Politics

Gingrich Unveils 21st Century Contract with America

Gingrich Unveils 21st Century Contract with America

DES MOINES, Iowa (The Blaze/AP) — Hoping to revive his flagging bid for the Republican presidential nomination, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is calling for an overhaul of the way Americans pay taxes, buy health care and contribute to the Social Security system.

Gingrich mapped out the 10-point plan, which he’s calling The 21st Century Contract with America, in a speech at a Des Moines insurance company Thursday. Key elements include repealing President Barack Obama’s health care plan, giving taxpayers the option of paying a flat tax and allowing young people to opt out of Social Security.

Gingrich is putting the new Contract with America at the core of his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, betting it will set the tone for the campaign discussion going forward.

“This is the essence of, hopefully, the next 10 years,” Gingrich said. “It shows you the direction, I think, the country has to go, it shows you how I think we can get there.”

Gingrich’s floundering presidential bid has fractured what was once a rock star Republican image. Not long ago he was the sought-after intellectual guru of the GOP. Now, all but broke, he’s finding himself fighting for air time – if not respect – at Republican presidential primary debates. Polls have generally put him toward the back of the pack, although he ran third in a recent CNN poll behind Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

Gingrich conceded Thursday

Comments (79)

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  • popeyebedford
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 10:01am

    Newt has shot his wad with me. Not so long ago he was democrat lite, and with Pelosi going with the flow on the global warming boondoggle. That speaks volumes about Newt, and his opportunism. Watch this video if you think he is really as bright as he seems…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi6n_-wB154

    Report Post »  
  • Giveitrevolution
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:58am

    So many rinos and so little defenders of the constitution…Ron Paul 2012.

    Report Post »  
  • Buck Shane
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:38am

    His wife knew him better than I ever will. If she couldn’t trust him, how can I?

    Report Post » Buck Shane  
  • Gingrich2012
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:34am

    Go Newt go!

    Report Post »  
  • jessieH
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:21am

    I hope he stays in the race. Romney & Perry act like RINOs, to me. Newt’s the only one with a plan, besides Cain.

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    • slr4528
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 10:15am

      What are you talking about. Romney has a more detailed plan than Cain’s 999 consumption tax plan. Romney’s plan has been out there for at least 2 months but again Fox,and the Blaze forget to announce that minor detail and when they do they mock Romney.

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    • godhead
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 5:42pm

      Newt Gingrich writes plans like Steve Allen writes songs.

      Uh one, two, three and “Days are like nights but with the sun shining bright”

      Thank you, thank you very much.

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  • pwatkins
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:04am

    Newt could do things for this country that Chris Christie and other candidates have never heard of. The one that has to forgive him for his affair is God and his family. How come the baggage the Kennedys carried is forgiven or is there a different rule for democrats? I can’t believe I just asked that question, of course there are different rules for them. I say start putting your money and support behind a real leader and get him in the White House. He was always my first choice but the GOP deserted him bc of things half of America does. I like him and I like his wife.
    Gingrich/Palin 2012………that should shake the liberals up. Paul Ryan would be good too.

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    • connieok
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:28am

      What I can’t forgive him for is sitting on a couch next to NANCY PELOSI: “but we do agree, our country must take action to address climate change” – come on, give me a break.

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    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 12:11pm

      I watched his presentation yesterday. He was brilliant, as usual. It may well be that this time around, what’s needed is the most intellectual, deep thinking candidate we can find. Not just another ‘pretty face.’
      Newt fits the bill. If he can explain the Pelosi couch episodes, I’d certainly be considering him. He’d probably make an outstanding president.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Faith1029
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 12:51pm

      I saw Newt on C-Span last night and he was excellent. I like his plans and the fact he is prolife and not afraid to say it and I like that he is not intimidated by the media or anyone for that matter. I wish the media would give him more air time. I don‘t like the fact the media will tell the public that this person can’t win or that person will not be elected. I believe it’s their way of influencing who they want in. I’m tired of it and will vote for who I want. So far I really like Newt. He seems to be the voice of reason. No, he’s not perfect but then none of them are.

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    • Michael61
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:43pm

      Herman Cain may become a first smart president in a long time, if ever.

      Bachelor in Mathematics, Masters in Computer Science, rocket scientist (math for ballistic rockets), VP before the age of 35, Chairman of Kansas Federal Reserve, successful businessman, radio host, and writer.

      Not bad resume for a poor black guy from Atlanta’s ghetto?

      Compare it with a C-student Barack Obama (where is his transcripts???), who only got an education and a job as a professor assistant because of Affirmative Action.

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  • itsmyfirstday
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:57am

    Newt has a great record of doing what he campaigns for. I remember the elections of 92…he said he would bring up a list of 10 items for vote in 100 days and he did it!

    Report Post » itsmyfirstday  
    • slr4528
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 10:20am

      I agree but he and Cain really need to get specific on their tax plans. If you go to the Heritage site they show that a Flat tax includes a VAT and I wonder how he could realistically have the U.S. offering two different tax plans.

      I don‘t agree with Cain’s plan because it is an income tax and a consumption tax on all purchases and services and no one can guarantee that these rates won’t increase under another Obama type president-too risky. This plan will really hurt middle class families from moving forward financially and will encourage a barter type system.

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  • rfycom
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:53am

    Former right winger here now a registered independent. You all know me the handsome stud who was created to satisfy lonely right wing ladies. I like this guy. He is the smartest person running for president right now. Yes even smarter than Obama. (Don’t confuse intelligence with the ability to get things done. ) Yea Newt is colorful has some baggage but is probably the best man for the job right now.

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  • drhunt
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:47am

    Newt’s a very bright guy, and understands the gravity of our situation. His new Contract, if nothing else, will force debate commentators to ask him substantive questions…something they have NOT done to this point. Anyone else notice that? They throw softball questions at him, while asking much more critical questions at others. Newt hits home runs every time he answers the lame questions…either that, or slaps the commentator upside the head.

    I‘m willing to forego Newt’s past indiscretions, (ei., global warming and taking $400K from Freddie Mac to lobby for the GSE), if he now continues to stand for conservative principles and values.

    Report Post » drhunt  
  • sissykatz
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:37am

    I am really confused about something. Everyone keeps talking about Newt’S “BAGGAGE” THAT IS ALL I EVER HEAR. WHY IS HIS INFIDELITY WORSE THAN OTHERS. MY GOD THAT WAS ABOUT
    20YRS AGO. EVEN SLICK WILLIE WAS FORGIVEN…AT LEAST NEWT MARRIED HIS MISTRESS.

    I REALLY AM SICK OF HEARING ABOUT HIS “BAGGAGE’ WHO DOES NOT HAVE BAGGAGE. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR “CHRISTIANS” TO FORGIVE.. I have forgiven and what he did
    didn’t hurt me one bit. Who on here did it hurt????? And what did happen with forgiveness?????
    What Clinton did was 100 times worse in my opinion and in the OVAL OFFICE OF ALL PLACES.

    I DON‘T CARE IF YOU DON’T VOTE FOR HIM FOR PRESIDENT,,,, BUT JUST HOW LONG
    ARE YOU GOING TO HOLD THIS AGAINST THE MAN. YOU WOULD THINK HE IS THE
    ONLY ONE EVER THAT HAD SLEPT WITH HIS SECRETARY AND MARRIED HER.

    BOY SOME PEOPLE MUST BE LIVING SOME NEAR PERFECT LIVES…..DID YOU DO ANYTHING
    20 YEARS AGO THAT YOU WERE ASHAMED OF???? WERE YOU FORGIVEN FOR IT???

    OBVIOUSLY HE LOVED HER HE MARRIED HER…. SO HIS WIFE WAS SICK AT THE TIME…..
    DID THAT MAKE IT MORE UNFORGIVABLE….. SHE FORGAVE HIM….WHY ON EARTH CAN’T
    YOU PEOPLE…. AND MOVE ON.

    FOR THE LIFE OF ME I DO NOT SEE WHAT HE DID WAS WORSE THAN WHAT MILLIONS OF
    OTHERS HAVE DONE. WHY IS HIS BAGGAGE WORSE??????? PLEASE TELL ME…
    I REALLY WANT TO KNOW… IT WAS A SIN…. HAVE YOU GONE WITHOUT SIN????

    IF YOU HAVE, MAYBE YOU SHOULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT !!!!!!!!

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    • stage9
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:44am

      I’m right there with you. If I remember correctly King David MURDERED his lover’s husband and God STILL allowed him to remain king! Certainly, we do bot condone that kind of behavior and it was morally wrong, but Gingrich seems to have changed a lot since then….at least it appears so.

      Report Post » stage9  
    • connieok
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:32am

      Pretty sure it’s the stance on Climate Change, there Sis

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    • Rillobymorning
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 9:37am

      I”m in total agreement with you! Bill Clinton totally embarrassed the WH with his shenanigans with his intern and yet his credibility seems undamaged. Hollywood seems to have forgiven Brad Pitt and Angelina for their indiscretions as well. All this silliness needs to be put aside. We need a president in this WH with great economic plans, a desire for less government and Constitutional values, plans for border control and foreign policy. Their past, especially 20 freaking years ago, is totally irrelevant!

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    • NHwinter
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 10:16am

      You are right Sissy. Its time to get over all that. His plan is good. He is a powerful speaker and would turn things around very quickly. If you are worried about climate change, email him and ask if he has changed his mind on that issue. An awful lot of people have since the truth has come out. He is not getting a lot of attention because I think the MSM is really afraid of him more than any of the others. He has a handle on the economy, vast experience on foreign affairs, and certainly knows how to deal with Obama. He tells it like it is.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
    • Lloyd Drako
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 10:40am

      Gingrich’s marital “baggage” is only part of his problem. His IQ may be higher than all the other contenders combined, and his ideas may be brilliant, but the man himself comes across as arrogant and difficult to like, quite frankly, a bit of an a**h***. American voters will almost always go for the sunnier, more personally winning candidate: Reagan over Carter, Clinton over Bush Sr., Bush Jr. over Gore. (The only exception I can think of is Nixon over Humphrey.) Yes, I wish the electorate were not so superficial, but there it is.

      Report Post » Lloyd Drako  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:57pm

      LLOYD
      What I am trying to get at is if you think he is an A$$ then say that, I am just tired of people saying
      “ if not for his BAGGAGE ”. Move on from the BAGGAGE and say what the real problem is. I am not
      campaigning for him, although I do believe he is the most capable to turn this country around. We
      cannot have a novice to get us out of this mess. JUST SAY WHAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS.
      Thanks everyone for listening to me rant.

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  • jfreak13713
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 7:47am

    I watched Newt last night and was impressed! He has what it takes to bring about needed change. Some of his statements and actions over the past couple of years turned my away from him a bit but I’m back on board with Newt because he seems to seen the error of his ways.

    NEWT and RON PAUL ticket !!!!! LOL thats radical change America needs.

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  • I_can't_believe_this_stuff
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 6:53am

    I like Newt. e’s the smartest guy in the room. But he goes moderate on some issues. And he’s got some baggage. I’d rather have him as VP or Dept of State and throw the UN off our shores. He’d be a better diplomat than the entire UN …

    Remember “When in the course of human events …”

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    • On The Bayou
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 7:24am

      I heard Newt on the radio yesterday, his plan sounded good to me. Haven`t heard anything close to in a long time. He has some baggage but he`s not a communist. It`s hard to believe we have thirteen more months of communist attacks from the Obama addministration.

      Report Post » On The Bayou  
  • TRUTHandFREEDOM
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 5:35am

    Every time I start to have a little confidence in the guy, he goes moderate, bi partisan or says something that just sounds wrong to me.

    Bipartisan means “a smaller step to a bigger government” than a usual step taken by a Democratic party line vote. It still increases government and weakens the people.

    A conservative says that enough damage has been done. Our government has regulated, sponsored (With strings attached) state activities such as education, infrastructure etc to the point where the Federal government acts as a business limiter, a religeon removal office, an unfair (to Americans) trade establisher, a mandating incremental oppressor and more. A Conservative says and does what it takes to return self responsibility and freedom to the people.

    Newt already sided with the global warming crowd and in regards to healthcare he also said that he favored a type of mandate. He supported the party in the NY Congressional race when asked about the Republican Party supporting MEGA RINO DeDe Scazzafava over very conservative Vet and accountant Hoffman. He also made that social engineering comment about Paul Ryan’s plan. After he does that stuff, he always back tracks and says that we do not understand what he was saying! So it’s US?!! I don’t think so.
    The guy is smart, but not smart enough to do and say what a real conservative would do or say in these situations.

    Say what you mean … clearly! EVERY DAY!
    If you don’t you put major doubt in the minds f t

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  • JEB STUART
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 5:12am

    If every person that accepts the truth that Obama aka Barry is not eligible to be President were to march on the Whitehouse that might get the attention of someone. There are millions!!!!!

    Report Post » JEB STUART  
    • dukielouie
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 5:35am

      I have been able to ask Newt many questions in the last 4 months.He has told us he will get us out of Un Agenda 21 which he told us Obama has been fast forwared all policies and would get us out of the UN. Last night I asked if he beleived American was going towards Interdependance “One World Government”. He is completely against it and will defend our Sovereignity.He was asked about NAFTA and immigration. He will secure the border and enforce all immigration laws.His past record shows some policies were against the constitution and he admitted he was wrong. He beleives if his plan would be put in place we could turn this ship around in 2 years.

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    • Pappypatriot
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 6:21am

      I could forgive all of Newt’s personal problems and transgressions but unfortunately as much as I would like to support him his CFR membership and the way he pushed NAFTA is a deal breaker for me. If it wasn’t for those I could really get excited about a Newt Presidency or VP.

      I believe Mitt Romney is by far our best choice for President and here are some of the reasons I feel this way. Mitt took over as President of the 2002 Winter Olympics and they were a total mess and mired in corruption. There was even talk that Salt Lake may end up loosing them. They had a budget deficit of over $400,000,000. Mitt got busy and insisted on a $1.00 salary and said he would not take a penny more unless he turned them around and into a profit. He did much better than that, under his leadership they became the most profitable Olympics in U.S. history and he ended up giving a $100,000,000 check in profits to the City of Salt Lake. Mitt took his percentage and donated it to charity.

      Mitt Romney is a man who puts God and Jesus Christ first in his life and that is why he is so blessed. He is a father of 5 very successful sons and is very happily married for over 40 years to his wife Ann. All 5 of his son’s and himself are eagle scouts. Mitt is a very charitable man having given all of the proceeds of all of his books to charity and as a public service he ran for Governor of Mass. Taking only $1.00 per year as salary.

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    • NHwinter
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 7:31am

      Almost every politican has something in their background. I don’t know why it is brought up about Newt all the time. I don’t like it, but it would not stop me from voting for him. What he says is powerful. His plan is good for America. He would be a strong leader, stronger than most of those trying for the office of President. He would wipe the floor with Obama in a debate. I think Newt and Cain would make a great team. I like Cain, but does he have enough foreign experience, not sure. I would take Newt‘s past over Obama’s past anytime. Which is worse, personal bad judgement or sitting in Rev. Wright’s anti-American church for 20 yrs. which influenced O’s agenda toward America? Newt is very smart and has the experience we desparately need. Reagan is his idol.

      Report Post » NHwinter  
  • Warm In The Desert
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 4:08am

    @Ruler4you
    I stand unsure the intention of our remark. Be it, sarcasm or denigration your remark regarding TP Candidates. If it be sarcasm, there are for sure TP Candidates who will pay when they vote abandoning the basic precepts the TP. Be it denigration, I accept at least there may be a few, but certainly not all. They too will be watched, and voted out of office, when they abandon the basic principles of TP.

    Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
  • Warm In The Desert
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 3:06am

    A man with a plan and how to get there, how novel in this day and age. I don’t see Mr. Gingrich being the nominee, but I do however hope that whoever that nominee is, does seriously consider his wisdom, judgement, and experience and appoint him to a Cabinet position of importance.

    Report Post » Warm In The Desert  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 3:41am

      Unfortunately, he can’t do anything except “recommend”.. congress has its own intentions. And once in office, as we have seen with the ‘TEA Party’ candidates, they go the way that best pays them back.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
  • 2ndrevolution
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:48am

    Newt is the smartest guy in any room he enters. Opposite of Obama who is the dumbest guy in the room, 100% of the time. I would like to see Newt in a high ranking cabinet position shaping policy, but not as president.

    I want to see a real “constitutional-conservative” as president. No more candidates supported by the inside the beltway establishment republicans. The republican party leadership are liberal-lite and DO NOT want a true conservative who follows the constitution in office to screw up their sweet elitist gig they have going on ion Washington.

    The only real conservatives in the republican party, with very few exceptions, were elected in 2010 and the republican establishment, ie: Mitch McConnel, Boehner, McCain, Graham etc hate that they are there.

    Report Post »  
  • teapartyconservatism
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:39am

    Those in the media, public office and each candidate must address Obama’s ineligibility and anomalies or be dismissed as untrustworthy!

    Constitution, Article 2, Section 1, “No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible … .”

    Exempting a “citizen” from being a “natural born citizen” logically proves they aren’t equal. The minimum requisite for citizenship then, was US birth to a US citizen parent. Only US birth to US citizen parents (plural) is greater, thus defining a natural born citizen.[1] Regardless of his birthplace, he is not a natural born citizen. His Kenyan father precludes eligibility!

    Usurpers are arrested, not impeached. Obama (aka Barry Soetoro, Harrison J. Bounel, Barack Soebarkah) must be prosecuted for using an alleged fraudulent social security number and birth certificate in usurping the Presidency![2] Then every law, executive order, military order and appointment Obama inflicted upon America is invalidated. His entire administration will be undone, including his illegal VP and both Supreme Court dissidents. By rule of succession, the House Speaker will complete Obama’s term.

    Please petition your Sheriff & other elected officials to investigate now!

    1. TPC, “Obama is Not an Eligible Natural Born Citizen,” http://teapartyconservatism.blogspot.com/ (8/18/2011).

    2. Taitz, http://www.orlytaitzesq.com/

    Report Post » teapartyconservatism  
    • JEB STUART
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 5:08am

      Thanks for the post. I have benn ignored by my reps. in congress on this issue. Eric Cantor, Bobby Scott, Jim Webb, Mark Warner, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Bennett just to name a few of the people I have ask to take action on this grave manner. They are either complicit or afraid I’m not sure which. Arron Klein and Bob Grant are the only talk host I have heard discus this issue. Any suggestions?

      Report Post » JEB STUART  
  • ballsofFe
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:06am

    Listen to Newt, not the lame-stream media. Newt is the smartest guy in the race and most equipped to fight Washington’s powerful entrenched bureaucracies. Newt can tell the truth better than the left can lie. Sending anyone other than Newt could result in a Schwarzenegger-like candidate, unequipped to effect change, as Arnold was in Sacramento. Newt 2012!

    Report Post » ballsofFe  
    • SpinMD
      Posted on October 1, 2011 at 8:42pm

      A man who will betray his wife (wives) and family will betray anyone.

      Report Post » SpinMD  
  • josephjohnson
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:02am

    Actually Newt’s first contract resulted in a budget surplus for our country.My problem with Newt is he actually sat on a couch next to Pelosi whining about global warming.YUCK !

    Report Post »  
    • Libertarian B 4 Libertarians Were Cool
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:09am

      Yes that was disgusting!

      Report Post » Libertarian B 4 Libertarians Were Cool  
    • neverending
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:30am

      I remember seeing that ad one day and nearly fell right off my chair!!

      Report Post »  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:56am

      Newt is very quick to go into the “PC” corner. I remember him throwing Limbaugh under the bus regarding the “Barack the Magic *****” parody. Of course, Newt didn’t have all of the info. Of course, that didn’t give Newt any pause: he is often wrong, but never in doubt.

      Report Post »  
  • avgconservative
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 1:59am

    As the guys on ESPN say, “Come on Man!” Newt! Can’t you do better than this????

    The liberals are flipped every day; right here: http://FlipTheLib.com

    Report Post » avgconservative  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 1:58am

    Last line of the story. “Gingrich conceded Thursday”. Hope thats true, but Gringrich has some important ideas that we should listen too.

    But with his history he would not have made a good President of the US of A. Too many targets on his back.

    For all you young kids wanting to do something great, remember Gingrich and his personal choices.

    Report Post »  
  • Libertarian B 4 Libertarians Were Cool
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 1:58am

    How can you trust Newt when he broke his first contract… If only term limits had been pushed through… Too bad!

    Report Post » Libertarian B 4 Libertarians Were Cool  
    • drhunt
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 8:42am

      He couldn’t get term limits passed through the Senate. Never before in modern history has the Conservative Party had a super-majority in the Senate. That’s why Newt has stated that 2012 is NOT just about the WH, but also about the GOP gaining 13 seats in the Senate…giving them the 60 needed to be filibuster-proof. It’s about time!

      Report Post » drhunt  
  • AxelPhantom
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 1:49am

    I don’t know Newt, your first contract didn’t work out so well. Color me skeptic.

    Report Post »  
    • Bunk
      Posted on September 30, 2011 at 2:24am

      What do you mean? It worked out great. He can’t be held responsible for what happened AFTER he left office!

      Report Post »  
  • ChiefGeorge
    Posted on September 30, 2011 at 1:43am

    Sir! You need to deal with the threat of the rise of Islam in the USA and its goal to take over our Government and to implement Sharia Law before I would ever consider you as a leader like Washington.

    Report Post » ChiefGeorge  
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