Today's Situation Room:
Wolf Blitzer delivers the most important breaking news and political, international, and national security stories of the day. Tune to The Situation Room weekdays 5-7pm ET on CNN.
Wolf Blitzer delivers the most important breaking news and political, international, and national security stories of the day. Tune to The Situation Room weekdays 5-7pm ET on CNN.
December 6th, 2011
06:20 PM ET
Your questions for Gingrich & Perry
Both former House Speaker Newt Gingrich & Gov. Rick Perry will be guests in "The Situation Room" tomorrow.
Do you have any questions for either of the Republican candidates? Submit them in the comment section here and we may use it during the interviews.
Tune in to "The Situation Room" on CNN tomorrow 4-6p ET for Wolf Blitzer's interviews with Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry.
About this Show
The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer is the command center for breaking news, politics and extraordinary reports from around the world. Tune in weeknights from 5-7pm ET on CNN.
, REICH-wing journalist (Washington Times, Washington Examiner) told MSNBC vrieews this morning that he believes Rick Perry will catch on fire with the nation's voters. Although Tapscott is not counting out Sarah Palin whom he feels will soon announce that she is running too. Rick Perry is painting a picture, although quite embellished compared to reality, that he is as a STRONG leader, a man's man (even though a bit of a metrosexual)! Meanwhile, the Republicans are really pushing their talking point that Obama is a weak leader. Then there is increasing talk that Chris Christie and Paul Ryan could still run. Is there a Republican NOT running this year?
Got this posted as a reply to Perk. Making the comment here.
Questions for all candidates: "What is your opinion of talk show hosts Beck, Boortz, Hannity and Limbaugh."?
Do you think they support or hurt the GOP with their line of talk?
This is the 3rd request for you or the moderator to ask the candidates this or similar question.
Will you both support S1176 ? Obama signs us up for Horse Slaughtering Nov. 18th ! He sure goofed up on that signature and sells us out for a multi million dollar business....horse slaughtering. Keep that change !
Questions for all candidates: "What is your opinion of talk show hosts Beck, Boortz, Hannity and Limbaugh."?
Do you think they support or hurt the GOP with their line of talk?
Yesterday, Rick Perry received an endorsement from television preacher, Rev. John Hagee. This occurred on the same day Rick Perry was in Washington courting the Jewish vote. CNN also showed a clip yesterday of Rev. Hagee saying that all who have not confessed their sins and become born-again believers in Jesus Christ are going straight to Hell for all eternity. This leaves me a bit confused; either Rick Perry agrees with Hagee that all Jews are (upon their deaths) going straight Hell for all eternity, or he is in serious disagreement with Rev. Hagee’s theology. Which is it?
Mr. Speaker can you explain how we as a country should believe you have changed from the day congress ( both parties) voted to fine you for your misconduct as speaker.
Two great interviews, this is where Mr Blitzer shines, when he asks the tough questions based on facts and the candidate's ability to answer intelligently.
Nice Job!!
I just listened to part of the interview with Rick Perry. Mr. Perry's ignorance and prejudice is just astounding! The man cannot speak. He just repeats his memorized talking points. He was incapable of actually having a discussion with Wolf Blitzer, who thankfully had follow-up questions in which Mr. Perry tripped all over himself. Talk about inarticulate!
And by the way, I wish that Wolf had asked Mr. Perry to specify how many of the "millions of new jobs" in the state of Texas are government jobs!! Rick Perry is just pathetic. A sad day for America.
What is their job plan for America, absent previous trickle down economics which clearly has not provided job creation?
With all this talk of cutting entitlements by the GOP and others, why not cut back on entitlements for Congress and the Senate. How about reducing their salary, eliminating their life long retirement and medical benefits. This would save untold millions of dollars. And how about reducing all that travel and trips we pay for while we are at it. Wouldn't you agree ? As a senior on SS and Medicare, if I am going to take a hit, how about these folks also taking hit in sharing the responsibility?????
I have three questions, it might not sound like it but I am a republican at heart but feel ashamed at most of the group that represents the cream of the crop.
question 1 Governor Perry new religion comments, Mr. Perry how about abiding by the law of the land and separating the church and state.
question 2 Let's seperate church and state completely and drop the tax emempt options that all these religons and big bible thumbing churches have, that not raising taxes, that making them all pay what they should have from the beginng. Only exempt those chariable funds they can prove they are using for the common good.
queston 3 Let show the office of the president no matter who is in office and call them Mr. President instead of Mr. Obama.
What are you going to do as President that is different than what we have already that basically has done nothing for our country,only themselves?Jim Thomas Phx.Az.
Mr. Perry: Given the 20/20 vision plan, do you really anticipate that corporations in US – like the ones in S&P 500, S&P400, and S&P 600 – pay in real terms – 20% on their profits? Are you planning to enforce 20% on corporations? Just look at companies like GE and Verizon.
Why should he have to apigzlooe for the something that demonstrates that he can take a strong stand? The in-state tuition issue is really not that big of a deal. What takes character is Perry standing up to the, frankly, heartless elements of his own party. It's sad to see him being forced to back away from a true leadership stance.
This is for Governor Perry – When are you actually going to get the funds to get that Interstate I – 69 FINISHED ??
I have seen those signs that says : ""Future Interstate of I-69"" for 10 years now. It currently takes 6 hrs to drive from Houston to Texarkana – because of those little towns you have to go through, going at around 25 – 30 mph. IF You ever get the Resources to Finish I-69 , believe me, the population in Houston will bust out of it's seams !
Larry in Houston
Larry, On Hwy 281 from San Antonio to Ft. Worth towns have been receiving money for sidewalks near
schools.. for over a year in our town TxDOT has been paying (not my words but the man that told me that
is half Mexican) wetbacks to fullfil the contract and none of them can speak English.. I asked if RickPerry
knew.. he said of course and TxDot does also.. are all the jobs Rick Perry brags about gettting are going
to "wetbacks" then how does the government funds help Texans get jobs.. later in the day I asked my
postman and he said sure he knew it been going on for over a year.. TxDot was auditing the local office
and found nothing wrong. just looked the other way.. Why doesn't all of Texas know these things..
are going on. ???
My father Karl Fischer, a former Korean War Veteran has struggled with Alzheimer's disease for over 25 years. Now in his early 80's the disease has stolen his mind and he is in final decline. My mother is his full time care giver in her 70's. I'd like to ask both Mr Perry and Mr. Gingrich what specifically they will do to enhance funding for Alzheimer's disease research and to enhance caregiver support to those still struggling to survive at home? My mom has to pay for someone now to come in and help with my dad's care since they need to be destitute to qualify for Medicaid and mom is reluctant to place into a full time care facility. Thank you.
To Perry – Wild fires of Texas homes destroyed reporting – Reuters (9/08/2011) – 1,386; LATimes (9/08/2011) – 1,626; Texas Foresst Service (9/13/2011) – 1,939.
What is the status of the 1,939 families 3 months later after being uprooted and homeless from the wild fires?
This is a natural disaster. What role (portion of finacial suppoort) are private insurance vs. State aid, vs. Federal aid playing in financing the restoration of the families' homes?
How does this natural disaster define what you would do if you were Preseident?
Ron, President Obama or rather FEMA chose to work with local governments cities and counties since they want
the local governments to be sure and use the federal funds as they were meant to. I do not think Perry gave any
funds yet..He had cut the volunteer firefighters funds from $30 million to $ 7 Million for the fiscal year beginning
Sept. 1..Bastrop alone used all of that up in the first week.. they were using their own credit cards to buy gas and
tires that were getting burned from the hot fire @ $500. each.. some returned home and didn't have a job any longer
because they were gone too long away from their work...this is Texas Rural Volunteer Fire Fighters.. Now the
Texas Forest Service is depending on Volunteer firefighters as their Texas budgets were also cut.. the reason
for all these cuts? to invest more dollars in donors stock. everyone, teachers, police, firefighters, had budget cuts
and retirement pensions no increase..no COLA
for Newt- Many of our past presidents have had vast backing from the Bilderberg Group, and members of the Bohemian Grove. These Presidents seem to have served the best interest of Corporate America and not WE The People. What involvement do you have with these groups, and if any why should we trust that you will work for us and not them?
for Newt- As a member of the Council on Foreign Relations whose treasonous agenda was to incorporate the borders of Canada and Mexico and form the North American Union back in 2005, why should any American support you?
Newt – if you are being honest and upfront with the American people, why would you be upset that Nancy Pelosi would disclose what has already been made public about your ethics violations?
Rick Perry- What is meant by being a Dubya Ranch Hand?
To Gingrich (Parallel question to Trump) – Was the 4-year $1.6m business (historian) relationship with Freddie Mac successful or not successful?
As one of the most knowledgeable hitorians in the world on the 'real estate bubble', and in hindsight, did your input to Freddie Mac acknowledge and recognize the growing concern over the impending implosion of this market? Do you consider your historical input and support to Freddie Mac a contributor or deterent to the market implosion?
If your input and support to Freddie Mac was to steer it away from imploding the real estate market, why should we consider you for President when hindsight verifies your inability to persuade one company to take lead and prevent the real estate bubble implosion?
I would say that if you had persuaded and convinced this one company to do whatever it took to prevent the implosion, I would definatel consider voting for you. Your history is your record.
We were on our way to solvency and had created 23 million jobs before the Bush tax cuts. After the cuts, we had the slowest job growth in memory and ended up in a recession, almost a depression. What reasonable mind can't see that we need to let them expire, much less make them permanent or even lower?
What would you do to make Alzheimer's a national priority? My Grandpa was only 68 years old when he passed away from Alzheimer's I was around age 12- I watched the active involved Grandpa that I had, turn into something he was not bed ridden and no memory of who or what he was. I remember the day that my Grandpa asked me if I was scared of him, I didn't know then how to respond but now I wish I would have said I was scared for him. He lived for around 5 years with complete memory loss, not knowing who he was or how to function. This disease not only effected him but it took a toll on my family, my grandma put my grandpa first before her health. Growing up alot of things crossed my mind about nursing home care, what was going to happen to my grandpa, who was going to watch him this is why I want a cure to be found so other people don't have to go through what I did. I lost my best friend to this horrible disease. Please Help in finding a cure for Alzheimer's so other people don't lose there loved ones the way I did. 5.4 Million People have Alzheimers and it is the 6th leading cause of Death and this disease has no cure!
Many Republicans feel that extending the lowered Social Security tax rate set to expire at the end of this year has not and will not create jobs and has endangered the Social Security Fund which many of our senior citizens rely on. Do you agree with that statement. Do you feel that the extention of the Bush era tax cuts for the wealthy have created jobs? It seems to me that increasing demand for goods and services will get the economy moving again. Putting extra money into the hands of 99% of the people instead of 1% would do that. An increased tax on the 1% would be used to pay for that, limited in time by the length of the tax "holiday" for the 99%.
The first thing President Obama ever put his name on as president was the Mexico City Policy, sending American tax dollars overseas to fund abortions. Would you overturn this bill? Also, would you repeal NAFTA?
I want to know why your republican party gives not 1 iota of respect to this President?
Despite some huge acheivements nothing is good enough for you, why?
Alzheimer's Disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. The federal government spends $93 billion out of Medicare and $37 billion from Medicaid each year to care for those with Alzheimer's. And that only speaks to part of the financial cost. Please ask the candidates what they would do to provide leadership in eradicating this disease.
Speaker Gingrich, while none of of like to split families how do you justify giving an illegal that's been breaking the law for 25 years more consideration, worker benefits,with no punishment when if a United states citizen used an illegal name or social security number they would be arrested and become a felon and no longer able to vote or provide for their families?
Governor Perry, How do you justify giving in state tuition for illegals to keep them of the government dole in the future when you claim that you are going to shut down the employers that hire them. Isn't it a little two faced? And furthermore, for both candidate, why is it that American citizens should be the only ones punished for a crime committed by someone that came here illegally. Why do they get the pass?
Concerning Alzheimer's disease as the 6th leading cause of death, and its likelihood of decimating our already vulnerable economy in the not-so-distant future, how about considering improved Medicare for All, a single-payer health system – HR 676?
In general, under what conditions should US troops be used and what are the limits of military intervention? How do you weigh a country's sovereignty, strength (political and military), diplomatic efforts, history, and other issues into this complex question? How do you define what resources we need for the military for its current and potential missions and how should we fund the current and potential needs?
What would you do to make America energy independent while protecting our environment ?
More than sixty years have passed since 'uncontrolled nuclear' reactions were unleashed on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945. The thousands of individuals who survived the initial blast-effects effects succumbed later to radiation trauma because there was no specific therapy available.
What is the current status of the therapy for the treatment of victims subjected to a similar catastrophe.
Today the status for treatment of radiation trauma is essentially the same as in 1945.
. In 1962, a unit at the Naval Medical Research Institute [NMRI] published a procedure for isolating a factor [heat-stable protein] which increased the survival of subjects exposed to near-lethal levels of X-radiation to 650/1000 for the treated subjects compared to 350/1000 for the untreated controls. Pharmacological studies demonstrated that the mechanism of action was to accelerate the regeneration of the hematopoietic tissues [hemoglobin formation] and the lymphatic tissues [immune systems] – which are the primary essentials for the survival and recovery of these victims. This research was terminated in mid-experiment due to the activation of [AFRRI] Armed Forces Radiation Research Institute [1962] which was assigned the mission of developing a therapy for the treatment of victims of an uncontrolled nuclear reaction. AFRRI in its 40 years of existence has had no success in this area ..
Attempts to present these research findings to a scientifically competent research group[s] in USA have met with indifference.
.
[1] Katz, S. and Ellinger, F. " Isolation of a Radiation-Mortality Reducing Factor from Spleen" NATURE, 197, 397 [1963].
[2] www. sasisyphus.com.
[3] GOOGLE: nuclear catastrophe
[4] GOOGLE : AFRRI
sakabbp@gmail.com
How can you say that the E.P.A kills jobs and that if you were president you would shut it down when by doing so you WILL be killing approximately 17,000 jobs?
For Gingrich and Perry:
How do you feel about the defense authorization act that empowered the Military to detain citizens without a warrant indefinitely? Do you think it's necessary to allow federal prosecutors to operate above due process to accomplish your goals?
-Ron Paul 2012-
Do you believe that the United States should engage itself in the South China Sea dispute?
It's possible that voters will not choose Obama next year because they want change. It's also possible that they will regret the 2010 elections, because of the existing gridlock in Congress, and many Republican missteps along the way. How would you fulfill your campaign promises with if you had a Democrat dominated Congress?
To Newt:
How do you plan to win over Democrats? It would not seem fitting to appeal to just one group in America.
BOTH- What is your plan for education reform.
Both-From 1940 until 1980 the National Debt remained fairly level (except for the WW II years). Since 1980, the National Debt has consistently and dramatically risen. What happened in 1980 and subsequent years that caused this dramatic increase?
To both candidates: with all the foreclosed homes on the market, would it be feasible for banks to GIFT the homes to veterans?
Mr. Gingrich,
What would be your plan of action to pull our country out of the economic slump we are in and how exactly would you make your plan work with the total unresponsible government we currently have?.
To both Gov. Perry and Former Speaker: What is it like not being as good as Ron Paul?
Wolfe, ask Newt how he expects to balance America's budget when he can't even balance his own? $500,000 "unpaid" to Tiffany's says he's reckless with the dollar to say to least.
Both candidates:
I and many other Americans believe the Patriot Act is unconstitutional and should be repealed in its entirety. We, as Americans still have the right to bear arms and I believe most of us are willing to use them to protect our homes, our families, our towns, our cities and our states if necessary.
Question:
If I and so many other Americans are not willing to give up our liberites and our rights given to us by the constitution, why are you so willing to do it for us?
Obama has unveiled his Campaign Theme is: "Everyone deserves a fair shot and a fair share" . Do you agree?
If so, should they work for it and earn it or should a "fair shot and fair share" be given to them and – if so – by whom? Who determines what is fair and, most importantlay, what are the responsibilities of the recipient when and if they get "a fair shot and a fair share"?
Newt, What will you do if Iran invades Iraq? Rick, What will you do if Iran develops a nuke and uses it?
You both talk and talk about raising taxes is going to make new jobs. I have been hearing this for the last year and taxes have been raised all this year. Where are all the jobs you talk about? You make promises, your GOP makes promises, but just talk about cutting federal employee pay and jobs and raising taxes on the middle class, the ones that carry the load of this nation.
Correct myself, taxes have not gone up this whole year, where are all the jobs that you brag about?
Perry:Tx Retired Teacher Pension fund has $ 113,BILLION dollars, 16th largest in the world. but my 80 year old
husband has not received an increase in his monthly check since 1999 when George Bush was Governor. How
can a elderly TRS receive $1500 a month since 1999. a new retiree receives $36,000 a year. WHY can't you raise
the 70 or 75 year old and older equal pay? paid same % of salary to be invested to keep up with inflatuation..
With double dipping fed law that is all he can receive..the 13th check when you were running for re-election does
not count it was a one time thing 10 years ago.. When can the elder TRS retirees expect a professionals retirement???
He paid into it over 30 years.
The farm bill is coming up in 2012, so are you in favor of a revenue based farm bill? And what will you do for us in the way of affordable healthcare?
Would you against Liberty , Freedom, and Peace so much? Are you guys members of the New World Order?
Please ask Gov. Perry, "what is your exact plan to protect Israel, specifically the Israel-Egypt relations, as a result of the recent Egyptian elections with the Muslim Brotherhood and other radical factions in Egypt and in the region as a whole?
Question for both candidates: if you were elected, from the Inauguration Day to the next Inauguration Day, a 4 year period..would the National Debt go UP or DOWN ???
Both – what country to you plan to invade during your term ?
Mr. Gingrich, What will you do if Iran develops a nuclear weapon and invades Iraq?
Both – what is you specific plan to bring manufacturing back to the US to create jobs since the so call service economy has been a disaster?
What do you see as the 1st thing as President needs attention and how would you do it?
Both -what is the difference between you and your records? Newt – why should we trust you with your record as a lobbyist for special interest?Perry – why would we trust you when you as an advocated of succession from the union as governor of Texas?
and you think there is no special interest that has overfilled this POTUS...your questions are nasty and as usual the dem gottcha
What is your stance on NDAA and indefinite detention?
Mr. Gingrich – I am one of your supports and would like to know how you answer your opponents who say that you are the least conservative in the race?
i have posed this question before but media does not want to touch it, but will ask again would you consider getting the laws changed to reflect the following:?
Congressional Reform Act
1. Term Limits.
12 years only, one of the possible options below.
A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms
2. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay
when they are out of office.
3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social
Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social
Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.
4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all
Americans do.
5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional
pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in
the same health care system as the American people.
7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American
people.
8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective
1/1/11.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.
Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers
envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s),
then go home and back to work.
To Newt- Why are you here? Aren't you just going to change your policies tomorrow?
Mr. Gingrich, if you were not guilty in the ethics violations in the 90's, why weren't you restored to office and repaid the 300-thousand dollar penalty?
you are mistaken with the facts Mr Ginrich resigned 3 days after he won his 11th term
What are your views on Voter Suppression which is happening all over the United States of America? and what will you do to stop this before the 2012 elections?
is this question for Gov Perry? Mr Ginrich is a private citizen?
This is for Newt, everyone is focused on the economy but social issues are still important. You recently called gay marriage a temporary aberration. My uncles have been in a loving committed relationship for 15 years and have been great role models for me. With your two divorces and adultery how can you champion traditional marriage and not be considered a hypocrite? You may think we are temporary, but we are not going anywhere. Can you find one non faith based argument that can support your claim that is not just fear mongering from the far right?
Can you describe what we would see the first year with you in the White House?
Apart from saying "I would create jobs." What specific action would you take if Congress refused to do as you wished to improve the economy and lower the national debt?
You have both been labeled to be liars to the people on several occasions. How does that make you feel and what would you say to defend yourselves?
Every politician has a plan for curing our economic woes, so each of you and the others claim, why would your plan make it through the hostile congress that it will surely face if you are elected, a congress that is more interested in absolute ideologies than what the people really want or even what makes sense.
Inasmuch as Iowa is one of numerous states recognizing same-gender marriages, will you support legislation to recognize same-gender marriages nationally?
The defensive marriage act is a congressional act not and POTUS...
@Newt With your Lobbying history how can the people ever trust you to work with their best interest in mind?
@Mitt With your well know ties to the corporate world how can the people ever trust you to protect the everyday American and the environment?
Question for Candidates – What is your opinion concerning a candidate's need of knowledge of international matters?