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Gov. Romney: We Need Conservative Policies

Gov. Romney: Setting The Record Straight

Gov. Romney: Protecting The Environment & The Economy

Gov. Romney: Supporting The Bush Tax Cuts

Gov. Romney on Russia

Gov. Romney on the Leadership to Change Washington

Gov. Romney on Ronald Reagan

Straight Talk Detour: Sen. McCain On Benchmarks, Circa January ‘07
Wednesday, Jan 30, 2008 09:15 PM EDT

Sen. McCain Suggested Setting Benchmarks In Iraq Which, If Not Met, Would Mean The End Of Our Mission In Iraq

In 2007, Sen. McCain Suggested Setting Benchmarks In Iraq Which, If Not Met, Would Mean The End Of Our Mission In Iraq:

In January 2007, Sen. McCain Suggested Setting Benchmarks For Success In Iraq. “Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the most stalwart supporters of the war in Iraq, said Thursday that he might propose that the Iraqi government meet certain benchmarks for the United States to continue its engagement. Fellow senators and independent political scientists said McCain’s thinking reflected growing concerns within the Republican Party about the course of the war, and also might mark a turning point for the likely 2008 presidential contender, whose previous unconditional backing of the war may have hurt his prospects. McCain said Thursday that he hadn’t yet decided on precise benchmarks. ‘They’d have to be specific and they (the Iraqi government) would have to meet them.’” (Margaret Talev, “McCain Suggests Iraqi Government Meet Benchmarks,” Knight Ridder, 1/25/07; www.azstarnet.com/sn/byauthor/166271)

Sen. McCain Suggested An End To The Iraq Mission If Benchmarks Weren’t Met: “Haven’t Met The Benchmarks? Obviously, Then, We’re Not Able To Complete The Mission.” “Asked what penalty would be imposed if Iraq failed to meet his benchmarks, [McCain] said: ‘I think everybody knows the consequences. Haven’t met the benchmarks? Obviously, then, we’re not able to complete the mission. Then you have to examine your options.’” (Margaret Talev, “McCain Suggests Iraqi Government Meet Benchmarks,” Knight Ridder, 1/25/07; www.azstarnet.com/sn/byauthor/166271)

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[Thanks to Mike Laub for this clip found at Encyclopedia Mittanica!]

Not too long ago, Laura Ingraham was playing clips from debates that included Fred’s nailing of Mr. Huckabee (see below). In her monologue, she dubbed Governor Huckabee, “Duckabee” for his proficiency in successfully ducking every major question that ever arises about his policies and past record. Since that time, I have been careful not to use that affectionate moniker (”Duckabee”) in a post, preferring rather to use it in the comments only. Because of this video clip, and all the fond memories it brought to my mind of Fred, I think I will now start to use that moniker of our Clinton neighbor.

FRED: Oh how we miss ye!
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Anybody want to ask Fred to raise his hand?

~ Vic

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Debate night! (It is still “tonight” for me no matter what the date says. It is about 10:30 p.m. California time as I sit down with some thoughts about the debate).

First, my initial reaction to the overall debate for Gov. Romney was that I was stoked! (an odd idiom of great meaning to Southern Californians)

Second, there was a sense of momentum I felt from beginning to end of the debate. I expected the other candidates to gang up on Gov. Romney and they didn’t. Trying to take my bias into account, I thought Gov. Romney fully dominated the debate. No question in my mind AT ALL. He dominated in a gentlemanly way. Following are brief comments made to Gov. Romney by each of the candidates at the breaks or after the debate. [these occurred to Cindy and me as the debate went on]. I’m sure our guesses here were not too far off reality tonight:

Senator McCain: “Hey Mitt, I know people think I hate you. A little straight talk okay? Look, I’m not real fond of you, true. But can I be your VP? Please? I will introduce you to my general buddies in the Marines. By the way, what the heck were you talking about in that one answer you gave about the economy? Run that by me real slow and please use language that any ASU student could understand.”

Governor Huckabee: “Off the record, when my son hanged that dog, it was already dead. Did I tell you he earned the Eagle Scout award? How many of your sons are Eagles? For what it is worth Mitt, every Sunday when I give my sermons to earn a little money, I always tell the pastors and their parishioners to stop the whisper campaigns against you. Yeah, I know I could give a public speech on religious tolerance, like you did, and denounce religious bigotry publicly, I just think that I can be more effective behind the scenes to fight bigotry. What do you think of the Razorbacks? They are right up there with those Cougars! I know you always surround yourself with only the most intelligent and successful people, but do you think you could find a spot for me at the consulate on the western border of Ireland, the home of my ancestors? That would be swell.”

Mayor Giuliani: [looking up at Gov. Romney, simultaneously squinting and looking surprised] — “Hey Mitt, can we have lunch next Wednesday? I have some time open on my calendar that day. I would like to get a few tips from you on a couple of my companies that are struggling right now. But more importantly, I ran out of money today and I will be bowing out of the race. I want to get your thoughts on how best to convey that message to maximize my long-term speaking engagement value and preserve the legacy I have as Hero #1 of September 11th. I think I might be able to help deliver New Jersey for you in the primaries and general — I have some connections. What d’ya say?”

Congressman Paul: “Mitt, do you think anybody listened to me tonight? I wish I were you”

In all seriousness, how great was Governor Romney tonight? I realize it may now sound a little trite to say this, as everyone has been saying it for weeks, but Gov. Romney really seemed presidential. All the others on that stage almost appeared to be in his shadow.

Since I have seen Gov. Romney speak so often, I have a habit now of looking at the others around him when he speaks. Again, trying to eliminate my bias, the others seemed in awe of Gov. Romney tonight. I kept thinking to myself, each of the candidates were telling themselves things like, “Wow, he has this thing nailed…” — “I wish I knew half what he knows!” — Etc.

By the way, none of this above is gloating. Absolutely not. There is a long road ahead. Gov. Romney has a long way to go to the nomination and a lot of hard work. He has not won Florida and it might be very tight. We all need to do what we can to help get the vote out and influence fence-sitters, FredHeads, and Huck’s followers that are just now awakening to the reality he has no message and no broad-based support.

It is a little bit of celebration — INDEED.

~ Vic

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The results of the MSNBC phone in poll:

Romney 41%

Paul 40%

Huckabee 8%

McCain 7%

Giuliani 4%

This is the first time I have seen any candidate beat the Ron Paul Robo-Callers. I was very proud of Governor Romney’s performance tonight; and I was very pleased that the media has finally given him his due. Things are looking very good going into Florida’s Primary Election on Tuesday.

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Everything I’m hearing on MSNBC is extremely positive.  Chris Matthews can’t stop talking about Mitt’s sound bites, his demeanor, his answers, his “Presidentialness,” his hits on Hillary.  They’re also ripping on John McCain.  What are you guys hearing, and what do you think about the debate?

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Gov. Romney: Stimulus To Grow Jobs

Gov. Romney: Turning Around Massachusetts

Gov. Romney: Changing Washington

Gov. Romney: General Petraeus Not General Clinton

Gov. Romney: Supporting The Mission In Iraq

Gov. Romney: Working Together On Social Security

For more go here.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Debates/Florida_Boca_Raton/index

McCain Falsely Claimed That He Won Among Republicans In NH And SC

In Tonight’s Debate, Sen. McCain Falsely Claimed That He Won The Republican Vote In Both New Hampshire And South Carolina:

MCCAIN: “But Look, I Won The Majority Of Republican Vote In Both New Hampshire And South Carolina.” (MSNBC, [Unverified Transcript], Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Boca Raton, FL, 1/24/08)

However, Sen. McCain Lost In Both New Hampshire And South Carolina Among Self-Identified Conservatives And Republicans :

McCain Lost Among Self-Identified Republicans In New Hampshire. “In New Hampshire, a state McCain had won in 2000 and lavished time and attention on this time around, he lost self-identified Republicans narrowly — 35 percent to 34 percent — to former governor Mitt Romney. But, it was among independents where McCain’s winning margin came as he won that bloc by 13 points over Romney.” (Chris Cillizza, “McCain And The Closed Primary Challenge,” Washington Post’s The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/, 1/24/08)

McCain Lost Among Republicans In South Carolina. “In South Carolina, McCain lost Republicans by a statistically insignificant margin, but carried independents by a massive 42 percent to 25 percent margin — ensuring his narrow three-point victory.” (Chris Cillizza, “McCain And The Closed Primary Challenge,” Washington Post’s The Fix, http://blog.washingtonpost.com/,1/24/08)

Conservatives Are Wary Of McCain’s Past Tendencies And Willingness To Team Up With Liberal Senators. “McCain has long had difficulty currying favor from his party’s conservative wing. Despite his solid voting record in the senate, many ardent Republicans have been unhappy with his past willingness to team up with liberal Sens. Russ Feingold on campaign finance reform and Ted Kennedy on immigration.” (Alexander Mooney, “McCain Brushes Aside Suggestion Of Weak Republican Support,” http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/20/mccain-brushes-aside-suggestion-of-weak-republican-support/, 1/20/08)

“Support from the base will be crucial in upcoming contests: McCain now faces a bevy of state primaries where independents are not allowed to participate, beginning with Florida’s vote on January 29. But the Arizona senator is predicting that his support among veterans, his economic proposals, and his record on environmental issues important to many Floridians will carry him to victory there.” (Alexander Mooney, “McCain Brushes Aside Suggestion Of Weak Republican Support,” http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/20/mccain-brushes-aside-suggestion-of-weak-republican-support/, 1/20/08)

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Before going to work today, be sure to set your DVR devices for the debate!

My cable company is showing the Republican Debate as a two-hour, live event nationally, on cable MSNBC in Florida.

Wait a minute. Does that mean we get Chris Matthews again? He is lousy at conducting debates!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Eastern — 9pm to 11pm

Central — 8pm to 10pm

Mountain — 7pm to 9pm

Pacific — 6pm to 8pm

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Gov. Romney: Fighting For Jobs In Michigan

Gov. Romney: No Special Pathway

Gov. Romney: Bringing Change To Washington

Gov. Romney: Advancing Moderate Voices In The Muslim World

Gov. Romney: Strengthening The Economy

Gov. Romney: Knowing How America Works

Gov. Romney: A Comprehensive Iran Strategy

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Many of us here would argue that Romney’s ads have been comparison advertisements and not negative, but the media and many voters have felt otherwise. Calling what has been done negative was often brought up at the last debate. Romney needs to contrast his skills and policy positions without the appearance of “going negative”.

A former Brownback supporter, now a Romney supporter holds this view:

But the Romney campaign has made some critical mistakes and absolutely has to turn some things around. It is critical that Romney’s people realize that Iowa was not about Evangelicals, it was about the kind of campaign that they have run. Please hear this, someone in the Romney campaign: people start from a position of being skeptical of position changes. It makes them really angry when they perceive that someone who has changed positions recently is attacking someone else for the position that they used to hold. In other words… your man has a resume on which to run, please stop unloading on every other candidate for every deviation from doctrinaire conservatism, when you yourself previously suffered from the same flaws. This is just a harsh fact of life: Huckabee is in a position to throw stones on life issues, you aren’t. Tom Tancredo was in a position to throw stones on immigration, you aren’t. People feel like you’re insulting their intelligence when you do this sort of stuff, and in so doing, you’ve made so many Republicans angry with you that I take constant crap from various quarters just for supporting you. Stop in the hopes that it’s not too late.

You may agree with this or not, but there are many conservatives that could go Romney’s way that have expressed similar views on other sites. Here are my two cents on “How To” do contrast advertising without appearing to be negative, or falling into other conservatives’ mental trap of hypocritical criticisms. It is important to point out differences between candidates without turning off people that hate “negative campaigning”. In my opinion, Huckabee is already verse with this technique. In regards to debates, Romney just needs to keep showing his relaxed and “unplugged” side while under fire and he’ll continue to win them. In regards to advertisements, I recommend the following:

1. Say what’s wrong with a policy without naming names. Smart voters can draw the line to who holds the wrong policy, especially when candidates espouse the policy you show to be wrong
2. An example of this is the following: “Some folks still want to give illegals the benefit of staying in the U.S. indefinitely. This is a bad policy. We need to take away the magnet that is drawing them here in the first place.”
3. After you show why a policy is bad, then highlight your good policy
4. “I will remove the factors that bring illegals here. I will build the fence and create an ID system which helps businesses only hire legal immigrants, etc.”
5. After highlighting your good policy, seal the deal with driving your vision home
6. “Washington is broken and has not fixed this problem. I can fix this problem. That’s what I do. I will fix the illegal immigration problem and will secure America and restore fairness to the many immigrants legally waiting in line to come here.”

I would humbly advise not naming names in ads and sticking only to policies while explaining why a policy is bad, then why your policy is good and follow through with your vision for the future. This lays the foundation for the debates where you can reiterate why a policy is bad without attacking specific candidates. Most voters are smart enough to draw in between the lines.

Once you are attacked in a debate, then you are free to tie bad policies to their supporters and drive the message home.

Nathan W.

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Now tell me, how classic is this cartoon? This guy can convey a message with a few tiny images that I could not convey in pages of writing! This guy, Michael Ramirez, is incredible!

Check this out:
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Artwork by Michael Ramirez — Courtesy of IBD Editorials

~ Vic

Governor Romney Needs YOUR Help to Win a National Campaign — PLEASE CONTRIBUTE NOW, HERE

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Fox News’ commentary said Mitt had “hit a home run.”

Fox’s Frank Luntz said “With just two days to go, Mitt Romney hit a home run tonight.” Other key quotes about responses from Luntz’s focus group: “Mitt Romney consistently got the best responses throughout the evening…incredibly favorable.” “When Mitt Romney talked about where he stood on immigration, the dials shot through the roof.”

The overwhelming response in blogs is positive. Mitt really helped himself tonight.

From the National Review:

Kathryn Jean Lopez says:

“The fighter is out in him tonight. No one is going to call him a wimp tonight, that’s for sure. He’s taken initiative, from minute one. And he’s turned the tone of his campaign around. He’s letting Romney be Romney — the confident, forward-looking candidate with a conservative temperament he is — it was those qualities that first made me pay attention to him when he was in the statehouse. I think he’s being himself tonight. We saw him be himself during the religion speech. And we’re seeing it tonight. This Mitt is the Mitt we have to see everyday from hereon out. It took a while for him to be unleashed but I don’t think it’s too late by any stretch. Let Mitt be Mitt and Mitt might win.”

From Rich Lowry:

“Politics is a game of adjustments, and Romney adjusted to the debate from last night, realizing that he’d be under constant attack tonight and he’d better gird himself and go on offense. He spoke forcefully and put the case for himself as the reformist businessman in the best possible light. I think he basically dominated the first hour, and fell off a tab after that, but otherwise was truly excellent. His best performance yet, in very high pressure circumstances. His answers on taxes, job creation, and immigration were top notch … [I]f he somehow wins NH, tonight will be a big reason why.”

McCan’ts “Experience” Question; I.e., Why Not McCain?

McCain wants us to believe with 20+ years in Washington, and over the age of 80 at the end of a 2d term, he’d change his stripes and try to improve the system he’s helped construct and has benefited from for 2 1/2 decades. Sorry, but if he was serious about fixing something before he would have done it by now. And because of his age he’s a lame duck president on day 1. A nearly 80 year old with a history of a temper with his finger on the button? Quack quack. Others also noticed the McCain slam on Bush (the remark about governors). This is why McCain is NOT a republican candidate. I’ve heard one Senator say that if a secret poll were taken on the Senate floor, they’d nearly unanimously support Mitt over McCain, which McCain seems to acknowledge in his comment he hasn’t won any congeniality contests in the Senate. And he’s supposed to suddenly “change” and work with these people to get things done? GOP: IT’S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. MCCAIN WILL CONTINUE TO DO WHAT HE’S DONE FOR THE PAST 24 YEARS.

Here’s another quote from Mark Levin tonight at the National Review in that regard:

“[C]ome on John McCain. You’re known in Washington as, well, very temperamental and holding grudges. Let’s not pretend you are Mr. Positive when, in fact, you are not.”

Expect mainstream republicans to reject this man, starting tomorrow in the AM radio shows when they call out his school-yard tactics with cohort Huckabee.

After Wyoming’s sweep by Mitt, McCain’s undignified attacks last night and Mitt’s performance tonight, expect Mitt’s poll numbers in NH to take a bounce upward. With the race being as tight as it is, Mitt’s performance tonight was big.

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There is no question that Governor Romney nailed it and hit a grandslam tonight. No question. But how many people in NH were watching the debates?

Here is my take. The Independents hold a ton of influence in this state. They are a very large percentage of the electorate. They can vote on the Democrat side or the Republican side. Generally speaking, they will cast their vote on the side where they believe they will make a difference (not a wasted vote). That said, my guess is that the vast majority of Independents believe the best use of their vote will be to bury Senator Clinton and therefore will vote in large numbers on the Democrat side (for Obama), leaving McCain out of their votes. McCain’s greatest strength in the state is among Independents, so if Independents predominantly vote Democrat, that will be good for Governor Romney.

Then again, if Independents were watching tonight who lean conservative, many of them may bail on McCain and go with Romney with many of the other Independents voting on the Democrat side. I could not find the Wall Street Journal article from three weeks ago that covered this issue, but it basically said that if a large percentage of Independents vote on the Democrat side, it will severely hurt McCain.

But, hey tonight was AWESOME for Gov. Romney! How many times did I hear pundits say “homerun”, “presidential”, “taking command”, etc??

~ Vic

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Luntz: Romney Hit A Home Run Tonight

Focus Group: Romney Wins Debate

Focus Group: Romney Can Beat Obama

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Gov. Romney: Running to Change Washington

Gov. Romney: We Need Executive Experience

Gov. Romney: Reform The Immigration System

Gov. Romney: Executive Leadership

Gov. Romney: We Need Change In Washington

Gov. Romney: We Need A President Who Knows The Economy

Gov. Romney: I Have Actually Cut Spending

Gov. Romney: A Pro-Growth Tax Agenda

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Hope you had a chance to watch this this morning

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