comMITTed to Romney!

I was talking with a friend this evening. He’s a McCain supporter. Where I ended up is that I would find McCain marginally acceptable (gritting teeth now…), except that his conduct during this campaign toward Mitt, I find completely unacceptable. Tonights debate really reinforced that for me.

I found this Newsmax article by Ronald Kessler from July 5, 2006 entitled “McCain’s Out-of-Control Anger: Does He Have the Temperament to Be President?” It makes a very comprehensive case that McCain does not have the temperament to be President.

Read it all, but here are a few key excerpts:

McCain’s outbursts often erupted when other members rebuffed his requests for support during his bid in 2000 for the Republican nomination for president. A former Senate staffer recalled what happened when McCain asked for support from a fellow Republican senator on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

“The senator explained that he had already committed to support George Bush,” the former Senate staffer said. “McCain said ‘f— you’ and never spoke to him again.”

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“McCain used the f-word,” the former senator said. “McCain called the guy a ‘sh–head.’ The senator demanded an apology. McCain stood up and said, ‘I apologize, but you’re still a sh–head.’ That was in front of 40 to 50 Republican senators. That sort of thing happened frequently.”

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But only a few news outlets, like the Phoenix New Times in Arizona and the National Journal, that ran an Associated Press story reporting McCain’s 1998 joke suggesting that Chelsea Clinton was ugly and Janet Reno and Hillary Clinton were lesbians.

“Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?” McCain said at a GOP fund-raiser in Washington. “Because Janet Reno is her father.”

There is a lot more…read the whole thing.

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Great article from Ronald Kessler over at Newsmax on why Mitt is the best candidate. The whole thing is worth a read.

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Dean Barnett of the Weekly Standard writes an insightful piece drawing an analogy between the Huck-a-boom and Pat Buchannan’s 1986 run against Bob Dole. I recommend reading it all, but here are some key excerpts:

Mike Huckabee is this cycle’s Pat Buchanan. A lot of Republicans wanted to believe that he was the answer to the flawed deck of frontrunners that the political gods have dealt us. I can’t honestly say I was ever rooting for Huckabee, but a month ago I expected him to win the nomination. All he had to do was come across as a credible commander-in-chief for the five weeks leading up to Iowa and he would have pulled it off.

But Huckabee went the Buchanan route. Rather than assure the Republican electorate that he was more than a one trick pony who could speak beautifully on social issues and spiritual concerns, he doubled down on his pastor side. Perhaps with good cause. When he ventured opinions about serious policy matters outside his comfort zone, especially regarding global affairs, he showed an ignorance that was quite frankly stunning for someone who had the audacity to seek the presidency at a time of war.

And there’s also Huckabee’s past. Every politician has a past–issues he flip-flopped on or positions he took that his party dislikes. But Huckabee’s past has caused Republicans to remember the Arkansas mores that drove us nuts during the Clinton years. Seemingly every day, another piece of, er, stuff, hits the fan. Over the weekend, it came out that Huckabee received $35,000 in honoraria in 2006 from a company that does stem cell research, the very same company that social conservatives blasted Mitt Romney over because his blind trust had invested in it. Huckabee’s take of $35,000 from the stem cell researchers was but a small sliver of the roughly $378,000 in outside fees that Huckabee raked in during his final year as Arkansas’ governor. Too bad he didn’t have Hillary Clinton’s facility with commodities trading–such a skill probably would have made things easier for Huckabee.

Barnett goes on to predict that Romney will win Iowa and that he will be able to seal the nomination if he can sieze the moment and deliver a serious, substantive speech that sets him above the rest of the field.

Barnett cites Ronald Regan’s famous 1976 “A Time for Choosing” speech as an example of the type of speech Mitt must follow. As I watched it (embedded below), I was struck at how relevant his words remain to our current geo-political situation.

I was also struck by how much it reminded me of a certain other Conservative Republican candidate for the Presidency…

Mitt’s speech at CPAC remains one of his best. It helped cement my support for Mitt Romney in the early days of the campaign. It feels like an eternity since he first delivered it back in March. If you haven’t seen it, please watch it. If you’ve seen it before, it is well worth watching again.

This is, indeed, a time for choosing. Choose Mitt!

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Today, Stephen left a comment at this post, an excerpt of which is placed just below. Many times this year I have marveled, along with many others, how those who are so intent on criticizing Governor Romney, stoop to nursery level language. For instance, what do they mean when they say Governor Romney is too perfect? How many times have I read or heard that in the MSM? Maybe 200 times? Or that he is too rehearsed, or too handsome, or too presidential? What are they really saying?

I don’t believe they are saying they prefer a President that lacks important character strengths as did President Clinton. Or that he should have blind spots in his core principles or values as it appears that Senator Clinton has. In today’s world of supreme cynics and skeptics, how would a person be received by the cynical among us if that candidate were in fact “the real deal“, the best candidate of all candidates?

Probably exactly as Governor Romney is being received today.

I think Stephen’s comment is spot-on with regard to this matter:

[emphasis below is mine]

What is interesting is the complicity, by many, who permit baseless, or religious based assertions to pass without even equal questioning as to the foundation of such remarks. It reminds me of the brilliance of a small group of men that founded this nation. That with startling clarity they could look ahead into the future and write documents that would be relevant, even to these times.

Perhaps, it is because man’s nature doesn’t change. Man has to makes a series of choices that determine how he acts. Each choice is based on a set of principles, whether the principle is good, partially good or founded on any diminishing variation, thereof.

I think in part why some do not care for Romney is because he reminds them of what they are not. He has made many good choices for himself and used the opportunities afforded to him. He is a mirror that either reflects aspirations, to others struggling to do better, or a counterpoint of what some want but haven’t or are unwilling to sacrifice to earn.

To evaluate anyone, or even Romney requires humility. Recognizing certain gifts within someone say a well developed intelligence or virtues. Especially, in a society where competition is a large part of how we operate, cheering or recognizing someone based on their merits means giving credit where credit is due.

Merit, ideally should win out. Unfortunately many because of their ambition that is based on power, envy and other less virtuous traits regularly discard ideals. A combination that produces only limited success.

Romney is running a campaign based on his merits. He challenges people to look at his record. Many do and when they compare their record it pales to what he has done. Hence the focus on his religion; his accolades are glossed over, repeatedly. Others look and cheer him on, even if he isn’t there candidate, acknowledging what he has achieved and competing with him on ideas and their own record. Romney tries to represent and I believe does so for the most part of what is good about these United States. His actions bear this out as many have seconded. He reminds me of what is good about America. He is reminding all of us of the importance of what the Constitution offer each of us and why it matters.

Like you my hope is that Romney will have the opportunity to give back to this nation in ways he is qualified to do.

Governor Romney’s opponents, especially the more liberal among them, will continue their attempt to find fault where there is none, through false accusation and baseless comments, intended to introduce doubt. Governor Romney will continue to take the high road and allow these others to wallow among themselves. The great statesmen of history have always received baseless criticism of the shortsighted.

I have great faith in the American people that they will understand the source of such criticism. Governor Romney should wear it as a badge of honor, any liberal or quasi-liberal fault-finding.

~ Vic

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As I write this, it is midnight, Christmas morning. I understand the risk of undertaking any post of any subject which does not involve Jesus Christ, whose birth, and the celebration of it, makes this day sacred above all other days of the year among all Christians. I would never intentionally detract from the great meaning of this day. Please forgive me if you think I have.

My mind has turned to the events of this year many times this last week. Ironies abound involving Governor Romney. If no person had ever mentioned his religion, he himself would not have. And yet, many who profess a belief in Jesus Christ, have spoken and published many vile and offensive things about Romney, his beliefs, and his faith. Intending to represent fully all peoples of America, of all walks of life, Governor Romney has set out a vision of America that is optimistic above all — while others have tried in vain to narrow his vision to their preconceived notions, obviously reflecting their prejudices. Not-so-veiled prejudice aside, Romney, the statesman, has diligently set out to lead as a man of values, by example. Those who cannot stand on their character and public record, attempt to convert the seeking of the highest office of the land, into a sectarian pursuit. These blame others for their failings, while at the same time use guilt to coerce support from those of their same religion. Hence, those of the mainstream media marvel at how religion has been so pervasive in the national debate, and yet it is they who have been the conduits and facilitators of the base; the vile; the sectarian.

Frankly, I am disgusted by the MSM, and so-called people of faith, who readily deride the person of Governor Romney, his character, and his religion. And what has he done in the midst of the unrelenting cascade of criticism this year? He smiles and takes it. He dismisses it as just part of the process. What does Mr. Huckabee do with much less criticism of his faith over a shorter period of time? Be blames others as liars and diverts attention through constant excuse.

Earlier this year (February I think), I wrote this statement in support of Governor Romney. In it, I list ten prominent strengths or attributes, the first of which is that he is a statesman. Any person running for public office can easily be dismissed as a mere politician. Even those we now hold up in history as statesmen can be viewed as politicians if we so choose. But those whom we know to be great leaders, such as Washington, Lincoln, Churchill, Reagan, and Thatcher (among others), are undeniably considered statesmen today. Though Mitt Romney has yet to be proven as a head of state, I strongly believe that he is of the mold of the great statesmen of modern democracies.

Many great things happened in the early days of this nation, founded and led by great statesmen — patriots all. Perhaps greatest of all statesmen America has ever known is Washington. In the dark days of 1783, Washington addressed just over a handful of the members of Congress who decided to show up at the Annapolis State House to relinquish power:

Addressing this scandal-tarred enemy, Washington drew a speech from his coat pocket and unfolded it with trembling hands. “Mr. President,” he began in a low, strained voice. “The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I now have the honor of offering my sincere congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.”

Washington went on to express his gratitude for the support of “my countrymen” and the “army in general.” This reference to his soldiers ignited feelings so intense, he had to grip the speech with both hands to keep it steady. He continued: “I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God and those who have the superintendence of them \[Congress\] to his holy keeping.”

For a long moment, Washington could not say another word. Tears streamed down his cheeks. The words touched a vein of religious faith in his inmost soul, born of battlefield experiences that had convinced him of the existence of a caring God who had protected him and his country again and again during the war. Without this faith he might never have been able to endure the frustrations and rage he had experienced in the previous eight months.

The above excerpt was taken from this outstanding article, which I highly recommend reading in its entirety:

CHRISTMAS PAST — Washington’s Gift — Our revolution could have ended in despotism, like so many others — BY THOMAS FLEMING — Tuesday, December 25, 2007

In a separate article published this month of December, it states in part:

After American independence was secured, King George III asked an American, “What will George Washington do now?” He was told: “I expect he will go back to his farm.” The King commented, in frank admiration: “If he does that, he will be the greatest man on earth.” And that is what he did.

This excerpt was taken from the December issue of Imprimis which has a readership of over 1,500,000:

IMPRIMIS — Heroes: What Great Statesmen Have to Teach Us — By Paul Johnson — December 2007

I honestly believe Mitt Romney is of the mold of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Pundits of all stripes will continue to deride him as they did of Washington and Lincoln in their days.

My disgust at this year’s treatment of Governor Romney by the MSM, his competitors and their surrogates, and pundits in general is overshadowed by the example of hope exhibited by Governor Romney himself. Never once has he shown any sign of discouragement, let alone disappointment. To the contrary; he has been unyielding in his hope for America, always conveying that hope with sincere optimism — with a broad smile even! In his introduction of Governor Romney earlier this month at the beginning of his “Faith in America” speech, President Bush said something to the effect:

“I knew well Mitt Romney’s father George Romney. I consider him to be the father of volunteerism in America . . . “

It is now well known that Governor Romney is the product of a family heritage of giving service to others. Even a legacy in which service to one’s fellow human being is an expectation that transcends mere ideal. He is not the typical politician, contrary to what any pundit tells us today. Only history will judge whether Governor Romney is the statesman that I and many others know him to be. My goal is to do whatever I can to help elect the only statesman in the race today. It is my hope that Americans in general will see through the fog of the caucus and primary season to reject the politicians whose ambitions drive them, primarily for power.

Merry Christmas to all!

~ Vic

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