Disagreeing with Jeff Goldstein…..sort of

I happen to respect Jeff’s opinion, alot. He might not want to hear that; but the guy has chops when it comes to writing.

Anyhow, a bit of nitpicking here:

Just watched the debate. Not sure why people are saying Romney won so convincingly. Obama, with few exceptions, bullshitted his way through things just fine. And Romney too often sounded like a me-too statist.

Objectively, Romney won on the points and particulars, and he had several strong moments. Clearly, he’s not the leftist Obama is — though he’s still a statist. That’s a net positive, should he win election.

via First debate reactions: non-live viewer | protein wisdom.

My comments on the “statist” bit. If Jeff is referring to the, “Let’s save and/or shore up Social Security and Medicare” sort of a Statist; then yes, I would say, yes, Romney is one of those. But then again, so is the entire GOP. Because hell, a good 75 percent of their base is in that category. Now if Jeff is referring to the “Government and Private Industry Partnerships” type of a statist, I believe he would be wrong about that.

Although, I would like to see Romney’s position on Government subsidies to corporate farms and oil companies. Personally, I believe those have to go, as they put small time farmers under the gun and create an unfair environment for them. As for the oil companies, they make enough money; why should they get handouts from the Government? But that is just my populist roots, intertwined with my libertarianism shining through. I am all for capitalism, but I am not for Government picking winners and losers in the business industry at all.

On a related matter; Last night I happened to notice someone praising Romney’s performance —- Patrick J. Buchanan. I nearly fell out of my chair, when I saw him singing the praises of Romney’s performance. This is the same Patrick J. Buchanan that believes that the “Neoconservatives’ are the redheaded stepchildren of the Republican Party and the Conservative movement. To be fair, Pat’s sister Bay Buchanan is on Romney’s team, so that *might* have something to do with it. Although, you most likely could not prove it in court.

You have to know Willard’s on to something, when Bill Kristol AND Pat Buchanan are BOTH saying that Romney spanked Obama’s  butt and won the debate. If those two polar opposites in Republicanism and Conservatism agree; Romney is definitely onto something and here is hoping that he does keep it up.