comMITTed to Romney!

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=296780190323947

Surge To Victory

By INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:20 PM PT

War On Terror: They said the surge would fail. They claimed we had no allies. They called Iraq a quagmire. They sought to cut and run. Now, our victories over terror are accelerating across the world.

I love this quote from the end of the article: IT’S A BAD TIME TO BE A TERRORIST.

~~John Cronin~~

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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.

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Hat tip to Rush Limbaugh for this one! There are some great lines in here about the nature of McCain’s changes.

CAMPOS: McCain’s the real flip-flopper

By Paul Campos, Rocky Mountain News 

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

One of the curiosities of American politics is the media’s ongoing infatuation with John McCain. A bit of this is based on things such as McCain’s opposition to torture (unfortunately we can no longer treat opposing torture like opposing child molestation, i.e., something one assumes is standard equipment in a presidential candidate rather than a luxury upgrade). Yet most of the journalistic love affair with McCain is based on other factors.

Consider this typical endorsement from The Orlando Sentinel: While McCain “has stuck to his principles at the risk of sinking his campaign,” Mitt Romney “has abandoned positions that would have alienated his party’s conservative base.” (Indeed I checked a computer database and discovered that, in the national media, Romney is at least six times more likely to be described as a flip-flopper than McCain).

This does not merely ignore but actually inverts the truth. The fact is that no presidential candidate in either party has flip-flopped as egregiously as McCain on such a wide range of issues. Here’s just a small sample of Sen. Straight Talk’s recent series of remarkable conversions to politically convenient stances:

* On abortion rights, McCain has done a 180-degree turn, from favoring only the most minor restrictions and opposing the overturning of Roe v. Wade, to supporting an almost total ban, while advocating that the Supreme Court reverse Roe immediately.

* McCain has transformed himself from a deficit hawk who mocked supply-side economics, into someone who sounds like he’s drunk deeply from the wackiest vats of supply-side Kool-Aid, to the point where he now claims raising taxes decreases revenues (a claim so wildly in conflict with the facts - for example federal tax revenues almost doubled in real terms after the Clinton tax increases - that it’s either a shameless lie or a product of astounding ignorance).

* In regard to ethanol subsidies, McCain has gone from treating them as the worst sort of pork, to becoming a strong supporter of a program despised by economists, but beloved of Iowa farmers and the good people at Archer Daniels Midland.

* Six years ago McCain sternly condemned Jerry Falwell as “an agent of intolerance.” Eighteen months ago he gave the commencement address at Falwell’s university, while openly embracing one of the most noxious figures of the religious right.

These are just a few examples from a far longer list. On topics ranging from immigration, to campaign finance reform, to gay marriage, to accepting support from various sleazy characters he previously shunned, McCain has either completely reversed his views, or seriously equivocated regarding what they are this week.

Yet the media continue to lavish him with worshipful paeans to his supposedly uncompromising commitment to principled leadership no matter what the political cost etc., etc.

Part of this is accounted for by lazy autopilot journalism, which stops people from bothering to check whether the story line they’ve repeated for years still has any relationship to reality.

But part of it is something worse. When it comes to McCain, many of the sophisticates at the top of the media pyramid are like a masochistic spouse who treats open infidelity as a twisted sort of faithfulness. They love McCain because when he lies to their face he doesn’t even pretend to be doing otherwise. According to the pretzel logic of a certain kind of journalism, that counts as candor.

All this would be merely amusing if McCain were not a genuinely tragic figure. The young man who showed such exemplary courage in the face of his North Vietnamese tormenters has become an old man whose courage abandoned him when subjected to the more subtle tortures of worldly ambition.

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I wanted to say a quick hello and introduce myself as a rookie blogger here at Elect Romney in 2008!  I’m pleased and excited to jump in here and do my part to help Mitt’s run for the White House! 

A bit about me:  I’m 37, mother of 4 and wife of 1, living in snowy, cold, rural, beautiful, northern Nevada.  I’m originally from Canada, have lived in the U.S. for several years, and just recently got my U.S. citizenship.  What a great and humbling experience!  I really feel at home in this incredible country!  There is a spirit and a strength and a power here - a patriotism that is unlike any other.

I became a Romniac, Mitthead, Mitten about a year ago after Mitt made his announcement.  I started coming to this blog shortly after and quickly became an addict, as I know many of you have (you might have seen me comment as Nevadagirl).  The founder, the bloggers and, based on their comments, the readers, are all very impressive and articulate - it’s great to be part of this!

During the Nevada caucus, I had the chance to stand up and speak for 2 minutes on why I support Mitt.  It felt great to vocalize to others the reasons why I feel Mitt is our best choice and hope.  My challenge to you guys is to be prepared to do the same.  With the upcoming importance of Feb. 5, many of you will have the opportunity to share with others why you support Mitt in your own state and in your own circle of influence.  Here’s a short version of what I said:

I support Mitt because I’m looking for 2 things in a President.  One - a conservative record and platform, someone that supports the 3 legs of the Reagan coalition - strong military, strong economy, and strong families.  Two - someone who has a resume that shows he actually has the executive skills and personality to lead and accomplish his Presidential To-Do list.  Mitt’s record in Massachusettes shows an ability to fight for conservative principles and policies in a highly liberal environment.  He is one of only 2 true conservatives running.  His experiences in the private sector and as CEO of the SLC Olympics unequivocally show that this is a man who understands what it takes to solve extremely difficult problems.  No one else running comes close to his track record of success in this area.

Obviously the important thing is to say what works for you.  Let us know about any great experiences you have had sharing your support of Mitt!

Here is a pic of Mitt at a rally in Orlando today.

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By: Mary Jacoby

WALL STREET JOURNAL December 26, 2007

I am obviously playing catch-up with my print edition of the WSJ, but this story is very much relevant even though it’s a few days old.

The results are clear. In the battle of “significant” campaign speeches, Mitt Romney’s Dec.6 “Faith In America” address has crushed Rudy Giuliani’s Dec. 15 “closing argument” campaign speech in one key barometer of buzz: YouTube.

As of Monday, a clip of Mr. Romney’s much anticipated address, in which he defended his Mormonism and explained the need for expressions of faith in public life, garnered 46,437 views and some 1,500 comments on the popular video-sharing website.

Mr. Giuliani, speaking to about 200 supporters in Tampa, stressed his leadership qualities and unveiled his new slogan: “Tested. Ready. Now.” His campaign had billed it as the former prosecutor’s “closing argument” for the Republican presidential nomination. The jury appears unconvinced, however. As of Monday, a clip of the speech had been viewed only 1,106 times and it drew no comments.

To me, it is very ironic, that Mike Huckabee’s shameless playing of the religion card, which had the effect of re-introducing an issue that many felt had been taken out of American presidential politics by John F. Kennedy’s speech in Houston, Texas back in 1960, has produced one of the best moments of the campaign thus far and has generated the “buzz” that all politicians hope for, but few attain. It is also ironic that the Romney campaign was at first reluctant to give the speech, understandably and justifiably so. Gov. Romney has run his campaign on the theme of the “three legged stool” of a strong economy, a strong military and strong families. He did not intend to run a campaign based on religion or he would have incorporated it into the original theme.

However, former Gov. Huckabee had a different idea and chose to emphasize religion as a major plank in his platform. I wonder if Mr. Huckabee is having any second thoughts about opening the door on an issue that has now turned into a major gift in disguise.

~~John Cronin~~

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As we approach the primary voting season, there are more and more new folks finding their way to our humble blog. The information I found on this blog was extremely helpful to me as I assessed the various candidates in search of “the One.” As such, I thought it would be fitting for me to share why I am a staunch supporter of Governor Mitt Romney in his run for the White House.

In a nutshell, Mitt Romney is the only “full-spectrum” Conservative who can rally the support of all three wings of the Reagan coalition, namely, Social, Economic, and Foreign Policy Conservatives.

For a full treatment of Mitt Romney’s positions, I would refer you to his comprehensive policy book “Vision for a Strong America.” Let me summarize here, however, the highlights across the major issues:

• Foreign Policy
o War against Islamic Fascism: We are engaged in a multi-front war which will require using all of our military, economic, and diplomatic might to win; we must defeat the terrorists and those who aid and abet them as well as help the Muslim people enter the 21st century (click here and here)
o Iraq and Afghanistan: The surge is working and we must do what it takes to help Iraq and Afghanistan become stable democratic allies in the war on Islamic Fascism and support our troops (click here and here)
o Iran: Iran must not be allowed to become a nuclear state; diplomacy and economic sanctions are critical, but may not be enough; the military option must remain on the table (click here)
o Military: Need to increase defense spending to a minimum of 4% of GDP to make sure our armed forces have the equipment they need in the field and the support the need back home; the best ally of peace is a strong America (click here and here)

• Economic Policy
o Taxes: We need to keep the Bush tax cuts permanent, eliminate the Death Tax, and cut taxes on capital gains, dividends, and interest to zero for the Middle Class (click here, and here)
o Spending: We need to restrain Federal spending and close the deficit; will veto any budget where non-defense discretionary spending growth exceeds inflation minus 1%; Need to give the President a line-item veto; Strong track record of financial management from Massachusetts where he closed a $3B deficit and turned it into a $1B surplus without raising taxes; carry out a comprehensive review of government spending to increase efficiency and effectiveness (click here and here)
o Entitlements reform: Maintain benefits for current Seniors, but institute fundamental reforms combining slowing the rate of increase for benefits based on income, extending the retirement age, individual retirement accounts, and no tax increases (click here)
o Healthcare: Mitt Romney is the only candidate on either side of the aisle who implemented a universal health care plan; He covered all of the citizens of Massachusetts using market-based insurance without raising taxes; Governor Romney advocates a Federalist state-by-state approach to make health insurance more affordable for everyone (click here)
o Globalization: Continue to trade around the world but make sure we negotiate level playing fields in foreign markets and upgrade American competitiveness through investments in education and innovation (click here and here)

• Culture and Values
o Illegal immigration: Control the border first and turn of the “magnets” that attract illegal immigrants by implementing an employment verification system, no special path for illegal immigrants to become citizens (i.e. no amnesty), no sanctuary cities, increased enforcement by local police agencies (click here, here, and here)
o Traditional marriage: In favor of amending the constitution to keep marriage defined as between a man and a woman; fought the Massachusetts Supreme Court to prevent the state from becoming a destination for same-sex couples looking for marriage licenses (click here and here and here)
o Life: Much has been made of Governor Romney’s switch from being Pro-Abortion to Pro-Life; This is a critical issue for me; I have heard many times why he made this change, and I believe him; I believe that Mitt Romney will fight for the rights of the unborn and be a great leader in supporting Life (click here, here, and here)

The choice of a nominee and President, however, is not strictly a “right-brained” decision based on policy statements and positions. There needs to be something inspirational about a candidate whether it’s the way that they speak to a crowd, interact one on one, or something about their personal story that sets them apart.

Experiencing Mitt through articles and videos really helped seal the deal for me. Below, I have listed some of what I would consider the best of the best articles and videos that helped me come to the decision to support Mitt actively. I’m sure I’m missing some great material, but there is a lot down below. I would encourage you to click through as much of this as you can, and if you have a favorite that wasn’t listed, please leave a link in the comments!

Key videos, speeches, appearances, and articles:
• Articles
o Romney to the Rescue (Newsmax) – Great overview of Mitt Romney
o National Review’s endorsement of Mitt Romney
o The House that Mitt Built (Private Equity International) – Behind the scenes view of how Mitt ran Bain Capital and his leadership style
o The Making of Mitt Romney (Boston Globe) – Reasonably balanced biography of each of the major phases of Mitt’s life starting from his youth through today
o Consultant in Chief (Wall Street Journal) – Interview of Mitt where he talks about how he would fix the Federal Government
o For Romney & Company, Campaign is all Business (NY Times) – How Mitt runs his campaign and what it would mean for his Presidency
o Evangelicals for Mitt statement of support
o Mark DeMoss on why Evangelicals should support Mitt
o Ann Romney Opens Up (People Magazine) – Great interview with Ann; she would be a fantastic First Lady!

• Speeches
o “Faith in America” – Seminal address on the role of religious faith and liberty in our nation
o Address to the Value Voters Summit – Seminal address on culture and value issues
o Iowa Straw Poll victory speech
o Highlights from the Republican debates (click 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th)
o Speech at CPAC 2007 – One of Mitt’s first major addresses to the leading grassroots gathering of Conservatives; one of his best speeches in my opinion
o Presidential Campaign Announcement – Mitt announcing that he’s running and why he’s running

• Campaign videos
o Biographical overview video of Mitt Romney (click part I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII)
o “Path to Victory” webcast – Mitt and Meg Whitman (CEO of eBay) discussing the 2007 campaign and discussing the plan for 2008
o Retrospective of Governor Romney’s campaign in 2007
o Online “Ask Mitt Anything” – For those of us who don’t live in an early primary state, Mitt held an online town hall meeting which provides a really good overview of his key positions
o Christmas 2006 – Behind the scenes look at the Romney family and how they made the decision together that Mitt should run for President; cynics have criticized this video as contrived, but I love the fact that he has held his family together while achieving such exceptional success; you can’t fake this stuff

• Media appearances
o Mitt on Jim Cramer of CNBC’s Mad Money – Great interview by Jim Cramer where he calls Mitt the “Best businessman in America”
o Mitt on ABC News talking about Ann – Great interview of Mitt where he discusses what he loves so much about Ann
o Mitt on Meet the Press – Tim Russert throws everything he’s got plus the kitchen sink at Mitt who proceeds to address each point in a clear, classy, and compelling way

• My favorite TV spots
o “Searched” – Compelling true story of how Mitt Romney shut down Bain Capital and moved all the employees to NYC to search for and find the daughter of one of his partners
o “Choice: Judgment” – Striking contrast ad highlighting Mike Huckabee’s 1,033 pardons and clemencies (more than 2x his three predecessors) vs. zero from Mitt Romney
o “Choice: The Record” – Ad contrasting Mitt’s record on illegal immigration vs. Mike Huckabee’s record of supporting tax payer funded scholarships and in-state tuition for illegal immigrants
o “Not Politically Correct” – Mitt’s record supporting life, English immersion education, and traditional marriage
o “Experience Matters” – Ad highlighting the lack of real world, executive experience on the part of Hillary Clinton (and equally applicable to the other Democrats)
o “Ready for Action” – Summary of Governor Romney’s stump speech in 60 seconds; user-generated ad based on a contest that was run back in September
o “Our Home” – Some precious footage of Mitt playing with his children and grandchildren; focuses on the importance of strengthening our families
o “Leadership” and “Energy” – I just love the images of Mitt jogging through the backwoods and the focus on his track record in business; I think he’s the only politician I’ve seen jogging where it looked like he was actually in shape…not just a photo op
o “Ocean” – Ad lamenting the degradation of our culture and Mitt’s thoughts on how he would like to address it; as a parent this one really resonated with me
o “Tested, Proven” – One of his early ads highlighting his track record in Massachusetts
o “I Like Vetoes” – Ad highlights his track record of vetoing excessive spending; no doubt in my mind that he’ll control spending after seeing this ad and other times when he has addressed this topic

Finally, it is one thing to support Mitt with your vote, but I’d like to ask you to consider supporting Mitt in a more active way. Like many of you, I had always followed politics, but never became active in politics (other than voting) until this year in support of Governor Romney.

This year is different. First, this is arguably the most consequential election in over twenty years. The challenges and issues that will be faced by our next President will have far reaching ramifications for our children and grandchildren.

Additionally, we face a set of candidates on the Republican side who represent vastly different positions and perspectives, some of whom threaten to tear asunder the Reagan coalition that has served us so well. Whether it is the socially liberal and sanctuary city defending Rudy Giuliani, the divisive, theocratic, soft on crime and illegal immigration, and fiscally populist Mike Huckabee, or the McCain Feingold, “Gang of 14”, and pro-Amnesty John McCain, there are clear differences in the way that each of these individuals would take the Republican Party.

If you’ve found this persuasive, please do whatever you can to support Mitt Romney’s candidacy. If you’re from Iowa, please caucus for Mitt (get more information here). Winning Iowa is job one between now and January 3.

If you are not from Iowa, please stay informed by checking in here at Elect Romney in 2008 every day. Make a donation to help Mitt win the media air war. Put on a bumper sticker or put up a yard sign (get them here). And most importantly, talk with your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors about why you’re supporting Mitt Romney! Personal testimonials from trusted individuals are by far the most effective ways to gain more supporters for Mitt!

If you still have questions or remain unconvinced, leave a comment and we’ll do our best to answer your question. Or better yet, if you are also a Mitt supporter, leave a comment telling us why! Thank you for reading!

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A long time friend and staunch democrat called me yesterday from Colorado. Ken told me that he was being pulled in many directions during this campaigning cycle.

“My loyalty to the democrat party that I’ve always had tells me that I should vote for Obama” he told me.

“However”,

he continued,

“No one in the democrat party seems to be concerned about the values that I want protected for my family, so for the longest time I’ve been thinking strongly about voting for Huckabee.”

And then Ken surprised me with this comment:

“Kevin, you’ve known me a long time, so I want you to be the first to know that I watched the speech given by Mitt Romney. During that speech something inside me changed and I realised that Romney is the man that we need as our President. He (Romney) seemed sincere and I believed him. He is different than all the rest and although I am a democrat, I am a family man first. I think he will be the best President in representing what the families in this country need. You can count on my vote.”

That was a shocker coming from Ken. But then again, I wasn’t too surprised. I honestly believe that when the average American sees the true difference of what Romney has to offer compared to the all too common message of the other candidates, they will find something much more appealing and inspiring. I’m beginning to discover that many individuals walk in lockstep with their “registered” party’s message, but in reality, deep inside, feel a greater need for something better than what is being offered. True patriotism and love of family demands something greater than the status quo, or a simple commonality of overlapping messages.

A good friend (Gary L.) wrote:

“Without contrast there is no education…there is no persuasion…there is no motivation…there is no growth…there is nothing.”

I believe that Governor Romney’s contrasting message of hope for families, hope for the security of our nation, hope for a strong and competitive economy and ambition to bring common sense back into government will ring loud in the inner hearts of many like my friend Ken. As Romney continues to contrast his message with those of his rivals, I think others will come to realize that what they silently and inwardly believe may be much closer to the message that Romney so eloquently evokes.

America is full of ‘Kens.’

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This is also from yesterday’s show, but I missed it then. Great stuff.

Let me take another stab at this Romney business. And, again, at the outset, as I have said repeatedly over the course of many previous years of service to America behind this, the Golden EIB Microphone, I endorse no candidate during primaries, unless somebody comes along and you just know. It hasn’t happened. So keep that in mind as I say this. The speech today by Romney is being ripped to shreds. Some of the most specious manners and techniques, the craziest analysis by conservatives, and a lot of conservatives out there, in the media and otherwise, have already chosen sides. You have your Rudy camp, your Mitt camp, your Huckabee camp, the McCain camp out there. You have the Fred Thompson camp. I’m looking at some of this stuff — and it’s politics — and I wouldn’t be surprised if some campaigns are behind this. This speech, the kind of stuff he said today is the kind of stuff I’ve been dreaming of hearing in a presidential campaign in a long time in terms of what this country is and where we’re headed.

Do you realize how long it has been since a political person, a presidential candidate of either party, spoke extensively of the founding of this country and how crucial everybody’s understanding of that is to maintaining American exceptionalism? Mitt Romney took the long view of this country, from its founding to its future, farther than we can see, and he described what it is that binds us together and defines us as Americans. It is crucially important that people understand this. This was a speech of the long view, a speech of leadership and of vision. It didn’t attack anybody. It was optimistic. It was positive. It had reinforcement of American traditions and values. So the criticism I’m hearing of this really does a disservice, I think, to the critics and the whole process here. Politics is dirty, I understand that, but this speech today that he gave was — when I do speeches, when I do the Rush to Excellence Tour, I go out and I’ll do two hours, sometimes an hour-and-45 minutes, depends on whether or not I run out of water. But that’s a theme of every one of them: American exceptionalism; American greatness. How did we get here? Why are we here? Why are we who we are? What defines us?

Why are we as human beings so much more advanced in any way you can imagine than other human beings? We’re all human beings on this planet, what is it about us? Our DNA’s not special; it’s not better. We’re not any brighter, smarter than anybody else. But there is an answer to the question. I’ve given the answer on this program, it’s very simple. Freedom. But it is the understanding and the documentation in our founding documents, by our Founding Fathers, that our freedom is bestowed by our creation, or our creator. It is the natural yearning of the human being to be free. Now you can destroy that, you can imprison a human being for so many years they don’t know what to do when they get out of the cage, but until such time, the natural yearning of each human being is to be free. I don’t care what some say, “Rush, some people just want to be controlled.” No, they can be conditioned to be controlled, trade their freedom for security; trade their freedom for a welfare check, whatever, they can be conditioned to that, but that’s not the natural yearning of the human spirit.

All Romney was doing today was answering all these charges and criticisms that his religion makes him unfit to lead, and he was trying to, and I thought did a bang-up job, of defining this country. He gave a brilliant analysis of what he thinks the country is and where we’re headed as a country, filled with optimism that’s been sorely lacking in the campaign. This was not a speech that was designed to say to various members, “Okay, you want health care, I’m going to give it to you and here’s my plan, and my religion is not going to get in the way. You’re worried about the environment, don’t worry. I’m going to make sure we cut our CO2 emissions and, by the way, my Mormonism is not going to get in the way. You’re worried about these forest fires and the lead in the toys from the ChiComs, I’m going to make sure there’s no lead in the toys from the ChiComs and I’m going to make sure my Mormonism is not going to get in the way.” It’s not what it was about today. It’s not what he was doing. It was grander than that.

All these other things, when you get right down to it, are distractions in a genuinely good presidential campaign. I think it was a welcome speech, and some of the criticism now that’s being levied at this just doesn’t fit the moment, which is why I think some campaigns are behind this, which is understandable. It is a presidential race, and it’s dog-eat-dog out there, and it is to be expected. But, when it happens, I, El Rushbo, will comment on it and analyze it as I see it.

Let me say one more thing here about Mitt Romney. What Mitt Romney did today was raise the bar. Mitt Romney raised the bar today. In the process of laying out his own personal views on his religion, I think he raised the entire level of political discourse to things that matter, to things that are important in determining the kind of country we shall be in the future, and this is exactly what I have been hoping would happen in a presidential campaign. What Mitt Romney said today, I don’t care what you think of it. It doesn’t matter. If you disagree, if you were threatened by it, it doesn’t matter to me, but what he said today is important, because he was right about what he said the way this country was founded and how crucial that is to this country staying who and what it is. What Barack Obama thought in kindergarten is not important! That Mrs. Clinton flew on trips to China with President Clinton and, therefore, is qualified to foreign policy, is not important. That Mrs. Clinton has “fought for children” for 35 years is not important, nor is it qualifying. What Romney said today is important, and I think that’s what everybody is so scared about. I think that’s why a lot of people are so scared by it, including people on the conservative side of the aisle. I stress again here: I am not endorsing anybody. That hasn’t changed. I analyze this stuff day-to-day as it goes. Look, it may not be morning in America again, but we are sure a long way from midnight, now, if this keeps up.

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TO THE MILITARY SERVICE MEN & WOMEN WHO VISIT THIS SITE: See request at the end of this post.

At the end of the debate last night, I recalled a great article I read earlier this year, written by a USMC officer. Before I give my opinion as to why this article below came to mind, consider my thoughts on John McCain:

1) In all sincerity, I am personally grateful for his incredible service to my nation, 2) he epitomizes every attribute of “hero”, a word overused today, and 3) I consider him a military expert.

Those who know me well know that when it comes to our men and women of the armed forces serving our nation, my emotions are close to the surface. Our family lives next to the largest USMC base in the U.S. and we bump into the wonderful Marines and their families all the time in local stores, restaurants, and parks.

But frankly, and as my kids would say, I am so over John McCain! I am tired of hearing John McCain tell Americans and presidential candidates how he is the only person who knows how to be “commander in chief” of the armed forces by virtue of his distinguished military career. I may be wrong in my perception here, but he has this, my-experience-as-a-never-give-up-naval-aviator-officer-POW-never-let-the-troops-down attitude that obviously comes across as condescending to his peers. In my opinion, aside from the drawback of being a Washington, D.C. bureaucrat, he often comes across as a single-issue candidate. We have had many great presidents in this country who never served in the military, many of whom were far better leaders than presidents with prior military experience. And the more McCain thinks he is superior to his peers, the angrier he appears! As a leader, he is a plodder.

Well guess what? Governor Romney, as an experienced, tough leader, is multi-faceted and is skilled in the art of executive leadership in ways that John McCain can only dream of. There is absolutely no question in my mind that Mitt Romney would be a far superior leader in every way that Americans demand of a competent President. When considering every character and leadership trait of those on that stage last night, not one person has the experience, depth of skills, or talent comparable to Governor Romney. Period.

The following article was published March 16, 2007 at UnionLeader.com

[emphasis is mine]

By MICHAEL MOFFETT
Another View

JOHN MCCAIN is one of my heroes.

Read Robert Timberg’s account of McCain’s prisoner of war experience in “The Nightingales’ Song” and try not to be moved.

Like so many of my fellow veterans, I enthusiastically supported McCain’s 2000 Presidential bid, which saw him win a decisive victory over George W. Bush in the New Hampshire primary.

Sen. McCain remains one of my heroes. But I now believe former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is the man who should serve as our next commander in chief.

The reasons are many, and they include the impressive analysis of the international situation that Romney articulated after his trip to Asia earlier this year. I expect that as the months go by, many of my fellow veterans will join me in supporting a Romney candidacy in 2008.

No prospective President can come close to offering the diverse record of executive leadership that Romney can.

While McCain has been doing important work in Congress for many years, Romney has run a successful billion dollar business, saved the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and served as the Republican chief executive of one of the country’s most Democratic states. His exemplary record of accomplishment is too lengthy to begin to mention here, but as Americans learn more and more about this extraordinary man they will increasingly like what they see.

There is no substitute for executive leadership experience — a background that one just can’t get in our national legislature, where McCain has but one of 535 votes.

While a senator can lead in different ways, it’s less clear where McCain might lead us, based on so many statements and actions over recent years.

Take some of his sponsored legislation — like the proposed McCain-Kennedy bill which revisits earlier mistakes on dealing with immigration.

It was Ted Kennedy’s support for the 1965 bill that helped create many of the problems we have today. And the 1986 “reform” simply set the stage for current flood of illegals across our borders.

Or the McCain-Feingold bill. This misplaced effort at campaign finance reform has split Americans and the Supreme Court, while expanding federal regulation and abridging First Amendment freedoms.

There are folks who place great faith in expanding government. They’re called Democrats.

Our Republican standard bearer should be someone who remains true to our important principles of limited government while celebrating individual responsibility and personal liberty.

Mitt Romney is such a person.

Romney’s challenge is to better inform Americans about who he is. I expect that he will make it clear he is a man of strong faith, and most will see we share the same values and vision for our country. His wonderful Reaganesque communication skills should enable him to explain his positions on all issues. And most importantly, his true record of achievement needs to be made clear to Americans in the face of the inevitable obfuscation that marks our political process.

There’s plenty of time for this. And when the dust settles next year, I believe that Americans — veterans and non-veterans alike — will embrace this remarkable man to be our next commander in chief.

John McCain will always remain a hero. But Mitt Romney should be our next President.

Michael Moffett is a professor at NHTI-Concord. He is a member of The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Moffett served as a Marine lieutenant colonel infantry officer during Desert Storm and later served on Gen. Tommy Franks’ operations staff at United States Central Command.

(the top photograph of Governor Romney was made by Lieutenant Colonel Martin Moerschell, USAF, via Department of Defense)

To our military men and women serving in America and abroad: We know many of you are visiting this site from places like Kuwait, Iraq, the Philippines, Afghanistan, etc. If you would like to submit a statement as to why you have decided to support Governor Romney for President, please send the email statement to me directly from your military email address, with permission to publish the statement, and I will post it in this blog. If you wish to remain anonymous, I will honor that as long as you send the email from your military email address. Please provide information about yourself such as rank, line of service (Army, Navy…), current service location, hometown, name, etc. Send me a photograph if you like and I will post it as well.

Most of all, on behalf of this blog’s contributors and all Romney supporters and visitors to this site, we honor you. We thank you for your service and the sacrifices you and your families are making for us. God bless you during this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. You are in the personal and family prayers of millions of Americans.

Please pass along my email address to those with whom you serve who would like to submit a statement as to why they plan to support and vote for Governor Romney as our next Commander in Chief. Please submit your statement and photograph (optional) to —–> vic.lundquist@gmail.com

~ Vic

“We sleep peacefully at night, cradled by the big strong hands of America.”

– Val Saintsbury

“Our great modern Republic. May those who seek the blessings of its institutions and the protection of its flag remember the obligations they impose.”

– Ulysses S. Grant

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By Robert D. Novak

TOWNHALL.COM

Folks, you heard it here first. I predicted back in June, 2007, when the “No Illegal Alien Left Behind” bill when down in flames, that John McCain WAS DONE!!

He will no doubt try to relive the faded glory from his 2000 New Hampshire campaign, but he is done. While I very much respect his service to his country, my comments here are strictly limited to his political positions. Great American patriot? Absolutely! The right man with the right policies for America’s future? Not so much.

OUT OF IOWA

“Sen. John McCain soon will consider opting out of the Jan. 3 Iowa presidential caucuses to take the sting out of a probable fifth-place finish there.

McCain skipped Iowa in 2000 while nearly seizing the presidential nomination from heavily favored George W. Bush. But when McCain was the early front-runner for 2008, it was decided he would contest the state this time.

The rationale for leaving Iowa now would be total concentration on the subsequent New Hampshire primary. Although McCain defeated Bush by landslide proportions in New Hampshire eight years ago, he did so with overwhelming support from independents who are likely to vote in the Democratic primary this time. continued…”

~~John Cronin~~
Post Date:November 17, 2007,

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As usual Governor Romney delivers another stunning speech. He hits on the key points that need to be addressed in this country, as well as taking on the problems from within the party. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY’S REMARKS AT THE MACKINAC REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Governor Romney’s Remarks At The Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference (As Prepared For Delivery):

“It’s good to be back home in Mackinac. One of the things I like best is that there are no cars on the island. Unfortunately, that’s Al Gore’s vision for all of America.
“I spent a few great summers here – up in that big white home on the hill. We need to get a Republican family back in there again. And we need to keep a Republican family in the White House in Washington as well!

“I don’t have to tell you that my Dad made a mark on Michigan. And he made a mark on me. And I guess that is at the heart of things; he’s a big part of why I’m running for President today. In 1957, when he was the President of American Motors, he gave a speech in which he reported the following conversation:
“‘My nine year old son’ – that would be me – ‘came home from school and said “Mom, we really build the best cars, don’t we?”‘
“She said, ‘Why Mitt, of course we do. Why do you ask?’
“‘Well, if we build the best cars, why is it that less than three percent of the people agree with us?’
“After my Dad heard of this conversation, he took me aside and said, ‘Look, Mitt, size doesn’t always indicate strength and popularity doesn’t always indicate truth, and sales volume doesn’t always indicate value.’
“And then he added: ‘Right always prevails.’
“Quite a Dad, teaching lessons like that to his nine year old son. Lessons I have taken to heart.
“Now, a few years older, as I have looked at the history of this nation, I have become convinced that right does indeed prevail. America has faced and overcome great challenges. These have become defining moments, inflection points, where the course of our history has changed.
“I believe that we are at an inflection point today. Forces of globalization, the emergence of new economic powerhouses like China and India, and the spread of radical violent Jihad have created a perfect storm that will change the course of our nation. And, we face unprecedented challenges in securing our borders, protecting the family, creating new jobs and achieving energy security.
“The people of this great nation have always taken a hand in shaping our own destiny. I believe the American people will rise to the occasion once again, as we have always done before. But at this critical time in our nation’s history, Washington is failing us.

“I think we’d have to admit that the blame doesn’t all belong to the Democrats. We Republicans have to put our own house in order. We can’t be like Democrats – a party of big spenders. We can’t pretend our borders are secure from illegal immigration. We can’t have ethical standards that are a punch line for Jay Leno. When Republicans act like Democrats, America loses.
“We’ve got to start acting like Republicans, not earmarking Republicans, not big government Republicans, but like Reagan Republicans and Teddy Roosevelt Republicans. They led us along the right course.
“It’s time for us to show the confidence my Dad had that right will always prevail.
“It’s time for change in Washington and change begins with us.
“Republicans for Change believe in small government. Governments should be restrained so that the freedoms and vitality of individuals and enterprises can be unleashed. Compared to free markets and free enterprises, government is slow to act, wasteful, duplicative, bureaucratic, inefficient, ineffective, and unresponsive. Have I left anything out? Other than that, government isn’t all bad.

If you haven’t seen Governor Romney’s ad in regards to the previous comments, here it is again…

“Hillary Clinton fundamentally doesn’t trust the private sector. Of course not, she’s never worked in the private sector, except to sue people. So when she sees a problem in the marketplace, she naturally thinks more government and higher taxes are the solution. She sees the problems in healthcare, for example, and proposes more government. With her plan, patients would have to get used to hearing these words: ‘The bureaucrat will see you now.’ The right answer is less government, less regulation, more individual responsibility, and more of the market dynamics that propel the rest of our economy. This is why I predict that HillaryCare version 2.0 will meet the same fate as version one: ignominious defeat.

Here is a video with Governor Romney’s remarks in regard to HillaryCare 2.0

“Republicans for Change like small government.
“Republicans for Change are also fiscally responsible. We refuse to charge our children and grandchildren for our excessive spending. Even in Massachusetts facing a nearly $3 billion budget gap, the legislature and I balanced the budget every year and replenished the rainy day fund, without raising taxes and without raising our borrowing cap. Now it’s Washington’s turn to do the same. If I am elected President, I will cap non-military discretionary spending at inflation less one percent. If I get appropriations above that amount, I will veto them. And I like vetoes. I’ve vetoed hundreds of items already. Let’s put some fresh ink in the Presidential veto pen!

“Here in Michigan, Governor Granholm has taken this state to the brink. By not restructuring state programs and by not shrinking government, she has precipitated a Hobbesian choice – raise taxes or shut down government. If you like what Governor Granholm has done to Michigan, you’ll love what a President Hillary Clinton would do to America. Let’s make sure America doesn’t make the same mistake Michigan made last November!

“Republicans for Change believe in strength. We know that the best foe against tyrants and the best ally peace has ever known is a strong America. We will strengthen the military with more troops, better armament, and better care for our veterans. We will also strengthen our economy with lower taxes and energy security. And we will strengthen the American family. There is no work more important to the future of America than the work that goes on within the four walls of the American home. The American family is the foundation upon which this country’s greatness has been built, but it is a foundation in need of shoring up.

“Republicans for Change know how to run a tight ship. The Katrina clean-up didn’t look like Republicans were in charge. We need to bring more accountability back to Washington. You have heard of the sub-prime credit crisis. Well, there’s a government agency that’s supposed to prevent problems like that from occurring, warning consumers, warning lenders. But they didn’t do their job. And do you know what will happen? Congress will give them more money. Do you know what should happen? Heads should roll.

“Republicans for Change have high ethical standards. I’m tired of hearing Washington officials remind us that everyone makes mistakes. Yes, but not everyone is a Congressman or a Senator or a President. They asked for this job and asked for our trust. They represent the American people. They are held up before our children. We expect higher standards of ethical conduct from Washington. We expect our elected officials to be good role models, not bad examples – thank you President Bush for restoring personal integrity and dignity to the White House. And I can guarantee you, Ann and I will do nothing that would embarrass the people of America!

“Presidents lead by example. And so, if I’m elected President, one of my first acts will be to issue an Executive Order prohibiting the immediate family of my Cabinet and Senior Staff from lobbying the Executive Branch. The standard for high ethical conduct has to be set at the top.

“Republicans for Change are respectful and civil. We will work with good Democrats, Democrats who also love America, to change Washington and confront the new generation of challenges we face. The political atmosphere in Washington has become so toxic, we are in danger of weakening ourselves from within. America needs unifying leadership. I’ve found that we can find common ground with Democrats from time to time. I love what Ronald Reagan said ‘It’s not that liberals are ignorant, it’s just that what they know is wrong!’
“Well, we can teach them now and then, and when we do, America wins.

“Republicans for Change aren’t afraid to tackle big problems. None is greater than the spread of radical, violent Jihadism. John Edwards says there is no War on Terror – it’s just a bumper sticker. Tell that to the people of Indonesia, Malaysia and Bali. Tell that to the people of Tanzania, Kenya and Spain. Tell that to the people of London, Washington and New York City. There is a war being waged against us by the terrorists for the future of our civilization, and if I am president, the war against the terrorists will be won!
“Let’s not forget that our President has kept us safe these last six years. And it has not been easy. He fought for the Patriot Act. He listened when al-Qaeda was plotting. He interrogated terrorists. When Khalid Sheik Mohammad, the so-called mastermind of 9/11 was captured, he told his captors, ‘I’ll see you in New York with my lawyers.’ That didn’t happen. Instead, he saw GI’s and CIA interrogators at Guantanamo, and that’s just the way it ought to be!

“Republicans for Change fight to protect the family. The family is under attack. Our children need to be taught that before they have babies, they need to get married. Out-of-wedlock childbirth should once again be out of fashion.
“There are different kinds of families, many doing a heroic job under difficult circumstances. The ideal setting for raising a child is and will always be where there is a mother and a father. Some liberal judges don’t see it that way. That is why it is time for a federal amendment that defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman!
“After the Columbine school shooting, Peggy Noonan wrote that our kids are swimming in an ocean of filth – pornography, sex, violence, perversion. The boys who did the shooting, she said, had drunk too deep of the polluted water. It’s time to clean up the water our kids are swimming in. I will make sure every home computer has an easy to engage filter to keep filth out of our homes. I want to enforce our obscenity laws. And for those who use the internet to find children for their perverted abuse, I say, ‘One Strike and You’re Ours!’ You’ll be facing a long prison sentence, and when you get out, a GPS tracking device for the rest of your life.

“Republicans for Change aren’t afraid to talk about faith. We recognize the hand of the Creator in the founding of our nation. We will fight to keep the words ‘under God’ in the Pledge of Allegiance. Have you seen the new dollar coin? ‘In God We Trust’ has been moved. It’s not on the face of the coin anymore, it’s on the edge – virtually invisible, just like the ACLU wants Him to be. I will go to work to get God back on the front of our coin!

“I will fight to make sure our future is not defined by the letters ‘ACLU,’ but by the letters ‘USA.’
“Republicans for Change are patriotic. We love the flag. We say the pledge. We tell soldiers in the airport, ‘Thank you for your service, for your sacrifice.’ And when a Republican says ‘We support our troops,’ it comes from the heart.
“Have you noticed what happens at the Olympics when someone wins the gold medal? Athletes from other countries ascend the medal stand, and they high-five and celebrate while their country’s anthem is played. But Americans place their hand on their heart and they sing the words to the Star Spangled Banner.
“I don’t know where our tradition of placing our hand over our heart during the national anthem came from. I imagine that it is a sign of love – for our flag, for America, for freedom. And it is something more – our hand covers our heart to show our appreciation for the patriots who have shed their blood for our freedom. ‘O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life.’
“American patriotism is why I am convinced this nation will always prevail as the greatest hope of the earth.
“America faces unprecedented challenges, a virtual perfect storm buffeting the pillars of our strength. The course of our history will change. And for America to remain the great nation it has always been, it will look to Republicans for leadership.

“At the beginning of my remarks, I told you about that speech my Dad gave a half-century ago. In it, he quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the great American philosophers, who said, ‘There is no weakness except from within, and the only unsurmountable barrier is our own inherent weakness of purpose.’
“That was true then, and it’s true now. It’s why change must begin with us.
“Now is the time, this is the place, for Republicans to stand together – to stand for Republican principles.
“Now is the time, this is the place, for the campaign of change to move boldly forward.
“Now is the time, this is the place for Republicans to lead America in strength, in faith, in family, in what is right. For right will always prevail.
“Thank you, and God bless you.”

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