We saw The Iron Lady Sunday before the Golden Globes. Meryl Streep’s performance was truly a tour d’force, as one has come to expect from the great actress. Harvey Weinstein for the second year in a row has a success based on Great Britain. Last year’s was The King’s Speech.
One review had it totally right though. It’s sad to see a movie on the great Prime Minister looking at her from the perspective of her current dementia. It would be just as wrong to review President Reagan’s life from the perspective of his dementia. Their greatness should not be eclipsed by their unfortunate age related illness. But it is; and that wasn’t an accident.
So much for the movie; let’s talk about Lady Thatcher herself.
The once despised PM is now rated by the British as their best Prime Minister in the past 30 years. She should join Winston Churchill as the two greatest British prime ministers of the 20th century. The country has a history of great leaders, in which they justly hold their own.
Churchill saved Great Britain’s independence and Thatcher England’s economy.
Both became Prime Minister in times of great peril. Hitler was poised to conquer England, and the unions were destroying the Thatcher's Great Britain. History tells us today that a number of England's leaders were willing to seek peace with Hitler.
Churchill and Thatcher rallied the English people through their strength of will.
Thatcher’s problem was partially the mess created by Labour when it assumed power after World War II and nationalized industry, especially heavy industry. Her solution was to close down unprofitable mines, privatize the public businesses, and bust the unions - all at a time of rising inflation and unemployment. She had the “silent majority” of the British people behind her. They had enough of the union thuggery.
The economic medicine was severe. Unemployment rose to 3 million, but the economy turned around. The unions fought every inch of the way, throwing strike after strike at public services. The Iron Lady, so named by the Russians, did not give an inch.
She won, England won; the unions lost. She broke them. They never regained their
power, not even under a subsequent Labour government. She had the cajones many of the male politicians lacked.
The middle class daughter of a grocer fought for everything she achieved. The first, and still only, woman PM of England did not achieve success by birth or inheritance.
She fought for it. Neither the unions, an Argentine Junta, Saddam Hussein ("Don’t go wobbly, George") or European socialists would cower her. Appeasement neither suited her nor Churchill.
Here’s the question. Who is today's America’s Iron Lady or Ronald Reagan?
The public employee unions, as represented by their actions in Wisconsin, and control over the California political system, are bankrupting states and local government.
Who will take them on?
It’s certainly not President Obama or Governor Jerry Brown of California.
Governor Romney seems eager to veer his views with the winds. We saw that earlier with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Governors Christie, Kasich, Palin, and Walker aren’t running.
Who will be America’s Margaret Thatcher?
It has to be either Speaker Gingrich or Senator Santorum.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
It's Too Early to Annoint Governor Romney
Don’t Anoint Governor Romney Yet
Governor Romney received 25% of the caucus in Iowa, and either won Iowa by 8 votes or lost by 20. He won a convincing 40% of the New Hampshire primary.
These two victories gave him 25 delegates, out of the 1,144 needed for the Republican nomination. He’s only 1119 delegates short of clinching the nomination.
He won’t capture them in South Carolina or Florida. The process will go on through Super Tuesday, perhaps all the way to the Convention.
The Republicans changed the rules this year. The state results are not winner take all, but proportionate. Theoretically, the contest could go into the Convention if a conservative opponent to the Governor catches fire with the voters, and both fall short of a majority.
The Governor is obviously in the best position to win, with the strongest organization and financial resources. He has the fire in the belly, and will engage in negative campaigning to win. He has the endorsements. Karl Rove is singing his praises, but the conservative base of the party doesn’t want him. RomneyCare nullifies the strong Republican campaign against ObamaCare.
Gingrich, Huntsman, Perry, Santorum cannot all survive South Carolina and Florida.
As the non - Paul candidates drop out one by one, the surviving conservative, perhaps Senator Santorum, will narrow the race to essentially a one on one, discounting the 15% Ron Paul vote.
The Governor proved last week that even the brightest, most disciplined candidate will utter a gaffe during a long campaign. His quote “I like to fire people” will be taken out of context, especially coupled with the Bain ads. It occurred too short before the New Hampshire primary, and hence was a non-factor. It’s not going away.
Of course he meant that when people and companies provide poor service, we fire them.
Governor Romney has yet to craft an effective response to the Bain ads or the questions about RomneyCare. He's vulnerable.
The advent of the SuperPacs means candidates are not as dependent as in past years on direct political contributions. If the funding dried up, the candidate was out.
Not now. These “independent” campaigns can keep a candidate in the race. Governor
Howard Dean paved the way for low cost internet contributions.
Finally, the media simply cannot stand the possibility of neither a heated Democratic or Republican primary season. They will keep the race going.
Governor Romney’s success partially depends upon Congressman Paul remaining in the race. The Congressman makes the Governor appear much more moderate and reasonable to the general electorate. In addition, his presence precludes a unified “Block Romney” candidate, making Governor Romney’s plurality wins seem larger than they are.
Speaker Gingrich will probably shoot himself in the mouth again. Governor Huntsman has little traction, and is even more moderate than Governor Romney. Governor Perry is still trying to make a second first impression.
That leaves Senator Santorum, who delivers warmth in his speeches.
If not Romney, then Santorum or a brokered convention.
Just don’t anoint the Governor, at least not yet.
Governor Romney received 25% of the caucus in Iowa, and either won Iowa by 8 votes or lost by 20. He won a convincing 40% of the New Hampshire primary.
These two victories gave him 25 delegates, out of the 1,144 needed for the Republican nomination. He’s only 1119 delegates short of clinching the nomination.
He won’t capture them in South Carolina or Florida. The process will go on through Super Tuesday, perhaps all the way to the Convention.
The Republicans changed the rules this year. The state results are not winner take all, but proportionate. Theoretically, the contest could go into the Convention if a conservative opponent to the Governor catches fire with the voters, and both fall short of a majority.
The Governor is obviously in the best position to win, with the strongest organization and financial resources. He has the fire in the belly, and will engage in negative campaigning to win. He has the endorsements. Karl Rove is singing his praises, but the conservative base of the party doesn’t want him. RomneyCare nullifies the strong Republican campaign against ObamaCare.
Gingrich, Huntsman, Perry, Santorum cannot all survive South Carolina and Florida.
As the non - Paul candidates drop out one by one, the surviving conservative, perhaps Senator Santorum, will narrow the race to essentially a one on one, discounting the 15% Ron Paul vote.
The Governor proved last week that even the brightest, most disciplined candidate will utter a gaffe during a long campaign. His quote “I like to fire people” will be taken out of context, especially coupled with the Bain ads. It occurred too short before the New Hampshire primary, and hence was a non-factor. It’s not going away.
Of course he meant that when people and companies provide poor service, we fire them.
Governor Romney has yet to craft an effective response to the Bain ads or the questions about RomneyCare. He's vulnerable.
The advent of the SuperPacs means candidates are not as dependent as in past years on direct political contributions. If the funding dried up, the candidate was out.
Not now. These “independent” campaigns can keep a candidate in the race. Governor
Howard Dean paved the way for low cost internet contributions.
Finally, the media simply cannot stand the possibility of neither a heated Democratic or Republican primary season. They will keep the race going.
Governor Romney’s success partially depends upon Congressman Paul remaining in the race. The Congressman makes the Governor appear much more moderate and reasonable to the general electorate. In addition, his presence precludes a unified “Block Romney” candidate, making Governor Romney’s plurality wins seem larger than they are.
Speaker Gingrich will probably shoot himself in the mouth again. Governor Huntsman has little traction, and is even more moderate than Governor Romney. Governor Perry is still trying to make a second first impression.
That leaves Senator Santorum, who delivers warmth in his speeches.
If not Romney, then Santorum or a brokered convention.
Just don’t anoint the Governor, at least not yet.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
But First, and Foremost It's Michigan
From Appalachian State to Virginia Tech, the five year fog at Michigan lifted.
Think of the ride the 15 fifth year seniors have been on, starting their careers with the tragic 34-32 loss to Appalachian State with the Mountaineers blocking 2 Michigan field goal attempts at the end of the game.
Michigan is Michigan again. Brady Hoke willed the players into believing in themselves. How else can you explain an abysmal field goal kicker of last year 1/5, going 13 of 17 this year, including three in the Sugar Bowl with the final one being the game winner in overtime. No clutching this year. Brady Hoke even said a few days ago that he had confidence in the kicker. Field goals won this year.
Brady Hoke was clear in assuming the helm of the Michigan Wolverines football team.
When questioned about the past few years, he replied “I mean, we’re Michigan.” At another event, he said “But first, and foremost it’s Michigan.”
He made it clear: Michigan is Michigan. You play for Michigan, for the team, for toughness, for integrity. The seniors lead the team. He drilled MICHIGAN, the game’s winningest program, into the players, disabusing them of any memories of the past three years.
Call his attitude “arrogance” if you want, but arrogance can instill confidence.
Confidence built over the season with game after game. The critical game was Notre Dame, when the Fighting Irish snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Toughness won, with the help of Denard Robinson. As you win, as you begin to believe in yourself You go into games knowing you will win. The Oakland raiders in the days of John Madden always found a way to win. “Just win baby” Al Davis said, and win they did.
Michigan in recent years entered the Ohio State game hoping to win. Ohio State knew it would win – 7 straight years. Not this year.
Brady Hoke also knew that defense wins games.
The Michigan defense last year ranked 110 in the nation out of 120 teams – 16th this year. Last year’s coach whose name shall not be mentioned said “Vince Lombardi could come in and not fix the problems on defense.” Greg Mattison fixed them.
Michigan’s defense bent, but did not break against Virginia Tech. twice in the red zone, the Hokies had to settled for field goals. On a third occasion, they turned the ball over by failing to gain a first down on 4th and 1. That is defense- Michigan defense.
Michigan played a horrific offensive game Tuesday night. Robinson ran 13 times for 13 yards, Fitzgerald for only 30 yards. The Hokies of Virginia Tech outgained Michigan 377 yards to 184. They controlled the clock for 37 minutes compared to 23 for Michigan. They gained 22 first downs to the Wolverines 12.
The only statistic that matters is the final score, 23-20 Michigan.
The football gods smiled on Michigan. Several times this year the breaks went for Michigan, unlike recent years. Jump balls on sloppy passes went for touchdowns. Robinson’s passes that should have been intercepted were not. The season hanged on miraculous catches by Junior Hemingway, Jeremy Gallon, and Roy Roundtree.
You make your breaks. Play hard, play tough, play disciplined, believe in yourself, and good things can happen.
Indeed, Virginia State was betrayed by Beamerball. Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech teams have thrived on special teams for a quarter century. The Hokies’ special teams failed 4 times, costing them the game: failed fake punt, fumbled kickoff return, roughing Michigan’s punted when the Wolverines had been stopped, and finally missing the field goal in overtime.
The football gods are not always fair to great coaches. Bo never won the national title, and Frank Beamer is but 1-4 in BCS games. The Big ten ended up 4-6 in bowl games this year, but the ACC is only 2-13 in BCS games.
Michigan finished the season 11-2 with a bowl victory. The most optimistic prediction was 8-4. Victories over Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech were not predicted.
Brady Hoke coached San Diego State last year in the Poinsettia Bowl. This year he won the Sugar Bowl with Michigan.
The slide began with 2 blocked field goals by special teams. The miasma lifted with three field goals by the special teams.
The circle is complete. Michigan is back.
Think of the ride the 15 fifth year seniors have been on, starting their careers with the tragic 34-32 loss to Appalachian State with the Mountaineers blocking 2 Michigan field goal attempts at the end of the game.
Michigan is Michigan again. Brady Hoke willed the players into believing in themselves. How else can you explain an abysmal field goal kicker of last year 1/5, going 13 of 17 this year, including three in the Sugar Bowl with the final one being the game winner in overtime. No clutching this year. Brady Hoke even said a few days ago that he had confidence in the kicker. Field goals won this year.
Brady Hoke was clear in assuming the helm of the Michigan Wolverines football team.
When questioned about the past few years, he replied “I mean, we’re Michigan.” At another event, he said “But first, and foremost it’s Michigan.”
He made it clear: Michigan is Michigan. You play for Michigan, for the team, for toughness, for integrity. The seniors lead the team. He drilled MICHIGAN, the game’s winningest program, into the players, disabusing them of any memories of the past three years.
Call his attitude “arrogance” if you want, but arrogance can instill confidence.
Confidence built over the season with game after game. The critical game was Notre Dame, when the Fighting Irish snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Toughness won, with the help of Denard Robinson. As you win, as you begin to believe in yourself You go into games knowing you will win. The Oakland raiders in the days of John Madden always found a way to win. “Just win baby” Al Davis said, and win they did.
Michigan in recent years entered the Ohio State game hoping to win. Ohio State knew it would win – 7 straight years. Not this year.
Brady Hoke also knew that defense wins games.
The Michigan defense last year ranked 110 in the nation out of 120 teams – 16th this year. Last year’s coach whose name shall not be mentioned said “Vince Lombardi could come in and not fix the problems on defense.” Greg Mattison fixed them.
Michigan’s defense bent, but did not break against Virginia Tech. twice in the red zone, the Hokies had to settled for field goals. On a third occasion, they turned the ball over by failing to gain a first down on 4th and 1. That is defense- Michigan defense.
Michigan played a horrific offensive game Tuesday night. Robinson ran 13 times for 13 yards, Fitzgerald for only 30 yards. The Hokies of Virginia Tech outgained Michigan 377 yards to 184. They controlled the clock for 37 minutes compared to 23 for Michigan. They gained 22 first downs to the Wolverines 12.
The only statistic that matters is the final score, 23-20 Michigan.
The football gods smiled on Michigan. Several times this year the breaks went for Michigan, unlike recent years. Jump balls on sloppy passes went for touchdowns. Robinson’s passes that should have been intercepted were not. The season hanged on miraculous catches by Junior Hemingway, Jeremy Gallon, and Roy Roundtree.
You make your breaks. Play hard, play tough, play disciplined, believe in yourself, and good things can happen.
Indeed, Virginia State was betrayed by Beamerball. Frank Beamer’s Virginia Tech teams have thrived on special teams for a quarter century. The Hokies’ special teams failed 4 times, costing them the game: failed fake punt, fumbled kickoff return, roughing Michigan’s punted when the Wolverines had been stopped, and finally missing the field goal in overtime.
The football gods are not always fair to great coaches. Bo never won the national title, and Frank Beamer is but 1-4 in BCS games. The Big ten ended up 4-6 in bowl games this year, but the ACC is only 2-13 in BCS games.
Michigan finished the season 11-2 with a bowl victory. The most optimistic prediction was 8-4. Victories over Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech were not predicted.
Brady Hoke coached San Diego State last year in the Poinsettia Bowl. This year he won the Sugar Bowl with Michigan.
The slide began with 2 blocked field goals by special teams. The miasma lifted with three field goals by the special teams.
The circle is complete. Michigan is back.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Go See Cal. Go See Cal. Go See Cal get Divorced
Go See Cal. Go See Cal. Go See Cal Get Divorced
Here’s to Cal Worthington, a potential divorcee at 91?
Cal epitomizes the American Dream.
One of 9 children growing up dirt poor in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, he dropped out of school in the Ninth Grade. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corp during the Great Depression, and then became an Army Air Corps pilot of B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II.
He co-piloted the first American bomber over Berlin. He flew 29 missions, and was personally awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the fabled Jimmy Doolittle.
Like many veterans, he found his way to Los Angeles after the war. He bought an auto dealership and then took off.
Southern California boomed, and he saw the potential first in radio and then the nascent TV. Cal is eternal; he is TV’s longest pitchman. He’s been selling cars for over 6 decades, over 1 million new and used vehicles by his estimate. He owned 29 franchises at one time.
There's been disgruntled customers and state false advertising and bait and switch claims, but that's not a bad record over time.
Cal Worthington is the last of the old time iron movers. Earl “Mad Man” Muntz (My wife thinks I’m Mad”) and Ralph Williams (“Ralph Williams here; Do I have deal for you”) went out of business, but Cal prospered.
He had a three hour show, Cal’s Corral, featuring such country western stars as Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, Roy Acuff, and Flatt and Scruggs. The Stetson wearing Cal was the originator for Dodge’s Good Guys in White Hats.
His biggest success came with his ads. A competitor started advertising with “my dog Storm.” Cal responded with his dog “Spot.” Cal and Spot appeared together, but Spot was never a dog. Spot could be a Bengal tiger, lion, bear, gorilla, camel, chicken, rhino, hippo, skunk, boas, and even Baby Shamu.
And he had a ditty : “Go see Cal. Go see Cal. Go see Cal” accompanied by a lyric, such as “Give a new car to your wife, she will love you for all her life.”
He created his own advertising agency, Spot Advertising, which only had one account, Cal Worthington, a clever economic move.
He owns ranches in California, Idaho, and Nevada, and three shopping centers.
His personal life has been just as interesting. He’s been married 4 times, the first
marriage for 37 years, and the second and third for seven years. He has two children from his first and second marriages and one from the third. His children range in age from 10 to 64.
The youngest child makes Cal the fabled figure of estate planning, The Fertile Octogenarian.
And now comes the marriage to wife number 4 in April. She was only 50 years younger than him at 41, hardly robbing the cradle.
Anna Mjoll Olafsdottir, an Icelandic singer living in Los Angeles, filed for divorce seeking spousal support, citing irreconcilable differences. He probably snores at night. He may not have given her a car, not even a Focus. Perhaps he offered spot to Anna.
Cal’s been around the block a few times, so we assume he had a prenuptial, rather than being blinded by love as Sir Paul McCartney was with Heather Mills. In any event, Anna took his name, and now she wants to take his money to be supported in the life style she quickly became accustomed to.
Apparently she could not hold out until Cal croaked. She is no Anna Nicole Smith.
His auto empire in the dismal economy shrunk to a Ford dealership in Long Beach, a Mitsubishi shop in Carlsbad, and both a Ford-Lincoln and Mercedes dealership in Anchorage, but his vital signs remain strong. He's a survivor.
As marriages go, the Worthington-Olafsdottir 8 month marriage falls between Sinead O’Conner’s 4th marriage of 18 days, Kim Kardashian’s 72 day romance, and Katy Perry-Russell Brand of 14 months.
Go see Cal’s divorce.
Here’s to Cal Worthington, a potential divorcee at 91?
Cal epitomizes the American Dream.
One of 9 children growing up dirt poor in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, he dropped out of school in the Ninth Grade. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corp during the Great Depression, and then became an Army Air Corps pilot of B-17 Flying Fortress during World War II.
He co-piloted the first American bomber over Berlin. He flew 29 missions, and was personally awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by the fabled Jimmy Doolittle.
Like many veterans, he found his way to Los Angeles after the war. He bought an auto dealership and then took off.
Southern California boomed, and he saw the potential first in radio and then the nascent TV. Cal is eternal; he is TV’s longest pitchman. He’s been selling cars for over 6 decades, over 1 million new and used vehicles by his estimate. He owned 29 franchises at one time.
There's been disgruntled customers and state false advertising and bait and switch claims, but that's not a bad record over time.
Cal Worthington is the last of the old time iron movers. Earl “Mad Man” Muntz (My wife thinks I’m Mad”) and Ralph Williams (“Ralph Williams here; Do I have deal for you”) went out of business, but Cal prospered.
He had a three hour show, Cal’s Corral, featuring such country western stars as Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Buck Owens, Roy Acuff, and Flatt and Scruggs. The Stetson wearing Cal was the originator for Dodge’s Good Guys in White Hats.
His biggest success came with his ads. A competitor started advertising with “my dog Storm.” Cal responded with his dog “Spot.” Cal and Spot appeared together, but Spot was never a dog. Spot could be a Bengal tiger, lion, bear, gorilla, camel, chicken, rhino, hippo, skunk, boas, and even Baby Shamu.
And he had a ditty : “Go see Cal. Go see Cal. Go see Cal” accompanied by a lyric, such as “Give a new car to your wife, she will love you for all her life.”
He created his own advertising agency, Spot Advertising, which only had one account, Cal Worthington, a clever economic move.
He owns ranches in California, Idaho, and Nevada, and three shopping centers.
His personal life has been just as interesting. He’s been married 4 times, the first
marriage for 37 years, and the second and third for seven years. He has two children from his first and second marriages and one from the third. His children range in age from 10 to 64.
The youngest child makes Cal the fabled figure of estate planning, The Fertile Octogenarian.
And now comes the marriage to wife number 4 in April. She was only 50 years younger than him at 41, hardly robbing the cradle.
Anna Mjoll Olafsdottir, an Icelandic singer living in Los Angeles, filed for divorce seeking spousal support, citing irreconcilable differences. He probably snores at night. He may not have given her a car, not even a Focus. Perhaps he offered spot to Anna.
Cal’s been around the block a few times, so we assume he had a prenuptial, rather than being blinded by love as Sir Paul McCartney was with Heather Mills. In any event, Anna took his name, and now she wants to take his money to be supported in the life style she quickly became accustomed to.
Apparently she could not hold out until Cal croaked. She is no Anna Nicole Smith.
His auto empire in the dismal economy shrunk to a Ford dealership in Long Beach, a Mitsubishi shop in Carlsbad, and both a Ford-Lincoln and Mercedes dealership in Anchorage, but his vital signs remain strong. He's a survivor.
As marriages go, the Worthington-Olafsdottir 8 month marriage falls between Sinead O’Conner’s 4th marriage of 18 days, Kim Kardashian’s 72 day romance, and Katy Perry-Russell Brand of 14 months.
Go see Cal’s divorce.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Senator Rich Santorum - The Tortoise versus The Hare
Can Senator Santorum pull Iowa out?
He’s followed the Jimmy Carter protocol – essentially live in Iowa for a year, introduce yourself to everyone in the state, and campaign in all 98 counties.
Governor Romney’s strategy is based on being the last man standing at the end of the primary season. He has the finances and organization. The Governor is intelligent, articulate, poised, and disciplined. He succeeded in business, is very religious, and is fiscally conservative. He’s a winner – on paper.
He may succeed, knowing the Republicans and independents might have to hold their nose in November, but they will vote for him. He’s not the wrong candidate, but he just doesn’t feel like the right candidate.
He may succeed, but in the meantime the conservatives are desperately seeking salvation in the form of a true conservative. They have carefully scrutinized the candidates, and with the exceptions of Senator Santorum and Governor Huntsman, who is focusing on New Hampshire, they have been found wanting.
Congresswoman Michelle Bachman of Minnesota, a native Iowan, was quick out of the gate. She won the Iowa Straw Poll, but didn’t seem ready for prime time. The media pounced on every gaffe. Her campaign is broke.
Governor Perry of Texas was everyone’s choice until he bombed in the debates (He was recovering from an illness at the time). He has the money to last, but has to overcome the bad first impression.
Herman Cain with his 9-9-9 and folksy approach connected with the Republicans as no one has since Sarah Palin. He was on a roll until overwhelmed by Bimbo eruptions.
Congressman Newt Gingrich would have won three weeks ago. He is widely believed to have won the debates as he clearly focused on President Obama and the issues. He peaked too soon. He may have survived his marital issues, but getting into bed with Fannie and Freddy was too much.
Congressman Ron Paul is from Mars.
So why not Senator Rick Santorum? He hasn’t had his 15 minutes of infamy before the GOP circular firing squad. The former Senator is sufficiently conservative and religious for the Republicans voters. He is pro-life and anti-gay marriage. He is a fiscal conservative. He appeals to both evangelicals and fiscal conservatives. He has spent more time in Iowa than the other contenders.
He only has two major problems in the primaries. First, he lost reelection to the Senate 5 years ago by 18 percent to Bob Casey, Jr., a truly uninspiring candidate.
Second, he heavily endorsed and campaigned for Senator Arlen Specter 7 years ago in the Republican primary when Arlen was challenged by Pat Toomey, a true conservative
Governor Romney is hoping that the Senator and Congressman Ron Paul will be his opponents coming out of Iowa and New Hampshire. Congressman Paul will fall by the wayside, but Senator Santorum could well defeat him.
If the Senator becomes the primary opponent to the Governor, the money will be pouring out of the woodwork for him. There could well be a bandwagon for Senator Santorum.
The Senator’s campaign has been one of the tortoise. He’s proceeded in a slow, steady gait, plugging ahead while the others enjoyed their time in the sun. Nobody noticed him as he campaigned under the radar. He more than held his own in the debates, but wasn’t considered to have a chance. He’s positive with a warm smile.
He will pass the gravitas test.
The Iowa caucuses have sprung many a surprise, introducing candidates to America. Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama rode Iowa to the White House.
Senator Santorum is the last Republican standing against Governor Romney – the tortoise versus the hare.
He’s followed the Jimmy Carter protocol – essentially live in Iowa for a year, introduce yourself to everyone in the state, and campaign in all 98 counties.
Governor Romney’s strategy is based on being the last man standing at the end of the primary season. He has the finances and organization. The Governor is intelligent, articulate, poised, and disciplined. He succeeded in business, is very religious, and is fiscally conservative. He’s a winner – on paper.
He may succeed, knowing the Republicans and independents might have to hold their nose in November, but they will vote for him. He’s not the wrong candidate, but he just doesn’t feel like the right candidate.
He may succeed, but in the meantime the conservatives are desperately seeking salvation in the form of a true conservative. They have carefully scrutinized the candidates, and with the exceptions of Senator Santorum and Governor Huntsman, who is focusing on New Hampshire, they have been found wanting.
Congresswoman Michelle Bachman of Minnesota, a native Iowan, was quick out of the gate. She won the Iowa Straw Poll, but didn’t seem ready for prime time. The media pounced on every gaffe. Her campaign is broke.
Governor Perry of Texas was everyone’s choice until he bombed in the debates (He was recovering from an illness at the time). He has the money to last, but has to overcome the bad first impression.
Herman Cain with his 9-9-9 and folksy approach connected with the Republicans as no one has since Sarah Palin. He was on a roll until overwhelmed by Bimbo eruptions.
Congressman Newt Gingrich would have won three weeks ago. He is widely believed to have won the debates as he clearly focused on President Obama and the issues. He peaked too soon. He may have survived his marital issues, but getting into bed with Fannie and Freddy was too much.
Congressman Ron Paul is from Mars.
So why not Senator Rick Santorum? He hasn’t had his 15 minutes of infamy before the GOP circular firing squad. The former Senator is sufficiently conservative and religious for the Republicans voters. He is pro-life and anti-gay marriage. He is a fiscal conservative. He appeals to both evangelicals and fiscal conservatives. He has spent more time in Iowa than the other contenders.
He only has two major problems in the primaries. First, he lost reelection to the Senate 5 years ago by 18 percent to Bob Casey, Jr., a truly uninspiring candidate.
Second, he heavily endorsed and campaigned for Senator Arlen Specter 7 years ago in the Republican primary when Arlen was challenged by Pat Toomey, a true conservative
Governor Romney is hoping that the Senator and Congressman Ron Paul will be his opponents coming out of Iowa and New Hampshire. Congressman Paul will fall by the wayside, but Senator Santorum could well defeat him.
If the Senator becomes the primary opponent to the Governor, the money will be pouring out of the woodwork for him. There could well be a bandwagon for Senator Santorum.
The Senator’s campaign has been one of the tortoise. He’s proceeded in a slow, steady gait, plugging ahead while the others enjoyed their time in the sun. Nobody noticed him as he campaigned under the radar. He more than held his own in the debates, but wasn’t considered to have a chance. He’s positive with a warm smile.
He will pass the gravitas test.
The Iowa caucuses have sprung many a surprise, introducing candidates to America. Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama rode Iowa to the White House.
Senator Santorum is the last Republican standing against Governor Romney – the tortoise versus the hare.
What Will Iowa and New Hampshire Foretell?
The Iowa Caucus is two days away. What will 120,000 or less “Republicans” (120,000 would be a record turnout. tell us about the Republican nominee? Who will be The Man or the Woman?
Iowa will not decide the nominee. Neither will New Hampshire. Iowa's winner gets a boost in New Hampshire, but only a boost.
The potential for political mischief is great since both are in essence “open” venues. A Democrat can walk into an Iowa caucus, register as a Republican, vote in the caucus and then become a Democrat again the next day. 5,000 faux Republicans can have a tremendous impact, indeed anointing an unelectable caucus winner.
Iowa and New Hampshire do not usually decide either the nomination or general election. Senator Obama was an exception to this political reality four years ago. Governor Huckabee won the Republican caucus four years ago. It did not propel him to the nomination. George H. W. Bush won the Iowa caucus in 1980, not Governor Reagan.
The trek through Iowa and New Hampshire is often criticized because these two small, Frost belt states are unrepresentative of American’s demographics. Even if that statement were true, it's irrelevant.
The strength of Iowa and New Hampshire is that they winnow the field. Those that fare poorly often fold their campaigns as financing and media attention dries up. Candidates who cannot convince the voters of Iowa and New Hampshire, after a year of up close and personal, probably cannot appeal to the broader American populace.
They are a test of whether a candidate is ready for prime time. They show us how the potential president responds to crisis and bad news (Cain). Do they have the fire in their belly? (Thompson and Perry). Iowa and New Hampshire size up a candidate for America.
Iowa often produces a surprise because of the small turnout in the dead of winter to spend hours discussing each candidate before voting.
Thus, success usually depends upon an organization turning out a dedicated core of supporters, or in the case of Senator Obama, a community organizer “organizing” often with non-residents doing the organizing in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Contenders who cannot organize Iowa will be unable to manage a general election campaign.
A twist this year is the millions of Super PAC money invested in the advertising campaign. These ads are not endorsed by Mitt, Newt, Rick, or Michelle. Indeed, by law they must be independent of the candidate’s campaign. By way of example, the “Willie Horton” ad, that Democrats claim defeated Governor Michael Dukakis in 1988, was not by the official Bush campaign, but by an independent group. Similarly, Senator Kerry was “Swiftboated” by Swift Boat Veterans for truth and not the Bush Campaign.
Labor organizations operate the same way in elections funding their own campaigns as does George Soros in funding progressive candidates and causes.
Restore Our Future, a Super Pac on Governor Romney’s belief, has spent millions in attack ads against Romney’s primary opponents. Former Romney aides run the Super Pac. Governor Romney’s reply to Speaker Gingrich’s request to stop the ads is that he legally cannot, which is true. Thus, a candidate like the Governor can have it both ways. He runs a principled campaign while others do the hatchet job. That’s certainly not unusual in elections.
The First Amendment protects a vigorous debate on the issues and candidates. Free speech is great.
Don’t run for President if you can’t take the heat.
Whiners and criers usually lose, as did Senator Muskie in New Hampshire.
Gingrich saw the nomination in his sights. It was there, but now it’s slip sliding away. He also lacks a strong organization or dedicated core support.
Iowans justly resent candidates who are caught on video years earlier trashing the Iowa Caucus (Remember Howard Dean - the presumed 2004 winner in Iowa?)
Citizens of Iowa have little regard for those who bypass the beautiful state (Check out Mayor Giuliani and Governor Huntsman).
What will Iowa and New Hampshire foretell?
Will this year’s Iowa surprise be Bachman, Perry, or Santorum?
Does it reaffirm that money is the mother’s milk of politics?
Iowa will not decide the nominee. Neither will New Hampshire. Iowa's winner gets a boost in New Hampshire, but only a boost.
The potential for political mischief is great since both are in essence “open” venues. A Democrat can walk into an Iowa caucus, register as a Republican, vote in the caucus and then become a Democrat again the next day. 5,000 faux Republicans can have a tremendous impact, indeed anointing an unelectable caucus winner.
Iowa and New Hampshire do not usually decide either the nomination or general election. Senator Obama was an exception to this political reality four years ago. Governor Huckabee won the Republican caucus four years ago. It did not propel him to the nomination. George H. W. Bush won the Iowa caucus in 1980, not Governor Reagan.
The trek through Iowa and New Hampshire is often criticized because these two small, Frost belt states are unrepresentative of American’s demographics. Even if that statement were true, it's irrelevant.
The strength of Iowa and New Hampshire is that they winnow the field. Those that fare poorly often fold their campaigns as financing and media attention dries up. Candidates who cannot convince the voters of Iowa and New Hampshire, after a year of up close and personal, probably cannot appeal to the broader American populace.
They are a test of whether a candidate is ready for prime time. They show us how the potential president responds to crisis and bad news (Cain). Do they have the fire in their belly? (Thompson and Perry). Iowa and New Hampshire size up a candidate for America.
Iowa often produces a surprise because of the small turnout in the dead of winter to spend hours discussing each candidate before voting.
Thus, success usually depends upon an organization turning out a dedicated core of supporters, or in the case of Senator Obama, a community organizer “organizing” often with non-residents doing the organizing in Iowa and New Hampshire.
Contenders who cannot organize Iowa will be unable to manage a general election campaign.
A twist this year is the millions of Super PAC money invested in the advertising campaign. These ads are not endorsed by Mitt, Newt, Rick, or Michelle. Indeed, by law they must be independent of the candidate’s campaign. By way of example, the “Willie Horton” ad, that Democrats claim defeated Governor Michael Dukakis in 1988, was not by the official Bush campaign, but by an independent group. Similarly, Senator Kerry was “Swiftboated” by Swift Boat Veterans for truth and not the Bush Campaign.
Labor organizations operate the same way in elections funding their own campaigns as does George Soros in funding progressive candidates and causes.
Restore Our Future, a Super Pac on Governor Romney’s belief, has spent millions in attack ads against Romney’s primary opponents. Former Romney aides run the Super Pac. Governor Romney’s reply to Speaker Gingrich’s request to stop the ads is that he legally cannot, which is true. Thus, a candidate like the Governor can have it both ways. He runs a principled campaign while others do the hatchet job. That’s certainly not unusual in elections.
The First Amendment protects a vigorous debate on the issues and candidates. Free speech is great.
Don’t run for President if you can’t take the heat.
Whiners and criers usually lose, as did Senator Muskie in New Hampshire.
Gingrich saw the nomination in his sights. It was there, but now it’s slip sliding away. He also lacks a strong organization or dedicated core support.
Iowans justly resent candidates who are caught on video years earlier trashing the Iowa Caucus (Remember Howard Dean - the presumed 2004 winner in Iowa?)
Citizens of Iowa have little regard for those who bypass the beautiful state (Check out Mayor Giuliani and Governor Huntsman).
What will Iowa and New Hampshire foretell?
Will this year’s Iowa surprise be Bachman, Perry, or Santorum?
Does it reaffirm that money is the mother’s milk of politics?
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Iowa, the Media, and the Debasement of the Political Debate
The economy has been in the tank for three years. The country is at a junction point between capitalism and entrepreneurism or statism and dependency. These are the issues that will be decided next November.
But that’s not the campaign this year in Iowa.
If we are to believe the media, the result of the Republican caucuses next Tuesday will be either a candidate, Governor Mitt Romney, the Republicans can’t abide, or a lightweight the American people will not elect. As the saying goes: “You can’t beat someone with no one.”
Bachman, Gingrich, Paul, Perry, Santorum are all portrayed as deeply flawed, unethical, two-faced, flip-floppers, or stupid. Statements from decades ago are flyspecked with an electron microscope to find “gotcha’ moments.” The Washington Post does a “Pinocchio count” by its fact checker for misstatements by the candidates. The New York Times ran color photos of the candidates’ homes, as if that’s relevant.
Gaffes are seized upon as evidence of stupidity, ignorance and incompetence, rather than as a manifestation of tiredness from non-stop campaigning.
There’s nothing new here. The media always says these canards about Republicans. Tricky Dickie was unethical. Gerry Ford was a bumbling dolt. Ronald Reagan was a naïve, stupid cowboy. George H. W. Bush was out of touch with the American people. His son, George W. Bush, was an idiot who stole the election.
Etc., etc., etc.
The difference this time is that the Republican candidates are playing along with the media in painting the picture of the Republican slate. The attack ads are relentless, belittling both the target and the attacker. The candidates, with the exception of Newt Gingrich, have lost touch with Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment “Thou shall not speak ill if a fellow Republican.”
Have we forgotten we are electing a President, not the Pope or a saint?
Imagine if it came out that one of the Republicans used cocaine and other drugs?
Imagine the uproar!
Of course, that’s President Obama in his younger years.
We are told Ron Paul is a naïve isolationist, to the left of the Democrats!
Was it Congressman Paul who said that the Taliban are not per se our enemy?
No, it was Vice President Biden last week, who is a living, walking, breathing gaffe machine.
Did Herman Cain hit upon women? Probably, but did Gloria Allred and the media raise an outcry about Governor Bill Clinton’s record of “Bimbo eruptions?” Did the media pursue the statements of Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey, or Juanita Broaddrick? What about Jennifer Flowers and Elizabeth Ward Gracen? What about Senators Chris Dodd and Ted Kennedy?
Did Newt Gingrich receive money from Freddie and Fanny while out of office? Senator Barack Obama was the largest recipient of campaign contributions from Freddie and Fannie.
As for gaffes, let us not forget Senator Kerry campaigning in Taylor, Michigan on August 1, 2004 saying “I just go for Buckeye football.”
Also don’t forget Senator Obama in Beaverton, Oregon in May 2008 “I’ve now been in 57 states, and have one left to go.”
You probably never heard these in the media, but you would have if uttered by one of the Republicans. Since both President Obama and Senator Kerry are presumed brilliant, the media assumes these misstatements are the result of being tired. No similar mercy is shown Republicans for gaffes though.
Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 Plan was gaining traction, but then he was Borked out of the campaign. Governor Pawlenty was a non-factor in the Iowa Straw Vote, so he dropped out early. Governor Huntsman is ignored as if he is an afterthought.
Any of the Republican candidates, with the exception of Congressman Ron Paul and his pacifist foreign policy, is more qualified to be President than the incumbent, and will do a better job for America.
The Iowa voter, the American voter deserve more. We need an airing of the issues, not the slinging of trivia and mud.
But that’s not the campaign this year in Iowa.
If we are to believe the media, the result of the Republican caucuses next Tuesday will be either a candidate, Governor Mitt Romney, the Republicans can’t abide, or a lightweight the American people will not elect. As the saying goes: “You can’t beat someone with no one.”
Bachman, Gingrich, Paul, Perry, Santorum are all portrayed as deeply flawed, unethical, two-faced, flip-floppers, or stupid. Statements from decades ago are flyspecked with an electron microscope to find “gotcha’ moments.” The Washington Post does a “Pinocchio count” by its fact checker for misstatements by the candidates. The New York Times ran color photos of the candidates’ homes, as if that’s relevant.
Gaffes are seized upon as evidence of stupidity, ignorance and incompetence, rather than as a manifestation of tiredness from non-stop campaigning.
There’s nothing new here. The media always says these canards about Republicans. Tricky Dickie was unethical. Gerry Ford was a bumbling dolt. Ronald Reagan was a naïve, stupid cowboy. George H. W. Bush was out of touch with the American people. His son, George W. Bush, was an idiot who stole the election.
Etc., etc., etc.
The difference this time is that the Republican candidates are playing along with the media in painting the picture of the Republican slate. The attack ads are relentless, belittling both the target and the attacker. The candidates, with the exception of Newt Gingrich, have lost touch with Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment “Thou shall not speak ill if a fellow Republican.”
Have we forgotten we are electing a President, not the Pope or a saint?
Imagine if it came out that one of the Republicans used cocaine and other drugs?
Imagine the uproar!
Of course, that’s President Obama in his younger years.
We are told Ron Paul is a naïve isolationist, to the left of the Democrats!
Was it Congressman Paul who said that the Taliban are not per se our enemy?
No, it was Vice President Biden last week, who is a living, walking, breathing gaffe machine.
Did Herman Cain hit upon women? Probably, but did Gloria Allred and the media raise an outcry about Governor Bill Clinton’s record of “Bimbo eruptions?” Did the media pursue the statements of Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey, or Juanita Broaddrick? What about Jennifer Flowers and Elizabeth Ward Gracen? What about Senators Chris Dodd and Ted Kennedy?
Did Newt Gingrich receive money from Freddie and Fanny while out of office? Senator Barack Obama was the largest recipient of campaign contributions from Freddie and Fannie.
As for gaffes, let us not forget Senator Kerry campaigning in Taylor, Michigan on August 1, 2004 saying “I just go for Buckeye football.”
Also don’t forget Senator Obama in Beaverton, Oregon in May 2008 “I’ve now been in 57 states, and have one left to go.”
You probably never heard these in the media, but you would have if uttered by one of the Republicans. Since both President Obama and Senator Kerry are presumed brilliant, the media assumes these misstatements are the result of being tired. No similar mercy is shown Republicans for gaffes though.
Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 Plan was gaining traction, but then he was Borked out of the campaign. Governor Pawlenty was a non-factor in the Iowa Straw Vote, so he dropped out early. Governor Huntsman is ignored as if he is an afterthought.
Any of the Republican candidates, with the exception of Congressman Ron Paul and his pacifist foreign policy, is more qualified to be President than the incumbent, and will do a better job for America.
The Iowa voter, the American voter deserve more. We need an airing of the issues, not the slinging of trivia and mud.
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