Fred Thompson's message to Iowa voters

http://fredfile.fred08.com/blog/2007/video-freds-message-to-iowa-voters/ (copy and paste in browser window)

This is an excellent video for those who don't know much about Fred Thompson's positions on the issues.

Ticket predictions

Democrats: Senator Clinton and Barack Obama
Obama would make the ticket more appealing/personable and the call for change would be met. Also, the experience would season Obama for a stronger run in 8 years. The ticket would attract the most Democratic voters.


Republicans: Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson
Thompson would please conservatives who are not quite sure of Giuliani but would like him to see him in the WH and his demeanor would make the ticket formidable. Giuliani knows Thompson would have no interest in competing for the Presidency years later.

The tickets would maximize the Parties' strengths and would position them well for 3+ months of incredibly fierce campaigning.

The Moral Majority is far from dead

It just fell asleep at the wheel. But it's awake now!

Blogbursting for Fred!

I'm in it for Fred!

And participating in the Blogburst for Fred is the least I can do. Please contribute anything you can.

As I've said before, Fred Thompson is an adult and has the gravitas befitting a President of the United States of America. And he is a fiscal conservative!

Be still my heart.

Who will show up at the Iowa caucuses?

Young men for Barack Obama or elderly women for Senator Clinton?

I wouldn't count on young men showing up, but I think elderly women will show up or else.

Having said that, I think John Edwards will have a good chance to win if he has the support of experienced caucus-goers (as I've read about).

Attendance at the caucuses by dedicated supporters is all that matters - what fun!

Where will Ron Paul devotees go after S. C.?

To the Thompson camp.

A true conservative will provide them with their only alternative.

A Hillary-Bloomberg 3rd party ticket?!

So speculates Rush Limbaugh (12/14).

I definitely think there will be a 3rd party ticket if the nominees next winter are Huckebee and Obama but I don't think it will be a Hillary-Bloomberg ticket.

The desperate 60s-forever Left would draft Al Gore to run with Hillary.

But the Republican nominee won't be Huckebee, so . . .

Neither of the traditional Parties is in this race!

The traditional Republican and Democrat Parties do not have viable candidates in this race so far, and the NYT/CBS poll showing that most Republicans haven't yet made up their minds is confirmation of this fact for that Party.

Huckabee, in earlier years, would have been considered a Far Right (fringe) candidate and 2 of the 3 Democrat candidates would have been considered fringe candidates.

Interestingly; the recent NYT/CBS poll shows that most Democrats think Hillary would be the best candidate to bring the country together, while at the same time, Black voters are increasingly switching to Obama in S.C.

It seems to me that a majority of Democrat voters must be as nauseous as most Republicans are with their slate of choices.

Thompson goes after Huckabee - Misc. campaign thoughts.

So Fred Thompson has moved to IA and will make an all-out effort to finish in the top 3. It's about time.

Since Huckabee's recent gain has been at Thompson's expense (at an almost 1-for-1 clip) Thompson will have to keep snarping at Huckabee's record on gays, taxes, immigration, and his lack of interest/knowledge in the recent NIE report on Iran. Thompson's recent appearances on Fox News have been good; he needs to camp out there.

Thompson and Romney have a gravitas about them that I like. The adults have finally shown up. Since I fear for our nation's economy and soul, I am only considering Republican candidates.

The Democrats have lost their way and need to go through the same analytical process as the Republicans are now doing: for instance, they could ask - how have we come to the impossible situation that our only 3 possible nominees are a rich empty suit, a Clinton without any credibility and impossible negatives/unelectable, and a former state legislator with no meaningful federal experience?

Miscellaneous campaign thoughts:
* Giuliani has alot of personal garbage that I don't want to hear about (ala Clinton);
* McCain's turn toward the environment seals the deal shut - No!;
* Thompson I like (see above) but he needs to move up in the polls, NOW;
* Romney has won me over. I have heard him referred to as a financial genius (by Orrin Hatch (on Bill Bennett's radio program)) and the best businssman in America (by Jim Cramer, as reported by Bill Bennett), which cure any problems I had with his candidacy. His speech was spectacular (naysayers are on the fringe (of something or other) and I can't worry about them).
See Charles Krauthammer's excellent writing on Huckabee's disgraceful posturing on Mormonism: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=Nzk4MmY2N2I5NGEzOTk4ZWNkYzU2ZWY0Njk5NWRkNjI=;
* Duncan Hunter is very attractive, but lacks the funds to launch a credible campaign to make his positions known;
* Tom Tancredo, like Duncan Hunter, simply doesn't have the backing to launch a credible campaign; and
* Ron Paul is out of consideration as long as he holds the irrational belief that we should pull out of Iraq.
* Debates: They have been a complete waste of time and money. The questions and formats (there is no debating allowed) did not allow viewers to glean any valuable information from the candidates. I have watched all of them.

Secretary Paulson on a bailout

"We are working aggressively and quickly, utilizing available tools and creating new ones, to help financially responsible but struggling homeowners," Paulson said in a speech to a national housing conference sponsored by the Office of Thrift Supervision.

1. Where were the Feds in 2002 when I needed saving from my own idiotic moves in the stock market? I was "financially responsible but struggling" and no one offered to buy any tech stocks from me or freeze them at high prices.

2. What in tarnation is the "Office of Thrift Supervision"? Whatever it is it didn't do its job. I would hate to see its budget. :(

The economy

While there is alot to hate about a Fed. bailout of greedy/selfish subprime mortgage holders, banks, and financial service firms, I think we can rest assured that the Democrats would craft a bailout plan that would be even worse ("save" everyone and everything).
I admit I'm selfish, I just want the stock market to feel better/head higher.

A V.P. selection for the Republican nominee

The National Review is recommending that the Republican nominee (whoever he is) name Bill Bennett as his V.P. - for "name recognition and respect".
Bill Bennett would bring both of those attributes to any campaign but he does zilch to help with a geographic selection unless the nominee is Huckabee (God forbid!), McCain (ditto), or Thompson. The more I think about this idea the more I like it. Bennett is a straight shooter.

Thoughts?

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NjI1ZjBhZWVkZjYwNDA4MTA3N2Q2ZTY4YmU0NmQ5OWI=

Fred Thompson - the un-YouTube candidate

Fred Thompson doesn't care who says he is bland and unexcited; he has a tax plan and a plan for making Social Security solvent and he acts in a manner befitting a President.

In my mind, he is a rising star.

Engage Your Brain!

So this is where we are: YouTube and the nanny State - in other words, lost.

Republican candidates for President are subjected to unimportant questions planted by activists for Democratic candidates (CNN?) and Democratic candidates answer ridiculous questions (do you like diamonds or pearls?). The attempts at humor are sad and misplaced. Are adults in charge?

Why are we letting the ridiculously nutty radical PC left do this? They are pathetic and yet we are granting them strength way beyond their number (few) and substance (none). A start would be for the Republicans to find a spine and tell CNN and MSNBC to take a long walk off a short pier.

Not one question about healthcare, but we had to endure a nonsensical rant about the Confederate flag.

Hillary Clinton is a bizarre (she married Bill Clinton), lying, manipulative candidate who is not worthy of the United States Presidency, notwithstanding her years of experience as Bill Clinton's wife and travel companion, and her fellow Democratic candidates are equally unworthy (for different reasons).

ANY Republican candidate, except Ron the Pacifist Paul, would be a better choice. They are far from perfect, but they have ideas and they aren't disgusting.

Think before you vote!

If Hillary is elected

Do you think she'll demand the replacement of everything she and Bill took when they left?

Australian election

Howard loses in a landslide to Labor. Great.

Now the Aussies have gone for a liberal who talks about the need for diversity, workplace reforms (?), environmental protections, and pulling out of Iraq (http://apnews.myway.com/article/20071124/D8T42OMG0.html). One of his first priorities is reversing the country's position against the Kyoto Protocol.

We are becoming the last hope for maintaining a civilized nation.

Rep. Murtha (D. PA)

Does anyone still think Tom Murtha is a patriot after all he has said about our troops? The man won't shut up.

Will someone in PA please run against this man?

The second Civil War?

I don't think many Americans feel comfortable with either Party. The difference is that some Democrats are so offended by Republicans' positions that they take them as personal affronts and think conservatives are truly bad people (i.e., "they don't care if children go to bed hungry"). On the other hand, some Republicans think Democrats are dangerously foolish.

So I'm wondering if we're heading toward a 3rd (and 4th) Party(ies) or modified Republican and Democrat parties. I'm thinking it will be the latter and that we'll get there by the end of the '08 election.

BTW, does anyone know if this is a good read: The Second Civil War by Ronald Goldstein?

The electorate is fearful

The electorate is fearful of the Republicans going into Iran, of the economy, of global warming, of Congress' impotence . . . Take your pick.

I'm hearing alot of this. Obviously, the fear-baiting Democrats are successfully working their messages. Here are my takes on all this -

1. Iran - No one, not even talk radio, is talking about putting troops on the ground in Iran.

2. Iran - If Ahmadinejad's nuclear plans aren't blown up, Israel is a goner (I'm not Jewish; Israel is a trusted democratic ally in a part of the world where fanaticism rules. And, not insignificantly, in October there was a major oil find in Israel).

3. The economy - it is fine; there is no recession. That is a fact.

4. Global warming - be more fearful of the 2008 election.

5. Congress - Pelosi couldn't manage a 1-car funeral. She has accomplished zero and if that is the reason for fear, you're right, I don't get it.

18-34 year old voters

A Rock The Vote poll* shows there is much more support among 18 - 34 year old voters for Giuliani (8%) than other Republicans - apparently, he is viewed by such voters as both a "hard-nosed pragmatist and a social moderate" (Politico.com).
[*Not sure what organization sponsors this.]

I think Giuliani will attract older moderates as well, especially females (with his more pro choice stance than other Republicans). This may not be showing up in other polls yet since this group may consist largely of first-time voters who are not on their radar (which would also help Hillary's numbers).

I also find it interesting that 32-42% identified themselves as Republican or Republican-leaning and 37-49% identified themselves as Democratic or Democratic-leaning. I was surprised to see the percentage of Republican voters (larger than expected).

Impact of intl. events on the '08 election

We know the situation in Iraq is improving. That seems to be indisputable by all but the Harry and Nancy fanatics/defenders.

I'm wondering about Iran (Israel, Lebanon, Syria; heck, the entire Middle East if things really get out of hand), an attack on U.S. soil, or a completely unforeseen attack. Who benefits?

For example, if there is an attack on U.S. soil, I can see that being a + or - for the Administration and Republicans.

Predictions.

Iowa - Obama and Huckabee
NH - Mitt and Hill.

Finally! The races are heating up.

Good old American politics: Hill-bashing, push-polling, negative advertising heaven!

See: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1107/6951.html

Another GOP retirement

Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N J.), 37, wants to spend time with his young family.

My bet is that this is yet another GOP-tard who is getting out before all of his lousy votes and un-GOP activities are exposed.

The Dims head out West

With a CNN blowhard moderating the debate in Vegas I don't see much hope for hard questions.

I just hope the union forces make it a show.

Harry the Weak-Kneed Reid

Our Senate Majority Leader said Tuesday (11/13) that Democrats won't approve more money for the Iraq war this year unless President Bush agrees to begin bringing troops home.,

Oh, that'll work.

Whatever is Congress doing?

On Tuesday (11/13), Beijing dismissed a bill introduced in Congress that backs Taiwan's entry into the United Nations, reiterating its long-held view that the island territory is part of China.

I'm sure the Administration is going nuts over this. Doesn't Congress have enough to do (read: budget) without minding the business of other countries, or centuries?

Don't "pull a Russert"!

Wolf Blitzer has been warned not to gang up on Hillary at the next debate in Las Vegas.

Drudge Report - "CNN's Wolf Blitzer has been warned not to focus Thursday's Dem debate on Hillary. 'This campaign is about issues, not on who we can bring down and destroy,' top Clinton insider explains. 'Blitzer should not go down to the levels of character attack and pull 'a Russert.'' Blitzer is set to moderate debate from Vegas, with questions also being posed by Suzanne Malveaux... "

I'm sure HRH knows nothing about this directive. Please.

Thompson's campaign

I can't figure out where Thompson's campaign is headed. Mary Matalin is still there I think, but I'm not sure. What do you think?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/12/AR2007111202007.html?sid=ST2007111202148

Mrs. Clinton (a/k/a Hillary)

I can't abide by that woman's abhorrence of and refusal to use the name that is the only reason she is where she is today.

What is a "Progressive"?

Only the liberal candidates know because it's a concept that exists only in their heads.

The Democrats in Congress.

Nancy Pelosi is worse than Dennis Hastert could have ever been. What is the point of voting endlessly on the withdrawal of troops from Iraq except to appease the far Left?

With every veto, all the Dems are doing is repeatedly pouring salt in their wounds by reminding themselves that George W. Bush is still the President.

we are tearing the country apart - will it survive?

Political discussions have always generated heat, but the hatred that is expressed by Conservatives and Progressives toward one another is at a whole new level.

Will the USA survive?
Yes. There are so many of us who will work to ensure that it does that failure is not an option. ;)

our political parties

Both of the U.S. political parties are in a pseudo-state of transformation, but it seems that the Republicans are more intent on doing so than the Democrats (or the former are more aggressive in their pursuit of change due to the recent border legislation proposal and the growing budget deficit). However, neither Party has embraced a substantive change in its views.

The Republicans seek to return to long-established positions on major issues such as defense, taxation, and the economy, and the Democrats insist on a mere label change: being called "Progressives" instead of "Liberals" or "Democrats", all the while adhering to traditional Democrat Party positions. It is amusing that such positions are always given with a healthy dose of lingering disgust/contempt/hate for President Bush and his election 7 years ago, but such rhetoric is neither healthy for the Democrat Party or political discourse in general.

So where are we and will meaningful change result? With not one vote having been cast, its simply too early to tell. In the meantime, does anyone care to venture a guess?