Bill Cunningham is a conservative radio personality out of Cincinnati who hosts a nationally-syndicated talk show. When John McCain appeared at a rally with him yesterday, Cunningham used Obama's full name three times when talking about his platform and the liberal media is fuming. John McCain sincerely apologized for his comments and once again displayed he is a medical miracle; that is being born without a spine.
Barack Hussein Obama- This is the man's name. This is not an insult. For years we have referred to Mrs. Clinton as Hillary Rodham Clinton.
I knew this day would finally come; I can't believe it took this long actually. The moment a conservative uses Barack's full name, he is dismissed as a bigot.
Senator Obama is receiving unprecedented treatment from the liberal media. When a candidate is anointed as the front-runner, traditionally the press is relentless in their investigations into his past. But I have not seen any investigative reporting going on here. The Clinton News Network jumps on the New York Times garbage regarding McCain, even the news of the Clinton Machine losing money received ample air time; which brings us back to Mrs. Clinton's line of the evening at the debate: "Does he (Barack) need another pillow?"
The Maverick has caved yet again to liberal pressure and has denounced Cunningham for his remarks. As a result of yet another act of cowardly appeasement by McCain, Cunningham announced he will now be supporting Hillary Clinton.
How many bridges is McCain willing to burn?
Barack Hussein Obama folks; this is not a slanderous wisecrack; it is the man's name.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Courage or Desperation?
As of this writing, we are half-way through this rather fierce debate and the Clinton Machine is functioning on all cylinders. She has certainly not pulled any punches this evening, launching piercing attacks on Senator Obama, the GOP and even Tim Russert. So is she acting like this because essentially she has nothing left to lose anymore?
The behavior being displayed by Mrs. Bill Clinton suggests she may be on the verge of a psychosis of sorts. Every answer has been long-winded tonight which often leads to the moderators pleading with her to stop talking. Her answers to relatively hardball questions have almost never been straight-forward, instead she finds a way to spin it against Obama.
When Tim Russert posed the important question "Would you reinvade Iraq if Al-Qaeda created another stronghold there?" Hillary barked "You're throwing out a lot of hypotheticals Tim".
This is the most unnerving response she could have given. That is not a hypothetical situation; I would even go as far as to argue it has already happened.
Barack has not been innocent tonight by any means. Both he and Mrs. Clinton always seem to revert to the old liberal credo: When a question is too difficult or complex to answer; blame and attack "W". Not quite the "party of ideas" they claim to be.
But my favorite barn-burner Hillary has hurled tonight:
"Maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow,"
John McCain is having the time of his life watching these two tear each other to shreds.
One less thing he has to do come November...
Monday, February 25, 2008
She's Had It!
Mrs. Clinton made it abundantly clear this weekend that she will be taking the gloves off for the rest of this campaign. She made several charismatic speeches slamming Obama and motivating her own base, even saying at one point "Shame on you (Obama)...". She has stepped up her campaign with her back against the wall coming into Super Tuesday II March 4th. This is the Hillary Clinton the public was familiar with prior to this campaign. She became much more subdued and restrained at the onset of this election and voters did not respond to that change well. They longed for the outspoken, opinionated and sometimes cynical Hillary. Now with her campaign bringing this persona out again, one has to wonder is it too late?
Barack Obama is walking a thin line right now as well. One of the elements people found the most appealing and magnetic was his soft-spoken and respectful demeanor towards his competition. Upon receiving the front-runner status now, his speeches have become much more abrasive and a bit hate-filled. He is taking shots at Hillary, McCain and the rest of the GOP constantly but this may turn off some of the independents who were leaning his way.
John McCain should keep a watchful eye on how these attacks among the Democrats are perceived by the American electorate. If his rhetoric and language against his opponent are too relentless or harsh, the media will certainly portray him as racist and/or sexist. This is a tough spot for the Maverick because the Karl Rove strategy for the GOP, a method that has had considerable success in the past, will not be applicable in 2008.
He'll need a new one and it better come pretty quickly.
Barack Obama is walking a thin line right now as well. One of the elements people found the most appealing and magnetic was his soft-spoken and respectful demeanor towards his competition. Upon receiving the front-runner status now, his speeches have become much more abrasive and a bit hate-filled. He is taking shots at Hillary, McCain and the rest of the GOP constantly but this may turn off some of the independents who were leaning his way.
John McCain should keep a watchful eye on how these attacks among the Democrats are perceived by the American electorate. If his rhetoric and language against his opponent are too relentless or harsh, the media will certainly portray him as racist and/or sexist. This is a tough spot for the Maverick because the Karl Rove strategy for the GOP, a method that has had considerable success in the past, will not be applicable in 2008.
He'll need a new one and it better come pretty quickly.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Just Not Enough
Last night's Democratic debate on CNN offered no surprises or newfound momentum for Mrs. Clinton's campaign. I chose not to watch the show in its entirety because I felt I didn't have enough hard liquor in my apartment to make it through two hours of Bush-bashing and empty promises.
CNN's proclivity towards Hillary was completely unprofessional. The softball questions the moderators spoon-fed her did not pay off however. Hillary played it quite carefully, rarely changing her voice tone or showing any human emotion whatsoever. The debate essentially was a draw; but for the Clinton campaign who was in serious need for an exceptional showing, it was yet another missed opportunity.
I chose not to comment about this when the story broke yesterday but I wanted to observe how everything will play out. The story ran by the New York Times regarding Senator McCain's alleged relationship with a lobbyist was unfounded and completely unethical. I don't comprehend the reasoning behind printing such a story on the front page without any credible sources. Apparently this article had been in the works for several months, but the Times chose to print it only when McCain became the presumptive nominee for the general.
But this contemptible and debauched attack from the liberal media has shown severe repercussions. This ploy has united the Republican party behind John McCain better than anything McCain could have constructed on his own. And the man behind this new movement was McCain's most outspoken critic: Rush.
Prior to this, I predicted a solid win for the Democrats come November. Now with the publishing of this story that has served as a call to arms for the GOP; all bets are off.
CNN's proclivity towards Hillary was completely unprofessional. The softball questions the moderators spoon-fed her did not pay off however. Hillary played it quite carefully, rarely changing her voice tone or showing any human emotion whatsoever. The debate essentially was a draw; but for the Clinton campaign who was in serious need for an exceptional showing, it was yet another missed opportunity.
I chose not to comment about this when the story broke yesterday but I wanted to observe how everything will play out. The story ran by the New York Times regarding Senator McCain's alleged relationship with a lobbyist was unfounded and completely unethical. I don't comprehend the reasoning behind printing such a story on the front page without any credible sources. Apparently this article had been in the works for several months, but the Times chose to print it only when McCain became the presumptive nominee for the general.
But this contemptible and debauched attack from the liberal media has shown severe repercussions. This ploy has united the Republican party behind John McCain better than anything McCain could have constructed on his own. And the man behind this new movement was McCain's most outspoken critic: Rush.
Prior to this, I predicted a solid win for the Democrats come November. Now with the publishing of this story that has served as a call to arms for the GOP; all bets are off.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Big 10
Mark it down; yesterday's contests push Obama to TEN straight victories.
Barack blew away Mrs. Clinton in Wisconsin by an eighteen point margin. He did so by finally cutting into the foundation of her support. Whether the top concern for voters was the war in Iraq, the economy, or health care the people chose Obama. He won with the male electorate as usual but managed to split the vote among women, 50-50. He won with voters making over $50,000 annually as well as with those who make less than $50,000 (Clinton almost exclusively gets this support). If the primary factor was voting for change or the candidate who is most likely to beat the GOP in November, those votes went his way also.
This is very troubling for Clinton as Ohio and Wisconsin are very similar in values and voter concerns. She has less than two weeks to choose a new message and pummel Obama with hits about inexperience and inconsistencies in his voting record.
The Maverick started the attack on Obama last night in a pretty well written stump speech, although Mac took his eyes off the teleprompter for all of thirty seconds. He is attempting to utilize the Karl Rove strategy of painting Obama as a man living in a pre-9/11 world. His wife turned up the heat yesterday as well saying "I have always been proud of my country" a direct slam of Michelle Obama's asinine gaffe.
Don't get me wrong; the democratic primary is not yet over. Hillary is not about to throw in the
towel and never underestimate the lengths the Clinton Machine will go to when it comes to stealing an election.
The Democrat Party's house is in disorder, I'd watch how they handle it.
Barack blew away Mrs. Clinton in Wisconsin by an eighteen point margin. He did so by finally cutting into the foundation of her support. Whether the top concern for voters was the war in Iraq, the economy, or health care the people chose Obama. He won with the male electorate as usual but managed to split the vote among women, 50-50. He won with voters making over $50,000 annually as well as with those who make less than $50,000 (Clinton almost exclusively gets this support). If the primary factor was voting for change or the candidate who is most likely to beat the GOP in November, those votes went his way also.
This is very troubling for Clinton as Ohio and Wisconsin are very similar in values and voter concerns. She has less than two weeks to choose a new message and pummel Obama with hits about inexperience and inconsistencies in his voting record.
The Maverick started the attack on Obama last night in a pretty well written stump speech, although Mac took his eyes off the teleprompter for all of thirty seconds. He is attempting to utilize the Karl Rove strategy of painting Obama as a man living in a pre-9/11 world. His wife turned up the heat yesterday as well saying "I have always been proud of my country" a direct slam of Michelle Obama's asinine gaffe.
Don't get me wrong; the democratic primary is not yet over. Hillary is not about to throw in the
towel and never underestimate the lengths the Clinton Machine will go to when it comes to stealing an election.
The Democrat Party's house is in disorder, I'd watch how they handle it.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
What is She Thinking?
Mrs. Clinton I do believe that at long last you have lost your mind. I do not know if it is the fact that your front-runner status has been revoked, your campaign being in debt or your endorsements dwindling; but why exactly would you attack Senator Obama over his "Just Words" speech?
Three days ago Obama was delivering a speech to a receptive crowd in which he lifted several phrases from Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. Someone inside the Clinton machine caught the distinct similarities between the rhetoric of these two men and brought it to the media's attention. Barack acknowledged he should have given credit to the governor but that Patrick specifically gave him permission to use the lines.
Plagiarism is a serious offense, everyone can be in accordance with that. However it is not a case of plagiarism when the owner, the original orator of the speech allows Senator Obama to lift several lines from it.
Hillary is attempting to discredit Obama saying his authenticity should be questioned, but this is a slippery slope for the senator from New York. The last thing Mrs. Clinton should be doing is engaging in a moral and character debate with Senator Obama because inevitably enough her husband will become the focus. And I think we can all concede nine times out of ten, Slick Willy will lose a debate regarding character.
Of all the fuel Senator Obama has provided her, I can not believe she would go after such a trivial issue and keep it in the news during today's important primaries: His inexperience as a statesmen; the number of times he has voted 'present' in the Illinois State Legislature (voting 'present' is neither an aye or nay vote, essentially abstaining from the vote itself) on controversial issues in order to avoid any accountability; or even Michelle Obama's colorful remark yesterday "for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country...".
Mrs. Clinton, if you are not going to start using this ammunition than I assure you we republicans will.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Maverick Wants W's Money, Not his Presence
The New York Times has an article depicting just how John McCain can match the monumental funds raised by Barack Obama's campaign: tap into President Bush. Bush broke the records in terms of fund raising during both of his prior elections. He has an allure that attracts throngs of wealthy conservatives and their checkbooks.
But this is a slippery slope for McCain: The campaign has already noted internally that the image of Bush standing next to McCain will cripple his chances of attracting independents or liberals who might be leaning towards the enlightened side of the political spectrum.
The McCain camp would certainly like to put President Bush on the campaign trail as soon as he becomes the official nominee. But don't expect many joint appearances between these two men. Not only is there still some bitterness remaining over the 2000 primary campaign, but the 30% approval rate will not bode well for the Maverick's overall popularity.
McCain desperately needs the money President Bush is capable of bringing in for him. People are too quick to forget that McCain's campaign still operates with $4.5 million in debt. The Maverick has brought in a little over $41 million total while Senator Obama has amassed a war chest worth $102 million.
So the McCain team will "strategically" place President Bush at different venues over the course of the campaign. They will certainly have him address crowds made up of conservatives and evangelical voters, the weakest segment of McCain's support.
This strategy is not revolutionary however. Historically voters do begin looking for change after eight years of the same administration. Reagan rarely appeared with Bush 41 in 1988 and the same scenario unfolded for Gore and Clinton in 2000.
One thing is certain: If McCain does not refine his fund raising prowess by summer, the race will be called for the Democrat party before W even has a chance to jump in.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
What You Won't See on CNN
President Bush is in Africa for a five nation tour currently and he is getting quite the welcome. His popularity is due in large part to his sincere desire to fight against aids and poverty throughout the continent.
While he was addressing a crowd in Tanzania (where the picture above was taken) attendees saw him as the "compassionate conservative", a term he emphasized quite strongly during the campaign eight years ago. President and Mrs. Bush have been pioneers in the war on Aids in Africa. He has been instrumental in combating the Malaria epidemic as well. He has even outspent President Clinton in programs and initiatives to better the continent.
The president of Tanzania credits Bush with saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of women and children due to his African agenda and ambitions. Thousands of Tanzanians showed up at Bush's arrival to show the support and solidarity of a grateful nation.
So while he may be abhorred by the liberals here in the homeland, the citizens of Tanzania and other African countries admire President Bush for his morals and willingness to take on complex issues.
But of course, I don't expect we'll see this story in the liberal media anytime soon.
Friday, February 15, 2008
The "Right" Move
John McCain is in the midst of a coronation ceremony of sorts for the nomination. The contest being essentially over, he needs to contemplate just what politico to place on the bottom half of the ticket with him.
It is true that most voters solely vote for the name on the top, but with the ever expanding role of the vice-presidency (thanks to Gore and especially Mr. Cheney) the electorate is starting to recognize the vice president as an advisor and possessing influence over the president and policy decisions.
So who will it be? This question will undoubtedly be on the minds of many voters until at least summer, when one is named. Many pundits have begun to throw names around: Romney, Huckabee, Rudy and even Lieberman.
McCain is so popular with the moderates and independents already that he need not choose a centrist politician. A move like that would only further infuriate the conservative base of the party. Fred Thompson was the conservatives' go-to man in this election, and I think he would make a great choice. Cautiously we need to remember the image the liberal media will portray of two old white men versus Barack Obama; doesn't really bode well for those who are looking for changing the status quo.
Now the candidate of choice and one who would represent change in Washington opposed to McCain's decades of service inside the Beltway is quite apparent.
This man needs to first change his political ideology to a more conservative one. In the past he has admitted to being pro-choice, supportive of 'reasonable' gun control as well as affirmative action but still labeling himself a republican.
With McCain campaigning on the platform of keeping America safe, this man's resume and credentials are impeccable: A general in the United States Army, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State.
Colin Powell
It is true that most voters solely vote for the name on the top, but with the ever expanding role of the vice-presidency (thanks to Gore and especially Mr. Cheney) the electorate is starting to recognize the vice president as an advisor and possessing influence over the president and policy decisions.
So who will it be? This question will undoubtedly be on the minds of many voters until at least summer, when one is named. Many pundits have begun to throw names around: Romney, Huckabee, Rudy and even Lieberman.
McCain is so popular with the moderates and independents already that he need not choose a centrist politician. A move like that would only further infuriate the conservative base of the party. Fred Thompson was the conservatives' go-to man in this election, and I think he would make a great choice. Cautiously we need to remember the image the liberal media will portray of two old white men versus Barack Obama; doesn't really bode well for those who are looking for changing the status quo.
Now the candidate of choice and one who would represent change in Washington opposed to McCain's decades of service inside the Beltway is quite apparent.
This man needs to first change his political ideology to a more conservative one. In the past he has admitted to being pro-choice, supportive of 'reasonable' gun control as well as affirmative action but still labeling himself a republican.
With McCain campaigning on the platform of keeping America safe, this man's resume and credentials are impeccable: A general in the United States Army, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State.
Colin Powell
Poor Huck
Well Governor Huckabee, I'd say it's about time to cease this futile campaign. Huck had been saying for days that it was a distinct possibility Romney's delegates might veer over to his team. However as of yesterday, that hope had been extinguished.
Governor Romney endorsed the maverick and implored his delegates to back him as well. In a press conference with McCain that was colder than Minnesota this winter, Romney suggested the party's ultimate goal should be to unite around a singular candidate in the hopes of being better organized come November. Even watching it on television, it was abundantly clear there is no love lost between these men.
I was a big supporter of Huck remaining competitive however even he has to see this as the knockout blow to the campaign. I can not comprehend the intentions of those who continue to contribute to his campaign. At least with Ron Paul supporters, they see a chance the lunatic could make a third party attempt at the presidency.
The sad and unfortunate truth is that we must acknowledge McCain as the GOP nominee in November's election.
I said acknowledge, not vote for...
Governor Romney endorsed the maverick and implored his delegates to back him as well. In a press conference with McCain that was colder than Minnesota this winter, Romney suggested the party's ultimate goal should be to unite around a singular candidate in the hopes of being better organized come November. Even watching it on television, it was abundantly clear there is no love lost between these men.
I was a big supporter of Huck remaining competitive however even he has to see this as the knockout blow to the campaign. I can not comprehend the intentions of those who continue to contribute to his campaign. At least with Ron Paul supporters, they see a chance the lunatic could make a third party attempt at the presidency.
The sad and unfortunate truth is that we must acknowledge McCain as the GOP nominee in November's election.
I said acknowledge, not vote for...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Remember Rudy?
I do not think Mrs. Clinton does. Otherwise she would not be using the 'strategy' she believes will curb the momentum of Senator Obama.
Obviously, Mr. Giuliani began with immense national popularity but saw it dwindle away by essentially not competing in any early state, making Florida his 'last stand'. Well the Clinton machine believes they can employ this tactic and it will actually succeed this time around.
Texas and Ohio; two very important state primaries which will be holding their contests on March 4th. After losing the last eight elections and the delegate lead for the first time since Iowa, we can sense the desperation within her campaign. That is why they have gone way out on a limb and drawn the line at March 4th. Her rhetoric and extensive campaigning have made it abundantly clear these two states are 'must win' for her campaign's survival.
Rudy and Hillary: One-time undisputed nominees.
Rudy's fallen and Mrs. Clinton is on her way down.
Obviously, Mr. Giuliani began with immense national popularity but saw it dwindle away by essentially not competing in any early state, making Florida his 'last stand'. Well the Clinton machine believes they can employ this tactic and it will actually succeed this time around.
Texas and Ohio; two very important state primaries which will be holding their contests on March 4th. After losing the last eight elections and the delegate lead for the first time since Iowa, we can sense the desperation within her campaign. That is why they have gone way out on a limb and drawn the line at March 4th. Her rhetoric and extensive campaigning have made it abundantly clear these two states are 'must win' for her campaign's survival.
Rudy and Hillary: One-time undisputed nominees.
Rudy's fallen and Mrs. Clinton is on her way down.
No Surprises Here
So last night's outcomes were not astounding to anyone were they? Barack is on quite a hot streak; I think even Hillary has dropped her naivety and acknowledges his rock star momentum right now. She is trying her best to downplay the significance of his wins but they are adding up; giving him the lead in delegates for the first time in nearly two months.
For the republicans, again no shockers last night. Huckabee did keep the contests reasonably close in Virginia, losing by nine points when exit polls had McCain winning by a sizable double digit margin.
However Huck vows to stay competitive until McCain has reached 1,191 delegates. Is he doing this for party unity? Perhaps Huck would like to gain an ample following and then gracefully endorse McCain, thereby attempting to band the party together. Some pundits believe he is doing this for bargaining leverage come the convention, as the maverick's VP. Only time will tell.
One aspect of this election is undeniable. The turnout of voters for the republicans is abominable compared with the dems. These are indeed trying times for the GOP.
2008 can't end soon enough.
For the republicans, again no shockers last night. Huckabee did keep the contests reasonably close in Virginia, losing by nine points when exit polls had McCain winning by a sizable double digit margin.
However Huck vows to stay competitive until McCain has reached 1,191 delegates. Is he doing this for party unity? Perhaps Huck would like to gain an ample following and then gracefully endorse McCain, thereby attempting to band the party together. Some pundits believe he is doing this for bargaining leverage come the convention, as the maverick's VP. Only time will tell.
One aspect of this election is undeniable. The turnout of voters for the republicans is abominable compared with the dems. These are indeed trying times for the GOP.
2008 can't end soon enough.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Calm Before the Storm
On the eve of the Potomac Primary I figured Governor Huckabee could use all the help he can get.
Tomorrow night will feature contests in three states, Virginia (McCain +15), Maryland (McCain +30), and D.C. (polling data unavailable). All polling data was courtesy of Survey USA.
So with insurmountable odds in those contests facing Huck, I would like to take a moment and share this picture of Senators McCain and Kerry. This was taken in 2004, right around the time the maverick was actually considering being John Kerry's running mate.
Four short years later the Republican party is on the cusp of bestowing upon this man our highest honor.
When asked a question about the delegate math today, Huck said "I didn't major in math. I majored in miracles" with a smile.
I strongly suggest we hold him to that.
Trouble Ahead
I don't know about you, but I sure am relieved to finally see negative campaign stories coming from the Democrat party. Yesterday Mrs. Clinton went so far as to dismiss her campaign manager, in an effort to indicate a new direction for her campaign. The problem with the strategy however is incredibly simple: they don't have one. We have been hearing for months from the Clinton machine that this race would reach its pinnacle on Super Tuesday and Obama would be forced to concede defeat shortly thereafter. Only that is not what happened last week. After losing all four contests this weekend, Mrs. Clinton is in quite a predicament trying to do some quick delegate math and deciding which states to compete in.
The results of the Washington state primary are being disputed by Huck. The former governor is claiming the state chairman for the Washington GOP simply stopped counting after 87% of the vote had been tabulated, declaring McCain the victor. We shall see how this story unfolds but Huckabee can not afford leaving the results unchallenged.
By the way, did you notice how many shots Barack has taken at McCain lately? He has dramatically lessened his language on Hillary while really stepping up his criticism of the maverick. Is Obama's mind on the general already?
I think we all realize the severe ramifications shifting focus to the general election prematurely brings.
I know the Clintons do now.
The results of the Washington state primary are being disputed by Huck. The former governor is claiming the state chairman for the Washington GOP simply stopped counting after 87% of the vote had been tabulated, declaring McCain the victor. We shall see how this story unfolds but Huckabee can not afford leaving the results unchallenged.
By the way, did you notice how many shots Barack has taken at McCain lately? He has dramatically lessened his language on Hillary while really stepping up his criticism of the maverick. Is Obama's mind on the general already?
I think we all realize the severe ramifications shifting focus to the general election prematurely brings.
I know the Clintons do now.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
A good night but not enough...
Mr. Huckabee had a reason to celebrate last evening with a victory in Louisiana and a near 3-1 landslide win in Kansas. He also lost a nail biter in Washington state which was just called for McCain this morning. Sadly for Huck, these wins will not bring him anywhere near being the nominee come September.
The Louisiana win was essentially a beauty pageant because even though Huck won he will not receive any delegates at this time. A candidate must break 50% to earn the delegates and Huck fell a bit short in that regard.
If Huck wins every contest from this moment until the convention (he's trailing McCain in Virginia by 20 points however) with 50% of the vote, McCain will still get the nod. Most states remaining are not winner-take-all delegate states, they award delegates based upon the percentage of the vote the candidate receives. While Huck will be winning more delegates, McCain will continue to add to his colossal lead with each state regardless of whether he wins or not.
So why does Huck stay in the race even when Romney did the political math and decided to exit? Well unlike Mitt, Huck is not running on his money. This election is not costing him anything. The fund raising continues to flow in (albeit not as voluminous as it once was) and people forget that Huckabee is a former governor who is essentially out of work currently. Also, it serves as a reminder to the maverick that he has a lot of work to do in earning the vote of the conservative wing of the party. McCain has not earned carte blanche over the party yet and every close contest or loss will only further remind him of that. I am certainly not opposed to Huck keeping McCain on his toes from now until the Twin Cities.
A quick note also; the Clinton News Network (CNN) confirmed my deepest fear over the Hillary machine Saturday night. While she was speaking to a crowd in Richmond, Virginia, CNN cut to a split screen when Bill was speaking at a rally in another part of Virginia. It is unprecedented for a spouse of a candidate to get simultaneous air time with the candidate herself. This is my fear; come November America could be entering into a co-presidency.
The Louisiana win was essentially a beauty pageant because even though Huck won he will not receive any delegates at this time. A candidate must break 50% to earn the delegates and Huck fell a bit short in that regard.
If Huck wins every contest from this moment until the convention (he's trailing McCain in Virginia by 20 points however) with 50% of the vote, McCain will still get the nod. Most states remaining are not winner-take-all delegate states, they award delegates based upon the percentage of the vote the candidate receives. While Huck will be winning more delegates, McCain will continue to add to his colossal lead with each state regardless of whether he wins or not.
So why does Huck stay in the race even when Romney did the political math and decided to exit? Well unlike Mitt, Huck is not running on his money. This election is not costing him anything. The fund raising continues to flow in (albeit not as voluminous as it once was) and people forget that Huckabee is a former governor who is essentially out of work currently. Also, it serves as a reminder to the maverick that he has a lot of work to do in earning the vote of the conservative wing of the party. McCain has not earned carte blanche over the party yet and every close contest or loss will only further remind him of that. I am certainly not opposed to Huck keeping McCain on his toes from now until the Twin Cities.
A quick note also; the Clinton News Network (CNN) confirmed my deepest fear over the Hillary machine Saturday night. While she was speaking to a crowd in Richmond, Virginia, CNN cut to a split screen when Bill was speaking at a rally in another part of Virginia. It is unprecedented for a spouse of a candidate to get simultaneous air time with the candidate herself. This is my fear; come November America could be entering into a co-presidency.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Regardless of the (R) after his name; some of Maverick McCain's positions
~Supports uninhibited embryonic stem cell research
~Against interrogating terror suspects being held at Guantanamo Bay
~Sponsored legislation granting amnesty to as many as 20 million illegal aliens
~Against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
~Supports expanding government bureaucracy by transforming the Environmental Protection Agency into several cabinet positions
~Against agricultural subsidies, including ethanol
~Violated the first amendment with McCain-Feingold Act of 2002
~Admittedly not an "expert" on the economy (January 24th, 2008 debate against Mitt Romney, a man who made record profits for the companies he led in the private sector)
Maybe he ought to try Mrs. Bill Clinton's method: tear duct implants.
Might boost his popularity a bit.
~Against interrogating terror suspects being held at Guantanamo Bay
~Sponsored legislation granting amnesty to as many as 20 million illegal aliens
~Against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
~Supports expanding government bureaucracy by transforming the Environmental Protection Agency into several cabinet positions
~Against agricultural subsidies, including ethanol
~Violated the first amendment with McCain-Feingold Act of 2002
~Admittedly not an "expert" on the economy (January 24th, 2008 debate against Mitt Romney, a man who made record profits for the companies he led in the private sector)
Maybe he ought to try Mrs. Bill Clinton's method: tear duct implants.
Might boost his popularity a bit.
How long will he drag this on?
Mr. Huckabee, conservatives have but one question for you: How long is this going to continue?
With McCain over half way to the 1,191 delegates needed to lock up the nomination, Huck has a meager 190. While Kansas is coming this weekend and he stands a fair chance at winning over the religious voters there, next week's Beltway Primary (Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.) will surely deal the knockout blow necessary for McCain to claim the top spot.
You might ask why Huck chooses to remain in a race while impending defeat looms over him, but there is fairly logical rationale behind this. McCain proved at the expense of Mitt Romney that he can win in the northeast, however he was not very popular in the south where a republican (using that term quite loosely on him) needs to be in order to have any chance at winning the general. Huck's foremost popularity exists in the south and his campaign may be forging on in order to prove he can win over the conservative base of the GOP.
The longer he remains in the race and proves he can compete with McCain, the better his bargaining position will be to secure VP come the convention.
But a word to the wise Mr. Huckabee-
"A mother had two sons. One became a sailor and went out to sea while the other became Vice President of the United States.
Neither were ever heard of again."
With McCain over half way to the 1,191 delegates needed to lock up the nomination, Huck has a meager 190. While Kansas is coming this weekend and he stands a fair chance at winning over the religious voters there, next week's Beltway Primary (Virginia, Maryland, and D.C.) will surely deal the knockout blow necessary for McCain to claim the top spot.
You might ask why Huck chooses to remain in a race while impending defeat looms over him, but there is fairly logical rationale behind this. McCain proved at the expense of Mitt Romney that he can win in the northeast, however he was not very popular in the south where a republican (using that term quite loosely on him) needs to be in order to have any chance at winning the general. Huck's foremost popularity exists in the south and his campaign may be forging on in order to prove he can win over the conservative base of the GOP.
The longer he remains in the race and proves he can compete with McCain, the better his bargaining position will be to secure VP come the convention.
But a word to the wise Mr. Huckabee-
"A mother had two sons. One became a sailor and went out to sea while the other became Vice President of the United States.
Neither were ever heard of again."
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Farewell Mitt
Governor Romney has just announced he will step aside in this election and allow McCain to receive the nomination of the party.
He offered good reasons for doing so, drawing parallels between now and the 1976 election when Ronald Reagan challenged Ford all the way to the convention. However Romney concedes that we are at war right now with Islamic extremism and the more pressing issue here is that both candidates of the Democrat party advocate a cut-and-run strategy, leaving the region in utter chaos. The longer this primary drags on and these two men continue to trade blows with one another, the more fuel the liberals have come November.
Now with Romney bowing out and Huckabee a mere joke, the Democrat party must get their house in order as quick as possible to avoid a defeat in the general. With Senator Obama and Mrs. Bill Clinton virtually neck-in-neck at this stage, an outcome is a long way off.
Fear not for Romney, his future in politics is far from over. While I do not believe McCain will offer the bottom half of the ticket to him, Romney may go back to Massachusetts and decide the Senate is his new domain, challenging John Kerry in a very exciting campaign. Or, as McCain has proven this year, Romney can always return in a few years to throw his hat back into the ring in the race for the White House.
If conservatives had rallied behind Governor Romney from the onset, there is no question that he would have been the presumptive nominee at this point and McCain would be riding off into retirement or accepting a position within the Democrat party. Because that did not happen, whether it was due to his prior stance as a pro-choice republican or his negative advertisements against his opponents, we are forced to watch this honorable man exit the stage today.
There was only one Ronald Reagan, he is a man unique to his time. We trivialize his memory by pretending there are carbon copies of him walking among us. The longer it takes us to realize the absurdity of holding up our candidates to Reagan-esque standards, the more Mitt Romneys we are going to lose.
And so we thank you Mitt Romney; what you brought to this election. We bid you adieu and sincerely hope this is not the last we have seen of you in the political arena.
Mitt Romney, a conservative's conservative.
He offered good reasons for doing so, drawing parallels between now and the 1976 election when Ronald Reagan challenged Ford all the way to the convention. However Romney concedes that we are at war right now with Islamic extremism and the more pressing issue here is that both candidates of the Democrat party advocate a cut-and-run strategy, leaving the region in utter chaos. The longer this primary drags on and these two men continue to trade blows with one another, the more fuel the liberals have come November.
Now with Romney bowing out and Huckabee a mere joke, the Democrat party must get their house in order as quick as possible to avoid a defeat in the general. With Senator Obama and Mrs. Bill Clinton virtually neck-in-neck at this stage, an outcome is a long way off.
Fear not for Romney, his future in politics is far from over. While I do not believe McCain will offer the bottom half of the ticket to him, Romney may go back to Massachusetts and decide the Senate is his new domain, challenging John Kerry in a very exciting campaign. Or, as McCain has proven this year, Romney can always return in a few years to throw his hat back into the ring in the race for the White House.
If conservatives had rallied behind Governor Romney from the onset, there is no question that he would have been the presumptive nominee at this point and McCain would be riding off into retirement or accepting a position within the Democrat party. Because that did not happen, whether it was due to his prior stance as a pro-choice republican or his negative advertisements against his opponents, we are forced to watch this honorable man exit the stage today.
There was only one Ronald Reagan, he is a man unique to his time. We trivialize his memory by pretending there are carbon copies of him walking among us. The longer it takes us to realize the absurdity of holding up our candidates to Reagan-esque standards, the more Mitt Romneys we are going to lose.
And so we thank you Mitt Romney; what you brought to this election. We bid you adieu and sincerely hope this is not the last we have seen of you in the political arena.
Mitt Romney, a conservative's conservative.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Sad Truth
It appears as though this incredibly long journey has finally reached its culmination by annointing Senator John McCain as the nominee for the GOP.
How did this man earn our party's top prize? There has been much debate recently as to whether the Senator fully embodies the principles that lie at the heart of conservatism. Maybe the pundits are correct when they say there was no perfect republican candidate this time around, but McCain certainly falls quite short.
Is the modernity of our platform being questioned? I for one, am not about to let John McCain ruin the principles and values that were instilled into this party under the Reagan Republicans nearly three decades ago. To accept John McCain as our leader is merely beyond comprehension.
This turn of events has been particularly baffling because the extreme right of our party, the most recognizable and influential: Rush, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter; all have railed against him on the party's last domain: talk radio. Thousands of callers would voice their opposition on these programs and vow to stop the Senator at any cost.
What happened? Does this signal the end of talk radio and its' effectiveness as conservatives' last outlet of free expression? Why did no one toe the party line and stand against John McCain? The situation has become so dire that in fact the aforementioned celebrities have all advised republican voters to stay home or vote for the opposition on that cold November day.
Why did John McCain fail to win our support and loyalty? Perhaps it was his excessive partnerships with liberals the likes of Lieberman, Feingold and Kennedy. Perhaps it was his staunch opposition to the Bush tax cuts that brought a stagnant economy out of recession and into periods of record growth. Perhaps it was the fact that in 2002 he approached members of the Democrat Party with an interest in joining them. Or maybe it was all of the above, coupled with the stigma of eight years under W's administration that has crushed the hearts and crippled the spirit of this Grand Ole Party.
Whatever the reason may be for this destined defeat in November, we conservatives need to take heed the lessons this election teaches. We need to clearly state what makes conservatism the most conventional political ideology in this country and then most importantly find the candidate who consummately personifies it.
And we had better hurry; we have less than four years to find him...
How did this man earn our party's top prize? There has been much debate recently as to whether the Senator fully embodies the principles that lie at the heart of conservatism. Maybe the pundits are correct when they say there was no perfect republican candidate this time around, but McCain certainly falls quite short.
Is the modernity of our platform being questioned? I for one, am not about to let John McCain ruin the principles and values that were instilled into this party under the Reagan Republicans nearly three decades ago. To accept John McCain as our leader is merely beyond comprehension.
This turn of events has been particularly baffling because the extreme right of our party, the most recognizable and influential: Rush, Sean Hannity, Ann Coulter; all have railed against him on the party's last domain: talk radio. Thousands of callers would voice their opposition on these programs and vow to stop the Senator at any cost.
What happened? Does this signal the end of talk radio and its' effectiveness as conservatives' last outlet of free expression? Why did no one toe the party line and stand against John McCain? The situation has become so dire that in fact the aforementioned celebrities have all advised republican voters to stay home or vote for the opposition on that cold November day.
Why did John McCain fail to win our support and loyalty? Perhaps it was his excessive partnerships with liberals the likes of Lieberman, Feingold and Kennedy. Perhaps it was his staunch opposition to the Bush tax cuts that brought a stagnant economy out of recession and into periods of record growth. Perhaps it was the fact that in 2002 he approached members of the Democrat Party with an interest in joining them. Or maybe it was all of the above, coupled with the stigma of eight years under W's administration that has crushed the hearts and crippled the spirit of this Grand Ole Party.
Whatever the reason may be for this destined defeat in November, we conservatives need to take heed the lessons this election teaches. We need to clearly state what makes conservatism the most conventional political ideology in this country and then most importantly find the candidate who consummately personifies it.
And we had better hurry; we have less than four years to find him...
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