Why won't Newt Gingrich face reality?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
There are a couple ways to drop out of a political race.
A candidate can withdraw gracefully.
Or there's Newt Gingrich.
The guy just can't take a hint. And at this point he's likely hurting not only the Republican Party, but his own political legacy.
As Politico describes it, "the former House Speaker has decided to cap off a historic career by spending the final weeks of the campaign in a sort of political purgatory."
But that won't stop Newt. He's pledging to stay in the race all the way to the convention in Tampa. He's hoping against hope for some extraordinary situation where Mitt Romney can't get enough delegates and Rick Santorum is seen as unelectable.
The problem is he's out of money. His big Super PAC donor Sheldon Adelson - who has donated more than $15 million - says Gingrich is "at the end of his line."
There are no debates left to boost Gingrich, he can't afford to travel, he's fired much of his staff and even the media attention is dwindling.
People are using words like "laughingstock" and "delusional" to describe the former Speaker of the House. Sad really.
For his part, Gingrich insists he's staying in the race to shape the political conversation. And talk about his ideas like $2.50 a gallon gas. But no one is listening anymore.
CNN estimates Gingrich has 134 delegates compared to Romney's 559 and Santorum's 262.
A CNN/ORC Poll shows 6 out of 10 Republicans say Gingrich should drop out of the race. Also, a majority of Republicans say their party's nomination should be determined by the primaries - not the convention.
Here’s my question to you: Why won't Newt Gingrich face reality?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
What would you do if you hit the $540 million lottery?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
$540 million. That’s the record jackpot in Friday’s Mega Millions lottery drawing.
It tops the previous high of $390 million in 2007, which was split by two winners.
And it's what has people lining up at convenience stores across the country to buy their chance at unimaginable wealth.
Tickets cost $1 each and will be on sale in 42 states plus Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands until just a few minutes before the 11 p.m. ET drawing.
The winner - or winners - will get to choose between annual payments or the cash option. The lump sum would be roughly $389 million.
But back to the $540 million and how a winner might spend that astronomical sum.
Think about it this way: If you earn $100,000 a year, the jackpot would pay your salary for 5,400 years.
Or you could buy more than 1,000 homes worth $500,000 each. Or more than 10,000 cars at $50,000 a pop. You get the idea.
Or if you paid half of your winnings in taxes and invested the remaining roughly $270 million in tax-free municipal bonds earning 3%, you would garner about $8 million a year in interest.
Of course, the odds aren't exactly on your side here. They are 175 million to one against you.
But, hey, you can always dream.
Here’s my question to you: What would you do if you hit the $540 million lottery?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
How will the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare affect the president's chances for re-election?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
If the Supreme Court rules the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional this summer, it would be a huge embarrassment for President Barack Obama.
Health care reform has been the president's signature issue. He spent his first two years in office - and a whole lot of political capital - getting this thing through Congress.
And now - two years later - the health care law's not looking so healthy.
CNN's Jeffrey Toobin says he thinks the law will be struck down, describing the Supreme Court hearings as a "train wreck" for the Obama administration.
Some would argue it's been a train wreck from the start. Remember Congress crafted this 2,700-page monstrosity behind closed doors. No transparency for the public but plenty of access for the lobbyists. Few lawmakers even read it. Then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats, "We have to pass the bill so that you can find what's in it." Real statesmanship.
Not everyone agrees that a Supreme Court rejection would hurt the president politically.
CNN's James Carville says it would be "the best thing that has ever happened to the Democratic Party." Carville says Democrats would be able to show they tried, and when health care costs keep rising, they could lay the blame on the GOP's shoulders.
Some say if the Supreme Court rules against it, Republicans will lose a top election issue - the repeal of what they call “Obamacare.”
Others suggest the health care law won't be a major election issue if Mitt Romney is the GOP nominee because he created similar legislation when he was governor of Massachusetts.
Here’s my question to you: How will the Supreme Court decision on Obamacare affect the president's chances for re-election?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Is paying less tuition for a three-year college degree a good idea?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A dramatic change is underway at some of the nation's colleges and universities.
In an effort to attract more students and improve the financial bottom line, many institutions are cutting tuition or graduating students faster.
CNN Money reports that some private colleges are cutting tuition by more than 20%. Others are offering three-year degree programs, but that means fewer classes.
And some experts worry these fast-tracked degrees are a bad idea. That they shortchange students on learning critical skills like reading and writing.
Meanwhile it's no secret that the cost of attending college has skyrocketed with both tuition and room and board rising faster than the rate of inflation for years.
The average tuition at four-year private colleges now stands at nearly $29,000 a year. So the savings from finishing in three years instead of four ain't chump change.
It's estimated that total college student loan debt in this country tops $1 trillion. That kind of debt can force people to postpone buying homes. And that could slow the housing recovery.
Meanwhile a lot of these young graduates aren't buying homes because they're moving back in with mom and dad when they can't find jobs.
A recent pew poll shows nearly 30% of young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 are living in their parents' home. That's the highest level since the 1950s. And that number shoots up to 53% for those younger than 25.
Here’s my question to you: Is paying less tuition for a three-year college degree a good idea?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Should the Supreme Court arguments over health care be televised?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
While the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments about the constitutionality of Obamacare, only a few hundred members of the public and press can actually see what is happening as it's happening.
That's because the high court decided that there would be no televised coverage of the historic health care hearings.
Lawmakers, media and open government groups had pushed for the court to break with tradition and let TV cameras in to broadcast the three days of oral arguments.
Some say the Supreme Court's practice of no TV cameras is behind the times.
But the best they could get are daily audio recordings and transcripts of the hearings. The court says they're releasing these because of quote "extraordinary public interest" in the health care case.
No kidding. What these nine justices decide could have major effects on the political and economic future of this country. Not to mention the health care for millions of individual Americans.
Which is why polls show Americans overwhelmingly in favor of televising the arguments before the nation's highest court.
A new CNN/ORC poll shows 61% of those surveyed say the Supreme Court should allow TV cameras into hearings. Only 35% say no.
In December, Congress held hearings on the so called Cameras in the Courtroom Act. Supporters say TV coverage of the high court's hearings would provide more transparency.
Opponents suggest allowing cameras in would detract from the integrity and decorum of the institution. Baloney. That court is conducting the people's business, and the people have every right to witness what goes on.
Here’s my question to you: Should the Supreme Court arguments over health care be televised?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
If you were Romney, under what circumstances would you ask Santorum to be your running mate?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Rick Santorum says he's not ruling out the idea of becoming Mitt Romney's running mate. Nobody's asked him, but he's serious. No B.S.
When asked by the Christian Broadcasting Network if he would consider a vice presidential offer by Romney, Santorum replied, "Of course."
Santorum says this race is "the most important race in our country's history" and he'll do everything he can to help his country.
When he was asked a second time if he's "keeping his options open" for a VP spot, Santorum didn't shoot down the idea.
Maybe he's finally facing the fact that he's not going to win the Republican nomination. It’s about time.
This idea is the perfect illustration of the phrase, "Politics makes strange bedfellows." Santorum has been vicious in his attacks against Romney.
He called Romney the "worst Republican" to nominate against President Barack Obama when it comes to the health care issue.
And Santorum had to walk back his comment that Americans would be better off with Obama winning a second term than Romney being elected.
With friends like this. …
Romney has already suggested he won't pick Santorum as his running mate because he's not conservative enough.
So whom might Romney pick if he wins the nomination?
Some of the names out there include Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
It's still early. Remember John McCain didn't find Sarah Palin until just before the convention. And what a find that was.
Here’s my question to you: If you were Mitt Romney, under what circumstances would you ask Rick Santorum to be your running mate?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
What's the future for President Obama's health care reform law?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
"Obamacare" went on trial today with the Supreme Court starting three days of arguments on the constitutionality of President Barack Obama's landmark health care law.
And after today's 90-minute session, it seems like a majority of the justices want to decide the case now instead of waiting another two years until the full law goes into effect.
On Tuesday, the justices will hear arguments on the constitutionality of the individual mandate, which is the key to this whole showdown.
Twenty-six states are suing the government. They claim the health care law is unconstitutional because of the "individual mandate" provision, which requires most Americans to purchase health insurance by 2014 or face a financial penalty.
Republicans have been out in full force slamming the law. All of the GOP presidential candidates say they will try to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act if elected. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says repeal of Obamacare will be the first order of business if Republicans win control of the Senate in November.
Democrats have their work cut out for them defending all this, and they don't seem to be getting much help from Obama. He didn't even bother to publicly mark the bill's two year anniversary last week - something he has been only too eager to do in the past.
This might be the reason: Polls suggest many Americans just don't like the health reform law. A new CNN/ORC Poll shows 50% of those surveyed disapprove of the law. 43% approve.
When asked how the Supreme Court should rule, more than 70% say the high court should overturn all or part of Obamacare.
Here’s my question to you: What's the future for President Obama's health care reform law?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Would you vote for Joe Biden in 2016?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's never too early to start looking ahead to the next election.
President Joe Biden.
You may or may not think it has a ring to it.
But that may be just what the vice president has on his mind for 2016.
According to Politico, the often-unpredictable and entertaining Mr. Biden, who's already been down this road twice before, is quietly assembling a team of advisers which includes a top Clinton-era operative.
So one might wonder if Biden thinks the third time might be a charm.
Close friends say right now he's focused on helping President Obama win a second term.
He's already popping up on the campaign trail-and depending on what's on his mind, he can arguably be the most interesting one out there.
After that though, friends think - and think he thinks - a potential White House run could be on the table.
Not everyone says that's such a great idea.
After all, he'll be 73 and has been known to put his foot in his mouth on occasion - sometimes on no occasion.
Of course there is also Hillary Clinton - who is a much bigger star in the Democratic party. She ran in 2008 and came very close to beating Obama for the nomination.
There was even talk she was going to replace Biden on the ticket as President Obama's running mate this go-round.
There are also some younger up-and-comers who could potentially breathe new life into the party and may want to give it a go.
Politico suggests New York Governor Andrew Cuomo or Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, to name a couple.
Never mind all that. I hope Biden jumps in. It would be the most refreshing thing to happen to presidential politics since, well, Obama ran.
Here’s my question to you: Would you vote for Joe Biden in 2016?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Was Illinois the turning point in the Republican race?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
It's just about over.
While Mitt Romney didn't score a knockout in Illinois, to borrow a boxing metaphor, but he landed enough blows that his opponents may soon be unable to answer the bell for the next round.
And it's a bit ironic that the Republican primary fight may have been decided in the Democratic president's home state.
Romney's win was impressive – double digits and, in just about every exit poll category that was measured, save evangelicals and very conservative voters.
Rick Santorum's showing was far from impressive. He got little support from beyond his base. But more importantly, he showed again he is incapable of winning a large midwestern state. And there simply are not enough Louisianas, Alabamas and Mississippis to get him to the nomination.
Newt Gingrich finished dead last. He has now gone from contender to curiosity to nobody cares. He's toast.
Ron Paul, who may have the best set of ideas for solving some of our big problems, has just not been able to connect with enough voters to make a difference.
Finally, if Romney goes on to win the nomination, the Republican voters will have settled for the moderate in the middle. Sort of what the vast majority of this country has always been about. And his victory will be a slap in the face to the Tea Party.
Romney's now looking past these tune-up fights toward the big title bout in November, and the rest of the country is starting to do the same.
Here’s my question to you: Was Illinois the turning point in the Republican race?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 4pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
Is the decline of American schools putting national security at risk?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
When you think about some of the greatest dangers facing this country's national security - al Qaeda, the Taliban, a ticking time bomb in Iran probably all come to mind.
But one that might not come to mind at first is our schools.
Public education is failing to do its job of educating our children, and that poses a grave danger to the security of our country long-term.
An independent task force launched by the Council on Foreign Relations is warning the U.S. education system is barreling toward "a national security crisis."
The chairs of the report - former New York City school system chancellor Joel Klein and Stanford professor Condoleezza Rice - former Secretary of State under President George W. Bush - say education failures pose several threats to our national security.
They include economic growth and competitiveness, U.S. physical safety and intellectual property.
Our students are not being prepared for the global work force.
The report highlights a Defense Department statistic that 75% of American youth don't qualify for the armed forces because of a lack of a high school diploma, obesity or a criminal record.
Among those who do qualify, 30% don't pass the military's aptitude test.
If we don't educate our young people so they can compete, we are doomed.
The task force recommends a "national security readiness audit" as one way to hold schools accountable.
Not everyone agrees with the report, including some members of the task force itself.
But it's no secret the quality of our public education has been in decline for quite some time.
Here’s my question to you: Is the decline of American schools putting national security at risk?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
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