmar and the mission by Senator Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive (2009)
• Renewed loan guarantees for Israel (2009)
• Signed the USIFTA trade agreement with/for Israel (2009)
• Authorized a $550m advance for Israel (six months prior to the scheduled date) in order to accommodate Israeli's economic and financial needs (2009)
• Continued agreements with Israel for cultural exchanges, immigration, etc. (2009)
• Spoke on Arab television, spoke at an Egyptian university, and met with Arab leaders in an effort to change the tone of US-Arab relations (2009)
• Ordered the US to finally pay its dues to the United Nations (2009)
• Attended the Summit of America's meeting in Trinidad and Tobago (2010)
• Dispatched several envoys and initiated talks with numerous nations (2010)
• Signed a nuclear limitation treaty with Russia (2010) * Note: The agreement calls for both countries to reduce their nucs by one-third (1,500) and launch systems by half (800)
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by Captha3210 October 14, 2011 6:02 PM EDT
PRESIDENT OBAMA HAS ACCOMPLISH MORE THEN ANY PRESIDENT BEFORE HIM

Know other President receive the country in worse condition then President Obama. But still he has accomplish more then any other President before him. Two wars and a prescription plan all not paid for and the lost of 22 million jobs under G.W. Bush. After taking office 750,000 were being lost! After the stimulus package was past . That all STOP! Then President Obama got down to work for the country! HERE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS HE GOT DONE!
FOREIGN POLICY
• Closed the Bush-era "secret detention" facilities in Eastern Europe (2009)
• Ended the Bush-era policy allowing "enhanced interrogation" (torture); the US is again in compliance with Geneva Convention standards (2009) * Note: Obama has permitted some controversial interrogation techniques to continue
• Restarted international nuclear non-proliferation talks and reestablished international nuclear inspection protocols (2009) * Note: Bush withdrew from non-proliferation talks and dismantled the inspection infrastructure
• Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush
• Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions (2009) * Note: These were suspended under Bush
• Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office (2009)
• Banned the export of cluster bombs (2009)
• Overturned Bush-era plans to increase the US nuclear arsenal (2009)
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by Captha3210 October 14, 2011 6:01 PM EDT
I DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR NOTHING I POST




I support the President of the United State and my country! I don't apologize for doing so. I have opinion and I do not apologize for my opinion. I'm black and I did not vote for President Obama because he was black! I first voted Democrat because I am Democrat and Senator Obama was the best for the job!!! I post my opinion and I also state facts. I repeat over and over that former Republican President G. W. Bush is responsible for the horrible condition of today! I blame the midterm election for stopping the Obama recovery! Republican were given power and gridlock became their power!

All this ignorant talk about President Obama being weak and not able to stand up against the Republican is STUPID! This President operate different then the past white Presidents that think being nasty and threating other country make America strong...As a result America started a war in Iraq for NOTHING 4,400 and counting troops dead for NOTHING! America hated around the world! Facing a recession and a country divide because of the stupid Republican mentality!

Republicans and Bush /Cheney are also responsible for the needless death of American troops in Iraq! It bother me that there are Americans that are fast to condemn President Obama . For giving 32 million American the opportunity for healthcare. But voted G.W. Bush into officer twice and he is responsible for killing American troops in Iraq for NOTHING! Adding to the 9/11 death!

Those people I see as sick!Those people that voted for Bush twice should be made to live in Iraq! There was no Tea Party against G.W. Bush when he spend 10.5 trillion dollar and left the country in debt! There was no Tea Party against Bush when he lost 22 million jobs! Many jobs oversea never to return. Two wars and a prescription plan all not paid for by Bush! The Tea Party didn't decide to form a group against G.W. Bush THEN.

These idiot are fast to claim that President Obama has spent too much money..When in fact HE WAS PAYING THE BILLS LEFT BY G.W. BUSH!!! He stop the recession with the stimulus package and save the automobile industry! Negotiate a 20 billion dollar cap in the BP spill where there was only a 75 million dollar cap!Overturn "don't asked don't tell and past over 244 bills that benefited Americans! If the country and especially Fox News was fair. They would be saying what I'm saying! But instead they criticize President Obama 24/7.....Even after Bin Laden was capture and killed on President Obama watch...They still tried to give Bush credit after Bush couldn't do it in eight years!

Seven decade of President tried and fail to get a healthcare plan past. President Obama did it!No it didn't have the single payer in the plan. He couldn't get Democrats to go along when Democrats had the house! This is the first black President that had to deal with the white male estblishment. White Democrats voted against the President to apease white voters! As for the continuing of the Bush tax cuts. President had no choice. The Republican had the house!

Republican Mike Huckabbe called President Obama a bonehead for passing healthcare for 32 million American. So 7 decade of past Presidents must be boneheads for trying and failing to get healthcare past? Another question if mandating that people buy healthcare insurance is uncontutitional. Then why is it OK to mandate that American buy car insarance??? Is a car more inportant then your body???

Huckabee is a idiot! His critcism of healthcare is without merit. He is the same idiot that release a murderer that got out and murdered 4 police officers. When Huckabee was Governor he release a murderer. After hundreds of letters begging him not to! He is not a bonehead he is a FOOL!!! That inmate went on to murder 4 police officers!

The idiot that think blaming President Obama is the solution to American problem are the ignorant idiot that voted the Republican into office! G.W. Bush is responsible for the condition under recovery today by President Obama. Many Republican President screw up the country and blame everybody but themselves. They rely on the ignorant of Republican voter or racism and pure hatred to regain power!
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by Progress4USA October 14, 2011 4:37 PM EDT
by miamivic2 October 14, 2011 4:21 PM EDT
The only thing that Obama has left is the military.

It's the only tool left at his disposal that Republicans won't oppose.
---

You don't hear them beating him up over Libia??? If he says "right"...they say "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO its left!"
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