Topic: Campaign 2012

Mitt Romney faced criticism from MSNBC and BuzzFeed for converting a campaign event into a Hurricane Sandy relief food drive. Reports alleged the campaign purchased $5,000 worth of supplies from Walmart to use as props for the cameras. President Obama subsequently made remarks suggesting that professional organizations like the Red Cross should handle relief, which was interpreted as a slight against Romney's efforts.

President Obama reveals in a Rolling Stone interview that his favorite television show is "Homeland." In his weekly address, Obama emphasizes "nation building at home" as the war in Afghanistan winds down, using a rhythmic rhetorical style to advocate for middle-class investments and debt reduction. He claims the "tide of war has turned" and that the goal of defeating Al Qaeda is within reach.

The 2012 Obama re-election campaign is analyzed through the lens of the "halfway done" meme and the President's assertion that he "deserves" a second term. The discussion critiques the administration's shift from "saved or created" jobs to simply "created" jobs while citing an 8.3% unemployment rate. The hosts challenge the President's definition of "old-fashioned American values" as a rhetorical move toward collectivism.

New campaign merchandise for the Obama 2012 re-election effort, including car magnets and dog collars, notably excludes Vice President Joe Biden's name. In 2008, branding typically featured "Obama/Biden," but the current "Fired Up Ready to Grill" and "Barack's Best Friend" items focus solely on the President. This shift has led to speculation that Biden may be dropped from the ticket for the upcoming election.