This Presidential race is a step forward in many respects. We have as candidates a woman, a black man, a Mormon, and a POW.
Now I want to state up front that I do not subscribe to labels per se, but the purpose of this post is to point out an interesting fact.
The players:
The woman Hillary Clinton
The black man Barak Obama
The Mormon Mitt Romney
The POW John McCain
The setting:
Present day the United States of America.
Background:
Women - Although women were allowed to vote in 1869 and 1870 in Wyoming and Utah respectively, Congress disenfranchised women in 1887. The national woman's suffrage movement has it's beginnings in 1850. After seventy years of parades, picketing, and demonstrations the 19th Amendment granted Women the right to vote in 1920.
Blacks - The terrible subjection of fellow humans to slavery began a long time ago. On the American continent, slavery has been a scar on the face of freedom since 1619. In the 1750's the abolitionist movement slowly began to take hold. In 1780 the Massachusetts Constitution declared all men born "free and equal" effectively abolishing slavery in the state. (I find it interesting that MA is also the state that elected Mitt Romney as Governor.) After hundreds of years and a civil war, black men were freed with the passage of the 13th Amendment in 1865.
Mormons - The Mormons originally began in 1830 and were subsequently harried and harassed until they fled to the territory of Mexico (what is now Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona). The term "Mormon" was originally used as a slur against Mormons but has over time been accepted as a label (although it should be noted that most adherents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prefer to be called Latter-day Saints not Mormons). No other religion has ever been persecuted in America so vehemently and violently, including an extermination order by Governor Lilburn Boggs of Missouri in 1838 (I just learned that Quakers and Baptists were violently persecuted in Virginia early in America's history). Freedom of religion was granted to Mormons in 1791 with the passage of the Bill of Rights Article the third. Freedom for a Mormon to run for President came with the ratification of Article VI of the Constitution of the United States in 1787. (Notice these two items pre-date the formation of the Mormon church.)
POWs - To be entitled to prisoner of war status, a captured service member must have conducted operations according to the laws and customs of war: be part of a chain of command and wear a uniform and bear arms openly. American POWs, sometimes mistreated by their captors, are usually viewed as heroes and are accorded hero status. I am unaware of American POWs being treated pejoratively upon their return to the US. Mr. McCain returned to the US in 1973 and has subsequently served 25 years in the Senate.
Discussion:
History has already been made with the distance each of these candidates have come (even the POW dodged the South Carolina elimination round of yester year). One item of interest, however, is that Mormons continue to receive a significant amount of prejudice in America. An American born religion is despised and hated by a vocal yet small group of people. In fact, in many circles it is OK to discuss Mormons in a way that would not be done to women, blacks, or POWs.
I admire America, I think the American people are our strongest advantage in the world. We are a people that because of, NOT in spite of, our diversity are able to tackle complex problems and reach solutions. Although three of the four groups above still receive pejorative treatment at the hands of fellow Americans, we have come a long way in tolerance.
The Reverend Cecil "Chip" Murray, a Senior Fellow in the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California and the Tanzy Chair in Christian Ethics, is the Senior Pastor of the Los Angeles First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME). Reverend Murray in an interview on November 6, 2007 was asked, "In 2008 whose candidacy will face the most opposition, Barack Obama or Mitt Romney? Who do you think will face the most opposition or the most prejudice today?"
The Reverend Murray replied, "The Mormon. Because America is still growing."
I recognize that everyone has their prejudices, but how sad for America, land of the free and home of the brave, when blindness covers their sight and prejudice beats their minds back into eighteen hundreds. Amy Sullivan in an article in the Washington Monthly pointed out that some of the anti-Mormon sentiment is based on rumors, unfamiliarity and "a vague feeling Mormons are kind of weird." She talks about being in fifth grade in the basement of her Baptist church and being instructed by her teacher that Mormons fall somewhere between "devil worshippers and Jim Jones." I find it repulsive that anyone is still teaching intolerance and hatred based on religion.
To quote Mitt Romney, "I just don't believe the people in this country are going to choose their candidate based on which church he or she goes to. I just don't believe that... my faith isn't terribly well known around this country. But I don't think for a minute the American people are going to say, "You know what, we're not going to vote for this guy on a secular position because of his church." I just don't believe that. I think when the constitution and the founders said no religious test shall ever be required for qualification for office or public trust in these United States, that the founders meant just that. And I don't believe for a minute that Republicans, or Americans for that matter, are going to impose a religious test, it's as un-American as anything you can think of... I believe that free American people are the source of America's greatness."
I agree with Mitt Romney. America is better than bigotry, and no matter how many distorted anti-Mormon mailers are sent, and no matter how many distorted anti-Mormon phone calls are made, and no matter how many distorted anti-Mormon people blog, the American people, true believers in freedom of religion, can rise above the storm of words and elect a President that John McCain called, "A man of honesty and integrity. A man prepared to serve... a man of unimpeachable integrity and honesty... he could do a lot of things, yet this man has willingly stepped forward... [he is] somebody the young can look up to and admire."
Place a historic vote for Mitt Romney in 2008.
The full interview of Reverend Murray.
McCain endorses Romney United States IMPORTANT VOTER INFORMATION
Campaign Election 2008 You Decide
Either Mitt Romney has risen rapidly politically, or John McCain has risen slowly. Oh, United States voters, McCain endorses Romney. McCain said: Mitt Romney is 'a man of honesty and integrity. A man prepared to serve... a man of unimpeachable integrity and honesty... he could do a lot of things, yet this man has willingly stepped forward... [he is] somebody the young can look up to and admire.'
Place your vote for Mitt Romney, endorsed by John McCain.
Either Mitt Romney has risen rapidly politically, or John McCain has risen slowly. Oh, United States voters, McCain endorses Romney. McCain said: Mitt Romney is 'a man of honesty and integrity. A man prepared to serve... a man of unimpeachable integrity and honesty... he could do a lot of things, yet this man has willingly stepped forward... [he is] somebody the young can look up to and admire.'
Place your vote for Mitt Romney, endorsed by John McCain.
Hey Americans - Sweet Tax Relief Plan on the Horizon!
Great article about the details of Mitt Romney's Tax plan
NICOLE GELINAS
Mitt Romney’s Smart Tax Plan
Investment-friendly tax cuts, not one-time rebates
31 January 2008
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney made a respectable showing in Tuesday’s Florida primary, and that’s good news for Americans worried about both the home-mortgage meltdown and their tax bills. Unlike Washington politicians, vying to outdo one another printing money to rescue Americans from falling home prices, Romney has proposed a bold long-term tax policy that would encourage Americans to choose their investments, both housing and otherwise, more wisely.
For the past two weeks, what’s passed for a debate in Washington over taxes and the mortgage crisis is an inane frenzy over a “stimulus” package, which means supposedly free money: $100 billion or so in taxpayer “rebates” to be mailed out this year, once Congress and the president work out the details. The rebates are supposed to avert a recession. If five-figure-earning American families have an extra $300 to $2,100 to spend, the thinking goes, they won’t pinch pennies as home values plummet. But this form of stimulus is unlikely to work, as plenty of smart observers have already pointed out. A one-time cash payment won’t change most people’s spending behavior; the reason they felt comfortable spending so freely before was that they figured that they could tap their rising home equity for extra cash regularly, not just once. Besides, the stimulus comes at the cost of further debasing the dollar over the long term, since the Treasury Department doesn’t have extra money lying around to pay for it.
Both Romney and John McCain deserve credit for mostly staying out of this frenzy, but Romney’s tax plan seems particularly fresh and intelligent in such a foolish atmosphere. Romney seems to believe that Americans are smart enough to plan for the long term rather than salivate over a one-shot check. His audacious plan would cut the tax rate on capital gains, interest, and dividends for any taxpayer making less than $200,000 annually to “absolutely zero.” This elegantly simple proposal would invite Americans to save and invest as much as they can or wish to without worrying about mind-numbingly complicated tax calculations.
But just as important, the plan would encourage people to diversify their investments without fear of poking the hornet’s nest of tax liability. Right now, a middle-aged American who has spent a few decades building up an investment portfolio outside his tax-favored IRA faces constraints if, like any wise investor, he wants to rebalance and update that portfolio periodically. If he was smart enough to invest in John Deere a few years back, for example, and wants to lock in some of his hefty profits today and rebalance his portfolio by selling some shares, he has to pause and consider the tax consequences, not to mention the annoyance of the whole process. Even if he already uses an accountant, he must dig up a trade confirmation from years ago as proof of what he paid for his stock in the first place. Under Romney’s plan, investment decisions would become simply investment decisions—and the investor would no longer have to ask himself, “Do I really want to go through all these tax calculations?”
Romney’s plan would accomplish another important goal: getting Americans to invest in something besides their homes. Even as capital-gains taxes have discouraged investing in stocks, the tax code has long encouraged people to invest in bigger houses—even if those houses are overpriced by any rational measure—because Americans know that they can deduct the interest that they pay on their mortgages from their IRS bills every year and, in many cases, get tax breaks when they sell their homes at a profit. Romney’s new incentive for market investing would serve as a counterweight to this lopsided code—which was meant to encourage Americans to own their homes rather than rent, but which has also led them to put far too much of their wealth in one large asset.
Romney would also enact permanent tax cuts for businesses and make permanent the Bush personal income-tax cuts, including dividend and capital gains reductions and rate cuts for top earners. He’d reduce the lowest tax rate, again permanently, from 10 percent to 7.5 percent, adding up to an average annual savings of $400 for working-class families as well as a one-time retroactive check. This move would make continued tax cuts for upper-income earners more politically palatable, and it’s far superior to the rebate plan that Congress and the White House are discussing because families could count on the savings every year.
McCain, Romney’s chief rival for the Republican nomination, has likewise pledged to keep the Bush tax cuts permanent, including keeping the current rates on capital gains and dividends. He’d also roll back business taxes and work to repeal the onerous alternative minimum tax. These are good ideas—and far better than those that Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, who propose to eliminate the Bush tax cuts for families earning $200,000 and $250,000 respectively, have offered. But so far, only Romney has come forward with a daring new proposal to encourage tens of millions of Americans to invest in the capital markets.
Here’s a good question for McCain before next Tuesday’s nationwide primary showdown:
Do you support a Romney-style investment-creating plan—and if not, why not?
Nicole Gelinas is a contributing editor to City Journal and a Chartered Financial Analyst.
NICOLE GELINAS
Mitt Romney’s Smart Tax Plan
Investment-friendly tax cuts, not one-time rebates
31 January 2008
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney made a respectable showing in Tuesday’s Florida primary, and that’s good news for Americans worried about both the home-mortgage meltdown and their tax bills. Unlike Washington politicians, vying to outdo one another printing money to rescue Americans from falling home prices, Romney has proposed a bold long-term tax policy that would encourage Americans to choose their investments, both housing and otherwise, more wisely.
For the past two weeks, what’s passed for a debate in Washington over taxes and the mortgage crisis is an inane frenzy over a “stimulus” package, which means supposedly free money: $100 billion or so in taxpayer “rebates” to be mailed out this year, once Congress and the president work out the details. The rebates are supposed to avert a recession. If five-figure-earning American families have an extra $300 to $2,100 to spend, the thinking goes, they won’t pinch pennies as home values plummet. But this form of stimulus is unlikely to work, as plenty of smart observers have already pointed out. A one-time cash payment won’t change most people’s spending behavior; the reason they felt comfortable spending so freely before was that they figured that they could tap their rising home equity for extra cash regularly, not just once. Besides, the stimulus comes at the cost of further debasing the dollar over the long term, since the Treasury Department doesn’t have extra money lying around to pay for it.
Both Romney and John McCain deserve credit for mostly staying out of this frenzy, but Romney’s tax plan seems particularly fresh and intelligent in such a foolish atmosphere. Romney seems to believe that Americans are smart enough to plan for the long term rather than salivate over a one-shot check. His audacious plan would cut the tax rate on capital gains, interest, and dividends for any taxpayer making less than $200,000 annually to “absolutely zero.” This elegantly simple proposal would invite Americans to save and invest as much as they can or wish to without worrying about mind-numbingly complicated tax calculations.
But just as important, the plan would encourage people to diversify their investments without fear of poking the hornet’s nest of tax liability. Right now, a middle-aged American who has spent a few decades building up an investment portfolio outside his tax-favored IRA faces constraints if, like any wise investor, he wants to rebalance and update that portfolio periodically. If he was smart enough to invest in John Deere a few years back, for example, and wants to lock in some of his hefty profits today and rebalance his portfolio by selling some shares, he has to pause and consider the tax consequences, not to mention the annoyance of the whole process. Even if he already uses an accountant, he must dig up a trade confirmation from years ago as proof of what he paid for his stock in the first place. Under Romney’s plan, investment decisions would become simply investment decisions—and the investor would no longer have to ask himself, “Do I really want to go through all these tax calculations?”
Romney’s plan would accomplish another important goal: getting Americans to invest in something besides their homes. Even as capital-gains taxes have discouraged investing in stocks, the tax code has long encouraged people to invest in bigger houses—even if those houses are overpriced by any rational measure—because Americans know that they can deduct the interest that they pay on their mortgages from their IRS bills every year and, in many cases, get tax breaks when they sell their homes at a profit. Romney’s new incentive for market investing would serve as a counterweight to this lopsided code—which was meant to encourage Americans to own their homes rather than rent, but which has also led them to put far too much of their wealth in one large asset.
Romney would also enact permanent tax cuts for businesses and make permanent the Bush personal income-tax cuts, including dividend and capital gains reductions and rate cuts for top earners. He’d reduce the lowest tax rate, again permanently, from 10 percent to 7.5 percent, adding up to an average annual savings of $400 for working-class families as well as a one-time retroactive check. This move would make continued tax cuts for upper-income earners more politically palatable, and it’s far superior to the rebate plan that Congress and the White House are discussing because families could count on the savings every year.
McCain, Romney’s chief rival for the Republican nomination, has likewise pledged to keep the Bush tax cuts permanent, including keeping the current rates on capital gains and dividends. He’d also roll back business taxes and work to repeal the onerous alternative minimum tax. These are good ideas—and far better than those that Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, who propose to eliminate the Bush tax cuts for families earning $200,000 and $250,000 respectively, have offered. But so far, only Romney has come forward with a daring new proposal to encourage tens of millions of Americans to invest in the capital markets.
Here’s a good question for McCain before next Tuesday’s nationwide primary showdown:
Do you support a Romney-style investment-creating plan—and if not, why not?
Nicole Gelinas is a contributing editor to City Journal and a Chartered Financial Analyst.
John McCain and Hillary Clinton Share a Special Bond
What do Hillary Clinton and John McCain have in common?
I am not sure, but I hear they are "very close".
John McCain is not the conservative Romney, Huckabee, and Paul supporters would have hoped for. Even Michael Reagan son of Ronald Reagan says, "John McCain Hates Me." Ann Coulter claims she will vote for Clinton if McCain wins.
"Nobody does it* better."
Special thanks to my spouse for taking three hours of her time for this gem.
*it = being a flip flopping politician
Update: New ad comparing John McCain's record with Hilary Clinton.
I am not sure, but I hear they are "very close".
John McCain is not the conservative Romney, Huckabee, and Paul supporters would have hoped for. Even Michael Reagan son of Ronald Reagan says, "John McCain Hates Me." Ann Coulter claims she will vote for Clinton if McCain wins.
"Nobody does it* better."
Special thanks to my spouse for taking three hours of her time for this gem.
*it = being a flip flopping politician
Update: New ad comparing John McCain's record with Hilary Clinton.
Mitt Romney is the Ronald Reagan of Our Time
So the Main Stream Media is still rooting for its liberal Republican baby John McCain (I know what you're thinking, McCain is really old, but he still throws fits like a baby). Anyway, McCain looked like a smug, lying politician during the debate last night. I wrote down three or four times when John McCain's "Straight Talk Express" hurdled off the bridge and exploded into a great ball of fire. McCain is definitely a Washington Politician (I'll post more on that later).
So why is it that I call Mitt Romney the Ronald Reagan of our time? Because he represents all three groups of the conservative Republican base: the Social conservatives, the defense conservatives and the economic conservatives. I am excited about what Mitt Romney can do with America. Senator Jim DeMint was interviewed today on NPR. He too is excited about what Mitt Romney can accomplish in Washington. A true outsider, just like Reagan, Romney owes no favors (just look at McCain with all of his endorsement baggage piling up).
Joshua Trevino writes: CNN has the exit-poll numbers, and they reveal some surprising things:
Romney won pro-lifers.
Romney won the mainstream religious. (Huckabee won the very religious less than one-fifth of the pool.)
Romney won the Protestants.
Romney tied Huckabee with Evangelicals.
Romney won the pro-GWB voters.
Romney is the primary second choice of Giuliani voters, Thompson voters …. and McCain voters.
Romney won the immigration hard-liners.
Romney won the upper-middle class, earning between $100,000 and $200,000 annually.
Romney won the terrorism-oriented voters.
Romney won the self-identified conservatives and the self-identified very conservative.
Romney won the values-oriented voters.
Romney won the tax-cutting voters.
Now I won't say, "My friends" with the sarcasm displayed by John McCain yesterday, but I will say, Fellow Americans - Mitt Romney has the poise, the leadership, and the tempered demeanor to be a President and Commander in Chief. John McCain displays the one style old "bossing people around" leadership practice (I'll be posting more about that soon) while Mitt Romney represents the new adaptive participative leadership style. I can tell you that Mitt Romney will get more done in Washington than John McCain has in his 22+ years in the Senate!!!
Rally to Romney, the Ronald Reagan of our time.
You can find out more about Mitt Romney by learning about his positions: Check out this book that summarizes Romney's positions.
So why is it that I call Mitt Romney the Ronald Reagan of our time? Because he represents all three groups of the conservative Republican base: the Social conservatives, the defense conservatives and the economic conservatives. I am excited about what Mitt Romney can do with America. Senator Jim DeMint was interviewed today on NPR. He too is excited about what Mitt Romney can accomplish in Washington. A true outsider, just like Reagan, Romney owes no favors (just look at McCain with all of his endorsement baggage piling up).
Joshua Trevino writes: CNN has the exit-poll numbers, and they reveal some surprising things:
Romney won pro-lifers.
Romney won the mainstream religious. (Huckabee won the very religious less than one-fifth of the pool.)
Romney won the Protestants.
Romney tied Huckabee with Evangelicals.
Romney won the pro-GWB voters.
Romney is the primary second choice of Giuliani voters, Thompson voters …. and McCain voters.
Romney won the immigration hard-liners.
Romney won the upper-middle class, earning between $100,000 and $200,000 annually.
Romney won the terrorism-oriented voters.
Romney won the self-identified conservatives and the self-identified very conservative.
Romney won the values-oriented voters.
Romney won the tax-cutting voters.
Now I won't say, "My friends" with the sarcasm displayed by John McCain yesterday, but I will say, Fellow Americans - Mitt Romney has the poise, the leadership, and the tempered demeanor to be a President and Commander in Chief. John McCain displays the one style old "bossing people around" leadership practice (I'll be posting more about that soon) while Mitt Romney represents the new adaptive participative leadership style. I can tell you that Mitt Romney will get more done in Washington than John McCain has in his 22+ years in the Senate!!!
Rally to Romney, the Ronald Reagan of our time.
You can find out more about Mitt Romney by learning about his positions: Check out this book that summarizes Romney's positions.
Presidential Debate January 30, 2008 Reagan Library
Presidential Debate January 30, 2008 Reagan Library
Here are my notes from the debate; I missed the first half hour.
They are all Federalists, in other words they think each state has the freedom to experiment. (McCain looks like a small man sitting next to Romney)
Huckabee on the Economy: Question about using money for highways sounds like a Democratic plan. Again mentioned parents not getting home to soccer games (as if that is a government concern).
Romney disses the Big Dig in MA. (I bet MA residents liked that.)
Ron Paul doesn't like the idea of borrowing money from China. (I agree, however, Market Place talked about the reliance between China and the US on borrowing)
McCain asked a question about the economy. (Twirling his pen, is he nervous about this question?) Blah, blah, blah, one page mortgage paper, fix rating system. (Yeah right.)
(It's interesting to me that Romney always pays attention to the others as they speak. McCain on the other hand looks like an arrogant, smug jerk.)
McCain asked about opposing the tax cuts originally because they favored the rich. Now he has flip flopped and claims it was because of spending. (So much for Straight Talk Express, what a joke.)
Romney asked about economy. I doubt many people understood this comment, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Romney explains McCain's ideas about stopping spending are basically nickel and dimes. The US economy spends 60% of the money on entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid, 20% on the military, and 20% is discretionary spending. The biggest impact we can have is by tackling the 60% spending on entitlement programs. (That makes so much sense! Romney is definitely a smart man.)
Huckabee says he will have a fence built within 18 months.
Romney on immigration. No amnesty, no special path way to citizenship. Illegal immigration those recently arrived head home; kid in school? give them time to finish school then head on home; others with commitments, give them time then have them gather up their belongings and head on home to get in line. Prolegal immigration, they are a valuable source of vitality for America. (Lots of applause)
McCain on border security, would he vote for his bill if it came to the senate floor. POLITICAL SPEAK McCain dodged the question. Flip flopper McCain - either his original idea was stupid, or he has changed his position. Then he talks using "we" instead of standing up for his stupid idea and admitting guilt. What a flip flopper. "We are all committed" McCain says. What a joke, Straight Talk Express plunges off the tracks and blows up in the valley.
Huckabee mentioned about everyone being equal. He mentioned fetuses, humans, but left out religion. He lost an opportunity to appease some fears about him. He also dodges every question presented to him. "I am not going to say anything about Reagan."
Everybody was basically the same on Judges - EXCEPT McCain who talked about all the favors he owes to his "good" friend O'Conner. This guy is a political snake.
Romney Question did George Bush destroy the Republican Party? I think the party is better off. I blame Washington, they overspent, and they didn't keep their promises. (Note McCain rubs his hands with a weasely look on his face as Romney talks about the military). Romney is appealing to Social, Economic, and Family Value conservatives.
Back and forth about the Timetables.
McCain comment about timetables. He smirks and looks self righteous.
Romney I have never supported time tables for withdrawal. McCain smirks again. (Well excuse Romney for not knowing your Washington speak! McCain is looking like a freaking jerk! He is bumbling his words and sounds a bit crazy, "If we had lain in the weeds until they had gone." What the hey? McCain is babbling.)
McCain says, "Of course, he said their should be a withdrawal." "I'm the expert on what you said." (McCain is an arrogant son of a gun. He's flip flopping and incoherent, not only that McCain is smiling like a village idiot. Just like someone that can't solve problems, McCain blasts out three quick attacks on Romney. Straight Talk Express slams off the bridge and plunges hundreds of feet into the raging river.)
Romney says McCain is Washington style old politics (I'll be posting my old leadership style verse new leadership style essay soon.) I loved Romney's comment, "[McCain] you got three Pinocchio for your mischaracterization from the Washington Post".
(I've got to take a break and shout McCain is a freaking smug guy!)
McCain - attacks Romney again about his success. "My friend, Huckabee will agree with me about your money.”Vote for me McCain, I want 100 years in Iraq!"
Paul puts McCain and Romney in the same boat with respect to Iraq. They both want to get the job done there.
Huckabee If Iraq fails it will create a vacuum there that could be used by Al Qaeda.
McCain "Protecting America's interest it’s not about casualties." Huh? McCain claims he came up with the Petraeus strategy. (What an egomaniac.)
Huckabee "I look at the actions rather than what they are saying."
Romney There are four major strategies in the world today: 1. Those countries that control energy like Russia, 2. China communism and a wild west free enterprise, 3. Al Qaeda, 4. Free enterprise and free individuals the USA.
McCain on leadership and management. I know how to lead, vision knowledge, background. 20 years on security committees (doesn't this mean that McCain is partially to blame for 9/11 - he sucks at making good security measures)
Romney McCain would not be good for the economy. Governors are leaders. Legislators are committee members. Leaders are small business, middle sized business - they are leaders not just managers. Govern in charge of National Guard and state police.
Romney the problems facing a commander of chief does not require service in the military. Foreign policy and military is no longer like a checkers game, it is more like three dimensional chess. McCain thinks its checkers. Romney has the capacity to think in the manner of chess.
McCain Starts with what looks like a compliment then turns it into a dig against Romney (McCain is such a double talking politician. The Straight Talk Express drives off the end of the tracks and explodes.) McCain says he hopes people will judge him by those that have endorsed him (that would be liberal newspapers and a cross dressing Rudy).
Huckabee political speak genius. Agrees with Romney that a governor is a better leader than a senator.
Romney thinks Reagan would support him.
McCain hits at Romney with his first statement again (what a loser, he looks like an angry little man)
Paul kind of impressive talk there. Liked the gold standard.
Huckabee just called the other candidates arrogant and presumptuous for thinking Reagan would support any of them. (What a politician, the guy is just like McCain - political speak champions)
At the end I noticed two things about the cameras:
1. Huckabee's wife is as tall as Arnold
2. Little camera time given to Romney, mostly on Huckabee and McCain.
Concluding thoughts: I am ticked off at McCain! The straight talk express is a bunch of garbage. John McCain showed himself to be a pig headed jerk. Digging Romney at every comment. What a smug jerk.
Here are my notes from the debate; I missed the first half hour.
They are all Federalists, in other words they think each state has the freedom to experiment. (McCain looks like a small man sitting next to Romney)
Huckabee on the Economy: Question about using money for highways sounds like a Democratic plan. Again mentioned parents not getting home to soccer games (as if that is a government concern).
Romney disses the Big Dig in MA. (I bet MA residents liked that.)
Ron Paul doesn't like the idea of borrowing money from China. (I agree, however, Market Place talked about the reliance between China and the US on borrowing)
McCain asked a question about the economy. (Twirling his pen, is he nervous about this question?) Blah, blah, blah, one page mortgage paper, fix rating system. (Yeah right.)
(It's interesting to me that Romney always pays attention to the others as they speak. McCain on the other hand looks like an arrogant, smug jerk.)
McCain asked about opposing the tax cuts originally because they favored the rich. Now he has flip flopped and claims it was because of spending. (So much for Straight Talk Express, what a joke.)
Romney asked about economy. I doubt many people understood this comment, but it actually makes a lot of sense. Romney explains McCain's ideas about stopping spending are basically nickel and dimes. The US economy spends 60% of the money on entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid, 20% on the military, and 20% is discretionary spending. The biggest impact we can have is by tackling the 60% spending on entitlement programs. (That makes so much sense! Romney is definitely a smart man.)
Huckabee says he will have a fence built within 18 months.
Romney on immigration. No amnesty, no special path way to citizenship. Illegal immigration those recently arrived head home; kid in school? give them time to finish school then head on home; others with commitments, give them time then have them gather up their belongings and head on home to get in line. Prolegal immigration, they are a valuable source of vitality for America. (Lots of applause)
McCain on border security, would he vote for his bill if it came to the senate floor. POLITICAL SPEAK McCain dodged the question. Flip flopper McCain - either his original idea was stupid, or he has changed his position. Then he talks using "we" instead of standing up for his stupid idea and admitting guilt. What a flip flopper. "We are all committed" McCain says. What a joke, Straight Talk Express plunges off the tracks and blows up in the valley.
Huckabee mentioned about everyone being equal. He mentioned fetuses, humans, but left out religion. He lost an opportunity to appease some fears about him. He also dodges every question presented to him. "I am not going to say anything about Reagan."
Everybody was basically the same on Judges - EXCEPT McCain who talked about all the favors he owes to his "good" friend O'Conner. This guy is a political snake.
Romney Question did George Bush destroy the Republican Party? I think the party is better off. I blame Washington, they overspent, and they didn't keep their promises. (Note McCain rubs his hands with a weasely look on his face as Romney talks about the military). Romney is appealing to Social, Economic, and Family Value conservatives.
Back and forth about the Timetables.
McCain comment about timetables. He smirks and looks self righteous.
Romney I have never supported time tables for withdrawal. McCain smirks again. (Well excuse Romney for not knowing your Washington speak! McCain is looking like a freaking jerk! He is bumbling his words and sounds a bit crazy, "If we had lain in the weeds until they had gone." What the hey? McCain is babbling.)
McCain says, "Of course, he said their should be a withdrawal." "I'm the expert on what you said." (McCain is an arrogant son of a gun. He's flip flopping and incoherent, not only that McCain is smiling like a village idiot. Just like someone that can't solve problems, McCain blasts out three quick attacks on Romney. Straight Talk Express slams off the bridge and plunges hundreds of feet into the raging river.)
Romney says McCain is Washington style old politics (I'll be posting my old leadership style verse new leadership style essay soon.) I loved Romney's comment, "[McCain] you got three Pinocchio for your mischaracterization from the Washington Post".
(I've got to take a break and shout McCain is a freaking smug guy!)
McCain - attacks Romney again about his success. "My friend, Huckabee will agree with me about your money.”Vote for me McCain, I want 100 years in Iraq!"
Paul puts McCain and Romney in the same boat with respect to Iraq. They both want to get the job done there.
Huckabee If Iraq fails it will create a vacuum there that could be used by Al Qaeda.
McCain "Protecting America's interest it’s not about casualties." Huh? McCain claims he came up with the Petraeus strategy. (What an egomaniac.)
Huckabee "I look at the actions rather than what they are saying."
Romney There are four major strategies in the world today: 1. Those countries that control energy like Russia, 2. China communism and a wild west free enterprise, 3. Al Qaeda, 4. Free enterprise and free individuals the USA.
McCain on leadership and management. I know how to lead, vision knowledge, background. 20 years on security committees (doesn't this mean that McCain is partially to blame for 9/11 - he sucks at making good security measures)
Romney McCain would not be good for the economy. Governors are leaders. Legislators are committee members. Leaders are small business, middle sized business - they are leaders not just managers. Govern in charge of National Guard and state police.
Romney the problems facing a commander of chief does not require service in the military. Foreign policy and military is no longer like a checkers game, it is more like three dimensional chess. McCain thinks its checkers. Romney has the capacity to think in the manner of chess.
McCain Starts with what looks like a compliment then turns it into a dig against Romney (McCain is such a double talking politician. The Straight Talk Express drives off the end of the tracks and explodes.) McCain says he hopes people will judge him by those that have endorsed him (that would be liberal newspapers and a cross dressing Rudy).
Huckabee political speak genius. Agrees with Romney that a governor is a better leader than a senator.
Romney thinks Reagan would support him.
McCain hits at Romney with his first statement again (what a loser, he looks like an angry little man)
Paul kind of impressive talk there. Liked the gold standard.
Huckabee just called the other candidates arrogant and presumptuous for thinking Reagan would support any of them. (What a politician, the guy is just like McCain - political speak champions)
At the end I noticed two things about the cameras:
1. Huckabee's wife is as tall as Arnold
2. Little camera time given to Romney, mostly on Huckabee and McCain.
Concluding thoughts: I am ticked off at McCain! The straight talk express is a bunch of garbage. John McCain showed himself to be a pig headed jerk. Digging Romney at every comment. What a smug jerk.
McCain: Shifting American Politics to the Left - MSM Loving it!
The only good thing for conservatives about John McCain is that he survived as a POW. Aside from that John McCain is a flip flopping liberal. Now I am not good enough to claim when someone is a hypocrite, but I think John McCain comes pretty close. For instance, he stated he wouldn't get involved in negative politics, yet McCain has been called on the carpet by news outlets and bloggers for his dishonest characterization of Mitt Romney's position on Iraq. Here are a few comments on the subject:
[McCain] said he was quoting Romney as favoring a "timetable" for withdrawal and argued that he was not misquoting Romney, saying, "Clearly, the impression was that he was ready to set a date for withdrawal." But Romney quotes circulated by McCain's campaign didn't show Romney making that exact comment _ nor did aides back up McCain's earlier comment that suggested that Romney "wanted to set a date for withdrawal." See the Huffington Post.
In doing so, [McCain] relies on a statement which cannot fairly be construed as advocating withdrawal. This is the conclusion of virtually everyone who has looked at the issue, except for some of McCain’s supporters. McCain, in short, has smeared Romney. See Paul Mirengoff.
John McCain today flat-out lied about Gov. Romney's position on the troop "surge," etc. This is no surprise. McCain's "straight talk express" has been anything but straight for quite some time now. He has been making false claims about what his position on immigration was just last summer. He has been making false claims about why he opposed Bush's tax cuts. He has been making false claims about Romney's stance on "torture." He has made misleading (not exactly false, but certainly misleading) representations about Giuliani's position on the line item veto. He has misrepresented his helpfulness on judicial nominations. And I know I am forgetting some of the other things he has not been exactly straight about. See Quin Hillyer.
Since McCain and his surrogates insist on making this a big issue, let's engage them. They are dissembling about what Romney said. I have provided quotes below. We have now heard from Woolsey, who is repeating the disinformation. And we have now viewed the video-tape, which clears Romney of the allegation, i.e., he did not call for a specific time to withdraw our troops. Now, if this is the big bombshell the McCain campaign is using in the days before the Florida vote (albeit people are casting votes throughout via absentee ballots), it's pretty disgraceful stuff. See Mark Levin.
Yeah, pretty egregious [of McCain]. [Romney] never said he “wanted” to withdraw or that he wanted a date set, and it’s patently clear he doesn’t want any timetables publicly announced. See Allahpundit.
It’s a reminder — like the McCain campaign’s dishonest line of attack this weekend — that as admirable McCain is as both a hero and a politician, he is not irreproachable even on national-security issues. McCain is fond of saying he’d rather lose a political campaign than a war; he now seems to be swimming close to using the war to win a political campaign in the most dishonest of ways. It’s conduct unbecoming a man we all respect. See Kathryn Jean Lopez.
Then he was asked to justify his contention that Romney once supported a withdrawal timetable for Iraq. (I wrote this morning that McCain "stretched" history with the remark, and a few moments before this particular question received a stern talking to by two McCain aides and one reporter.) See Marc Ambinder.
This is a fundamentally dishonest attack. One of the reasons why some Republicans who have opposed McCain over issues like the BCRA and immigration have tried to keep a civil tongue in discussing McCain is because of the respect he has earned as a stalwart on the war. He deserves that respect; he has been an indispensable voice for the effort and has the right to hold himself up as that. However, he should be showing that respect to others who have supported the war and the troops. See Ed Morrissey.
McCain’s unfair stab at Romney this weekend may not cost him anything. The endorsement from Florida’s popular governor, Charles Crist, came at just the right time to bury the item in the local news. And if he does win the nomination, this moment may not even be remembered. Unfortunately, the truth is always too complicated for a quick explanation. See David Freddoso.
McCain is Political Speak:
In the brief economic part of his presentation, McCain is insistent, absolutely insistent, that the Bush tax cuts he voted against, and would still vote against today, be made permanent. It’s hard to imagine how he can say the word “permanent” much more in the course of a couple of sentences: “But I think, my friends, that’s what we should do, I think it’s very important, to keep the tax cuts permanent, make the tax cuts permanent. If we don’t do that, every family and business in America is going to see an increase in their taxes in 2010. So we need to keep the tax cuts permanent.” See article by Rich Lowry.
Doesn't anyone else see what is happening? McCain is a darling of the liberal media (as are all the democratic candidates). If McCain can get elected with the help of the main stream media then the only two candidates available are a liberal democrat and a liberal republican. This dynamic would shift the entire United States of America to the left away from conservatism. Maybe Huckabee is doing to Romney, what Huckabee accused Thompson of doing to Huckabee.
Again, I am shocked at how the other Republican candidates have ganged up against Romney. You've got to see this video.
Update: I stumbled across this article by Vic Lundquist who analyzes the Florida results and discusses religious bigotry in America.
[McCain] said he was quoting Romney as favoring a "timetable" for withdrawal and argued that he was not misquoting Romney, saying, "Clearly, the impression was that he was ready to set a date for withdrawal." But Romney quotes circulated by McCain's campaign didn't show Romney making that exact comment _ nor did aides back up McCain's earlier comment that suggested that Romney "wanted to set a date for withdrawal." See the Huffington Post.
In doing so, [McCain] relies on a statement which cannot fairly be construed as advocating withdrawal. This is the conclusion of virtually everyone who has looked at the issue, except for some of McCain’s supporters. McCain, in short, has smeared Romney. See Paul Mirengoff.
John McCain today flat-out lied about Gov. Romney's position on the troop "surge," etc. This is no surprise. McCain's "straight talk express" has been anything but straight for quite some time now. He has been making false claims about what his position on immigration was just last summer. He has been making false claims about why he opposed Bush's tax cuts. He has been making false claims about Romney's stance on "torture." He has made misleading (not exactly false, but certainly misleading) representations about Giuliani's position on the line item veto. He has misrepresented his helpfulness on judicial nominations. And I know I am forgetting some of the other things he has not been exactly straight about. See Quin Hillyer.
Since McCain and his surrogates insist on making this a big issue, let's engage them. They are dissembling about what Romney said. I have provided quotes below. We have now heard from Woolsey, who is repeating the disinformation. And we have now viewed the video-tape, which clears Romney of the allegation, i.e., he did not call for a specific time to withdraw our troops. Now, if this is the big bombshell the McCain campaign is using in the days before the Florida vote (albeit people are casting votes throughout via absentee ballots), it's pretty disgraceful stuff. See Mark Levin.
Yeah, pretty egregious [of McCain]. [Romney] never said he “wanted” to withdraw or that he wanted a date set, and it’s patently clear he doesn’t want any timetables publicly announced. See Allahpundit.
It’s a reminder — like the McCain campaign’s dishonest line of attack this weekend — that as admirable McCain is as both a hero and a politician, he is not irreproachable even on national-security issues. McCain is fond of saying he’d rather lose a political campaign than a war; he now seems to be swimming close to using the war to win a political campaign in the most dishonest of ways. It’s conduct unbecoming a man we all respect. See Kathryn Jean Lopez.
Then he was asked to justify his contention that Romney once supported a withdrawal timetable for Iraq. (I wrote this morning that McCain "stretched" history with the remark, and a few moments before this particular question received a stern talking to by two McCain aides and one reporter.) See Marc Ambinder.
This is a fundamentally dishonest attack. One of the reasons why some Republicans who have opposed McCain over issues like the BCRA and immigration have tried to keep a civil tongue in discussing McCain is because of the respect he has earned as a stalwart on the war. He deserves that respect; he has been an indispensable voice for the effort and has the right to hold himself up as that. However, he should be showing that respect to others who have supported the war and the troops. See Ed Morrissey.
McCain’s unfair stab at Romney this weekend may not cost him anything. The endorsement from Florida’s popular governor, Charles Crist, came at just the right time to bury the item in the local news. And if he does win the nomination, this moment may not even be remembered. Unfortunately, the truth is always too complicated for a quick explanation. See David Freddoso.
McCain is Political Speak:
In the brief economic part of his presentation, McCain is insistent, absolutely insistent, that the Bush tax cuts he voted against, and would still vote against today, be made permanent. It’s hard to imagine how he can say the word “permanent” much more in the course of a couple of sentences: “But I think, my friends, that’s what we should do, I think it’s very important, to keep the tax cuts permanent, make the tax cuts permanent. If we don’t do that, every family and business in America is going to see an increase in their taxes in 2010. So we need to keep the tax cuts permanent.” See article by Rich Lowry.
Doesn't anyone else see what is happening? McCain is a darling of the liberal media (as are all the democratic candidates). If McCain can get elected with the help of the main stream media then the only two candidates available are a liberal democrat and a liberal republican. This dynamic would shift the entire United States of America to the left away from conservatism. Maybe Huckabee is doing to Romney, what Huckabee accused Thompson of doing to Huckabee.
Again, I am shocked at how the other Republican candidates have ganged up against Romney. You've got to see this video.
Update: I stumbled across this article by Vic Lundquist who analyzes the Florida results and discusses religious bigotry in America.
Florida Prediction for GOP President - Lost Mormon?
The night before the big primary. I think Mitt Romney will come out ahead 1%. I am looking forward to the results.
Update: McCain 36%, Romney 31%, Giuliani 15%, Huckabee 14%, Paul 3%
I was wrong. I have to admit Florida was an exciting race (makes me wonder how much money the TV/Radio/Newspaper companies are making off this campaign season). I heard three comments, however, which surprised me:
Sheridan Kernop said she originally considered Romney, but moved to Huckabee. And why the change? “The honest truth? Because he’s a Mormon.”
Humberto Leach voted for Mitt Romney because he thinks he is the best candidate to beat the Democrats. "It was a hard choice because I voted against my religion. [Meaning religiously he should have voted for Huckabee]."
On another blog, which shall remain nameless since they deleted my comments and instead of talking politics went straight to Mormon bashing. The blogger didn't support Huckabee tax policy, he didn't think Huckabee was the best candidate, but they shared a religion and because of that simple reason, "God forbid any other candidate should win".
I guess the Founding Fathers, John F. Kennedy, and Mitt Romney are wrong, there is a religious test for President. If Mitt Romney wasn't a Mormon he would have had the nomination wrapped up months ago - the man is head and shoulders above the others. I am a little bit saddened by America, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, do you see the subscript there? Does it say something like "except for Mormons"? I don't think everyone thinks bad of Mormons, but I have been surprised by all the distasteful phone calls slamming Mormons from Huckabee's campaign, and the snide remarks from Ron Paul's campaign, not to mention the bizarre attitude that "any body except a Mormon body will do". Or Americans thinking a Mormon (even one as accomplished as Mitt Romney) cannot be President because of his faith - who cares about his Presidential platform.
John F. Kennedy respected religions, even the Mormons. You don't have to agree on doctrine to remain secure in your faith and to complement people of other faiths. Voting for Mitt Romney is not against one's faith - you're not voting for a Pastor in Chief. You're voting for an executive officer to provide vision, values, set priorities and deadlines for the next four years in America. I believe Mitt Romney, even if he is a Mormon, will do just that.
Update: McCain 36%, Romney 31%, Giuliani 15%, Huckabee 14%, Paul 3%
I was wrong. I have to admit Florida was an exciting race (makes me wonder how much money the TV/Radio/Newspaper companies are making off this campaign season). I heard three comments, however, which surprised me:
Sheridan Kernop said she originally considered Romney, but moved to Huckabee. And why the change? “The honest truth? Because he’s a Mormon.”
Humberto Leach voted for Mitt Romney because he thinks he is the best candidate to beat the Democrats. "It was a hard choice because I voted against my religion. [Meaning religiously he should have voted for Huckabee]."
On another blog, which shall remain nameless since they deleted my comments and instead of talking politics went straight to Mormon bashing. The blogger didn't support Huckabee tax policy, he didn't think Huckabee was the best candidate, but they shared a religion and because of that simple reason, "God forbid any other candidate should win".
I guess the Founding Fathers, John F. Kennedy, and Mitt Romney are wrong, there is a religious test for President. If Mitt Romney wasn't a Mormon he would have had the nomination wrapped up months ago - the man is head and shoulders above the others. I am a little bit saddened by America, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave, do you see the subscript there? Does it say something like "except for Mormons"? I don't think everyone thinks bad of Mormons, but I have been surprised by all the distasteful phone calls slamming Mormons from Huckabee's campaign, and the snide remarks from Ron Paul's campaign, not to mention the bizarre attitude that "any body except a Mormon body will do". Or Americans thinking a Mormon (even one as accomplished as Mitt Romney) cannot be President because of his faith - who cares about his Presidential platform.
John F. Kennedy respected religions, even the Mormons. You don't have to agree on doctrine to remain secure in your faith and to complement people of other faiths. Voting for Mitt Romney is not against one's faith - you're not voting for a Pastor in Chief. You're voting for an executive officer to provide vision, values, set priorities and deadlines for the next four years in America. I believe Mitt Romney, even if he is a Mormon, will do just that.
Calling Floridians Political Phone Calls
Now that the Sunshine state is in the spotlight, I volunteered two hours today and made some phone calls into Florida. Here are some of the conversation highlights from talking with real people in Florida. I always introduce myself and then ask how they are doing - almost everyone was sick of political phone calls.
Conversation A:
I talked with a sweet woman who had been tracking the number of phone calls she had received. She said she had received 19 so far. When I expressed surprise, she said she realistically was expecting around 30 before Tuesday's primary. As a registered voter, she recognized that political phone calls are part of the process.
Conversation B:
I talked with a man who started out saying he didn't care what I thought about politics because it was the candidates that needed his vote. I agreed and asked him what he thought (he also mentioned it was nice to talk to a real person) and then he unloaded. His main concerns had to do with raising his family and getting his kids through college so they could get a great job. At a jab at McCain and Giuliani he said he didn't care about terrorists, even though he lived by a military base. He wanted economic prosperity so his kids could move out of the house and find a job that would provide for their needs. He really got worked up and before I knew it he was using cuss words, then he dropped the f-bomb and hung up.
Well, I didn't find that very fair, I didn't even get to tell him that I was a student with three kids living in an apartment and knew exactly what he was talking about. So I did what any good phone person would do, I called him back.
He was completely surprised. He talked for another ten minutes about the economy and his worries about his family and the future. Finally, I was able to tell him my story. As an MBA and an MHA student, I support Mitt Romney because of his economic policies. A strong economy begets a strong military, and both of those provide protection for my family, both financially and economically. I then gave him the local phone number and suggested he call them and say, "These are my concerns, I'll be watching closely over the next few days to see what Romney says about this." Our conversation ended very well, "God bless you" he said.
Conversation C:
I talked with a lady who said she had already made up her mind. I asked if I could share with her my reasons for supporting Mitt Romney. She reluctantly agreed. I explained the US spends 4% of GDP on the military and 16% on healthcare. It takes a strong economy to support the military and only Mitt Romney has the real world experience to help America prosper. Economists estimate 80% of jobs in twenty years haven't even been thought of yet. Only Mitt Romney can position America to take advantage of those jobs. When I finished, she seemed very impressed and said, "That was very convincing." I think she will be checking that box for Mitt Romney on Tuesday the 29th of January.
Conversation D:
I talked with a young lady who answered the phone, "Victoria's Secret, how may I help you?". (I think they were tired of political calls.)
Conversation E:
A man answered the phone and said he had already cast his ballot, but that his wife hadn't. In the background she protested, but he finally got her to answer the phone. After a brief conversation, she wondered aloud, "My husband voted for John McCain, can he get his ballot back and change his vote to Mitt Romney?"
Conversation F:
A woman asked me right off the bat, what is Mitt Romney's position on pro-life issues. I told her about how Mitt Romney converted to the pro-life stance as Governor of Massachusetts. As a governor he came down on the side of pro-life issues over and over again. His Presidential platform is pro-life and pro-family values. She said those were the issues important to her and I suggested she check out mittromney.com for more information.
Conversation G:
I talked with a man who was one of the most polite people I've talked with. He was debating between Giuliani and Romney. He said, "I would never vote for McCain - even if he won I would vote for the democrat, unless it was Hillary Clinton." He thought McCain was one of the most liberal political figures to call themselves a Republican that he had ever seen in politics. We had a great discussion, talking about healthcare and some of the trends in Florida hospitals. As an MHA student I promised to look into fellowships in Florida. We ended the conversation very well - sometimes I wish I could keep track of some of those people. Good Folk!
Anyway, I've never followed politics, but I must admit that people are excited and enthusiastic about Mitt Romney. Over and over people admired his economic knowledge and admitted the fact that we need a great economy to support our soldiers in the field with the best equipment and technology, people also admired his family values, and his great example for MBA students across the nation. Every MBA student wishes to be successful like Romney. As an economic conservative, I strongly endorse Mitt Romney for President of these United States.
Conversation A:
I talked with a sweet woman who had been tracking the number of phone calls she had received. She said she had received 19 so far. When I expressed surprise, she said she realistically was expecting around 30 before Tuesday's primary. As a registered voter, she recognized that political phone calls are part of the process.
Conversation B:
I talked with a man who started out saying he didn't care what I thought about politics because it was the candidates that needed his vote. I agreed and asked him what he thought (he also mentioned it was nice to talk to a real person) and then he unloaded. His main concerns had to do with raising his family and getting his kids through college so they could get a great job. At a jab at McCain and Giuliani he said he didn't care about terrorists, even though he lived by a military base. He wanted economic prosperity so his kids could move out of the house and find a job that would provide for their needs. He really got worked up and before I knew it he was using cuss words, then he dropped the f-bomb and hung up.
Well, I didn't find that very fair, I didn't even get to tell him that I was a student with three kids living in an apartment and knew exactly what he was talking about. So I did what any good phone person would do, I called him back.
He was completely surprised. He talked for another ten minutes about the economy and his worries about his family and the future. Finally, I was able to tell him my story. As an MBA and an MHA student, I support Mitt Romney because of his economic policies. A strong economy begets a strong military, and both of those provide protection for my family, both financially and economically. I then gave him the local phone number and suggested he call them and say, "These are my concerns, I'll be watching closely over the next few days to see what Romney says about this." Our conversation ended very well, "God bless you" he said.
Conversation C:
I talked with a lady who said she had already made up her mind. I asked if I could share with her my reasons for supporting Mitt Romney. She reluctantly agreed. I explained the US spends 4% of GDP on the military and 16% on healthcare. It takes a strong economy to support the military and only Mitt Romney has the real world experience to help America prosper. Economists estimate 80% of jobs in twenty years haven't even been thought of yet. Only Mitt Romney can position America to take advantage of those jobs. When I finished, she seemed very impressed and said, "That was very convincing." I think she will be checking that box for Mitt Romney on Tuesday the 29th of January.
Conversation D:
I talked with a young lady who answered the phone, "Victoria's Secret, how may I help you?". (I think they were tired of political calls.)
Conversation E:
A man answered the phone and said he had already cast his ballot, but that his wife hadn't. In the background she protested, but he finally got her to answer the phone. After a brief conversation, she wondered aloud, "My husband voted for John McCain, can he get his ballot back and change his vote to Mitt Romney?"
Conversation F:
A woman asked me right off the bat, what is Mitt Romney's position on pro-life issues. I told her about how Mitt Romney converted to the pro-life stance as Governor of Massachusetts. As a governor he came down on the side of pro-life issues over and over again. His Presidential platform is pro-life and pro-family values. She said those were the issues important to her and I suggested she check out mittromney.com for more information.
Conversation G:
I talked with a man who was one of the most polite people I've talked with. He was debating between Giuliani and Romney. He said, "I would never vote for McCain - even if he won I would vote for the democrat, unless it was Hillary Clinton." He thought McCain was one of the most liberal political figures to call themselves a Republican that he had ever seen in politics. We had a great discussion, talking about healthcare and some of the trends in Florida hospitals. As an MHA student I promised to look into fellowships in Florida. We ended the conversation very well - sometimes I wish I could keep track of some of those people. Good Folk!
Anyway, I've never followed politics, but I must admit that people are excited and enthusiastic about Mitt Romney. Over and over people admired his economic knowledge and admitted the fact that we need a great economy to support our soldiers in the field with the best equipment and technology, people also admired his family values, and his great example for MBA students across the nation. Every MBA student wishes to be successful like Romney. As an economic conservative, I strongly endorse Mitt Romney for President of these United States.
McCain Continues His "Straight Talk" Express, Huh?
So John McCain pulls another Huckabee! McCain claims he is the gentleman of politics and then purposefully misrepresents another candidates' position. This is the same type of thing that McCain caught flack on in South Carolina.
In the course of a few hours, McCain said that Romney once wanted to set a date to withdraw from Iraq, accused him of working on the same side as Hillary Clinton in the Iraq debate, and accused him of disrespecting American servicemen and women. Check out this myth debunked here.
Straight Talk - John McCain's Straight Talk Express plunges off the road and into a revine exploding a ball of fire.
In the course of a few hours, McCain said that Romney once wanted to set a date to withdraw from Iraq, accused him of working on the same side as Hillary Clinton in the Iraq debate, and accused him of disrespecting American servicemen and women. Check out this myth debunked here.
What exactly does McCain mean by demanding that Romney apologize to
American troops? Is McCain suggesting than any American who opposed the surge
was somehow not supporting American troops? Is he saying that it is unpatriotic
to debate American policy in Iraq? It sure sounds like it. And it is an
unbecoming posture for McCain, who has been boasting in
recent days about the "respectful debate" he would have with Hillary
Clinton, John Edwards or Barack Obama should he win the nomination.John McCain's statements on Iraq, early on - what a Flip Flopper.
“Mr. President, can anyone seriously argue that another 6 months of United States forces in harm’s way means the difference between peace and prosperity in Somalia and war and starvation there? Is that very dim prospect worth one more American life? No, it is not.” -John McCain Senate Floor, 10/14/93
"There is no reason for the United States of America to remain in Somalia. The American people want them home, I believe the majority of Congress wants them home, and to set an artificial date of March 31 or even February 1, in my view, is not acceptable. The criteria should be to bring them home as rapidly and safely as possible, an evolution which I think could be completed in a matter of weeks.
Our continued military presence in Somalia allows another situation to arise which could then lead to the wounding, killing or capture of American fighting men and women. We should do all in our power to avoid that.
I listened carefully to the President's remarks at a news conference that he held earlier today. I heard nothing in his discussion of the issue that would persuade me that further U.S. military involvement in the area is necessary. In fact, his remarks have persuaded me more profoundly that we should leave and leave soon.
Dates certain, Mr. President, are not the criteria here. What is the criteria and what should be the criteria is our immediate, orderly withdrawal from Somalia. And if we do not do that and other Americans die, other Americans are wounded, other Americans are captured because we stay too long--longer than necessary--then I would say that the responsibilities for that lie with the Congress of the United States who did not exercise their authority under the Constitution of the United States and mandate that they be brought home quickly and safely as possible. . . .
I know that this debate is going to go on this afternoon and I have a lot more to say, but the argument that somehow the United States would suffer a loss to our prestige and our viability, as far as the No. 1 superpower in the world, I think is baloney. The fact is, we won the cold war. The fact is, we won the Persian Gulf conflict. And the fact is that the United States is still the only major world superpower.
I can tell you what will erode our prestige. I can tell you what will hurt our viability as the world's superpower, and that is if we enmesh ourselves in a drawn-out situation which entails the loss of American lives, more debacles like the one we saw with the failed mission to capture Aideed's lieutenants, using American forces, and that then will be what hurts our prestige.
We suffered a terrible tragedy in Beirut, Mr. President; 240 young marines lost their lives, but we got out. Now is the time for us to get out of Somalia as rapidly and as promptly and as safely as possible.
I, along with many others, will have an amendment that says exactly that. It does not give any date certain. It does not say anything about any other missions that the United States may need or feels it needs to carry out. It will say that we should get out as rapidly and orderly as possible."-John McCain Senate Floor, 10/19/93
Straight Talk - John McCain's Straight Talk Express plunges off the road and into a revine exploding a ball of fire.
Crist Endorses John McCain? What the hey?
We are getting down to the wire and Florida Governor Crist endorsed John McCain for President. Here are some comments I picked up from various locations. True Republicans don't seem too pleased (for that matter the Florida democrats also sent out a statement).
Florida democratic party said:
“Crist: Screw You, Florida. This is a slap in the face to every Floridian. Of all the candidates in the race, Charlie Crist picks the one who ridicules the proposed national catastrophic fund that would reduce insurance rates for all Floridians,” state party spokesman Mark Bubriski said. “So much for being the ‘People’s Governor.’”
Nate said:
It seemed like Governor Crist was a little fake in his endorsement. He said, “I just decided today.” Was he waiting to see who the clear winner would be so he could endorse the winner? The whole thing seemed a little odd.
Mitt Romney Communications Director Kristy Campbell:
“We have a great deal of respect for Governor Crist but we happen to disagree with him on who would make the best President. Governor Romney is working hard for the support of every single Floridian who wants lower taxes, less government, stronger families and a strong military. Governor Crist’s vote is only one vote. The endorsement that matters most to Governor Romney is the endorsement of the People of Florida.”
Miami Herald
''Crist is popular, but he's not Oprah,'' said pollster Kellyanne Conway.
And top Crist advisors, such as lobbyists Brian Ballard and J.M. ''Mac'' Stipanovich, have been longtime McCain men. ''We've been working this for a long time,'' Stipanovich said.
Florida democratic party said:
“Crist: Screw You, Florida. This is a slap in the face to every Floridian. Of all the candidates in the race, Charlie Crist picks the one who ridicules the proposed national catastrophic fund that would reduce insurance rates for all Floridians,” state party spokesman Mark Bubriski said. “So much for being the ‘People’s Governor.’”
Nate said:
It seemed like Governor Crist was a little fake in his endorsement. He said, “I just decided today.” Was he waiting to see who the clear winner would be so he could endorse the winner? The whole thing seemed a little odd.
Mitt Romney Communications Director Kristy Campbell:
“We have a great deal of respect for Governor Crist but we happen to disagree with him on who would make the best President. Governor Romney is working hard for the support of every single Floridian who wants lower taxes, less government, stronger families and a strong military. Governor Crist’s vote is only one vote. The endorsement that matters most to Governor Romney is the endorsement of the People of Florida.”
Miami Herald
''Crist is popular, but he's not Oprah,'' said pollster Kellyanne Conway.
And top Crist advisors, such as lobbyists Brian Ballard and J.M. ''Mac'' Stipanovich, have been longtime McCain men. ''We've been working this for a long time,'' Stipanovich said.
Hucks Army Defecting in Droves
Over and over the story reads the same...
I donated money to Mike Huckabee, but now I support Romney.
Being new to blogging, I wanted to post comments and have comments posted. So I searched the blogosphere looking for people that felt the same as I. Finally I stumbled onto http://www.mikehuckabee.com/ and lo and behold I found 754 "bloggers for Huckabee". I thought, well I guess this is a good place to start. Unfortunately, over and over as I clicked through the blogs, the bloggers had moved from Mike Huckabee to Fred Thompson and many had moved on to Mitt Romney; while other blogs like Latter Day Saints for Huckabee and Michigan for Huckabee came up as Error 404: Page does not exist. People had even posted their emails to Mike Huckabee asking to be removed from his blog roll!
Then I stumbled across a Bob Lonsberry, a guy that does a radio show in New York on 1180 WHAM and Utah on Family Values 570 KRNS. His story was similar to many, many others I have read:
As more and more evangelicals realize how Huckabee misuses his religion to get votes, Hucks Army gets smaller and smaller. His "I am more Christian than thou" doesn't help any one's cause. From the debate the other night, more people thought a former Baptist Preacher was the least likely to bring the country together than a woman, a black man, or a Mormon. Huckabee has turned out to be a major disappointment.
Bob Lonsberry and former Huckabee supports, I challenge you to make Mitt Romney the second campaign to which you have donated. Just click here to make your donation. And welcome to Team Mitt!
I donated money to Mike Huckabee, but now I support Romney.
Being new to blogging, I wanted to post comments and have comments posted. So I searched the blogosphere looking for people that felt the same as I. Finally I stumbled onto http://www.mikehuckabee.com/ and lo and behold I found 754 "bloggers for Huckabee". I thought, well I guess this is a good place to start. Unfortunately, over and over as I clicked through the blogs, the bloggers had moved from Mike Huckabee to Fred Thompson and many had moved on to Mitt Romney; while other blogs like Latter Day Saints for Huckabee and Michigan for Huckabee came up as Error 404: Page does not exist. People had even posted their emails to Mike Huckabee asking to be removed from his blog roll!
Then I stumbled across a Bob Lonsberry, a guy that does a radio show in New York on 1180 WHAM and Utah on Family Values 570 KRNS. His story was similar to many, many others I have read:
Mike Huckabee is the only politician I've ever donated money to. I sent him $50 last fall, when he was on the Glenn Beck TV show. I liked what he had to say about the Second Amendment and I liked the way he was so upfront with his strong religious values.
But this guy's only a conservative when it suits him, and he's got a new brand of conservatism he's peddling that is nothing but the old brand of liberalism. He is, to me, a keen, keen disappointment.
He has prostituted his religion, seeming to actively promote his Christian ties for personal political gain, and cunningly using religious bigotry against at least one opponent. He is too clever by half and it comes off looking not just cunning, but sinister. He did grow government, he did raise taxes, he was a good friend of illegal aliens – and all the 180s he's pulled in the last few weeks won't change that. Mike Huckabee is talented, and part of me still likes him a lot, but the more I learn about him, the more he reminds me of Elmer Gantry. -January 22, 2008
As more and more evangelicals realize how Huckabee misuses his religion to get votes, Hucks Army gets smaller and smaller. His "I am more Christian than thou" doesn't help any one's cause. From the debate the other night, more people thought a former Baptist Preacher was the least likely to bring the country together than a woman, a black man, or a Mormon. Huckabee has turned out to be a major disappointment.
Bob Lonsberry and former Huckabee supports, I challenge you to make Mitt Romney the second campaign to which you have donated. Just click here to make your donation. And welcome to Team Mitt!
What does Miss South Carolina and McCain have in Common?
MSNBC Republican Debate January 24, 2008
McCain gets a question from Ron Paul about abolishing a committee.
McCain doesn't know what he is talking about when it comes to economics. This video shows the comparison between Miss South Carolina and John McCain as they both try to answer a question about which they have no idea. Miss South Carolina stumbled all over the place, and John McCain does the same. I love the music, "Don't know much about history, don't know much about geography..."
Ron Paul at the end says, "I don't think he knew what I was saying... He had to be [confused], because the people he brought up were actually on that committee."
You can see many of the democrats that love McCain here.
McCain gets a question from Ron Paul about abolishing a committee.
McCain doesn't know what he is talking about when it comes to economics. This video shows the comparison between Miss South Carolina and John McCain as they both try to answer a question about which they have no idea. Miss South Carolina stumbled all over the place, and John McCain does the same. I love the music, "Don't know much about history, don't know much about geography..."
Ron Paul at the end says, "I don't think he knew what I was saying... He had to be [confused], because the people he brought up were actually on that committee."
You can see many of the democrats that love McCain here.
Mitt Romney wins Republican Debate January 24, 2008 MSNBC
MSNBC Republican Debate January 24, 2008
Joe Scarbourough, "Mitt Romney absolutely dominated."
McCain talking twice about bridge to no where, left us scratching our head.
"Conservatives probably related to Mitt Romney."
"This was probably Mitt Romney's best performance."
"This was Mitt Romney's best debate performance."
"I saw a man who made two or three commanding responses to some questions."
"Run against not only Hillary Clinton but Bill Clinton. How would you run against them? Frankly, I can't wait. With Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do..."
Joe Scarbourough, "Mitt Romney absolutely dominated."
McCain talking twice about bridge to no where, left us scratching our head.
"Conservatives probably related to Mitt Romney."
"This was probably Mitt Romney's best performance."
"This was Mitt Romney's best debate performance."
"I saw a man who made two or three commanding responses to some questions."
"Run against not only Hillary Clinton but Bill Clinton. How would you run against them? Frankly, I can't wait. With Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do..."
Mitt Romney Respects Candidates - Make Tax Cuts Permanent
MSNBC Republican Debate January 24, 2008
"I trust these two gentlemen (McCain and Giuliani)"
"MA was in a ditch, 3 billion dollar short fall"
"Thought they would need to raise taxes"
"Said to the business community, you don't have to worry about Taxachucetts coming back again."
"McCain should have voted for the Bush tax cuts the first time around."
"Economy in my DNA. I know how jobs come and how they go."
"I'll make sure we create more jobs."
"I trust these two gentlemen (McCain and Giuliani)"
"MA was in a ditch, 3 billion dollar short fall"
"Thought they would need to raise taxes"
"Said to the business community, you don't have to worry about Taxachucetts coming back again."
"McCain should have voted for the Bush tax cuts the first time around."
"Economy in my DNA. I know how jobs come and how they go."
"I'll make sure we create more jobs."
Mitt Romney on Size of Military Republican Debate
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
Welcome home bill in MA. We will pay for your entire education. Enrollment went up 30%. We need to improve the GI bill, so young people get a full ride and go to college.
"Unthinkable that democrats would say... getting out as fast or win? Get out as fast as you can is the answer to Iraq."
"We cannot turn Iraq over to Al Queda."
"I will not walk away from Iraq until we are successful and have finished that job."
Democrats claiming they are the reason for success. "Not General Hillary Clinton."
Welcome home bill in MA. We will pay for your entire education. Enrollment went up 30%. We need to improve the GI bill, so young people get a full ride and go to college.
"Unthinkable that democrats would say... getting out as fast or win? Get out as fast as you can is the answer to Iraq."
"We cannot turn Iraq over to Al Queda."
"I will not walk away from Iraq until we are successful and have finished that job."
Democrats claiming they are the reason for success. "Not General Hillary Clinton."
What is Mitt Romney going to stand for as President?
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
Mitt Romney answers on what he is going to run? Why is he trying to be President?
"I'm gonna run on my own record."
"Washington is fundamentally broken."
"They said they would fix social security, they haven't."
"They said they would get us off of foreign oil, they haven't."
"They said they would live by higher ethics, they haven't."
"When Republicans act like democrats, America loses."
"We all agree pork barrel spending should end."
"How do we bring down taxes?"
"We are the party of fiscal responsibility."
Foundation of economy being shaken because Washington is not getting the job done.
"I am going to Washington to change Washington."
Mitt Romney answers on what he is going to run? Why is he trying to be President?
"I'm gonna run on my own record."
"Washington is fundamentally broken."
"They said they would fix social security, they haven't."
"They said they would get us off of foreign oil, they haven't."
"They said they would live by higher ethics, they haven't."
"When Republicans act like democrats, America loses."
"We all agree pork barrel spending should end."
"How do we bring down taxes?"
"We are the party of fiscal responsibility."
Foundation of economy being shaken because Washington is not getting the job done.
"I am going to Washington to change Washington."
Republican Debate Mitt Romney on Semi-Automatic Weapons
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
Mitt Romney supports the second amendment and gun rights, this is a question posed by Mike Huckabee.
Mitt Romney supports the second amendment and gun rights, this is a question posed by Mike Huckabee.
Romney on Bill Clinton in the White House
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
Great response by Mitt Romney about the idea the Clintons back in the White House.
"Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do, I just can't imagine, and I don't think the American people can imagine it..."
Great response by Mitt Romney about the idea the Clintons back in the White House.
"Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do, I just can't imagine, and I don't think the American people can imagine it..."
Romney Addresses Mormon Faith in MSNBC debate January 24, 2008
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of truth in Romney's response. Who cares about his personal faith - LOOK AT HIS FAITH IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! Inspiring.
Americans are not going to impose a religious test, when the founders said that is as unAmerican as anything. Free American people are the source of America's greatness! AWESOME!
"I just don't believe people will chose their candidate based on which Church they go to."
"We're not going to vote for this guy for a secular position because of the Church he goes to, I just don't believe that."
"A head to head with Hillary Clinton... she takes her inspiration from the Europe of old, big government, big taxes. I take my inspiration from small government, low taxes."
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of truth in Romney's response. Who cares about his personal faith - LOOK AT HIS FAITH IN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE! Inspiring.
Americans are not going to impose a religious test, when the founders said that is as unAmerican as anything. Free American people are the source of America's greatness! AWESOME!
"I just don't believe people will chose their candidate based on which Church they go to."
"We're not going to vote for this guy for a secular position because of the Church he goes to, I just don't believe that."
"A head to head with Hillary Clinton... she takes her inspiration from the Europe of old, big government, big taxes. I take my inspiration from small government, low taxes."
Ron Paul edged out by Romney in MSNBC text debate
MSNBC Republican Debate January 24, 2008
I almost fell out of my chair! Ron Paul was edged out by Mitt Romney on the text message vote after the MSNBC poll. That is crazy.
MSNBC Text poll--who won the debate?
Romney 41%
Paul 40%
Huckabee 8%
McCain 7%
Rudy 4%
I almost fell out of my chair! Ron Paul was edged out by Mitt Romney on the text message vote after the MSNBC poll. That is crazy.
MSNBC Text poll--who won the debate?
Romney 41%
Paul 40%
Huckabee 8%
McCain 7%
Rudy 4%
Republican Debate January 24,2008 MSNBC
MSNBC Republican debate January 24, 2008
Just got home and the debate is thirty minutes in. Here are my comments and thoughts so far.
Romney "Get out or win?" Democrats say get out. "Not to General Hillary Clinton" (lots of applause, and I thought it was a pretty clever line)
Paul War is not worth it. Al Queda wasn't there. They are now. (Paul so now that Al Queda is there do you just run away and leave it to them?)
Huckabee Weapons of mass destruction just weren't found, like all the Easter eggs. (I think most Americans think there was not WMD in Iraq, oopsie Huckabee)
Romney War not well managed, under planned, understaffed. Now we are in the phase we are in now. Now we have to make sure Iraq does not become a safe haven for Al Queda. (I like that he realizes there were troubles, but that America can make changes to win.)
Second Segment: Questions from candidates to other candidates, going left to right
Romney Giuliani how do we level the playing field with China. What kind of economic.
Giuliani I told you I wasn't going to answer your question. More engaged in trade the better, get to know them better. Ability to sue in China (that will be a very tough one to every make happen). What can we sell to China - energy independence, technology.
McCain Huckabee proponent of Fair Tax, how do you answer the criticism wouldn't cause more pain to lower income Americans? How do you account the resonance.
Huckabee People would love to see the IRS abolished. (Look at this conversation I had with a Pro Huckabee supporter here.) Prebate, every American would get a check (dang that is going to require a ton of administration). Wants Pimps, drug dealers, etc to be brought into the tax (this is a tiny population. Huckabee goes on in rebuttal to discount 30% - although because of the method of determining the 23% tax it comes out as a true 30%)
Paul Sunlight on group running money policy in the US.
McCain Rely on secretary of treasure to run money policy. He would rely on his group of friends (basically those who he owes favors to).
Huckabee Second Amendment ban on so called assault weapons. Do you support Brady and assault weapon ban,
Romney I do support second Amendment. I would have signed the assault weapon ban. Both the pro and anti gun lobbies came together. People have the right to carry a weapon.
Giuliani People have difficulties getting property insurance. McCain does not support a national catastrophic fund. Do you have a position on the national catastrophic fund?
Romney The answer is Yes. We had the problem in Massachusetts. So we will do as you just indicated. I am not in favor that Iowa should subsidise the people in Mass or Florida. How do we build a policy in each state. I brought together industry experts to solve health insurance.
McCain This is a terrible problem. Spread insurance across state lines (wow, that is radical). Call regulators, congress together (opps left out industry experts).
Russert Global Warming in Florida, but you are against green house gases.
Giuliani Invest in new technology. Nuclear powerplants, increase hybrid vehicles, more clean coal, incentives for new industries and biofuels. Wind, solar, etc. National project like getting man on the moon. This is the best way to fight green house gases. Positive way.
McCain Joe Lieberman and I proposed credit market on green house gases. Nuclear power, out of foreign oil, climate change is real (wow, that is almost anti-republican). Suppose we are wrong and climate change is not real, at least we will hand our kids a cleaner world (I agree with that).
Third Segment:
Giuliani Romney asked me a nice question, we've lulled them into a false sense of security. Everyone has a chance. I believe I'll get the nomination.
McCain Proud of my record on judges. Most republicans thinking about threat of radical Islam (not so my friend). Stewardship of our planet. Keep Israel independent. Very, very conservative record, but there are times when Rumsfelds strategy is wrong, Jack Abrahmoff (McCain's third largest lobbiest is the group that Jack worked for).
Romney The idea of Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do. (That is funny) I'll run against Hillary. 110 billion more every single year for her health care plan. Get out of Iraq, she is what is wrong with Washington. Look sending the same people back over and over will not change the results.
Romney How much money of your own wealth. There is nobody that can call me and cash in a favor. I am consiHow America works, I am giving my all. Loved his answer on his religion. I don't believe for a minute that Americans will impose a religious test. I believe individual freedom is what makes America great. (His answer here was more inspiring than his speech on religion! I was duly impressed with his response. Wow, what optimism about Americans, even though we all know we have our scum bags. Very Presidential and spoken with such great conviction. WOW!)
Huckabee Specifically do to change social security. Huckabee to Romney, you have five exceptional sons. If the country will elect me, your sons will get to keep your money. (The guy is
Everybody keeps talking about unlikely the Fair Tax is, we need to be talking about what we can do (Let me note NO COUNTRY IN THE WORLD HAS EVER RUN GOVERNMENT USING A FAIR TAX).
Romney Will you do for social security what Ronald Reagan do? I will not raise taxes. The four ways to solve the method 1. Raise taxes (worse way); we will need to sit down with Dems/Reps 2. Personal Accounts that do better than government bonds, 3. Innitial benefit calculation based on wage index, 4. Change the retirement age. Let's not scare anyone listening to me, it's not going to change people already on social security.
Giuliani Why is your campaign airing an ad in Spanish? America is built around english language. If you know other languages that is a good thing. Stop illegal immigration at the border. Tamper proof ID Card. Question Wet foot dry foot: why special policy for Cuba? Presumption that if fleeing Castro then fleeing politcal persectuiong.
Huckabee Chuck Norris said at 72 McCain too old. I didn't disagree with Norris because I was standing right next to him. I don't think that McCain lacks the rigor. He has the capacity to run.
McCain Now that Sylvester Stallon has endorsed me I'm sending him right over to take care of Norris.
Giuliani Question about NY times article. I never did anything the NYTimes suggested, if I did I would not be a convervative. I moved people from welfare to work. They wrote how mean I was. There is serious ideological differnces.
Romney Charge about you changes positions with the wind. Haven't paid your dues. I'm not going to Washington to make friends with politicians. Look at my record at Governor. Every issue I dealt with as Governor. Awarded by Citizens for life in MA on pro-life. Clear record on taxes. I am proud of where I stand and show my record to show I've been consistent.
McCain Question about temper. I don't see it as an impediment. I've dealt with friends and colleagues and wouldn't have their support if we didn't have a good. Endorses Giuliani (now why is he doing that?). All these people are good people and I intend to respect them.
Huckabee Question about quesy feeling. Solid core, faith grounds me, sense of purpose. Never use auspices of government to push my faith. They will have to deal with it. Respect people who have faith or don't.
Paul Won't stick to your party, would you launch a third party? I think they haven't stuck to our party. I've been elected 10 times as a Republican. It has a problem because we don't act like Republicans. Used to be against the department of education. We stopped wars, and here we are starting them. Why should the strict constitutionaists be removed from the party?
The end.
Just got home and the debate is thirty minutes in. Here are my comments and thoughts so far.
Romney "Get out or win?" Democrats say get out. "Not to General Hillary Clinton" (lots of applause, and I thought it was a pretty clever line)
Paul War is not worth it. Al Queda wasn't there. They are now. (Paul so now that Al Queda is there do you just run away and leave it to them?)
Huckabee Weapons of mass destruction just weren't found, like all the Easter eggs. (I think most Americans think there was not WMD in Iraq, oopsie Huckabee)
Romney War not well managed, under planned, understaffed. Now we are in the phase we are in now. Now we have to make sure Iraq does not become a safe haven for Al Queda. (I like that he realizes there were troubles, but that America can make changes to win.)
Second Segment: Questions from candidates to other candidates, going left to right
Romney Giuliani how do we level the playing field with China. What kind of economic.
Giuliani I told you I wasn't going to answer your question. More engaged in trade the better, get to know them better. Ability to sue in China (that will be a very tough one to every make happen). What can we sell to China - energy independence, technology.
McCain Huckabee proponent of Fair Tax, how do you answer the criticism wouldn't cause more pain to lower income Americans? How do you account the resonance.
Huckabee People would love to see the IRS abolished. (Look at this conversation I had with a Pro Huckabee supporter here.) Prebate, every American would get a check (dang that is going to require a ton of administration). Wants Pimps, drug dealers, etc to be brought into the tax (this is a tiny population. Huckabee goes on in rebuttal to discount 30% - although because of the method of determining the 23% tax it comes out as a true 30%)
Paul Sunlight on group running money policy in the US.
McCain Rely on secretary of treasure to run money policy. He would rely on his group of friends (basically those who he owes favors to).
Huckabee Second Amendment ban on so called assault weapons. Do you support Brady and assault weapon ban,
Romney I do support second Amendment. I would have signed the assault weapon ban. Both the pro and anti gun lobbies came together. People have the right to carry a weapon.
Giuliani People have difficulties getting property insurance. McCain does not support a national catastrophic fund. Do you have a position on the national catastrophic fund?
Romney The answer is Yes. We had the problem in Massachusetts. So we will do as you just indicated. I am not in favor that Iowa should subsidise the people in Mass or Florida. How do we build a policy in each state. I brought together industry experts to solve health insurance.
McCain This is a terrible problem. Spread insurance across state lines (wow, that is radical). Call regulators, congress together (opps left out industry experts).
Russert Global Warming in Florida, but you are against green house gases.
Giuliani Invest in new technology. Nuclear powerplants, increase hybrid vehicles, more clean coal, incentives for new industries and biofuels. Wind, solar, etc. National project like getting man on the moon. This is the best way to fight green house gases. Positive way.
McCain Joe Lieberman and I proposed credit market on green house gases. Nuclear power, out of foreign oil, climate change is real (wow, that is almost anti-republican). Suppose we are wrong and climate change is not real, at least we will hand our kids a cleaner world (I agree with that).
Third Segment:
Giuliani Romney asked me a nice question, we've lulled them into a false sense of security. Everyone has a chance. I believe I'll get the nomination.
McCain Proud of my record on judges. Most republicans thinking about threat of radical Islam (not so my friend). Stewardship of our planet. Keep Israel independent. Very, very conservative record, but there are times when Rumsfelds strategy is wrong, Jack Abrahmoff (McCain's third largest lobbiest is the group that Jack worked for).
Romney The idea of Bill Clinton in the White House with nothing to do. (That is funny) I'll run against Hillary. 110 billion more every single year for her health care plan. Get out of Iraq, she is what is wrong with Washington. Look sending the same people back over and over will not change the results.
Romney How much money of your own wealth. There is nobody that can call me and cash in a favor. I am consiHow America works, I am giving my all. Loved his answer on his religion. I don't believe for a minute that Americans will impose a religious test. I believe individual freedom is what makes America great. (His answer here was more inspiring than his speech on religion! I was duly impressed with his response. Wow, what optimism about Americans, even though we all know we have our scum bags. Very Presidential and spoken with such great conviction. WOW!)
Huckabee Specifically do to change social security. Huckabee to Romney, you have five exceptional sons. If the country will elect me, your sons will get to keep your money. (The guy is
Everybody keeps talking about unlikely the Fair Tax is, we need to be talking about what we can do (Let me note NO COUNTRY IN THE WORLD HAS EVER RUN GOVERNMENT USING A FAIR TAX).
Romney Will you do for social security what Ronald Reagan do? I will not raise taxes. The four ways to solve the method 1. Raise taxes (worse way); we will need to sit down with Dems/Reps 2. Personal Accounts that do better than government bonds, 3. Innitial benefit calculation based on wage index, 4. Change the retirement age. Let's not scare anyone listening to me, it's not going to change people already on social security.
Giuliani Why is your campaign airing an ad in Spanish? America is built around english language. If you know other languages that is a good thing. Stop illegal immigration at the border. Tamper proof ID Card. Question Wet foot dry foot: why special policy for Cuba? Presumption that if fleeing Castro then fleeing politcal persectuiong.
Huckabee Chuck Norris said at 72 McCain too old. I didn't disagree with Norris because I was standing right next to him. I don't think that McCain lacks the rigor. He has the capacity to run.
McCain Now that Sylvester Stallon has endorsed me I'm sending him right over to take care of Norris.
Giuliani Question about NY times article. I never did anything the NYTimes suggested, if I did I would not be a convervative. I moved people from welfare to work. They wrote how mean I was. There is serious ideological differnces.
Romney Charge about you changes positions with the wind. Haven't paid your dues. I'm not going to Washington to make friends with politicians. Look at my record at Governor. Every issue I dealt with as Governor. Awarded by Citizens for life in MA on pro-life. Clear record on taxes. I am proud of where I stand and show my record to show I've been consistent.
McCain Question about temper. I don't see it as an impediment. I've dealt with friends and colleagues and wouldn't have their support if we didn't have a good. Endorses Giuliani (now why is he doing that?). All these people are good people and I intend to respect them.
Huckabee Question about quesy feeling. Solid core, faith grounds me, sense of purpose. Never use auspices of government to push my faith. They will have to deal with it. Respect people who have faith or don't.
Paul Won't stick to your party, would you launch a third party? I think they haven't stuck to our party. I've been elected 10 times as a Republican. It has a problem because we don't act like Republicans. Used to be against the department of education. We stopped wars, and here we are starting them. Why should the strict constitutionaists be removed from the party?
The end.
McCain gets Endorsement from the New York Times
The New York Times editorial board just endorsed John McCain for the Republican candidate. Now one would usually suppose this to be a great honor. However, in this cause it is a slap in the face to McCain and to anyone who considers McCain a conservative. Why do I say this?The New York Times editorial board uses words like "enthusiastically", "strongly", and "exhilarating" to describe the Democrats. Because the New York Times is "hugely impressed" by Hillary Clinton, they have endorsed her as the Democratic nominee. The New York Times is a liberal publication, you can tell just by reading the Democratic and Republican endorsements.
Looking over the Republican candidates the New York Times states in the first sentence, "We have strong disagreements with all the Republicans running for president." Yet the choice is "easy", John McCain because of his liberal appeal.
No wonder McCain hasn't been winning with the Republicans in any state thus far, he's closer to the Democrats than his own party.
I liked this take on the subject, click here.
Rudy Down and Out according to Wall Street Journal Political Market
Wow, Rudy Giuliani is counted down and out by the Wall Street Journal. By skipping the early primary states Giuliani missed out on a ton of publicity. From a high of 45% chance of winning the GOP nomination, Giuliani has plunged to just 16% today. This makes him the biggest loser among the GOP candidates.
The overwhelming consensus from the early states is that Giuliani is not viable. He ended up lower in all of the races than anyone would have suspected. Looks like his wait till Florida strategy back fired on him. With Romney and McCain vying for first in both Florida and California, Giuliani may have missed his chance.
The overwhelming consensus from the early states is that Giuliani is not viable. He ended up lower in all of the races than anyone would have suspected. Looks like his wait till Florida strategy back fired on him. With Romney and McCain vying for first in both Florida and California, Giuliani may have missed his chance.
What do Clinton and McCain have in common?
They are the two candidates who have accepted the most money from lobbyists. The Wall Street Journal reported, "Mr. McCain and Mrs. Clinton led all others with donations from lobbyists. Mrs. Clinton collected $568,000 from lobbyists, while Mr. McCain has $340,000."
Kind of ironic that McCain's third largest contributor is Greenberg Traurig LLP, the company McCain took the lead in investigating for which Jack Abramoff the convicted lobbyist worked.
McCain owes too many favors to people in Washington!
Kind of ironic that McCain's third largest contributor is Greenberg Traurig LLP, the company McCain took the lead in investigating for which Jack Abramoff the convicted lobbyist worked.
McCain owes too many favors to people in Washington!
Fred Thompson Supporters Welcome in Romney Camp
Now I don't know about the rest of you, but I frequently visit the main website for each candidate. You know, check in on how things are going. McCain's website looks like an obituary (all the black and grey is kind of mortician-like). Thompson's website is all a stir with the news that Fred is leaving the race for President. Huckabee's website is having technical difficulties (quite a few dead links on the blog roll, not to mention quite a few people who no longer support him but can't get their site off his blog roll). Romney's site has a hilarious video of one of Romney's sons making a prank call from Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Anyway, my point is that most of the candidates have by now posted a complimentary statement to the effect, "Thanks for being in the race Fred". I couldn't help but notice how Huckabee still seems a little jaded and blames Thompson for keeping Huckabee from a win in South Carolina. I had a hard time reading Huckabee's statement with any sincerity. Honestly, if the guy would have listened to Fred's speech post South Carolina, Huckabee could have shut his mouth for a few days and instead of whining about Thompson's South Carolina run, let him retire without Huckabee's imperious blame.
I found however that Mitt Romney's comments were the best. He said, “Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them. He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together. Ann and I would like to extend our best wishes to Fred, Jeri and their family and congratulate them on their efforts during this campaign.”
I have to agree here with Romney. Fred Thompson told the people how it was. He stood up for his convictions and when he was ready he could put on a good show. I think because of Thompson's ideals that Fred supporters would be welcomed into the Romney group. As an economic conservative, I support Romney and had Thompson as my second choice. I've never considered McCain (I know he talks the political talk about cutting earmarks, but the guy has been there so long he owes favors to Clinton, Feingold, and Kennedy), I had at one point considered Huckabee (but I can't stand his tax ideas, and his I'm a better Christian than other candidates position).
Economic conservatives worried about the stock market, jobs, the economy, and even foreign affairs will recognize that Romney, with 25 years experience in the business world - knows how to effectively optimize departments, use economics to benefit our allies and hinder our enemies, to create teams that have specific deadlines, to use Ghant charts and project management skills to not only talk about things, BUT GET THEM DONE! With an MBA, Mitt Romney is a highly trained manager and knows how to get the biggest bang for the buck. He knows data analysis, regression analysis, and I believe he will use those skills to cut the fat out of Washington, giving us smaller government, lower taxes, and a healthier economy.
I invite all Fred Thompson supporters to seriously consider Mitt Romney for President. You're all welcome in my camp.
Anyway, my point is that most of the candidates have by now posted a complimentary statement to the effect, "Thanks for being in the race Fred". I couldn't help but notice how Huckabee still seems a little jaded and blames Thompson for keeping Huckabee from a win in South Carolina. I had a hard time reading Huckabee's statement with any sincerity. Honestly, if the guy would have listened to Fred's speech post South Carolina, Huckabee could have shut his mouth for a few days and instead of whining about Thompson's South Carolina run, let him retire without Huckabee's imperious blame.
I found however that Mitt Romney's comments were the best. He said, “Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them. He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together. Ann and I would like to extend our best wishes to Fred, Jeri and their family and congratulate them on their efforts during this campaign.”
I have to agree here with Romney. Fred Thompson told the people how it was. He stood up for his convictions and when he was ready he could put on a good show. I think because of Thompson's ideals that Fred supporters would be welcomed into the Romney group. As an economic conservative, I support Romney and had Thompson as my second choice. I've never considered McCain (I know he talks the political talk about cutting earmarks, but the guy has been there so long he owes favors to Clinton, Feingold, and Kennedy), I had at one point considered Huckabee (but I can't stand his tax ideas, and his I'm a better Christian than other candidates position).
Economic conservatives worried about the stock market, jobs, the economy, and even foreign affairs will recognize that Romney, with 25 years experience in the business world - knows how to effectively optimize departments, use economics to benefit our allies and hinder our enemies, to create teams that have specific deadlines, to use Ghant charts and project management skills to not only talk about things, BUT GET THEM DONE! With an MBA, Mitt Romney is a highly trained manager and knows how to get the biggest bang for the buck. He knows data analysis, regression analysis, and I believe he will use those skills to cut the fat out of Washington, giving us smaller government, lower taxes, and a healthier economy.
I invite all Fred Thompson supporters to seriously consider Mitt Romney for President. You're all welcome in my camp.
Fred Thompson Drops his friends' bid for the White House
I admire Fred Thompson, in fact, during the debates on the 5th and 6th I kept saying, "Wow, so that is why Fred Thompson is so cool!" While some in the blogosphere are "Crying in the Rain", others are exulting like Mike "Thompson made us lose SC" Huckabee or was it vice versa?
Regardless of your mood, I suppose when a candidate retires we, the masses, get to reflect on our favorite moment. Mine was the exchange between Thompson and Huckabee about death (although Huckabee meant death taxes).
Huckabee "I'll get rid of the estate tax and death."
Thompson "You'll get rid of death?... That ain't gonna work so well."
And although Fred drops the race his friends tried to win for him, Fred retires from the Presidential race with even more fans than his Law & Order days. Hat tip to Fred Thompson for a pretty good run from a man who understands quite a bit about being a Republican.
Most voters that choose Fred Thompson over Huckabee will find a new candidate in Mitt Romney. Looks like Thompson followers may be transitioning to Mitt Romney already. Take a look here, here, and here.
Regardless of your mood, I suppose when a candidate retires we, the masses, get to reflect on our favorite moment. Mine was the exchange between Thompson and Huckabee about death (although Huckabee meant death taxes).
Huckabee "I'll get rid of the estate tax and death."
Thompson "You'll get rid of death?... That ain't gonna work so well."
And although Fred drops the race his friends tried to win for him, Fred retires from the Presidential race with even more fans than his Law & Order days. Hat tip to Fred Thompson for a pretty good run from a man who understands quite a bit about being a Republican.
Most voters that choose Fred Thompson over Huckabee will find a new candidate in Mitt Romney. Looks like Thompson followers may be transitioning to Mitt Romney already. Take a look here, here, and here.
Flip Flopping John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney
According to the Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms, the idiom flip-flopping means a complete change especially from one decision or opinion to another.
It should be recognized by everyone that all of the candidates have flip-flopped on many things. McCain saying his Amnesty bill was not Amnesty, Huckabee said he would pay tuition for illegals, but now his illegal bill is so Chuck "McCain is too old to be President" Norris tough that the illegals will go home with their children so Huckabee won't have to pay their tuition. And of course, Mitt Romney changed his position from status quo on ProLife issues to a strong position for Pro-Life issues and once he made the decision, he has come down on the side of Pro-Life issues every time. If every candidate has changed their position on things, why is it that Mitt Romney seems to be singled out by the main stream media as a flip-flopper.
When I browse CNN, Fox News, CBS, ABC, Telemundo, Reuters, Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, LA Times, and others they seem to be pushing this idea that only Mitt Romney has changed his positions. Additionally, if you look at comments posted by Huckabee supporters, McCain supporters, etc, they label Mitt Romney in some cases a flip-flopper.
New research done by Vanderbilt University explains why Romney's flip-flopper label sticks. Political scientists say anti-Mormon bias finds cover in the term flip-flopper. The research project was set up to uncover the real issue behind individuals comments about Romney. The poll states, "We find that of those who accuse Romney of flip-flopping, many admit it is Romney's Mormonism and not his flip-flopping that is the real issue." This poll indicated this pattern of calling Romney a flip-flopper is especially strong for conservative Evangelicals.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I propose that Romney's convincing win in Nevada shows that Mitt Romney appeals to Family conservatives, Economic conservatives, and Defense conservatives. More over, Mitt Romney appeals to Educated Evangelicals living in the same areas as Mormons. The nation can take a collective sigh of relief - Mitt Romney is supported by evangelical Christians that know Mormons best. Those in Nevada.
Seriously consider your candidate - Mitt Romney, if he weren't Mormon, would have won this contest months ago. Romney is a great candidate and his religion has nothing to do with his skill set, his honors during his education, and his drive to make America better not only for himself but also for us and our children. As an economic conservative, I endorse Mitt Romney for President - I love the idea of a successful self-made business man going to Washington and shaking things up. Romney is a highly trained manager who sets deadlines, holds meetings to set realistic goals, and then inspires his team to exceed expectations. If you like the idea of optimizing government, running the government as a break-even business, and bringing together both democrats and republicans in businesslike negotiation meetings - THEN MITT ROMNEY IS YOUR CANDIDATE. Mitt Romney is the choice of Republicans in Nevada and Michigan.
Mitt '08
It should be recognized by everyone that all of the candidates have flip-flopped on many things. McCain saying his Amnesty bill was not Amnesty, Huckabee said he would pay tuition for illegals, but now his illegal bill is so Chuck "McCain is too old to be President" Norris tough that the illegals will go home with their children so Huckabee won't have to pay their tuition. And of course, Mitt Romney changed his position from status quo on ProLife issues to a strong position for Pro-Life issues and once he made the decision, he has come down on the side of Pro-Life issues every time. If every candidate has changed their position on things, why is it that Mitt Romney seems to be singled out by the main stream media as a flip-flopper.
When I browse CNN, Fox News, CBS, ABC, Telemundo, Reuters, Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, LA Times, and others they seem to be pushing this idea that only Mitt Romney has changed his positions. Additionally, if you look at comments posted by Huckabee supporters, McCain supporters, etc, they label Mitt Romney in some cases a flip-flopper.
New research done by Vanderbilt University explains why Romney's flip-flopper label sticks. Political scientists say anti-Mormon bias finds cover in the term flip-flopper. The research project was set up to uncover the real issue behind individuals comments about Romney. The poll states, "We find that of those who accuse Romney of flip-flopping, many admit it is Romney's Mormonism and not his flip-flopping that is the real issue." This poll indicated this pattern of calling Romney a flip-flopper is especially strong for conservative Evangelicals.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I propose that Romney's convincing win in Nevada shows that Mitt Romney appeals to Family conservatives, Economic conservatives, and Defense conservatives. More over, Mitt Romney appeals to Educated Evangelicals living in the same areas as Mormons. The nation can take a collective sigh of relief - Mitt Romney is supported by evangelical Christians that know Mormons best. Those in Nevada.
Seriously consider your candidate - Mitt Romney, if he weren't Mormon, would have won this contest months ago. Romney is a great candidate and his religion has nothing to do with his skill set, his honors during his education, and his drive to make America better not only for himself but also for us and our children. As an economic conservative, I endorse Mitt Romney for President - I love the idea of a successful self-made business man going to Washington and shaking things up. Romney is a highly trained manager who sets deadlines, holds meetings to set realistic goals, and then inspires his team to exceed expectations. If you like the idea of optimizing government, running the government as a break-even business, and bringing together both democrats and republicans in businesslike negotiation meetings - THEN MITT ROMNEY IS YOUR CANDIDATE. Mitt Romney is the choice of Republicans in Nevada and Michigan.
Mitt '08
Mitt Romney Nevada Victory Speech - Battleground States
Highlights from Mitt Romney's Nevada Victory Speech:
Michigan and Nevada are battleground states during the general election. It shows Mitt has a good coalition by winning those states.
Romney emphasizes his campaign is the only one attempting to compete in all states.
Romney is making his appeal to ALL Americans.
View the entire video at the New York Times by clicking here.
All right Florida, it's your turn next!
Michigan and Nevada are battleground states during the general election. It shows Mitt has a good coalition by winning those states.
Romney emphasizes his campaign is the only one attempting to compete in all states.
Romney is making his appeal to ALL Americans.
View the entire video at the New York Times by clicking here.
All right Florida, it's your turn next!
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