We like "Up with Chris Hayes" very much, mainly because of the interesting guests and the fact that topics are allowed to be discussed for lengthy periods, not geared to the 3 minutes attention span of the modern American.

However, Chris Hayes needs to learn to give more time to his guests, rather than dominating the show with his own monologues. Mr. Hayes is obviously smart and well spoken, but the degree to which he dominates the discussion is embarrassing, or should be...

The Tea Party has all but disappeared because of SHAME! These Conservative rubes realized they got played for fools by a bunch of silver spoon trust fund babies. Can you imagine? After the Bush/Cheney catastrophe, Tea Baggers still believed the GOP was working for their best interests. The Republican Corporate Ho Party used Conservative voters like a $10.00 meth whore. (right Ted Haggard) lol

Not only that, but you pathetic morons wanted Democrats/Progressives to believe if only Conservatism had one more chance it can work? The very definition of insanity, isn’t IT? Over and over AGAIN! Just separate yourselves from the Bush/Cheney DISASTER… bull$#!~ MISINFORMED people into believing they’re part of a NEW Conservative Movement. In reality right wing imbeciles never learned the new boss is same as the old boss… The 2010 election was an affront to GOD and everything the USA stands for.

In OTHER WORDS Republican Party talking points are based on the ignorance of their constituents. They revise history and LIE because they CAN… because morons who vote for Republicans DON’T KNOW THEIR OWN HISTORY! This ain’t NO Tea Party… it’s a full scale CLASS WAR and all the silver spoon, trust fund babies like Mitt Romney are kicking the American PEOPLE’s @$$.

The Billionaire Aristocrats and their Republican Party flunkies have a LOT TO ANSWER FOR! These vain, self-serving, power-mad, greed stricken silver spoon con artists have turned the USA into the United Suckers of America.

Reagan/Bush killed ANTI-TRUST and any regulation that kept industry HONEST. When Reagan/Bush came to power, the USA was #1 on the planet in exporting goods and importing raw materials. This is the very definition of a prosperous economy. By 2006, it is the exact opposite. Why? Years of Republicans selling out the American middle class, that’s why. The Bush’s and a Republican Controlled Congress (1994-2006) gave it up for a very few wealthy families.

And what did these elitists DO? Stall new technology, steal pension funds, move to China, India, Mexico. THIS while paying for those high priced, patriotic commercials, WE LOVE THE USA, THIS IS OUR COUNTRY, etc. BS! (when I snap my fingers you‘ll wake happy and refreshed… lol)

I think we need to focus on those in the TOP 1% Koch Bros, Sheldon Adelson, Bob Perry, Diane Hendricks, Rich Devos, Foster Friess, Louis Moore, Trevor Rees-Jones, and those rich @$$holes on the Council for National Policy. Let’s not forget the Neo-Con, War Profiteering, banking scandal, Bush Crime Family types along with their flunkies such as the Mitt Romney, Scott Walker, Rick Scott types.

An American Aristocracy, who made their fortunes on the backs of American workers… The water, air and wealth of resources used to manufacture the goods. The brain power and innovation, with American ingenuity, technology, ideas… using infrastructure paid for by the American taxpayer… And how did they repay us? The silver spoon, trust fund baby m’f***er’s moved all our jobs to Asia/Mexico, fouled our environment with stuff that would make a bill goat puke and turned our politicians into a stable of high priced prostitutes.

It used to be called bribery, collusion and all those crimes covered by the RICO Act. How come they can get away with a white bred corporate crime wave of epic proportions but our jails are filled by pot smokers? WHY IS THAT? These Wall Street guys ruined our economy with their ALEC, reckless policies, deregulation and “Citizens United” so why aren’t the American PEOPLE standing up to them? WHY AREN’T THE FED’S PROSECUTING? WHERE’S THE IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATIVE NEWS REPORTS documenting the outrage?

It’s up to the PEOPLE to focus on those billionaires at their meetings such as the Koch Bros, rich @$$hole Convention in San Diego. These are the true enemies of the our beloved USA who want to do a “Citizens United”, hostile takeover of everything Americans hold dear about our great country and turn the average American into a low wage, debt slave. Ask Mitt Romney why he’s meeting with scandal laden bankers, hedge fund swindlers and other crafty special interests IN LONDON?

Conservatives are insane, you pathetic bunch of brainwashed fools! Here’s the thing Conservatives/Republicans have yet to grasp. Sure we’re fighting war on terror (allegedly) at the front door but you people left the back door open to economic terrorists. Remember the COLD WAR? Remember our former enemy those Red Commie pukes? How much did we spend to fight them, TRILLIONS? AND WHAT BECAME OF THAT? The rich guys decided to sell the American worker out to the Commies. Communist China now owns a third of our national debt. Thanks for NOTHING m’#*@/r’s!

AMERICANS WHO VOTE FOR REPUBLICANS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR POOR VOTING CHOICES!

And there is a growing number of sane, moderate Republicans on the American scene. Progressives must help the other poor dumb neo-con *****’s along at cyberbitchslap2.blogspot.com
© 2012 by SPQR

Great show this morning! I posted this about Saturday's show "I am a white democrat from Alabama.
I believe we would be best served by you and the guests not beating us over the head with fast talking retaliatory rhetorick concerning repulblican remarks about racism.
Slow down and talk about the economic, social welfare and foriegn policy issues."

The question "are you better of today than when President Obama came into office?" you can use that question because in the four years he's been in office he has been blocked by the Republicans and the filibuster!

Can't use that question above...

Let's summarize:

Party platforms were never before taken seriously before.

Planks were put in to satisfy the "base" - the activists.

For example, the Republican party platform for a long time had extreme view of abortion.

Now I am listening to Roy and Steele suggesting that platform is just a "sport" - that we should just ignore what is in the platform and base our decision about who to vote for on what the Presidential candidate says HIS agenda is.

OK - fine.

Let's consider the policies that the Republicans have pursued - successfully at the State level - relentlessly but unsuccessfully for the most part at the National level.

There does not seem to be ANY DIFFERENCE between what the Republicans have actually DONE or TRIED TO DO and what is in the platform.

And there doesn't seem to be any difference between what Romney says and the platform (as near as I can tell).

Go down the list of contentious issues - abortion, marriage equality, immigration.

Where have the Republicans supported issues - state and national - that are contrary to what is in the party platform? Answer - nowhere!

Any Republican that has suggested policies contrary to what is in the party platform has not made it through the primaries.

My conclusion:

We can believe that the ACTUAL agenda - what they want to do if elected - of the Republican Party and Romney/Ryan is what is spelled out in the Republican Party Platform.

So - make your decision on who to vote for based on what the candidates have SAID and DONE.

I've made mine - Obama/Biden 2012 and Democrats straight down!!!

I love Up with Chris Hayes and Melissa Harris Perry, they are the highlight of my weekend, but Chris your guest are killing me today, the GOP whine is very hurtful to the ears. They simply will not speak on the facts.

obviously sophia is a hack spouting the same old rethuglican talking points. she evidently will not need the safety net since she wants to dismantle it. 50% of people dont pay taxes? why the hell do they take them from my check? please have randy wray on your show to explain how the MACROeconomy works. the federal government does not need taxes to spend. ever heard of a government check bouncing? (only if they refuse to pay the bill, the debt ceiling hoax) chris you are above this stupidity, please use your show to inform the public, not make them dumber.

Usually I like all your guests no matter what their political persuasion is because I learn things. Either how they think or what they believe. However, Elise Jordon today was just a 'talking point'. 50% of 'people' don't pay taxes. BS. They pay state and local taxes and I would argue, at a HIGHER rate, than wealthy people. I am tired of hearing this canard when in reality they are carrying the states. Romney actually said 'he pays his fair share of 'taxes' without saying FEDERAL taxes. People like Elise Jordon are trying to blur the line with crap like this. Nice argument from Joan on the income tax credit but not enough.

Yesterday, discussing types of rape. Today, the R's plat(itude)form dispenses with that altogether and wants ban on all abortions. Consistent. But facts is facts. Abortions will happen and like war kills . The rending decisions soldiers and women make are life changing. Some harden, some suffer life long pain. But please deal in reality ,abortions will happen. Don't choose the Coat Hanger Solution again.

Hey Chris why do you have people like Elise Jordan on your show? She is not worthy of being there. She is a total airhead. She made idiotic comments when she was on the last time and did it again today with her jets statement. I think whoever is doing the booking for your show needs to do a better job. Your other guest's statement about 50% of Americans not paying taxes is pure right wing BS. Time to upgrade the level of people you invite on the show.

Here's what Republican/Tea Party governance inspires:

#c

Please don't ask Sophia back again, I can't get up for her, please

The show usually does a better job of getting the "non-talking points" Republican supporters. I think they realize they will be called on their lies, but imo it wastes valuable time. If you have a viewpoint, let us hear it, factually, and back it up!

I would also hope that Chris would post the book titles that he rattles off so quickly when speaking, here on the website. Some of them sound pretty interesting, but I am not always close to paper to jot the titles down...

Must see tv for me every weekend!

Know your history. Democratric PArty is the party of slavery and the KKK. Search wikipedia and learn the historical facts. Painting republicans as racist is a diversionary tactic the left uses to sway public opinion inb their favor..

The Chris Hayes Show has totally redeemed itself in my eyes today!!! I turned on the TV for a few minutes before I planned to get busy with my day and I was MESMORIZED!! Brilliant show.

And Chris, you did a WONDERFUL job of shutting down the speakers who were trying to say "It's all the fault of the Democrats" instead of actually addressing the issues!

Michael Steele, when you are not "defending the party", you have some really great things to say! Hang in there, and if necessary, start your own branch of the Republican Party. I think you could bring some sanity back to that party!!

I LOVED Roy Avik's comments - shows that Romney, who has been running for President for 7 years, STILL doesn't have any policies or core values, and is now trying to distance itself from the Republican Platform? What about all that dog-whistling to the "base"?

And Wendell Cox - do we need to introduce you to the 21'st Century? We all don't work in "offices" any more - there is a whole lot of telecommuting going on and it is just going to increase - more and more people like me will be able to live ANYWHERE WE WANT and what we want is a place that has more to it that just a church on the street corner! Just about everything I heard you say applied in the 50's but has absolutely NO MEANING now! Flight to the suburbs? Yea, to suburbs like Reston, VA that have WALKABLE streets and a vibrant social life, not like "I Love Lucy" suburbs where everyone drives everywhere and the sidewalks roll up at 6 PM! Regulation driving up home prices???????? Nah, that was just pure GREED that did that - had nothing to do with "regulation"!!

Chris; sadly, the city/suburbs conversation totally missed the point because it ignored the dominant role of tax law. Specifically, local income taxes are paid where you LIVE (suburbs) not where the income is earned (cities.) Because it has no state to redistribute income tax revenues as ALL states now do, Washington DC is the best example of the enormous, perverse effects of this key tax distinction of home and work. Last year (2011) $78 billion of net wage/salary income (after SS payments) was earned in DC but $44 billion of this was paid to people who live outside DC, mostly in Virginia and Maryland. Income taxes on this $44 billion of earnings in DC was paid where these people live which is why you have so many fountains, gold courses, great public schools, etc. in Fairfax VA and Montgomery MD. Only $34 billion (less than 44%) of DC's earned income paid ANY income tax in DC which is why DC's property taxes and fees are as high as they are (contributing to higher housing costs) and why sales taxes are so high they drive shoppers to the fountain-filled malls in the suburbs. And, of course, this is one of the major reasons why DC schools and other services are so poor, etc. DC is unique only in not having a state to "subsidize" it by offsetting a portion of the home/work income tax loss. Ever wonder why there are no prosperous, growing suburbs far from a city? The best/highest paying jobs are almost always in the cities -- even troubled ones like Detroit and Cleveland. Of course cities continue to compete for jobs with suburbs where, because of this massive tax subsidies from cities, suburban public schools are usually better...and parking is free. But the real battle today for cities is to reduce their massive tax subsidies to their suburbs and to retain and attract more of those who already work in the city to live and pay income taxes there as well. And yes, just as in the suburban malls, fountains and other amenities do help attract residents.

The comments from 'expert' Wendell Cox was less of an expert, but more of a lobbyist. His 'development' strategy, more sprawl, less regulation leads to lower cost is an insult to listeners concerned with every expanding, subsidized housing. Holding his thesis accountable, I would point out to the subsidized (be existing taxpayers, the increased costs of roads, sewers, police, schools, pollution, city maintenance, travel times, etc.) Developer seldom address most of these costs -- that is exactly why they develop sprawl. It is easier to pass along the costs and therefore, increase profits, without amortizing the cost of the before mentioned subsidizes. City bureaucrats seldom have the vision to calculate the costs of annexing another parcel on their cities borders. Developers hire 'experts' like Mr. Cox that enthusiastically supports this kind of cost shifting.

Begin to add all the subsidies to the costs of these 'new' developments and there is a much different picture. Contrasts his 'utopia' to the real development cost of rebuilding inter cities. Most of the roads and streets are in place, existing sewers, and water lines require maintenance regardless of sprawl, schools, transportation systems improvements are less expensive than building new 'interstates' to far reaching suburbs. The costs of war (related to subsidizing oil prices seem to evade Mr. Cox).

The other major issues is that abandoning inter cities is a very costly exercise. Adding the cost of crime, and the criminal justice system is a hugh factor that is usually ignored. Rather than leaving sectors, rebuilding them with convenience, safety is all the more achieved by having stake holders paying attention. ("A watched pot seldom boils"). I can go on and on -- I won't here, but I would suggest that you may want to read John Norquist's 'The Wealth of Cities". As well as Doug Farr's Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature to understand there are logical solutions that make sense. Mr. Wendell's continued reference to 'pretty fountains' was insulting to anyone seriously interested in this topic.

It amazes me to see these 'free market' ideologues dropping stupid un-informed (at best) out right deceit (at worse) innuendoes such as the 'free will' markets -- when they must rely on so much public assistance.

I would suggest having some balance -- challenge the status quo with some of the real facts regarding sprawl, and the fact all we as citizens really want is clean, safe and convenient places to live, work, and play.

P.S. -- Try having Doug Farr (Chicago based architect) as a guest to understand how we can afford transforming cities -- a cost effective approach is more sustainable than creating ever expanding maintenance problems. I will add, I believe addressing convenient public and private transportation system may be the key to sustainability. Much more discussion on this topic is important -- sustainability is the real issue.

When Wendell Cox suggests that urban planning boundaries increase costs, he implies it is a bad thing. If we want to preserve the environment outside of a city (that's "want", not "need") then we need to restrict (not necessarily stop) the growth of that city. We could do that by having a panel of citizens choosing who stays, but that would be odious to the extreme. The use of money, and the free market, may be unbalanced, but it is at least fair. If the city declines as a result of too many low-wage workers leaving, then that's the invisible hand making its adjustments. But to borrow a line from Yogi Berra: no one lives there any more because it's too crowded.

There are other ways to restrict growth. One approach would be to tax development and property in absolute dollars (instead of as a percentage). This would include external costs into the market. But taxes are hard, often requiring two thirds majority votes. Planning boundaries are generally less effort.

I think the libertarian faction of the Republican party will go their own way eventually https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tLN5NBZ5KU&feature=player_embedded

The Republican party pulled in the Tea Party movement before the 2010 elections and many now are representatives in Washington, where they halted all Congressional activities and gave Congress its lowest rating. The social conservatives in the Republican party are now using the party to push their social agenda, which is not the same as that of the Tea Party. Since the Tea Party does not have an 'official' agenda, except reducing the deficit, their representatives are now in the Republican party and have to support the party.

The question will be what all those people voting for the Tea Party in 2010 are going to do in November, since their agenda is kidnapped by the social conservatives, who are not interested in smaller governments and deficits, as shown by previous republican administrations.

I agree with some commenters here that Elise Jordan and Sophia Nelson are kind of soso as guests. Having them at the table is like having to generic Republican voices giving the rest of the panel a thread of commonplace Republican talking points to argue against.

If you like a good engaging conversation, a talk like that is kind of lame. On the other hand, from what I read and hear from the Republican side of things, they are quite representative.

And I agree with the comment on Michael Steele. He seems to have been underrated or he chose to portray himself awkwardly in the past (for whatever reason). Now he actually comes across as a sensible guy with opinions that I don't share. Maybe he'll be an Independent before long.

The discussion on city planning was disappointing. Wendell Cox is a well-known sprawl advocate, but Michael Bell did not hold up his end of the discussion. (Too bad you couldn't get Andreas Duany). Someone needs to make these points: 1. Old cities like New York and San Francisco were built by private funds. Suburbs didn't take off until the government started putting big money into highways and home loans. And suburbs survive only through major regulations on the sizes of lots, roads, houses, parking lots etc. Conservatives are on the wrong side here. 2. Suburbs and exurbs keep moving out into the countryside while the centers decay. This happens because people would rather put in new, subsidized infrastructure than maintain the infrastructure they already have. Please invite Chuck Marohn from Strong Towns (strongtowns.org) to give the conservative perspective on this: we cannot pay for the infrastructure we are building. 3. Walkable places are more expensive because the demand for them exceeds the supply. Market-based solution: build more of them.

Did anyone else hear Melissa's f-bomb?