Sunday, October 31, 2010

Will Sarah Palin run for President in 2012?

Sarah Palin made news today. She didn't commit to running for President in 2012, but left the door open. The intense scrutiny of every word she utters never ceases to amaze me. Just this week, she gave the following response when asked about her plans for 2012.

"I think, still, it is too early for anybody to get out there declaring what their intentions are. For me, Mary, it's going to entail a discussion with my family, a real close look at the lay of the land, and to consider whether there are those with that common sense, conservative, pro-Constitution passion - whether there are any candidates out there who can do the job."

But then she added, "If there's nobody else to do it, then of course I would believe that we should do this."
For some odd reason, many on the left and on the right believe that this response, and others like it, indicates that she won't run. Just for fun, I compiled some recent quotes from several of the other potential Presidential candidates.

Mitt Romney:

"I can’t tell you what will happen; but I can tell you that there will be somebody who runs in the Republican party who can get this country right again. I want to commit that I will either be that person, or I will be working my tail off for that person, and I want you to as well because we’ve got to take back America."
Newt Gingrich:

"You'd only run if you thought it was your duty — you'd only run if you thought that the country needed a fundamental resetting of the course, and if you thought that you could play a role in having that happen."

Also, Gingrich said, he would listen to the opinions of his family.
Mike Huckabee:

"Hadn't made that decision and won't until probably after the mid-term elections, but it's pretty evident that if I do I may headquarter the whole thing right here in East Tennessee."

"Well it's a very different place than I was three years ago when I was an asterisk in the polls It's really too early to tell what that means so I don't get all excited about it. We'll just have to see where things turn out a year from now."
Mitch Daniels:

“This is nothing I have started, encouraged,” said Daniels, a Republican in his second term. “People have asked, ‘Please don’t absolutely close your mind’ and I have said I’ll think about it.”

“It’s nothing I’m going to do anything about,” Daniels said.

Tim Pawlenty:

"Mostly, to run nationally, you have to be rich, famous or you gotta have some kind of shtick or novelty," he said. "It's what it's becoming."

"I don't have a billion dollars. I don't have novelty. I don't have a big shtick," Pawlenty added, as Stewart and the audience burst into laughter. So as not to be misunderstood, Pawlenty continued, "S-c-h. You gotta enunciate."

More seriously, the governor added: "The question really for someone like me is, can you come from a small state and be somebody who is not well known and still traverse the landscape of politics based just on the record that I've got, and the service and the ideas that I have. And maybe. We'll see."

"To me, you just announced you were running for president," Stewart said.

"If I was running for president I wouldn't be on your show saying I don't have a big shtick," Pawlenty replied.

Mike Pence:

"I Have No Plans To Run For President."

Chris Christie:

"No, no. Come on. Look at me. Me for President? Come on, seriously. No way. No way."

"I mean, I know I've heard all these weasel words that other people use 'Well, I have no plans right now', 'I don't think that would be something I would like to do'.

"I'm looking at you: No, ain't happening. Not doing it."

I have no idea if Sarah Palin will run for President, but if her answer is the benchmark, I must conclude that none of the above potential candidates are likely to run. Whoever emerges from the shadows will have plenty of cheerleaders!

Sarah Palin: “I don’t need to run for office”

That's what she told Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday yesterday and added,

“I know that I don’t need a title. In fact, I love the freedom that I have that I can sit here and I can tell you anything I want to tell you and not have to worry so much how it will affect my future political career.”

“I love the position that I’m in now. I would weigh that, the freedom that I have now, against those constraints you would have as a candidate.”

Here is the full interview:

Part 1: (Palin starts at the 8:40 minute mark)


Part 2: ("I don't need to run......" starts at 2:40 minute mark)


You tell em, Sarah. I agree with you that some of the media are "corrupt bastards" and more importantly, YOU DON'T NEED TO RUN!

Mitt Romney preparing for 2012!

The Washington post had this great article Saturday that pointed out Romney's efforts regarding mid-term campaigning and fund raising for candidates. The complete article can be read HERE.

Some of the highlights of the article and what caught my attention, were the following:
  • He has maintained a low-key, self-effacing approach while campaigning and raising money for candidates. "All talk of a 2012 presidential candidacy was brushed aside. "I haven't made that decision," he said to one person who inquired about his plans. "I'm just working for this guy [Portman]. Let's get this guy in."
  • He has campaigned in 25 states for candidates.
  • Just recently, he crossed the million-dollar mark in money contributed to other campaigns and candidates from his political action committee. The money has gone to 21 gubernatorial candidates, 25 Senate candidates, more than 200 House candidates and a slew of people running for state legislatures.
  • In the 2010 cycle, Romney has, done events in 13 senatorial races and an equal number of congressional races, many of them fundraisers. He has appeared at 48 events for gubernatorial candidates and eight more for other candidates running for state office. He has recorded more than 30 radio or TV ads or robo calls for candidates. He has signed 95 letters, e-mails or invitations appealing for money for candidates or Republican Party committees.
  • Romney's goal has been to build relationships with Governors, Senators, Congressmen, and local office holders. "All the personal touches and relationships we didn't have the last time, we have now," one adviser said.
  • Rather than be over exposed, Romney picked and chose his opportunities for TV appearances, public statements, and op-eds, based on whether he had something to say on a subject; i.e., START Treaty, Economy, Obamacare, etc.
Reading these facts, it's looking more and more like Mitt Romney is preparing for ROUND 2 and is busy plugging all the holes that may have contributed to his loss in 2008. I'm a big believer in covering all the bases.

Newt Gingrich: Will He or Won't He?

The Washington post had an article out yesterday called, "Newt Gingrich: Out of the wilderness and into the mix for 2012'.

In it they point out the various recent actions of Gingrich that point to him entering the Presidential race in 2012.

This has inspired me to resurrect a ROS post of mine from July 2010 as a response to this Gingrich interest of a 2012 candidacy. Enjoy:

There is no doubt in my mind that Newt Gingrich is brilliant when it comes to his knowledge of American History. I don't think there is a candidate out there (including Romney) that can come anywhere near his expertise.

When it comes to giving speeches, Gingrich could give Mitt a run for his money. Both are quick on there feet and don't need notes or teleprompters to get their points across. I'm sure Gingrich would do great in debates as well. Mitt who is also a great debater, would have an opponent of equal stature in that area.

Then there is Gingrich's new conversion to Catholicism. I don't know if this will help him with the Catholic vote in light of his past, but Who knows.

He is certainly acting and talking like a candidate.He has a new Policy Book out, "To Save America". His "I'll be spending lots of time in Iowa in the future" statement. Here he is on last nights O'Reilly Show:



Now, the Bad News.

When it comes to Skeletons in the Closet, CINGRICH IS IN A CLASS BY HIMSELF!

I googled Newt just to see how people felt about his candidacy for President. The majority of what I found, was anything but enthusiastic. there are several sites out there that site Newt's shortcomings.

I had always realized that he had plenty of baggage that would follow him as he considered any type of a run. In fact, he's got more baggage than Logan Airport's Lost and Found.

The following was pulled off of a site called, Real People For Real Change.

Some of his baggage includes:

Adultery

Dead Beat Dad

Family Values

House Banking Scandal

Questionable Book Deals

GOPAC Sleaze

Coorporate Rewards

In addition to the above list, add most recently, questionable fund raising techniques

The following video is just a sampling of the types of media stories that would play out if he decides to run:



The fact remains, that Gingrich has more skeletons in his closet than Bela Lugosi. BTW, Bela wouldn't be a viable candidate either.

Alaskan reporters busted plotting Miller smears

Joe Miller caught several Alaskan reporters red-handed today. Apparently, one of the reporters either pocket-dialed a Miller staffer or forgot to hang up after leaving a voice mail. I've been following the media's attempts to smear Miller every step of the way. It will be interesting to see if the Anchorage Daily News reports this story.

From Joe Miller's campaign website:

Anchorage, Alaska. October 30, 2010 – In an apparent accidental voice mail message left on the cell phone of Joe Miller’s spokesperson, Randy DeSoto, what is believed to be the news director for CBS Anchorage affiliate KTVA, along with assignment editor Nick McDermott, and other reporters, openly discuss creating, if not fabricating, two stories about Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, Joe Miller. The voice mail message was later authenticated by Mr. McDermott, who sent a text to DeSoto stating “Damn iPhone … I left you a long message. I thought I hung up. Sorry.”

[...]

In the first discussion, the KTVA reporters discuss getting a list of Miller campaign supporters in order to ‘find’ a “child molester.” “You have to find that one person,” says the male reporter, to laughter in the news room. The reporters at KTVA then discuss creating a “Rand Paul” incident at the then upcoming Miller Rally (held on October 28, 2010) and hoping for violence so that they can “send out a tweet” and “Facebook” that “Miller got punched” at the rally.
Audio:



Transcript:

TRANSCRIPT OF KTVA AUDIO FROM OCTOBER 28,
2010
FEMALE REPORTER: That’s up to you because you're the expert, but that’s what I would
do...I’d wait until you see who showed up because that indicates we already know
something...
[Laughter]
[INAUDIBLE]
FEMALE REPORTER: Child molesters...
MALE REPORTER: Oh yeah... can you repeat Joe Miller’s...uh... list of people, campaign
workers, which one's the molester?
[INAUDIBLE]
FEMALE VOICE: We know that out of all the people that will show up tonight, at least one of
them will be a registered sex offender.
[Laughter]
MALE REPORTER: You have to find that one person...
[INAUDIBLE]
FEMALE REPORTER: And the one thing we can do is ....we won’t know....we won’t know but
if there is any sort of chaos whatsoever we can put out a twitter/facebook alert: saying what
the... ‘Hey Joe Miller punched at rally.’
FEMALE REPORTER: Kinda like Rand Paul...I like that.
[Laughter]
FEMALE REPORTER: That’s a good one.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Palin stumps for Raese in West Virginia/Robo-calls go out to 8.5 million households



Sarah Palin and Ted Nugent attended a rally in Charleston, West Virginia for Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, John Raese. The rally drew 2,700 people, despite being finalized less than 24 hours prior to the event.

"Of course a lot of the eyes of America will be on West Virginia and find out hopefully the night of November second we are going to get to turn the nation around as lead by someone like John Raese," Palin said.

"I was going to be the Orkin man for the Democrats. I say we fumigate Washington because there are too many varmints up there," says rock legend and political activist Ted Nugent who also fired up the crowd of more than 2,700.
Palin and Raese also made a surprise appearance at a Tea Party Express rally in Wheeling, WV. Here's the video of her remarks:



Palin will reportedly join the Tea Party Express for a rally in Wilmington, DE tomorrow.

If you're in one of 56 congressional districts, or 14 states targeted by Ralph Reed's Faith & Freedom Coalition, you may be getting a phone call from Sarah Palin.
Ralph Reed's Faith & Freedom Coalition is sending a Sarah Palin GOTV robo call to 8.5million social conservative households this weekend across 56 congressional districts and in 14 states with competitive Senate and gubernatorial races, POLITICO has learned. The largest call universes are in battleground states Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Nevada and Wisconsin.
She also recorded robo-calls for Renee Elmers and Steven Palazzo.

When does this woman sleep?

Mitt Romney was in NH Friday

With John Stephen:
























Frank Guinta:



With Charlie Bass for Congress:





Mitt's off to Quincy, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Monday. First a rally in Quincy for a Jeff Perry, candidate for Congress. Then it's off to Rhode Island for two events. One event for John Loughlin candidate for Congress and the other event for John Robitaille, Republican Candidate for Governor.

No rest for Mitt!

Friday, October 29, 2010

What if Palin's co-star was a monkey?

For those who think that Palin's new TV show disqualifies her from being a credible candidate for President of the United States, here's a friendly reminder....




We'll deal with Rove and the rest of the "ruling class" later. We have an election to win.

My Joe Miller Ad

I think If I was advising Joe Miller, I would have him run the following ad for Murkowski:



Are you ready? All together now:

"M a may , m e me, m i micky my m moh moh o micky my moh m u mooh micky my moh mooh"
"U a may.........................................&&.....".

Should Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin, and Jim DeMint, leave Joe Miller alone?

Two recent polls have indicated that Alaskan Republican Senate candidate Joe Miller's numbers are sinking faster than an elephant in quicksand.

The Hays Research Poll (October 25th to 26th, 2010):
(Click results below for full anaysis of each poll)















Hellenthal Research Poll (October 25th to 27th, 2010):









It is obvious that there is hard feelings there between Republicans who backed Lisa Murkowski and those who backed Joe Miller.

Do Palin, Huckabee, and DeMint, really need to remind voters and especially independents, that outsiders are trying again to influence the outcome of this election.

It seems to me, that this might be looked upon by some as in your face, vote for who WE want, And Miller might benefit from their absence instead.

What do you think?

Karl Rove Goes To War With Sarah Palin!



Here is the article that is quoted in the above video. I posted the link in yesterday's Slow Days News thread and decided it deserved it's own thread.

I don't believe Palin is running. In her interview yesterday with Entertainment Tonight, I got the vibe that she is hoping someone else steps to the plate. I know she is fond of Mitt Romney and it wouldn't surprise me if HE was on her mind as she gave the following interview:

Click on photo below. After viewing, back space to return here.

 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Romney and Job Creation. "Net result: 50th out of 50 after one year, 47th after four."

This post might ruffle a few feathers. I don't mean to be so contentious this early on in my Right Speak blogging career, but since I didn't get a satisfactory rebuttal on ROS, I decided to resurrect this post from the dead.

________________________________________________________________


If someone can "refudiate" the claims of the author in the following article, I'd be interested in hearing it. This was all I was able to find. I don't anticipate unemployment levels to change appreciably between now and primary season. Job creation will be a big area of contention in the debates. Apparently, Romney's record of in this area is less than stellar. In case you're wondering, Alaska is one of only two states to have created jobs since the start of the recession.

[...]

The Republican contender was the governor of Massachusetts from January 2003 to January 2007. And during that time, according to the U.S. Labor Department, the state ranked 47th in the entire country in jobs growth. Fourth from last.

The only ones that did worse? Ohio, Michigan and Louisiana. In other words, two rustbelt states and another that lost its biggest city to a hurricane.

[...]

This was after four years. So far Obama has been in office for just one year. How was Romney's performance by his first anniversary?

Fiftieth out of fifty.

That's right. In Romney's first year in charge, Massachusetts ranked dead last in America in jobs growth.

What makes this worse for Romney is that he actually ran on a jobs platform. Romney -- who made his fortune building Bain Capital into one of the biggest venture capital firms in the world -- promised the voters of Massachusetts that as governor he'd use his business savvy and connections to bring new jobs to the state.

[...]


Read the entire article here. ("Mitt Romney plays the jobs card," by By Brett Arends, WSJ.com and MarketWatch)



Slow News Day News (2nd Edition)





The following stories caught my interest today. I decided to share them with ROS and RIGHT SPEAK viewers:

Mitt Romney:

Mitt Romney: Joe Biden visit won’t help Keating in 10th

Haley makes campaign stop in Summerville with Mitt


Romney stumps in South Carolina as Mulvaney opens lead on Spratt


Mitt Romney Encourages his Supporters to Back Dan Webster

While Mitt Romney has been busy campaigning and fund raising non-stop for mid-term election candidates across the country, Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, and Mike Huckabee have also been in the news.

Newt Gingrich:

Gingrich to stump for Nathan Deal

Rachel Maddow- Newt Gingrich scams with prize patrol



Sarah Palin:

Sarah Palin's Alaska Favorite Continues Downward Slide


Sarah Palin plays TV tour guide in her home state

Karl Rove questions Sarah Palin's suitability for president

Has Sarah Palin cost Republicans the Senate?


Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has unlikely admirer in rocker John Mellencamp


Exclusive Entertainment Tonight's Interview with Sarah Palin airing tonight 10-28-10 

Note: The video may start automatically. You will need to press pause to stop the audio.



Mike Huckabee:

Mike Huckabee Loves Torche



Mike Huckabee Encourages Americans To “Vote Their Faith”

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

John McCain gets a tough question

"If she runs, will she have your support? (Sarah Palin)" I know!  I know! No one is a declared candidate. It's to early to pick sides. Know one knows who's running yet.

Saying that, I couldn't help but wonder why John McCain, who is known for being blunt, seems to go ON AND ON about his answer of whether he could support Palin. I haven't seen quality dancing like that since watching Fred Astaire do these dance moves:


Look at McCain's face, watch him smile and bite his lip at the 2:40 minute mark when her name was mentioned (I thought I'd try to apply some body language techniques learned from the show, Lie To Me). The Senator known for simple sentences, seemed to wish he was somewhere else. I thought he handled himself quite well though, considering the camera was on him. No Joe Miller or Christine O'Donnell moments.


Some fine Generic responses:

"Would make an outstanding candidate",
"I'm proud of her",
"Continue to play a major roll in the American political scene.",
"Continue to hold her in the highest regard",
"Entertaining to watch".

You're OK John. You made it. Hopefully, no more TOUGH QUESTIONS until after election day.

Pence 2012: Huckabee Heartburn!

The House’s third ranked GOP leader, Indiana Rep Mike Pence is considering stepping away from his leadership position, in part to consider a 2012 Presidential run.  A Pence run, coming from the Evangelical-SoCon wing of the GOP, would directly challenge former Ark. Governor Mike Huckabee, considered the SoCon wing leader. Huckabee was recently upstaged by Pence at the Conservative’s Value Voters Summit and lost to Pence in their Straw Poll.

Mike Pence surprised political observers in September, by upsetting Huckabee, to win the VVF Straw poll. Pence won with 24% of the attendee’s votes against 22% for Huckabee - a 21% drop from Huck’s 2009 showing. As pointed out by many attendees, they like Huck, but don’t get the feeling he’ll give up the Fox TV couch for another run for the White House.

Since the VVF, Pence has seen his political stock on the rise. He’s a newly rumored member of the 2012 GOP club, has been out campaigning for Indiana Republicans seeking state and national office, and even managed a side trip to Iowa, an early 2012 voting state. While in Iowa, Pence stressed the need for the GOP as well as the nation, to uphold the social conservative values, despite desperate economic times. This is political ground usually tilled by Huckabee and to some degree Sarah Palin, another potential 2012 candidate. For Pence to stake out a share of this turf, indicates he will cede no ground to Huck, should a run for 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue emerge.

Pence would be a serious challenger to Huckabee in the former pastor’s Southern and Mid-West base, as they both appeal to the same voter profile. Huckabee, who had the SoCon wing mostly to himself in 2008, can ill afford to have an attack on the right, since many FiCons, DefCons and Moderates already view him with a suspect eye. While leading in early Iowa 2012 polls, albeit by thinner margins, his standing in a May South Carolina poll was at a embarrassing 4th  place. A viable SoCon with a fresh approach, who’s fit & feisty, may prove troublesome for Huck, who seems more interested in playing the petulant child, rather than uniting the party.

The Indiana Rep brings both fiscal and social conservatives values to the table, without the liberal baggage of Huckabee’s Clemency problems, tax increase and big government issues. A former radio broadcaster, he has an engaging speaking style, laced with tart humor and avoids the class warfare rhetoric so many GOP faithful detest Huckabee for employing. Pence also avoids Huck’s tendency to sway between the cloying sweet preacher and the “non-establishment” GOP outsider. He’s straightforward, direct and focused.

Some feel Pence’s rumored decision to step down from his leadership position could also mean he has set his eyes on the Indiana Governor’s mansion. Current Governor and another potential 2012er, Mitch Daniels can not run for another term, which ends in 2012. Pence, who some say is tired of the inside the Beltway machinations, would release his position in order to give his attention for his future aspirations.

Strategically, a 2012 Presidential run might be a stretch for Pence, especially due to his lack of executive experience, after all, Congressmen have a tough history in Presidential politics. It is also uncertian how skilled he is at fundraising and building a political organization. But going for the Governor's mansion, would allow Pence to serve as a Chief Exec, gaining much needed experience, while establishing himself as a future GOP powerhouse for 2012 or 2020. In any event, he is a man to watch, especially if one is Mike Huckabee.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Mitt Romney in Iowa and South Carolina (Full Audio of Event)


Mitt Romney was in Iowa today campaigning with Terry Branstad. Full story of Romney's appearance in Cedar Rapids is HERE


Full Audio of Romney and Branstad's first event of the day at Cedar Rapids below. Click on the audio icon below. When you get to the page SCROLL DOWN until you see the same audio icon and click to listen: (Back space to return here)




                                       



Romney had a packed schedule planned that included rallies and fundraisers.


Tomorrow, Romney is off to South Carolina where he has at least one event scheduled:



====================== Update!


Videos excerpts from Iowa:


Part 1



Part 2



Part 3

Mike Ditka: 'Sarah Palin is one of the greatest people I've ever met'

This isn't the first time Ditka has had words of praise for Palin. He campaigned with her in 2008. Something tells me he will on the trail with her again soon!

Monday, October 25, 2010

President Obama: Promises Kept?

Is this what President Obama meant by, "Change We Can Believe In?
Is this What he mean's when he tells Americans that Things are getting better?



I can't accept this as progress. I don't believe most Americans do either.

Mitt Romney endorses Florida's Allen West for Congress




Today, Mitt Romney’s Free & Strong America PAC added Florida's Republican candidate for Congress Allen West to its list of 30 critical House races to watch (and donate to) in the coming midterm election.

If you haven't heard Allen West speak, you're in for a treat in this video:

Mitt Romney: Making all the right moves of a 2012 candidate

Mitt Romney and senior staffers met with GOP Lobbyists and potential 2012 supporters last Thursday at Carmine's Italian eatery in downtown Washington. Accompanying Romney were "Spencer Zwick, Finance Director and Matt Rhoades, Executive Director of the Free And Strong America PAC. The discussion included what the former governor and his PAC have done for candidates this cycle.

The luncheon, attended by about 25 men and women who were active fundraisers for candidates in 2008 and 2010, was one of several Romney and his team are holding around the country to recruit new people to Romney's money team.

According to the American Spectator, Aides to Romney cautioned attendees that their candidate had not made up his mind about running 2012. "We thought given the layout and the kinds of people who were there that that was intended as a joke," says one attendee.

The luncheon included a PowerPoint presentation that laid out a case for Mitt Romney that include how Romney was helping and raising money for candidates across the country.

"It was an impressive road show," says another attendee. "He had answers for everything, and clearly is going to run on the economy and his finance background. He even had a better answer for why Romneycare isn't like Obamacare. He's clearly running, so why they make it seem like he isn't makes the whole exercise a bit of a farce."

Actually, Romney is smart to hold off on any announcement about 2012. It allows him to focus his efforts on 2010 mid-term elections rather than have the focus on himself. I'm hopeful that this focus will change in the near future.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Could the contrast be more stark?


This was the headline on Drudge Report for most of the day. Notice the blur of a waving American flag in the photo of Governor Palin. Contrast that with the Teamsters sign being waved by the Obama supporter. Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.
(h/t Rich Crowther for screen cap)


Hollywood Director David Zucker on Barbara Boxer: Call Me Senator

Director David Zucker writes and produces the hilarious but sad tale of Barbara Boxers disrespect of our Military. In the wonderful style of his great movies Airplane, Naked Gun, Naked Gun 2.5, Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 4, An American Carol, David hits to the core of Senator Boxers famous hearing. Visit RightChange.com for more great videos.



It's time to call her "Ma'am" again!

Mitt Romney is already the favorite as mega-donors look toward 2012

Politico had an interesting article on the GOP's big money donors. It seems that Many of the Republican Party's Largest donors are already choosing a favorite for 2012. Mitt Romney has already attracted into his corner:
  • David and Julia Koch (billionaire)
  • Louis Eisenberg (financier)
  • Woody Johnson (NY Jets Owner)
  • Wayne Berman (Ogilvy Government Relations Chairman)
  • Donald and Muffy Miller (Ny Businessman Wife President of Venetian Heritage)
  • John Paulson (hedge fund titan)
  • Stephen Ross (Related Companies Chairman)
  • Anthony Scaramucci (Skybridge Capital Founder)
  • David and Ginny Knott (hedge funders)
  • Patrick Durkin (Credit Suisse First Boston)
  • Richard Breeden (former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman)
Romney is already raising copiously for his political action committee and has the help of his longtime campaign finance adviser, Spencer Zwick, who’s currently assisting Meg Whitman’s gubernatorial campaign in California — a role that also provides the former Massachusetts governor with a toehold in a major state.

Former Ambassador John Rood a Romney supporter living in Florida said, Romney has built on momentum from his findraising base in 2008.

“Others have been through Florida, but I haven’t seen anywhere near the same outreach through their PAC’s or their teams, so to speak,” he said. “I don’t see anybody at the level that Mitt Romney is.”

There are still some of the big donors who are holding out until after the 2010 mid-term elections or until they can assess what impact the Tea Party might have on the 2012 election.

Some in the big-donor class claim to welcome the tea party’s energy, but many are nevertheless nervously eyeing Sarah Palin.

“Most long-standing donors are worried about a candidate, or multiple candidates, coming forward who are too extreme,” said a major Republican donor with long ties to the party. “You’ve got a lot of people that don’t want to support the tea party movement.”

Rick Wilson, a Republican strategist based in Florida, said much will depend on the tea party's durability as a political force. “Major donors may want to ride the conservative wave if it means being with the [primary] winner ... though they've usually gone for more moderate Republicans,” he said.

One of those big donors who is remaining uncommitted is Paul Singer of Elliott Management Who sources close to him say that he is waiting until after the 2010 mid-term elections are over before deciding who he is with. Singer has already given $5.5 Million to the RGA this cycle.

Making things more complicated also are a few other names being tossed around for 2012 that have ties to the big donors.

Governor Haley Barbour through is affiliation with the RGA has already brought their fundraising efforts to a new high. Then there is Governor Mitch Daniels who has ties to the Bush supporters. South Dakota Senator John Thune has begun courting some money men and Governor Tim Pawlenty has attracted money man and Chicago banker William Strong as a backer.

Newt Gingrich, is raising early, but in a different way, snaring $3.8 million through his nonprofit, registered under the 527 tax code, that can accept unlimited contributions.

As for Sarah Palin, Palin is an unknown factor in all this. Many Republicans don’t believe Palin will ultimately run, given that she’s making so much money speaking, through her books and in private life. She appears to have done the least to court big donors...At this point, Palin seems to be concentrating on small donations for her PAC.

While it's true that no one can run a successful national campaign solely on these mega-donors, it certainly helps create a strong base to build upon. And besides, these individuals seem to have an eye for picking winners.

Now before all the anti-Romney folks start posting comments like, "Romney only attracts big business donors and not the little guy", well that's not true. Mitt Romney attracts both and KNOWS from experience that you need both to wage a SUCCESSFUL campaign. If you doubt this strategy, Just look at Mike Huckabee in 2008.

To Read the complete article from Politico, go HERE.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Did You Know that Harry Reid Saved the World?




Aren't you glad you viewed this video? Because, Now you know it was Harry.
I'll bet Sharron Angle can't claim that?

Friday, October 22, 2010

Iowa Governor's Debate: Terry Branstad vs Chet Culver (10-21-10 video)

The Des Moines Register held the final Governor's candidate debate at noon on Thursday, October 21, 2010 prior to the November election.

Questions were posed by a panel of journalists, led by The Des Moines Registers political columnist Kathie Obradovich. Also on the panel: Dean Borg, Host and Moderator of Iowa Public Television's IOWA PRESS; O. Kay Henderson, Radio Iowa News Director.

Candidates participating in the debate are: Chet Culver (Democrat) and Terry Branstad (Republican).



Slow News Day News





The following stories caught my interest today. I decided to share them with RIGHT SPEAK viewers:
Mitt Romney:

Mitt Romney Endorses Bill Hudak for Congress

Mitt Romney helps Dino Rossi

Michael Dukakis speaks at AU, calls Mitt Romney a ‘fraud’  I think I just heard Romney's Poll numbers Gain a few more points!

Speculating on effects of California's gubernatorial election
 

Jim DeMint
:

Jim DeMint Introducing Bill to Defund Public Broadcasting

Marco Rubio Steers Careful Course Between Mitch McConnell, Jim DeMint



Mike Huckabee:

Hypocritical Huckabee will boycott NPR

Mike Huckabee heads to Georgia for Nathan Deal

Huckabee gives Tom Emmer his endorsement in gubernatorial race  I guess it's better late than never! I'm sure Emmer will put his statement to good use. For what, I don't know. How about adding a little $$$$$ and shoe leather Mike?

Sarah Palin:

Sarah Palin: 'Joke is on us if the left wins' urges vote for energy solutions

Iowa Republicans dish on Sarah Palin snubs

Tea Party Founder Karl Denninger: Palin and Gingrich are jokes!
The man many credit as being one of the original founders of the Tea Party, Karl Denninger has called Sarah Palin, and Newt Gingrich, the adopted Tea Party leaders, a joke. And says the movement has been hijacked by the very people it was protesting, and is now obsessed with guns gays and God. Denninger explains how these leaders are dumbing down the movement.



Why sarah palin will never be president

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Juan Williams is Fired by NPR. Political correctness gone haywire!



NPR's senior political analyst and Fox news contributor Juan Williams Was fired today by NPR for making a statement on The Bill O'Reilly show last Monday night.

The following video shows the statement that got him fired and William's reaction after hearing the news:


I'm not a big fan of Williams but I will say, he should not have been fired.
This brings political correctness to a new low.

Ben Stein: On the economy, 2010 mid-term elections, and Mitt Romney

Utah Policy.com Managing Editor Bryan Schott speaks with Ben Stein about the economy, the 2010 midterm elections, and 2012:

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Mitt Romney: 10 For '10' Initiative

Today, Mitt Romney launched his TAKE CONGRESS BACK: 10 for '10' initiative:

From Romney's Free and Strong America PAC site:

The critical November 2nd midterm election is just days away, and we have a very real chance of taking back control of Congress — but only if we work together. This is why Mitt Romney's Free and Strong America PAC has launched its new "TAKE CONGRESS BACK: 10 for '10" initiative, which highlights slates of 10 House challengers in key battleground contests who have been endorsed by the PAC. This initiative provides the PAC community — including its over 600,000 grassroots supporters on Facebook — with the tools to make a difference in these important races. Be sure to check back often for additional slates of candidates in the coming days.

The following candidates will benefit from these efforts:

Charlie Bass - Running for US Representative in New Hampshire

Ann Marie Merkel - Running for US Representative in New York

Frank Giunta - Running for US Representative in New Hampshire

David Harmer - Running for US Representative in California

Joe Heck - Running for US Representative in Nevada

Raul Labrador - Running for US Representative in Idaho

Mick Mulvaney - Running for US Representative in South Carolina

Steve Pearce - Running for US Representative in New Mexico

Jeff Perry - Running for US Representative in Massachusetts

Steve Stivers - Running for US Representative in Ohio

The site provides supporters with several actions they can take on behalf of these candidates, including integrating with a variety of social media networks and visiting the candidates website's directly and donating to their campaigns.

Click on LEARN MORE below to get more details about the program.alt

Mike Huckabee: Memory Lapse or Selective Memory?

There is no-doubt that Jack Conway's ad in Kentucky about Rand Paul was a low blow and in poor taste. Here it is for those who missed it:



This ad has caused quite a stir. Among those who joined Paul in condemning this ad were Christian leaders.  One of the most noticeable persons who was outraged by this was Mike Huckabee who wrote in a statement:

alt"The only thing worse than a person attempting to show-off and parade his faith for the purpose of getting a vote is a person who would falsely and viciously attack his political opponent's faith and lie about it. The latest ad by Jack Conway will be studied by future political scientists as the most egregious example of slash and burn sleaze politics. An apology for such a vile attack would be meaningless from Conway unless he truly repented from such a classless attack. If there is any good news in this despicable attempt to smear Rand Paul and his family it is that the decent people of Kentucky won't have a hard decision as to who they would think best represents them in the United States Senate. Kentucky people aren't as gullible as Jack Conway must take them for. I'm proud to stand with Rand Paul and his family through this disgusting attempt by his opponent to win even at the expense of his own soul."

The Washington Monthly has an article today that points out the INCONSISTENCIES with Huckabee's outrage and questions whether he has a short memory span: (their Excerpts in italics)

Mike Huckabee is outraged -- outraged! -- by Jack Conway's ad because "the only thing worse than a person attempting to show-off and parade his faith for the purpose of getting a vote is a person who would falsely and viciously attack his political opponent's faith and lie about it."

Yet, Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign ran an ad in 2007 that described him as a "Christian leader," and explained that his faith "defines" him.



Soon after, another ad saying "what really matters" in late December is "the birth of Christ." Huckabee had a bright cross over his shoulder while he was speaking to the camera.



Around the same time, Huckabee suggested he personally was God's anointed presidential candidate.

We're not exactly talking about a guy who takes Matthew 6:6 to heart.

As for Huckabee's assertion that it's truly offensive for political candidates to go after an opponent's faith, it's also worth mentioning that during his presidential campaign, Huckabee went after Mitt Romney's faith, telling the New York Times, "Don't Mormons believe that Jesus and the devil are brothers?"

If Huckabee thinks he has the standing to go after Jack Conway, he must have blocked the entire 2008 presidential campaign from memory.

Mitt Romney & Sarah Palin news blurps














Mitt Romney With Tom Emmer in Minnesota:
Audio:


Sarah Palin endorses Raese In Pennsylvania -- But he's from West Virginia.

Full story and attempted cover-up HERE.

Sarah may have gotten the candidates and the states mixed up, but hey, no one is perfect. And I'm sure she meant well.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Is a "Draft Jim DeMint" movement good for Mitt Romney?

altI came across this new website today, Draft Jim DeMint.

Hmmm! That would change things in 2012. Especially in South Carolina and the south. If this were to become a reality (I think it will), I wonder who it would affect the most? Mitt Romney? Sarah Palin? Mike Huckabee? Newt Gingrich?

Here is the Intro on their homepage:

In just about 14 days our country will take a decided turn, and the direction will depend upon you all. I know many of you have been working double, triple or even quadruple duty for local and state campaigns (and even some Draft Jim DeMint ground work), and I’m confident all of the hard work will soon pay off.
We here at Draft Jim DeMint will be working without stop these next two weeks to ensure conservative candidates cross the finish line first on November 2nd. So, for the next two weeks we would like to ask all of our grassroots supporters to focus on local and statewide races. If you’re in an area with a strong conservative candidate and things are looking good, then please call a neighboring campaign or a statewide campaign to see how you can help. There are a number of critical races throughout the country where victory or defeat could rest upon your shoulders.
Thank you again for your support and action, and good luck to all of you and your candidates.

Draft Jim DeMint


Currently, Jim DeMint is very popular with the Tea Party, Evangelicals, Southern Conservatives, and the far right. My own opinion is this. As a Mitt Romney supporter, I'D WELCOME a Jim Demint candidacy. I could see him winning South Carolina and being very a formidable candidate in a few other southern states. Back on May 31, a PPP poll had DeMint well ahead in SC when he was included on the list of 2012 possible candidates:

(Click on photo of results below to view full results)

alt
Jim DeMint back in 2007, was Chief Advisor of Mitt Romney's 2008 Exploritory Committee. He was a major supporter of Romney when he was just beginning to make a name for himself.

Here is a sample of DeMint's views on Mitt Romney:





Some will argue with those last 2 videos that, that was then and this is now. My response is, What would Romney have done since 2008 that would change DeMint's feelings towards him? Write a roadmap to bring the country back? Work tirelessly to win the House and Senate back? Call for the repeal of Obamacare?
Add to that the fact that Romney and DeMint are good friends and that when asked who he believes would make a good President, as recently as September 16, guess who was the first name off his lips?

Look at 7:20 minute mark:



Romney / DeMint in 2012!

Mitt Romney had a busy day Monday in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The following photos are self explanatory.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin:


First event (Reception) in Bloomington, Minnesota:


Second event (Dinner) in Bloomington, Minnesota:

BIG BUCKS for Republican candidates. And he doesn't get any percentage of the take. How original.
Note:
If any videos become available for these events, I will post them.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Mike Huckabee has a problem separating Church and State

The Seattle Times had an article in yesterday's paper that went into detail about Maurice Clemmpns and what lead up to Mike Huckabee, then Governor of Arkansas, granting him a computation.

What I found more interesting in the article, was the connection between Huckabee's religious belief system and the 1033 clemencies/pardons/commutations that he granted during his administration.

What I've done is selected highlights from the article that can be read in full HERE.

In 1999 Huckabee became the first Arkansas governor in nearly 30 years to stop an execution, sparing the life of a man who had murdered an 81-year-old farmer and stolen his truck. "I had rather face the anger of the people than the wrath of God," Huckabee said.

Huckabee called himself a "grace" Christian, not a "law" Christian, and what was clemency but an act of grace?

In his 10 ½ years as governor, starting in 1996, Mike Huckabee emerged as a political force, an ordained minister who could draw votes from across the political spectrum.

Clemency can be granted in two ways. A commutation reduces a sentence while preserving the conviction; a pardon strikes the conviction altogether.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette analyzed Huckabee's first 111 commutations and found that inmates stood a better chance if they fit one of four categories. The first upheld clemency's historic role: "The justice system has treated them more harshly than most." It was the other three that raised concerns:

  • "They know a person who has known the governor.
  • They worked at the Governor's Mansion.
  • A minister interceded for them."

During his tenure as Governor, Huckabee gave in to 1033 clemency requests. In 17 years his three predecessors approved 507 clemency requests. (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2013170108_otherside18.html)

Here are a few of his less notable clemencies:

  • Eugene Fields, a wealthy developer and major GOP donor who had four DUI convictions
  • Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, for a reckless-driving conviction
  • two murderers who worked as trusties in Huckabee's home

If the above group is to lightweight for your taste, lets look at a few of his heavyweight clemencies:

Then there's David Huckabee (Junior) but that's another story.

I personally believe in the 3 branches of government. The judicial branch has their own laws and procedures in place to correct any mistakes that may have occurred in any convictions.

I guess that I hold the decisions of juries to a higher level than Mike Huckabee does. I don't believe a Governor has any business interfering with these decisions even if his state's laws gives him the right to. That's what appeals and retrials are all about. I believe it was the Baptist Minister In Huckabee that granted these clemencies/pardons/commutations.

When I consider the qualities that I want in a POTUS, I do want a man who believes in God, That's right, I could never support an atheist. Saying that, I also want a POTUS who can separate church from state and would not govern from a pulpit.I believe Mike Huckabee has a problem in this area and why his appeal is limited to those who want a POTUS to govern from a pulpit.

2012 Electoral Vote Preview – Obama’s Bumpy Ride to Re-Election

With the 2010 mid term elections only a fortnight away, it’s not too early to take a peek at President Obama’s 2012 re-election map. With sputtering approval ratings nationally and in individual states, his course appears to be a more challenging route than the one he traveled in 2008. To start, Obama will see a potential erosion of up to 6 Electoral College votes off  his winning 2008 total  of 365, before he even slips the key into the ignition of his re-election bus, thanks to 2010 Census redistricting. Several states will see their Electoral College votes change, with a loss among Blue States.

In 2008 Obama scooped up 44 Electoral Votes in the traditionally Republican bastions  of Virginia, North Carolina, Nevada and Indiana. He also scored victories in states which more often than not voted Republican - Ohio, Florida and Colorado, for an additional 56 EVs. Obama’s “historic” campaign turned many states blue, yet his listless job ratings, high unemployment and an overall disillusionment with the President, are causing many voters to veer these states sharply back into the right hand lane, presumably with their 100 EVs in tow.

The President isn’t getting good gas mileage either in many usually safe Blue States.  Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and New Mexico are all states were Obama’s current job approval is idling well below his 2008 winning margins. Even Massachusetts may not be as blue as some believe it to be.

(Perhaps a former Governor rumored to run can finally get that state to go red.)

The chart below reflects some recently surveyed states Obama won in 2008, his current approval ratings and their expected  2012 Electoral College votes.

State
Obama Approval
Spread
2008 Margin of Victory
2012 Electoral College Votes
Hawaii
53/37
+16
45
5
California
53/42
+11
24
55
New York
47/46
+1
27
30
Delaware
46/48
-2
25
3
Connecticut
45/47
-2
22
7
Illinois
44/49
-5
25
20
Maine
44/51
-7
17
4
New Hampshire
44/52
-8
9
4
New Mexico
43/52
-9
15
5
Michigan
42/54
-12
16
16
Colorado
42/54
-12
9
9
Wisconsin
41/54
-13
14
10
Indiana
40
NA
0.9
11
Ohio
38
NA
4
20
Virginia
45
NA
6
13
North Carolina
43
NA
0.4
15
Florida
43
NA
2.5
28
Nevada
39/57
NA
12
6
Penn
43

10
20

Now some quick math points to a very precarious starting point for The Messiah, in order to reach the 270 Electoral Votes needed to win. First lower his 365 to 359 due to the Census. Next, project the historically GOP states return their 100 EVs (’08 value) to the Republican fold, dropping the total to 259. One could stop there, as this is below the 270 goal. But just for kicks, throw in the shaky upper mid-West states of WI and MI, along with jobs stressed PA and a fickle NH and there’s another 52 subtracted, for a starting total of 207 EVs.

This scenario would indicate the GOP starting with 273 EVs, enough to win back the Presidency. The projection doesn’t take into account other blue and purple states which will a decidedly more reddish hue after the mid-terms, such as New Mexico, New Jersey and even the President’s home turf of Illinois.

All of these factors should have the dashboard warning lights flashing on Obama’s GM manufactured Re-Election Bus.

But there are miles to go on this journey and politics is a highway with many detours, lane changes and newly discovered routes. As Obama plans his trip, he can look to others who have gone before him, using their benchmarks as a compass. But unless he begins fueling the nation’s engine with jobs, he may very well find himself stuck at the starting gate.