bleedorange

I honestly worry more about a Cruz presidency than a Trump presidency. But I just don't see anyone the Republicans roll out capable of beating Clinton.

Yeah, unless you truly see no difference between the candidates in the general election (which is hard to imagine in any case), I'm not sure why someone wouldn't vote for whoever they think is the better candidate, despite that person not representing your ideal choice.

All in all, this has been a fascinating primary so far. And it looks to only get more intriguing, especially with the chance of a brokered convention for the GOP. There was an interesting article on fivethirtyeight.com about how the delegate math for Cruz just doesn't add up...he's strong in proportional delegate states and weak in winner-take-all states. But the longer he stays in, the easier it is for Trump to win states, because despite his perceived ceiling, Trump will come out ahead in a 3-way race. It does look like Sanders is fading. Losing Nevada hurts him because there will now be n

Bill Cosby is completely different. We're talking about a respected jurist who served 30 years on the nation's highest court. Not a serial rapist. I don't think it would be safe to assume that about Trump. He has certainly articulated some abhorrent views, but I think it's a step beyond to reduce that person to only those views.

I would like to think that internet postings, especially on this board where the conversations tend to be pretty intelligent and respectful, would not form the basis of anyone's opinion of anyone else. I fail to see the benefit of going around thinking people you've never met are dicks, jerks, or assholes. As for Scalia, his blind spot and seeming contempt for LGBT issues have always been troubling to reconcile with the fact that I respect him and admire him as a justice. Of course, I have to reconcile those same things when it comes to some family members and close friends. I don't think he

You knew him? Wow. Because from all accounts of those who did know him, he seemed to be a pretty good guy. Even those who were diametrically opposed to him on many issues. Of course, it's easy to reduce someone to just his worst qualities in order to aid in your lack of empathy. Not to mention the fact that he was one of the most influential and important Supreme Court justices of the last 50 years. Dancing on anyone's grave is grotesque.

In other words, he is given the power to nominate someone, and then--only with the Advice and Consent of the Senate (confirmation)--he is able to appoint.

Actually, the whole appointment process involves the president's nomination of an individual and the Senate's confirmation of that nominee.

I don't think you should underestimate Rubio. His biggest hurdle is actually getting the nomination. But if he does, I think he has a real chance of defeating either Clinton or Sanders.

I don't know why everyone is so surprised about Cruz. I called him winning Iowa on this forum two months ago.

Yes. The response from Abbott, Patrick, and other state politicians has been amazing and ridiculous. I just can't tell if it's willful ignorance or simple pandering or something else entirely.

I love Sculpin, but I actually prefer Grunion. At $10, I would keep it consistently stocked. I think Ballast Point is probably the best nationwide brewery. As long as the quality doesn't dip, there's no reason not to buy its beer. Same for Lagunitas. Although, I buy more Texas beer than anything. And with Live Oak and Blue Owl starting to can, I'm going to have to start making monthly pilgrimages to Austin (and pick up Jester King and Beerworks while I'm there).

Yeah, it's easy to not get sad and angry over dead children.

Rian Johnson is writing Episode IX too. Or at least the story.

I'm not sure who to vote for in this primary. There isn't one candidate that I would ever vote for in the presidential election. And Texas is part of Super Tuesday this year.

It's starting to look more and more likely that Ted Cruz will be the winner of this whole mess, which is unbelievable.

And all for Jason Heyward, who isn't even that good.

Yeah, my preference is just for salt and pepper and the smoke to enhance the flavor of the brisket, but I'm not diametrically opposed to other flavors sneaking in there. I still haven't gotten a smoker yet, but I feel I'm going to go through a ton of brisket whenever I do. It's not easy, which makes the appreciation for great brisket that much greater.

Not mistaken. Great (and properly smoked) barbecue does not need sauce. And as far as a rub, all you need is a lot of salt and a lot of pepper. (Edit: Finally something worth talking about.)

I really think you're jumping the gun here. Nobody is paying attention to any of this yet. So somebody barely leading in the polls at this point means very little. If we get to the summer and he's still there, then you might have a case. Until then, it just doesn't matter. He no more represents the bulk of the Republican Party than any other candidate right now. He could even win Iowa and it wouldn't matter. The last two winners there were Rick Santorum and Mike Huckabee. I just think your consternation and dismay is premature.

Yeah, a kid here in Fort Worth pulled a gun in a McDonald's parking lot and shot once in the air. He was later arrested and so was another kid who had taken the gun and hidden it inside the neighboring high school. I love guns. It's so great to have them be the defining fabric of American life.

It actually is a small number: http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/dear-media-stop-freaking-out-about-donald-trumps-polls/

Trump has no chance. It's going to come down to Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, with Jeb still holding on to an outside shot (thanks solely to money). Cruz can thank his lucky stars for Trump and Carson lasting this long, because now he seems less extreme next to those two. He'll probably win in Iowa. Rubio and/or Bush will do well in New Hampshire, and then the real race starts as everyone else fades away.

I came here to post about this. It's a great podcast! Haven't listened to this one yet, but it was exciting to see Wilco pop up on my feed. It's another great way to find songs and artists you might not be familiar with.

The only real disagreement I would have is Furnace Room Lullaby. It might rank 3rd for me. It also has my favorite song of hers ("South Tacoma Way").