QOTW #3: Obama

Obama faces a precarious reelection effort next November. His approval ratings have steadily dropped from the beginning of his term, and he is now at a mediocre 42%, with 51% of the American populace disapproving of his job in office. To be assured reelection, he must push through major legislation dealing with the economy. As it is, he still holds a lead over all Republican candidates, but as the Republican party gradually unites behind a single candidate, this could change. Still, he holds broad support and can mobilize a large and devoted base. I give 2:1 odds of reelection.

Political Cartoon 12/10

1. This cartoon is by J.D. Crowe
2. Rick Perry with an unidentified cowboy, representing homophobia.
3. The cartoonist uses a pop culture reference to Brokeback Mountain to ridicule Rick Perry's homophobia and the adverse effect it has for his candidacy.
4.The cartoon deals with Perry's recent anti-gay remarks in public appearances.
5. In order to advance in the polls, Perry must tone down his anti-homosexual rhetoric, which alienates many independents and moderate republicans.
6. The cartoonist is most likely a liberal poking fun at Perry's stances on homosexuality.

QOTW #2: Mitt Romney

Mitt Romney has been the Republican front-runner since the first days of campaigning. He has held a constant lead in the polls, and has been unaffected by the fleeting popularity of challengers Michele Bachman, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, and most recently Newt Gingrich. Romney's success has been based on his popularity among right-leaning independents and moderate conservatives, who see Romney as, quite frankly, the sanest candidate. He has well-defined and well thought out stances on key policy issues, including the economy and energy, which have so far come under only limited criticism. If conservative voters are spooked by either his religion or his previous support for universal healthcare in Massachusetts, he could yet lose out on the nomination.

QOTW #1: Rick Perry

Rick Perry's climb to the top of the Republican pack has been built on shaky (at best) ground. His positions on many policies are hazy, and his insistence on cutting programs and departments as a solution to the deficit problem is myopic, paying no attention to the possible effects of such cuts on the operation of the government and on the welfare of the US populace. Still, his popularity among more conservative Republicans ensures a relatively wide base of support, which may bear him out further.

Political Cartoon 11/20

1. This cartoon is by Monte Wolverton.
2. The only object in the cartoon is what appears to be a flaming SR-71 Blackbird. The choice of aircraft is significant, as the Congressional super committee which it represents was hyped as having unprecedented power and flexibility, just as the SR-71 was heralded as the greatest stealth aircraft at its advent.
3. The cartoon is quite serious, with only dry humor. The rhetorical question "Time to eject?" illustrates the perceived failure of the Congressional super committee to achieve its goals.
4. The cartoon deals with the Congressional super committee set up to agree on a viable long term plan for cutting the deficit. The committee was given extraordinary powers, but still managed to get nothing done.
5. The cartoon advises the super committee to pass some resolution that will do something positive before partisanship makes it impossible.
6. The cartoonist is jaded by the sluggish progress of a gridlocked Congress, and the super committee's failure simply reinforces his cynicism.

Political Cartoon 12/4

1.This cartoon is by Tim Eaton.
2. The elephant is used to represent the Republican party.
3. Caricature is heavily used, with Mitt Romney presented as an animatronic puppet or robot, and Newt Gingrich as a bloated floating head.
4. The cartoon deals with the 2012 Republican primary candidates, specifically Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.
5. The cartoon illustrates the trapped feelings of the conservative right, caught between the moderate Romney and the unpalatable Newt Gingrich.
6. Eaton seems to have the view of an educated, conservative Republican, expressing his frustration in the inadequate choices present in the Republican field for 2012.