In blistering remarks to a Saturday morning rally here, former Robert F. Kennedy aide Bartle Bull embraced Republican John McCain for president, hurled Barack Obama under the bus, and then backed it slowly over the Democratic nominee.
“America needs a president who is grounded in patriotism, not drowning in ambition,” Bull told a crowd of hundreds gathered in Lower Manhattan. “I have used that sentence many times in the last three months, and not once — never once — have I been asked which candidate is which.”
The lifelong activist and former Village Voice publisher presented his impeccable liberal-Democrat credentials.
“I had the privilege of serving as Robert F. Kennedy’s New York campaign manager when he ran for president in 1968,” Bull explained. “I was arrested as a civil-rights lawyer in Mississippi, and I campaigned for the Equal Rights Amendment. But in honest conscience, I cannot support the Democratic ticket in this campaign.”
Bull aimed at his target and charged like a longhorn.
“Character in the White House should be more important than charisma on the campaign trail,” Bull declared. “Barack Obama does not want to ‘change’ America. Barack Obama wants a different country.”
Turning to Obama’s financial agenda, Bull minced no words.
“Obama’s notion of economic fairness is pure Karl Marx,” Bull said, “plus a pocketful of Chicago-style ‘community organization.’ ”
How many Democrats are there like this? Just a percentage or two of the normal Democrat vote switching over to McCain out of dismay about Obama could make all the difference. There are, of course, a few GOP turncoats, but no one is seriously considering such to decide the race - McCain is doing as well with GOPers as any recent GOP candidate…Obama, on the other hand, has shown some great weaknesses with some of the core Democratic constituency - most notably blue collar and older Democrats…plus genuine liberals like Mr. Bull.
We’ll know soon enough - but as I’m always saying, consult not what people say, but what people do…people are saying there is a massive groundswell for Obama, but when we look at what people are doing (including Obama, himself, with his choices of campaign stops this past week) we can see that, at best, Obama is narrowly ahead and in for a close fought battle on Tuesday.
Wow - and she’s also written for Edwards and Hillary:
This drift started on a personal level with the fall of former Senator John Edwards. It got stronger during the Democratic National Convention when I counted the substantive mentions of poverty on one hand and a whole bunch of bad canned partisan lines against Senator John McCain. Some faith was lifted after Senator Hillary Clinton’s grace during a difficult hour. But that faith was dashed when I saw that someone had raided the Caligula set and planted the old columns at Invesco Field.
The final straw came the other week when Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher (a.k.a Joe the Plumber) asked a question about higher taxes for small businesses. Instead of celebrating his aspirations, they were mocked. He wasn’t “a real plumber,” and “They’re fighting for Joe the Hedge-Fund manager,” and the patronizing, “I’ve got nothing but love for Joe the Plumber.”
Having worked in politics, I know that absolutely none of this is on the level. This back and forth is posturing, a charade, and a political game. These lines are what I refer to as “hooker lines”—a sure thing to get applause and the press to scribble as if they’re reporting meaningful news.
As the nation slouches toward disaster, the level of political discourse is unworthy of this moment in history. We have Republicans raising Ayers and Democrats fostering ageism with “erratic” and jokes about Depends. Sexism. Racism. Ageism and maybe some Socialism have all made their ugly cameos in election 2008. It’s not inspiring. Perhaps this is why I found the initial mocking of Joe so offensive and I realized an old line applied: “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party; the Democratic Party left me.”
The party I believed in wouldn’t look down on working people under any circumstance. And Joe the Plumber is right. This is the absolutely worst time to raise taxes on anyone: the rich, the middle class, the poor, small businesses and corporations…
…I was dead wrong about the surge and thought it would be a disaster. Senator John McCain led when many of us were ready to quit. Yet we march on as if nothing has changed, wedded to an old plan, and that too is a long way from the Democratic Party.
I can no longer justify what this party has done and can’t dismiss the treatment of women and working people as just part of the new kind of politics. It’s wrong and someone has to say that. And also say that the Democratic Party’s talking points—that Senator John McCain is just four more years of the same and that he’s President Bush—are now just hooker lines that fit a very effective and perhaps wave-winning political argument…doesn’t mean they’re true. After all, he is the only one who’s worked in a bipartisan way on big challenges.
I know that none of you Democrats will believe me on this, but your man Obama is a disaster-in-waiting. He’s a product of the hopelessly corrupt Chicago Democratic machine and he lacks the knowledge, judgment and courage to be President. He won’t heal anything and won’t change anything - he can’t; he won’t be allowed to by the Powers That Be in the Democratic party and he lacks the ability to face them down and do the right thing in spite of them.
If you want change, then McCain is your man - he’ll get right to work actually changing the way DC does business.
I want to introduce Colin Powell to Nyack police Sgt. Edward O’Grady, Officer Waverly “Chipper” Brown, and Brinks security guard Peter Paige. Powell may want to downplay Bill Ayers’s relationship with Barack Obama, but he does so out of ignorance and expediency. Obama knew about Ayers when he befriended him and throughout their relationship right up until the time it became an issue a few months ago. And keep in mind, Ayers wishes he and his fellow Weather Underground terrorists could have done more damage than murdering these three men. I have no respect left for Powell. None.
There is something very defective in American politics where anyone who comes within a country mile of someone like Ayers could be elected dog catcher, let alone be a step away from President of the United States of America. But this is, also, the fruit of poisoned tree of liberalism - poisoned by the New Left back in the 1960’s.
We’ve allowed a lot of nonsense to seep into our political life - and given the amount of tax dollars we spend on colleges, universities and various public groups, the really sad thing is that we “Joe the Plumber” sorts of Americans have heavily subsidized the “Bill the Terrorist” sort of Americans. They are rich, entrenched in the heights of American culture and twisting our laws and customs into unrecognizable shape on our dime. And the final insult to this self-inflicted injury is that by allowing them to rise in our institutions, we have given them a patina of respectability. I won’t go as far as Levin on Obama - my view is that Obama simply didn’t know any better and was unequipped by training to even get curious about who was advising and supporting him in his rise to power - after all, people like Ayers, like all leftists throughout history, talk a great game of liberty and justice, and only someone well versed in leftwing thinking understands that they leave off the “for all” part of that.
For people like Ayers - and their pupils, like Obama - liberty means the freedom to be a leftists. Justice means leftists win, all the time. To accord liberty and justice to non-leftists is to give them something they don’t deserve, as they are the roadblocks on the path to utopia. This is why we’re seeing a renewed demand for the so-called “fairness doctrine”, which will be a tool to force conservatives off the radio; this is why we see attempts at using the courts to censor conservative criticism of Obama, because to criticize Obama is to be evil, because Obama is a good leftist; this is why we see stories about holding war crimes tribunals for President Bush and his Administration, because they are non-leftist, and are thus evil and must be punished. For Obama and his like, freedom means the freedom to praise Obama and his like in any manner we choose, and that’s all.
For Colin Powell to not recognize who Obama is or who those around him are is to reveal a stunning level of political blindness - Powell is essentially throwing his support to those who called him and his like “baby killers” in Vietnam. And before you think, “well, that was a long time ago”, remember that Obama, himself, opined that all we were doing in the war is bombing villages and killing civilians. Obama is the good student of his New Left teachers - he’s bought it all; and Powell - out of who knows what motivation - has decided to endorse the folly of Obama and the wickedness of Ayers.
The hometown paper - and while newspaper endorsements are usually not all that big a deal, in the very closely divided State of Nevada, any small thing can make a big difference:
…Sen. McCain has a proven record of battling the drunken sailor culture so pervasive in our nation’s capital. He has been an outspoken advocate for fiscal restraint, angering many of his colleagues by embarrassing them over their penchant for pork. Sen. McCain vows to veto any bill that includes earmarks and says he will freeze spending in many areas of the budget.
That would represent real change.
Sen. McCain opposes any tax hikes, recognizing that in these troubled times leaving money in the hands of those who earned it offers the best hope for encouraging the creativity and entrepreneurship that defines this nation’s legacy. He would be far more likely to appoint judges who respect freedom and individual liberty and who recognize the restraints our Constitution imposes on the federal government.
On energy, Sen. McCain — while acknowledging the importance of developing alternative sources — understands that for the foreseeable future the nation must continue to harness its domestic supplies of clean coal and oil. This is in stark contrast to Sen. Obama, who falls in line behind the greens and advocates a radical and massively expensive economic upheaval in order to build more windmills and solar panels.
But while the economy has jumped to the fore in this campaign, the United States remains engaged across the globe in a struggle to establish democracy in Iraq and cripple the Islamic extremism that led to 9/11. We are winning — and Sen. McCain is best prepared to ensure we continue on that course.
No, Sen. McCain’s service as a Naval aviator in Vietnam — including his five years in a POW camp, during which he was mentally and physically tortured — don’t automatically qualify him for the presidency. But his experience certainly offers a snapshot of the man’s character, honor and sense of duty.
Sen. McCain realizes the long-term ramifications for failure in Iraq and is prepared to make the difficult decisions that will no doubt confront our next commander in chief. His military background and foreign policy expertise project an image of strength, decisiveness and determination, in stark contrast to Sen. Obama, who has voted to cut and run in Iraq and was spending time as a “community organizer” in Chicago while Sen. McCain was distinguishing himself on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Our national security would be in good hands with Sen. McCain in the White House.
“Hope is necessary in every condition,” wrote Samuel Johnson. And even during these trying months, Americans retain the sense of optimism and conviction that have served as pilot lights for this nation’s very survival over the past 230 years. Regardless of who is elected this November, we will emerge from these times stronger in spirit. But one man is uniquely qualified to guide us through any coming storms, both domestically and overseas.
That man is John McCain.
Couldn’t have said it any better, myself - leaving aside Obama’s connections with the corrupt and the anti-American, the hard facts of Campaign ‘08 clearly indicate that only Senator John McCain has the experience, judgment and courage to be President of the United States in these hard times. On the economy, War on Terrorism, military policy, foreign policy, social issues and right on down the line, McCain has staked out the positions which are common sense and entirely in line with mainstream American views. The man and the hour have truly met, and John McCain is that man and this is his hour.
Not exactly a surprise, but yet another indicator that the backbone of America is solidly behind John McCain:
ARLINGTON, VA — McCain-Palin 2008 today announced that Richard Petty, widely known as the greatest driver in NASCAR history, is endorsing John McCain for president. Petty is announcing his endorsement at today’s Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte , N.C.
“What we need right now in these uncertain times is a steady hand on the wheel — a leader we can trust to put country first, ahead of politics,” Petty said. “John McCain has always done that, and if you need proof, think about the sacrifices he made for America . I don’t think there is any question that John McCain is a proud American and he has done more to better America than anyone.
“John McCain has a plan to get our economy back on track not only for the folks here in North Carolina but also nationwide. He understands that higher taxes will only make things worse and he’ll support small businesses and create jobs. He will get us on the road to energy independence and give our troops what they need to succeed in Iraq and Afghanistan . I’m proud to support John McCain for president.”
Petty won 200 races during his career, a NASCAR record, and won a record seven Winston Cup championships. He won the Daytona 500 seven times, also a record, and won 27 races in 1967 alone.
The people who do the work of the United States are for McCain/Palin - in opposition to those cynical, despairing people who hold America in contempt. It really is time for all good men to come to the aid of their country and work for McCain’s victory.
Because they know which man is fit to lead the magnificent men and women of America’s armed forces:
U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that 300 retired generals and admirals from around the country are endorsing John McCain for president. The retired generals and admirals announced their support with the following letter:
“We have had the honor and privilege of serving as career officers in the United States Armed Forces, and of serving shoulder to shoulder with so many of the fine young men and women who are the backbone of America’s Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. It is that experience that informs our judgment that John McCain is the presidential candidate best suited to serve as America’s Commander-in Chief from the day of his inauguration.
“Our next president will confront national security challenges as significant as those faced by any administration in at least a generation. Success will require a leader with proven tenacity, judgment and courage. It will also require a leader with detailed knowledge of our military and other instruments of national power, and with years of experience dealing seriously with foreign leaders.
“John McCain’s entire life has been devoted to the service of America. Throughout a long and distinguished career in the military and in Congress, he has repeatedly displayed the courage and integrity to place America’s interests first — regardless of personal cost. And he has demonstrated the experience and wisdom to lead America — and, importantly, our allies — in effectively dealing with complex and vitally important national security challenges around the world.
“We unequivocally endorse him to continue his service to the country as the next President of the United States.”
These are serious times and the office of the President of the United States of America is not a place for on the job training for a former community organizer who mostly voted “present” during his short, vacuous political career. These generals and admirals are the people best able to determine what sorts of military issues will arise over the next four years, and they know that there is only one man running who already knows how to deal with the stresses and who has the courage to make the hard decisions some times necessary - that man is John McCain…though we here on our side would be more than willing to let Obama be an Undersecretary in, say, the Department of Commerce or some such, if Obama really wants to contribute.
Lifelong Democrat; Former president, Broward County, Florida Young Democrats; Former member, Broward County, Florida Democratic Executive Committee; Former city commissioner, City of Cooper City, Florida. Graduate of THE University of Florida. Practicing attorney in Miami. Member of The Florida Bar. Southernmost member of the North American Snowsports Journalists Association. Broward County Young Democrats’ Trailblazer of the Year, 1994. Broward County Young Democrats’ Young Democrat of the Year, 1996. Chabad of Southwest Broward Man of the Year, 1995. Ever hopeful Dolphin Season ticket holder, 20+ years. NEVER VOTED FOR A REPUBLICAN. NEVER. EVER.
What does he think?
I really like the way Palin drives the people I dislike to distraction.
Andrew Sullivan on the Palin selection:
“John McCain has demonstrated with this insane decision that he is unfit to be president of the United States. This was an act of near-criminal negligence. If he can behave this recklessly and impulsively with this decision, the idea of allowing him to become president of the United States is only a smidgen less terrifying than thinking of Palin in that position.”
This post has it all - - the Stalinistic psychological misdiagnosis of political opposition (”insane”, “recklessly”, “impulsively”), the attempted criminalization of political disagreement (”an act of near-criminal negligence”), and the paranoid hyperbole (”terrifying”).
Can you imagine how the Obamacans will freak when McCain/Palin wins, and they do a real steady, competent, level headed, moderate, non partisan job? You know, everything Obama promised until he wrapped up the nomination.
I think we’ve all had just about enough of the endless rancor - I do continue to blame the left for it, but assigning blame doesn’t get rid of the issue. Essentially, I’m willing to meet liberalism half way on a lot of issues, if they are willing to do so with the right. Some issues are intractable and we’ll just have to fight it out and see who wins, but there is room for compromise which doesn’t surrender core principles of either liberalism or conservatism.
Now, while a lot of liberals out there might find this mere partisanship on my part, the plain fact of the matter is that we are far more likely to get compromise with McCain/Palin than we are with Obama/Biden. Obama talks a good game, but in the end he’s an ultra liberal who hasn’t dared to compromise an iota on liberal ideas - we won’t get from Obama a willingness to, say, grant partial privatization in return for higher payroll taxes to fund social security for an additional decade or two; liberal ideology says “no retreat” on SS privatization, and Obama has given no indication that he’ll defy his base…McCain, on the other hand, has already defied his base at times and I can’t imagine a President McCain refusing partial privatization simply because the other side is insistent upon modest payroll tax increases.
To expand on my example for illustrative purposes, getting to any sort of privatization is key to our program, because we are convinced that once people see how superior it is, they will demand more and more of it…as for liberals, they are convinced that privatization is too risky, and in order to allay their concerns, they are getting more money into the SS system, and if their views are correct, privatization will fail and people will turn firmly back to the current SS system. This is actually a win/win for liberalism - if privatization works, they can claim partial credit for it, if it fails they can lay all the blame on the GOP…all it takes for this happy event is a willingness on the part of Democrats to concede a small point and allow partial privatization. On and on it will go with issue after issue, if we have people on both sides willing to give. McCain will, Obama won’t - or, more accurately, can’t; he can’t because he lacks the imagination and the raw courage it takes to defy ideological purists.
We have a stunning opportunity this fall to really do a good turn for our nation - by putting in to the Executive the skill, courage and flexibility - grounded in Reaganite principles - necessary to break the logjam and isolate the hardheaded people left and right (though its easier to dispense with the kook right, as its much smaller than the kook left). As long time readers will know, a primary goal of mine has been to isolate the far left and exclude them from the corridors of American power - I’ll never agree with liberalism’s basic premises, but I can work with liberals who have cut themselves loose from the kook left, as conservatism cut itself loose from the kook right about 40 years ago (with periodic purges since then as kook righties have slipped into the conservative movement). We’ll see how far this sentiment goes - though there are some indicators that it is large, and growing rapidly.
It’s been my honor to welcome my friend, John McCain, as the nominee of the Republican Party. A while back I don’t think many people would have thought that John McCain would be here as the nominee of the Republican Party — except he knew he would be here, and so did his wife, Cindy.
John showed incredible courage and strength of character and perseverance in order to get to this moment. And that’s exactly what we need in a President: somebody that can handle the tough decisions; somebody who won’t flinch in the face of danger.
We also need somebody with a big heart. I have got to know John well in the last eight years. I’ve campaigned against him, and I’ve campaigned with him. Laura and I have spent time in their house. This is a man who deeply loves his family. It’s a man who cares a lot about the less fortunate among us. He’s a President, and he’s going to be the President who will bring determination to defeat an enemy, and a heart big enough to love those who hurt.
And so I welcome you here. I wish you all the best, and I’m proud to be your friend.
McCain answered with equal courtesy:
Thank you, sir. Well, I’m very honored and humbled to have the opportunity to receive the endorsement of the President of the United States, a man who I have great admiration, respect and affection [for]. We — he and I, as is well known, had a very good competition in the year 2000, and I was privileged and proud to have the opportunity to campaign for his election and reelection to the Presidency of the United States.
I appreciate his endorsement. I appreciate his service to our country. I intend to have as much possible campaigning events together, as it is in keeping with the President’s heavy schedule. And I look forward to that opportunity. I look forward to the chance to bring our message to America.
Last night, as you know, both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton called to congratulate me. I pledged at that time, and I pledge again, a respectful campaign — a respectful campaign based on the issues and based on the stark differences in vision that we have for the future of America.
I hope that the President will find time from his busy schedule to be out on the campaign trail with me, and I will be very privileged to have the opportunity of being again on the campaign trail with him — only slightly different roles this time.
The past is the past - it can’t be changed; what we need in 2008 is a man who will take the situation we are in now, and build upon the success of the past, and learn from the errors. John McCain is a such a man, and a man much more likely to unify America than either Democrat, who have both pledged to negate all of President Bush’s efforts, as if a nation can set the clock back and pretend that nothing good has happened for 8 years. We need a President who deals in reality, not a President who kneels before political extremists of the MoveOn/Daily Kos variety.
The fall campaign, for the GOP, began today - we’ve a long, hard road ahead of us, but with faith in God that we will do the right thing, we have nothing other to do than fight for the just cause.
Washington DC, Feb 20, 2008 (CNA).- Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama has been endorsed by Frances Kissling, the former president of the pro-abortion group Catholics for a Free Choice.
In an article written for the Huffington Post, Kissling defended her endorsement of Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton saying that his presidency would finish the “social transformation” begun by the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
“While I believe in the nitty gritty of a day-to-day legislative agenda, there will be little difference between Clinton and Obama, I am convinced that in the larger struggle to complete the social transformation promised by Roe, Obama’s instincts and values will bring us closer to that transformation,” Kissling said.
Kissling broke ranks with other feminists who favor abortion rights but have endorsed New York Senator Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination. She said that both candidates would appoint Supreme Court justices who favor Roe v. Wade, overturn the Mexico City policy that forbids funding for non-governmental organizations that also perform abortions, and restore funding to the United Nations Population Fund, which lost US funding after its co-operation with coerced abortions in China was exposed…
…”It is no longer about ‘winning, the culture war. It is about completing the social transformation that Roe began but did not solidify,” Kissling concluded. “That task, I believe, will best be accomplished by a president who sees her or his role as calling us to greatness … I think Barack Obama is the person who can do that,” she said.
Abortion on demand is part of our call to greatness? What a horrid sickness it is, a position in support of abortion - completely dehumanizing in the worst possible way. At any rate, Kissling is correct in her assertion that both Hillary and Obama will follow a pro-abortion-fanatic line, but I’m not sure that either of them needs this sort of endorsement - there is that wool which needs to be pulled over the public’s eyes on abortion, after all, and someone coming along and pointing out - as if its a good thing - that Obama will even go as far as helping out baby-butchering in China might not help Obama pretend to be other than a ultra-liberal extremist.
President Bush is prevented from doing this because Huckabee still won’t admit to the writing on the wall - but I think this, along with Jeb Bush’s recent endorsement, indicates where the Bush family’s support is going:
Former president George H.W. Bush will endorse Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in Houston on Monday during a media availability at 9:30 a.m. Texas time, Republican sources say.
President Bush will be in Africa at the time. He told “Fox News Sunday” last weekend that he would help make the case for McCain’s conservative credentials as soon as there was an official nominee.
Once again - Blogs for Victory advises Huckabee to exit the race. Its time to do whate everyone else is doing, Governor, and unite behind the presumptive nominee so he can build up resources, team and plan for the fall campaign.
As for the actual endorsement - the Elder Bush has become America’s elder statesman (and a far classier ex-President than either Carter of Clinton), and this endorsement of McCain is not just given off-the-cuff, but as the considered judgement of a man of great wisdom and experience, who didn’t have to do anything of the kind.
Just a day after President Bush said nice things about Sen. John McCain, former Florida governor Jeb Bush decided to jump on board his campaign bandwagon.
The president’s brother, who wrote McCain a $1,000 check in addition to announcing his public support, called the senator “a patriot and devoted conservative leader” in a statement. “Like no other candidate in the field, John McCain has made tremendous sacrifices for this nation. He is beholden to no interest other than that of the public good. He is determined and steadfast in his commitment to reducing the burden of high taxes, restoring the people’s trust in their government, and winning the war against radical Islamic extremists. It is with pride that I announce my endorsement of John McCain for president.”
Jeb Bush is, in a lot of ways, more popular with the conservative base of the GOP than even President Bush ever was - so this might help McCain a lot in the upcoming primaries. Not just this one endorsement, however; the whole avalanche of strong conservatives endorsing McCain will help McCain mend fences with the base.
Its coming in pretty fast and furious now - the party uniting behind the presumptive nominee:
ARLINGTON, VA — U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign today announced that former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton has endorsed John McCain for president. Ambassador Bolton issued the following statement on his endorsement:”John McCain was very active and supportive during my confirmation hearings to be the U.S. Ambassador to the UN. His belief in me at that time was a testament to his courage to fight the liberals in the Senate and vigorously advance American interests at the UN.
“I whole-heartedly endorse John McCain for President because when he takes office in January 2009 he will be prepared immediately to lead us. John will not need on the job training.
“American conservatives will have a President they can be proud of in John McCain.”
John McCain thanked Ambassador Bolton for his support, stating, “I have long admired John Bolton’s lifetime of service to our nation. From his work in the Reagan Administration to his most recent post at the UN, John Bolton has always been a stalwart defender of American national security interests and an effective advocate for advancing democracy and liberty around the world. I am humbled and honored to have his support.”
As an aside, I can’t think of anyone better to be Secretary of State in a McCain Administration than John Bolton.
The only real hold-out now is Mike Huckabee - even Ron Paul seems to be getting ready to stand down. An open piece of advice to Huckabee’s people: talk to the man, get him to exit gracefully before he starts to embarras himself.
Fred Thompson, the one-time Republican presidential candidate, endorsed Sen. John McCain Friday, calling on the party to “close ranks” behind the presumed nominee.
“This is no longer about past preferences or differences. It is about what is best for our country and for me that means that Republican should close ranks behind John McCain,” Thompson said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.
Thompson’s endorsement was expected. The two men were colleagues for years in the Senate and shared what associates called a friendship. But while he was in the race, Thompson had bristled at the idea that he was going to drop out and endorse McCain.
The endorsement now may help McCain to coalesce the factions of the party around him. Thompson, who represented Tennessee in the Senate for eight years, is thought of well in the South, an area that McCain has not done well in.
We make this endorsement on the basis of much research, having interviewed Sen. Thompson and some of his opponents, as well as examining what they have all said and done. We conclude that Thompson is a solid conservative whose judgment is grounded in our principles.
In his Senate years, Mr. Thompson compiled an American Conservative Union lifetime rating of 86.1, which is higher than both Sen. John McCain (82.3) and Rep. Ron Paul (82.3). The Club for Growth has praised Thompson as someone who has a strong commitment to limited government, free enterprise and federalist principles.
On the issues that matter most to conservatives, Sen. Thompson’s positions benefit from their clarity. He is solidly pro-life. He said that he was in favor overturning Roe v. Wade because it was “bad law and bad medical science.” As the National Right to Life Committee said in its endorsement of him Nov. 13, 2007, “The majority of this country is opposed to the vast majority of abortions, and Fred Thompson has shown in his consistent pro-life voting record in the U.S. Senate that he is part of the pro-life majority.”
Thompson’s record is solid on voting to preserve gun owners’ rights, cut taxes, reduce government spending and drill for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He has voted consistently against gay marriage. Thompson is by no means perfect. He strongly supported the McCain-Feingold bill, did not support the impeachment of Bill Clinton on perjury and more than once voted with the trial lawyers against limitations on liability in defective product and medical malpractice cases.
We like the way Thompson unhesitatingly attacks the liberal ideologues and their activists such as MoveOn.org and the ACLU, and the way he reaches out to those we knew as the Reagan Democrats.
Rather glowing - and the conventional wisdom is that Thompson did quite well in the GOP debate. Thus far, Thompson has had no effect on the actual votes - but given that we’re only at the start of what may be a long process ending in a brokered GOP convention (something I’ve felt possible for a while now), there’s still plenty of time for Thompson to make his case to the GOP electorate.
One thing to keep in mind - other than the kooks at the bottom of the GOP and Democratic pile, none of he major candidates has any reason to back out of this race. Edwards said he is taking is fight all the way to the convention - and some thought that was just a bit of bravado from a man who had just lost his second contest…but it made complete sense to me. With Hillary and Obama set to clobber each other over the next month, Edwards might be well-positioned to pick up the pieces, especially if the Democratic convention winds up brokered (something I think far more likely than any time in the past 40 years, but still less likely than the GOP). Thompson, too, could benefit from such a thing - McCain, Romney, Huckabee and Giuliani pummel each other, and Thompson steps in to pick up the big prize.
Once again - keep buckled in for a long, wild political ride in 2008…
Many conservatives are finding it difficult to pick a presidential candidate. Each of the men running for the Republican nomination has strengths, and none has everything — all the traits, all the positions — we are looking for. Equally conservative analysts can reach, and have reached, different judgments in this matter. There are fine conservatives supporting each of these Republicans.
Our guiding principle has always been to select the most conservative viable candidate. In our judgment, that candidate is Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts. Unlike some other candidates in the race, Romney is a full-spectrum conservative: a supporter of free-market economics and limited government, moral causes such as the right to life and the preservation of marriage, and a foreign policy based on the national interest. While he has not talked much about the importance of resisting ethnic balkanization — none of the major candidates has — he supports enforcing the immigration laws and opposes amnesty. Those are important steps in the right direction.
A strong argument - but I have to say, I’m still not convinced. It is mid-December, and I haven’t got a clue about who I’ll support in the primaries. But crunch time is coming - our Nevada caucuses are early in 2008, and I’ll have to make a choice. In Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, McCain and Huckabee there are elements I like, and in none of them anything which I consider disqualifying. The only thing I’m certain about is that we GOPers must run as the party for America is 2008 - we must, that is, try to cut through the hatred and lies sown by the left and unify America to complete our great task in the War on Terrorism. In light of this, I hold that Joe Lieberman is the perfect VP pick for whomever gets the GOP nomination.
America is at stake in 2008 - the left has become so motivated by hate that the mere defeat of the GOP isn’t good enough; they want us destroyed, and if they have to destroy the nation to get at us, they feel the price is not too high. This is why they still demand a surrender in Iraq; why they still accuse our troops of using torture; why they still believe any lie, as long as it makes President Bush look bad. As we GOPers choose the man who will have to stand up to the most intense campaign of lies and slander in all of political history we must bear in mind that our responsibility is not just to the Republican party, but to the United States of America.
