Jeff Fuller recently published an article entitled “Moving the Needle; Why Some Conservatives Disingenuously Reject Romney”. He also published it over on Mitt Romney Central. Now I am not going to rehash what Jeff said. I would, however, like to draw attention to a very well written comment to Jeff’s article over at MRC. It is a very frank analysis of Romney’s perceived weaknesses. It was written by someone named “Bill”.
It impressed me enough that I asked for and received permission from MRC to republish it here in its entirety so Racers can appreciate and discuss it:
I disagree with your premise. [Jeff's Article] I also believe that any article starting with a David Frum quote will be hard to bring back to some degree of intelligence. I think Mr. Romney has several problems that keep people from wanting to gravitate to him.
The first is the Massachusetts health care law. I knew many conservatives who were citing that law as reason not to support him in 2007 and 2008. References to the Heritage Foundation and anything else were irrelevant to them. They were not going to vote for Mitt Romney because he supported “socialized medicine” in Massachusetts.
The second is abortion. These same people can cite all kinds of statements that Mr. Romney made nominally in support of abortion prior to his 2008 campaign beginning. They aren’t interested in explanations or the possibility that he changed his mind. To them, he was just saying whatever the base wanted to hear in order to be nominated.
The third is the Second Amendment. While Mr. Romney ran in Massachusetts on the promise not to change anything about gun laws, different statements he made over the years were cited as evidence that he wasn’t a Second Amendment supporter. Anything he said in support of the Second Amendment in 2007 or 2008 was considered to be insincere political promises to win the nomination. Even in the first few debates, he didn’t handle Second Amendment questions as well as I would have liked.
The fourth is religion. Many people have grown up learning that Mormonism is a cult and have invested a great deal of time and energy into believing that position. To support a GOP presidential nominee who is a Mormon would force them either to admit that they were wrong or to say that they were supporting a cult member for our nation’s highest office. Many people who were actually swayed by this issue hid behind the first three issues to justify their opposition to Mr. Romney.
The fifth is wealth. Many people consider anyone with that much money to be part of “The Establishment” regardless of anything else. No matter how hard Mr. Romney worked for that money, his having that money made him “not one of us.”
The sixth is family. Mr. Romney’s father may have gone from rags to riches. Mr. Romney may remember humble times as a child. However, he still comes from a family that is big in GOP politics. Coming from that kind of family makes him part of “The Establishment” in some ways.
The seventh is education. Harvard and Yale are some of this nation’s oldest schools, and they’ve produced plenty of presidents. We’ve had a Harvard or Yale graduate in the White House for over twenty years now. To folks who went to state universities, community colleges, and trade schools, a Harvard or Yale degree makes someone part of “The Establishment.”
The eighth problem is still the management versus employee gap. Mr. Romney is saying the right things about compassion for people who have lost jobs. He’s even saying the right things about removing government barriers to business in this country being competitive. However, he still comes across as a management type who will move the jobs to China if that move means the most for the bottom line. The management type always seems to be part of “The Establishment.”
The ninth problem is around passion and specifics. He says that we need to get tough with China on the value of their currency and intellectual property protection, but he doesn’t give specifics. He doesn’t come across as being as tough or as passionate about the issue as Donald Trump does. In all of his statements, he has such an aversion to tariffs that we don’t see him using this tool if necessary to deal with the problem. Donald Trump comes out and says that he’ll slap a tariff on Chinese goods if a tariff is necessary to make the Chinese play fair. I don’t trust Donald Trump, but he’s saying the right things on the trade issue. He probably has a good reason for holding back, but holding back makes him appear to be part of “The Establishment.”
Even in 2008, many people saw Mr. Romney as “The Establishment.” He wasn’t in Washington, but he was still considered an insider because of his wealth and social standing. He’s not going to escape that perception. He’s going to be rich, white, and good-looking as long as he’s healthy enough to run for office. Right now, plenty of people see that image as being part of the problem. They see people who have tried to cultivate that image as the people who have created the leviathan government that we have today.
That’s why so many people are seeking candidates like Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, and Allen West. They are stuck on the image issue, and these guys don’t project the image of the consummate politician like the images of those who got us into this mess. If we look at substance, none of them are as likely to do what must be done as Mr. Romney is, but they don’t “look like” the people who got us into this mess. For those who just want symbolism rather than substance, touting Trump/West, Christie/West, or Christie/Rubio is much easier than thinking about the situation that we really face.
For those who think about substance, there is still a search for someone who has the substantive qualifications to be president but doesn’t have the image that Mr. Romney does. Mitch Daniels is proof that if you’re short enough and bald enough, you won’t seem like “The Establishment” even with degrees from Princeton and Georgetown and having broken into politics as a member of Richard Lugar’s staff. Tim Pawlenty’s father was a truck driver and not a governor. After twenty years of Ivy League presidents, a University of Minnesota graduate has appeal to many people. For those who want a “The Mighty Ducks go to Washington” story, he has tremendous appeal. However, his generally mild manner and conventional looks give him the same “looks like” problem that Mr. Romney has. He’s not the conservative tough guy that many Republicans want.
Ultimately, I think Mr. Romney will get past these problems. Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee will probably realize that they gain nothing by running. Donald Trump either won’t run or will be knocked down in the vetting process. Michele Bachmann will get many of the frustrated conservative votes. She raises money well enough to stay in the race for a while. Mitch Daniels will get some support from college students, but he won’t raise that much money or do well enough to get that much attention. Newt Gingrich has too much baggage. He can raise enough to stay in the race for a bit, but he’ll quit when the votes obviously aren’t there. If Tim Pawlenty does well, he’ll position himself to be VP and be the frontrunner for 2016 if the worst happens and Obama stays in office.
In the general election, Mr. Romney will lose some votes because he is seen as “The Establishment.” I hope most of those votes will be in states where the GOP either can’t win or can’t lose. He’s currently ahead of Obama in Michigan. He should be able to take back Nevada. He has a good chance of winning New Hampshire. He’s within margin of error in North Carolina. I think he’s close in Florida, but I don’t remember. If he chooses Jim Talent as a running mate, he should pick up Missouri and might even have an inside track on Iowa. If he picks Tim Pawlenty, he’d have a chance at Minnesota and Iowa. He plays well in the West, so maybe he gets Colorado back in the GOP column as well. We still have to win Ohio and Florida, but Mr. Romney gives us a chance to win.
A very well written article. I don’t agree with all of his conclusions, but I cannot fault his reasoning.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
A pretty fair assessment of Romney why people in the GOP are fearful of him as a nominee.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Romney might be better than this dud now…
Gov. Mitch Daniels Says He “Hasn’t Decided Yet” if He Will Sign Bill Defunding Planned Parenthood
http://politicons.net/gov-mitch-daniels-says-he-%E2%80%9Chasn%E2%80%99t-decided-yet%E2%80%9D-if-he-will-sign-bill-defunding-planned-parenthood/
April 28th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
I think Bill is making up his own definition of “The Establishment” on-the-fly to fit his narrative here.
Bill defines, “The Establishment” as anyone who went to an Ivy League school, has a lot of money, is part of a family that has been in politics, has managed a business, acts like an adult, and is not short or bald. In other words, Bill says that anyone who is a successful individual is an “Establishment Candidate”. This is utter BS and an incredibly stupid way to define what is a good or bad candidate.
Before Bill came along “Establishment” meant that you spent your entire life in Washington, inside the beltway – John McCain.
I guess the opposite would be an undereducated, poor, childish, short/bald man. If that is the ideal candidate for Bill and the “anybody but Romney” crowd, you can count me out.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
3
Bill is an ardent Romney supporter. He talks to me often at MRC.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Thanks Bill for writing a lucid, coherent and very well thought out summation.
Thanks Mark for going the extra mile to ensure these thoughts get wider exposure and hopefully thoughful consideration.
BTW Romney leads the new Fox News 2012 national poll out this afternoon with 19% to Huckabee @17%
April 28th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
“HASN’T DECIDED YET”!?!
Oh…Come…On! He should have made his mind up one way or the other days ago. Fish or cut bait, Governor. Fish or cut bait.
For once we are in total agreement, Telly.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
The big difference this time from 2008 is that Romney has learned that groveling and begging in front of the afore-mentioned “No-Romney” folks is not only unproductive, but just gives them more opportunity to take shots at his image and call him all kinds of names.
This time, it will be take it or leave it. There are plenty of other voters to go after. In the end, if the No-Romney folks want to split the GOP vote and put Obama back in office—blame them, not Romney.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Daniels seems like the kind of guy who has to be coaxed into doing everything. Perhaps that’s the Accountant gene in him. He just may be way too analytical to be effective, energetic leader.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Bill includes his only real true reason.
The fourth is religion. Many people have grown up learning that Mormonism is a cult and have invested a great deal of time and energy into believing that position. To support a GOP presidential nominee who is a Mormon would force them either to admit that they were wrong or to say that they were supporting a cult member for our nation’s highest office. Many people who were actually swayed by this issue hid behind the first three issues to justify their opposition to Mr. Romney.
=======================================================================================================
Makes me wonder if I belong to the right party. After all, if I am not free to worship god based on my own conscious, then maybe I need to reconsider what my party affiliation is.
I can not, will not accept the Huckabee’s of the world telling me I have to go to the back of the Political bus!
April 28th, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for posting this, Mark. The more we understand and accept our own candidate’s flaws and perceived flaws, the better positioned we are to have a rational, intelligent discussion of the pros and cons of any candidate.
3. CF, whether you are right or not is less important than the extent to which others have the perception described by Bill. Exactly what “the establishment” is can be different things to different people.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
I wonder how MATT MWS will take to this foot dragging by Daniels on the Planned Parenthood bill?
April 28th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Wait a second. Comments from Romney haters now count as news that deserve individual posts on this board? When are we going to get a detailed list of all Huckabee’s flaws from a Huckabee hater? Or Palin’s flaws? Give me a break.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
The first item is just not true. There were probably a handful of conservatives that complained about MassCare, but most of them either praised it or ignored it in 2008.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Rombot,
Bill is NOT a Romney hater. He is a Romney supporter, a very ardent one.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
“Many people who were actually swayed by this issue hid behind the first three issues to justify their opposition to Mr. Romney.”
If you have to lie to us about why you oppose Romney, don’t be surprised when the guy who you support turns out to be a liar as well. Here’s hoping the 2012 GOP is an honest one. Don’t tell me on one hand that Romney is too slick, and on the other, say that he can’t connect with the average guy. Don’t tell me that you can’t vote for Romney because his hair is too perfect and then say you are supporting Daniels because he is bald and uncharismatic. Don’t tell me you can’t vote for Romney because he is too wealthy but then justify Palin and Huckabee using their celebrity to make money. Let’s have an honest dialogue and choose the best candidate.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
What strikes me as odd, as here we have a list of numerous reasons why Romney is not an appealing candidate, and we have Romney supporters saying it is a good list… but they are still supporting Romney.
Odd isn’t it? We know the reason why, but we are forbidden from saying so.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
You should be asking when do we see a Huckabee supporter making a detailed list of all of Huckabee’s flaws.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:40 pm
For a supposed Mitt fan, this guy sure does a lot of twisting to make his point. Half that stuff is just bull. Why would a Mitt fan make stuff up to make Mitt look weaker than he actually is? I call bull on the whole post.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
Metro,
Is it all that strange to you that the supporters of a candidate are aware of that candidate’s flaws real and imagined and want to discuss them? I don’t find that strange. I find it refreshing.
Perhaps you should examine more closely why you would want to support someone of whom you are afraid of talking about their possible problems.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
18, I think the way Bill prefaced his list makes it sound perhaps more antagonistic than he may have intended it. Instead of saying, “Mr. Romney has several problems that keep people from…” I think Bill should have said “supposed problems” or “alleged problems” or, better yet, phrased it to show that it is a matter of other people having a problem “with” Mitt, rather than Mitt having an actual problem.
But, having said that, his intentions may have been good.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:47 pm
My perception of Romney is that he’s a big government Republican in the same mold as Scott Brown, Olympia Snowe, etc. I was also turned-off by the fact that he had absolutely no involvement in the Tea Party movement in 2009 and even recently TP leaders in NH said his camp didn’t return their calls. I also have the impression that he is trying to buy the election. I prefer a candidate who’s speaking at TP rallies rather than meeting with a few wealthy donors. And I don’t like the way he endorsed candidates last year (like after they won the primary) and gave money to candidates that obviously weren’t vetted much if at all.
They key thing for me is going to be issue #9 above. I want to know where the candidates stand on issues like raising the debt ceiling, defunding Planned Parenthood, NPR and the NEA, supporting Paul Ryan’s budget, supporting Rand Paul’s proposal to can the Dept of Ed, Commerce, etc. The stance that candiates take on these issues will make it clear how conservative/liberal each of them are. And I don’t think any candidate will be able to get away with being a fence-sitter.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
20 – Or maybe he should have said these are the excuses that people give for not favoring Romney, because half of them have no basis in reality and are full of holes. I don’t know much about Bill, but it sure sounded like he was trying to paint the worst possible picture. The problem is that the worst possible picture is not reality. If all that was true, I would still support Romney. But all that is not true.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Many of the items Bill discusses are about the perceptions people have about people like Romney. It’s not good or bad, weak or strong, just the reality of life. Some folks will never vote for the “rich guy” even if their guy is pretty well off, but a Populist. I have friends like that.
To me, items 5, 6 7 and * are all basically in the same category.
I also see these “troubles” as being superficial, once the real battle is engaged.
Jobless claims went up today and the economy grew at a lackluster 1.8% in Qtr 1.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
21 – More lies. Mitt supported plenty of TP candidates in 2010. If you want a populist rabble rouser, go ahead and vote for Palin or Huckabee. Mitt has done nothing but help conservative candidates for the last two years. That is more than Palin can say (see Angle and O’Donnel).
April 28th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
NPR is theleast of troubles right now.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
FOX POLL TODAY
Mitt 19 (14) ..Nice bump!
Huck 17 (15)
Sarah 9 (12)
Trump 8 (11)
Alao rans..
Newt7
Paul7
Cain4
Michele3
Santorum3
T-Paw3
Daniels2
Four tied at 1
April 28th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
I guess maybe the post bothered me because even though there are some that think this way, for most of the items listed the people who are concerned are small in number and are not worth worrying about. Why bring up things that you can’t change and that are really not going to matter in the grand scheme of things? If you want to make a list of concerns people have, highlight the things that people are really concerned about and that really might make a difference in the election. Health Care, religion, abortion. Those are things that matter. Education? I don’t think so. Family? I don’t think so. How many oppose Romney for those reasons. Not enough to make me care. What good is highlighting them going to do? Absolutely nothing. Focus one what matters. Everything else is just piling on (which is odd coming from a Romney supporter).
I would like to see an honest list highlighting real flaws coming from a Huckabee or Palin supporter though. I hope they get their own major posts on this board as well.
April 28th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Alao = Also
April 28th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Romney is a consistent top three choice of Tea Party votes, so he must be doing something right. For all the talk about Palin being a TP Queen, she is consistently a 5th or 6th choice. So perceptions are not always reality.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
ROMNEY 2012! It’s great to see people are finally waking up and realizing Romney is our ONLY chance of winning. Period.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
21
You [i]are[/i] aware that Mitt Romney cut $1.6 Billion in spending in his FIRST year in office, aren’t you?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
#24 Rombot – Romney has not spoken at any TP rallies or conventions. I won’t ever forget an interview he did with Laura Ingraham about a year ago. When Laura asked him if he had spoken any any TP events, he said “I don’t know.” My statement that his camp did not recently return calls to TP leaders in NH is a fact. And where was Romney a few months ago when TP conservatives were blamed for the Tucson shootings? Silent.
My opinion is that it is going to take a candidate with enormous grass-roots support to beat Obama next year. We’ll see.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
AnneMarie,
Rombot is right. Mitt did help out many TP candidates. His was the first PAC to send Christine O’Donnell money when she won her primary. He sent the maximum amount allowed, $5000. He also donated $5000 to Sharron Angle when she won the primary. I know for a fact that he offered her logistical help.
Those were just two of the TP candidates he helped out. There were many more.
There were several reasons Mitt didn’t seem so involved in the Tea Party last year. Perhaps the biggest was that he was deliberately keeping a low profile. He mainly kept in the background sending money and quietly helping Republicans win. It’s hard to speak at Tea Party rallies when you are keeping a low profile.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Fox News Poll: Romney, Huckabee Top GOP 2012 Contenders for President
Published April 28, 2011
| FoxNews.com
April 28th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
29.Doug NYC GOP Says:
April 28th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
“Romney is a consistent top three choice of Tea Party votes, so he must be doing something right. For all the talk about Palin being a TP Queen, she is consistently a 5th or 6th choice. So perceptions are not always reality.”
===
Bingo, Doug!
April 28th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
In reference to #21 – Did you not read the NHGOP Chairman’s about Gov Romney over the last 2 weeks? Mr. Kimball was the darling of the TP in the Granite State and had nothing but the finest things to say about Gov Romney, so much so that some of the other camps started to whisper complaints because the Chairman is supposed to be impartial.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
#31: What I want to know is where Romney stands on the current issues I mentioned. It will become clear which candidates believe in small gov’t vs. large gov’t.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
34
People would be proud to have a Republican president. Looks great.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
37
Best thing to do is to research the candidates’ records on their own websites. Get both sides of every candidate.
You will be impressed by Romney’s record of accomplishment in business and in Massachusetts.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
AnneMarie,
I am also confused at your reference to Mitt “snubbing” New Hampshire TPartiers. Just last week I read an article where one of the biggest Tea Party advocates in the Granite State was singing Mitt’s praises.
You always get those sorts of stories during elections. “So-and-so snubbed me”. Take them with a grain of salt.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
Thanks, Bigots
April 28th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
32 – I don’t give a crap about your stupid rallies. Most Americans don’t either. I care about substance. What has Romney done for the last two years? He has raised money for and endorsed dozens of conservative “tea party” candidates. And those candidates actually won and are now engaging in the political process (unlike several of the ones Queen Palin backed … see Angle and O’donnell). You have fun at your rallies. I will look for a competent President.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Mark,
Who is Bill? Does he work for the Romney campaign?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
37 – Why not look for some answers then? They are out there. His supporters talk about them. I don’t think you really want to know the answers.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
37
Also, Governor Romney tries not to align himself too much with the Tea Party because he doesn’t want to get labelled “extreme” by the liberal media.
But make no mistake. Governor Romney was a Tea Partier before it was cool. In Massachusetts, he closed a $3Billion budget shortfall without raising taxes, generating a surplus every year that was greater than the fees he increased.
He cut $1.6 billion in spending and got Massachusetts moving again. He has stood with Paul Ryan from day 1 and has advocated a spending cap law that would limit federal spending at 20% of GDP or lower.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
45 – AnneMarie should know that. She is from Mass. I don’t think she wants to consider the idea that Mitt might actually be a conservative.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
AnneMarie.39:“What I want to know is where Romney stands on the current issues I mentioned.”
A very good question. Might I suggest you purchase a copy of his “No Apology” book? It is a detailed glimpse into where he stands on the issues. No ghost writer. It’s all Mitt. He spent most of 2009 and the early part of 2010 writing it. Which is one of the reasons he practically disappeared during that time frame.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
46
Ohhhhh… she’s one of THOSE people. Tisk Tisk.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:15 pm
To give you a QUICK preview of what the headlines be if Huckabee “decide$” to run….
Murder Victim’s Mother Assails Huckabee
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/12/05/earlyshow/main3577585.shtml
Huckabee also raised taxes 21 times while governor, including a 16 percent increase in gas taxes and a 103 percent hike in cigarette taxes.
http://articles.cnn.com/2007-12-03/politics/huckabee.record_1_mike-huckabee-tax-cuts-tax-increases?_s=PM:POLITICS
April 28th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
#42 Rombot – according to #33, Romney donated to Sharron Angle and Christine O’Donnell.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
“No ghost writer”
Mark,
You mean like Obama’s first book or Palin’s first book?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
50
Obama’s first book wasn’t a “ghost writer” it was Bill Ayers, which is worse.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
I do not know who “Bill” is. Perhaps some of the people who spend more time over at MRC can answer that.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Doug,
“I wonder how MATT MWS will take to this foot dragging by Daniels on the Planned Parenthood bill?”
I’m wondering what is going on. I’m trying to give Mitch the benefit of the doubt, given his socially conservative track record and candor.
I will be interested in a recap of what’s been going on behind the scenes though……
April 28th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
#47 marK – He can’t expect people to buy his book to find out where he stands on the issues. How may copies did he sell? About 280,000 in 2010. But that’s where the debates and interviews will come into play.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:19 pm
52
Bill is an ardent Romney supporter. I don’t know much about his background, but he seems pretty smart. I’ve talked to him quite a bit.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
42. “I don’t give a crap about your stupid rallies.”
Lovely. More soundbites for the Romnots. Yet another unforced error.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
57. The “silent majority” don’t attend tea party rallies so….
April 28th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
56 – I’m not too worried. The people who get excited about TP rallies are a small minority of the people who will vote in the 2012 primaries.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
AnneMarie,
Mitt’s primary strengths are in organization. There are others far better at firing up the crowd than he.
Our primary concern last year was to get Republicans elected. If they were Tea Party candidates, so much the better. But getting them elected was the first priority. Mitt mainly concentrated on what he does best, logistics. It isn’t glamorous. It doesn’t make the headlines. But it is an essential part of getting people elected.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
#46 Rombot – Yes, Romney is a conservative. But the question is how conservative are the GOP candidates compared to each other?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
AnneMarie, on the one hand, you’re demanding to know where Mitt stands on issues. On the other hand, you stick to your talking points, which inform you what the other side wants you to think his stance on the issues might be. Not sure of your true motives.
Btw, Mark was suggesting you check out his book, since you asked in a way that tried to make it sound Mitt hasn’t ever detailed his stance. You then turned it into Mitt expecting everybody to read his book? I’m starting to see a trend here.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Here’s another taste from the media if HuckSter run!!
Huckabee thinks AIDS patients need to be isolated: Huckabee once advocated isolating AIDS patients from the general public, opposed increased federal funding in the search for a cure and said homosexuality could “pose a dangerous public health risk.” When recently questioned by the media on this view, he defended his previous statements.
That bite is good for a %5 drop in the polls, what do you think?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Matt – I know the importance of the issue to you, I wasn’t being snarky. I just read many of your comments today and you seemed quite hopeful.
I don’t have strong feelings about Daniels pro or con, but I don’t care much for his apparent hesitancy on various topics. He seems like a good man, with sound ideas, but he comes off a little soggy to me.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Another one?
As governor of Arkansas, Huckabee personally demanded the release of a convicted rapist who had been put in jail under Bill Clinton’s governorship. After the man was released on parole, he promptly raped and murdered a young woman.
I think that deserves a 10% drop and a fleeing of independents. Wait until thats released everyday on the media and see how fast that RCP average falls, craig! LMAO
April 28th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
58. Of course you’re not worried, because you assume your comment will only impact those who attend TP rallies. Not smart.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
HOW CORNY! LMAO!!!
Huckabee thinks God wanted the American people to re-elect George W Bush: At the 2004 meeting of the Republican Governor’s Association, Huckabee put on a performance in which he received a cell phone call from God in with the almighty endorced George W Bush’s reelection campaign.
Maybe Huck should of went into theatre because he’s pretty good at lying about his record! LOL
April 28th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
#61 hamaca – I only have time for reading articles on the internet and the interviews on Fox, Laura Ingraham, etc. I want specific positions on the current issues that are coming up daily. For example, I saw an article on the internet recently listing statements from candidates who were in favor of defunding Planned Parenthood. I only saw statements from Barbour, Santorum, Pawlenty and Palin.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
#59:
Mark, I would argue that McCain’s lack of organization was a big handicap to his bid to win the general election. He didn’t really build a real organization, he just relied on the local party machine. The Obama machine was a powerhouse and probably gave him some of marginal states like IN, NC and maybe FL. Romney’s organizational strength was shown in the fact that he won so many caucuses (with the notable exception of IA).
I also think that a long primary will benefit our nominee because it gives them a chance to build up their own organization in a lot of different states.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Huckabee had computer hard drives used during his time as governor crushed at the end of his term in order to keep the information stored there from the public and the press. What are you hiding, governor?
Wait until that hits the hot press! If you think Katie couric was bad, get a taste for whats coming!!!
But it’s ok because G_d wants Huckabee to be president. (Warning: Dilusional)
Huckabee: God Wants Me to Be President
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1935804/posts
April 28th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
#69:
Word of advice, using the loons at Free Republic is not the best way to make your case. Their like the crazier version of HotAir or RedState.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:36 pm
Doug,
The frustrating thing is that I have a few candidate that are half my perfect candidate. Still waiting for someone to complete the circle.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Sometimes half a cofee ring is better than none.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
I know you’d be a Mike pence guy. I liked his speech this year, I think it was CPAC or Family Values.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Jonathan @ 70: You got that right! Freepers are Fringers.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
67. AnneMarie–you do make a good point that a candidate’s views should be more easily available and digestible than an entire book.
I think that as the campaigns progress, it’ll be important for candidates to weigh in on most, if not all, issues of importance to voters so that they know what they’re dealing with.
Right now, I’m not worried about whether any of them are actually making statements on each news item of the day–the time will come. In fact, I find it amusing when some seem to fall over themselves to be the first to comment on something–I guess an attempt to appear presidential or something.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
God wants Mike Huckabee to be President. Is there any other way to interpret this?
STUDENT: Recent polls show you surging… What do you attribute this surge to?
HUCKABEE: There’s only one explanation for it, and it’s not a human one. It’s the same power that helped a little boy with two fish and five loaves feed a crowd of five thousand people. (Applause) That’s the only way that our campaign can be doing what it’s doing. And I’m not being facetious nor am I trying to be trite. There literally are thousands of people across this country who are praying that a little will become much, and it has. And it defies all explanation, it has confounded the pundits.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:44 pm
70
While the people at Free Republic are not oue friends, facts are facts. The story is true.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
#75 hamaca – I think that as the campaigns progress, it’ll be important for candidates to weigh in on most, if not all, issues of importance to voters so that they know what they’re dealing with.
Exactly the point I’m making. The bottom line is that Obama must be defeated!
April 28th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
69, there’s a crazier version of Hotair and Redstate?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
I think this election will be about, jobs, jobs, and jobs. The primaries will be about RomneyCare/ObamaCare mandates, subsidies , and exchanges.
Folks, let’s beat Obama but let’s do it with the truth..
Romney commits multiple distortions in the last scheduled GOP debate.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
@76: That’s snake oil marketed at it’s peak of flavor, sold with the uber-slickness of a two bit thimble-rigger.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Bill seems to be ignoring the fact that not one non-millionarie (or at least among the upper class) had ran for, and won, the office of the president, since, I don’t know, long time ago. Let me see, Ike may be the closest one who is considered “simple”, or perhaps, non-Establishment. He gained fame because of how he handled the war in Europe. Many of us had hoped General Petraseus would jump in during the last election. That was before the economy became an top issue, and besides, he has shown quite a few unpleasant colors since he was seen in the public spots since. Sara Palin is the most “common” of the present crowd, and she is not gaining any foothold. Oh yes, I can’t believe that I forgot Reagan. He was considered to be equal with his fellowmen, BUT he was influential in politics for a while. That would made him one of the Establishment, according to Bill, I suppose. Obviously, I’m confused as to what Bill meant by Establishment.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
80
Craig stop spamming.
Huckabee is awful and we both know it.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Rush likes to cast Reagan as not being Establishment, to justify his boosting of Palin.
I remember when “The Establishment” was anyone over age 35….
April 28th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Craig for Chuckles
Can you give us a reason why Huckabee would make a good president?
April 28th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
82. I don’t think Bill was stating his opinion–he is simply observing what many people are saying. Whether they are rational or not, if they feel that way, it’s their reality.
You can be in denial all you want, but it doesn’t change the fact that many people feel as he described them.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
hamaca.75,
I agree with you. If a candidate is rushing to be the first person to issue a news statement on the latest controversy, I get turned off in a hurry. We need a President to be able to focus his energies on the important stuff and not get distracted by the myriad of things that come up every day.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
80. I don’t trust your facts, experts, and statistics, nor do I trust those that are supportive of Romney. You should know better than to believe anything you read as long as it doesn’t put Romney in a positive light.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Rasmussen and Fox have totally different numbers.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
85. “Can you give us a reason why Huckabee would make a good president?”
There are plenty of good reasons to think he’d make a good president, otherwise he’d have zero support. There are also plenty of reasons to doubt he’d make a good president, otherwise everyone would support him.
April 28th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
84. Doug,
“I remember when “The Establishment” was anyone over age 35….”
Very funny–and true for most of us.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Wow, some of you guys are old.
I join the establishment next birthday, btw.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
90
I would just like a basic explanation from a Huckabee supporter making the case for why Huckabee is the man for the job. Fill me in.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
#84:
Ah crap, I have to wait 13 years before I can join the Establishment? That’s not very fair. Do you get a fancy ceremony with a goat sacrifice before you get initiated?
April 28th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Just because someone makes a lot of money and is successful in their life makes them an “establishment candidate?”
You’re almost as bad as a liberal trying to defend why the rich should pay all of Americas taxes.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
When I get into The Establishment®, there’s going to be some changes, by golly…
April 28th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
1968 – the mantra was “Don’t trust anyone over 35!”
Now all those Hippies are the “trustworthy” professors at lib college (redundancy, I know) in the nation.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
97 should read “every lib college”
April 28th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
88.
If you’ve got a problem with Factcheck.org, you should let them know.
Btw, in my link to them, they set all the candiates straight.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
*candidates
April 28th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Doug:
Believe it or not, but I’ve had at least 3 Republican professors here in college. Admittedly, they have to draw an elephant in the dirt and rub it away quickly like Ancient Roman Christians, but they do exist.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
What college do you go to, Jonathan?
April 28th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Regarding Romney and The Establishment®:
Despite the registered trademark, there is, in fact, more than one Establishment. Indeed, any organization, affinity group, or industry is going to have its own “establishment.” There is a political establishment in Washington and every state in the union. There is a media establishment, a higher education establishment. Even accountants, the Catholic hierarchy, and chicken aficionados have an Establishment.
So Romney IS part of the Ivy League Businessman Establishment®, but not the Washington Insiders Establishment®. That’s why he’s tried to re-create his own parallel machine at enormous cost.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:20 pm
#102:
It’s a dinky little Catholic school in the South. Actually, as of Saturday I’ll be a graduate, not a student anymore.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
MWS, there is also the Talk Radio Establishment as well.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Congrats Jonathan–what’s up next?
April 28th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Could there be a Tea Party Establishment?
April 28th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
#104 – Congratulations!
April 28th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
85.Bigots for Fred Karger Says:
April 28th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
“Can you give us a reason why Huckabee would make a good president?”
===
Because Huckabee is CONSERVATIVE. Obama is Liberal.
If it was a reason pertaining to this upcoming election and what voters are concerned about most, I’d say jobs.
BUT can I give you more than just one, my friend?
There are actually many, many, many more reasons why I like him and why he does so well (always 1 or 2 in the polls)..
The following was accomplished as a 10 1/2 year Governor while facing a legislature with 89 Democrats out of 100 legislators in the House and only four Republicans in the 35-seat Senate:
The Governor’s strong CONSERVATIVE record:
*He helped grow the economy of his state by 4.4%, even beating the strong national average of 4.2%.
* Also among the TOP in job growth (See #80 above: compared to Romney who was 47th of 50!)
* Cut the state capital gains tax rate by 25%.
* Abolished capital gains taxes on home sales.
* Abolished the state marriage penalty tax.
* Pushed a $90 million tax cut package through the Arkansas legislature in 1997.
* From 1995 to 2005, cut taxes 90 times, returning nearly $400 million to taxpayers.
* Indexed income tax brackets to inflation, thus protecting taxpayers from being pushed into higher tax brackets by inflation.
* Doubled the child-care tax credit.
* Increased the tax deduction for single individuals to $2,000.
* Increased the tax deduction for married couples to $4,000.
* Proposed cutting the executive branch from 50 departments to 10.
* Banned illegal aliens from getting drivers licenses.
* Reduced state welfare enrollment by nearly half.
* Helped pass an unborn child amendment to the state constitution.
* Helped pass a traditional marriage amendment to the state constitution.
* Pushed through a property owners’ bill of rights that limited property tax hikes and protected homeowners from unfair tax assessments.
* Pushed through homeschooling-friendly legislation.
* Limited the increase in the overall rate of state spending to 4.9% (AFI)–not bad, considering that he was dealing with a Democratic legislature.
* Protected gun manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits.
* Removed restrictions on concealed handgun permit holders.
* Pushed through legislation that allowed the state to fire school boards and school superintendents in school districts that were chronically performing badly.
* When faced with a $227 million deficit for fiscal year 2002, refused to call for a tax increase and instead called for a massive cut in state spending.
So far, so good, my friend? You want more?
Good! Then please let me add this to Governor Huckabee’s accomplishments among HUNDREDS of others…
* Eliminated the state income tax for families below poverty level.
* Cut welfare rolls by 50%. (Yeah, I mention that twice!!)
* Led efforts to establish the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights and a Property Taxpayer Bill of Rights for uniform notice and due process.
* Made the interstate road system in Arkansas one of the best in the nation, where it had been among the worst, bringing in more trucking and trade. And the small tax the voters raised was repealed once the roads were complete.
* Carried out 16 executions in his time as governor of Arkansas which refutes his opponents’ claims that he’s soft on crime.
* Signed a ban on partial birth abortion.
* Worked to grant school administrators more flexibility in hiring and firing poor teachers.
* Moved Arkansas from grade “F” to a “C” in Charitable Choice compliance so Arkansas was only one of twelve states to pass.
* Balanced the state budget of Arkansas every year for over a decade as governor in Arkansas
* AND left his state with almost $1 billion surplus, a state record
* Strongest promoter that I know of BOTH a national BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT
* AND getting rid of the IRS with the the FAIR TAX
Other than all that, I can’t stand the guy
April 28th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
#106:
Wish I knew; I’ve done the resume song-and-dance, just waiting to hear if anyone is hiring.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
I got about 10 more years to go before I can officially join the Establishment.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
The perception is that Palin is not running. 19% is hardly a imposing figure.
Romney did not cut a $3 billion deficit. It was later revised downward to $1.2 billion and Romney used $500 million in fees to cut the deficit. Palin
had a $1.3 billion deficit and cut spending around $238 million and used $1 billion in reserves that she had built up her first year.
The establishment is more worried about having power than they are in getting things done. Reagan ran on cutting taxes and rebuilding our military. The establishment ran things during the Bush Administration and we got higher deficits. Way above Reagan’s deficits but below Obama’s.
Even today we hear vague talk about cutting the deficits. Romney gave a vague statement on Paul Ryan’s plan as he congratulated him for bringing up the issue but he never said he endorsed the plan.
Romney’s big money support from Wall Street is a concern. While I think the democrats are going too far in financial reform, the Bush administration’s SEC enforcement was a joke it was so lax. Do we really need the foxes guarding the hen houses?
Mitch Daniels is establishment. He’s being pushed by establishment guys. His social issues truce is straight out of the establishment playbook. The fact that he would consider tax increases is a hallmark of another budget deal that the establishment conned Reagan into promising $3 in spending cuts for every dollar in tax increases. Still waiting for those.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
107, yeah, I think there is as well, at least the ones claiming leadership of the Tea Party.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
Romney’s 3rd place and Palin’s 4th place troubles at Real Clear Politics
RCP Average 3/31 – 4/27
2012 Republican Presidential Nomination Polling Data
Huckabee Trump Romney Palin
16.9 16.9 16.3 9.4
It is what it is, folks.
April 28th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
franklin you are misinformed. Wall Street backs Obama for the most part. Romney has tepid revenue from the wall street types.
Your deficit numbers and fees are inccorect. May I ask where they came from?
And Paul Ryan’s plan was cordially saluted but Romney has said it would not beexactly what he would have done but it is on the same lines as he described in his book NO APOLOGY.
April 28th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Doug NYC GOP Says:
“Romney is a consistent top three choice of Tea Party votes, so he must be doing something right. For all the talk about Palin being a TP Queen, she is consistently a 5th or 6th choice. So perceptions are not always reality”.
=============================
Right Douglas!
Pick any City in the USA and get Sarahcuda and Mitt to give speeches same day or night.
One is very large venue and the other is a Pizza parlor.
Tell me,who will be in the large venue thrilling and electrifying thousands and
who will be in the the Pizza parlor?
What do you think???!!!
April 28th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
Hi Tex,
If people want thrills and to be electrified, more than likely Sarah will sell out the stadium.
She is very popular.
But on the way home, when people get serious about who they really want to lead, they turn to Mitt.
Sorry bud.
But I am still keeping a very prominent seat on the Romney Bus reserved for you.
April 29th, 2011 at 6:05 am
100 – You can’t seriously be defending George Soros.
April 29th, 2011 at 10:24 am
110
You cite lots of tax cuts and tax credits. What about the fact that Huckabee raised taxes far more than he cut them?
Also, do you honestly think Huckabee has the guts and the record to cut our nation’s $1.65 TRILLION deficit? I sure don’t.
I guess it doesn’t matter since Huckabee isn’t running anyway.
April 29th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Ironically you undercut the first three arguments by saying the 4th is why many of the people claiming the first three actually believe. As to the 4th argument, from my experience those who are bigoted against “Mormons” don’t like black people very much either. So I’m not concerned about them in the general election. As far as the primaries, ignorant morons aren’t Romney’s base anyway. The rest of the arguments are actually positives. I can’t think of any poor republican presidents, and I think most people will be looking for somebody who knows how to make money. I can’t believe you think that having a political dad hurt Bush II. You admit that having gone to Harvard makes it much more likely for somebody to be elected president, and the other generic arguments for criticizing Romney as “establishment”, fall on deaf ears, as we recall that our last nominee was McCain.