On October 20, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee received a resounding 80% vote of attendees of the evangelical Family Research Council DC conference.
Another boost then the broadside
Though he placed a close second in the overall straw poll vote, including online voters, Huckabee received this big boost followed by an admiring piece of the New York Times columnist David Brooks who called him the GOP’s “unity” candidate. Warren Cole Smith of the Evangelical Press News Service believe Huckabee to be the evangelical dream candidate. Sandwiched in the accolades was a broadside from Wall Street Journal’s conservative columnist John Fund.
All three articles were convincing to a point. Then came Huckabee’s response to Fund’s criticism; this article seemed to have been the less convincing one for some conservatives.
The unity candidate
Brooks’ piece asserted that Huckabee’s social conservatism and moderate economic and governmental approach could unite the various factions of the GOP, thereby giving it a united front against Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democrat nominee.
The dream candidate
Smith's article noted that Huckabee is the dream evangelical candidate who is building his support and who can defeat liberalism (Giuliani) and Mormonism (Romney) then possibly go all the way to the White House seemed plausible. But Smith’s piece seemed long on hope and short on a few accurate details. He said, “Romney’s numbers are “not even in the teens.” In fact, Romney is leading in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan and South Carolina. Another dreamy quote: “If current trends continue, he could overtake either McCain or Romney in the national polls within the next few weeks.” Smith needs to look at RealClearPolitics.com and its long term media polls to see reality clearly.
A liberal-populist
WSJ’s Fund used credible sources in advancing his view that Huckabee is socially conservative but liberal-populist on economic matters, while Huckabee’s disposition in dealing with a Democrat Congress is moderate.
Fund quotes:
1. long-time conservative Phyllis Schlafly: “He destroyed the conservative movement in Arkansas, and left the Republican Party in shambles;”
2. Republican conservative and former Colorado governor Bill Owens (a Romney supporter) said: “he took positions to my left” during the National Governors’ Association meetings;
3. Paul Pressler, a former federal circuit court judge over Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana and who led the conservative Southern Baptist resurgence said: "I know of no conservative he appointed while he headed the Arkansas Baptist Convention."
A moderate approach
These specific criticisms were not answered directly by Huckabee in his October 28 response. Some of the specifics he offered were his strong willingness to compromise with U.S. congressional Democrats regarding the SCHIP (a federal health program for children) and his commitment to reducing “our emission of greenhouse gases” by supporting “a cap and trade system.” Both issues are not front burner items for conservatives.
Huckabee listed his accomplishment in Arkansas, including providing $90 million in tax relief, a total of $380 million over 10.5 years while doubling the standard deduction for single and married taxpayers and creating health insurance coverage for more than 70,000 Arkansas kids.
An appeal for understanding
Huckabee appealed to his difficult position in passing Republican and/or conservative policies in an “overwhelmingly Democratic" state congress.
A social conservative, not a Reagan conservative
His answers were reasonable though not as effectively advanced as Fund’s criticisms. Hope, Arkansas’ Huckabee may be the hope for many evangelicals but may not be the highest hope for Ronald Reagan conservatives.
Nov 3, 2007
Romney rolling right along
Romney rolling right along
Two weeks after technically winning the evangelical Family Research Council (FRC) straw poll in Washington, DC, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is rolling right along in the Republican primary for United States president.
Behind but ahead
Though he is behind Rudy Giuliani in the national poll according to Realclearpolitics.com, he is leading in Iowa by 13.5 points, 8.0 in New Hampshire and .3 in South Carolina--the three most important leadoff primary events. How has Romney done this?
Diligently and shrewdly
For a year now, he has invested time, money and ideas in his campaign for president. He has plenty of money, time and ideas but he has also been shrewd. He has advertised early, put out the necessary time and money during critical moment while also building an impressive organization, especially here in South Carolina. His economic acumen is only matched by his political shrewdness.
Shrewdness snatches a big win
During the DC FRC straw poll, he received strong support by attendees but not compared to former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. A reliable source told me that Huckabee would win the straw poll by an overwhelming margin.
After the final vote was cast, Romney snatched victory from Huckabee by 30 votes out of almost 6000 cast.
Though he lost the attendee or on-site vote by almost 5:1, he came from nowhere to take the overall straw poll which accepted off site or online voting. Romney's shrewdness is evidence by Facebook email titled "2008 American Values Straw Poll: To members of Students for Mitt." Then it encourages supporters: "Please visit fraction.org and vote in the American Values Straw Poll by this Saturday. October 20 at noon EDT."
Mormon Romney takes evangelical vote
This last minute effort and other timely efforts allowed Mormon Romney to take the evangelical vote home.
At this moment, with Giuliani and Thompson getting a broadside from Dr. James Dobson, a prominent evangelical leader, and losing some steam, Romney seems to be swimming upstream diligently and shrewdly toward victory in the primary. After also being "rejected" by Dobson, he spoke admiring of Dobson and evangelicals during the FRC event which honored Dobson, and came away with a technical "KO" (knockout).
Getting along swimmingly
In a New York Times piece, Greenville (S.C.) County Republican chairman Samuel Harms said, Romney is running the ablest campaign. And after picking up Bob Jones, III's endorsement, the evangelical American Center for Law and Justice director Jay Sekulow and others, Romney is rolling right along. Or, as our British friends would say, he is getting along "swimmingly."
Update for November 7, 2008:
From Newsmax.com, conservative leader, Paul Weyrich, president of the Free Congress Foundation and who was the first president of the Heritage Foundation and instrumental in starting the Moral Majority, endorsed Mitt Romney as the presidential nominee of the Republican Party.
According to the Associated Press, Christian conservative leader and former presidential candidate, Pat Robertson, president of the Christian Broadcasting Network, Regent University and host the 700 Club, endorsed Rudy Giuliani as the presidential nominee of the Republican Party.
Two weeks after technically winning the evangelical Family Research Council (FRC) straw poll in Washington, DC, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is rolling right along in the Republican primary for United States president.
Behind but ahead
Though he is behind Rudy Giuliani in the national poll according to Realclearpolitics.com, he is leading in Iowa by 13.5 points, 8.0 in New Hampshire and .3 in South Carolina--the three most important leadoff primary events. How has Romney done this?
Diligently and shrewdly
For a year now, he has invested time, money and ideas in his campaign for president. He has plenty of money, time and ideas but he has also been shrewd. He has advertised early, put out the necessary time and money during critical moment while also building an impressive organization, especially here in South Carolina. His economic acumen is only matched by his political shrewdness.
Shrewdness snatches a big win
During the DC FRC straw poll, he received strong support by attendees but not compared to former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee. A reliable source told me that Huckabee would win the straw poll by an overwhelming margin.
After the final vote was cast, Romney snatched victory from Huckabee by 30 votes out of almost 6000 cast.
Though he lost the attendee or on-site vote by almost 5:1, he came from nowhere to take the overall straw poll which accepted off site or online voting. Romney's shrewdness is evidence by Facebook email titled "2008 American Values Straw Poll: To members of Students for Mitt." Then it encourages supporters: "Please visit fraction.org and vote in the American Values Straw Poll by this Saturday. October 20 at noon EDT."
Mormon Romney takes evangelical vote
This last minute effort and other timely efforts allowed Mormon Romney to take the evangelical vote home.
At this moment, with Giuliani and Thompson getting a broadside from Dr. James Dobson, a prominent evangelical leader, and losing some steam, Romney seems to be swimming upstream diligently and shrewdly toward victory in the primary. After also being "rejected" by Dobson, he spoke admiring of Dobson and evangelicals during the FRC event which honored Dobson, and came away with a technical "KO" (knockout).
Getting along swimmingly
In a New York Times piece, Greenville (S.C.) County Republican chairman Samuel Harms said, Romney is running the ablest campaign. And after picking up Bob Jones, III's endorsement, the evangelical American Center for Law and Justice director Jay Sekulow and others, Romney is rolling right along. Or, as our British friends would say, he is getting along "swimmingly."
Update for November 7, 2008:
From Newsmax.com, conservative leader, Paul Weyrich, president of the Free Congress Foundation and who was the first president of the Heritage Foundation and instrumental in starting the Moral Majority, endorsed Mitt Romney as the presidential nominee of the Republican Party.
According to the Associated Press, Christian conservative leader and former presidential candidate, Pat Robertson, president of the Christian Broadcasting Network, Regent University and host the 700 Club, endorsed Rudy Giuliani as the presidential nominee of the Republican Party.
Sep 29, 2007
Thompson leads in SC, closing in in Iowa and Florida
Former Tennessee U.S. Senator Fred Thompson is now leading the presidential Run for the Roses in the Republican column in South Carolina. This is not the new news, however; the new bit of information is coming from a Newsweek poll out this week: Thompson's horse is closing the gap with former Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney in the important starting post state of Iowa. The shocker: after months of tough retail politics and millions upon millions of dollars, Romney's lead is loosening.
Newsweek's numbers: Romney 24, Thompson 16, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani 13 and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee 12. At their peaks, Romney was at 31, Giulani at 28.
The point: if Thompson steals this race from Romney and places a respectable third in New Hampshire, Romney and Giuliani's regional home territory, then Thompson is in position to have the "big mo" (momentum) by winning South Carolina.
South Carolina has been the burial ground of many GOP contenders during the last 25 years. Pat Robertson and Jack Kemp lost here in 1988 and John McCain's Straight Talk Express was derailed in 2000; Ronald Reagan in 1980 and Bush 1 and Bush 2 left their competitors in the dust of South Carolina and went on to defeat their Democrat rivals.
So, again, if Thompson wins Iowa and then South Carolina, his big mo may be unstoppable going into Super Tuesday, the Southern Primary.
The Newsweek Iowa numbers also look good for Thompson in the strong support (1st number)/not strong support or leaning (2nd number):
Thompson 39/61
Romney 26/74
Giuliani 22/78
Why is this significant? A strong commitment is needed to take part in the Iowa Caucus where voters have to, at times, literally show up to vote then take a stand, even explaining their position--all during the middle of a cold, windy Iowa winter.
So not only is Thompson closing the gap in Iowa, he is within striking distance in the Sunshine state, Florida, where the 2000 race was decided.
Standing beside Thompson recently was the popular GOP governor Charlie Crist. Thompson's travels in Florida and growing support has quickly and surprisingly brought him to within striking distance at 6.7 points from Giuliani.
If Thompson captures Iowa, South Carolina and Florida, then he has the starting post, the critical middle junction and the clincher wrapped up in the GOP presidential Run for the Roses. With no "newt" comers in sight (Newt Gingrich, through his spokeman, has said that he would not be running), then the triple crown of Iowa, South Carolina and Florida would allow Thompson to fly through this race, though it is still over 13 months away.
And still, many doors remain to be knocked, phones to be worked over and flesh to be pressed.
But as in sports, momentum is key and Thompson may get that illusive GOP presidential key--we'll see! What do you say?!
Newsweek's numbers: Romney 24, Thompson 16, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani 13 and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee 12. At their peaks, Romney was at 31, Giulani at 28.
The point: if Thompson steals this race from Romney and places a respectable third in New Hampshire, Romney and Giuliani's regional home territory, then Thompson is in position to have the "big mo" (momentum) by winning South Carolina.
South Carolina has been the burial ground of many GOP contenders during the last 25 years. Pat Robertson and Jack Kemp lost here in 1988 and John McCain's Straight Talk Express was derailed in 2000; Ronald Reagan in 1980 and Bush 1 and Bush 2 left their competitors in the dust of South Carolina and went on to defeat their Democrat rivals.
So, again, if Thompson wins Iowa and then South Carolina, his big mo may be unstoppable going into Super Tuesday, the Southern Primary.
The Newsweek Iowa numbers also look good for Thompson in the strong support (1st number)/not strong support or leaning (2nd number):
Thompson 39/61
Romney 26/74
Giuliani 22/78
Why is this significant? A strong commitment is needed to take part in the Iowa Caucus where voters have to, at times, literally show up to vote then take a stand, even explaining their position--all during the middle of a cold, windy Iowa winter.
So not only is Thompson closing the gap in Iowa, he is within striking distance in the Sunshine state, Florida, where the 2000 race was decided.
Standing beside Thompson recently was the popular GOP governor Charlie Crist. Thompson's travels in Florida and growing support has quickly and surprisingly brought him to within striking distance at 6.7 points from Giuliani.
If Thompson captures Iowa, South Carolina and Florida, then he has the starting post, the critical middle junction and the clincher wrapped up in the GOP presidential Run for the Roses. With no "newt" comers in sight (Newt Gingrich, through his spokeman, has said that he would not be running), then the triple crown of Iowa, South Carolina and Florida would allow Thompson to fly through this race, though it is still over 13 months away.
And still, many doors remain to be knocked, phones to be worked over and flesh to be pressed.
But as in sports, momentum is key and Thompson may get that illusive GOP presidential key--we'll see! What do you say?!
Sep 7, 2007
Presidential Run for the Roses: Presumptive Nominee, then and now--Hillary Clinton
Since the day I heard the report that Hillary Clinton had shared her goal to a confidant in 1994 that she would run for president, I knew that she was going to be a force of political nature in presidential politics.
Many books have been written, two during the summer by liberal authors, including New York Times legend Carl Berstein, A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton, who noted her and Bill Clinton's plan back in the 70s of running for president--she would follow after he won two terms. The plan continues to be methodically applied; her blue eyes are on the presidential prize.
Hillary Clinton could have been the Democrat nominee in 2004 but she depthly chose the high road by going for elective experience. After U.S. Sen. John Kerry's narrow loss, she became the go-to-person. A shining star came up--U.S. Sen. Barack Obama--to distract the Democrats. Apparently, he is now a shooting star, a bright but short-lived show.
To many, Clinton has become a powerful, foreboding force on both sides of the political aisle. Republicans love and fear a Hillary Clinton nomination; some are deeply afraid of a Clinton win, others are confident of a Democrat loss if Clinton were nominated.
According to political guru, Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's political point man, Clinton has the highest negative for a presidential candidate in the history of polling (USA Today/Gallup survey in August of 1012 Americans--49% had an unfavorable impression of her and only 47% favorable). Also, about half of the electorate see her negatively and according to a recent hot/cold Gallup polling measure, they do not feel warmth toward her coldness (Obama wins the warmth numbers). Even in her own party, many view her negatively.
With all the negativity, will she even win her own party's nomination? Yes, whether voters like her or not, she has to be reckoned with and her unswerving determination to be the Democrat nominee will not be derailed. The Clintons will raise a record-breaking amount, along with positive, almost fawning, coverage by the elite media that stacks the stakes for her horse in the presidential run for the roses. (Few in the media, will speak negatively against her on the record or even have guests that are invited to speak negatively of her. Last year, another best selling book authored by a self-proclaimed longtime liberal was shunned by the media--only two had him as guest in all of television and cable, Sean Hannity of Fox News and Lou Dobbs of CNN.)
Finally, being from the Kentucky Derby state, having lived a few miles from Churchill Downs, I believe U.S. Senator and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton, against all the negativity, against all odds, against Rove's prediction and against a GOP nominee of Rudy Giuliani or Fred Thompson, has better than even odds to win the American presidential run for the roses of 2008.
What do you say about that?
Many books have been written, two during the summer by liberal authors, including New York Times legend Carl Berstein, A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton, who noted her and Bill Clinton's plan back in the 70s of running for president--she would follow after he won two terms. The plan continues to be methodically applied; her blue eyes are on the presidential prize.
Hillary Clinton could have been the Democrat nominee in 2004 but she depthly chose the high road by going for elective experience. After U.S. Sen. John Kerry's narrow loss, she became the go-to-person. A shining star came up--U.S. Sen. Barack Obama--to distract the Democrats. Apparently, he is now a shooting star, a bright but short-lived show.
To many, Clinton has become a powerful, foreboding force on both sides of the political aisle. Republicans love and fear a Hillary Clinton nomination; some are deeply afraid of a Clinton win, others are confident of a Democrat loss if Clinton were nominated.
According to political guru, Karl Rove, President George W. Bush's political point man, Clinton has the highest negative for a presidential candidate in the history of polling (USA Today/Gallup survey in August of 1012 Americans--49% had an unfavorable impression of her and only 47% favorable). Also, about half of the electorate see her negatively and according to a recent hot/cold Gallup polling measure, they do not feel warmth toward her coldness (Obama wins the warmth numbers). Even in her own party, many view her negatively.
With all the negativity, will she even win her own party's nomination? Yes, whether voters like her or not, she has to be reckoned with and her unswerving determination to be the Democrat nominee will not be derailed. The Clintons will raise a record-breaking amount, along with positive, almost fawning, coverage by the elite media that stacks the stakes for her horse in the presidential run for the roses. (Few in the media, will speak negatively against her on the record or even have guests that are invited to speak negatively of her. Last year, another best selling book authored by a self-proclaimed longtime liberal was shunned by the media--only two had him as guest in all of television and cable, Sean Hannity of Fox News and Lou Dobbs of CNN.)
Finally, being from the Kentucky Derby state, having lived a few miles from Churchill Downs, I believe U.S. Senator and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton, against all the negativity, against all odds, against Rove's prediction and against a GOP nominee of Rudy Giuliani or Fred Thompson, has better than even odds to win the American presidential run for the roses of 2008.
What do you say about that?
Presidential Run for the Roses: Thompson in--finally!
After months of testing the waters and the patience of many Republicans, former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson finally made his presidential run for the roses official.
Some say it is too late. Others say the race is already crowded. Still others believe he got in just in the nick of time.
Thompson responded by saying that he is not running a conventional insider campaign. He is an outsider, saying on NBC's Jay Leno, "I don't think people are going to say, 'You know, that guy would make a very good president but he just didn't get in soon enough.'"
If Thompson survives the expected character assassinations (including accusations of laziness, lacking the fire,) then conservatives may have an electable and consistent conservative, who is an accomplished actor, possesses magnetism and able to defeat the "mother" of all liberals--Hillary Clinton.
According to a recent AP story, former president Bill Clinton remarked about Thompson on CNN's Larry King, "he has a certain swagger," "he is smart. And he knows what to say and how to say it, to appeal to a certain big swath of the American electorate."
Was it smart for him to skip the New Hampshire Republican debate for the Leno show? Some say that this single act offended the sensibilities of New Hampshire Republicans. Frankly, it may have shown some political shrewdness by appearing on a cable ad immediately prior to the start of the debate broadcasted by Fox News, then showing up on Jay Leno later that night. On this night, Thompson seemed to show a persona that is above the fray and the bickering, at least for now.
According to the new campaign Web site, Thompson's message is for a stronger, more prosperous and unified America.
In his upcoming trip to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, then the Sept. 27 GOP debate in Baltimore, he must show himself a leader, commanding the issues and his competitors, a tall order for even the Law and Order prosecutor.
In South Carolina he is leading the pack. Thompson is one point ahead of former New York City Mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giullani, according to last week's Gallup poll. If he starts pulling away in South Carolina and tying former Governor Mitt Romney in Iowa and New Hampshire, Thompson may face the presumptive Democrat nominee for president, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY. More on Sen. Clinton in my next blog.
My question, do you think Thompson will survive September? And if he does, does he takeover the presidential run for the roses for the GOP?
Some say it is too late. Others say the race is already crowded. Still others believe he got in just in the nick of time.
Thompson responded by saying that he is not running a conventional insider campaign. He is an outsider, saying on NBC's Jay Leno, "I don't think people are going to say, 'You know, that guy would make a very good president but he just didn't get in soon enough.'"
If Thompson survives the expected character assassinations (including accusations of laziness, lacking the fire,) then conservatives may have an electable and consistent conservative, who is an accomplished actor, possesses magnetism and able to defeat the "mother" of all liberals--Hillary Clinton.
According to a recent AP story, former president Bill Clinton remarked about Thompson on CNN's Larry King, "he has a certain swagger," "he is smart. And he knows what to say and how to say it, to appeal to a certain big swath of the American electorate."
Was it smart for him to skip the New Hampshire Republican debate for the Leno show? Some say that this single act offended the sensibilities of New Hampshire Republicans. Frankly, it may have shown some political shrewdness by appearing on a cable ad immediately prior to the start of the debate broadcasted by Fox News, then showing up on Jay Leno later that night. On this night, Thompson seemed to show a persona that is above the fray and the bickering, at least for now.
According to the new campaign Web site, Thompson's message is for a stronger, more prosperous and unified America.
In his upcoming trip to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, then the Sept. 27 GOP debate in Baltimore, he must show himself a leader, commanding the issues and his competitors, a tall order for even the Law and Order prosecutor.
In South Carolina he is leading the pack. Thompson is one point ahead of former New York City Mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giullani, according to last week's Gallup poll. If he starts pulling away in South Carolina and tying former Governor Mitt Romney in Iowa and New Hampshire, Thompson may face the presumptive Democrat nominee for president, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY. More on Sen. Clinton in my next blog.
My question, do you think Thompson will survive September? And if he does, does he takeover the presidential run for the roses for the GOP?
Aug 20, 2007
Presidential Run for the Roses: The Dems' Obama Factor
Barack Obama has made a big political splash ever since he keynoted the 2004 Democrat convention.
Obama's great speaking ability, brief but sterling credentials, including being a Harvard Law grad, fresh face and ideas continue to attract political coverage and potential voters. He is running for the roses, and running hard politically. Will his efforts and ideas be sufficient to overcome the mother of all candidates--U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY).
With all his positives, Obama is up against Hillary's hurricane force and the Clinton political machine. In the end, the Obama image will be paper mache'.
Since the 2004 election cycle, the Democrat presidential nomination has always been Hillary Clinton's province. She let it go to grow stronger in preparation for her historic presidential run for the roses--as the first woman representing a major party.
Obama's run is also historic--as the first ever minority nominee for a major party. But his inexperience is quite revealing of late. His foreign affairs comments lately have displayed immaturity to many long-time political observers. Obama's six year stint in the Illinois state senate and shorter stint in the U.S. Senate reflects little leadership experience, especially to be the leader of the free world. Many leftwing bloggers, Hollywood celebrities, monied people and voters are excited about his candidacy; his time may come, but it is not now.
Obama's great speaking ability, brief but sterling credentials, including being a Harvard Law grad, fresh face and ideas continue to attract political coverage and potential voters. He is running for the roses, and running hard politically. Will his efforts and ideas be sufficient to overcome the mother of all candidates--U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY).
With all his positives, Obama is up against Hillary's hurricane force and the Clinton political machine. In the end, the Obama image will be paper mache'.
Since the 2004 election cycle, the Democrat presidential nomination has always been Hillary Clinton's province. She let it go to grow stronger in preparation for her historic presidential run for the roses--as the first woman representing a major party.
Obama's run is also historic--as the first ever minority nominee for a major party. But his inexperience is quite revealing of late. His foreign affairs comments lately have displayed immaturity to many long-time political observers. Obama's six year stint in the Illinois state senate and shorter stint in the U.S. Senate reflects little leadership experience, especially to be the leader of the free world. Many leftwing bloggers, Hollywood celebrities, monied people and voters are excited about his candidacy; his time may come, but it is not now.
Jul 18, 2007
Presidential Run for the Roses: The GOP (Part 4)
Who will continue Reagan's conservative race? Thompson or Romney
Leader of the pack: Fred Thompson
As I look at today's news, the presidential horse race is heating up. According to Zogby International, the national preference vote is now led by former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson on the Republican column and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democrats. Discussion of the Democrats will follow the response of news reports of the Republicans.
Tough, tall Law and Order prosecutor Thompson is now trailing no one. His non-candidate presidential bid is bringing in cash and votes in a noted national preference poll. The Tennessean's eight year U.S. Senate experience, his Watergate background, as well as his acting role on NBC's hit show has conservatives longing for his horse to get in the starting gate. Will he throw in his hat in the ring to join the presidential run for the roses?
Every indication says "yes." Why the delay? As reported, it is either to prepare responses to predicted attacks or massage his message. Both Republican and Democrat opposition researchers are poring over his Senate record which is stored in 400 boxes at the University of Tennessee's Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. What have they found?
We've seen mostly a conservative record but also some nuanced answers by Thompson. For example, he is pro-life but will not apply an abortion "litmus test" on judges. While Thompson voted for legislation to ban "partial-birth abortion" and to prohibit federal funding of abortions (except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger), he also told the conservative Eagle Forum in a 1994 questionnaire, "I do not believe abortion should be criminalized. This battle will be won in the hearts and souls of the American people" (from www.newsmax.com/archives/articles).
The Newsmax article continues: "In a candidate survey the same year for The Tennessean newspaper, Thompson said that states should have the right to impose "reasonable restrictions on abortions such as parental notification . . . The ultimate decision on abortion should be left with the woman and not the government." For more information, including actual statements by Thompson, view http://www.youtube.com/ and type Fred Thompson.
Perhaps, Thompson's conservative supporters may be troubled by this final excerpt from the Newsmax article: "Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported that Thompson was retained by an abortion rights group, the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, to lobby the administration of President George H.W. Bush to ease a regulation that prevented clinics that received federal money from offering any abortion counseling." Thompson may be able to set the record straight via direct meetings with conservative leaders.
Conservative concerns may be answered by Thompson as political posturing given the realities of the Roe v. Wade precedent and future media attacks. Also, upon research, the Washington Post has found Thompson's close connection with trial lawyers, a group which vehemently opposes tort reform, another important GOP issue. Still another concern about Thompson is his "nay" vote on one of two impeachment charges against President Clinton. He was one of a handful of Republican senators that effectively voted to acquit Clinton.
So conservatives should ask for clarity from Thompson on these critical issues. Supporters may argue that if Thompson was completely candid, he could become a bigger target. Perhaps, behind-the-door assurances to key conservative leaders may suffice. To avoid deep disappointment, conservatives should vet this candidate on several fronts. Time is still on his side, as well as the conservative movement.
Thompson leads state polls in Georgia and Virginia, as well as the national preference poll of likely voters and has recently received supportive words from another possible presidential candidate--Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House. As implied in the Newsmax.com article, Newt's horse may stay at the starting gate if his issues are carried by another capable conservative.
Yet, criticism lingers that Thompson did not accomplish much during his eight year stint in the U.S. Senate. Some conservative leaders also claimed that he didn't lead on these issues except for the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform--which both conservative and liberal PACS despise. Newsmax's Ron Kessler also submitted an article recently demonstrating Thompson's lack luster efforts at political campaigning. If Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee for president, then it would be a take no prisoner type of horse race. Does Thompson really want the job? We soon shall see!
Romney runs and runs
One GOP candidate that has been running hard is former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Romney, according to the Zogby poll, is 3rd behind Giuliani (21%) and Thompson (22%). His 11% puts him at a distant third but ahead of fading McCain (9%). His vigorous campaign style and articulate disposition give him an uphill battle, but a fighting chance. He is second behind Thompson among "very conservative" voters. If Giuliani drops a horse shoe due to his left-of-center political and moral political and personal values, then Romney would be fighting for the largest GOP voting block.
Romney's enduring and vigorous effort has born some fruit. He has tied more recently Rudy Giuliani as GOP frontrunner according to the latest poll by the National Journal's Hotline Website of political insiders (see newsmax.com/archives/2007). Hotline noted that this surge reflects Romney's strength in early caucas and primary states Iowa and New Hampshire.
Will Romney's personal dynamism, proven leadership background (the Olympics in Utah) and budget savviness (in Massachusetts) overcome his conflicting positions--first pro-choice, then pro-life; first pro-gay, now pro-traditional marriage and other issues? The conventional wisdom is that Romney had to position himself as pro-woman and gay rights in order to run credible campaigns in the very blue state of Massachusetts from 1994-2002. Yet isn't he trying to position himself as a conservative to vie for the conservative voters, especially in the South, particularly South Carolina? His recent repositioning, according to Romney, occured in 2004 when he became pro-life and against embryonic stem cell research. But isn't 2004 the year to prepare running for the 2008 presidential election. The http://www.youtube.com/ excerpts of his changing positions are very credible, since you can see Romney, state his positions with conviction, only to change them.
Romney's political convictions may have changed but religious conservatives are troubled with his permanent Mormon religious beliefs. Both concerns may diminish Romney's rising star.
Positively, Romney's numbers have increased gradually, but will they continue to go up if Thompson jumps in the widening run for the roses?
The two apparently are vying for the same conservative constituents; both making the case that he will carry the Reagan mantle. Romney's test is the Thompson juggernaut. Who will carry the social conservatives all the way to the primary finish line and receive the GOP rose?
Both have gravitas but only one will carry the conservative vote. Romney may be the steady and credible sounding conservative; Thompson has a longer and broader conservative track record and is exciting the conservative electorate.
From this vantage point, Thompson looks to be the winner of this neck-to-neck conservative race--only if he jumps in.
Which horse is your choice, if any?
Leader of the pack: Fred Thompson
As I look at today's news, the presidential horse race is heating up. According to Zogby International, the national preference vote is now led by former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson on the Republican column and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democrats. Discussion of the Democrats will follow the response of news reports of the Republicans.
Tough, tall Law and Order prosecutor Thompson is now trailing no one. His non-candidate presidential bid is bringing in cash and votes in a noted national preference poll. The Tennessean's eight year U.S. Senate experience, his Watergate background, as well as his acting role on NBC's hit show has conservatives longing for his horse to get in the starting gate. Will he throw in his hat in the ring to join the presidential run for the roses?
Every indication says "yes." Why the delay? As reported, it is either to prepare responses to predicted attacks or massage his message. Both Republican and Democrat opposition researchers are poring over his Senate record which is stored in 400 boxes at the University of Tennessee's Howard Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. What have they found?
We've seen mostly a conservative record but also some nuanced answers by Thompson. For example, he is pro-life but will not apply an abortion "litmus test" on judges. While Thompson voted for legislation to ban "partial-birth abortion" and to prohibit federal funding of abortions (except in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is in danger), he also told the conservative Eagle Forum in a 1994 questionnaire, "I do not believe abortion should be criminalized. This battle will be won in the hearts and souls of the American people" (from www.newsmax.com/archives/articles).
The Newsmax article continues: "In a candidate survey the same year for The Tennessean newspaper, Thompson said that states should have the right to impose "reasonable restrictions on abortions such as parental notification . . . The ultimate decision on abortion should be left with the woman and not the government." For more information, including actual statements by Thompson, view http://www.youtube.com/ and type Fred Thompson.
Perhaps, Thompson's conservative supporters may be troubled by this final excerpt from the Newsmax article: "Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Times reported that Thompson was retained by an abortion rights group, the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association, to lobby the administration of President George H.W. Bush to ease a regulation that prevented clinics that received federal money from offering any abortion counseling." Thompson may be able to set the record straight via direct meetings with conservative leaders.
Conservative concerns may be answered by Thompson as political posturing given the realities of the Roe v. Wade precedent and future media attacks. Also, upon research, the Washington Post has found Thompson's close connection with trial lawyers, a group which vehemently opposes tort reform, another important GOP issue. Still another concern about Thompson is his "nay" vote on one of two impeachment charges against President Clinton. He was one of a handful of Republican senators that effectively voted to acquit Clinton.
So conservatives should ask for clarity from Thompson on these critical issues. Supporters may argue that if Thompson was completely candid, he could become a bigger target. Perhaps, behind-the-door assurances to key conservative leaders may suffice. To avoid deep disappointment, conservatives should vet this candidate on several fronts. Time is still on his side, as well as the conservative movement.
Thompson leads state polls in Georgia and Virginia, as well as the national preference poll of likely voters and has recently received supportive words from another possible presidential candidate--Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House. As implied in the Newsmax.com article, Newt's horse may stay at the starting gate if his issues are carried by another capable conservative.
Yet, criticism lingers that Thompson did not accomplish much during his eight year stint in the U.S. Senate. Some conservative leaders also claimed that he didn't lead on these issues except for the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform--which both conservative and liberal PACS despise. Newsmax's Ron Kessler also submitted an article recently demonstrating Thompson's lack luster efforts at political campaigning. If Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee for president, then it would be a take no prisoner type of horse race. Does Thompson really want the job? We soon shall see!
Romney runs and runs
One GOP candidate that has been running hard is former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Romney, according to the Zogby poll, is 3rd behind Giuliani (21%) and Thompson (22%). His 11% puts him at a distant third but ahead of fading McCain (9%). His vigorous campaign style and articulate disposition give him an uphill battle, but a fighting chance. He is second behind Thompson among "very conservative" voters. If Giuliani drops a horse shoe due to his left-of-center political and moral political and personal values, then Romney would be fighting for the largest GOP voting block.
Romney's enduring and vigorous effort has born some fruit. He has tied more recently Rudy Giuliani as GOP frontrunner according to the latest poll by the National Journal's Hotline Website of political insiders (see newsmax.com/archives/2007). Hotline noted that this surge reflects Romney's strength in early caucas and primary states Iowa and New Hampshire.
Will Romney's personal dynamism, proven leadership background (the Olympics in Utah) and budget savviness (in Massachusetts) overcome his conflicting positions--first pro-choice, then pro-life; first pro-gay, now pro-traditional marriage and other issues? The conventional wisdom is that Romney had to position himself as pro-woman and gay rights in order to run credible campaigns in the very blue state of Massachusetts from 1994-2002. Yet isn't he trying to position himself as a conservative to vie for the conservative voters, especially in the South, particularly South Carolina? His recent repositioning, according to Romney, occured in 2004 when he became pro-life and against embryonic stem cell research. But isn't 2004 the year to prepare running for the 2008 presidential election. The http://www.youtube.com/ excerpts of his changing positions are very credible, since you can see Romney, state his positions with conviction, only to change them.
Romney's political convictions may have changed but religious conservatives are troubled with his permanent Mormon religious beliefs. Both concerns may diminish Romney's rising star.
Positively, Romney's numbers have increased gradually, but will they continue to go up if Thompson jumps in the widening run for the roses?
The two apparently are vying for the same conservative constituents; both making the case that he will carry the Reagan mantle. Romney's test is the Thompson juggernaut. Who will carry the social conservatives all the way to the primary finish line and receive the GOP rose?
Both have gravitas but only one will carry the conservative vote. Romney may be the steady and credible sounding conservative; Thompson has a longer and broader conservative track record and is exciting the conservative electorate.
From this vantage point, Thompson looks to be the winner of this neck-to-neck conservative race--only if he jumps in.
Which horse is your choice, if any?
Jul 17, 2007
Presidential Run for the Roses: The GOP (Part 3)
Run Rudy Run!?
(For background, please read the previous two blogs, part 1 and 2)
In the Grand Old Party's presidential run for the roses, while U.S. Sen. John McCain's horse is losing steam, who will get the advantage in this presidential Derby? Will it be former mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani; former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney; the new white knight of conservatives, U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN; or, another candidate?
"America's Mayor," as Oprah Winfrey has dubbed Giuliani, has been on top of most national polls since last year. He is seen as the Republican's dragon slayer, homeland defender and the proven savvy spokesman during times of crisis, or does he, too, as McCain does, have a political Archilles heel, a horse shoe that will fall off?
As a big city mayor--none other than NYC--Giuliani handled the hot media debate on issues sucessfully, particularly during 9/11. In contrast, Iowa is retail politics: one-one-one or one-on-small group in the countryside, small farms and small shops. Can he endure small town America? Will he vigorously campaign in the Iowa hinterlands, during the cold caucus nights at the Hawkeye state? This is doable for Giulani as he remains focused.
Giuliani dealt with crime and criminals in NYC and was an articulate spokesman during 9/11, but can he stop Islamic Fascism? There is a vast difference of the two. Yet, dealing with NYC gangs and decades long criminals and criminal families, Giulani has proven more than anyone else (besides president Bush 1 and 2 and Reagan), that he is willing to face the forces of darkness. His background shows victories but also a pullout.
He had the opportunity to defeat Hilary Clinton during her initial bid for New York Senate. Giulani backed out due to prostate cancer. Clinton went on to win handily. Giulani has another opportunity to do what he should have done earlier--defeat Hilary Clinton. His aborted campaign had other, perhaps hidden, reasons, which may point to his Archilles heal.
Giulani, before his NY Senate campaign, was warned by his then wife, to stop, within a year, his involvement with another woman. Apparently, after the one year period ended, Giuliani continued the affair. His wife came out publicly denouncing her husband's adultery. This announcement was followed by the announcement that Giulani had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Giulani then stopped his NY Senate bid.
To further complicate his moral disposititons, Giulani marched with NYC gay groups for many years while also marching lockstep with abortion rights groups. The "A" issue along with the gay and abortion issues do not sit well with social conservatives.
As more and more social conservatives, the largest voting block in the Republican Party, learn more about Giulani the man, how many will vote for him during the primary, particularly the South Carolina primary and later the in general election. Does he have other scandals yet to be revealed that Democrat opposition researchers will strategically leak to the media? With this moral Archilles heel, can he slay the dragon that will appear after the Democrat primary in 2008? Will their be a horse shoe that will drop during this lengthy presidential run for the roses?
He is seen as a hero to the nation, and particularly Republicans. He has led us through the wilderness of 9/11. In the end, is Giulani a biblical Samson, who led Israel for many years but had a moral weakness which led to his eventual downfall? Or will he be the St. George, saving the Republican village from a fire breathing Democrat dragon?
Your turn. What do you think?
For background, please read the two previous blogs, part 1 and 2.
Next Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson and other candidates.
(For background, please read the previous two blogs, part 1 and 2)
In the Grand Old Party's presidential run for the roses, while U.S. Sen. John McCain's horse is losing steam, who will get the advantage in this presidential Derby? Will it be former mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani; former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney; the new white knight of conservatives, U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN; or, another candidate?
"America's Mayor," as Oprah Winfrey has dubbed Giuliani, has been on top of most national polls since last year. He is seen as the Republican's dragon slayer, homeland defender and the proven savvy spokesman during times of crisis, or does he, too, as McCain does, have a political Archilles heel, a horse shoe that will fall off?
As a big city mayor--none other than NYC--Giuliani handled the hot media debate on issues sucessfully, particularly during 9/11. In contrast, Iowa is retail politics: one-one-one or one-on-small group in the countryside, small farms and small shops. Can he endure small town America? Will he vigorously campaign in the Iowa hinterlands, during the cold caucus nights at the Hawkeye state? This is doable for Giulani as he remains focused.
Giuliani dealt with crime and criminals in NYC and was an articulate spokesman during 9/11, but can he stop Islamic Fascism? There is a vast difference of the two. Yet, dealing with NYC gangs and decades long criminals and criminal families, Giulani has proven more than anyone else (besides president Bush 1 and 2 and Reagan), that he is willing to face the forces of darkness. His background shows victories but also a pullout.
He had the opportunity to defeat Hilary Clinton during her initial bid for New York Senate. Giulani backed out due to prostate cancer. Clinton went on to win handily. Giulani has another opportunity to do what he should have done earlier--defeat Hilary Clinton. His aborted campaign had other, perhaps hidden, reasons, which may point to his Archilles heal.
Giulani, before his NY Senate campaign, was warned by his then wife, to stop, within a year, his involvement with another woman. Apparently, after the one year period ended, Giuliani continued the affair. His wife came out publicly denouncing her husband's adultery. This announcement was followed by the announcement that Giulani had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Giulani then stopped his NY Senate bid.
To further complicate his moral disposititons, Giulani marched with NYC gay groups for many years while also marching lockstep with abortion rights groups. The "A" issue along with the gay and abortion issues do not sit well with social conservatives.
As more and more social conservatives, the largest voting block in the Republican Party, learn more about Giulani the man, how many will vote for him during the primary, particularly the South Carolina primary and later the in general election. Does he have other scandals yet to be revealed that Democrat opposition researchers will strategically leak to the media? With this moral Archilles heel, can he slay the dragon that will appear after the Democrat primary in 2008? Will their be a horse shoe that will drop during this lengthy presidential run for the roses?
He is seen as a hero to the nation, and particularly Republicans. He has led us through the wilderness of 9/11. In the end, is Giulani a biblical Samson, who led Israel for many years but had a moral weakness which led to his eventual downfall? Or will he be the St. George, saving the Republican village from a fire breathing Democrat dragon?
Your turn. What do you think?
For background, please read the two previous blogs, part 1 and 2.
Next Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson and other candidates.
Presidential Run for the Roses: The GOP (Part 2)
McCain's horse losing steam: What happened to media's darling? (For background, see previous blog entitled The GOP (Part 1)
As U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, tries to fend off the dark horses in the GOP presidential run for the roses, his campaign is imploding. Among many others, his chief fundraiser and communications director have resigned, hoping to go to greener pastures. literally. McCain's campaign is out of green cash. His Straight Talk Express is running out of gas (and gas money). What happened to this tough talking media savvy Vietnam veteran?
McCain's recent birthday bash was quite telling. The invited guests were members of the elite media. These were his darling constituents, broadcasting his every move--in a positive way. He was the Bush basher, the Republican maverick, the conservative who attacked conservatives and conservatism. He has had the backing of Indepedents nationally, particularly in New Hampshire, the first primary state. He had the cash and the best political operatives that money can buy.
McCain had the backing of the Republican establishment in South Carolina, the home of the first Southern primary. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, advanced his issues, including immigration. McCain's run for the roses always had an Archilles heel, or a loose horse shoe. That shoe is now falling off.
The Republican and conservatives leaders that he had distanced, sometimes attacked, are the ones who directly vote or influence major groups to vote, not the members of the elite media. Polls are now showing that his strategy has backfired.
Republicans and conservatives, the voting constituency, are not giving money and not acceding to his candidancy during state and national poll surveys. His initiatives, including the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform, his attack on President Bush's intelligence strategy, including the torture issue, his playing both sides of the abortion debate, along with pushing for the guest worker/immigration bill has caught up with him. Even his support for the War on Iraq has angered his media constitutency.
Perhaps, most of all, his media constitutency has embraced their natural allies--left leaning, egalitarian candidates U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-IL and Hilary Clinton, D-NY. McCain is back in New Hampshire to pick up the pieces, starting with the many Independent voters in the state.
In my home state of South Carolina, where McCain has nurtured the Republican party for over eight years, his efforts are not bearing fruit. The fruit is becoming stale, perhaps due to the conservative leaning of this state. His moderate, independent, and insurgency campaign is growing sour in this must-win state.
What about the other candidates, including former mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and likely candidacy of former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN? Will it be McCain at the Republican finish line or one of these other candidates? Catch me next time as I talk about these candidates and the other dark horse candidates in the Presidential Run for the Roses.
What do you think?
(For background, please see previous blog entitled Presidential Run for the Rose: GOP (Part 1)
As U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, tries to fend off the dark horses in the GOP presidential run for the roses, his campaign is imploding. Among many others, his chief fundraiser and communications director have resigned, hoping to go to greener pastures. literally. McCain's campaign is out of green cash. His Straight Talk Express is running out of gas (and gas money). What happened to this tough talking media savvy Vietnam veteran?
McCain's recent birthday bash was quite telling. The invited guests were members of the elite media. These were his darling constituents, broadcasting his every move--in a positive way. He was the Bush basher, the Republican maverick, the conservative who attacked conservatives and conservatism. He has had the backing of Indepedents nationally, particularly in New Hampshire, the first primary state. He had the cash and the best political operatives that money can buy.
McCain had the backing of the Republican establishment in South Carolina, the home of the first Southern primary. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, advanced his issues, including immigration. McCain's run for the roses always had an Archilles heel, or a loose horse shoe. That shoe is now falling off.
The Republican and conservatives leaders that he had distanced, sometimes attacked, are the ones who directly vote or influence major groups to vote, not the members of the elite media. Polls are now showing that his strategy has backfired.
Republicans and conservatives, the voting constituency, are not giving money and not acceding to his candidancy during state and national poll surveys. His initiatives, including the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform, his attack on President Bush's intelligence strategy, including the torture issue, his playing both sides of the abortion debate, along with pushing for the guest worker/immigration bill has caught up with him. Even his support for the War on Iraq has angered his media constitutency.
Perhaps, most of all, his media constitutency has embraced their natural allies--left leaning, egalitarian candidates U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-IL and Hilary Clinton, D-NY. McCain is back in New Hampshire to pick up the pieces, starting with the many Independent voters in the state.
In my home state of South Carolina, where McCain has nurtured the Republican party for over eight years, his efforts are not bearing fruit. The fruit is becoming stale, perhaps due to the conservative leaning of this state. His moderate, independent, and insurgency campaign is growing sour in this must-win state.
What about the other candidates, including former mayor Rudolph "Rudy" Giuliani, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and likely candidacy of former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN? Will it be McCain at the Republican finish line or one of these other candidates? Catch me next time as I talk about these candidates and the other dark horse candidates in the Presidential Run for the Roses.
What do you think?
(For background, please see previous blog entitled Presidential Run for the Rose: GOP (Part 1)
Jul 12, 2007
Presidential Run for the Roses: The GOP (Part 1)
The Straight Talk Express hits a snag in South Carolina
While visiting my old stomping grounds, Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby. I thought of the political race that is heating up--the 2008 presidential race.
After a hard horse race, the Derby winner steps up and receives the bouquet of roses, specially made for the occasion, thus the race is called Run for the Roses. Another special race is starting to gain more attention, the presidential race, specially the primary in my current home state of South Carolina.
As a professor in politics, teaching the presidency and the media, South Carolina is known for picking winners. South Carolina is the gateway to the South, that is, the Southern Primary. Historically, South Carolina in 1980 chose Ronald Reagan, who became president. In 1988, South Carolina picked George H.W. Bush over Pat Robertson and Jack Kemp. Bush became president.
Again, in 2000, after a bitter defeat in New Hampshire, George W. Bush came back, winning a crucial victory over John McCain--where else? in South Carolina. George W. became the 43rd president.
Since 2000, John McCain has been courting South Carolina leaders and have been endorsed by many prominent Republicans, starting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, who has been "driving" the Straighttalk Express for about eight years. Graham needs to deliver for McCain, who may consider him as his vice presidential nominee.
McCain needs to win this state or his hopes will be dashed.
What do you think?
While visiting my old stomping grounds, Louisville, Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby. I thought of the political race that is heating up--the 2008 presidential race.
After a hard horse race, the Derby winner steps up and receives the bouquet of roses, specially made for the occasion, thus the race is called Run for the Roses. Another special race is starting to gain more attention, the presidential race, specially the primary in my current home state of South Carolina.
As a professor in politics, teaching the presidency and the media, South Carolina is known for picking winners. South Carolina is the gateway to the South, that is, the Southern Primary. Historically, South Carolina in 1980 chose Ronald Reagan, who became president. In 1988, South Carolina picked George H.W. Bush over Pat Robertson and Jack Kemp. Bush became president.
Again, in 2000, after a bitter defeat in New Hampshire, George W. Bush came back, winning a crucial victory over John McCain--where else? in South Carolina. George W. became the 43rd president.
Since 2000, John McCain has been courting South Carolina leaders and have been endorsed by many prominent Republicans, starting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, who has been "driving" the Straighttalk Express for about eight years. Graham needs to deliver for McCain, who may consider him as his vice presidential nominee.
McCain needs to win this state or his hopes will be dashed.
What do you think?
Jun 28, 2007
Amnesty Away
Under the law
Obedience to American law was my family's step toward citizenship. I became a citizen at 16 years old, seven years after my arrival to this land of liberty. It does matter what you do first in regard to one's new country. If breaking the law is the first deed; it won't be the last time.
My Filipino parents respect American law and abided by it then and now. Respect for law is a principle that I am teaching my students and children. So it is good that illegal immigrants were not rewarded with a helping hand towards the path to a very valued asset, United States citizenship.
U.S. citizenship is a prize
American citizenship should be treasured by Americans, especially by American leaders; much of the world are striving, even dying, to get this status. Leaders, including Pres. Bush, U.S. senators John Kerry, D-Mass, Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, John McCain, R-AZ, Lindsey Graham, R-SC should never be permitted to give away the right to citizenship like food stamps for mere votes (for future Hispanic votes, the leading minority voting bloc). Even with good intentions, which I believe some on the pro-illegal immigration side have, the move to make illegals legal will only invite civil disobedience, cultural division and constitutional devolution.
Political fallout
In this transcending issue, the winners:
law, reason and principle over appeasement, emotion and compromise;
conservatives over liberals;
Southerners and social conservatives over northerners and establishment politicians;
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Al over U.S. senators Ted Kennedy & John Kerry, D-Mass;
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC over U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC;
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-TX over U.S. Senator John Kyl- R-AZ;
Grassroots conservatism over pragmatic and patrician Republicanism (Pres. Bush, Sen. McCain)
The law and order presidency on this issue gave in to compromise and emotion, while the Graham/McCain duo lost to DeMint and Sessions (as a South Carolinian, perhaps, DeMint will become the movement senator in our state). Senator Kyl, the leading conservative in the senate who formely led the fight on this issue may now take a back seat to Sen. Cornyn, R-TX.
This issue has proved that grassroot and cultural conservatism along with Talk Radio can still stand against liberal, Beltway politicians, the elite media, and the President--that shows political and cultural depth and strength.
Illegal immigration is an issue that is legal, cultural, moral and constitutional, and should be resolved by upholding current law first followed by, if necessary, an amendment process. The issue of abortion was decided by men in black (the U.S. Supreme Court) and still remains a deeply divisive issue. Illegal immigration should, if necessary, be finally resolved through the amendment process in order to allow U.S. constitutional law, human reason and national unity to again be our standard.
These are my initial thoughts. What are yours?
For an in-depth discussion of this topic, please go back to my website at http://www.drecarma.com/ and read my published writings on the right side of the home page. Please click my illegal immigration article.
Obedience to American law was my family's step toward citizenship. I became a citizen at 16 years old, seven years after my arrival to this land of liberty. It does matter what you do first in regard to one's new country. If breaking the law is the first deed; it won't be the last time.
My Filipino parents respect American law and abided by it then and now. Respect for law is a principle that I am teaching my students and children. So it is good that illegal immigrants were not rewarded with a helping hand towards the path to a very valued asset, United States citizenship.
U.S. citizenship is a prize
American citizenship should be treasured by Americans, especially by American leaders; much of the world are striving, even dying, to get this status. Leaders, including Pres. Bush, U.S. senators John Kerry, D-Mass, Ted Kennedy, D-Mass, John McCain, R-AZ, Lindsey Graham, R-SC should never be permitted to give away the right to citizenship like food stamps for mere votes (for future Hispanic votes, the leading minority voting bloc). Even with good intentions, which I believe some on the pro-illegal immigration side have, the move to make illegals legal will only invite civil disobedience, cultural division and constitutional devolution.
Political fallout
In this transcending issue, the winners:
law, reason and principle over appeasement, emotion and compromise;
conservatives over liberals;
Southerners and social conservatives over northerners and establishment politicians;
U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Al over U.S. senators Ted Kennedy & John Kerry, D-Mass;
U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, R-SC over U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC;
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-TX over U.S. Senator John Kyl- R-AZ;
Grassroots conservatism over pragmatic and patrician Republicanism (Pres. Bush, Sen. McCain)
The law and order presidency on this issue gave in to compromise and emotion, while the Graham/McCain duo lost to DeMint and Sessions (as a South Carolinian, perhaps, DeMint will become the movement senator in our state). Senator Kyl, the leading conservative in the senate who formely led the fight on this issue may now take a back seat to Sen. Cornyn, R-TX.
This issue has proved that grassroot and cultural conservatism along with Talk Radio can still stand against liberal, Beltway politicians, the elite media, and the President--that shows political and cultural depth and strength.
Illegal immigration is an issue that is legal, cultural, moral and constitutional, and should be resolved by upholding current law first followed by, if necessary, an amendment process. The issue of abortion was decided by men in black (the U.S. Supreme Court) and still remains a deeply divisive issue. Illegal immigration should, if necessary, be finally resolved through the amendment process in order to allow U.S. constitutional law, human reason and national unity to again be our standard.
These are my initial thoughts. What are yours?
For an in-depth discussion of this topic, please go back to my website at http://www.drecarma.com/ and read my published writings on the right side of the home page. Please click my illegal immigration article.
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