August 28-29, 2008
Aug 28 01:21 Mike Huckabee: Pro Life Socialist Aug 28 02:58 Gang of 16 Republicans Undercut House Republicans' Good Work Aug 28 13:11 Let's Join the FRED PAC Aug 28 21:33 Obama's Speech Aug 29 02:28 Rhetoric vs. Reality Aug 29 07:49 Juan Williams On Barack Obama's Bipartisan Credentials Aug 29 13:39 What a Fabulous Pick!!!
Prior Months: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Mike Huckabee: Pro Life Socialist
I noted more than once that Mike Huckabee wasn't a true Republican. I'm totally convinced now that he's a liar and a dirtbag. Putting it succinctly, he should be run out of the Republican Party. Wednesday afternoon, Mike Huckabee called into Rush's show. Follow this link to the transcript of the conversation. Here's what stood out for me from the interview:
RUSH: Well, but wait a minute, that's true for both parties. And McCain's running ads right now featuring Hillary endorsing him. There is a gold mine of Hillary audio and video that McCain can make an ad of. Those things happen in primaries. I mean you guys were ganging up on Romney, too. That's what politics is. I mean you and McCain joined together in West Virginia on the second or third ballot to take the state for McCain. That's hardball.Except that that isn't what happened. A short time later, a caller, Brian from Michigan, had this to say:
HUCKABEE: No, it really wasn't us. The truth is it was the Ron Paul people who got with our delegates, and there really wasn't a deal cut with the McCain people in West Virginia.
RUSH: Really?
HUCKABEE: It was the Ron Paul people who said, "We just want a little bit of respect, and if our guy doesn't win on the first ballot, we'll vote for you."
RUSH: Really. That is not the way it was explained to me.
HUCKABEE: That's what happened. I was there.
RUSH: Brian in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Welcome to the EIB Network.In addition to Mr. Huckabee not being an honest man, he carries a grudge. That isn't the Christian thing.
CALLER: (whispering) Hey, Rush. It's an honor. How are you doing?
RUSH: Very well, sir. Thank you.
CALLER: I don't know what's in the water over there at the Arkansas governor's mansion, but I believe Governor Huckabee just told you a blatant lie to your face when he was describing what happened at the West Virginia convention. All 12 of McCain's delegates went for him, and to say that Ron Paul was this vast force behind Huckabee winning that convention is just preposterous, especially when you see what happened.
RUSH: Yeah. You know, I have to admit my memory was a little foggy on the details, which is why I was going to look it up and refresh my memory on this after the program. But Romney won in the first ballot.
CALLER: Yeah.
RUSH: We know that there's something personal between Huckabee and Romney, and I think he alluded to what it may be, and that is all these attack ads. They all hated Romney, because Romney was early with his own money running a bunch of attack ads on them and they didn't like it, but my memory was that you're exactly right, that Huckabee and McCain joined forces to keep McCain in there and Romney out in West Virginia.
Other than being pro-life, there isn't a single conservative principle that identifies Mr. Huckabee as a conservative. He's a tax raiser and he's a big spender. What's worse is that Mr. Huckabee didn't think twice about raising taxes. In fact, he appeared to relish it.
Mr. Huckabee's world view is warped, almost as warped as Patrick J. Buchanon's. That alone is reason enough to ostracize him.
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:22 AM
No comments.
Gang of 16 Republicans Undercut House Republicans' Good Work
This isn't easy for me to say but it's something that must be said. The Republicans who've signed onto the Senate's Gang of 16 have undercut the valiant efforts of House Republicans. What's worse is that the meager concessions they got in return won't bring meaningful price relief at the pump. Let's review the situation as of August 1:
- Democrats in the House and Senate shut down until after the conventions, refusing to even debate drilling. In fact, Speaker Pelosi refused to allow Republican amendments to the Democrats' non-energy energy bills.
- When Pelosi the Dictator realized that Republicans weren't going to obey her dictatorial rulings, she shut off C-SPAN's cameras, then turned off the lights and the power to the Chamber's microphones.
- House Republicans stayed to fight the good fight. Thanks to the leadership of Mike Pence, Tom Price, Jeb Hensarling, Leader Boehner and others, Speaker Pelosi started feeling the heat. The more people heard about the Democratic majority's tactics, the more enraged they got.
Just when the majority Democrats started feeling the heat dialed up, in steps a group of 5 Senate Republicans to provide them with political cover. Had these Republicans increased the pressure on Democrats, it would've put the Democrats in a horrible position. Instead, they worried about being credited with acting in a bipartisan manner.
What these senators forgot is that it's their responsibility to represent their constituents' best interests. I've said that the benchmark for any energy legislation is that it provide longterm relief to consumers. Not only doesn't the original Gang of 10 bill not achieve that, it raises taxes by $84 billion. That isn't a compromise. That's the definition of capitulation.
For something to be a true compromise, there has to be something of value at stake. The Republicans didn't get anything of value in this deal. Instead, they gave away the store. The original Gang of 10 bill is a Democratic status quo bill. Democrats got 90+ percent of what they wanted. In exchange, they threw a single crumb to the Republicans.
If that wasn't foolish enough, three more Republican senators have joined that wayward bunch. Sadly, one of those senators is my senator.
Years ago, George Will correctly stated that "more bad legislation is passed in the name of 'Surely, something must be done'." Anytime that I hear that line, I cringe. Implicit in that maxim is that the "something" that's done isn't thought through.
I call on all my readers to call their senators and tell them that they'd better distance themselves from this Gang of 16. If their senator is part of the Gang of 16, I'd also recommend that they call that senator and tell them that they should be ready to walk away from the bargaining table. I'd also recommend that they call their representative and tell them to do everything possible to derail this horrible legislation. It's time we demanded that all Republicans sign onto the American Energy Act.
It's time we rewarded legislators who thought things through and stuck to their principles. It's time that we rewarded legislators who fight a principled fight for solid conservative principles.
Most importantly, it's time we reminded these wayward senators that they work for us. It's time that we reminded these wayward senators that the only thing we're concerned about is whether gas prices drop. If the legislation doesn't increase my prosperity, then it's worthless. We don't care if they acted in a bipartisan manner. We don't care if they held a tactical gun to the Democrats' head to achieve the desired results.
The Gang of 10 didn't do that. I'm betting that the Gang of 16 won't fight for common sense conservative principles, either. I'm betting that they'll cave like the proverbial house of cards the first chance they get.
Finally, it's time that we reminded these legislators that it's time that they started winning fights. The only way to do that is to think things through and challenge the Democrats' airheads. They're utterly clueless in terms of energy policy. It's time they were exposed as such.
That won't happen if Senate Republicans throw the House Republicans under the proverbial bus. That's precisely what they just did. That's gotta stop ASAP.
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 3:01 AM
Comment 1 by Winston Smith at 28-Aug-08 10:22 AM
Gary, you do know that your very own Republican Senator, Norm Coleman, is one of the "Gang of 16" right?
http://coleman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=ff87a552-cd57-07db-2392-7c16d44f71c2
August 26th, 2008 - Washington, D.C. - With Congress at a stalemate on passage of energy legislation, Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman today joined the bipartisan Gang of 16's efforts to break the political impasse and deal with high gas prices. The Gang of 16 is comprised of senators from both sides of the aisle who have drafted a comprise energy bill aimed at lessening America's dependence on foreign oil with common sense solutions.
Comment 2 by Jack at 28-Aug-08 11:28 AM
Dear Friend,
Senator Coleman has joined the Senate's Gang of 16, a bi-partisan group of legislators who have pledged to break the Congressional deadlock on energy policy. As Senator Coleman rightly points out, energy policy isn't a Republican or Democrat issue, it's an American issue and he will work to bring people together to see that sound, responsible, forward-thinking policies are adopted for our future.
-Team Coleman
Comment 3 by Gary Gross at 28-Aug-08 11:46 AM
Gary, you do know that your very own Republican Senator, Norm Coleman, is one of the "Gang of 16" right?
Winston, Perhaps you should pay attention next time:
If that wasn't foolish enough, three more Republican senators have joined that wayward bunch. Sadly, one of those senators is my senator.
Comment 4 by Gary Gross at 28-Aug-08 11:54 AM
Jack, Bringing people together to pass a non-energy energy bill is meaningless. I don't care about doing something. I don't care about looking busy. The only think I care about is passing legislation that actually brings gas prices down.
Anything that falls short of that means nothing.
It's time that Sen. Coleman started measuring what he gets involved in by whether the legislation will actually have a positive impact.
The only benchmarks that matter are whether legislation makes us safer, more prosperous or more free.
Comment 5 by Winston Smith at 28-Aug-08 12:20 PM
Sorry, Gary. I didn't see Coleman's name anywhere in your post and wondered why ... my bad.
So what do you think should be Coleman's punishment for "throwing House Republicans under the bus" as you put it?
Comment 6 by Gary Gross at 28-Aug-08 01:27 PM
I'm not interested in Sen. Coleman getting punished. I'm only interested in getting problems solved.
Comment 7 by Walter Hanson at 28-Aug-08 04:10 PM
Gary who are the other two knuckleheads who joined Coleman in this foolishness?
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
Comment 8 by Gary Gross at 28-Aug-08 04:32 PM
John Warner & John Sununu
Comment 9 by Rense JOHNSON at 30-Aug-08 01:15 PM
See "The Mindless Tax of the Do Not Drill Democrats"
Also the ANWR article
Alto "The gang of ten ...er...Five"
On our website.
Let's Join the FRED PAC
Fred Thompson has written a compelling post for the good conservatives at RedState on rebuilding the conservative movement. First Fred outlines the principles of conservatism:
- The role of the federal government is limited to the powers given to it in our Constitution, and the bigger the government gets, the less competent it is to run our lives, and we must have leaders who understand that the market works best when it regulated and legislated least.
- A dollar belongs in the pocket of the person who earns it unless the government has a compelling reason why it can use it better.
- We don't spend money we don't have or borrow money that our children and grandchildren will have to pay back, and we must have leaders who understand this and will listen to the will of the people.
- The best way to avoid war is to be stronger than our enemies. But if we are in a fight, we win it because not doing so makes us more likely to be attacked in the future, and we must have leaders who understand this.
- The federal judiciary is supposed to decide cases, not legislate from the bench or dictate social policy and we must have leaders and judges who understand this.
All of these endeavors are going to continue, and I want you to be a part of it. That's why I'm pleased to announce the formation of FRED PAC. FRED PAC will help identify and support candidates on every level who support a platform of conservative, principles-based leadership and policies .It's time we showed America that conservatism is the most logical, common sense political philosophy in existance. We need to remind people that we're the freedom-loving, prosperity-loving political party. It's important that we tell Americans everywhere that conservatism was the force that forced the Soviet Union into the dustbin of history.
The cornerstones of Reagan's governance were prosperity and liberty. That's because Reagan had a strong libertarian streak in him.
It's time that we started funding strong, steadfast conservatives who don't wander from their conservative principles. That's what FRED PAC is about. I was one of the first Fredheads because I passionately believe in federalism and in conservatism.
Conservatives have a history of getting things done. I'm betting that we'll rise to the occasion this time, too.
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:13 PM
Comment 1 by Chuck at 28-Aug-08 06:59 PM
I liked Fred Thompson. In fact him and Duncan Hunter were actually the only two GOP candidates I supported. I'm afraid though that the number one knock on him was correct, that he was lazy. He hasn't done anything to dispel this since dropping out. I like what he had to say here but if he really has a passion for it, why isn't he out pushing his agenda? This is the underlying problem in the GOP right now, there are people with ideas, they just don't have the energy to push change.
Comment 2 by Gary Gross at 28-Aug-08 08:01 PM
I like what he had to say here but if he really has a passion for it, why isn't he out pushing his agenda?
That's purely stylistic. I don't put much stock in that stuff.
Obama's Speech
It's difficult listening to Sen. Obama. He started off talking about more people out of work, more people making less. The typical liberal 'America, the Soupline Country' speech. It isn't flattering.
"It isn't that John McCain doesn't care, it's that he just doesn't get it." (That's odd coming from a guy whose friends includes a racist pastor and a terrorist neighbor and colleague.)
This administration wants an ownership society. When you get laid off, you're on your own. Can't get unemployment? You're on your own. Please.
9:33: We will end our dependence on Middle Eastern oil. (Yeah right.) John McCain has been there for 26 years. (Michael Steele chimes in "Your VP pick has been there 36 years.)
9:35-- We will tap into America's natural gas. (How do you do that if you keep the OCS & ANWR offlimits?) This guy's an idiot. Either that or he thinks we're idiots. I don't know which is worse.
9:36-- Michael Steele asks how he's gonna invest in small businesses when he's planning on increasing their taxes. (I'm watching FNC's Strategy Room.)
9:38-- Now he's talking about making government leaner, ending programs that don't make sense.
9:40-- If John McCain wants to debate, that's a debate I'm willing to have. (Yeah right. You're a chicken shit. You've avoided the townhall meetings.)
9:42-- "John McCain says that he'll follow UBL to the gates of hell but he won't follow him to his cave." It's cheap talk.
9:44-- "I will finish this war in Iraq responsibly." "I will use aggressive diplomacy" to bring Iran to its knees. He wanted to finish the Iraq war by cutting off funding. Why should we believe him?
9:47-- Michael Steele is rightfully asking how he'd get these things done.
9:48-- One straw man argument after another. This guy can't paint an accurate picture of America because it'd end the reason for his campaign. (two pages left in speech. Thank God.)
9:50-- Now he's talking about how we all have cynicism about government. When did Democrats have cynicism about government? (Other than about the military, that is.)
9:51-- The biggest risk we can take is to take the same old approach with the same old players and expect a different result.
9:55-- Finally, the 'I Have a Dream' section of the speech. (Final page.)
9:56-- We cannot turn back with an economy to fix. We must pledge to march into the future.
9:57-- Bishop (Panelist) seemed presidential visually. He didn't address the how-to's. He was too specific about where people are at. Very good on the visual, short on substance.
9:59-- Michael Steele is saying that this is the same speech I've heard for the last six months. "At some point, he's got to tell us how he plans" to get this done.
10:01-- Steele- Obama ostracizes the people he needs for a healthy economy.
Frankly, this was another all-style, no substance performance. Sen. Obama is the quintessential empty suit. Michael Steele is right- He's all platitude and no attitude.
Word before the speech was that this would be a workmanlike speech. It wasn't. It was just about platitudes.
Mark Levin says that this wasn't a great speech , especially from a delivery standpoint. I totally agree.
I'd also say that it's the same speech he's given all across the nation. In fact, if you make a couple minor adjustments, it's the same speech he gave in Boston 4 years ago. There's still no there there.
Posted Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:41 PM
No comments.
Rhetoric vs. Reality
Foxnews.com has just posted the transcript of Sen. Obama's acceptance speech . Now's the time to dissect it and find out how often his rhetoric didn't match reality. Here's the first instance where rhetoric didn't match reality:
Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit cards, bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach.I can't argue that many have lost their homes. I can't argue that home prices are dropping. But saying that "more Americans are out of work" doesn't match the fact that we've had very low unemployment. It's also worth noting that the reason why people "have cars [they] can't afford to drive" is because the Democrat majorities in the House and Senate have obstructed legislation that would've increased domestic energy production.
If we want change, I'd suggest that we change the party that's in charge of Capitol Hill.
Here's one of the most intellectually dishonest statements I've ever heard in a political speech:
Now, I don't believe that Senator McCain doesn't care what's going on in the lives of Americans; I just think he doesn't know.Sen. Obama doesn't think that. It's one of most despicable cheapshots I've ever heard, much less in an acceptance speech. While we're on the subject of who gets it and who doesn't, let's explore that a bit.
When Russia invaded Georgia, Sen. Obama called for the Russians, who invaded a sovereign nation, and the Georgians, who were killed en masse, to both act with restraint. Sen. McCain called it a Russian invasion right from the start. Most serious foreign policy experts said it's Sen. Obama that didn't have a clue.
Sen. Obama said again tonight that he'd negotiate directly with Iran:
I will also renew the tough, direct diplomacy that can prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and curb Russian aggression.Unfortunately, he also said that he'd invade Pakistan:
You know, John McCain likes to say that he'll follow bin Laden to the gates of Hell, but he won't even follow him to the cave where he lives.Sen. Obama's foreign policy can be summarized like this: He'll invade our allies and negotiate with enemies that want to wipe Israel off the face of the earth . Does that sound like he gets it?
Speaking of getting it, let's examine this statement:
As president, as president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America.Sen. Obama was initially against drilling of any sort. Then he said he'd consider opening up a portion of the OCS. Doesn't Sen. Obama understand that we don't know which wells will tap a natural gas reserve and which will tap an oil reserve? Does he realize that some might produce both?
Sen. Obama says that he'll "help our auto companies re-tool." History tells us that Detroit was in awful shape when President Reagan took office in 1981. That's why one of President Reagan's first priorities was to cut capital gains taxes. Detroit's in awful shape again. Unlike President Reagan, Sen. Obama has promised that he'd double the capital gains tax from 15% to 28%.
It doesn't sound like he gets it with regards to tax policy.
This statement is the most intellectually dishonest statement in his speech:
We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country. Don't tell me that Democrats won't keep us safe.FDR and JFK wouldn't recognize the MoveOn.org/Code Pink version of the Democratic Party. In fact, they'd be sick to their stomachs if they were alive today. Sen. Obama can say whatever he wants but he isn't credible. When Harry Reid declared that the war was lost, was that proof that Democrats would "defend this country "?
It wasn't that long ago that Harry Reid told a cheering audience that "Just think what we just did 20 minutes ago in that room. We killed the Patriot Act." Is that proof that Democrats are willing to "defend this country"? When Christopher Dodd, Ted Kennedy and Russ Feingold filibuster the Patriot Act reform legislation, is that the Democrats' way of defending this nation?
I will end this war in Iraq responsibly and finish the fight against Al Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan.The only reason why we can talk about ending our involvement in Iraq is because the Surge worked. John McCain was right in advocating for it. Sen. Obama said it wouldn't work, that it'd only make things worse. If not for the surge, there couldn't be credible talk about finishing the Iraq war responsibly. If Sen. Obama had gotten his way, we would've left Iraq with Sunnis and Shia on the verge of civil war. We would've left with Iran financing Sadr's militias in the south. We would've left with AQI controlling Anbar and the western provinces.
I said here that we shouldn't send a toy messiah to do a man's job. Thursday night's speech didn't give me a reason to change that opinion.
And I will restore our moral standing so that America is once again that last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future.This is typical liberal BS. America's moral standing is still high because we're the nation that liberated 50 million people. America's moral standing is still high because we didn't abandon our allies. America's moral standing is still high because we didn't attack an ally (Pakistan).
The times are too serious, the stakes are too high for this same partisan playbook. So let us agree that patriotism has no party. I love this country, and so do you, and so does John McCain.Lovely words. Too bad Sen. Obama's actions don't match his words. If he was serious about not following "this same partisan playbook", then why did he vote according to MoveOn.org's wishes on the Iraq war? If Sen. Obama was serious about not following "this same partisan playbook", then why did he vote according to CODEPINK's wishes on Iraq? Everyone knows that they're among the most radical anti-war organizations in America.
So I've got news for you, John McCain: We all put our country first.Sen. Obama, did you put your country first when you said what MoveOn.org, CODEPINK and other anti-war organizations wanted to hear during the primaries, then shifted your positions on everything once you were the nominee?
I've seen it in Washington, where we worked across party lines to open up government and hold lobbyists more accountable, to give better care for our veterans, and keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists.Sen. Obama, is that the ethics reform that you promised to work with Sen. McCain on, then backed out on? Surely you remember that. It's the time Sen. McCain sent you the letter saying he took you at your word about wanting to get something done. It's the letter where he said he was glad you disabused him of thinking you could work work in a bipartisan fashion.
BTW, that ethics reform bill has more loopholes in it than Swiss cheese.
Here's the most boneheaded line in the entire speech:
Washington has been talking about our oil addiction for the last 30 years. And, by the way, John McCain has been there for 26 of them.Perhaps one of his speechwriters should remind him that his runningmate has been in Washington 36 years. OOPS...My mistake. He wasn't really in Washington because he took the train home to Delaware each night.
When you put this all together, you'll find out that Sen. Obama will increase taxes on small businesses, negotiate with Islamic terrorists and invade our allies. that doesn't sound too bright.
Posted Friday, August 29, 2008 2:29 AM
No comments.
Juan Williams On Barack Obama's Bipartisan Credentials
This video shows that, while Juan Williams likes Sen. Obama, he isn't taken in by Sen. Obama's postpartisan rhetoric, finding it empty. He did find Sen. McCain's history replete with examples of his bipartisan leanings.
Here's the transcript of Williams' statement:
"You think of everything from campaign finance to immigration and on, there's John McCain working across party lines. Sen. Obama doesn't have a record. Certainly he can make the claim and he can hold himself up as pure and trying to reach for a new generation of postpartisan politics but he has to do so based largely on rhetoric and wishful thinking because he doesn't have the record.There isn't any animosity in Juan Williams' voice. Instead, he's just stating matter-of-factly (and accurately, I might add) that Sen. Obama's bipartisan record is thin to nonexistent.
This morning, Charles Krauthammer said something insightful in this column :
Obama's vice presidential selection, Joe Biden, naturally advertised his patron's virtues, such as the fact that he had "reached across party lines to ... keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of terrorists." But securing loose nukes is as bipartisan as motherhood and as uncontroversial as apple pie. The measure was so minimal that it passed by voice vote and received near zero media coverage.That's really bucking the party, huh? Sen. Obama's record isn't exactly filled with profiles in courage.
If he were to have a spine, why would he have voted present on so many bills during his time in the Illinois state senate? That isn't the mark of a leader. That's the mark of a follower, albeit a well-spoken follower.
That's what we should take away from Sen. Obama: He speaks well but he hasn't shown us proof that he's a postpartisan politician.
That's why I keep asking this question:
Where's the beef?
Posted Friday, August 29, 2008 7:51 AM
No comments.
What a Fabulous Pick!!!
Did everyone watch Sen. McCain's introduction of Gov. Sarah Palin like I did? That's an electrifying pick. That's why the Obama campaign is already criticizing her :
"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency. Governor Palin shares John McCain's commitment to overturning Roe v. Wade, the agenda of Big Oil and continuing George Bush's failed economic policies, that's not the change we need, it's just more of the same," said Bill Burton, Obama Campaign Spokesman.Mr. Burton's omission that Sarah Palin's current occupation is that of governor is intentional. Their entire tack is to characterize Gov. Palin as either incompetent or a small town hick or a pro life fanatic or a tool of Big Oil or a George Bush lackey. Based on her initial performance, I can't picture any of those labels will stick.
Here's what's impressive about Gov. Palin:
1) Gov. Palin gotten an extensive list of real reforms enacted.
2) Gov. Palin got a firsthand understanding of energy policy, having dealt with that as governor.
3) Gov. Palin a tax cutter. Gov. Palin said that, as mayor of Wasilla, she worked hard to cut property taxes. As governor, she significantly increased the check Alaskans get when the state got more money from the oil companies.
4) Gov. Palin fought against and defeated politics as usual Gov. Frank Murkowski.
She's also an articulate speaker and advocate, she's a fighter with an extensive record of accomplishments, unlike a certain messianic candidate. Most importantly, she scares Democrats.
The best line in her speech followed her thanking Geraldine Ferraro for breaking into the all boys club, then thanking Hillary for putting "18,000,000 cracks in that glass ceiling." She followed it up by saying that it's time to "break that glass ceiling once and for all."
Finally, by picking Gov. Palin, Sen. McCain energized the conservative base to an extent that I haven't seen since the Republican takeover of the House in 1994. The crowd in that Dayton arena were rocking and dancing in the aisles. If Gov. Palin had asked them, that group would've run through one brick wall after another.
Here's Sen. Norm Coleman's statement on Sen. McCain picking Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate:
"John McCain has made a bold and historic choice in selecting Governor Sarah Palin to join him on the Republican ticket as his Vice President. As a wife, mother, former Mayor and as Alaska's first female Governor, Sarah Palin brings a wholly American experience to the table in this campaign. She's been a strong, independent leader on fiscal responsibility, the environment and energy. And, as a former Mayor myself, I am thrilled with the idea that she will bring that 'getting things done' point of view with her to Washington, D.C. With this ticket, the message to America is very, very clear. We must remain rooted to our principles of a strong, prosperous and peaceful nation, and continue to focus on revitalizing our nation economically and defending our national security interests."Here's Mike Pence's statement on the Palin pick:
"John McCain has chosen wisely. In selecting Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate, John McCain has again demonstrated his judgment and his commitment to conservative values, fiscal discipline and reform. I look forward to doing all I can to ensure that John McCain and Sarah Palin become the next president and vice president of the United States."Here's more reaction :
"John McCain has made clear from the start that he wants to change Washington and he proved it today by going as far away from Washington as possible in selecting his running mate. Eighty-eight years after our nation's women first gained the right to vote, this selection demonstrates how far our nation has come." Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.This is a great pick, one that's got Democrats quaking in their proverbial boots. It just doesn't get better than this.
"Today, John McCain put the former mayor of a town of 9,000 with zero foreign policy experience a heartbeat away from the presidency," Adrianne Marsh, a spokeswoman for Democrat Barack Obama.
"Gov. Palin's views align with Sen. McCain's own stated position that human life is precious and must be protected. ... This selection by Sen. McCain is a very encouraging sign for his campaign." James Dobson, founder of the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family.
"I believe that in order to make government work better it must include both strong men and women. With this historic choice Sen. McCain has clearly shown his and the Republican Party's commitment to including every voice in our society." Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich.
"Holy cow. I'm just kind of speechless on the whole thing." Chuck Heath, Palin's father.
"This is a bold and exciting pick that demonstrates the Republican Party is focused on the future and changing how Washington, D.C. does business. As an outsider, Gov. Palin has a solid record of making government work better, including fighting for landmark ethics reform." Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.
"Certainly the choice of Palin puts to rest any argument about inexperience on the Democratic team and while Palin is a fine person, her lack of experience makes the thought of her assuming the presidency troubling." Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
"Gov. Palin is a strong conservative with executive experience who has cut wasteful spending, opposed earmarks and shown courage in taking on corruption in her own party." Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.
"I am pleased with Sen. McCain's pick for vice president. Gov. Palin is an outstanding, terrific pick for the job, for the country, for the Republican Party and for the citizens we try to serve." Gov. Tim Pawlenty, R-Minn.
"They're (conservatives) going to be excited about this pick because here's an authentic person who believes and does what she says in her policy atmosphere and can authentically carry that message to the country." Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.
"Gov. Palin is a conservative Republican with a track record of reforming government. She will strengthen Sen. McCain's appeal to Reagan Democrats, and supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton, who are looking for a president who has the experience and temperament to be commander in chief." Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saul Anuzis.
"She's tough, she's tenacious. I believe that she does have what it takes to get out there. Again, her ability to connect with voters and make a case is very, very, very strong." Paulette Simpson, of the Alaska Federation of Republican Women.
Posted Friday, August 29, 2008 1:40 PM
Comment 1 by Walter hanson at 29-Aug-08 04:33 PM
I think we should highlight that she is a far supperior speaker than Obama. Take a look at these two speeches. Obama's last night he had a couple of month's to prepare. Depending upon when she was told she had maybe a day to prepare hers. Yet hers was the far supperior speech. Not to mention she did a better job in minutes to tell America why she deserved to be Vice President instead of the man who tried to use a four day convention to send the same message.
Walter Hanson
Minneapolis, MN
Comment 2 by Chuck at 29-Aug-08 10:06 PM
"Most importantly, she scares Democrats."
I think you summed it up nicely with this.
