Sarah Palin is a Weenie

It seems that Sarah Palin has joined Sean Hannity in their breathless denunciation of the "tone" of the current Republican battle to face Barack Obama.  This is getting ridiculous.  Every time I turn on Hannity, he's whining about the race, that Republicans shouldn't be attacking each other, that they are violating the "11th Commandment" of St. Ron of Eureka.  This is utter nonsense.  The job of primaries is to differentiate oneself from one's opponents, and that is something that both of the major GOP contestants are doing, just fine. 

Listen, I didn't enjoy watching Romney be treated like a pinata about Bain and his taxes--and the fact that the "tone" of the criticisms were reminiscent of liberal garbage was noteworthy--but the mere fact that he was forced to respond to these charges has made him a better candidate.  Let's face it folks, Newt Gingrich has been a divisive figure, even within the Republican Party.  To suggest otherwise is simply revisionist history.  Yes--he led Republicans out of a forty-year desert, and it was one of the most amazing political lifts in US history.  But he was also forced out of the Speakership because of his temperament and his ability to lead.  These things are fair game, as are his activities in selling his estimable Washington influence after leaving office.  If Newt is going to be our nominee--than he HAS to answer for these things.

The continuing reference to Reagan and the "11th Commandment" is just downright silly.  Ronald Reagan could issue the 11th Commandment because he was, well.....Ronald Reagan.  None of these guys are he, and we ought to stop waiting for Him to return like a bunch of "end of the worlders". 

It's time to hunker down, to recognize that THIS race, with THESE men, will settle our candidate question.  Let them do what needs to be done, and we'll have a stronger candidate at the end. 

What Happens If?

Ok, I'm no defense expert but I can read a map. If Egypt renounces the Camp David Accords and Syria is taken over by Islamo-NAZIs (as opposed to the secular killer régime they currently enjoy) and Iran acquires the big one...and America is led by a man who's middle name is Hussein, well, what would you say the over/under would be for Israel?

How Are Those Google Ad Proceeds Coming, CW?

Googleftism

I remember when he did this with Twitter several months ago and Iowahawk had a fun-filled afternoon of tweeting POTUS. Nevertheless, smart move by the Obama campaign to have his name pop up on every Google search in the US.

The You Tube site says neither POTUS nor his staff will know which questions (in the form of You Tube videos) will be selected for him to answer. It also says the winning You Tubers will be invited to sit in with the President as he answers the questions. I'm guessing, since they are viewable in rank order for all the world to see and since the Secret Service already knows who is coming over today, that the White House staff will once again be exercising their model integrity by not peeking before tonight. I can't wait to watch the absolute surprise on Barak's (he said I can call him that) face as each new video is unveiled. Darn, I'll be on the road then. Oh well, maybe Sally or Hammer can catch it for me instead.

Mitt Continues to Rack up Endorsements

Big day for the Mittster: the highly coveted Gene Simmons endorsement!

Last Night's Debate

Newt needed a knockout punch, and he just couldn't get it in.  Mitt stayed close and attacked and counterattacked.  When Newt tried to be grand and curry favor with the panel, Mitt wouldn't let him off the mat.  Anyone looking for fight and spirit out of Romney last night will not have been disappointed.  I was happy to see both Romney and Santorum not pander to the Space Coast, and also to see no one rise to the bait of the "Palestinian Republican". 

Rick Santorum really is the "conservative" option to Romney, but his views on social issues lack broad appeal, dooming his candidacy. 

Mitt's gonna have some 'splainin' to do today with respect to an ad that he has running in FL that was the subject of discussion last night--but which he didn't appear to be aware of (although he "approved this message"). 

Mitt takes FL by 4. 

Have You Contributed to Romney for President Yet?

Looks like Mitt's shaken his South Carolina blues and is going to do very well in FL--I'm predicting a 4 point victory.  Newt is a great American folks, but he just isn't going to unhorse President Obama.  Heard the old Washington joke again this week--Newt saying to Bob Dole, "Why do people take such an instant dislike to me?" and Dole saying, "so they don't have to waste any time."

Let's start to show the campaign what an influential blog looks like.  Donate to Mitt Romney for President here, don't forget to check the box indicating that you know your referrer.

Big Fat Friday Free For All

Here we go again, folks!  The day when you get to share what's on your mind.  Feeling a little blue about your Vice President's ethnic jokes?  Tired of being made fun of about your moon colony?  Get it off your chests, folks.  Live a little!

Uncle Miltie Answers the President

When I became interested in politics I was a muddle headed quasi-liberal, as I suspect were most of you. It's not that I was a raging leftist, I wasn't, but I did care about the direction of the country and I did (and still do) care about the plight of the less fortunate. I thought most people were basically good and I also thought giving people a leg up was good for them and good for society. I had no idea what motivated people, what incentives they responded to, or the pitfalls of dependency. And I certainly had no idea what was the proper role of government. Milton Friedman changed that for me.

After last night's State of the Union with all of Obama's proposed government meddling, interventions, subsidies etc., I thought it might be a good time to revisit Professor Friedman. There's nothing new about what Obama is proposing. Utopians have been around since Plato and they all have one thing in common: In their societies the elites will have all the power and they will spill blood to keep it.

So, if you haven't done it already, I urge you to read "Free to Choose" and "Capitalism and Freedom" (if you're in the mood for something heavier). Like so many great works, it's as if they were written yesterday. Also you can click on the header and catch Uncle Miltie on Donahue back in 1980 (his jokes suck but hey, he's a college professor).

Newt Can't Handle the Silence

The debate last night was a bit soporific at times. One reason for that is the subject matter for most of the evening had been covered ad nauseum over the last nine or so months. The other reason was the audience was asked to hold their applause. Personally, I thought it was a welcome break from the raucous crowds we've been treated to in the past.

But it had another advantage-it knocked Newt a bit off his game. He seemed subdued without the support of the crowd; even some of his lines seemed to pause for an expected audience roar of approval.

Clearly Newt recognizes his unexciting (but to be fair, still solid) performance, in great contrast to his last two debate performances when he had a little help from Juan Williams and John King. So on Fox and Friends this morning, Newt made the threat that he may not participate in future debates if the crowd can't get involved. Yeah, right Newt.

Seems Speaker Gingrich is terribly concerned about the free speech rights of the audience. Wonder if he'd feel that way if he didn't need them so much to egg him on.

Stagecraft at its Lamest

Curious as to what we may hear in the SOTU tonight?

Wonder no more. One of the props--er, guests--seated with the First Lady tonight will be Warren Buffett’s secretary. You know, the one we keep hearing about, the one who pays more in taxes than Warren Buffett himself does?

We need an over/under on how many times the Oracle of Omaha's name is invoked. How utterly ridiculous these people are.

No Lefty Like An Old Lefty

Robert Redford tells us that his Sundance Film Festival is "for the 99%", not the 1%.  Uh, right.

Governor Romney's Tax Returns

Well, it looks like things are beginning to squirt out about Governor Romney's taxes, and I think Fox News gets it right when they dclare "He's Rich, He Donates, He Pays Taxes".  As I read over press reports this morning, I am waiting for the "bomb" to drop--you know, the one that would have made him reticent to release this information before today.  I simply don't see any of it at this point. 

I was down hard last night (flu symptoms combatted by two hits of Nyquil and 12 hours of sleep), so I didn't see the debate.  My reading of things this morning is that he handled this issue well, and that he had a good debate in general.

You Be the Judge

John Kerry showed up at a White House ceremony honoring the Boston Bruins today with two black eyes.

He claims he broke his nose playing hockey. (Nose looks okay to me).

I claim he had some plastic surgery.

What say you?

Romney in South Carolina

Last night was not a good night for Mitt Romney.  Voters in South Carolina repudiated him in a stark way, and sought comfort in the arms of a candidate thought by many (outside SC) to be weaker in the general election.  Of interest to me last night were the exit polls in which SC voters consistently cited Speaker Gingrich as the more "electable" candidate, with "electability" related directly to debating skills.  The voters are HUNGRY to see someone who can give it to the President with both barrels, and there is no question that Newt can do that.  What Mr. Romney must now do is show that he too can do the same.  He needs to get aggressive, and go on the offensive.  And his immediate target is NOT Barack Obama, it is Newt Gingrich.

Romney lost in South Carolina because of one thing and one thing only--his answers in two straight debates on his tax returns.  His defense of free market capitalism and his time at Bain were well done; his prevarication and stumbling in the face of questions about his tax returns--not so much.  People viewing were left with many questions in their minds, including 1) what is he hiding? and 2) how can he possibly be fumbling this question after five years of running for President?  In other words, either his ethics or his competence were questioned, neither of which is a good thing for someone running for President as an ethical and competent man.

Voters are smart enough to figure out Mr. Gingrich.  I fear South Carolina's role of picking Republican nominees has come to an end, in the interest of voters sending a serious message of discontent to the eventual GOP standard bearer.  Mr. Romney MUST take this seriously.  His decision this morning to release his 2010 tax returns is the right one--doing so on the day of the State of the Union Address is also a good tactical move.  But he damn sure better be ready to explain them in a way that Americans can at least then sit back and say, "ok--he's not dishonest, and he's got his stuff in one sock."  He doesn't have to be the high school debate champion--he simply needs to re-instill confidence that he can go toe-to-toe with Obama. 

Romney has said from the beginning that this would be an extended process--without I think, believing that it would be true.  Well, it is now.  Time to put that Bain, Olympic competence to work. 

Separated at Birth?

Hillary: Cut. Your. Hair. It's just not working for you, girl.

Maureen Dowd Suddenly Discovers the Obamas are Arrogant

I fully expected from MoDo this Sunday a scathing piece on Newt, but somehow she resisted the temptation and instead turned her formidable knives on the Obamas. Best line: 'the president and the first lady do believe in American exceptionalism — their own...'

Read the whole thing here.

Palmetto State Despair

I just can't believe that lacing into a debate moderator is a winning strategy for winning a primary. Yet sadly, it's appearing that may be enough for Newt today.

I can't believe people might be duped into voting for Newt Gingrich because they want to see him smack down Obama in debates. Debates will consist of about SIX HOURS of the fall campaign. What about the rest of the time?

I can't believe Newt really thinks Obama will agree to even one Lincoln-Douglas style debate. Why would he? Candidates that are ahead by double digits, which O will be if Newt is the nominee, rarely if ever agree to more debates than necessary. And all that Gingrich pomposity would be tough to take anyway over the course of a few hours.

I can't believe Romney has let things get out of control to the point that a Gingrich South Carolina win is even a possibility.

I can't believe that Newt Gingrich is almost making Ron Paul appear a better choice. Heck, Ron BURGUNDY looks like a better choice.

Despite the gargantuan size of this man's ego, Newt is a small, small man. Did I mention I can't believe this is happening?

Grandiosity, Thy Name is Newt

A hilarious press release from the Romney campaign, following Newt's declarations of his grandioseness last evening:

“I THINK GRANDIOSE THOUGHTS”
A Selection Of Speaker Gingrich’s Thoughts Over The Years

Gingrich On Gingrich:

· “I Think I Am A Transformational Figure.” (PBS.org, 12/2/11)
· “I Am Essentially A Revolutionary.” (Adam Clymer, “House Revolutionary,” The New York Times, 8/23/92)
· “I Have An Enormous Personal Ambition. I Want To Shift The Entire Planet. And I’m Doing It. … I Represent Real Power.” ( The Washington Post, 1/3/85)
· “I First Talked About Saving Civilization In August Of 1958.” (GQ, 8/05)
· “I Am The Longest Serving Teacher In The Senior Military, 23 Years Teaching One And Two-Star Generals And Admirals The Art Of War.” (GOP Presidential Candidates Debate, 12/15/11)

Speaker Gingrich Has Compared Himself To A Litany Of Historical Leaders:

Ronald Reagan And Margaret Thatcher: “Gingrich said he learned a lot about himself in the political wilderness. … In the same breath, he compares himself to two conservative giants. With Gingrich, humility has its limits. ‘Because I am much like Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, I’m such an unconventional political figure that you really need to design a unique campaign that fits the way I operate and what I’m trying to do.’” (CNN.com, 11/16/11)

Woodrow Wilson: “He earned a PhD in history and taught college before winning a seat in Congress. He has often spoken of himself as a historian. In 1995, he told CNN’s Bob Franken: ‘I am the most seriously professorial politician since Woodrow Wilson.’” ( The Washington Post, 11/22/11)

Henry Clay: Gingrich said that like Clay, he did more than just preside over the House. ‘I was not a presider, I was the leader,’ Gingrich said in the interview. ‘I think Henry Clay’s probably the only other speaker to have been a national leader and a speaker of the House simultaneously.’” (USA Today, 8/30/99)

Pericles: “In a long interview on May 4, 1992, devoted almost exclusively to the topic of Gingrich, former White House aide Richard Darman concluded that Gingrich was ‘an unstable personality’ who talks about four or five great people in history, including Pericles and himself.” (Bob Woodward, The Washington Post, 12/24/11)

The Duke Of Wellington: “Obsessed recently with Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, Gingrich likened the appropriations triumph to the way the British expeditionary force maneuvered against the French during the Peninsular War, a campaign in Portugal and Spain in the early 1800s that eventually led to Wellington’s ascendance and Napoleon’s abdication.” (The Washington Post, 8/13/95)

A Viking: “With his machine-gun staccato delivery, Gingrich is the center of attention. He terms himself a ‘Viking.’” (South Bend Tribune, 7/28/95)

Some Thoughts On Last Night's Debate

Let's get the tough part out of the way first:  Mitt Romney is in trouble in South Carolina, and it is largely his own fault.  His answers to the tax return questions in the last two debates have been the low points in his campaign.  I have a hard time believing that there isn't a chorus of people around him saying "just do it, Mitt", so I'm left with the sad sense that this is his call, and it appears to be a bad one.  My guess is that he wanted to wait until he had the nomination sewn up before he released them, but that plan looks to be in jeopardy.  Worst of all was even if his reticence to release his returns is entirely Mitt's own doing, he should have had a much better answer crafted than the one he had. 

Newt's performance in the first five minutes was great theater, but utterly embarrassing to witness as a sentient being.  While the crowd loved the red meat he threw them (what conservative crowd doesn't like a little press bashing), the bottom line is that this situation is not the press's doing, it is Newt's.  Newt had affairs with at least two women while he was married to two other women.  Newt conducted a six year affair.  Newt wants all of us to believe that he has changed, and that we should forgive him his transgressions.  Sure, Newt.  You're forgiven.  But forgiveness is not absolution, and that MANY people currently supporting him have little or no idea about the facts revealed in last night's interview IS GERMANE to his pursuit of the Presidency.  I would have sent $500 to ANY of the candidates who raised their arms and said "hey, wait just a moment.  I take a back seat to NO ONE when it comes to bashing the liberal press--but this is not a liberal press issue, this is a question of character issue.  Rick Perry had it right when he said that if a man cheats on his wife, he'll cheat on his business partner.  What kind of Party are we becoming, if our hatred of the Press blinds us to real, moral failure?"

But instead, we saw a well mapped out and utterly successful strategy executed by the Speaker, while Mitt Romney stumbled.  I hope Governor Romney figures out a solid strategy for addressing his taxes (I would LOVE to have seen him whip them out of his coat pocket last night and hand them to John King), and puts this issue behind him.

UPDATE:  Whoops, forgot the other two...

Rick Santorum had an awesome debate--really took it to all three of the others.  He is sincere, he's got good ideas, he's making a good impression.  And Mitt Romney's chances of winning SC depend ENTIRELY on Santorum stealing votes from Newt.

Ron Paul was ridiculous, as always.  Sorry Dr. Paul, abortion is not just a medical issue....