Mike Huckabee has ended his campaign for the Presidency of the
With no resources, little name recognition, enormous opposition from a political and corporate establishment threatened by his economic nationalism, and outspent twenty-fold by those who sought to distort his record in order to mask their own, Governor Huckabee endured while the bigger names and those with far more money fell by the wayside.
In debate after debate Governor Huckabee’s eloquence, warmth, sharp wit, and deep, unabashed faith won millions of Americans to his side. They heard in him the echoes of great heroes and sensed the spark of greatness. They sensed too that his was not a set of beliefs developed for a business plan, or patched together from polls and focus groups. His is a belief system founded on rock. It is the belief that man, created in the image and likeness of a loving God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and called to share in eternal life, has eminent dignity. It is a view which gives priority to ethics over technology and the person over things.
Governor Huckabee knows that a society which forgets the source and nature of its dignity will suffer the results – broken families, unwed teen pregnancy, abortion, crime, and even threats to the very cell of our civilization, the institution of the family itself. He knows, too, that the freedom which God intends for man is a freedom for love of God and service to ones fellow man, not freedom from responsibility and the consequences of wrong choices.
With a pastor’s heart, Mike Huckabee fights to return the Republican Party to the people of Main Street, the people who have been hurt by international trade agreements, the failure to secure America’s borders and enforce immigration laws, the very policies advocated by the Republican establishment and the Club for Growth that did so much to misrepresent his record and oppose his candidacy.
In taking his leave, Governor Huckabee said that he has “found that there are sometimes three possible answers to our prayers -- "Yes," "No," or "Not Now." "I would like to think,” he said, “our prayers were answered with a ‘Not Now.’"
When greatness is needed, the times find the leader, and many of our greatest Presidents had many setbacks along the road to national leadership. Those of us who see in Governor Huckabee a great and inspiring leader, will prayerfully accept God’s “not now.” But with prayerful hope, we look forward to the day when God says “Yes."
In the meantime, we thank Governor and Mrs. Huckabee for all that they have endured to serve our country, and along with our candidate who “believes in miracles,” we look forward to that great miracle that is yet to be.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thanks To A New Conservative Leader
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Dallas Morning News Endorses Huckabee
Whatever Texas Republican primary voters do Tuesday, John McCain is all but guaranteed to be the party's presidential nominee. It is mathematically impossible for Mike Huckabee, the last remaining major GOP contender, to capture the nomination. The former Arkansas governor even turned up on Saturday Night Live recently to poke fun at himself for not going away.
Let's be clear: Mr. Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, remains our choice for the GOP nomination. But Mr. McCain has racked up by far the most delegates and leads among Texas Republicans by a wide margin in recent opinion polls. Though he can't clinch the nomination Tuesday, victory is undeniably close.
Aside from his long experience and personal courage, he has a solid record of fiscal responsibility and has been on the right side of campaign finance reform and environmental issues. And he was correct and principled to lead the fight for comprehensive immigration reform last summer. Still, his age – 71 – and his choleric temperament gave us pause, particularly when contrasted to Mr. Huckabee's sunny-side-up brand of conservatism.
Win or lose in November, the GOP is destined to spend the next few years redefining itself. For many reasons, Reaganism, which made the GOP the dominant political party of the last generation, no longer resonates as it once did with the American public. The world has changed since Ronald Reagan's election nearly 30 years ago, and the great man's political heirs will have to adjust the GOP's strategy and tactics to new realities.
To that end, Mr. Huckabee, 52, should be a top leader in tomorrow's Republican Party. His good-natured approach to politics – "I'm a conservative; I'm just not mad about it," as he likes to say – is quite appealing after years of scorched-earth tactics from both parties. He's a pragmatist more concerned with effective government than with bowing to ideological litmus tests. For example, he has proven himself willing to violate anti-tax dogma to undertake investment in infrastructure for the sake of long-term prosperity.
Mr. Huckabee also is good on the environment, contending that the future of the conservative movement depends on embracing conservation and stewardship of the natural world. And he's a compassionate conservative especially in tune with middle-class anxieties in a globalizing economy.
Though his social and religious conservatism puts him on the wrong side of abortion, gay rights and other key issues, that same deep-faith commitment inspires his dedication to helping the poor and to racial healing. He truly is representative of the next wave of evangelical chieftains and, if nothing else, will emerge from this primary season the leader of one of the most influential factions in the GOP coalition.
We look forward to having him around to help shape and lead the Republican Party beyond November. That's why we encourage Texas Republicans to mark their ballots for Mr. Huckabee in the GOP primary: to demonstrate to the party's elite that Mr. Huckabee and his vision have a solid constituency.
True, a Huckabee vote today won't do much to determine the 2008 GOP presidential candidate. But it's a good investment in the Republican Party's future.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Bush Declares McCain "A True Conservative"
What a relief to know that we won't have to worry about massive new entitlement programs, a doubling of federal education spending, domestic snooping, unbridled government growth, runaway federal budgets, ballooning deficits, devalued currency, and Wilsonian foreign policy that would have Uncle Sam playing policeman, banker and Santa Claus to the entire world.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Run a Democrat Against a Psuedo-Democrat and the Democrat Will Win
When given a choice between a liberal Democrat and a liberal Republican promising "less of the same," conservative Republicans and independents will stay home and the Democrat will win.
The Republican Party lost its ideological way during the Bush years. If political disaster is needed to recover bedrock principles and purpose, we could not do better than John McCain to drag all but our very best candidates down to defeat.
Dr. Dobson Endorses Mike Huckabee
Dr. James Dobson issues the following statement tonight, speaking as a private citizen.
I am endorsing Gov. Mike Huckabee for President of the United States today. My decision comes in the wake of my statement on Super Tuesday that I could not vote for Sen. John McCain, even if he goes on to win the Republican nomination. His record on the institution of the family and other conservative issues makes his candidacy a matter of conscience and concern for me.
That left two pro-family candidates whom I could support, but I was reluctant to choose between them. However, the decision by Gov. Mitt Romney to put his campaign "on hold" changes the political landscape. The remaining candidate for whom I could vote is Gov. Huckabee. 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. That is why I will support Gov. Huckabee through the remaining primaries, and will vote for him in the general election if he should get the nomination. Obviously, the governor faces an uphill struggle, given the delegates already committed to Sen. McCain. Nevertheless, I believe he is our best remaining choice for President of the United States.
(NOTE: Dr. Dobson made these statements as a private citizen. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a reflection of the opinions of Focus on the Family or Focus on the Family Action.)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Sin Not to Vote for the Godly Man
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2008/02/is_not_voting_a.html
And thus a sin not to vote for (or endorse) Gov. Mike Huckabee?
Or if not, on which standard mentioned above does Huckabee fail the test?
Let Huckabee Speak, Let Huckabee Run… and Check His Pockets
From Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
By Deacon Keith Fournier
I will leave to others to summarize who said what and why the Republican candidates did not attack one another this time. After all, we have to be kind to the chattering class these days; they need to make a living and their numbers seem to be growing.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A PROVEN CONSERVATIVE
Friday, February 1, 2008
FUTURE TALK SHOW HOST RESPONDS
You've taught me well, above all else to think for myself. A true "ditto head", I am actually able to form my own truly conservative thoughts, based on what I understand as the most important issues that seperate a REAL Conservative from "wanna be's" and fakes.
Conservative values as I have heard from you all, never change, and this is sound reasoning. True conservatism means that you believe and actually act on your beliefs. True Conservatives are consistent on the following principles. Those start with the Christian values that our forefathers founded this country on, those found in the Bible (which are found in the halls of our Supreme Court), the Ten Comandments. A direct result is that we start in our society wih a Sanctity for Life. It follows that the Sanctity of Marriage and the family is a fundamental building block of our society. Another fundamental belief is that of hard work and self reliance, which creates wealth for those willing to work for it, and as our Bible tells us clearly, if you don't work, if able, you should not eat. One more Conservative test is the Right to Bear Arms, a basic fundamental right in a Democracy and any Free Country.
So lets apply these principles to three "conservative" candidates left standing. Mike Huckabee is the only Conservative who has signed legislation to restrict abortion and protect the Sanctity of Life. Mike Huckabee is the only Conservative candidate who signed legislation protecting the American Family and the Sanctity of Marriage. Mike Huckabee is the only Conservative candidate who stands firmly to abolish the IRS, implement the Fair Tax, and allow us hardworking self reliant Americans to keep more of what we produce and decide how we spend and pay taxes. Last but definitely not least, Mike Huckabee is the ONLY Conservative candidate who has consistently supported the 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution, a life long hunter and NRA member most of his adult life.
As you all know, John McCain and Mitt Romney fail miserably when compared on these four basic tests of Conservatism. To make matters worse you have broken the "Golden Rule" of our self proclaimed leader "Ronaldus Maximus", never attack a fellow Republican in the primaries.
So, I must do what you all have schooled me to do, remove my support from the fakes, the "wanna be conservatives" and be true to the real Conservative values I know stand through thick and through thin.
I am no longer listening to any of you! The great thing is that when all of my fellow Conservatives follow suit, your ratings will suffer so badly that the market will have room for some True Conservative talk show hosts!! I think I may have a new career!!
A True Conservative,
Craig A. Nordal
Encinitas, CA
Monday, January 28, 2008
TV AD: ROMNEY'S LIBERAL RECORD IN MASSACHUSETTS
A new 527 group called RoeGone.org -- the conservative answer to MoveOn.org -- has produced a 60-second web ad responding to Governor Mitt Romney's challenge to look to his record as governor as an indication of where he stands on the issues.
TV AD -- Romney: "Look at my record as governor"
Blakeney said the group is raising money to place the ad on cable television in Super Tuesday states later this week. The group also plans to produce ads addressing other politicians' stand on similar issues, she said.
RoeGone.org is a pro-life organization committed to the appointment of judges who will support overturning Roe v. Wade. For more information contact contact Sharon Blakeney 830-816-2222
Full script of ad:
In the Florida debate, Governor Mitt Romney said:
"I can point to a very simple way to find out exactly where I stand, and that is look at my record as governor."
Really?
As governor, Mitt Romney issued an executive order forcing justices of the peace to perform homosexual weddings, or resign. Then he ordered marriage licenses changed to read “party A” and “party B” -- instead of “husband” and “wife.”
As governor, Romney appointed a board member of the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association to the bench, and appointed more Democrat judges than Republicans.
As governor, Romney authored and signed a mandatory heath insurance plan backed by Ted Kennedy -- including taxpayer-funded abortion on demand.
As governor, Romney overruled his own health department and forced Catholic hospitals to distribute the morning after abortion pill.
Homosexual marriage?
Tax-funded abortions?
Catholic hospital morning after pills?
Homosexual activist judges?
"Look at my record as governor."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Former Pastor Running for President? Which One?
The news media rarely mentions former Gov. Mike Huckabee without first identifying him as a "former pastor."
http://www.dailybulletin.com/politics/ci_8085136
Gary Glenn is President of the American Family Association of Michigan
Friday, January 25, 2008
JOHN McCAIN AND THE NEW YORK TIMES - PERFECT TOGETHER
Mr. McCain stood up for the humane treatment of prisoners and for a ban on torture. We said then that he was being conned by Mr. Bush, who had no intention of following the rules. But Mr. McCain took a stand, just as he did in recognizing the threat of global warming early. He has been a staunch advocate of campaign finance reform, working with Senator Russ Feingold, among the most liberal of Democrats, on groundbreaking legislation, just as he worked with Senator Edward Kennedy on immigration reform.
That doesn’t make him a moderate, but it makes him the best choice for the party’s presidential nomination.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Duncan Hunter Endorses Mike Huckabee
WASHINGTON (CNN) — California Rep. Duncan Hunter, a former presidential candidate, announced Wednesday he is endorsing Mike Huckabee's White House bid.
“I got to know Governor Huckabee well on the campaign trail,” Hunter said in a statement. “Of the remaining candidates I feel that he is strongly committed to strengthening national defense, constructing the border fence and meeting the challenge of China’s emergence as a military superpower that is taking large portions of America’s industrial base.
"Along with these issues of national security, border enforcement and protecting the U.S. industrial base, I see another quality of Mike Huckabee’s candidacy that compels my endorsement," he added. "Mike Huckabee is a man of outstanding character and integrity. I saw that character over the last year of campaigning and was greatly impressed. The other Republican candidates have many strengths and I wish them all well."
Saturday, January 19, 2008
TODAY'S THE DAY, SOUTH CAROLINA -- CAN WE COUNT ON YOU?
Today you have the right and the responsibility to cast your vote in the First in the South Republican Presidential Primary. The outcome of the vote in our state will play a pivotal role in determining who our Republican Party puts forth as its nominee for the Presidency. Remember, since 1980, no candidate has gone on to win the Republican nomination without first winning the South Carolina Primary.
Most of the candidates have been crisscrossing the state for weeks and especially these last few days. As we've had a chance to get to know them all better, it simply underscores that there is only one clear choice who deserves our support. We are as passionate about supporting his effort as he is about leading our country into the future.
Clearly, Governor Mike Huckabee is the best choice to serve as the next President of the United States. He has the experience and the vision to lead our country forward. Mike Huckabee exemplifies the principles and values we identify with most deeply - and he's made these principles the cornerstone of his campaign: Faith, Family and Freedom.
Governor Huckabee has a proven record of protecting the sanctity of life, preserving the institution of marriage, enacting sound fiscal policies, and building coalitions for the greater good. As President he will build on this record and work to seal the border, and ensure the safety and security of the American people.
We urge you to make it a priority to vote tomorrow (Saturday the 19th ) and to cast your vote for Governor Mike Huckabee. There is much at stake. There's little doubt that this will be a close election and every vote will make a difference. Your vote will make a difference! Can we count on you?
Best Regards,
David Beasley, Former Governor, South Carolina
Bob Inglis, Member of Congress
Andre Bauer, Lieutenant Governor, South Carolina
Mike Campbell, South Carolina State Chairman of the Huckabee for President Campaign
Iris Campbell, Former First Lady, South Carolina
Thursday, January 17, 2008
John McCain vs. John McCain
1. Defending His Amnesty Bill, Sen. McCain Lost His Temper And "Screamed, 'F*ck You!' At Texas Sen. John Cornyn" (R-TX). "Presidential hopeful John McCain - who has been dogged for years by questions about his volcanic temper - erupted in an angry, profanity-laced tirade at a fellow Republican senator, sources told The Post yesterday. In a heated dispute over immigration-law overhaul, McCain screamed, 'F--- you!' at Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who had been raising concerns about the legislation. 'This is chickens---stuff,' McCain snapped at Cornyn, according to several people in the room off the Senate floor Thursday. 'You've always been against this bill, and you're just trying to derail it.'" (Charles Hurt, "Raising McCain," New York Post, 5/19/07)
2. In 2000, Sen. McCain Ran An Attack Ad Comparing Then-Gov. George W. Bush To Bill Clinton. SEN. MCCAIN: "I guess it was bound to happen. Governor Bush's campaign is getting desperate, with a negative ad about me. The fact is, I'll use the surplus money to fix Social Security, cut your taxes and pay down the debt. Governor Bush uses all of the surplus for tax cuts, with not one new penny for Social Security or the debt. His ad twists the truth like Clinton. We're all pretty tired of that. As president, I'll be conservative and always tell you the truth. No matter what." (McCain 2000, Campaign Ad, 2/9/00; www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoXkCprdL4)
3. Sen. McCain Repeatedly Called Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) An "A**hole", Causing A Fellow GOP Senator To Say, "I Didn't Want This Guy Anywhere Near A Trigger." "Why can't McCain win the votes of his own colleagues? To explain, a Republican senator tells this story: at a GOP meeting last fall, McCain erupted out of the blue at the respected Budget Committee chairman, Pete Domenici, saying, 'Only an a--hole would put together a budget like this.' Offended, Domenici stood up and gave a dignified, restrained speech about how in all his years in the Senate, through many heated debates, no one had ever called him that. Another senator might have taken the moment to check his temper. But McCain went on: 'I wouldn't call you an a--hole unless you really were an a--hole.' The Republican senator witnessing the scene had considered supporting McCain for president, but changed his mind. 'I decided,' the senator told Newsweek, 'I didn't want this guy anywhere near a trigger.'" (Evan Thomas, et al., "Senator Hothead," Newsweek, 2/21/00)
4. Sen. McCain Had A Heated Exchange With Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) And Called Him A "F*cking Jerk." "Senators are not used to having their intelligence or integrity challenged by another senator. 'Are you calling me stupid?' Sen. Chuck Grassley once inquired during a debate with McCain over the fate of the Vietnam MIAs, according to a source who was present. 'No,' replied McCain, 'I'm calling you a f---ing jerk!' (Grassley and McCain had no comment.)" (Evan Thomas, et al., "Senator Hothead," Newsweek, 2/21/00)
5. In 1995, Sen. McCain Had A "Scuffle" With 92-Year-Old Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-SC) On The Senate Floor. "In January 1995, McCain was midway through an opening statement at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing when chairman Strom Thurmond asked, 'Is the senator about through?' McCain glared at Thurmond, thanked him for his 'courtesy' (translation: buzz off), and continued on. McCain later confronted Thurmond on the Senate floor. A scuffle ensued, and the two didn't part friends." (Harry Jaffe, "Senator Hothead," The Washingtonian, 2/97)
6. Sen. McCain Accused Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) Of The "Most Egregious Incident" Of Corruption He Had Seen In The Senate. "It escalated when McCain reiterated the charges Oct. 10 in a cross-examination, calling McConnell's actions the 'most egregious incident' demonstrating the appearance of corruption he has ever seen in his Senate career." (Amy Keller, "Attacks Escalate In Depositions," Roll Call, 10/21/02)
7. Sen. McCain Attacked Christian Leaders And Republicans In A Blistering Speech During The 2000 Campaign. MCCAIN: "Unfortunately, Governor Bush is a Pat Robertson Republican who will lose to Al Gore. ... The political tactics of division and slander are not our values... They are corrupting influences on religion and politics, and those who practice them in the name of religion or in the name of the Republican Party or in the name of America shame our faith, our party and our country. Neither party should be defined by pandering to the outer reaches of American politics and the agents of intolerance, whether they be Louis Farrakhan or Al Sharpton on the left, or Pat Robertson or Jerry Falwell on the right." (Sen. John McCain, Remarks, Virginia Beach, VA, 2/28/00)
8. Sen. McCain Attacked Vice President Cheney. MCCAIN: "The president listened too much to the Vice President ... Of course, the president bears the ultimate responsibility, but he was very badly served by both the Vice President and, most of all, the Secretary of Defense." (Roger Simon, "McCain Bashes Cheney Over Iraq Policy," The Politico, 1/24/07)
9. Celebrating His First Senate Election In 1986, Sen. McCain Screamed At And Harassed A Young Republican Volunteer. "It was election night 1986, and John McCain had just been elected to the U.S. Senate for the first time. Even so, he was not in a good mood. McCain was yelling at the top of his lungs and poking the chest of a young Republican volunteer who had set up a lectern that was too tall for the 5-foot-9 politician to be seen to advantage, according to a witness to the outburst. 'Here this poor guy is thinking he has done a good job, and he gets a new butt ripped because McCain didn't look good on television,' Jon Hinz told a reporter Thursday. At the time, Hinz was executive director of the Arizona Republican Party. ... Hinz said McCain's treatment of the young campaign worker in 1986 troubled him for years. 'There were an awful lot of people in the room,' Hinz recalled. 'You'd have to stick cotton in your ears not to hear it. He (McCain) was screaming at him, and he was red in the face. It wasn't right, and I was very upset at him.'" (Kris Mayes and Charles Kelly, "Stories Surface On Senator's Demeanor," The Arizona Republic, 11/5/99)
10. Sen. McCain "Publicly Abused" Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). "[McCain] noted his propensity for passion but insisted that he doesn't 'insult anybody or fly off the handle or anything like that.' This is, quite simply, hogwash. McCain often insults people and flies off the handle... There have been the many times McCain has called reporters 'liars' and 'idiots' when they have had the audacity to ask him unpleasant, but pertinent, questions. McCain once... publicly abused Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama." (Editorial, "There's Something About McCain," The Austin American-Statesman, 1/24/07)
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Media's Selective Religious Test
By Phil Lawler
[Disclaimer: In what follows I do not intend to imply my support for Huckabee. The fact is, I don't support him-- as a presidential candidate. As an unabashed Christian confronting the media, however, he has my sympathy.]
In last night's debate among the Republican hopefuls in South Carolina, Gov. Huckabee was singled out for a question about Christian beliefs. His response was remarkable. Let's go to the transcript:
CAMERON: Governor Huckabee, to change the subject a little bit and focus a moment on electability. Back in 1998, you were one of about 100 people who affirmed, in a full-page ad in the New York Times, the Southern Baptist Convention's declaration that, quote, "A wife is to submit herself graciously to the servant leadership of her husband." Women voters in both parties harshly criticized that. Is that position politically viable in the general election of 2008, sir?HUCKABEE: You know, it's interesting, everybody says religion is off limits, except we always can ask me the religious questions. So let me try to do my best to answer it.
[APPLAUSE]
And since -- if we're really going to have a religious service, I'd really feel more comfortable if I could pass the plates, because our campaign could use the money tonight, Carl.
[LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE]
[snip]
The whole context of that passage-- and, by the way, it really was spoken to believers, to Christian believers. I'm not the least bit ashamed of my faith or the doctrines of it. I don't try to impose that as a governor and I wouldn't impose it as a president. But I certainly am going to practice it unashamedly, whether I'm a president or whether I'm not a president...
Right on target. With a little joke tossed in to soften the blow, Huckabee makes the relevant point: that he, and only he, is subjected to questioning about his religious beliefs. Why? Maybe because he makes no bones about the fact that his beliefs influence his public stands. More likely because those beliefs are sharply at odds with those of the comfortably secular media establishment.
Mr. Cameron wonders whether some voters might be worried by Huckabee's professed beliefs, as indeed they might. But why not apply the same standard to other presidential hopefuls? Mitt Romney might be asked whether he really expects to ascend to an equal status with Jesus and rule over some distant planet. Fred Thompson could be asked why he never goes to church. John McCain could be questioned about the intense disputes among his Episcopalian confreres over same-sex marriage and homosexual bishops. Rudy Giuliani could be asked to reconcile his multiple partnerships with the Catholic teaching on indissolubility of marriage. But those questions are not asked; only Huckabee faces the theological quizzing.
Then again, maybe Huckabee shouldn't complain-- as a matter of fact you'll notice that he didn't complain, merely made a salient point-- because the questions give him opportunities to give some very good answers. Thus, when he continued with his response to the question above, the debate audience was treated to the sort of exhortation that one ordinarily does not hear in a political debate.
... the point-- and it comes from a passage of scripture in the New Testament book of Ephesians-- is that as wives submit themselves to the husbands, the husbands also submit themselves, and it's not a matter of one being somehow superior over the other. It's both mutually showing their affection and submission as unto the Lord.
So with all due respect, it has nothing to do with presidency. I just wanted to clear up that little doctrinal quirk there so that there's nobody who misunderstands that it's really about doing what a marriage ought to do and that's marriage is not a 50/50 deal, where each partner gives 50%. Biblically, marriage is 100/100 deal. Each partner gives 100% of their devotion to the other and that's why marriage is an important institution, because it teaches us how to love.
[APPLAUSE]
RONALD REAGAN'S UNSEEN PRESENCE
We may have been betrayed by greedy multinationalists, and national leaders who have done their bidding by refusing to protect American sovereignty, borders, industries, jobs and families, but based on the campaign rhetoric, the politicians who aspire to the Presidency know that America well remembers what greatness walked among us. Let us never forget, and may we find it once again!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
HUCKABEE MOMENTUM: KEEP IT GOING!
Please go to http://www.huckabeemomentum.com/ and make a pledge today. Thanks!!!
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN VICE CHAIR: ROMNEY "MADE EXECUTIVE MISTAKE"
Writing in the Illinois Review, Romney campaign vice-chair Jason Bonham states that "Romney is the executive, and he made an executive mistake" when he launched negative attack ads against Huckabee and McCain.
Crossroads of the Conservative Community
January 9, 2008
Romney's Fork
There comes a time where we need to accurately assess where things are, and tonight is the night where I do that.
I have tried my best to not post anything I don’t honestly believe. I will tell you right now, upfront, that Romney is the best candidate we have to occupy the White House. I truly think he would be able to solve so many of our nations problems, and frankly restore a lot of confidence in our nation.
Frankly, Romney lost Iowa and New Hampshire due to negative ads. I am sure there were dissenting voices in the campaign, but frankly Romney is the executive, and he made an executive mistake. And it cost him what was a clear path to the nomination. I don’t hold it against Romney, one bit. He is governor, with no experience (to his credit) on the national stage. A mistake like this was not too improbable. But when you have a stack of accusations against you and have been effectively painted a flip flopper by the opposition, pointing fingers just doesn’t get you anywhere. Well it does, it takes you south in the polls.
I don’t think this is news to Mitt. Not at all. This last weekend Romney hit his stride, the same one he had back in the spring and summer, optimistic and confident. A knowledgeable Mr. Fixit.
Romney isn’t done. New Hampshire wasn’t his swan song, but it could be his penultimate measure. If he wants to win Michigan, albeit with slim prospects ahead of him, he needs to realize those facts. He can win, but it will be with tough medicine. If I was the consultant, here’s the prescription I would give to Mitt:
- Staff shakeup. Fire the people with the bad advice, the poor performers. Send a message you aren’t afraid to make big changes that are painful.
- It’s the Economy Mitt. Michigan is in a one state economic disaster that our whole nation faces. No other candidate has the credentials you do. You need to show optimism and knowledge and a powerful plan. We don’t need the power point, just the spirit of economic leadership, competence and passion that you showed us on Saturday night.
- Reach out to MI Dems. Trust me, they are hardest hit by the economic woes in Michigan. They want their jobs more than the Maverick. If you give them a reason, they will vote for you.
- Michigan Dems bear the brunt of lost jobs in the auto industry because they are the union workers who, when out of a job, end up foreclosing, and working as a night janitor. All the MBA’s without a job have moved to other states to make their money by now. You have two crowds to win: Union Democrats and the MBA’s who don’t want to lose their Ford employee discount. They are your vote, not Gary Glenn.
If Mitt takes this prescription, he can win Michigan. If he wins there, he will still be a viable choice in the minds of voters having beat the two guys he just lost to. He can then win Nevada, place a strong second in SC and probably win Florida. At that point he would be the front-runner.
If Mitt doesn’t win Michigan he needs a very strong second and a win in Nevada, then a strong second in South Carolina and hope for the best in Florida. He might shake it out at that point.
If he doesn’t win Michigan or Nevada, well I am afraid I see no viable alternative. He would be smart at that point to drop out, make a huge show of it, put his weight behind McCain and bargain for a top speaking spot at the GOP convention. He then should campaign his butt off for McCain. If by some odd twist of fate McCain offers him VP, he should turn it down. After all Mitt’s an executive, not an order taker. Then the day McCain loses in November (he will), he should begin his 2012 campaign by doing these things:
- Work tirelessly for the GOP. Campaign for candidates in all 50 states.
- Work like a banshee for pro-life causes.
- Write a foreign policy book and try to broker some peace deal or something.
- Do some assessing and restore the Mitt brand.
Mitt, there's a fork in the road, you need to grab it.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
SHOCK POLL: HUCKABEE LEADS IN MICHIGAN
"According to the latest Rossman Group/MIRS/Denno-Noor survey, the GOP contest in Michigan is now shaping up as a battle between Mike Huckabee (at 23 percent), Mitt Romney (at 22 percent) and John McCain (at 18 percent)." http://www.rossmangroup.com/press_releases/article_read.cfm