Interview with American Power

Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 118 in our ongoing interview series. Today we are interviewing Donald Douglas, the editor of American Power. AP is one of the top 100 sites in the conservative blogosphere. Make sure to check them out and bookmark them today!

1. When and why did you start American Power?


I started blogging in February or March 2006 (American Power is my second blog). Before that I had been reading political science blogs for some time, and also a couple others, like Ann Althouse. I got off to a slow start because I’m a professor of political science and I didn’t want to alienate folks too much at first, but soon I found out that the milquetoast approach to blogging probably didn’t generate too much traffic. I started to take the gloves off a bit, and after being immersed in the left’s hate culture long enough, I started to fight back relatively unrestrained.

That’s really why I started blogging – to combat the neo-communist left. I was a lifelong Democrat who voted for Al Gore in 2000. The September 11, 2001, attacks struck me at a deep level, but perhaps surprisingly, it was the Iraq war in 2003 that basically forced a radical reckoning for me in terms of my own ideals, ideology, and outlook toward my profession (teaching political science). I spoke in favor of the Bush administration at a campus "teach in" against the war, the day we started to topple Saddam. Thereafter, formerly friendly colleagues treated me as beneath the lowest of the low caste. A couple of feminists literally and
prominently gave me wide berth in the hallways of my division. I became an "agent of the patriarchy." Soon, leftist professors launched a campus "progressives" club, and they allied with the neo-communist International ANSWER Coalition out of Los Angeles. Students were getting extra credit to attend rallies. The club bussed students downtown. I've periodically had confused students, non-activists, come to my office and ask why Israel was an "apartheid state." The sociology faculty showed pro-Palestinian movies and the halls were plastered with anti-Bush fliers bearing swastikas. It's become my cause as a blogger and conservative academic to fight the hatred and anti-intellectualism on campus and beyond. It's been a really life-changing
experience these last seven years.

2. What has been the best accomplishment so far of the Obama Administration? Worst?

I’m 100 percent partisan, so I’m not one to really credit the Obama administration with any real POSITIVE accomplishments. I imagine if I was in an extremely good mood I could credit Obama with adding troops to the Afghanistan deployment, but since that decision came only after nearly a year of begging by former U.S. General Stanley McCrystal --- a period which obviously cost lives and further compromised America’s ability to defeat the Lashkar-Qeada-Taliban insurgency --- it’s pretty hard for me to be so generous.

The ObamaCare health reform disaster is not necessarily the administration’s “worst” accomplishment. It’s awful, I know. But I’m confident a GOP congressional majority – followed by the election of a GOP president very soon – will begin to roll back the Democratic healthcare bill. There wasn’t a crisis when the Dems started working on it in May 2009 and it’s possible to revisit the key issues in healthcare – covering the uninsured, reigning in costs, and reforming health-related entitlements – while curtailing the policy abuses the Democrats implemented.

What’s the very worst to me is our very own president’s morale-crushing anti-Americanism. I’m pretty sure, at an almost subliminal level, most Main Street, heartland Americans feel that Obama is out of touch with their values, and that for all the “hope and change” he promised, he’s not done a good job in making their lives better. And when Obama routinely winds up on the wrong side of public opinion – on the Ground Zero Mosque controversy most recently, for example – some folks may well decide: “Hey, this is just too much for me … this guy’s out to lunch on commonsense issues of concern to me.”

3. Any favorite for 2012 yet?

I’m a Sarah Palin supporter. I don’t think she’s the most experienced potential candidate. I do feel as though she’s representing my values better than anyone in American politics for a long time. She’s been a Godsend to the conservative movement, and if she continues to polish her presentation leading into the 2012, I believe she’ll be able to make the case for the qualities necessary to lead the nation. And for me, it’s just that, in one word: Values. She has the moral clarity that’s quintessentially American, and that’s her strongest asset, with a canny
knack for almost magical political savvy and timing coming in a close second. She may not, in the end, make the sale to the American people in a general election contest. But as far as I can tell, she’s got the traditional array of assets for a top-tier nomination bid covered. I like a few other candidates as well – especially Mitt Romney – although I can’t see Newt Gingrich going anywhere as a presidential aspirant (and I’ve met both Romney and Gingrich personally, so that’s coming from the heart a bit too).

4. What's the best part of running your site?

Probably the best thing about running my blog is the same thing that’s true for anyone who
takes this medium seriously: It gives me a powerful seat at the table of media and politics, with which I can have a real impact. I’m rarely tired of blogging, and it comes like a second career to me, since I can self-publish my thoughts and go over the heads of the newspaper industry or even academic publishing in some instances. Blogging is of course a means to write for mass publication, a means that I didn’t have before, expect to shill essays to the op-ed pages of the mainstream news outlets. Bloggers don’t often get widely read – and I’m no exception – but with a little networking one can break through big time. I recently forced a correction at New York Times, for example, and some of my own citizen journalism has been widely cited across the web. It’s just rewarding in that sense. A blogger who’s serious and diligent can at some time break out and make an impact.

5. Has President Obama been better or worse in office than you believed before the election?

Obama is actually worse as a president to me, and by that I mean that I genuinely think he’s the best presidential candidate we’ve seen in generations. But those skills – speaking, fundraising, community organizing, mass mobilization – have not transferred to the Oval Office. (He’s been a lousy president in terms of the traditional measures for occupants of the office.) In fact, Obama’s already losing the youth demographic, largely on economic issues. It’s kinda funny as well, since his election was basically a theological experience for a lot of young people. No doubt by now the “Obama Zombie” effect is wearing off.

6. Anything else you'd like to add?

Only to mention that I’ve probably peaked as far as blog ranking go in the blogosphere. It takes a tremendous commitment to maintain a top blog, and by that I mean a top-50 blog with moderate daily traffic numbers. There will only be so many Instapundits or Hot Airs. And the
blogosphere’s becoming more professionalized, which will marginalize some citizen bloggers not inclined to invest large amounts of time to it. I’d like to write a book and expand my work into more traditional areas so as to INCREASE my profile as a blogger, and that sounds kinda
strange to say. But if you look at folks like Michelle Malkin, she’s a journalist by trade and an author of several books, but she’ll still tell you she’s a blogger. That’s pretty freakin’ cool. Oh, one more thing, relating to my opening comment about fighting the radical left: I’m a man of Christian faith, and I’m convinced by this time that the country’s facing a degree of evil in the world that raises millennial challenges. And most importantly, there’s an increasing danger at home – within our borders – of a hostile anti-American element that will work with our global enemies to destroy this nation. Folks thus can’t be complacent. The Ground Zero Mosque is a good indicator of the future debates we’re likely to see: Commonsense Americans against an elite – knowingly or not – working against our fundamental security interests as a people and
historically.

http://americanpowerblog.blogspot.com/


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Interview With Bill Randall for Congress (NC-13)

Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 116 in our ongoing series. Today we are fortunate enough to be interviewing GOP candidate for the House of Representative Bill Randall, from North Carolina's 13th Congressional District. Mr. Randall is a veteran of the armed forces and faces Democrat Brad Miller in the fall elections.




1. Why are you the best candidate for your district?

I intend to listen to the constituents, research the issue thoroughly, and vote according to sound principles that best represent the voters. My military and business experience will enable me to bring a measure of leadership that is critical for a U.S. Representative.

2. What is the #1 priority you would tackle for the people of North Carolina?

Jobs (in the private sector) and revitalizing the economy.

3. Do you support repealing/rewriting the recently passed Health Care Reform bill?

If this bill was passed on the basis of truth (and not deception), actually cuts costs as promised, and delivers an improvement of overall health care to the country... why would I want to have it repealed? But on the other hand, if it was fraudulent legislation, increases the financial burden on the American people, and does NOT improve the overall health care of the country (as we were told it did) ...I will lead the charge to repeal the bill.

4. Has President Obama been better/worse than you expected?

President Obama has not delivered on the promises he made while running for office. He has done nothing to veto (stop) the terrible legislation that the majority party has passed in the past 18 months (against the will of most Americans). In this respect, I’d have to say that President Obama’s performance has been disappointing.

5. What has been your proudest moment in public service?

Serving on active duty in the United States Navy. While on active duty, I was most proud of having been selected to serve as a Command Master Chief aboard a guided missile cruiser: USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) in the year 2000.

6. When did you decide to run for Congress?

My decision to run was made after my wife and I prayed about it in June 2009.

7. Anything else you'd like to add?

I hope that the voters support a candidate on the merits of their candidacy… instead of their political party. If a fair and honest comparison is made, most will find me to be a person who will represent their interests in Washington D.C. better than my political opponent. Thank you.

http://www.randallforcongress.com/

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Interview with Dollar Commentary

Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 115 in our ongoing interview series. Today we are interviewing the editor of the site Dollar Commentary. DC is home to pieces on personal finance, the economy, and politics. Be sure to check out the site, bookmark them, and check out their Facebook profile!


1. When and why did you start Dollar Commentary?


Dollar Commentary was started on the 20th of November, 2009. It was molded for several months until life circumstances caused me to focus my time elsewhere, but now it’s once again one of my top priorities. I started Dollar Commentary as a way to express and share the knowledge I’ve obtained in a variety of areas, including finance, debt, and other, more subjective topics, such as politics and some amateur philosophy.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected?

I have to admit, during Obama’s presidential campaign, I got a little swept up in all the “hope and change.” Of course, that was really when I started becoming interested and learning about politics, and now it’s abundantly clear to me that Obama’s presidency up to this point has essentially been an all-out failure, unless you’re a liberal. Specifically on his economic policy, every action he has taken has only led us further off the track that this great nation should have stayed on all along.

3. Do you believe that the economy is heading towards a double-dip recession?

Now, I’m no expert on macroeconomics, but I really do feel that there will be a double-dip recession. I believe that because sooner or later, the money that was propping up the economy provided by the stimulus will run out, due to mismanagement, legal stipulations, and the natural ebb and flow of the economy. Unless another stimulus is passed, there WILL be a double-dip recession. However, I do not say that in defense of another stimulus bill. I believe that all another stimulus will do is, just like the first one did, make the economy appear as if it’s in a better position, until the money once again runs out and we’re in the same predicament we’re in now. I propose we do something that I haven’t heard much talk about; let the economy naturally correct itself. Oh no, it won’t be fun, people will lose jobs, businesses will close, some will be living on the streets, but once it finally starts to turn around, it will be a stronger, natural, true economy that has actual legs to stand on, not the temporary, fake stimulus legs it’s standing on now. The longer we try to delay economic discomfort the worse it will be in the end.

4. Is there a business in our economy that is "too big to fail?"

There is no business in this country too big to fail. Period. There are businesses that, if they fail, will have a tremendous impact on our economy and culture, but there is an upside to businesses failing that few think about; the opportunity for others to move in and fill the space left. Competition in whatever the industry is will increase, which leads to more innovation and a new, different way of doing things. That aside, at the end of the day someone is responsible for why a company needs a bail-out in the first place, and in my mind they deserve to be rewarded for being irresponsible no more than any regular citizen of this country should be rewarded for their own irresponsibility.

5. Why should readers bookmark DC?

Readers should bookmark Dollar Commentary because, aside from fulfilling any and every unfulfilled desire for intelligent, thought-provoking, witty, and downright awesome content, Dollar Commentary can also offer readers inspiration, motivation, and a renewed sense of dedication to whatever it is they’re trying to accomplish in life, be it a financial goal or anything else. How can Dollar Commentary do this, you ask? Because I believe that there are certain principles of success that apply to any goal and situation, and Dollar Commentary shares those principles with its readers through many of its posts.

6. Anything else you would like to add?

The amount and quality of content at Dollar Commentary has, and will continue, to improve due to contributions from some excellent, knowledgeable writers. Also, Dollar Commentary is
now right up there on my priority list, as I have much more time to devote to it than I did in the past. Readers will simply have to keep checking back to see that amount and the quality of the content grow.

http://www.dollarcommentary.com/


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Interview With Tea Dump

Today Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 114 in our ongoing interview series. Today we are interviewing Dave, the co-founder of the new site Tea Dump. Tea Dump is an excellent tool to check up on the day's news from around the web without having to visit 100 sites.

1. Why has Tea Dump been created?

I was in the dentist office a few months ago, when I was talking to an assistant there where she was telling me how grateful she was for having a job right now. I know it's kind of weird, but it made me think of my grandmother, and how grateful she was just for having a piece of a potato in her soup when she was stuck in a Russian Prison Camp in Siberia years ago (normally it was just water-downed broth). Eventually, she got married, made her way over here (legally of course), got a job, and worked hard her whole life. To this day, she's always talking about how much she loves this country. This spirit of coming over here, making something for yourself, for the future, for your kids, seems to be gone now. People don't want to work anymore, they just want free handouts. Enough is enough, the political situation in this country is a mess, so we decided to do something about.. help spread the word that things can get better. This is Tea Dump.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected or feared?

Worse. Where are the jobs? When I look at all the stimulus bill that was passed and sign into law, it seems to only really benefit the unions. People are still losing their houses, their cars, their jobs and the mostly THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE.

3. Why do you think so many moderates and conservatives voted for Obama in 2008?

It's hard to say. With 24/7 news, the Internet, you would think people would be more intelligent these days. It seems to be the exact opposite really. People here something great about Obama on Twitter, and then bam, they have to vote for him.

4. Would you support a RINO for President in 2012 against Obama (assuming they're the GOP nominee)?

No. We don't need another republican in name only.We really need someone that's a real leader. With real experience.

5. Do you have any favorites about 2012?

I'm still waiting to see what happens in November. 

6. Why should readers bookmark Tea Dump?

It's the one place where you can read what's going on in the world from a variety of sources all at once. Pick and choose the topics, search for whatever news you want. Read what's most popular or the most recent. You can even help out by submitting your own news articles to the site to share with everyone.


http://www.teadump.com/


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Interview With Phil Hendrie

 Jumping in Pools is proud to present our 113th interview in our ongoing series. Today we are interviewing the legendary radio host Phil Hendrie. Phil is a favorite for my brother and I and we are thrilled to be able to bring the questions to you our readers. Check out his website and make sure to listen at 10pm-1am Pacific Time on his many affiliates. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter. A special thanks to him for taking part in the interview.

1. What is the hardest part about running your show format? Have you ever had a caller realize it was a joke mid-call? 

The tough part is provoking callers and at the same time entertaining the audience. Those are two different groups of people. As far as callers realizing it's a joke mid-way through, they've suddenly realized the premise was pretty nuts.

2. Your first character was Raj Fahneen. Did you plan to use his voice that night or was it spur of the moment?

I planned on using that character for that days show.

3. You would speak about Christopher Hitchens-- we are also readers of his. What do you believe his impact on the last ten years have been and why do his words have such an impact on you? 

I don't know what his impact will be because I don't know how widely read he is. He's an honest man. That is practically an extinct species. He's got guts. That's almost gone as well. For me its a lesson that standing up for what you think is right and being commercially successful have nothing to do with each other.

4. Has there ever been a character that you did not like to perform as? 

No

5. What was the inspiration for Bud Dickman? 

The voice originated as just a dumb guy, many of whom I knew and know. The character emerged from a trip to Ojai and seeing a rather dangerous tree sticking out into the middle of 33 and thinking of Bud running a motorcycle into it. His biker persona came from the numbers of bikers I saw in Ventura at that time.

6. Have you thought about doing more skits? Are they more difficult or tedious to plan than "guests?" 

I don't know what you mean by "skit." We do some stand-alone stuff, we do one-offs..It depends on what inspires me at the moment. I devote time in prep to what lends itself to my kind of humor and then I think of the best way to present it.

7. Who is your favorite character to perform? 

I don't have favorite.

8. Have you come to a determination yet to who was the better President: Clinton, Bush, or Obama? 

I don't really give a fuck anymore. The political discussion in this country is rank with racism and dishonesty.

9. Did you lose any friendships for endorsing Bush in 2004? Did anyone talk down to you for that? 

Yes and yes

10. In 2004 you murdered Frodo the puppet in a fit of rage. Has your hand healed, did Bud report it, and have they found the body?

Yes and they found Frodo buried in a landfill in Mississippi.


http://www.philhendrieshow.com/

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Interview With Liberty Junkie

 Today Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 112 in our ongoing series. Today we are interviewing Rich, the editor of the new site Liberty Junkie. Make sure to bookmark the site-- it has your daily dose of news wrapped up into one page!

1. When and why did you start Liberty Junkie?

LibertyJunkie is actually only a few weeks old.  I spend a lot of time reading blogs - not just the big names, but the lesser known blogs as well.  I had planned to start my own blog, but soon realized that its pretty tough creating original content on a regular basis.  Still like so many bloggers, I felt a "call to action" due to the problems that face our country today.  So, I figured the best way I can make an impact would be to help promote the many blogs I read and agree with. 

2. Would you consider yourself more Conservative or Libertarian?

I recently read a quote from Greg Gutfeld: "I became a Republican by spending time with Liberals.  I became a Libertarian by spending time with Republicans.  That pretty much sums it up for me as well. 

3. Has Obama been better or worse than you expected/feared?

Far worse.  My biggest concern with Obama was his lack of experience.  In spite of his radical ties, voting record, and everything else to be concerned about, I thought he was smart enough to understand his place in history and to ensure that he would have a successful presidency so as to not taint his place in history.  I expected a highly pragmatic, post-partisan president.  Unfortunately, it hasn't really been that way. 

4. Would you support a "RINO" in 2012?

Well, not in the primaries.  But if we had a rematch of 2008, I'd vote McCain again.  

5. Would Ron Paul make a good President?

I think so.  I think anyone that leans libertarian would have a lot of public support.  There would need to be a majority or close to a majority in Congress too - which I think we may see by 2012. 

6. How would you like to change the blogosphere?

For starters, I'm just hoping it doesn't get taxed and regulated into oblivion.  If that doesn't happen, my goal with LibertyJunkie is to aggregate the best conservative blogs all in one place.  There is so much information floating around, if I can organize it well, readers can always come to one spot to pull it all together.

http://libertyjunkie.com/

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Interview With A Tangled Web

Today Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 111 in our ongoing series. Today we are interviewing David, the editor of a Tangled Web, which is a conservative blog covering issues in both the United States and Great Britain. A special thanks goes to David for taking part in the interview. Make sure to check out a Tangled Web and bookmark!

1. When and why did you start A Tangled Web?

Back in 2000 so the concept is a decade old. I started it as a forum to get around the bias of the MSM. Here in Northern Ireland, there was a siren chorus praising the appeasement of terrorism (or “peace process” in their vernacular) At the time I was Deputy Leader of a political party that stood on the principle of no talking to terrorists and we found the main stream media an impossible barrier to free debate. Since then it has grown and grown, become a transatlantic blog, discussing all points from Obama, to Islam, to the threat to democracy posed by supranationals such as the UN and EU, you name it we tackle it.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected?

No better and no worse. I said he would be awful and he is living down to expectations  For me the greatest concern lies in his betrayal of Israel and other friendly allies of the US. He has shown an arrogance that should ensure he does not get re-elected in 2012, although the media cannot be trusted to treat any opponent fairly. A lasting image is Obama grovelling to the Saudis – how symbolic of his Presidency. The biggest test of all is coming over how he responds to Israel attacking Iran. This is inevitable since the Mullahs seek to get nukes and Israel must stop them. I fear Obama will flunk the test, equivocate, and expose Israel to Arab aggression.    

3. What is the best part about running your site?

The freedom to write about whatever I want and to develop a team of writers who themselves have grown in stature and who provide great content. A Tangled Web is a place for those to come who dissent from the msm viewpoint and where principles prevail.

4. Where do you see Glenn Beck's future in five years?

He’ll make a great V-P to President Palin!

5. Do you believe that President Obama will be re-elected?

Nope. He is a one-termer and that is a no-brainer.

6. Anything else you would like to add?

Yes. I believe that there needs to be a re-alignment of politics for those who are right of liberal, both in the US an UK. Our politicians have lost touch with what counts, they have been seduced into embracing leftist values in order to win media plaudits and they have therefore failed us all. We need to ensure that we, the people, are in charge.

http://atangledweb.squarespace.com/

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Interview with Angry White Dude

Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 110 in our ongoing interview series. This time we're interviewing Phil, who is better known by his pen name Angry White Dude. He runs a site of the same name and is one of the most influential conservative sites in the country. Make sure to check out his site and bookmark!


1. When and why did you start Angry White Dude?


 I started AWD two years ago.  I was frustrated at how white males were ridiculed in current culture.  You can see in television programs, commercials, etc how white males always play the fool.  That frustrated me because most white males I know are not stupid idiots...uh, that would be liberals....but good family men who are responsible and hard-working.  The blog quickly expanded to include political and other issues.  It is still primarily a blog from the viewpoint of a middle-class, white male.  My readers come from all backgrounds but most are politically conservative.


2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected or feared?

 Obama has been worse.  When he basically selected Clinton's team for his cabinet after the inauguration, I thought it would be another Clinton-esque presidency.  I believed he was liberal.  I had no idea he was a communist and someone who seems to very much dislike his country.

3. Do you have a favorite for 2012 yet?

 I like Jim DeMint but it is very early.  Conservatives want a president in 2012 who will work with Congress to dismantle the federal government monster and return the country to Constitutional values.

4. What is the best part about running your site?

 I love having the freedom to say what I believe and not sugar coat my beliefs because of political correctness.  I also love to read the comments of readers.  I also enjoy writing on Angry White Dude because the chicks dig me.

5. What's the most infuriating/stupidest thing Obama or his lackeys have done so far?

The most infuriating is ObamaCare, backing a commie in Honduras, his commie czars, siding with Mexico on SB 1070 in AZ, backing the NYC mosque, the Stimulus bill, bailouts, payoffs, his connections to unions, his foreign policy train wreck arrogance.  Those few things.

6. Would you support a "RINO" against Obama in 2012?

Yes, absolutely.  Scott Brown isn't my ideal conservative but he's a whole hell of a lot better than Kennedy or a Democrat.  I would vote for a RINO over a Dim every day.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

 We need conservatives in office, not Republicans.  Most Republicans are wussypants wimps afraid of their shadow.  The tea party is the best thing to happen to America in my lifetime and will change the country.  

http://angrywhitedude.com/


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Interview with Bob McCarty

 Jumping in Pools is proud to present its 109th interview in our ongoing series. Today we are interviewing Bob McCarty who runs a site of the same name. Bob is a military veteran and has been featured all over the web, including on the list of the 100 most influential conservative sites. Be sure to check out his site and bookmark!

 1. When and why did you start Bob McCarty Writes?  

After working in a variety of communications-related capacities during my first 20 years of professional life, I was intrigued by the possibilities offered by full-time blogging.  In short, it allowed me to put to use many of the talents I had developed over the years in one venue with myriad expansion/monetization options.

2. What was your proudest moment in the military? 

I don't know that I can narrow it down to just one, because two events stand out:  First, I survived Officer Training School as one of 300 people to complete the course which saw 600 people wash out; and, second, I earned a regular commission at my first post-OTS opportunity.  More than anything, though, I was proud to wear the uniform in a number of overseas locations.

3. Could you tell us about some political campaigns that you have worked on?  

I managed congressional campaigns for two first-time hopefuls -- both very conservative -- in Oklahoma's 6th and 4th Congressional Districts during the early '90s.  Unfortunately, neither of my candidates won.  In the first race, my candidate finished with 20 percent of the primary votes in a race that included three sitting state legislators.  In the second race, my candidate lost to J.C. Watts.  Enough said.

4. What is the best part about running your site?  

Control.

5. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected/feared?  

Worse.  I don't think anyone on the right could have predicted he would do so much, so quickly and so badly.

6. Would you support a "RINO" against Obama in 2012?  

I would support a wild pig if it was running against Obama.

http://bobmccarty.com/

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Interview with Hyscience

 Today Jumping in Pools is proud to present its 108 in our ongoing interview series. Today we're interviewing Richard, the editor of the political site Hyscience. We'd like to thank him for taking part in the interview. Make sure to check out the site and bookmark!


   1. When and why did you start Hyscience?

In October 2004 I was terribly ill, in great pain, was told I was dying from cancer, had and have multiple sclerosis, and wanted to do something to help keep my mind off what I was going through. Turned out the doctors were right about the cancer and multiple sclerosis, wrong about my survival and will to live. In my opinion, being able to blog about the issues that matter to me, and that I have some knowledge of and experience in, has in many ways been a life saver. At the very least it's been a hell of a stress reliever.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected or feared?

He's met all my expectations: He's clearly shown himself to be the far-left, radical liberal-progressive, Muslim-appeasing, inexperienced rookie at managing anything, narcissistic jerk I thought he would be from the very beginning - based on all the information that was available during the campaign but only bloggers on the right took the time to read.

3. What's the best thing about running your site?

Having the opportunity to help get the facts out about political issues, Islamism, terrorism, and health matters.

4.Any favorites for 2012 yet?

Still hoping a competent alternative to what we have in the WH, and so far it looks like any jerk will do.

5. Would you vote for a "RINO" against Obama?

I'd vote for the village idiot before I'd vote for Obama, so I guess that includes a RINO.

6. What is the dumbest/worst thing Obama has done so far?

Almost too many to count or name. Let's start with getting elected in the first place, then go from there.

7. Anything else you would like to add?

Say goodbye to America if the agenda and policies of the Obama administration, and that of the Democrats in Congress, isn't begun to be stopped in November


http://www.hyscience.com/


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Interview with David Biespiel

 Jumping in Pools is proud to present number 107 in our ongoing interview series. Today we are interviewing David Biespiel, who has been a professor at such universities as George Washington and Stanford. He also founded the Attic Writer's Workshop, and has contributed to the New Republic, Slate, the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Washington Post. He is also a contributor for Politico which is where I saw his post the other day. Feel free to follow his Twitter profile. David also has the distinction of being only the second left-leaning individual we have interviewed for our site (the other being Yuriy Malikov, of course). We thank him for taking part in this interview!

   1. When and why did you start the Attic?

I founded the Attic in 1999. Originally it was a private studio for my writing. Over time, I took in some students. Those first creative writing classes had about a half dozen students. Today, we provide workshops and private consultations to over 400 writers a year. Today, the Attic is a nexus for a vibrant community of writers in Portland, where writers have developed literary friendships, seeded collaborations, writing groups, and magazine start-ups. Students have signed with publishers and agents, been accepted into residencies and graduate programs, embarked on literary businesses of their own, and simply become more connected to good writing and reading. We can't guarantee the whole gamut for everyone, but we can guarantee a personal focus on a writer's development as a writer, as well as the crafting of individual pieces.


    2. Do you have a favorite poem (or set of poems) that you have authored?

Tough question! I've published several books of poetry, the most recent, The Book of Men and Women was named Best Poetry of the Year by the Poetry Foundation. There's a poem in there, the final poem, I still like a great deal. It's called "The Theory of Hats". I have also just published a book for writers, Every Writer Has a Thousand Faces, that I think will help writers and artists of all sorts break through obstacles and unleash their creativity.

    3. Has President Obama done a better or worse job than you expected or hoped?

Both, depends on your political point of view, of course. And on how you judge a president's performance, by what political rubric. Take the economy, long a rubric, rightly or wrongly. The economy is anemic. So if we're judging a president based on the GDP, on employment, on the size of the federal budget, then this president is in trouble. If the economy were humming along, then this president would be more popular. I don't think that's fair, necessarily, but it's not debatable either. The political parties use the economy to stimulate voter satisfaction or discontent--depending which party is in power and which in the minority. That's politics. Nothing to be done about that. Still, you got to run somebody against somebody, and when President Obama runs against the GOP nominee, I think we'll see a more pointed debate.

But to your question, better or worse. I think he's done better than I expected, even than I hoped, in some areas. For a 100 years no president of any party could move health care legislation with the size and scope of the new health care law. He did that. One by one, he is removing prisoners from Guantanamo. Day by day, he is drawing down American forces in Iraq. He almost single-handedly rescued the American automobile industry. The stimulus bill killed the American economic freefall. Now, if you're going to judge a president based on promises made in the campaign versus promises kept, stalled, in the works, compromised, or broken, then by any rational measurement Obama has done better, far better, than I would have expected or hoped. Have a look at this site, Politifact.com: http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/.

Of the roughly 500 promises Obama made during the campaign, he has broken 22, compromised on 39, stalled out on 81, kept 121, and still working fulfilling about half of the 500, something like 240. That is to say, he has kept a full one-quarter of his promises, including requiring an economic justification for tax increases, establishing a credit card bill of rights, expanding loan programs for small businesses, closing the doughnut hole in Medicare prescription plans, required insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions and all children to have health insurance coverage, increased the Veteran's administration budget to include more mental health professionals for returning vets, and expanded Pell Grants to low-income students, to name only a fraction of a few.

If the election were held today, I'd vote to re-elect.

    4. How has the internet changed creative writing?

Note sure yet. If you consider the Comments section of nearly every website a "creative writing" experience, well, the Internet has expanded the zone of writing for most everyone from Zman242 to @johnmccain. I think the future of writing in the digital 2.0 era will include the use of books in app formats primarily (apps could be the "new" www) and of course in Kindle-like e-reader formats. What will be possible that is different from traditional books--and we will always have traditional paper and binding books--is the multi-media opportunities. Too much video, it'll be like the movies; too much text, it'll be like magazines; too much audio, it'll be like radio. But some unique, aesthetically arresting negotiation from the artist/s with text, video, audio could be the dawn of a new art form. That's interesting, no?

    5. Are there any national Republicans who you think are doing the right thing?

Right thing...about what? The question suggests I'm looking for Republicans who think like liberals. That breed of Republican is nearly impossible to locate--a whole generation even of centrist Republican Senators like Cranston or Bob Dole or the Chafees--is gone from national politics. California still has a few, like the current governor. I supported President Bush's attack of Afghanistan, but not Iraq. I supported the creation of the Homeland Security Department. I supported Lindsey Graham's work on climate change until the party forced him out of negotiations. That bill would not have been close to what I believe we should do, but he is a Republican with an interest in legislating.


Cut taxes and spend more on defense Republicans do not interest me. That's 90% of elected federal Republicans, or more, no? That kind of talk can not be taken seriously. Ronald Reagan raised taxes. He followed his huge 1981 tax cut with two large tax increases. In 1982, he rolled back corporate tax cuts that were in his 1981 cut and also rolled back cuts on individual taxes--in order to pragmatically meet budget projections. The 1982 roll backs undid about 1/3 of the 1981 tax cuts! As a share of GDP, in fact, Reagan's increases were greater than President Clintons's ten years later. In 1983, Reagan also increased the payroll tax to pay for Social Security and Medicare payments. As noted in the NY Times in 2004 about Reagan's tax cut/increase dance: "By 1988 the income tax share was down to 6.6 percent -- but the payroll tax share was up to 11.8 percent, and the combined burden was up, not down." Nonetheless, Reagan's military spending and other tax cuts trapped the nation in trillions of dollars of debt--as did George W. Bush's tax policies.

So cutting or increasing is not the issue--it's the combination of government action to stimulate private industry. The debate should not be between too much or too little government, but the type and measurement of the government catalyst. That would be a serious debate. Show me the Republican national leader who is invested in that. No, I don't see one either. That would be the "right thing."


    6. What is the best part about writing for Politico?

The give and take, for sure. I'm a smiling liberal on that page, and as much as I almost instinctively disagree with nearly all of what, say, Grover Norquist says, debating him nearly every day makes realize that Grover is a smart man. Funny, too. I've developed professional friendships with some of my liberal peers. But surprisingly I'm especially close to a few of my conservative opponents. I think that's because we have maintained a civil, friendly rivalry of ideas. That's what Arena has always been able on Politico. Fred Barbash, David Mark, and Seung Min Kim, the editors or former editor, maintain high standards of civility, graciousness, thoroughness, experience, and honest engagement. The rote partisans, the talking points party hacks (and there are some on the Arena page, for sure) are dull, dull-minded, and comical. Most of the others offer insight and honest analysis. I like that. It's refreshing.

Interview With Grouchy Old Cripple

 Today we at Jumping in Pools are proud to present interview number 106 in our ongoing series. Today we are interviewing the founder of the site Grouchy Old Cripple, a conservative site. Please check out the site and make sure to bookmark!

1. When and why did you start GOC? 

I started my site in April of 2002.  I was frustrated that the local newspaper, which I call the Atlanta Urinal and Constipation, did not publish all of my letters to the editor.  I mean, they were examples of erudition totally unmatched any where on the planet.  Maybe I'm exaggerating here.  So, I discovered blogs, saw how easy it was to set up a site, and started blogging.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected or feared?

I knew Obama was going to be a disaster so he has performed down to my expectations.

3.  What is your favorite part of running your site?

The favorite part of running my site is all of the people I've met either online or in person.  I have some great commenters and many of them have gone on to creating their own blogs.

4. Any favorites for 2012 yet?

I'm still up in the air.  I like Paul Ryan and Chris Christie a lot.  I like Palin but I think she is too polarizing to win. 

5. Would you support a "RINO" in 2012?

Yes I would.  A RINO is much better than anything the Dimocrats have to offer.  I voted for John McCain after all.  I was really voting for Palin.  It always struck me as funny that the libs said Palin didn't have enough experience to be VP when she had more executive experience (successful as well) than the other three candidates combined.

http://www.grouchyoldcripple.com/

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Interview With Right Pundits

Today Jumping in Pools is proud to present interview number 105 in our ongoing series. Today we're interviewing one of the best conservative websites out there, Right Pundits. Be sure to check them out (if you haven't already) and bookmark them! Special thanks to Patrick for taking part in the interview.

1. When and why was Right Pundits created?

The Right Pundits political site was started in November 2006 as a forum for a broad spectrum ("big tent") of conservative thought. That first site has since expanded into 14 news sites which combined attract about 300,000 daily readers. My goal was quite simply to be influential by attracting readers who aren't necessarily expecting (or even wanting) to read conservative viewpoints. In contrast, most conservative political sites tend to circle the wagons talking chiefly among themselves.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse than you expected or feared?

I expected a person with no practical experience to be bad, but we got even worse.

3. Any favorites for 2012 yet?

Our writers have individual favorites. We have Mitt Romney supporters, Sarah Palin supporters, some enthusiasm for Newt Gingrich, and some hope that a governor will emerge without the baggage.

4. Would you support a "RINO" against Obama?

I reject the term RINO as meaningless and counterproductive. George Bush's big spending government policies are hardly better than Obama's and damaged the Republican brand by confusing the public about conservative principles. Was Bush II a RINO or a conservative? Barry Goldwater, the grandfather of the modern conservative movement, is a "true conservative" to some and a RINO to others. Ronald Reagan signed an abortion bill as governor of California and granted amnesty to millions of illegals. Was Reagan a RINO? I'll support the GOP candidate with the best chance of winning.

5. What is the worst/stupidest thing Obama has done so far?

Waging a damaging war on business.

6. Anything else you would like to add?

New contributors are welcome on Right Pundits, particularly writers with a passion for influencing the election outcome this November.

http://www.rightpundits.com/

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Interview with Clifton of Another Black Conservative.

I just had the honor of interviewing Clifton of the Another Black Conservative website, as we discussed a large array of issues dealing with his excellent website, politics and the Black community, among other issues. I hope everyone enjoys the Interview, and that everyone will pay a visit to the website:

http://www.anotherblackconservative.blogspot.com/

This is interview 104 in our ongoing interview series.

Tim Knight - Clifton, when and why was Another Black Conservative launched on the web?

Clifton - I started Another Black Conservative back in March 2009. I, like so many others, had become frustrated over the wild direction government had taken since the later days of the Bush administration and the opening of the current one. I felt the need to vent these frustrations and thought I might find a sympathetic ear or two out in cyberspace.

Tim Knight - Clifton, what is your opinion of Barack Obama as a President, and does he bring anything to the Black community?

Clifton - My opinion of Obama is pretty much the same one I had of him from the campaign. The man is a poser of the first order. He presented himself to the American people as one thing and all the while he has been something quite different. Obama presented himself as this great pragmatic centrist when he has always been nothing more than a left wing ideologue pushing the same tired and failed socialist ideas from the 60’s.

Obama does bring something for the Black community. It is the one area where I would say the brother isn’t posing. By all accounts he does seem to be a good husband to his wife and a loving father to his children. In this regard, Obama is an excellent role model for black males to emulate and follow.

Tim Knight - Clifton, it appears one, two, perhaps even three Black Republicans will be walking the halls of Congress this Winter, should they join the Congressional Black Caucus, or form their own Caucus for Blacks who have Conservative leanings?

Clifton - It is welcome news to see the possibility of three black conservatives joining Congress this year. I would certainly hope that if they do make it, they would stay far away from the Congressional Black Caucus (unless of course their goal is to reform that group from within). As far as creating a conservative CBC, I would hope that the black conservatives would avoid that too. I say this because it really is time for American blacks to stop thinking of themselves as some sort of subset of America. We are Americans, period. There is no reason to single ourselves out every time.

Tim Knight - Clifton, has the Chairmanship of Michael Steele brought the Republican Party any closer to capturing the votes of your average, everyday Black man or woman?

Clifton - Sadly in this regard, Michael Steele has been a disappointment. Time and time again Steele steps on any message the GOP can offer blacks, by agreeing with leftwing racial narratives. Given all of Steele’s big talk in the beginning, I was hoping that he would have challenged Democrats on the issue of race. The one time he actually came close was when Harry Reid made those comments about Obama. Even then, Steele mangled it by making his comments reek of political opportunism.

Tim Knight - Clifton, what is your opinion of the Blogosphere, and can it be taken seriously in the News spectrum?

Clifton - I think the Blogosphere to be a wonderful place. It is like a giant fast moving newspaper where you can find both the latest hard news and fresh opinion. I think the Blogosphere’s greatest strength is the simple fact that it doesn’t pretend to be objective. Since readers know the slant upfront, they are now free to weigh the information they receive accordingly. Compare that to the Dinosaur Media who continue to insult our intelligence with the charade of objectivity despite being caught repeatedly with their thumbs on the scale (paging all Journolisters).

Tim Knight - Clifton, any last thoughts?

Clifton - I wish more black conservatives would stop being so afraid to speak their opinion in public. I cannot tell you how many emails I receive from black conservatives in hiding. Stop it! History has repeatedly shown that keeping silent never produces a happy ending. Yes, it can get pretty ugly when a black person does not sing the hymnal of the liberal plantation, but if you truly want to be free from that plantation, then you have to sing your own song.

We at Jumping in Pools thank Clifton for his time and this interview.






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Interview With Bill Frezza

 Jumping in Pools is proud to present its 103rd interview in our ongoing series. Today we are interviewing Bill Frezza, who is a partner with Adams Capital Management and is an economic expert. His columns have appeared at Fox Business and RealClearMarkets. One of his recent articles explains that by removing the corporate income tax the economy will grow by leaps and bounds, removing our unemployment problem. We appreciate the time he took to participate in this interview.

1. Do you expect that the economy will face another downturn next year when the Bush tax cuts expire?

Yes, of course. A country cannot tax and spend its way back to prosperity. If an attempt is made to do that our current jobless recovery will turn back into a jobless recession.

2. Has President Obama been better or worse for the economy than you had anticipated?

I expected the worst from a president with Barack Obama’s economic views. I did not realize his leadership skills were as bad as they have proven to be, turning over the legislative agenda to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi. On balance, then, Obama has been worse for the economy than I expected.

3. What is the best part about being a columnist?

It’s a great way to vent without boring my friends and dinner companions to death.

4. Do you foresee the federal budget deficit returning to manageable levels if the Democrats retain control of the White House and both Houses of Congress?

Not a chance. The best thing that can be said if the Democrats hold on to both houses is that there will be no one else to blame when Obama comes up for re-election, hence he will go the way of Jimmy Carter. The long term problem, however, is that when Republicans gain power they spend like Democrats.

5. Will California be able to solve its debt problems without having to declare bankruptcy?

I do not believe there is a legal mechanism for a state to “declare bankruptcy” and thereby seek protection from creditors. I do believe we are going to the California default on numerous financial obligations include bond payments, pension payouts, vendor payments, and state worker payrolls.

6. Any thoughts on running for office at some point?

If nominated I shall not run. If elected, I shall not serve. :)

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