In politics there's almost always a backstory -- the story behind what you see.
And often the backstory involves swipes, snubs or disloyalty.
It's no secret that Rick Santorum was to the right of John McCain when both served in the Senate. And Santorum kept his distance from McCain who can be fearless and temperamental. The two were not exactly best buds.
But Santorum has certainly not been averse to reaching out to more moderate Republicans when it suits his interest -- when it advances him.
So, in 2006 when Santorum was running in a tough race for re-election to the Senate, he called McCain and pleaded with him to come to Pennsylvania and help him out. Santorum needed to convince Pennsylvanians that he wasn't as far to the right as he seemed to be. He needed someone who would vouch for his suddenly desirable "moderate credentials."
Santorum needed a certified "common sense" lawmaker by his side. And so McCain agreed to help Santorum. And he stood by his side and campaigned for him.
But even solid support from McCain and kind words from then-Republican Senator Arlen Specter were not enough to save Santorum. He lost to someone who seduced Pennsylvanians with a magic name: Bob Casey.
Then, in 2008 when McCain sought the GOP nod and went head-to-head against Obama, it seems Santorum was not as visible for McCain as McCain was for Santorum.
By 2008 Santorum had already begun moving back to the right -- attempting to reposition himself as a major conservative force.
Of course, McCain ran against Mitt Romney for the nomination in 2008 and there was no love lost between McCain and Romney. But they nonetheless seemed to respect one another.
After he lost the nomination to McCain however, Romney vigorously supported the party's nominee. In fact, Romney threw his support to McCain just as soon as he got out of the race himself. He said it. He meant it. He did it. That's Mitt Romney.
Romney repaired his relationship with McCain. He proved his mettle.
So, what goes around comes around. And turnaround time arrived this week.
On the heels of Santorum's surprise showing in the Iowa caucuses, who should pop up but John McCain.
But not to rush to endorse Santorum. No way. This time, turnaround is fair play and McCain strategically and vigorously endorsed Romney.
And he did it in New Hampshire -- the place where McCain may be even more popular that he is in his native Arizona.
Elephants have long memories -- and so do most politicians.
It's a sweet, sweet moment.
Touché!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Another Biggie: Romney Touts McCain Endorsement
Mitt Romney today announced the support of Senator John McCain and his wife Cindy. “Few Americans have sacrificed so much for their country and it is an honor to have Senator & Mrs. McCain’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “For his entire life, Senator McCain has been a committed public servant and is an example for all those seeking higher office."
“Few Americans have sacrificed so much for their country – it is an honor to have Senator & Mrs. McCain’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “For his entire life, Senator McCain has been a committed public servant and is an example for all those seeking higher office. Senator McCain has been a leader in the fight to stop the growth of government and make government more accountable to taxpayers. With his leadership on cutting spending in the Senate, we can rein in out-of-control federal spending, and restore confidence in government. I look forward to campaigning with Senator McCain and working with him on the issues important to our national and economic security.”
Announcing his support, Senator John McCain said, “The time has arrived for Republicans to choose a presidential nominee; a new standard bearer who has the ability and determination to defeat President Obama and the strongest commitment to returning America to prosperity and defending our interests and values overseas. I’m pleased to have made my choice, and to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for President.”
“These last few years have been a terribly tough time for Americans, and President Obama’s policies have failed to address effectively the problems of weak economic growth and persistent joblessness that have caused so many sleepless nights for so many Americans,” continued Senator McCain. “The Obama administration has ignored the most serious challenges threatening our future – a fifteen trillion dollar debt, and the job destroying effects of a complex, unfair and incomprehensible tax code, bankrupt entitlement programs, and unnecessary government regulations. We can overcome these challenges as we have overcome every challenge in our past, but only if our country changes leaders.”
“Governor Romney offers us the commonsense reforms of government policy that are necessary to turn around our economy,” said Senator McCain. “His record of accomplishment in government and business are a testament to his leadership abilities. His commitment to a strong defense and principled diplomacy will earn the world’s respect for American leadership.”
“I had the privilege of running against Governor Romney for the nomination four years ago, and I know he is a tough competitor,” said Senator McCain. “I have no doubt he is the best candidate we can nominate. And I am proud to support him for President.”
“Few Americans have sacrificed so much for their country – it is an honor to have Senator & Mrs. McCain’s support,” said Mitt Romney. “For his entire life, Senator McCain has been a committed public servant and is an example for all those seeking higher office. Senator McCain has been a leader in the fight to stop the growth of government and make government more accountable to taxpayers. With his leadership on cutting spending in the Senate, we can rein in out-of-control federal spending, and restore confidence in government. I look forward to campaigning with Senator McCain and working with him on the issues important to our national and economic security.”
Announcing his support, Senator John McCain said, “The time has arrived for Republicans to choose a presidential nominee; a new standard bearer who has the ability and determination to defeat President Obama and the strongest commitment to returning America to prosperity and defending our interests and values overseas. I’m pleased to have made my choice, and to endorse Governor Mitt Romney for the Republican nomination for President.”
“These last few years have been a terribly tough time for Americans, and President Obama’s policies have failed to address effectively the problems of weak economic growth and persistent joblessness that have caused so many sleepless nights for so many Americans,” continued Senator McCain. “The Obama administration has ignored the most serious challenges threatening our future – a fifteen trillion dollar debt, and the job destroying effects of a complex, unfair and incomprehensible tax code, bankrupt entitlement programs, and unnecessary government regulations. We can overcome these challenges as we have overcome every challenge in our past, but only if our country changes leaders.”
“Governor Romney offers us the commonsense reforms of government policy that are necessary to turn around our economy,” said Senator McCain. “His record of accomplishment in government and business are a testament to his leadership abilities. His commitment to a strong defense and principled diplomacy will earn the world’s respect for American leadership.”
“I had the privilege of running against Governor Romney for the nomination four years ago, and I know he is a tough competitor,” said Senator McCain. “I have no doubt he is the best candidate we can nominate. And I am proud to support him for President.”
A Win Is A Win Is A Win Is A WIN!
And so Mitt Romney has won the Iowa caucuses.
He won by only eight votes.
But he won.
Of course the media have already made Rick Santorum the Big Story of the night. And Santorum did leapfrog a number of other candidates in his bid to overtake Romney. But he came up short in a photo finish.
This morning Santorum should remember that the dominant media that appear to be so anxious to crown him king are the same people who will not hesitate to vilify Santorum when the time comes. Be sure of it: The dominant media want someone like Santorum to be the nominee so they can set up an obvious right-wing opponent to Obama (a stereotype of sorts) only to shoot him down. Then, we can all pay homage to Obama once again. That's what the dominant media want.
Santorum is running a state-to-state campaign at best. Romney is running a national campaign and is prepared for the long haul. That's the type of campaign and the type of candidate we need if America is to turn the corner after three (going on four) years of Obama failure.
Here's my take on how the candidates came across last night:
Gingrich -- Perhaps the most pathetic figure of the evening, Newt sounded sour and appeared peevish as he carped, complained and desperately tried to embrace Santorum.
Bachmann -- The original winner of the Iowa straw poll she has long-since peaked. She was out of her league and must now spend her time defending her House seat.
Perry -- He never really found his footing in the presidential race. Bottom line: Iowa is not Texas.
Paul -- He continues on, no matter what. He's the under-the-radar candidate who can operate on a shoestring and who (it seems) would love to play the role of a spoiler.
Santorum -- Wrapping himself in a hardscrabble story, he loves to play the All-American choirboy. This is the ruse: He's not the guy-next-door; he's not the choirboy; he's capable of cold-bloodedness and he can snap your head off in a wink. He acted like he had been elected presidential governor of Iowa (if not the whole country) last night and he drenched every drop of pathos from the moment. But there's a fine line between piety and pomposity, between conviction and cockiness. The self-righteous factor is now in play.
Huntsman -- Made a big mistake by not going to Iowa -- just like Rudy Giuliani did four years ago. He must now play catch up. Not good.
Romney -- Regrettably, he gave a basic stump speech last night when he should have begun sharpening the contrasts with Santorum and setting the stage for the campaign to come. These battles should and must strengthen Mitt. But no one wants to see a needlessly protracted campaign because there is a Big Fish to catch: Obama. Eyes on the prize!
He won by only eight votes.
But he won.
Of course the media have already made Rick Santorum the Big Story of the night. And Santorum did leapfrog a number of other candidates in his bid to overtake Romney. But he came up short in a photo finish.
This morning Santorum should remember that the dominant media that appear to be so anxious to crown him king are the same people who will not hesitate to vilify Santorum when the time comes. Be sure of it: The dominant media want someone like Santorum to be the nominee so they can set up an obvious right-wing opponent to Obama (a stereotype of sorts) only to shoot him down. Then, we can all pay homage to Obama once again. That's what the dominant media want.
Santorum is running a state-to-state campaign at best. Romney is running a national campaign and is prepared for the long haul. That's the type of campaign and the type of candidate we need if America is to turn the corner after three (going on four) years of Obama failure.
Here's my take on how the candidates came across last night:
Gingrich -- Perhaps the most pathetic figure of the evening, Newt sounded sour and appeared peevish as he carped, complained and desperately tried to embrace Santorum.
Bachmann -- The original winner of the Iowa straw poll she has long-since peaked. She was out of her league and must now spend her time defending her House seat.
Perry -- He never really found his footing in the presidential race. Bottom line: Iowa is not Texas.
Paul -- He continues on, no matter what. He's the under-the-radar candidate who can operate on a shoestring and who (it seems) would love to play the role of a spoiler.
Santorum -- Wrapping himself in a hardscrabble story, he loves to play the All-American choirboy. This is the ruse: He's not the guy-next-door; he's not the choirboy; he's capable of cold-bloodedness and he can snap your head off in a wink. He acted like he had been elected presidential governor of Iowa (if not the whole country) last night and he drenched every drop of pathos from the moment. But there's a fine line between piety and pomposity, between conviction and cockiness. The self-righteous factor is now in play.
Huntsman -- Made a big mistake by not going to Iowa -- just like Rudy Giuliani did four years ago. He must now play catch up. Not good.
Romney -- Regrettably, he gave a basic stump speech last night when he should have begun sharpening the contrasts with Santorum and setting the stage for the campaign to come. These battles should and must strengthen Mitt. But no one wants to see a needlessly protracted campaign because there is a Big Fish to catch: Obama. Eyes on the prize!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
This 'Gem Of Spanish Restaurants' Really Is!
If you know anything at all about Florida you probably know about a place that calls itself "the gem of Spanish restaurants."
Now, plenty of restuarants have big followings. And lots of restaurants use superlatives to boost their image and spike their advertising.
But in this case the proof is in the longevity, the consistency, the customer loyalty and ultimately, the food.
Columbia Spanish Restaurant has been around since 1905 and it's still family owned and operated. It all started with a corner cafe opened by a Cuban immigrant in Tampa. He named the place Columbia because he liked the words to a song about his new homeland, "Columbia, Gem Of The Ocean."
Now, you can find Columbia restaurants in Tampa (Ybor City and Riverwalk), St. Petersburg, Celebration (near Orlando), Clearwater Beach, St. Augustine and on beautiful St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota.
We lunched at the Sarasota location and we loved it.
We tried the Spanish bean soup, the traditional Havana club sandwich and the famous 1905 salad. The soup was thick, rich and savory with rice at the bottom, black beans brimming to the top and a thin coating of fresh chopped onion floating along the surface. The crusty sandwich was made on Columbia's legendary Cuban bread. It included turkey, bacon, ham, swiss cheese and mayo with plantain chips. The ham was fresh and succulent and the ingredients (along with crisp lettuce) harmonized beautifully. The salad contained many of the same ingredients as the sandwich. No wonder this restaurant was selected by USA Today as "one of the 10 best places to make a meal of a salad." The salad is tossed tableside and the cheese is grated right in front of you. It's a bountiful salad with big chunks of iceberg lettuce, julienne of baked ham, Romano cheese, beefsteak tomatoes and the Columbia's fragrant garlic dressing. If a salad can be comfort food, this is it.
Two of you can enjoy a memorable, distinctive lunch here for about forty bucks.
The dinners are also legendary and the menu is extensive with many favorites such as tapas, paella and flan. The wine list is extensive and the sangria is legendary.
Of course, Columbia is always crowded. The Sarasota location often has a waiting list and the place can be loud and hectic. But the food is so good, the service so prompt and efficient and the whole experience so convivial that you'll hardly notice the hustle and bustle.
If you're anywhere near one of Columbia's eight locations in north or central Florida, be sure to stop by.
Now, plenty of restuarants have big followings. And lots of restaurants use superlatives to boost their image and spike their advertising.
But in this case the proof is in the longevity, the consistency, the customer loyalty and ultimately, the food.
Columbia Spanish Restaurant has been around since 1905 and it's still family owned and operated. It all started with a corner cafe opened by a Cuban immigrant in Tampa. He named the place Columbia because he liked the words to a song about his new homeland, "Columbia, Gem Of The Ocean."
Now, you can find Columbia restaurants in Tampa (Ybor City and Riverwalk), St. Petersburg, Celebration (near Orlando), Clearwater Beach, St. Augustine and on beautiful St. Armand's Circle in Sarasota.
We lunched at the Sarasota location and we loved it.
We tried the Spanish bean soup, the traditional Havana club sandwich and the famous 1905 salad. The soup was thick, rich and savory with rice at the bottom, black beans brimming to the top and a thin coating of fresh chopped onion floating along the surface. The crusty sandwich was made on Columbia's legendary Cuban bread. It included turkey, bacon, ham, swiss cheese and mayo with plantain chips. The ham was fresh and succulent and the ingredients (along with crisp lettuce) harmonized beautifully. The salad contained many of the same ingredients as the sandwich. No wonder this restaurant was selected by USA Today as "one of the 10 best places to make a meal of a salad." The salad is tossed tableside and the cheese is grated right in front of you. It's a bountiful salad with big chunks of iceberg lettuce, julienne of baked ham, Romano cheese, beefsteak tomatoes and the Columbia's fragrant garlic dressing. If a salad can be comfort food, this is it.
Two of you can enjoy a memorable, distinctive lunch here for about forty bucks.
The dinners are also legendary and the menu is extensive with many favorites such as tapas, paella and flan. The wine list is extensive and the sangria is legendary.
Of course, Columbia is always crowded. The Sarasota location often has a waiting list and the place can be loud and hectic. But the food is so good, the service so prompt and efficient and the whole experience so convivial that you'll hardly notice the hustle and bustle.
If you're anywhere near one of Columbia's eight locations in north or central Florida, be sure to stop by.
Rubens, El Greco And The Circus? They're All Here
Where can you find the work of an art master like Rubens and the world's largest miniature circus? Where can you find paintings by van Dyck and El Greco and Buffalo Bill's whip, gloves and other belongings? And what is the one place that displays the actual rooms from John Jacob Astor's Manhattan mansion along with an elaborate calliope?
There is only one place that combines all this within an estate of more than 60 acres including a dramatic waterfront promenade, nuemrous banyan trees and an elaborate rose garden with more than 1,200 plantings.
It's the John and Mabel Ringling Museum of Art and Estate in Sarasota, Florida. We visisted The Ringling yesterday and found it to be a total delight. Here, you can spend an entire day (or several days) amidst a world of natural and created beauty with a dash of whimsy and childhood dreams and memories.
John Ringling, one of the five original circus kings of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, was blessed with entrepreneurial genius and through his success with the circus and other investments, became quite wealthy. In 1911, John (1866-1936) and his wife, Mable (1875-1929) purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida. In 1912 the couple began spending winters in Sarasota and later decided to build a home there. Their property included a house built by one of Buffalo Bill’s circus managers, Charles Thompson. The Ringlings dreamed of helping Sarasota develop into a metropolitan boom town and they became involved in the community, bought real estate, and eventually owned approximately 25 percent of Sarasota’s total area.
The couple’s first project in Sarasota was the splendid Venetian Gothic mansion Cà d’Zan, built between 1924 and 1926 for a then staggering sum of $1.5 million. Mable had developed an affection for Venetian buildings on their travels and collected sketches and photos to incorporate into the design of the house which reflects both her and John’s taste and passion for opulence. She supervised the construction of the house with architect Dwight James Baum, designer of several New York mansions.
But the mansion is only one of the splendid properties that you can now visit and enjoy.
The Ringling Museum of Art is a world-class art gallery and the Ringling Circus Museum is a joy to behold. On top of all this, the grounds are lush and magical.
Well, since we enjoy art, the circus and flora and fauna in almost equal measure, The Ringling gave us more pleasure than we can calculate.
As we tell you more about Sarasota during our visit here we will be talking about the Ringlings again -- and in later posts we will have more photos to show.
For now, though let's simply say that we highly recommend you put this attraction on your list of "must see" travel experiences. It's a knockout.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Romney: Obama Promises Like Kim's Vows
You've gotta hand it to Mitt Romney.
While the media may paint his as dull and somewhat humorless the guy has been getting off some great lines lately.
First, Romney compared Newt Gingrich's failed efforts to get on the Virginia primary ballot to "Lucy [Lucille Ball] at the chocolate factory."
Now, Romney says that Obama's promises are about as reliable as "Kim Kardashian's marriage vows." Kardashian of course ended her zillion-dollar celebrity marriage after just 72 days.
Hey, for a guy who's supposed to be notoriously dull Romney's turning out to be damned funny.
Go, Mitt!
While the media may paint his as dull and somewhat humorless the guy has been getting off some great lines lately.
First, Romney compared Newt Gingrich's failed efforts to get on the Virginia primary ballot to "Lucy [Lucille Ball] at the chocolate factory."
Now, Romney says that Obama's promises are about as reliable as "Kim Kardashian's marriage vows." Kardashian of course ended her zillion-dollar celebrity marriage after just 72 days.
Hey, for a guy who's supposed to be notoriously dull Romney's turning out to be damned funny.
Go, Mitt!
Topless Women Play Hoops With Dennis Rodman
Former NBA bad boy basketball star Dennis Rodman is reportedly taking his outrageous antics to a new level.
The five-time NBA champ is ser to return to basketball — this time as the coach og a topless women’s team that he is launching for a "gentlemen’s club" in New York. So, when Rodman and his players take the court the basketbals won't be the only things that will be bouncing.
According to a report, Rodman decided to put the team together after hearing that a rival strip joint a launched a league with an NBA star of its own.
The five-time NBA champ is ser to return to basketball — this time as the coach og a topless women’s team that he is launching for a "gentlemen’s club" in New York. So, when Rodman and his players take the court the basketbals won't be the only things that will be bouncing.
According to a report, Rodman decided to put the team together after hearing that a rival strip joint a launched a league with an NBA star of its own.
Fresh Fish? Hard To Top Bonefish Grill
Whenever we're traveling to waterside areas we like to frequent local fish houses and seafood restaurants. And we will certainly be doing that while here in southwest Florida on the beautiful gulf coast.
But last night we decided on Bonefish Grill.
Now, I must admit that the first time I went to a Bonefish Grill I was underwhelmed. I suppose it's because I heard so many good things about this chain that my expectations were high -- maybe too high.
But we decided to give the place another try, and then another, and then another. We wouldn't have done this if we weren't satisfied during subsequent visits.
The menu varies daily (and by location) and Bonefish Grill and every time you visit you'll find new additions and surprising selections.
Last night we started with the Bonefish hearts of palms salad (fresh and vibrant with a dash of citrus, though I do wish the hearts of palm had been a bit larger) and then we went on to a couple of delicious entrees: grilled shrimp and plump scallop with green beans and spaghetti squash and grilled grouper dressed with mango salsa and asparagus.
You can pick your own fish dressing (or dipping) at Bonefish and they will go out of their way to prepare dishes as you wish. So whether you like tangy or mild, it's here.
Sometimes when we visit one of these restaurants it's crowded and hectic. So we try to get there early or during off hours and we plan accordingly. We don't like to wait for extended periods or be caught in the midst of loud or raucous groups. It's not fun.
But last night the Bonefish Grill in Sarasota was full without being frantic. We chose a booth near the bar and were seated promptly.
The service was friendly, helpful and efficient.
And the prices at Bonefish are reasonable.
So, if you have a Bonefish Grill near you or if you're traveling and there's one nearby, don't pass it up.
Bonefish Grill is a consistent winner.
But last night we decided on Bonefish Grill.
Now, I must admit that the first time I went to a Bonefish Grill I was underwhelmed. I suppose it's because I heard so many good things about this chain that my expectations were high -- maybe too high.
But we decided to give the place another try, and then another, and then another. We wouldn't have done this if we weren't satisfied during subsequent visits.
The menu varies daily (and by location) and Bonefish Grill and every time you visit you'll find new additions and surprising selections.
Last night we started with the Bonefish hearts of palms salad (fresh and vibrant with a dash of citrus, though I do wish the hearts of palm had been a bit larger) and then we went on to a couple of delicious entrees: grilled shrimp and plump scallop with green beans and spaghetti squash and grilled grouper dressed with mango salsa and asparagus.
You can pick your own fish dressing (or dipping) at Bonefish and they will go out of their way to prepare dishes as you wish. So whether you like tangy or mild, it's here.
Sometimes when we visit one of these restaurants it's crowded and hectic. So we try to get there early or during off hours and we plan accordingly. We don't like to wait for extended periods or be caught in the midst of loud or raucous groups. It's not fun.
But last night the Bonefish Grill in Sarasota was full without being frantic. We chose a booth near the bar and were seated promptly.
The service was friendly, helpful and efficient.
And the prices at Bonefish are reasonable.
So, if you have a Bonefish Grill near you or if you're traveling and there's one nearby, don't pass it up.
Bonefish Grill is a consistent winner.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Those Iowa Caucuses: What To Expect
And so we come to the Sunday before the Iowa caucuses and the speculaton is rampant.
This much is clear: Mitt Romney is doing better than anyone expected. Romney didn't even campaign very much in the state and he's still well-positioned going into the caucuses.
Though don't expect the pundits to admit this. The last thing they want to do is give Romney credit. The dominant media would like to see the GOP field remain as open and as competitive as it can be for as long as possible. They'd love to see Republicans in disarray.
They'd love to see a wacky winner in Iowa -- someone like Ron Paul. Originally many of them had hoped that Michelle Bachmann would win. Then, after she fizzled it was Rick Perry. Then, Gingrich. And of course now the new comer is Rick Santorum.
Frankly, I have to laugh when people say that Romney can only muster 25 to 30% in this field of candidates. It's almost as if an imaginary lid has been placed on Romney's support.
A few points are in order here:
1) 25% or 30% (assuming that's the figure) ain't so bad in an eight-person race. I'm not a math scholar and even I can figure that one out.
2) The other candidates have risen, only to fall: Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Gingrich. Meanwhile, Romney's support remains solid. He doesn't wilt.
3) Polls show that Romney is the overwhelming second choice among all of those who support the other candidates. So, Romney stands the most to gain when the field narrows -- and the field will narrow sooner rather than later.
4) In a national matchup -- head-to-head with Obama -- you can forget the 25 - 30% "lid" because Romney bests Obama by six percent right now and Romney is close to that magic 50% figure overall.
No, it won't be a cakewalk for Romney.
This will be a long, tough race. And Obama & Co. have already set their sights on Romney.
Romney will have to be durable and steadfast and feisty to win.
But Romney is the strongest candidate and the one who is best-prepared for the campaign ahead.
This much is clear: Mitt Romney is doing better than anyone expected. Romney didn't even campaign very much in the state and he's still well-positioned going into the caucuses.
Though don't expect the pundits to admit this. The last thing they want to do is give Romney credit. The dominant media would like to see the GOP field remain as open and as competitive as it can be for as long as possible. They'd love to see Republicans in disarray.
They'd love to see a wacky winner in Iowa -- someone like Ron Paul. Originally many of them had hoped that Michelle Bachmann would win. Then, after she fizzled it was Rick Perry. Then, Gingrich. And of course now the new comer is Rick Santorum.
Frankly, I have to laugh when people say that Romney can only muster 25 to 30% in this field of candidates. It's almost as if an imaginary lid has been placed on Romney's support.
A few points are in order here:
1) 25% or 30% (assuming that's the figure) ain't so bad in an eight-person race. I'm not a math scholar and even I can figure that one out.
2) The other candidates have risen, only to fall: Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Gingrich. Meanwhile, Romney's support remains solid. He doesn't wilt.
3) Polls show that Romney is the overwhelming second choice among all of those who support the other candidates. So, Romney stands the most to gain when the field narrows -- and the field will narrow sooner rather than later.
4) In a national matchup -- head-to-head with Obama -- you can forget the 25 - 30% "lid" because Romney bests Obama by six percent right now and Romney is close to that magic 50% figure overall.
No, it won't be a cakewalk for Romney.
This will be a long, tough race. And Obama & Co. have already set their sights on Romney.
Romney will have to be durable and steadfast and feisty to win.
But Romney is the strongest candidate and the one who is best-prepared for the campaign ahead.
Reviews: Should I Be More Critical?
A friend has asked why I'm not more critical on restaurant reviews and other reviews.
Well, let's start with my restaurant reviews.
To begin with, I tend to gravitate toward restaurants I like or places that I think I'll like. I want to share what I think is the best with our readers. If I like it, I want to share it with you.
I like informal restaurants and classic American fare. And you all know by now that I love steak, pasta, burgers, shakes, pizza, classic Chinese food, crabcakes, lobster and martinis, among other treats.
Sometimes I'm invited to review restaurants that I haven't been to before or I'm introduced to a place by friends or others. In those cases, I see myself as a guest and I try to act and respond accordingly.
When I have criticisms I try to be helpful and offer constructive suggestions. I don't like to pile criticism on top of criticism, gripe on gripe. There's no fun in that and it's not very nice.
I'd always rather focus on aspects of the dining experience that I enjoy. So, if I focus on the ambience and service but hardly mention the food, you'll know that I wasn't bowled over by the food.
Recently though, I had a not-so-memorable experience at a new Philadelphia restaurant near Rittenhouse Square called A. Kitchen. We went there for lunch and found the setting to be fresh and sleek but rather bare; the welcome near non-existent; the food forgettable, paltry and overpriced and the service cursory. I hate having to say this but right now I simply cannot recommend this restaurant. When something like this occurs, there's really not much to write about.
With respect to theatre in general and Broadway musicals in particular I try to be instructive, informative and helpful in my comments. I try to put the show in context and be as balanced and objective as possible. But, I'll admit it: I'm a Broadway musical junkie. And I'm quite easily seduced by a real Broadway show. So, I sometimes get carried away. But I'll also warn you as to the elements in the show and tell you that if you don't like a particular subject or a certain actor or a particular style of music you probably won't like the show. We can't all have the same interests, the same tastes and the same likes.
As for movies, I gravitate toward old-fashioned narratives. I'm interested in the characters and the storyline and I'm easily won-over by small, meaningful movies and independent films. So, you won't find me reviewing lots of violent or hi-tech or action or SFX movies.
Again, I want to share what I like with you. And I like movies, actors and stories that are mindful of the tradition of movie-making -- that evoke the classics, but in a new light and with new attitudes and new things to say. Last year, The King's Speech was that kind of film and it justifiably garnered most of the awards.
I hope this explanation is helpful to you in 2012 as I begin to review a whole new batch of dining experiences. movies, theatre, art, travel, etc.
And, as always I welcome your comments, suggestions and observations.
Happy New Year!
Well, let's start with my restaurant reviews.
To begin with, I tend to gravitate toward restaurants I like or places that I think I'll like. I want to share what I think is the best with our readers. If I like it, I want to share it with you.
I like informal restaurants and classic American fare. And you all know by now that I love steak, pasta, burgers, shakes, pizza, classic Chinese food, crabcakes, lobster and martinis, among other treats.
Sometimes I'm invited to review restaurants that I haven't been to before or I'm introduced to a place by friends or others. In those cases, I see myself as a guest and I try to act and respond accordingly.
When I have criticisms I try to be helpful and offer constructive suggestions. I don't like to pile criticism on top of criticism, gripe on gripe. There's no fun in that and it's not very nice.
I'd always rather focus on aspects of the dining experience that I enjoy. So, if I focus on the ambience and service but hardly mention the food, you'll know that I wasn't bowled over by the food.
Recently though, I had a not-so-memorable experience at a new Philadelphia restaurant near Rittenhouse Square called A. Kitchen. We went there for lunch and found the setting to be fresh and sleek but rather bare; the welcome near non-existent; the food forgettable, paltry and overpriced and the service cursory. I hate having to say this but right now I simply cannot recommend this restaurant. When something like this occurs, there's really not much to write about.
With respect to theatre in general and Broadway musicals in particular I try to be instructive, informative and helpful in my comments. I try to put the show in context and be as balanced and objective as possible. But, I'll admit it: I'm a Broadway musical junkie. And I'm quite easily seduced by a real Broadway show. So, I sometimes get carried away. But I'll also warn you as to the elements in the show and tell you that if you don't like a particular subject or a certain actor or a particular style of music you probably won't like the show. We can't all have the same interests, the same tastes and the same likes.
As for movies, I gravitate toward old-fashioned narratives. I'm interested in the characters and the storyline and I'm easily won-over by small, meaningful movies and independent films. So, you won't find me reviewing lots of violent or hi-tech or action or SFX movies.
Again, I want to share what I like with you. And I like movies, actors and stories that are mindful of the tradition of movie-making -- that evoke the classics, but in a new light and with new attitudes and new things to say. Last year, The King's Speech was that kind of film and it justifiably garnered most of the awards.
I hope this explanation is helpful to you in 2012 as I begin to review a whole new batch of dining experiences. movies, theatre, art, travel, etc.
And, as always I welcome your comments, suggestions and observations.
Happy New Year!
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