Obama and Clinton together raised more than seven times as much money in February as John McCain; roughly seventy five million to twelve million.
"Since the midterm election of 2006, Democrats have had an enthusiasm gap with Republicans," GOP strategist Scott Reed was quoted as saying on Newsmax.com. "They have big crowds, raise more money and appear to have more excitement on the campaign trail. Couple this with turnout numbers, which are off the charts, and Republicans are going to have a big challenge in the fall.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Letter to Editor
A letter to the editor, The Wall Street Journal:
"I was delighted to read in Judy Shelton's op-ed, "Security and the Falling Dollar" (Feb. 15), that at long last the security implications of the dollar's collapse have made their way into the mainstream media. The dollar's strength (or lack thereof) has been of paramount concern to me, and the subject of many of my statements over the past several years. Decades of manipulation by the Federal Reserve have benefited the government and certain politically-connected firms, while gradually destroying the purchasing power of middle-class Americans. Despite numerous warnings in the past, it is only now at a point of acute crisis that Washington insiders are beginning to awaken to the reality of the end of dollar hegemony.
"While I desire reform of our current monetary system, my own proposals have not been as all-encompassing as Ms. Shelton's suggestion to return to a Bretton Woods-style system. Her recommendation, though, that gold backing should make up a component of a future monetary system, is one that we would all do well to heed. My own legislative proposals focus around eliminating the taxes and laws that dissuade individuals and institutions from using gold as currency or as a backing for currency. By allowing market processes to determine the issuance of currency, we can allow individuals to decide for themselves what currency they wish to use. This would lead to a gradual reintroduction of sound money and avoid the market shocks that occur when monetary decisions are mandated by government fiat."
Rep. Ron Paul (R., Texas)
Washington
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
FED-SPEAK
"Should high rates of overall inflation persist, the possibility also exists that inflation expectations could become less well anchored." - Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, testifying today before the Financial Services Committee
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
New World Record
"Feb. 27 (Bloomberg) -- The dollar fell to a record low of $1.50 per euro on speculation Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke today will indicate the U.S. central bank is prepared to keep lowering interest rates.
The currency is headed for its second straight monthly decline on expectations a U.S. government report today will show a drop in new home sales, bolstering the Fed's case for cutting its 3 percent target for the overnight lending rate between banks."
The currency is headed for its second straight monthly decline on expectations a U.S. government report today will show a drop in new home sales, bolstering the Fed's case for cutting its 3 percent target for the overnight lending rate between banks."
Congressional Hearings to Follow
4.4 Million people are without power at this moment in Florida. The sudden power outage was triggered mostly by failures in both nuclear and non-nuclear power systems at Turkey Creek power plant located south of Miami. Miami was the main area hit but areas went black as far away as Tampa and Jacksonville.
What does this mean for campaign politics?
It means that by tonight, the Democrat candidates will claim "a failed energy policy" by the Bush administration has led to this. The Republican candidates will say that environmentalists have effectively blocked the building nuclear power plants for at least 20 years. Both sides will point out how fragile and vulnerable the power system is in the U S A. That of course is a segway to 'homeland security' issues. And no power policy discussion would be complete without a hashing of 'global warming.'
Power policy is sure to be a topic in the next presidential candidate's debate. But it will show up on the stump sooner.
And watch for a call for congressional hearings. Those folks are always looking for a reason to hold a hearing!
What does this mean for campaign politics?
It means that by tonight, the Democrat candidates will claim "a failed energy policy" by the Bush administration has led to this. The Republican candidates will say that environmentalists have effectively blocked the building nuclear power plants for at least 20 years. Both sides will point out how fragile and vulnerable the power system is in the U S A. That of course is a segway to 'homeland security' issues. And no power policy discussion would be complete without a hashing of 'global warming.'
Power policy is sure to be a topic in the next presidential candidate's debate. But it will show up on the stump sooner.
And watch for a call for congressional hearings. Those folks are always looking for a reason to hold a hearing!
The Way-Out-Front Runner
(CBS) A new CBS News/New York Times poll finds Barack Obama with a 16-point lead over rival Hillary Clinton among Democratic primary voters nationwide.
Obama, coming off 11 straight primary and caucus victories, had the support of 54 percent of Democratic primary voters nationally. Clinton had 38 percent support.
...
When all registered voters were asked who they favored in a head-to-head general election match up between Obama and McCain, Obama led by 12 percentage points, 50 to 38 percent.
In a Clinton-McCain match up, registered voters were evenly split, with 46 percent backing each candidate.
Obama, coming off 11 straight primary and caucus victories, had the support of 54 percent of Democratic primary voters nationally. Clinton had 38 percent support.
...
When all registered voters were asked who they favored in a head-to-head general election match up between Obama and McCain, Obama led by 12 percentage points, 50 to 38 percent.
In a Clinton-McCain match up, registered voters were evenly split, with 46 percent backing each candidate.
Monday, February 25, 2008
RTR Out Front
Noemie Emory, a noted political author, wrote an article to be released next Monday in The Weekly Standard. It is called, "The Six Things We Don't Know About 08." Number six reads as follows:
"6. The unforeseen unforeseen (with a nod to Donald Rumsfeld): Beyond the things we expect to be unexpected are the true unpredictables, the things that can change or blow up without warning... Mitt Romney remade himself as a social conservative, planning to run on the right uncontested, while John McCain and Rudy Giuliani fought over the same pool of votes. Instead, he split votes with Mike Huckabee, whom he never saw coming. 'Romney the buttoned down businessman had planned for every contingency except one,' writes Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics. 'The exceptionally gifted speaker with the Mayberry charm proved to be the kryptonite to Romney's well oiled, deep pocketed, campaign.' Kryptonite, did you say? Ask Hillary Clinton, now floored and flailing, against the one threat she never foresaw. She had planned for years--perhaps since Yale Law School--to emerge as the undisputed queen bee of her party, and, when attractive centrists like Evan Bayh and Mark Warner bowed out early, the game looked over. The last thing she expected was Barack Obama, who came at her at once from the left, right, and center, who could trump her gender card with his race one, and whose youth and genial nature seemed to immunize him from the Clintons' favorite modes of attack."
On January 26th, prior to the Florida Primary, I wrote on Restore the Republic, "Many times, political campaigns are decided by the 'except for' factor. That is, a candidate may have been a winner or at least very competitive if it were not for an unexpected candidate’s influence on the campaign." After citing early examples, I concluded with, "As you can see, Huckabee and Obama have changed the race entirely. In Huck’s case, I believe he is a spoiler more than a winner. Thompson based his whole strategy on starting in the south but thought that his competition would be from NY, Mass and the far West. He didn’t figure on the Huckster. Obama is not a just a spoiler. He is the likely winner of the Democrat nomination."
When you want political analysis before the beltway gang gets around to it, stick with Restore the Republic.
"6. The unforeseen unforeseen (with a nod to Donald Rumsfeld): Beyond the things we expect to be unexpected are the true unpredictables, the things that can change or blow up without warning... Mitt Romney remade himself as a social conservative, planning to run on the right uncontested, while John McCain and Rudy Giuliani fought over the same pool of votes. Instead, he split votes with Mike Huckabee, whom he never saw coming. 'Romney the buttoned down businessman had planned for every contingency except one,' writes Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics. 'The exceptionally gifted speaker with the Mayberry charm proved to be the kryptonite to Romney's well oiled, deep pocketed, campaign.' Kryptonite, did you say? Ask Hillary Clinton, now floored and flailing, against the one threat she never foresaw. She had planned for years--perhaps since Yale Law School--to emerge as the undisputed queen bee of her party, and, when attractive centrists like Evan Bayh and Mark Warner bowed out early, the game looked over. The last thing she expected was Barack Obama, who came at her at once from the left, right, and center, who could trump her gender card with his race one, and whose youth and genial nature seemed to immunize him from the Clintons' favorite modes of attack."
On January 26th, prior to the Florida Primary, I wrote on Restore the Republic, "Many times, political campaigns are decided by the 'except for' factor. That is, a candidate may have been a winner or at least very competitive if it were not for an unexpected candidate’s influence on the campaign." After citing early examples, I concluded with, "As you can see, Huckabee and Obama have changed the race entirely. In Huck’s case, I believe he is a spoiler more than a winner. Thompson based his whole strategy on starting in the south but thought that his competition would be from NY, Mass and the far West. He didn’t figure on the Huckster. Obama is not a just a spoiler. He is the likely winner of the Democrat nomination."
When you want political analysis before the beltway gang gets around to it, stick with Restore the Republic.
Inflation Denial
Brian Wesbury, the Chief Economist for First Trust Advisors in Chicago, IL, wrote an article titled, "Inflation Denial," which appeared today in Real Clear Politics. In part he wrote:
"Despite a very clear set of data that show a sharp acceleration in inflationary pressures, there is a rampant denial that these pressures are worth worrying about.
Consumer prices, producer prices, and import prices are all signaling that American workers are having their purchasing power eroded. During the 12 months ending in January, consumer prices are up 4.3% - and 6.8% at an annual rate in the past three months, the fastest three-month increase since 1990 (excluding the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita).
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland tracks something called "trimmed mean" inflation. This measure excludes the 8% of items that are rising the fastest and the 8% that are falling the fastest (or rising the slowest) to focus on the underlying inflation trend. Trimmed mean inflation is 3% for the past year, the highest since 1993.
On Tuesday, January producer prices are expected by the consensus to rise 0.3% (we forecast 0.5%). Assuming the consensus is right, that would bring the total increase versus last January to 7.7%, the largest increase in any twelve months since 1981. Import prices are up 13.7% versus last year, the largest increase on record going back to the 1980s."
Ron Paul, the only economist running for president, is also the only presidential candidate to address the 'inflation tax' as part of his platform. In part, his platform statement says,
"Day by day, every dollar you have is being devalued. You pay an inflation tax without even realizing it because you are forced by a falling dollar to pay more for goods and services.
The disastrous fiscal policies of our own government, marked by shameless deficit spending and Federal Reserve currency devaluation, are some of the greatest threats facing our nation today. It is this one-two punch — Congress spending more than it can tax or borrow, and the Treasury printing money to make up the difference — that threatens to impoverish us by further destroying the value of our dollars." - RonPaul2008.com
Huck's Exit
Will Gov. Mike Huckabee know when the gig is up? Check out this funny video from Saturday Night Live:
Sunday, February 24, 2008
I am a Delegate
I am a delegate to Indiana State GOP Convention. The filing deadline to be on the ballot was last Friday at noon. Because of weather concerns, I filed my candidate form at the Hamilton County Elections Office last Thursday afternoon. By Saturday, Hamilton County released the entire candidates slate as it will appear in the May 6 Indiana Primary - everything from President all the way through State Convention delegates. I looked at the list of candidates running to be a State Convention delegate in my district of Clay Township. Turns out that 17 are to be elected but less than 17 are running. Conclusion: I am elected!
The delegates to the national GOP convention get elected from among the delegates at the State Convention. Now interestingly, of the 57 delegates to the National Convention, Indiana GOP rules say that the candidate winning the Indiana Primary gets a maximum of 27 of those as 'pledged' delegates and that another 27 national delegates are officially 'un-pledged.' In other words, no matter who wins the Indiana Primary, about half of the Indiana delegation can cast their votes for another candidate regardless of his performance in the primary!
Thus, in Indiana and in many other states, Ron Paul supporters have focussed on being elected as local delegates to their state conventions. In many cases, Ron Paul supporters have made up the majority of state convention delegates elected! It is these state convention delegates that elect the national delegates. Hmmmm.
Yes, Dorothy, there is more happening that is being reported on Faux News!
The delegates to the national GOP convention get elected from among the delegates at the State Convention. Now interestingly, of the 57 delegates to the National Convention, Indiana GOP rules say that the candidate winning the Indiana Primary gets a maximum of 27 of those as 'pledged' delegates and that another 27 national delegates are officially 'un-pledged.' In other words, no matter who wins the Indiana Primary, about half of the Indiana delegation can cast their votes for another candidate regardless of his performance in the primary!
Thus, in Indiana and in many other states, Ron Paul supporters have focussed on being elected as local delegates to their state conventions. In many cases, Ron Paul supporters have made up the majority of state convention delegates elected! It is these state convention delegates that elect the national delegates. Hmmmm.
Yes, Dorothy, there is more happening that is being reported on Faux News!
Saturday, February 23, 2008
No Rush to Judgment
Rush and Hannity have had their egos bruised this primary season. The left wing talkers and writers have kind of reveled in it. See, neither Rush nor Hannity supported McCain. Rush has been quite vocal in his criticism of the senator. Yet McCain has apparently won the GOP nomination. Have Rush and Hannity lost their influence?
A few random thoughts come to mind.
One. Hannity has less viewers/listeners now that many of us have turned off Fox.
Two. Rush's big problem this time around was that he fell into a common Republican trap - he was all about 'against' and offered no 'for.' That is, he was against McCain but never came out in support of any of the other candidates. He apparently (I don't listen to Rush so I have to use the word apparently) was not even willing to say something like, "there are only two real conservatives in this race, (insert names), you'll have to make up your mind which you want to support...." Just being against ultimately is not a satisfying position.
Three. Rush and Hannity both lost their credibility early in the second term of W Bush. By then, they were solidly pro-Republican and especially pro-Bush administration rather than pro-conservative. This was their fatal error. They toted the water for Bush and the Republicans rather than give voice to their conservative listeners. So, after the Republicans were wiped out in the 2006 off-year elections, Rush woke up (Hannity didn't, he veered even further into 'neo-con' land by supporting Rudy). Rush tried to do a lot of back-fill and finally openly admitted that he had not done a good job staying true to conservative principles, to holding the Republican's feet to the fire when they moved away from those principles. But the damage was done. In my view, he hasn't had a voice since then.
Is part of 'change,' a change in conservative talk personalities? I think so.
A few random thoughts come to mind.
One. Hannity has less viewers/listeners now that many of us have turned off Fox.
Two. Rush's big problem this time around was that he fell into a common Republican trap - he was all about 'against' and offered no 'for.' That is, he was against McCain but never came out in support of any of the other candidates. He apparently (I don't listen to Rush so I have to use the word apparently) was not even willing to say something like, "there are only two real conservatives in this race, (insert names), you'll have to make up your mind which you want to support...." Just being against ultimately is not a satisfying position.
Three. Rush and Hannity both lost their credibility early in the second term of W Bush. By then, they were solidly pro-Republican and especially pro-Bush administration rather than pro-conservative. This was their fatal error. They toted the water for Bush and the Republicans rather than give voice to their conservative listeners. So, after the Republicans were wiped out in the 2006 off-year elections, Rush woke up (Hannity didn't, he veered even further into 'neo-con' land by supporting Rudy). Rush tried to do a lot of back-fill and finally openly admitted that he had not done a good job staying true to conservative principles, to holding the Republican's feet to the fire when they moved away from those principles. But the damage was done. In my view, he hasn't had a voice since then.
Is part of 'change,' a change in conservative talk personalities? I think so.
Friday, February 22, 2008
What Happened In Vegas
What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas - especially if you're the wife of a presidential candidate. Just ask Janet Huckabee, who attended a middleweight prize fight this past weekend in Las Vegas - where she stayed at the Hooters Casino Hotel.
That eye-opening combination - a title bout in Sin City, which celebrates gambling, drinking and all things wild, along with a hospitality chain favoring buxom waitresses in low-cut garb - could potentially shock the armies of evangelical conservative Christians who have made her husband, the former governor of Arkansas, the only remaining GOP opponent to party front-runner John McCain.
But Janet Huckabee, whose husband is also a former Baptist minister, said in a telephone interview Wednesday that her recent brief excursion to root for boxer Jermain Taylor, a longtime friend and fellow Arkansan - and her stay at a hotel that she said wasn't exactly her first choice - was supposed to be a rare respite from the often-brutal presidential campaign trail." --- The San Francisco Chronicle, Feb 21, 2008
Oh, my.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I could kick myself
In my John McCain post, I was going to say that all the NYT story was going to do was give the GOP a 'we're under attack by the liberals' chance to do some fund-raising. But I decided not to say it. Wrong decision.
I have ALREADY received the urgent request from the GOP. Here it is:
The New York Times has proven once again that the liberal mainstream media will do whatever it takes to put Senator Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the White House.
I have ALREADY received the urgent request from the GOP. Here it is:
The New York Times has proven once again that the liberal mainstream media will do whatever it takes to put Senator Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the White House.
From the beginning of Campaign 2008, liberal media pundits have fawned over the Democrat presidential candidates while ignoring their lack of substance on the issues. You can be certain that as the campaign heats up they will continue to mislead voters with their anti-Republican agenda.
Lynwood, Republicans must fight back against the mainstream media's clear liberal bias -- and we need your help to do it.
Please make an urgent secure online contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50, or $25 to help the RNC get our responsible message of lower taxes, a strong national defense, and limited government past the liberal media filter and directly to the voters.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best Wishes,
Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee
Drive-by Shooting
The New York Times smeared GOP candidate John McCain in a story rehashing old material on the Keating Scandal and suggesting an unethical relationship with a younger female lobbyist. No substantiation was offered for the alleged unethical relationship other than second-hand quotes from unnamed staffers. Even those were more suggestive of concern over the lobbyist than the candidate.
Today, McCain slammed the NYT in a press conference, his younger (second) wife at his side.
Townhall.com reported this from an interview on Faux News:
But I ramble. The interesting thing to me is that this story seems to be more about the NYT than about McCain. I was watching CNN election coverage last night and tuned-in in the middle of an extended segment on the ethics of the New York Times for running 'the story.' I didn't know what 'the story was' and never didn't find out until the top of the next hour. Unless this lobbyist comes forward with some revelation, I think that this story has no legs.
Well, 'legs' might not be the best term...but you understand.
Today, McCain slammed the NYT in a press conference, his younger (second) wife at his side.
Townhall.com reported this from an interview on Faux News:
Bob Bennett, a high-profile Democratic attorney who represented former President Bill Clinton during the Paula Jones scandal and has investigated McCain’s Senate Ethics activities said the story was “shameless, just shameless” on Fox's "Hannity & Colmes" Wednesday night.
Bennett said, “I'm in a pretty unique position to talk about John McCain. First, I should tell your listeners I'm a registered Democrat, so I'm not on his side of a lot of issues. But I investigated John McCain for a year and a half, at least, when I was special counsel to the Senate Ethics Committee in the Keating Five, which, by the way, this ‘New York Times’ article goes back to and discusses, goes back years and years. And if there is one thing I am absolutely confident of, it is John McCain is an honest and honest man. I recommended to the Senate Ethics Committee that he be cut out of the case, that there was no evidence against him, and I think for the ‘New York Times’ to dig this up just shows that Senator McCain's public statement about this is correct. It's a smear job. I'm sorry.”
By the way, didn't the Times endorse McCain in the GOP primary?
I had a friend like that once.But I ramble. The interesting thing to me is that this story seems to be more about the NYT than about McCain. I was watching CNN election coverage last night and tuned-in in the middle of an extended segment on the ethics of the New York Times for running 'the story.' I didn't know what 'the story was' and never didn't find out until the top of the next hour. Unless this lobbyist comes forward with some revelation, I think that this story has no legs.
Well, 'legs' might not be the best term...but you understand.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Lunar Eclipse
Well tonight features the last lunar eclipse until Dec 20, 2010.
Last night it was a meteor crashing into the Portland area.
The night before it was Castro resigning.
So, what of tomorrow night?
McCain announces Hillary as his running mate?!
Hey, it's a strange time. But with John being such good friends with Ted, I doubt that he would choose someone that Kennedy wouldn't endorse.
But keep your head's up - space aliens maybe be landing soon. And why not, with free health care for aliens, it's the best deal in the universe.
Last night it was a meteor crashing into the Portland area.
The night before it was Castro resigning.
So, what of tomorrow night?
McCain announces Hillary as his running mate?!
Hey, it's a strange time. But with John being such good friends with Ted, I doubt that he would choose someone that Kennedy wouldn't endorse.
But keep your head's up - space aliens maybe be landing soon. And why not, with free health care for aliens, it's the best deal in the universe.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Hillary is Done
Nine straight wins for Obama. Moreover, Obama is winning among voters who would typically be in Hillary's base. It's over for Hillary. Who would have really thought that the Clinton machine could not deliver at least the Democrat nomination. They certainly would have...
except for Obama.
Meanwhile, the voter tunout on the Democrat side continues to be gigantic. The Republicans are just not motivated to go to the polls. Very bad news for Republicans this November. You can pretty much just look at the primary numbers - how many people voted on the Dem side and how many voted on the GOP side - and say that's about how it will turn out in the general election. If that is even close to a correct assumption, watch out.
except for Obama.
Meanwhile, the voter tunout on the Democrat side continues to be gigantic. The Republicans are just not motivated to go to the polls. Very bad news for Republicans this November. You can pretty much just look at the primary numbers - how many people voted on the Dem side and how many voted on the GOP side - and say that's about how it will turn out in the general election. If that is even close to a correct assumption, watch out.
Obama speech
Obama is speaking at a rally in Texas. He is an incredible stump speaker for sure. He knows his stump speech backwards and forwards and can fit it to his local audience with ease. He is the best orator since Reagan. And folks who say that he is speaking in generalities aren't really listening to him. He has some generalities for sure but there are a lot of specifics.
One of the most interesting moments in his stump speech is when he tells the students that he is going to make college more affordable but they can't get the money unless they give back by doing community service - and he lists some examples - the students go crazy. This group of students really does want to make a difference - not just get a handout.
But what's amazing to me is that CNN is going to stay with his speech for an hour! They cut off Hillary. They went to Obama and have stayed with him for his whole speech.
I can tell as I listen to him - he has listened well not only to what the people want - but what has resonated well with the other campaigns. He has some good researchers on his staff.
For example, he says that we should return to the Constitution. Wow, how embarrassing for the Republicans. Only Ron Paul said that the GOP had wandered away from the Constitution. They laughed at him. But when Obama says we have to return to the Constitution the people go crazy.
Isn't Constitutional government supposed to be a Republican message? I guess it's hard to campaign on returning to the Constitution when it's your party that has led the departure.
Meanwhile - CNN is still covering this speech - an hour plus in prime time. The Clinton camp must be going nuts. The McCain camp has got to know it's all over but the crying.
One of the most interesting moments in his stump speech is when he tells the students that he is going to make college more affordable but they can't get the money unless they give back by doing community service - and he lists some examples - the students go crazy. This group of students really does want to make a difference - not just get a handout.
But what's amazing to me is that CNN is going to stay with his speech for an hour! They cut off Hillary. They went to Obama and have stayed with him for his whole speech.
I can tell as I listen to him - he has listened well not only to what the people want - but what has resonated well with the other campaigns. He has some good researchers on his staff.
For example, he says that we should return to the Constitution. Wow, how embarrassing for the Republicans. Only Ron Paul said that the GOP had wandered away from the Constitution. They laughed at him. But when Obama says we have to return to the Constitution the people go crazy.
Isn't Constitutional government supposed to be a Republican message? I guess it's hard to campaign on returning to the Constitution when it's your party that has led the departure.
Meanwhile - CNN is still covering this speech - an hour plus in prime time. The Clinton camp must be going nuts. The McCain camp has got to know it's all over but the crying.
Huck One Two
The Huckster has overstayed his welcome.
At least from the GOP establishment perspective. He cut the deal back at West Virginia to block Romney, said in the media that the VP job was one that nobody wants but 'nobody refuses.' Then he didn't drop out. Then he changed his tune on VP. The wins in the South gave him new energy and some more money. Even more, and generally not reported in the national news, he is now making the tour of the largest churches in America. He's been endorsed by Dobson. Heady stuff for a baptist preacher from Arkansas.
But I agree with all of you who voted in the poll on this blog last week - you voted 100% for Huck staying in the race. I think that he has every right to stay in and I think that he allows a very important 'protest vote' to be cast in this primary season.
Ol' Huck isn't in it for protest votes though. He's in it to build a campaign base for 2012. He is building a list of names, email addresses, a donor base, local organizers and sympathetic party officials. See, the friar knows what I know but some of you are reluctant to admit: McCain is going to lose. I think that he is going to lose bad (no, not badly.....bad). Huck can then say that the moderate GOP experiment failed and that he is waiting to step in as the conservative answer. Of course, Huck and McCain believe essentially the same things - it's just that the preacher is more overtly religious and thus seems more conservative.
If only the moderate GOP experiment really would fail!
Then the Republicans would choose a candidate who is a conservative in practice, not just in word.
At least from the GOP establishment perspective. He cut the deal back at West Virginia to block Romney, said in the media that the VP job was one that nobody wants but 'nobody refuses.' Then he didn't drop out. Then he changed his tune on VP. The wins in the South gave him new energy and some more money. Even more, and generally not reported in the national news, he is now making the tour of the largest churches in America. He's been endorsed by Dobson. Heady stuff for a baptist preacher from Arkansas.
But I agree with all of you who voted in the poll on this blog last week - you voted 100% for Huck staying in the race. I think that he has every right to stay in and I think that he allows a very important 'protest vote' to be cast in this primary season.
Ol' Huck isn't in it for protest votes though. He's in it to build a campaign base for 2012. He is building a list of names, email addresses, a donor base, local organizers and sympathetic party officials. See, the friar knows what I know but some of you are reluctant to admit: McCain is going to lose. I think that he is going to lose bad (no, not badly.....bad). Huck can then say that the moderate GOP experiment failed and that he is waiting to step in as the conservative answer. Of course, Huck and McCain believe essentially the same things - it's just that the preacher is more overtly religious and thus seems more conservative.
If only the moderate GOP experiment really would fail!
Then the Republicans would choose a candidate who is a conservative in practice, not just in word.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Faintly Similar
Does it make sense to you that a Obama would have to stop his campaign stump speech at six different locations in order get help for a woman who has fainted? Take a look then post your comments below.
Looking Sunny for Crist
The Tallahassee Democrat, the newspaper in Florida's capitol city, ran a story today under this headline: "Pundits Say McCain-Crist Duo Possible." Charlie Crist is the Governor of Florida and a Republican. He also endorsed McCain in the run-up to the Florida primary. McCain scored a huge win there. Now the pundits are saying that Crist may be McCain's VP choice.
Some politicos have also mentioned the governors of Minnesota and South Carolina. But Minnesota has 10 electoral votes and South Carolina 8. Florida has 27, a tenth of what it takes to win the White House.
The story quotes Keith Simmonds, a political science professor at Florida A & M University which is in Tallahassee. "With McCain having problems with his Republican base, he cannot afford to lose one of the South's largest states," said Simmonds, who is also assistant dean of the FAMU College of Arts and Sciences. "Our popular governor who has shown that he knows how to attract Democrats and independent voters can be quite helpful to McCain if he is concerned about keeping his base intact by the time November comes around."
On February 14th, in an exchange of comments on an earlier post, I wrote this: "I have a friend, a McCain supporter (I have friends in high and low places), who believes just he will choose based upon regional appeal. I mused that Gov Crist of Florida, in that case, might be a choice - he is very popular - and comes with the most exemplary credential of being an FSU grad."
When you want the news before it's news, read the posts and comments on Restore the Republic!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Don't Count on It
In the end, the born again conservatives will rescue the election for John McCain. After all, some have asked, who else can they vote for?
They can vote for the Democrat!
And they are going to do just that according to a new poll by respected Christian pollster George Barna. Here's what Barna reported on February 4th:
"One of the most reliable constituencies of the Republican Party in recent years has been born again Christians. A new national survey of likely voters conducted by The Barna Group, however, shows that the Republicans have lost the allegiance of many born again voters. The November election is truly up for grabs - and if the election were held today, most born again voters would select the Democratic Party nominee for president, whoever that might be."
Hello. Are you listening GOP leadership?
Hold the line, there is more:
"If the election were held today, and all of the remaining candidates from both parties were on the ballot, the frontrunners among born again voters would be Hillary Clinton (favored by 20% of born again likely voters), Barack Obama (18%) and Mike Huckabee (12%). No other candidate reached double figures. Thirty percent of the born again likely voters said they were still undecided as to who they would choose."
So, if John McCain believes the 'religious right' will vote for him just because he is Republican, the message of Barna's poll is, "don't count on it."
see Barna's entire report here: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=291
They can vote for the Democrat!
And they are going to do just that according to a new poll by respected Christian pollster George Barna. Here's what Barna reported on February 4th:
"One of the most reliable constituencies of the Republican Party in recent years has been born again Christians. A new national survey of likely voters conducted by The Barna Group, however, shows that the Republicans have lost the allegiance of many born again voters. The November election is truly up for grabs - and if the election were held today, most born again voters would select the Democratic Party nominee for president, whoever that might be."
Hello. Are you listening GOP leadership?
Hold the line, there is more:
"If the election were held today, and all of the remaining candidates from both parties were on the ballot, the frontrunners among born again voters would be Hillary Clinton (favored by 20% of born again likely voters), Barack Obama (18%) and Mike Huckabee (12%). No other candidate reached double figures. Thirty percent of the born again likely voters said they were still undecided as to who they would choose."
So, if John McCain believes the 'religious right' will vote for him just because he is Republican, the message of Barna's poll is, "don't count on it."
see Barna's entire report here: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=291
Friday, February 15, 2008
The Mark
Did you see John McCain on Larry King Live last night? It was a really good venue for John McCain because it's almost impossible to not look younger and healthier than Larry King.
McCain was afforded all of the grace reserved for insiders. He accounted for himself and his views quite well I thought. Though that, "we'll be in Iraq for 100 years," statement is sure to haunt his every step.
Larry brought the conversation around to illegal immigration. In the course of his answer amnesty John McCain amnesty mentioned the need for a "Biometric ID."
Let's see: bio = body, metric = number.
A number on my body?
Didn't the Jews used to have those?
Doesn't the Bible say something about a number on my body?
The National ID Card and now the Biometric ID: brought to you by the GOP.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Georgetown
Students of Georgetown University overflowed the hall, cheered, then pressed in to meet Presidential candidate Dr. Ron Paul. Can you believe that 'this generation' of Georgetown students would wildly cheer a statement like this:
A new day could be dawning!“People don’t have rights to jobs and they don’t have rights to medical care or rights to education,” Paul said. “What you have is a right to your life. That’s what you have.”
“We’re told that’s not compassionate,” he added. “But if you look at all of history you’ll find out that the most uncompassionate system of all is socialism and welfarism.”
Dawning. The sun has not yet fully risen on this new day. The golden beams of constitutional government and monetary sanity will not yet be shining this November - but the day star is appearing and a new day may well arrive when these young adults finally have their say.
Follow the Money
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – According to opensecrets.org, the top three contributors to Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul’s campaign are from the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force respectively.
“No matter how you measure it, Dr. Paul has the support of our nation’s brave servicemen and women,” said Kent Snyder, Ron Paul 2008 campaign chairman. “His message of a strong national defense, and only going to war with a declaration of war – as mandated by the Constitution – resonates with those who risk their lives to defend that Constitution.”
No branch of the military appears among the “top contributors” to GOP front-runner John McCain’s campaign.
Additionally, Ron Paul’s military contributions are greater than those of all other current candidates – John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama –combined.
The “Top Contributors” figures can be found at www.opensecrets.org.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
President Obama
It might as well be said. You know it, I know it, but we just haven't said it out loud. I would call it 'the elephant in the room' but that doesn't seem appropriate (and really, almost no phrase with 'donkey' works out well). So, I'll just say it:
Barack Hussein Obama will be the next President of the United States.
There, I said it.
But not loudly enough to really make the point. He will not only be the next president, he will win the election in one of the largest wipe-out landslide wins in memory. No chads to worry about here. You can plan on going to bed early election night because it will be over in a hurry.
And especially with John McCain as the opponent.
Can you imagine?! Old, pasty, mean McCain, surrounded on the podium by a patch of old timers in VFW caps versus the young, vibrant, positive orator Obama surrounded his masses of students, women, and every person of even a hint of color. A salute to yesterday versus a vision for tomorrow. Winter versus Spring.
Honestly, only a genuinely frightening national security scare or international incident between the conventions and the election can hope to rescue McCain. Even that may not be enough.
So when you are in your car alone, go ahead an practice saying it, President Obama.
There. Now you have said it, too.
Barack Hussein Obama will be the next President of the United States.
There, I said it.
But not loudly enough to really make the point. He will not only be the next president, he will win the election in one of the largest wipe-out landslide wins in memory. No chads to worry about here. You can plan on going to bed early election night because it will be over in a hurry.
And especially with John McCain as the opponent.
Can you imagine?! Old, pasty, mean McCain, surrounded on the podium by a patch of old timers in VFW caps versus the young, vibrant, positive orator Obama surrounded his masses of students, women, and every person of even a hint of color. A salute to yesterday versus a vision for tomorrow. Winter versus Spring.
Honestly, only a genuinely frightening national security scare or international incident between the conventions and the election can hope to rescue McCain. Even that may not be enough.
So when you are in your car alone, go ahead an practice saying it, President Obama.
There. Now you have said it, too.
Not Satisfied
Ron Paul 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2008
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Republican presidential candidate and Texas Congressman Ron Paul issued the following statement regarding the results of Saturday’s Republican contests:
“As the results of this weekend have made clear, many Republican voters are not satisfied with our party’s likely candidate for president, John McCain.
“Voters rejected him in Kansas and Louisiana. Even in Washington State, where McCain appears to have won a plurality, over seventy percent of voters felt another candidate better represented them, including 21 percent who caucused for me.
“This is why my run for the Republican nomination will not end. The principles I stand for – limited government, non-interventionism, respect for individual rights, and strict adherence to the Constitution – have a long and proud tradition in the Republican Party.
“As long as my supporters continue to support my campaign, I will not leave Republicans who have yet to vote without the ability to choose a candidate who holds these fundamental Republican values.”
NY Times Gets it Right!
Ladies and Gentlemen, it may be as hard to believe as space aliens landing in your yard, but the New York Times has a news story that is completely accurate! In fact, the NYT is the ONLY main stream media outlet that has this story right. Amazing. What's the topic? The topic is 'how many delegates have the GOP candidates won so far?' Here is what the NY Times reports:
"Before Saturday’s voting, Mr. McCain had 703 delegates, Mr. Huckabee, 190, and Mr. Paul, 42."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/us/politics/10cnd-primary.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&ref=us&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Here is my challenge to you: find any other news source (conservative or liberal, visual or print, online or 'old media') that is reporting this correct delegate count. If you find one, let us know in the comments section below. If you don't, let us know that, and give your opinion as to why not.
Also, don't forget to vote in our poll in the right-hand column!
"Before Saturday’s voting, Mr. McCain had 703 delegates, Mr. Huckabee, 190, and Mr. Paul, 42."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/10/us/politics/10cnd-primary.html?_r=3&oref=slogin&ref=us&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
Here is my challenge to you: find any other news source (conservative or liberal, visual or print, online or 'old media') that is reporting this correct delegate count. If you find one, let us know in the comments section below. If you don't, let us know that, and give your opinion as to why not.
Also, don't forget to vote in our poll in the right-hand column!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Newtified Over It
Newsmax, Feb 11, 208
Newt Warns of GOP Catastrophe
In a rousing speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Sunday, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich called for a conservative “declaration of independence” from the Republican Party.
He also warned that Republicans face a “catastrophic” election this year unless the GOP changes course.
Gingrich pointed out that on Super Tuesday, 14.6 million voters took part in the Democratic races, compared to 8.3 million Republicans.
“There were 14.6 million Democrats who thought the presidential nomination was worth voting for, and there were 8.3 million Republicans on Super Tuesday,” Gingrich said.
“That is a warning of a catastrophic election. I was in Idaho this last week, and Barack Obama on last Saturday had 16,000 people in Boise. The idea [of] the most liberal Democratic Senator getting 16,000 people in Boise was inconceivable.
“And every person who cares about the conservative movement and every person who cares about the Republican Party had better stop and say to themselves, ‘There is something big happening in this country. We don’t understand it. We’re not responding to it. And we’re currently not competitive. And if we want to get to be competitive, we had better change and we had better change now.”
...
“There is one other declaration of independence we need and this will startle some of you. And remember I say this from a background of having been active in the Georgia Republican Party since 1960. In a fundamental way, the conservative movement has to declare itself independent from the Republican Party."
see the Newsmax article with more Newt quotes here: http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/Gingrich_Warns_of_GOP_Cat/2008/02/11/71879.htmlWe understand what it looks and sounds like but it is very doubtful that Newt is a regular reader of Restore the Republic.
Welcome To My World
Mike Huckabee is about to cuss! He says he's been cheated, swindled, denied his day in the sun! And he is not going to take it, dadgummit!
Here's the CNN story and the clergyman's feisty comments:
CNN) — Mike Huckabee continued to cry foul Monday over the results in Saturday’s Washington State GOP caucuses, saying the state party chairman's decision to call the race there early for John McCain is reminiscent of elections in communist bloc nations.
Here's the CNN story and the clergyman's feisty comments:
CNN) — Mike Huckabee continued to cry foul Monday over the results in Saturday’s Washington State GOP caucuses, saying the state party chairman's decision to call the race there early for John McCain is reminiscent of elections in communist bloc nations.
"That is not what we do in American elections," Huckabee said on CNN's American Morning Monday. "Maybe that's how they used to conduct it in the old Soviet Union, but you don't just throw people's votes out and say, 'well, we're not going to bother counting them because we kind of think we know where this was going.'
In a statement released Sunday, Huckabee's campaign said Washington's GOP Party Chairman Luke Esser called the race for McCain when Huckabee was only losing to the Arizona senator by 242 votes and over 1,500 votes remained to be counted. Esser has said he remains confident he made the right call.
Speaking on CNN, Huckabee said the campaign has sent lawyers to the state to formally challenge the result.
"I was just stunned," Huckabee said. "It's the kind of thing that Republicans across America, not just in Washington State, ought to be outraged over."
Wow! The Huckster is 'shuckin the corn' as preacher-boys say in the deep south.
My only word to Mr. Mike is, "welcome to the world of Ron Paul! You should have picked up on the reality that you were being shuffled off the stage when you were put at the far end of the table in the CNN California debate - remember when you used be center stage? How did it feel to be a bookend? Oh, and to not be included in the debate - that might have been your first clue, Mike, that you had served your purpose and it was time to move on. You say it is literally 'the establishment' that has cheated you in favor of John McCain? Oh, my. Now you are solidly in the world of Ron Paul, who has been the victim of documented outright vote suppression and fraud in New Hampshire, New York, and Louisiana. You mentioned, Mike, that all Republicans everywhere should be outraged. We agree. But we have to say, we didn't hear any outrage from you when it was the other guy being cheated."
Newsmax
The latest Newsmax magazine features Ron Paul on the cover. Their cover story is titled: "Ron Paul will not be President - but he may change the GOP forever."
Here is their online ad for the latest edition:
Republican candidate Ron Paul won't be elected president in November, but his campaign is sparking an incredible movement of libertarian conservatives in the Republican Party.
Here is their online ad for the latest edition:
Republican candidate Ron Paul won't be elected president in November, but his campaign is sparking an incredible movement of libertarian conservatives in the Republican Party.
Newsmax explores the question: Will Paul's campaign, like Barry Goldwater's a half century before, change the GOP?
Paul has become the first successful campaign of the Internet age — as his “open source" online network has raised tens of millions — outstripping the other Republican candidates and even Hillary Clinton's latest tallies.
Adding to the Web magic is the fact that the Texas congressman has been arguing old conservative themes: small government, limited taxation, and reduced intervention abroad.
It's a libertarian message that resonates with millions of Americans.
Newsmax magazine's special report, “Paul Won't Be President, But ..." offers an in-depth look at the Paul campaign, which raked in $20 million in contributions in the last quarter of 2007, surpassing even Hillary Clinton's fourth quarter total.
The new edition of Newsmax magazine is hitting newsstands across the country...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Vote in the Poll
Texas Governor Rick Perry says Huckabee should drop out for the good of the party. Huck cannot win the nomination even if he wins all of the remaining primaries (so says the media). So, should the Preacher drop out and let the party unify around McCain? Vote in the new poll in the sidebar to the right.
Can't beat 'em Join 'em
A funny report out of the CPAC conference last week. You recall that it was at the end of his speech at CPAC that Mitt Romney announced that he was 'suspending' his bid for the nomination. Needless to say, his supporters in the room - those who had been cheering him on and waving his signs - they were stunned, some were crying, all were deflated, a few were disgusted.
Each candidate that was speaking at the conference was given a table in the lobby where volunteers could have campaign literature and such. With Romney out and Huckabee not invited to the conference, the Romney table volunteers looked at the other two campaign tables and quickly made their choice. They picked up all of their materials, gave the Ron Paul volunteers their table, and declared themselves for Ron Paul!
Each candidate that was speaking at the conference was given a table in the lobby where volunteers could have campaign literature and such. With Romney out and Huckabee not invited to the conference, the Romney table volunteers looked at the other two campaign tables and quickly made their choice. They picked up all of their materials, gave the Ron Paul volunteers their table, and declared themselves for Ron Paul!
Ron Paul winning Washington
The main stream media can put out some really misleading things. A good example today is the reporting on the primary in Washington state. Here are the results that you see on major media websites or TV news reports: McCain 26%, Huckabee 24%, Paul 21%, Romney 17%, uncommitted 13%. It appears that McCain won doesn't it?
The real story is this. Washington is a caucus state. When a person enters their local caucus site, they are asked to indicate their 'preference for president.' This is sometimes called a 'straw poll.' What is being reported in the MSM is the result of the straw poll. But in a caucus, people give speeches for their candidates, people openly try to persuade others to vote for their candidate, sometimes deals are cut - finally a vote is taken. So, in Washington, those 13% who were 'uncommitted' eventually voted for somebody. Romney isn't in the race so that 17% eventually voted for somebody else. So what is really happening in Washington?
Here's an excerpt from an email from the Ron Paul Headquarters in Washington State to local RP organizers there:
"Hello everyone,
By our very preliminary count from your reports it is looking like we have at least twice the delegates as the other candidates!!
For this day and until the count shows otherwise I want you to congratulate yourselves for WINNING Washington State for Ron Paul!!
I wish I could share every single story I have heard over the past few days and all the happy reports from Ron Paul enclaves in WA towns I have never even heard of! Please know this…the National Campaign is seeing these kind of successes all over the country…Every day that goes by we have new supporters and new contributers. I can’t believe I am saying this…I thought certainly I would sleep for 4 days once the 9th was over…but I am already so excited to prepare for our County Conventions!! The next few weeks are going to be very important…There were stories from almost every precinct about Huckabee and Romney voters changing their support to Ron Paul..."
The real story is this. Washington is a caucus state. When a person enters their local caucus site, they are asked to indicate their 'preference for president.' This is sometimes called a 'straw poll.' What is being reported in the MSM is the result of the straw poll. But in a caucus, people give speeches for their candidates, people openly try to persuade others to vote for their candidate, sometimes deals are cut - finally a vote is taken. So, in Washington, those 13% who were 'uncommitted' eventually voted for somebody. Romney isn't in the race so that 17% eventually voted for somebody else. So what is really happening in Washington?
Here's an excerpt from an email from the Ron Paul Headquarters in Washington State to local RP organizers there:
"Hello everyone,
By our very preliminary count from your reports it is looking like we have at least twice the delegates as the other candidates!!
For this day and until the count shows otherwise I want you to congratulate yourselves for WINNING Washington State for Ron Paul!!
I wish I could share every single story I have heard over the past few days and all the happy reports from Ron Paul enclaves in WA towns I have never even heard of! Please know this…the National Campaign is seeing these kind of successes all over the country…Every day that goes by we have new supporters and new contributers. I can’t believe I am saying this…I thought certainly I would sleep for 4 days once the 9th was over…but I am already so excited to prepare for our County Conventions!! The next few weeks are going to be very important…There were stories from almost every precinct about Huckabee and Romney voters changing their support to Ron Paul..."
New Tune
Last week, Friar Huck told the media, "the vice president job is one that nobody wants but no one refuses." Today, fresh off primary victories over McCain in Kansas and Louisiana, he was singing a new tune to Tim Russert. When asked if he wanted to be McCain's VP, he said, "I really don't." He went on to say, "I'm not going to be asked. It's pretty evident that there would be a whole lot of people on the list long before me and one of them would say yes."
By the way (1), the Louisiana vote does not count at all toward the winning of delegates. So it's really meaningless. The delegates will be apportioned through a caucus (already held, McCain won) and elections at the Louisiana GOP State Convention.
By the way (2), mathematically, McCain will win the nomination even if the Huckster wins every remaining primary. McCain has not come close to winning in any place where 'social conservatives' dominate the voting (you know, places where Republicans win), so if he doesn't tap Huckabee as VP, he will need someone with similar appeal to conservative voters.
By the way (3), flush with victory, ol' Huck may be thinking 2012 instead of 'number two.'
By the way (1), the Louisiana vote does not count at all toward the winning of delegates. So it's really meaningless. The delegates will be apportioned through a caucus (already held, McCain won) and elections at the Louisiana GOP State Convention.
By the way (2), mathematically, McCain will win the nomination even if the Huckster wins every remaining primary. McCain has not come close to winning in any place where 'social conservatives' dominate the voting (you know, places where Republicans win), so if he doesn't tap Huckabee as VP, he will need someone with similar appeal to conservative voters.
By the way (3), flush with victory, ol' Huck may be thinking 2012 instead of 'number two.'
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Hoarse
Huckabee blows McCain out of the water in the reddest of red states: Kansas. Friar Huck gets 60% of the vote and McCain-Kennedy got less than 30%. How? He got 72% of the 'religious' vote.
By the way, have you noticed that in all of those "big wins" for McCain he only got about 35% of the total vote? Seldom over 40%. Now that it's "down to two" - it is forbidden to acknowledge Ron Paul - McCain may find that about 35% of the vote is his ceiling in bright red states. He could be losing all across the Southern Baptist south and southwest (Texas!).
But McCain will continue to do well in states that are a lock for the Democrats in November.
Does it seem like the fat lady is hoarse?
By the way, have you noticed that in all of those "big wins" for McCain he only got about 35% of the total vote? Seldom over 40%. Now that it's "down to two" - it is forbidden to acknowledge Ron Paul - McCain may find that about 35% of the vote is his ceiling in bright red states. He could be losing all across the Southern Baptist south and southwest (Texas!).
But McCain will continue to do well in states that are a lock for the Democrats in November.
Does it seem like the fat lady is hoarse?
Bazaar Admission
CNN has good election coverage.
Sounds crazy, I know. Do they have the usual suspects, of course, but they are giving a lot of time to conservatives. They have Bill Bennett, a lady (whose name escapes me) who is a republican strategist who is razor sharp, and draw in true conservatives to interview. An example is tonight when they had a senior person from the Thompson campaign, in studio, who was given an extended interview about the state of the GOP race. A moment ago Mike Huckabee was interviewed about his large win in Kansas. No answer was cut off. No question was a zinger.
I think that CNN sees an opening. Remember when FOX positioned itself as the no-agenda news. "Fair and balanced." Of course they have drifted more and more overtly to the right - so far to the right that CNN has an opening in the center. CNN's new election center promotion says, "no spin, no agenda" and touts an "independent" viewpoint. Now, they are not no-spin any more than FOX is no spin. But they seem to be consciously trying to recover a lost segment of the audience.
By the way, I remain FOX-free! And it seems that I still know what's happening in the world.
Sounds crazy, I know. Do they have the usual suspects, of course, but they are giving a lot of time to conservatives. They have Bill Bennett, a lady (whose name escapes me) who is a republican strategist who is razor sharp, and draw in true conservatives to interview. An example is tonight when they had a senior person from the Thompson campaign, in studio, who was given an extended interview about the state of the GOP race. A moment ago Mike Huckabee was interviewed about his large win in Kansas. No answer was cut off. No question was a zinger.
I think that CNN sees an opening. Remember when FOX positioned itself as the no-agenda news. "Fair and balanced." Of course they have drifted more and more overtly to the right - so far to the right that CNN has an opening in the center. CNN's new election center promotion says, "no spin, no agenda" and touts an "independent" viewpoint. Now, they are not no-spin any more than FOX is no spin. But they seem to be consciously trying to recover a lost segment of the audience.
By the way, I remain FOX-free! And it seems that I still know what's happening in the world.
Message from Ron Paul
Whoa! What a year this has been. And what achievements we have had. If I may quote Trotsky of all people, this Revolution is permanent. It will not end at the Republican convention. It will not end in November. It will not end until we have won the great battle on which we have embarked. Not because of me, but because of you. Millions of Americans -- and friends in many other countries -- have dedicated themselves to the principles of liberty: to free enterprise, limited government, sound money, no income tax, and peace. We will not falter so long as there is one restriction on our persons, our property, our civil liberties. How much I owe you. I can never possibly repay your generous donations, hard work, whole-hearted dedication and love of freedom. How blessed I am to be associated with you. Carol, of course, sends her love as well.
Let me tell you my thoughts. With Romney gone, the chances of a brokered convention are nearly zero. But that does not affect my determination to fight on, in every caucus and primary remaining, and at the convention for our ideas, with just as many delegates as I can get. But with so many primaries and caucuses now over, we do not now need so big a national campaign staff, and so I am making it leaner and tighter. Of course, I am committed to fighting for our ideas within the Republican party, so there will be no third party run. I do not denigrate third parties -- just the opposite, and I have long worked to remove the ballot-access restrictions on them. But I am a Republican, and I will remain a Republican.
I also have another priority. I have constituents in my home district that I must serve. I cannot and will not let them down. And I have another battle I must face here as well. If I were to lose the primary for my congressional seat, all our opponents would react with glee, and pretend it was a rejection of our ideas. I cannot and will not let that happen.
In the presidential race and the congressional race, I need your support, as always. And I have plans to continue fighting for our ideas in politics and education that I will share with you when I can, for I will need you at my side. In the meantime, onward and upward! The neocons, the warmongers, the socialists, the advocates of inflation will be hearing much from you and me.
Sincerely,
Ron
Friday, February 8, 2008
Liberty University
Ron Paul spoke to a crowd of 8400 people at Liberty University today. He trusted in Jesus Christ as his savior at the age of 14, he said. While in medical school, he accidentally saw an abortion of a late term child. The child was wrapped up and left to die. That early experience made a big impact on the future OB-GYN and 10 term congressman from Texas. "I am the champion of the constitution, of personal liberty, sound money and a sensible foreign policy - but none of that matters if we do not protect life - all life - including the unborn, " Dr. Paul said to loud cheers. He went on to talk about his efforts to overturn Roe v Wade in the congress through legislation he crafted and proposed. "We had the majority in the House and Senate.....by now, we would have saved millions of babies. "
Ron Paul's convocation address can be seen and heard at www.ronpaul2008.com
Ron Paul's convocation address can be seen and heard at www.ronpaul2008.com
Fall Preview
"Senator McCain has said, he doesn't really know much about the economy. It's not been an issue of his concern in the past." - Hillary Clinton speaking to ABC news yesterday.
"The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should, I've got Greenspan's book." -- John McCain speaking to The Boston Globe
(Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/, Posted 12/18/07)
"The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should, I've got Greenspan's book." -- John McCain speaking to The Boston Globe
(Sasha Issenberg, "McCain: It's About The Economy," The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/, Posted 12/18/07)
Dobson Endorses Huckabee
AP - James Dobson, one of the nation's most prominent evangelical Christian leaders, backed Mike Huckabee's presidential bid Thursday night, giving the former Arkansas governor a long-sought endorsement as the Republican field narrowed to a two-man race.
In a statement first obtained by The Associated Press, Dobson reiterated his declaration on Super Tuesday that he could not in good conscience vote for John McCain, the front-runner, because of concerns over the Arizona senator's conservative credentials.
Dobson said given the situation at that point, he was reluctant to choose between "two pro-family candidates whom I could support" — Huckabee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
But Dobson wrote that Romney's announcement Thursday that he was suspending his campaign "changed the political landscape."
"The remaining candidate for whom I could vote is Governor Huckabee," Dobson said. "His unwavering positions on the social issues, notably the institution of marriage, the importance of faith and the sanctity of human life, resonate deeply with me and with many others ... Obviously, the governor faces an uphill struggle, given the delegates already committed to Senator McCain. Nevertheless, I believe he is our best remaining choice for president of the United States."
by Eric Gorski - AP
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Serious Help
John McCain is as clueless about the economy as any likely party nominee for president that I can remember. Oh wait, there was Jimmy Carter. Well, among Republicans he is the most clueless - and, I guess to his credit, admittedly so. He has said right out loud that economics and monetary policy is a subject in which he needs some help. A circle of advisers, I believe he said.
Well today he reached out an got himself some serious help.
McCain brought in Don Luskin from the Ron Paul campaign as a key economics adviser!
I have to give McCain credit, when he needed help on the economy, he turned to the only campaign that has had any real an understanding of our current economic situation and it's relation to monetary policy, entitlements and foreign policy.
Maybe Luskin can help McCain understand that it will be impossible to fund a hundred years war in Iraq.
Well today he reached out an got himself some serious help.
McCain brought in Don Luskin from the Ron Paul campaign as a key economics adviser!
I have to give McCain credit, when he needed help on the economy, he turned to the only campaign that has had any real an understanding of our current economic situation and it's relation to monetary policy, entitlements and foreign policy.
Maybe Luskin can help McCain understand that it will be impossible to fund a hundred years war in Iraq.
Line of the Day
"We are losing not because we aren't compassionate but because we aren't conservative!"
Ron Paul, speaking at CPAC today.
Ron Paul, speaking at CPAC today.
CPAC in a Word
GOP candidates spoke before the CPAC convention today in Washington, D.C. Just what is CPAC? Here is how the media describe it:
“… A showcase of the heart and soul of American conservatism”
– Los Angeles Times
“… Unmatched in both the numbers it draws and the quality of speakers who appear”
– The Politico
“ The nation’s premier gathering of conservatives…
a key event for conservative candidates ever since the first gathering was held in 1974.”
– NewsMax
How did the GOP candidates do presenting themselves to this influential conservative crowd?
Well, in a word, it went like this:
Mike Huckabee - uninvited!
Mitt Romney - quit!
John McCain - booed!
Ron Paul - cheered!
“… A showcase of the heart and soul of American conservatism”
– Los Angeles Times
“… Unmatched in both the numbers it draws and the quality of speakers who appear”
– The Politico
“ The nation’s premier gathering of conservatives…
a key event for conservative candidates ever since the first gathering was held in 1974.”
– NewsMax
How did the GOP candidates do presenting themselves to this influential conservative crowd?
Well, in a word, it went like this:
Mike Huckabee - uninvited!
Mitt Romney - quit!
John McCain - booed!
Ron Paul - cheered!
Huck will accept VP
Friar Huck on this morning's TODAY show admitted that he is willing to accept the VP slot. Here was the exchange:
MIKE HUCKABEE: Matt, we're still in this until somebody gets 1,191 delegates, the magic number to become the nominee. And until that happens, just ask the New York Giants what can happen near the end of the game.
MATT LAUER: Yeah, but you did not close the door on me there, Governor. Would you say this morning that you would consider at some point, if you don't think you can reach that magic number of delegates, would you consider the vice-presidential slot on a ticket with John McCain?
HUCKABEE: Well, let's go ahead and be honest now. Nobody ever wants the vice-president's job; nobody ever turns it down.
The Mouse that Roared
Doug Wead, former special assistant to George H W Bush, wrote a blog entry yesterday entitled, "The Mouse that Roared." Here is what he wrote:
Well now, Republicans say, we have a nominee. That may very well be but there was only one clear winner in the confusing GOP nominating contest and it was not John McCain. The winner was Ron Paul. And the effects of his win will be felt for years to come.
Ron Paul made a classic political mistake. He told the truth. In debate after debate he pointed at his party, his president, his fellow contenders for the GOP nomination, shouting aloud like the little boy in the proverbial story, “they have no clothes” and lo and behold, we looked and they didn’t. They were all naked.
He showed that the conservative movement has lost its way, its moral authority and its logic. He showed us that we have become a red team versus blue team. That since we have decided that this is a political war and all normal rules are suspended, conservatives can do liberal things to win it. Conservatives can run up big deficits if it helps their side win. They can dole out needless pork if it elects another “conservative” to congress. They can go to war if it makes their president look like a leader and wins him another term.
But in the process, Ron Paul showed us, that we have lost our way. We are no longer conservatives. We are fighting for power not for principles. We have become corrupted by the process and the only way back is to retrace our steps and find all the things we discarded along he way.
Barry Goldwater lighted a similar fire with his Conscience of a Conservative. Its truth and arguments were so obvious and so honest that one laughed aloud while reading it. But Goldwater, himself, was doomed to political defeat. And Ron Paul had no chance to win this election either. One could see that when he first opened his mouth.
And yet, the words and arguments of Ron Paul are still resonating. They still hang over this election. They are haunting and troubling. They are producing blogs and papers and books and like Goldwater’s revolution they will one day very likely produce their own Ronald Reagan. And when those heady days happen a small but hearty band of pioneers, who first had the nerve to join him and start shouting from the street, “They aren’t wearing any clothes,” will be able to say that they could see what the country missed. They were there when history was made.
John McCain and his poorly chosen words, of staying in Iraq a hundred years, have almost guaranteed that he will be the answer to the trivia question, who was the Republican candidate who lost to the ticket that claimed the first woman and black for the presidency? Another question may very well be, “What other candidate ran that year and launched the movement that has dominated national politics for the last generation?”
And the answer will be Ron Paul.
Well now, Republicans say, we have a nominee. That may very well be but there was only one clear winner in the confusing GOP nominating contest and it was not John McCain. The winner was Ron Paul. And the effects of his win will be felt for years to come.
Ron Paul made a classic political mistake. He told the truth. In debate after debate he pointed at his party, his president, his fellow contenders for the GOP nomination, shouting aloud like the little boy in the proverbial story, “they have no clothes” and lo and behold, we looked and they didn’t. They were all naked.
He showed that the conservative movement has lost its way, its moral authority and its logic. He showed us that we have become a red team versus blue team. That since we have decided that this is a political war and all normal rules are suspended, conservatives can do liberal things to win it. Conservatives can run up big deficits if it helps their side win. They can dole out needless pork if it elects another “conservative” to congress. They can go to war if it makes their president look like a leader and wins him another term.
But in the process, Ron Paul showed us, that we have lost our way. We are no longer conservatives. We are fighting for power not for principles. We have become corrupted by the process and the only way back is to retrace our steps and find all the things we discarded along he way.
Barry Goldwater lighted a similar fire with his Conscience of a Conservative. Its truth and arguments were so obvious and so honest that one laughed aloud while reading it. But Goldwater, himself, was doomed to political defeat. And Ron Paul had no chance to win this election either. One could see that when he first opened his mouth.
And yet, the words and arguments of Ron Paul are still resonating. They still hang over this election. They are haunting and troubling. They are producing blogs and papers and books and like Goldwater’s revolution they will one day very likely produce their own Ronald Reagan. And when those heady days happen a small but hearty band of pioneers, who first had the nerve to join him and start shouting from the street, “They aren’t wearing any clothes,” will be able to say that they could see what the country missed. They were there when history was made.
John McCain and his poorly chosen words, of staying in Iraq a hundred years, have almost guaranteed that he will be the answer to the trivia question, who was the Republican candidate who lost to the ticket that claimed the first woman and black for the presidency? Another question may very well be, “What other candidate ran that year and launched the movement that has dominated national politics for the last generation?”
And the answer will be Ron Paul.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
'Bout Them Noles!
Florida State Seminoles score fifth best football recruiting class in the nation according to scout.com. exact connection to U S presidential politics not yet determined
Crunching
Ron Paul 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2008
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – With the results of many of the “Super Tuesday” primaries and caucuses now finalized, the Ron Paul campaign is now projecting that it has at least 42 delegates to the national convention secured.
While much of the focus in yesterday’s Super Tuesday contests focused on preference poll numbers, Ron Paul caucus-goers were focused on securing delegates to the national convention. With dedicated supporters and an organization focused purely on securing delegates, the campaign has secured more delegates to the national convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul than caucus straw polls might otherwise suggest.
According to campaign projections, a minimum of 24 delegates were won in yesterday’s contests. When added to projected delegates coming from strong showings in Iowa (4), Nevada (8), Louisiana (3) and Maine (3), that brings the total delegate count to 42 delegates or more.
“Our goal has always been to walk into the national GOP convention with as many delegates as possible,” said Ron Paul 2008 campaign manager Lew Moore. “The number of delegates we won yesterday could very well be the difference in a Convention where no one has a first-ballot majority. With Dr. Paul’s home state of Texas coming up, we feel we can enter the convention with a substantial number of delegates.”
Ahead of the Curve
On Thursday, Jan 24, I said that if McCain is the nominee then I likely would not vote in the presidential election - for the first time in my adult life.
Since that time, Rush Limbaugh has said the same.
Ann Coulter has said that if McCain is the choice that she would campaign for Hillary.
James Dobson said yesterday that he would not be voting if McCain is the GOP candidate.
Stick with Restore the Republic where you get the news before it's news!
Since that time, Rush Limbaugh has said the same.
Ann Coulter has said that if McCain is the choice that she would campaign for Hillary.
James Dobson said yesterday that he would not be voting if McCain is the GOP candidate.
Stick with Restore the Republic where you get the news before it's news!
Human Events
A friend sent me an article from today's Human Event Online. It is called McCain Didn't Close the Deal, by Jed Babbin. In it, the author writes this: "Mike Huckabee’s showing yesterday was stronger than many had imagined. Winning in West Virginia’s caucuses early in the day, Huckabee partnered with McCain to block Romney. Later, in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee, Huckabee proved he could boost a national ticket from the vice presidential slot."
If you are a regular reader of Restore the Republic, you know that I mentioned Huckabee as VP yesterday afternoon - after West Virginia and before the evening results. Stick with this blog for the news before it's news.
If you are a regular reader of Restore the Republic, you know that I mentioned Huckabee as VP yesterday afternoon - after West Virginia and before the evening results. Stick with this blog for the news before it's news.
The Revolution
The Ron Paul Revolution had some impressive showings yesterday:
2nd place in Montana
2nd place in Maine
3rd place in Utah
3rd place in North Dakota
3rd place in Alaska
As best as I can tell, about a half a million people voted for Ron Paul yesterday. In selected states he received a healthy percentage of the vote: 25%, 21%, 17%, 15%.
Couple those finishes with these prior showings:
2nd place in Nevada
2nd place in Louisiana (possibly first once they get it sorted out)
It is an uphill battle for sure to re-engage the discussion on forgotten foundations - and with an unorthodox candidate (but who else would even attempt to challenge the mainstream?). Still, progress is being made. More people are waking up to the fundamental need to return to the U S Constitution for how to run the country! More are becoming aware that the U S monetary policy, driven in part by the need to fund a trillion dollar a year military deployment while obligated to a gigantic entitlement system, is literally bankrupting America and destroying the value of the dollar.
21 states are yet to vote.
The fat lady hasn't sung a note.
2nd place in Montana
2nd place in Maine
3rd place in Utah
3rd place in North Dakota
3rd place in Alaska
As best as I can tell, about a half a million people voted for Ron Paul yesterday. In selected states he received a healthy percentage of the vote: 25%, 21%, 17%, 15%.
Couple those finishes with these prior showings:
2nd place in Nevada
2nd place in Louisiana (possibly first once they get it sorted out)
It is an uphill battle for sure to re-engage the discussion on forgotten foundations - and with an unorthodox candidate (but who else would even attempt to challenge the mainstream?). Still, progress is being made. More people are waking up to the fundamental need to return to the U S Constitution for how to run the country! More are becoming aware that the U S monetary policy, driven in part by the need to fund a trillion dollar a year military deployment while obligated to a gigantic entitlement system, is literally bankrupting America and destroying the value of the dollar.
21 states are yet to vote.
The fat lady hasn't sung a note.
Scorecard
Here is the Scorecard after Super Tuesday
DELEGATES
DEMS
Hillary - 582
Obama - 485
Needed to win Democrat nomination: 2025
GOP
McCain - 516
Romney - 207
Huckabee - 142
Paul - 9
Needed to win GOP nomination: 1192
STATES WON yesterday
McCain - 9
Romney - 7
Huckabee - 5 (one by a deal w/McCain voters)
Paul - 0
DELEGATES
DEMS
Hillary - 582
Obama - 485
Needed to win Democrat nomination: 2025
GOP
McCain - 516
Romney - 207
Huckabee - 142
Paul - 9
Needed to win GOP nomination: 1192
STATES WON yesterday
McCain - 9
Romney - 7
Huckabee - 5 (one by a deal w/McCain voters)
Paul - 0
Dobson Won't Vote
James Dobson of Focus on the Family announces that he will not vote if John McCain is Republican nominee.
"I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative and, in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are," Dobson said in a statement read on Laura Ingraham's nationally syndicated radio show. "He has at times sounded more like a member of the other party."
Dobson said he is unhappy the GOP "seems poised to select a nominee who did not supported a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, who voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human beings, who opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, who has little regard for freedom of speech, who organized the gang of 14 to preserve filibusters and who has a legendary temper and who often uses foul and obscene language."
McCain, Dobson also pointed out, "said publicly that Hillary Clinton would make a good president. Given these and many other concerns, a spoonful of sugar does not make the medicine go down."
"I cannot and I will not vote for Sen. John McCain as a matter of conscience," Dobson said. "But what a sad and melancholy decision this is for me and many other conservatives. Should John McCain capture the nomination as many assume, I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for president in my lifetime."
"If these are the nominees in November, I simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life," he said.
"These decisions are my personal views and do not represent the organization with which I'm affiliated," he concluded. "They do reflect, however, my deeply held convictions about the institution of the family, about moral and spiritual beliefs and about the welfare of our country."
From WorldNetDaily article, Feb 5, 2008. See complete article here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=55665
"I am convinced Sen. McCain is not a conservative and, in fact, has gone out of his way to stick his thumb in the eyes of those who are," Dobson said in a statement read on Laura Ingraham's nationally syndicated radio show. "He has at times sounded more like a member of the other party."
Dobson said he is unhappy the GOP "seems poised to select a nominee who did not supported a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage, who voted for embryonic stem-cell research to kill nascent human beings, who opposed tax cuts that ended the marriage penalty, who has little regard for freedom of speech, who organized the gang of 14 to preserve filibusters and who has a legendary temper and who often uses foul and obscene language."
McCain, Dobson also pointed out, "said publicly that Hillary Clinton would make a good president. Given these and many other concerns, a spoonful of sugar does not make the medicine go down."
"I cannot and I will not vote for Sen. John McCain as a matter of conscience," Dobson said. "But what a sad and melancholy decision this is for me and many other conservatives. Should John McCain capture the nomination as many assume, I believe this general election will offer the worst choices for president in my lifetime."
"If these are the nominees in November, I simply will not cast a ballot for president for the first time in my life," he said.
"These decisions are my personal views and do not represent the organization with which I'm affiliated," he concluded. "They do reflect, however, my deeply held convictions about the institution of the family, about moral and spiritual beliefs and about the welfare of our country."
From WorldNetDaily article, Feb 5, 2008. See complete article here:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=55665
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Huckabee as VP
It's a done deal.
The news is carrying the early headline of Super Tuesday, "Huckabee wins West Virginia." The more accurate headline would be, "Huckabee wins VP slot."
For those who don't read more than the headlines, the back(room) story will be missed. W Va is a state that has primary rules which allow for more than one round of voting so that there is a clear winner. On the first round, Romney was in the lead, Huckster second and McCain-Kennedy in third. Between the first and second rounds, ALL of the McCain voters switched to Huckabee! Thus, the McCain people denied Romney the early headline of a Super Tuesday win.
But isn't the McCain-Feingold camp concerned that Huck might make a run today, what with almost the entire Southern Baptist world going to the polls?
No. It seems that the deal has been done. As long as the Huck can protect McCain's flank, he will be rewarded nicely. After all, McCain will need that conservative evangelical vote come the general election. With the preacher at his side, McCain will have "united the party" for the push to the White House.
(By the way, have I ever mentioned that Mike Huckabee attended the same seminary from which I graduated? He dropped out the year before I arrived. Had he continued we would have 'gone to school together.')
The news is carrying the early headline of Super Tuesday, "Huckabee wins West Virginia." The more accurate headline would be, "Huckabee wins VP slot."
For those who don't read more than the headlines, the back(room) story will be missed. W Va is a state that has primary rules which allow for more than one round of voting so that there is a clear winner. On the first round, Romney was in the lead, Huckster second and McCain-Kennedy in third. Between the first and second rounds, ALL of the McCain voters switched to Huckabee! Thus, the McCain people denied Romney the early headline of a Super Tuesday win.
But isn't the McCain-Feingold camp concerned that Huck might make a run today, what with almost the entire Southern Baptist world going to the polls?
No. It seems that the deal has been done. As long as the Huck can protect McCain's flank, he will be rewarded nicely. After all, McCain will need that conservative evangelical vote come the general election. With the preacher at his side, McCain will have "united the party" for the push to the White House.
(By the way, have I ever mentioned that Mike Huckabee attended the same seminary from which I graduated? He dropped out the year before I arrived. Had he continued we would have 'gone to school together.')
Google Giving
"While the U.S. electronics industry isn't a major donor to U.S. presidential campaigns, generally preferring to focus its financial clout on congressional races, something unusual is happening this election cycle. According to early federal estimates, GOP hopeful Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, a libertarian, is attracting the most individual campaign contributions from employees of major U.S. high-tech companies," George Leopold reports for EE Times.
"Based on available donor data, the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics estimates that employees of Google Inc. and related political action committees are the top contributors to Paul's long-shot presidential bid."
"Based on available donor data, the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics estimates that employees of Google Inc. and related political action committees are the top contributors to Paul's long-shot presidential bid."
Super Tuesday
A thousand delegates are up for grabs today, “Super Tuesday.” It’s the largest single day primary equation in U S presidential primary history! About half of the states are involved - each wanting to get in early enough to have some significance, some voice in the matter.
It is arguable that many states, maybe most in Super Tuesday, are as left out as they ever have been. They did not receive active campaigning from any of the candidates. There was not enough time or money (or delegates at stake) to visit all of the Super Tuesday states. Predictably, the campaigns have focussed for the most part on the ‘big states’ like California and New York or perhaps a region like the deep south. Each has cherry-picked a few other locations to make appearances - either to build on pockets of existing support or to till the ground for the general election. The Super Tuesday approach has been super expensive to the campaigns.
So, what will be the effect of Tuesday’s voting?
The Democrats will still have a two person race after Feb. 5 even if Hillary ‘wins’ most of the states (as the razor thin polls indicate). The Democrat rules divvy out the delegates proportionally based upon each state’s vote. So, Obama and Hillary could gain almost equal numbers of delegates. The race could remain undecided for quite a while longer on the Democrat side.
For the Republicans, Tuesday may well effectively wrap up the primary season. The GOP is a party where ‘the establishment’ chooses its candidate, anoints him, then delivers the local vote for him. The establishment has (quite inexplicably) chosen John McCain. The governors and other GOP notables are overwhelmingly coming to his side with endorsements. Most polls have McCain well ahead overall and leading in almost every Super Tuesday state. Because the GOP often does not proportion delegates - the winner will take all in many of the primary states Tuesday. Where the delegates are proportioned, McCain leads there as well. By nightfall, John McCain will have a commanding lead in the delegate count. The Republican nomination, though not sealed, will be stuffed and licked.
It is arguable that many states, maybe most in Super Tuesday, are as left out as they ever have been. They did not receive active campaigning from any of the candidates. There was not enough time or money (or delegates at stake) to visit all of the Super Tuesday states. Predictably, the campaigns have focussed for the most part on the ‘big states’ like California and New York or perhaps a region like the deep south. Each has cherry-picked a few other locations to make appearances - either to build on pockets of existing support or to till the ground for the general election. The Super Tuesday approach has been super expensive to the campaigns.
So, what will be the effect of Tuesday’s voting?
The Democrats will still have a two person race after Feb. 5 even if Hillary ‘wins’ most of the states (as the razor thin polls indicate). The Democrat rules divvy out the delegates proportionally based upon each state’s vote. So, Obama and Hillary could gain almost equal numbers of delegates. The race could remain undecided for quite a while longer on the Democrat side.
For the Republicans, Tuesday may well effectively wrap up the primary season. The GOP is a party where ‘the establishment’ chooses its candidate, anoints him, then delivers the local vote for him. The establishment has (quite inexplicably) chosen John McCain. The governors and other GOP notables are overwhelmingly coming to his side with endorsements. Most polls have McCain well ahead overall and leading in almost every Super Tuesday state. Because the GOP often does not proportion delegates - the winner will take all in many of the primary states Tuesday. Where the delegates are proportioned, McCain leads there as well. By nightfall, John McCain will have a commanding lead in the delegate count. The Republican nomination, though not sealed, will be stuffed and licked.
Christian Business Daily
CHRISTIAN BUSINESS DAILY ENDORSES RON PAUL
by David Johnson
Feb 4, 2008
Christian Business Daily has long stood for policy that is rooted in solid Biblical principles – sound stewardship of financial and other resources, rewards for fruitfulness and productivity, and environments that allow for enterprise to flourish without undue taxation or public theft masquerading as compassion. This is why our editorial team has chosen to support a presidential candidate in the Republican primaries, Ron Paul.
The reasons for our selection of Congressman Paul are numerous, but can be summarized by what we esteem in his personal character, ethics, integrity, consistent sound economic and monetary policy record, and his grasp of foundational concepts that promote the freedoms that were hard-won by the Founders and codified by the framers of the U.S. Constitution.
see the enitre endorsement at Christian Business Daily
by David Johnson
Feb 4, 2008
Christian Business Daily has long stood for policy that is rooted in solid Biblical principles – sound stewardship of financial and other resources, rewards for fruitfulness and productivity, and environments that allow for enterprise to flourish without undue taxation or public theft masquerading as compassion. This is why our editorial team has chosen to support a presidential candidate in the Republican primaries, Ron Paul.
The reasons for our selection of Congressman Paul are numerous, but can be summarized by what we esteem in his personal character, ethics, integrity, consistent sound economic and monetary policy record, and his grasp of foundational concepts that promote the freedoms that were hard-won by the Founders and codified by the framers of the U.S. Constitution.
see the enitre endorsement at Christian Business Daily
Monday, February 4, 2008
Support from our Troops
American armed forces personnel may contribute to the presidential campaign just like all other U S citizens. According to the records just released by the Federal Election Commission, here is where the troops sent their money during the fourth quarter of 2007:
Ron Paul: $ 249,000.00
John McCain: 83,000.00
Barack Obama: 76,000.00
Hillary Clinton: 41,000.00
Mike Huckabee: 37,000.00
Mitt Romney: 24,000.00
Ron Paul: $ 249,000.00
John McCain: 83,000.00
Barack Obama: 76,000.00
Hillary Clinton: 41,000.00
Mike Huckabee: 37,000.00
Mitt Romney: 24,000.00
Maine-ly misleading
The "mainstream media" is reporting that Romney won the Maine caucuses, held last Friday through Sunday, and that he was followed by McCain and then Ron Paul by some distance. Here is the real story:
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – While most reports about this past weekend’s Maine Caucus focused on the purely symbolic presidential preference poll, in the meaningful race to secure delegates to the state convention Ron Paul is primed to finish second with likely 35 percent of the total delegates.
Delegates to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis are elected by the state delegates. Internal results from 10 of 16 counties, including the largest cities of Portland, South Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Augusta, Waterville, Bangor, and Brewer, show Ron Paul picking up 215 of 608 State Convention delegates so far reported, or 35%.
“Ron Paul’s strong second place finish in Maine, in which he beat John McCain, is proof that this race is far from over,” said Ron Paul campaign manager Lew Moore. “We’ll continue to battle for every delegate in this wide-open race for the Republican nomination.”
In the presidential preference poll, with 70 percent reporting, Ron Paul is in third place just two percentage points behind John McCain. However, the Maine preference poll is purely a beauty contest, and in the actual election of state delegates the so-called “frontrunner” McCain is far behind Ron Paul. --
from Feb 4, 2008 Press Release by Ron Paul for President
With this result, Ron Paul has finished second in Louisiana, Nevada and now Maine. But who would know it? The mainstream media has picked its contestants and reports accordingly.
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – While most reports about this past weekend’s Maine Caucus focused on the purely symbolic presidential preference poll, in the meaningful race to secure delegates to the state convention Ron Paul is primed to finish second with likely 35 percent of the total delegates.
Delegates to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis are elected by the state delegates. Internal results from 10 of 16 counties, including the largest cities of Portland, South Portland, Lewiston, Auburn, Augusta, Waterville, Bangor, and Brewer, show Ron Paul picking up 215 of 608 State Convention delegates so far reported, or 35%.
“Ron Paul’s strong second place finish in Maine, in which he beat John McCain, is proof that this race is far from over,” said Ron Paul campaign manager Lew Moore. “We’ll continue to battle for every delegate in this wide-open race for the Republican nomination.”
In the presidential preference poll, with 70 percent reporting, Ron Paul is in third place just two percentage points behind John McCain. However, the Maine preference poll is purely a beauty contest, and in the actual election of state delegates the so-called “frontrunner” McCain is far behind Ron Paul. --
from Feb 4, 2008 Press Release by Ron Paul for President
With this result, Ron Paul has finished second in Louisiana, Nevada and now Maine. But who would know it? The mainstream media has picked its contestants and reports accordingly.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Giant Upset
The New Yorks Giants stun Tom Brady and previously undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl! It was truly magical. Who would have ever imagined that Eli Manning would win the Super Bowl (ever)- trailing with two minutes to go - against the heavily favored Pats?! It can only mean one thing: Ron Paul can still win!
It would be funny
It's a Colts-less Super Bowl Sunday. What are you going to do? I know, just laugh it off. So, check out comedian Stephen Colbert's take on Ron Paul's performance at the California debate.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Fifty-first Wedding Anniversary
Ron and Carol Paul celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Friday.
To help celebrate, Ron Paul supporters spontaneously organized a "Fifty-first Anniversary Money Bomb." Money Bomb is what they call a blast of online giving. As of midnight on Friday, 12, 625 donors had contributed $1,042,960.15 to the Ron Paul presidential campaign in 24 hours. These are the same donors that gave 1.8 million in 24 hours on Jan 21. The campaign had hoped for 5 million by Super Tuesday and with this latest giving, it now has just over 5 million in donations since the beginning of the year.
Happy Anniversary, Ron and Carol Paul!
To help celebrate, Ron Paul supporters spontaneously organized a "Fifty-first Anniversary Money Bomb." Money Bomb is what they call a blast of online giving. As of midnight on Friday, 12, 625 donors had contributed $1,042,960.15 to the Ron Paul presidential campaign in 24 hours. These are the same donors that gave 1.8 million in 24 hours on Jan 21. The campaign had hoped for 5 million by Super Tuesday and with this latest giving, it now has just over 5 million in donations since the beginning of the year.
Happy Anniversary, Ron and Carol Paul!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Campaign Finances
Well, it's official, ladies and gentlemen. Believe it or not, Rep. Ron Paul, the 72-year-old Texan who hardly ever gets mentioned in Republican political news and the one-time libertarian who always gets the least time on TV debates if he isn't barred completely, was, in fact, the most successful Republican fundraiser in the last three months of 2007.
By a Texas mile.
By the thousands Paul's fervent followers donated $19.95 million to the "Ron Paul Revolution." He spent $17.75 million and at year's end had $7.8 million cash on hand, making him the only Republican candidate to increase his fundraising totals in every quarter of 2007. According to his website, Paul's Paulunteers have contributed another $4.1 million this month to fuel the strict constitutionalist's travels and advertising campaign.
Compare that impressive financial success with, say, the late candidate Rudy Giuliani, who raised only $14.4 million from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 and spent $18.2 million.
Or the departed Fred Thompson, who collected $8.9 million and spent $13.9 million.
Or even the newly-minted Republican frontrunner Sen. John McCain, who raked in only $9.9 million, spent $10.5 million and had only $2.9 million cash in hand. Of course, McCain's string of primary victories in January will have boosted his financial fortunes.
Everybody loves a winner.
Mitt Romney actually raised only $9.2 million from other people last quarter, less than half of Paul's haul. However, the former Massachusetts governor -- and if he keeps spending at this rate the quite possibly former multimillionaire -- gave himself $18 million more of his own money last fall for a total of $27.2 million and $2.4 million cash on hand.
The former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who's had trouble raising money, issued an unusual statement Thursday night. "My presidential campaign," he said, "has defied the odds and will continue to do so, as we head into the Super Tuesday primaries, proving the power of of message over money and mechanics."
The statement did not include any Huckabee figures for the fourth quarter. Which suggests that the winner of the Republican caucuses in Iowa didn't have a very good fourth quarter.
So a certain suspicious blogger, lead by the experienced hand of The Times' campaign finance expert Dan Morain, went to the website of the Federal Election Commission and looked up Huckabee's fourth quarter report. It seems he raised about $6.7 million, a third of Paul's sum, while spending $7.08 million, leaving him on New Year's Eve with cash on hand of only $651,300.68. No wonder he didn't mention numbers in the news release
From L A Times, Top of the Ticket political blog by Andrew Malcolm.
By a Texas mile.
By the thousands Paul's fervent followers donated $19.95 million to the "Ron Paul Revolution." He spent $17.75 million and at year's end had $7.8 million cash on hand, making him the only Republican candidate to increase his fundraising totals in every quarter of 2007. According to his website, Paul's Paulunteers have contributed another $4.1 million this month to fuel the strict constitutionalist's travels and advertising campaign.
Compare that impressive financial success with, say, the late candidate Rudy Giuliani, who raised only $14.4 million from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31 and spent $18.2 million.
Or the departed Fred Thompson, who collected $8.9 million and spent $13.9 million.
Or even the newly-minted Republican frontrunner Sen. John McCain, who raked in only $9.9 million, spent $10.5 million and had only $2.9 million cash in hand. Of course, McCain's string of primary victories in January will have boosted his financial fortunes.
Everybody loves a winner.
Mitt Romney actually raised only $9.2 million from other people last quarter, less than half of Paul's haul. However, the former Massachusetts governor -- and if he keeps spending at this rate the quite possibly former multimillionaire -- gave himself $18 million more of his own money last fall for a total of $27.2 million and $2.4 million cash on hand.
The former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, who's had trouble raising money, issued an unusual statement Thursday night. "My presidential campaign," he said, "has defied the odds and will continue to do so, as we head into the Super Tuesday primaries, proving the power of of message over money and mechanics."
The statement did not include any Huckabee figures for the fourth quarter. Which suggests that the winner of the Republican caucuses in Iowa didn't have a very good fourth quarter.
So a certain suspicious blogger, lead by the experienced hand of The Times' campaign finance expert Dan Morain, went to the website of the Federal Election Commission and looked up Huckabee's fourth quarter report. It seems he raised about $6.7 million, a third of Paul's sum, while spending $7.08 million, leaving him on New Year's Eve with cash on hand of only $651,300.68. No wonder he didn't mention numbers in the news release
From L A Times, Top of the Ticket political blog by Andrew Malcolm.
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