Colin Cowherd took the last thirty seconds of his interview with Peter Gammons this morning to discuss the 60 Minutes interviews with Obama and Clinton last evening. As Gammons described himself as an MSNBC junkie, I realized that the average Joe (as Scarborough would be cheering now) doesn't pay as much attention to the Presidential race as some of us contributors and readers of Ground Game.
Thus, the 60 Minutes segment is probably more influential than the hours a cable news that I digest each week. To that end, it was a great introduction to Barack. Scenes with him sitting in his suite with his family watching the returns, chumming it up with Kennedy, Kerry, and Robert Deniro showed him to be the average guy with whom you would enjoy spending a few minutes of conversation. (or basketball, a superstition which he now employs the day of every primary or caucus since his staff discovered that the only time they did not play were the mornings before New Hampshire and Nevada). Obama is quick on his feet and carries himself in such a way that reveals authenticity, especially compared to Hillary's programmed style and verbiage that seemingly can not be turned off even for a moment.
The fastest growing segment of support, especially since the departure of John Edwards, is that of white males. For two such men, sports aficionados no doubt, to be discussing how they are inspired by Obama and according to Cowherd, "can't wait for the next words out of his mouth" shows that his broadened support is amassing across the nation.
On a personal note, one of Ground Game's contributors, Danny Yeatts, is presently at the University of Maryland (with good seats mind you) for the Obama rally in the Chesapeake state today. We look forward to a full report.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Can't we all just get along?
First of all props to Jonathan and Dale for following this race early and often. They new a year ago what the rest of the US just realized, this has been a great, historic primary season.
On to McCain. I may have posted why I support McCain, but just in case here is why I do.
-During the defining event of his generation (Vietnam) he served honorably. He had family connections that could have gotten him out of it, or gotten released early, but he served.
-In the 90s, when Clinton was sending troops to Bosnia, McCain stood by him with troops in harms way. We conservatives hate to admit it, but the Bosnian intervention worked.
-On Iraq, he was right. The only end-game is victory, and more troops were needed for that. He stood by Bush when NO ONE was backing him.
-He has been a tireless campaigner against pork barrel spending.
-He has been consistently pro-life.
-After a tough primary in 2000, McCain campaigned for Bush tirelessly in 2000 and then again in 2004. He supported Bush when it mattered.
Now, here is what drives me nuts. I don't agree with everything McCain has done. I hate some of his positions. Anyone is free to argue with campaign finance reform, taxes, etc. What makes no sense is the constant attacks from Limbaugh, Coulter, CPAC, etc. In the primary, you can support any candidate you want. Once that candidate is done, you then have to look for who will best lead this country (NOT, "who will best lead the conservative cause") It's insanity to not go all out for McCain over Clinton/Obama and folks like Limbaugh/Coulter to attack him, diminishes themselves.
McCain is a good man with many good policies. For those who care about what is best for this country, it's time to start working to elect him as the next President of the US.
On to McCain. I may have posted why I support McCain, but just in case here is why I do.
-During the defining event of his generation (Vietnam) he served honorably. He had family connections that could have gotten him out of it, or gotten released early, but he served.
-In the 90s, when Clinton was sending troops to Bosnia, McCain stood by him with troops in harms way. We conservatives hate to admit it, but the Bosnian intervention worked.
-On Iraq, he was right. The only end-game is victory, and more troops were needed for that. He stood by Bush when NO ONE was backing him.
-He has been a tireless campaigner against pork barrel spending.
-He has been consistently pro-life.
-After a tough primary in 2000, McCain campaigned for Bush tirelessly in 2000 and then again in 2004. He supported Bush when it mattered.
Now, here is what drives me nuts. I don't agree with everything McCain has done. I hate some of his positions. Anyone is free to argue with campaign finance reform, taxes, etc. What makes no sense is the constant attacks from Limbaugh, Coulter, CPAC, etc. In the primary, you can support any candidate you want. Once that candidate is done, you then have to look for who will best lead this country (NOT, "who will best lead the conservative cause") It's insanity to not go all out for McCain over Clinton/Obama and folks like Limbaugh/Coulter to attack him, diminishes themselves.
McCain is a good man with many good policies. For those who care about what is best for this country, it's time to start working to elect him as the next President of the US.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Now What?
Super Tuesday was a tie. It seems Obama has the Big Mo. Hillary is loaning her campaign serious dollars. And yet it is deja vu all over again. New Hampshire primary taught everyone a lesson (or at least made everyone gun shy): don't count out the Clinton's.
Politico's Jim VandeHei writes near brilliantly "Five Reasons Hillary Should Be Worried." In that spirit, I offer my Reasons Both Hillary & Barack Should Be Worried.
Hillary should be worried...
1 - The calendar doesn't favor her (see number five of the above article). This weekend's states consist of two caucuses (Obama has won 7 of 8 states with that format due to his organization) and Louisiana with a strong African-American population. The following Tuesday in the Chesapeake Primary, Obama is running strong. Barack should take a delegate lead into Texas and Ohio with the momentum stronger than ever.
2 - The money doesn't favor her. Loaning yourself $5 million (tough for a working lady of humble means) at a minimum casts a bit of concern on your campaign. Especially when Obama is likely to set another fund raising record for consecutive months. Money isn't everything (tip of the hat to McCain and Huckabee) but it sure helps.
3 - The ground game doesn't favor her. There is something about being in the room with Barack. He is electrifying and in states where he has been able to spend a lot of face time, he most often wins handily. The calendar, now that the national primary is over, allows for more time to be spent in each individual state giving speeches and packing out public halls. There are not enough tears to be shed to match his enthusiastic support going state by state.
4 - Bill has been too quiet. The old adage "you can't keep a good man down" also finds truth in its polar opposite. The Clinton campaign will not be able to keep Bill down for the duration. Too many reporters with too many microphones and cameras will be hoping to get the scoop of a lifetime. Bill Clinton will make news again and that can't be a good thing for his candidate wife.
5 - She is losing the endorsement battle. All the big ones are falling out for Barack - Teddy and Caroline, the female governors of Arizona and now Washington, even a host of Hollywood types. Endorsements don't win elections, but in this Democratic race, the super delegates might just deliver a victory. The momentum sweeping to his side including the big names and party supporters alike make it more likely (and safer) that the super delegates will move his way.
Peggy Noonan, a very respected conservative voice, writes a must read begging the question, "Will Hillary be able to lose without destroying the party?" She writes...
"I ruminate in this way because something is happening. Mrs. Clinton is losing this thing. It's not one big primary, it's a rolling loss, a daily one, an inch-by-inch deflation. The trends and indices are not in her favor. She is having trouble raising big money, she's funding her campaign with her own wealth, her moral standing within her own party and among her own followers has been dragged down, and the legacy of Clintonism tarnished by what Bill Clinton did in South Carolina. Unfavorable primaries lie ahead. She doesn't have the excitement, the great whoosh of feeling that accompanies a winning campaign. The guy from Chicago who was unknown a year ago continues to gain purchase, to move forward. For a soft little innocent, he's played a tough and knowing inside/outside game."
It pleases me that even Conservatives are noticing that there is something appealing about Obama and that he has a great shot to end the Clinton/Bush Dynastic Rule of America.
But...I believe there are also three good reasons for Obama to be worried.
1 - This could still become an ethnic election. If Obama is the "black" candidate, he must then overcome a real (while not mentioned) racial divide with Latinos as Hispanics have now eclipsed African-Americans as the largest minority in the United States (although we should soon admit the Anglos are the largest minority as the day is fast approaching when Anglos no longer out number all other minorities combined) not to mention the racism that still exists in portions of the deep South. The good news is there were signs on Super Tuesday that younger Latinos were breaking strong for Barack indicating that this may truly be a generational election - that's one he can win especially against a 73 year old McCain.
2 - He could lose the expectations game. New Hampshire is Obama's kryptonite. The press were so ready to crown a new prince and dance on the political grave of the Clinton dynasty. The polls jumped declaring a double digit win by the Obamacans only to be shocked by night's end. In California, the last poll before the voting began was a shocking 13 point lead by Obama that resulted in a six point loss. Democrats, Independents, the Press, the party leaders, and even a few Republicans so want to see the Fall of Hillary and the Rise of Barack that any opportunity to inflate reality is embraced to his fault. After Super Tuesday he was asked about being an "underdog." His response declared he was still an underdog, just not as big an underdog as the day before. Hillary (who likes to steal his best lines, i.e. Change) has now declared herself the underdog. In the year of Appalachian State, the bigger underdog may be the biggest favorite.
3 - The Clinton's will say or do anything to win. My greatest fear is that Obama takes the delegate lead as they move towards Denver and somewhere, in the back, smoky room, the Clinton's call in every favor, make something up on Obama, sell every Ambassadorship in the world to convince the Super Delegates to reverse the decision of the people and leave Barack on the outside looking in while the Democratic party is left in shambles. I have no love for the Democratic party, but the only way to defeat hope is to steal it away and leave the hopeful hopeless. There is no price that seems too high for Hillary.
I hope Peggy Noonan's question does not haunt our country for years.
Politico's Jim VandeHei writes near brilliantly "Five Reasons Hillary Should Be Worried." In that spirit, I offer my Reasons Both Hillary & Barack Should Be Worried.
Hillary should be worried...
1 - The calendar doesn't favor her (see number five of the above article). This weekend's states consist of two caucuses (Obama has won 7 of 8 states with that format due to his organization) and Louisiana with a strong African-American population. The following Tuesday in the Chesapeake Primary, Obama is running strong. Barack should take a delegate lead into Texas and Ohio with the momentum stronger than ever.
2 - The money doesn't favor her. Loaning yourself $5 million (tough for a working lady of humble means) at a minimum casts a bit of concern on your campaign. Especially when Obama is likely to set another fund raising record for consecutive months. Money isn't everything (tip of the hat to McCain and Huckabee) but it sure helps.
3 - The ground game doesn't favor her. There is something about being in the room with Barack. He is electrifying and in states where he has been able to spend a lot of face time, he most often wins handily. The calendar, now that the national primary is over, allows for more time to be spent in each individual state giving speeches and packing out public halls. There are not enough tears to be shed to match his enthusiastic support going state by state.
4 - Bill has been too quiet. The old adage "you can't keep a good man down" also finds truth in its polar opposite. The Clinton campaign will not be able to keep Bill down for the duration. Too many reporters with too many microphones and cameras will be hoping to get the scoop of a lifetime. Bill Clinton will make news again and that can't be a good thing for his candidate wife.
5 - She is losing the endorsement battle. All the big ones are falling out for Barack - Teddy and Caroline, the female governors of Arizona and now Washington, even a host of Hollywood types. Endorsements don't win elections, but in this Democratic race, the super delegates might just deliver a victory. The momentum sweeping to his side including the big names and party supporters alike make it more likely (and safer) that the super delegates will move his way.
Peggy Noonan, a very respected conservative voice, writes a must read begging the question, "Will Hillary be able to lose without destroying the party?" She writes...
"I ruminate in this way because something is happening. Mrs. Clinton is losing this thing. It's not one big primary, it's a rolling loss, a daily one, an inch-by-inch deflation. The trends and indices are not in her favor. She is having trouble raising big money, she's funding her campaign with her own wealth, her moral standing within her own party and among her own followers has been dragged down, and the legacy of Clintonism tarnished by what Bill Clinton did in South Carolina. Unfavorable primaries lie ahead. She doesn't have the excitement, the great whoosh of feeling that accompanies a winning campaign. The guy from Chicago who was unknown a year ago continues to gain purchase, to move forward. For a soft little innocent, he's played a tough and knowing inside/outside game."
It pleases me that even Conservatives are noticing that there is something appealing about Obama and that he has a great shot to end the Clinton/Bush Dynastic Rule of America.
But...I believe there are also three good reasons for Obama to be worried.
1 - This could still become an ethnic election. If Obama is the "black" candidate, he must then overcome a real (while not mentioned) racial divide with Latinos as Hispanics have now eclipsed African-Americans as the largest minority in the United States (although we should soon admit the Anglos are the largest minority as the day is fast approaching when Anglos no longer out number all other minorities combined) not to mention the racism that still exists in portions of the deep South. The good news is there were signs on Super Tuesday that younger Latinos were breaking strong for Barack indicating that this may truly be a generational election - that's one he can win especially against a 73 year old McCain.
2 - He could lose the expectations game. New Hampshire is Obama's kryptonite. The press were so ready to crown a new prince and dance on the political grave of the Clinton dynasty. The polls jumped declaring a double digit win by the Obamacans only to be shocked by night's end. In California, the last poll before the voting began was a shocking 13 point lead by Obama that resulted in a six point loss. Democrats, Independents, the Press, the party leaders, and even a few Republicans so want to see the Fall of Hillary and the Rise of Barack that any opportunity to inflate reality is embraced to his fault. After Super Tuesday he was asked about being an "underdog." His response declared he was still an underdog, just not as big an underdog as the day before. Hillary (who likes to steal his best lines, i.e. Change) has now declared herself the underdog. In the year of Appalachian State, the bigger underdog may be the biggest favorite.
3 - The Clinton's will say or do anything to win. My greatest fear is that Obama takes the delegate lead as they move towards Denver and somewhere, in the back, smoky room, the Clinton's call in every favor, make something up on Obama, sell every Ambassadorship in the world to convince the Super Delegates to reverse the decision of the people and leave Barack on the outside looking in while the Democratic party is left in shambles. I have no love for the Democratic party, but the only way to defeat hope is to steal it away and leave the hopeful hopeless. There is no price that seems too high for Hillary.
I hope Peggy Noonan's question does not haunt our country for years.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mitt and Mac
Last week I suggested a post-mortem on all the stalled candidacies. Mark Halperin offers Ten Things Mitt Could Have Done Differently. It is a combination of entertainment and enlightenment.
I also read the full transcript of Romney's address today at CPAC.
The essence is: "I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country. I will continue to stand for conservative principles; I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in."
As I suggested in this morning's post, Romney's loyal followers recognize that the serious business of improving America is not accomplished in a nasty fight with John McCain. Things were becoming tense and personal among folks who have a lot in common.
This does not mean we embrace McCain's record or all of his views, but for the 2008 election cycle we probably need to spend a little more time celebrating the many common threads of our vision for a stronger country.
God Bless America!
I also read the full transcript of Romney's address today at CPAC.
The essence is: "I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, I feel I must now stand aside, for our party and for our country. I will continue to stand for conservative principles; I will fight alongside you for all the things we believe in."
As I suggested in this morning's post, Romney's loyal followers recognize that the serious business of improving America is not accomplished in a nasty fight with John McCain. Things were becoming tense and personal among folks who have a lot in common.
This does not mean we embrace McCain's record or all of his views, but for the 2008 election cycle we probably need to spend a little more time celebrating the many common threads of our vision for a stronger country.
God Bless America!
Romney is Out
Mark Halperin reports that Romney is dropping out of the race most likely in his speech at CPAC today. It looks like McCain is the GOP candidate. Now the unification of the party begins. Will he choose Huck as VP for another smooth exit or will he bend to please the conservative wing of the party by selecting Crist as the new standard bearer for the future?
Conservative Cheer
Mitt Romney (84%)
John McCain (78%)
Mike Huckabee (60%)
Hillary Clinton (27%)
Barack Obama (19%)
Last summer, I used an online Candidate Selector to help sort out a very crowded presidential field on the basis of issues. My theoretical perfect candidate was a 100% match, and the real candidates that remain in the race followed as you see above.
Since then, on the GOP side we have learned that most Republicans trust John McCain on matters of defense. Likewise, Mike Huckabee seems to carry the most credibility on social issues, and Mitt Romney inspires us with his ability to unleash America's economic potential.
So why all the angst among conservatives as John McCain has won over half the delegates needed for the nomination? It is my sense that of the three, he will receive the frostiest reception from conservatives at CPAC 2008 that begins today at the Omni Shoreham in Washington. I suspect there is a certain "payback factor" that many feel Senator McCain is owed for selling conservatives down the river on a number of issues since 2000.
Is this the best for America? Conservatives have historically sought to align with good ideas and sound policy over political expediency or opinion polls. John McCain was leading this charge on the most important (and perhaps most unpopular) issue of the last eight years--the troop surge in Iraq. Is he a 100% match with conservative principles? No, but let's be fair..is Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee? Was Ronald Reagan?
I like that Mitt Romney seeks to continue in this race. His ideas strike a chord with a sizable number of Republicans. So do Mike Huckabee's. I'm not sure why some have called for Huck's exit; gee whiz..he won five states on Super Tuesday.
This may go to the convention, but it needs to go for the right reasons. While the temptation will be to "payback" John McCain, this needs to be about ideas, dialogue, and an inspiring vision for America's future. Let's spread some conservative cheer!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Straight Talk on the Economy -- Source of American Greatness
John McCain has been frequently quoted that he served his country "for patriotism, not for profit." Economic conservatives are very uneasy that McCain is so comfortable demonizing businessmen, entrepreneurs, and companies as if only military contributions have made our nation great.
The United States defeated the greatest enemy of our time, without firing a single shot. Our military was and is the world's finest, but the Soviet Union had an army and weapons that could have assured mutual destruction. Reagan's supply-side policies unleashed the American economy --this is what ultimately toppled the USSR.
McCain is hostile to those who embrace Ronald Reagan's "peace through strength" doctrine. He champions legislation such as McCain-Lieberman that would impose burdensome environmental regulation on American companies, further encouraging them to move operations to those nations open for business in the Middle East and Asia. He twice voted against supply-side cuts earlier this decade calling them "cuts for the rich". He thinks tax cuts are about individual's personal tax rates, when they are the most important measurement of America's ability to attract the world's investment capital.
"Don't give up your ideals, don't compromise, don't turn to expediency" -- GOP Presidential Candidate, Ronald Reagan, 1976
The United States defeated the greatest enemy of our time, without firing a single shot. Our military was and is the world's finest, but the Soviet Union had an army and weapons that could have assured mutual destruction. Reagan's supply-side policies unleashed the American economy --this is what ultimately toppled the USSR.
McCain is hostile to those who embrace Ronald Reagan's "peace through strength" doctrine. He champions legislation such as McCain-Lieberman that would impose burdensome environmental regulation on American companies, further encouraging them to move operations to those nations open for business in the Middle East and Asia. He twice voted against supply-side cuts earlier this decade calling them "cuts for the rich". He thinks tax cuts are about individual's personal tax rates, when they are the most important measurement of America's ability to attract the world's investment capital.
"Don't give up your ideals, don't compromise, don't turn to expediency" -- GOP Presidential Candidate, Ronald Reagan, 1976
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