No Defeat
Many who read or write on this blog may feel disheartened by Romney’s “defeat” (actually a strong 2nd) in today’s Florida Primary. Certainly after much hard work by all of us it is only natural to sense some discouragement…somewhat like the wind being knocked out of your sails for a moment. We had expected a victory and we wouldn’t settle for less. As an avid lover of the sea I have noticed that the wind always returns and the sails fill again sending the ship to its intended destination.
Florida was one state out of fifty. Super Tuesday is coming. We cannot let the outcome of Florida betray our enthusiasm. Romney will win the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
Ann Romney brings immediate optimism with her statement, “This is just a send-off point; this is not an end.” I love the excitement she brings to the moment. What a great political partner to have in such a tight and contentious race!
One of the greatest Presidents in our history was an eternal optimist. After many political defeats (and one in particular), Lincoln told his friend Dr. Ray who continued to brood over Lincoln’s defeat, “You will soon feel better. Another blow up is coming; and we shall have fun again.” (Quoted from Team of Rivals)
Lincoln was not discouraged by his defeats…only his friends were. Like them, as we refocus our efforts towards Romney’s eventual nomination, we need to pull the bootstraps tight and start working the trenches just a bit harder. We are fighting for certain principles and for a better America. Each state individually is one stepping stone along the path to ultimate victory. The next contest is coming and it will be fun.
Just like Lincoln, Romney is winning the respect of others, earning their trust and even devotion as he moves along the campaign trail introducing himself to those who barely know him.
Read the following quotes about Lincoln’s strategy for the nomination. I think you will find them similar to Romney’s. These quotes are taken from A Team of Rivals.
As a dark horse, he knew it was important not to reveal his intentions too early, so as to minimize the possibility of opponents mobilizing against him.
It was important that any efforts on his behalf be squelched until the timing was right, and Lincoln, as would be evidenced throughout his presidency was a master of timing.
Not hindered by the hubris, delusions, and inconsistencies that plagued his three chief rivals, Lincoln gained steady ground through a combination of hard work, skill and luck. While his rivals felt compelled to reposition themselves toward the center of the party, Lincoln never changed his basic stance.
Though a successful bid for the nomination remained unlikely, a viable candidacy was no longer an impossible dream. Slowly and methodically, Lincoln set out to improve his long odds.
Most of his audiences had never laid eyes on him.
Once he began speaking he invariably forged an indelible impression, and left an impact on his listeners.
Though sensed by many to be an underdog candidate, Lincoln rose to the top and captured the nomination.
Romney is a master strategist. His focus for the nation is the right one. As we work “slowly and methodically” from state to state bringing the message of change, of fixing a broken Washington, and a re-commitment to time held American family values, I believe that America will listen, and the ‘long odds’ of success will be realized as we witness Romney place his hand on the Bible and swear and oath of duty as our next President.
January 30th, 2008 at 2:42 am
Thanks, I needed that.
I’ve scheduled 3 evenings at the phone bank. I will also be walking door to door during my free time giving out little Romney handouts. I need to dig a little deeper.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:07 am
These Lincoln observations, frankly sound much more like Mike Huckabee to me.
Mitt Romney has only rarely left an impact on me when he spoke, and the only indelible impression he has forged with me is that he will do anything, say anything or be anything he needs to be to get elected.
I’ve heard Mitt Romney compared to George Washington, and now Abraham Lincoln. Neither one of them switched political views in order to win in a liberal state. Neither one of them had a wealthy, packaged Presidential campaign. Neither one of them were suave, and well spoken. Rather, they were men of principle. I haven’t seen much principle in this campaign, except to win at any price.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:09 am
In addition, Lincoln won by being everyone’s second or third ballot choice at the Convention. Look it up.
Is Mitt content to be anyone’s second choice? In a three way race, I think he’s my third.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:20 am
Master strategist, yes he is. So good, in fact, that it took Giuliani, McCain, Thompson, Huckabee, and every major left-wing newspaper and news organization in the country to defeat him. And as much as the establishment railed against McCain, did any of them, besides Liz Cheney, really help Mitt defeat him of late? What about Jeb Bush, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, et al? Where were their endorsements? If they were too cowardly to stand up for what was right, and endorse the man that held their principles, then they deserve to go down in November. I will never listen to any of them complain about Billary or Obama again, because when they could really make a difference, they chose not to.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:48 am
Matt:
Is it your bedtime yet? Perhaps you are submitting these comments from your sleep and “dream world of Mike Huckabee”. Mike Huckabee does not hold a candle to Mitt Romney. That is so evident when they appear together in these debates. How about giving us a break and let us collect our thoughts for the next round? Go to the Huckabee site and submit your comments there.
Linda:
My thoughts exactly when it comes to the so-called “leaders of the conservative movement”. Where have they been and when will they rise up and take a stand against the enemy within - John McCain and the MSM? No better time than now for them to show their faithful listeners how serious they are about the conservative movement.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Kevin, thanks so much for this post.
I was lying in bed, trying to sleep, and I just couldn’t get it out of my head that McCain, if nominated and if elected, would be a nightmare for our party and for this country.
The words Global Warming came to my mind and Illegal Immigration, etc. and thinking of how John McCain would work to bring his liberal beliefs to bear on our country just makes me sick.
Reading your column tonight is a breath of fresh air.
It is far from over. I was listening to Hugh Hewitt tonight and he said, “Don’t let the MSM tell you the race is over. It’s far from over.”
I think maybe I can sleep a little now.
Go Mitt!
January 30th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Iwasw listening to the MSM, and they did not crow about McC victory either. Many sais the same thing, that it is not over yet, I was heartened by that, because I was expecting them to write him off, as they have in the past. Tues will tell the tale.
January 30th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Mitt’s biggest challenge is his perception problem with the general public due to his Mormonism, flip-flopping and being a “pretty boy.” MSM says Mitt does not have “the edge” and is not giving him any slack. After I’m done feeling blue, I will put my work boots back on and get back to work. We have to march on until it’s over.
January 30th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Lets try to lighten up a little. Last night was depressing, but Mitt had the entire establishment against him, ie. the media, Martinez & Crist backing. The demographic of the 65+ group, the Hispanic population overwhemingly for Mccain, Miami-Dade which gave McCain 75K of the 100 K spread. Couple all this and it’s a damn good accomplishment to finish as he did. The biggest surprise for me was Orange County. While the loss is devastating to us now, lets take a minute and appreciate what has been accomplished—a short time ago, Mitt was 10+ behind. I also think many saw McCain’s antics in Florida and may have turned some against him. Is there now a tiny crack that Mitt can open up and drive a wedge in? The road ahead is a tough one, but watch how Mitt performs in the debate tonight and if we can get some major endorsements, we still have a chance.
January 30th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I sent a message, long one, re Mitt response to the mind-changing attack by Mc Cain. But I forgot to put the name and email of mine before I started the message. Please us this aaddress info for that message. Thanks
January 31st, 2008 at 12:06 am
Is this not making everyone crazy? I mean even if liberal Republicans knew what he was up to they’d flip out! That’s why they’re still Republicans!!! Why is this not being talked about? Also, Mitt should really talk about the founing fathers wanting decent, respected men coming from their communities and contributing what they could, then returning to their livelihoods and families. They never intended for men to be carrer politicians! It, as they said, leads to unholy alliances! (Mitt is a perfect example of this…)
Please pass the following around…
Take a listen to and a look at the interchange…
Go to http://mydd.com/story/2007/4/3/11936/97033 to hear John Kerry giving this interview.
John Kerry: “McCain Approached Me About Joining Dem Ticket in 2004”
“Talked to Tom Daschle about jumping the isle and becoming a Democrat”
Jonathan Singer: “On Monday afternoon I had the chance to speak with Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, the Democratic Party’s nominee for President in 2004. During the interview, which covers a range of topics and which I will be posting later this afternoon, an item of particular interest jumped out at me: According to Sen. Kerry, it was John McCain’s staff who approached his campaign about potentially filling the Vice President slot on the Democratic ticket in 2004.”
Jonathan Singer: “There’s a story in The Hill, I think on Tuesday, by Bob Cusack on the front page of the paper talking about how John McCain’s people — John Weaver — had approached Tom Daschle and a New York Congressman, I don’t remember his name, about switching parties. And I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about what your discussions were with him in 2004, how far it went, who approached whom… if there was any “there” there.”
John Kerry: “I don’t know all the details of it. I know that Tom, from a conversation with him, was in conversation with a number of Republicans back then. It doesn’t surprise me completely because his people similarly approached me to engage in a discussion about his potentially being on the ticket as Vice President.”
Singer: “Okay. And just to confirm, you said it, but this is something they approached you rather than…”
Kerry: “Absolutely correct. John Weaver of his shop…” [JK answers phone]
For many Republicans, it has been bad enough that John McCain has voted and worked with Democrats against the majority of Republican Senators on a number of occasions in recent years. For Republicans, I would imagine that reports that he approached the Democrats about leaving the Senate GOP caucus in 2001 represent a borderline unpardonable offense. But it seems that reaching out to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee to talk about running on that party’s ticket would be tantamount to the highest form of political treason to Republicans.
This story could hardly come at a worse time for McCain.