Streetcar Line
A Pence for Your Thoughts
An attractive, reasonable choice for 2012 — in an ugly, unreasonable era.
By all reasonable lights, it is way to early to be lining up behind candidates for president for 2012. But American politics isn’t reasonable these days. The permanent campaign is a fact of American political life. And conservatives are right to want to finally have a nominee of their own in 2012. We haven’t had one since Ronald Reagan. (Neither of the Bushes, nor Bob Dole, nor John McCain, were movement conservatives; indeed, all of them actually disdained the movement.) That said, conservatives will be in a quandary unless they refuse to accept the conventional wisdom about which candidates can be successful. The list of the most prominent potential candidates is full of problems.
Mike Huckabee is a phony with ethics problems, a mean streak, a strangely ill-formed appreciation of American defense needs, and a serious lack of credibility on fiscal issues. Mitt Romney is the author of a state health-care law that is a big-government nightmare, and he adopts new political positions like a chameleon in heat. Tim Pawlenty has at times been way too fond of global warming baloney, and he’s boring. Sarah Palin is disliked by 62 percent of the American public, and for all her conservative attitudinal bona fides, she still lacks depth of knowledge or experience. Mitch Daniels has vowed never to run for another office. Rick Santorum, a conservative stalwart, lost his last race in a landslide and may need to prove winnability again. Bobby Jindal has a re-election race in Louisiana in 2011, making a presidential campaign a logistical near-impossibility. Plus, he still needs seasoning. Ohio’s Rob Portman and John Kasich, if they win their respective races for Senate and governor in 2010, will be extremely attractive V-P possibilities in 2012, but really can’t be expected to make presidential runs so soon after taking new statewide offices. Haley Barbour is a political mastermind, but his style and his lobbying background probably won’t sell nationally. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, a superb governor and a great guy, lacks national notice. Newt Gingrich is a great conceptualizer, but his political drawbacks are legion — and he may not be able to mend fences with conservatives regarding his endorsement of Dede Scozzafava in the New York special election. Dick Cheney is a great American and would make a great president, but Republicans need to get away from septuagenarians. Finally, Jeb Bush is a Bush.
But there is a potential candidate who, just possibly, might fill the bill. He bears watching, whether or not he actually has designs on the job. He was the keynote speaker at The American Spectator’s annual Robert Bartley dinner last week, and in substance his speech — reprinted here — was everything a conservative could want. In style, my other sources tell me he could use a few more smiles and a little less tension, but I found that he certainly does know how to deliver a message in tones that are inspirational and consistently interesting.
The speaker was House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana. This passage from his speech is worth quoting at length:
The real American Revolution was a revolution of self-reliance and independence, casting off dependency on the crown, in the hearts and minds of the American people. It was a rejection of the spirit of dependence in favor of a society of free and independent people.
As Thomas Sowell wrote, “What the American Revolution did was give the common man a voice, a veto, elbow room, and a refuge from the rampaging presumptions of his ‘betters.’” And, I submit, it is that revolution of independence and self-reliance that liberal elites are seeking to overturn. Barney Frank recently said, “We are trying on every front to increase the role of government.” Not just the size but the role.
With the role of the federal government tightening every day on our economy, our finances, our natural resources, and our everyday lives, the common American values of life, liberty and limited government are being trampled by the urgency of the moment and the judgment of people who “know better” than everyday Americans.
The late Jack Kemp said words in 1996 at the Republican National Convention that speak to our time about the politicians and the political elites here in Washington. He said: “They don’t have faith in people. They’re elitists. They have faith in government. They think they know better than the people, but the truth is, there is a wisdom and intelligence in ordinary men and women far superior to the greatest so-called experts.”
The thing about Mike Pence is, he has fought the fight — and continues to fight it. He’s been in Washington since 2000, but shows not a single sign of being Beltwayed. He stood tall against the Medicare prescription drug boondoggle. He stood tall against all the various bailouts and handouts of the past 15 months. He provided extraordinary leadership in the August 2008 “rump Congress” fight in favor of expanded energy.
Pence has substance: He led a conservative think tank in Indiana before being elected to Congress. Think tank leaders aren’t shallow. Pence has media savvy: He hosted a popular talk-radio show in Indiana. Pence has leadership skills: You don’t get elected Conference chairman as an insurgent, rather than as a member of the party’s go-along to get-along crowd, unless you have an extraordinary ability to make that insurgency influential.
But look up his record for yourself. It is a record or consistent conservatism, avidly and cheerfully pursued.
The obvious counter-argument, of course, is that Pence is “just” a House member. House members supposedly don’t have broad enough constituencies to run for president. No House member has been successful since James Garfield. Yada yada yada.
Well, before Barack Obama, only two sitting senators — Warren Harding and John Kennedy — had won election to the White House. Political history can be bunk. It once was thought that nobody with so little experience as Obama should be elected president. Nobody from states with so few electoral votes as Wyoming, Hawaii, Alaska, and Delaware, or who was born in a foreign canal zone, should be on presidential tickets. The president’s party always loses ground in off-year elections (disproved in 2002). Presidential parties always get re-elected when the economy is good (disproved in 2000). And so on, ad infinitum. All of these myths confuse correlation with causation. And there’s no reason the “impossibility” of a House member winning the presidency can’t be likewise a myth. Modern media can make superstars out of people overnight (see Sarah Palin). There’s no reason it can’t do the same for a House leader who plays his cards right.
For that matter, even though the elder George Bush had a tacit endorsement from Ronald Reagan after serving loyally for eight years, House Conference Chairman Jack Kemp may well have won the GOP nod in 1988 had not Pete DuPont and Pat Robertson entered the race and split the conservative votes three ways.
What Pence needs, like Kemp before him, is a galvanizing issue that becomes virtually synonymous with his name, as supply-side tax cuts (and enterprise zones) were for Kemp. Discussion of what such an issue may be will need to wait for another day (but I have several ideas). Again, though, in this age of mass media, an old spiritual song is applicable: It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
Whether it is Pence or some other conservative standard-bearer, one key test will lie in finding that issue. This is not to endorse Pence, but only to say that there is no reason why he can’t emerge. And there is every reason, if he does emerge (if he is even interested), legitimately walking the conservative walk while singing the right conservative tune, for conservatives to welcome that harmonic emergence.
About the Author
Quin Hillyer is a senior editor of The American Spectator and a senior fellow at the Center for Individual Freedom. Follow him on Twitter @QuinHillyer.
Richard Knaak| 11.25.09 @ 6:37AM
A winning ticket- Pence/Coburn
Scott Martin| 11.25.09 @ 10:48AM
Or Pence/Palin. That could really fire up the base, much more than McCain/Palin. At least they would both be on the same page, policy-wise.
TennesseeVolunteer| 11.25.09 @ 7:01AM
Quin, a good , fair read and food for thought. America is ready for specific facts from our future candidates. A good, enthusiastic speaker won't hurt but the reality is this. America wants to make the best choice for our leaders and our President. the governors race in Virginia was won because he cited specific ways he would rule conservatively. More steak and less sizzle instead of platitudes and puffery will go a long way in the next elections. This next election will be about trust. Hope and change ain't going to cut it here in fly over country.
Clay Barham | 11.27.09 @ 12:54PM
DROPPINGS FROM DISBELIEF
We are getting closer to the dangers in disbelief as it relates to the climate change chaos facing us today. What happens if too many people start falling out of believing in man caused climate change, and the world going to pot because of carbon dioxide? The probable result of that calamity would be all the heavy stuff falling out of the air, hitting people on the head. After all, along with that belief in man caused climate disaster, is that heavier than air matter can rise above the air, hovering over us like a large blanket preventing heat from being lost from the earth to the atmosphere. It is like lead able to rise as a helium-filled balloon, violating concepts of science like so many others in the global warming arsenal of disinformation. Think of the injuries that would occur if belief quits keeping the heavy stuff floating. It is imperative that Obama sells the idea of global warming as a catastrophe and reinforces our belief in climate change, leprechauns and little Marxists watching out for us. He has the power, the force of persuasion and the charisma to convince even the scientific doubter that his predictions come true. He is, after all, our leader. Claysamerica.com
Ray Reiff| 11.25.09 @ 7:30AM
Mike Pence is the real deal. I have watched Mike on many occasions having heard him originally on his talk show as he is able to articulate as well as Newt on the issues and the true cause of conservatism, morality and political ethics. Mike spends time in the trenches of local issues mixing with real people and staying tuned in. Like cream in milk, Mike has risen by the natural process of being true to himself and to his beliefs in God, Country and Founding Principles. When Mike first announced he was running for Congress, I thought to myself then, you are watching the rise of a true Statesman and a potential President. I still feel the same instinct about his leadership and the broad political landscape. Mike is conservatism with bones hardened with steel and is formed by the stuff of true Republicanism. We shall watch and see...
GringoBob | 11.25.09 @ 7:34AM
well written - little more harsh on Huckabee than I would be, but everything is on point - Mike Pence does walk the walk as Newt can only talk about and then run for "party" cover
http://Group912.org
Ryan| 11.25.09 @ 8:24AM
I agree. The complaints against Huck are often overstated, but I could easily get behind Pence as well.
Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 12:59PM
Original gringo Bob? Townhall?
Bob Miller| 11.25.09 @ 8:47AM
I was hoping Pence would run in 2008, but this may be his moment. While we're on the subject of principled Republicans from Indiana, we ought to think about Governor Mitch Daniels, too. Daniels has a big edge in nuts-and-bolts administrative experience but Pence may project better to voters.
Chris| 11.25.09 @ 8:55AM
John Kasich doesn't care about white people. Matt Hale told me.
Chris| 11.25.09 @ 8:56AM
John Kasich doesn't care about white people. Matt Hale told me.
Anthony| 11.25.09 @ 9:43AM
As a fellow Hanover College alumnus, I've admired Mike for some time and think Pence has great potential. That said, Quin, your cheap shot at Gov. Palin will not stand you in good stead with many of us.
Where the hell did you come up with the 62% disapproval rating, James Hansen over at NASA, or has Maureen Dowd become your new favorite? And lack of depth of knowledge, and experience, really, haven't you folks of the Washington intelligencia fame, learned yet that that dog of a carnard won't hunt?
It appears your Washington beltway myopia is acting up today. You're a good kid, but a bit rambunctious when an idea gets into your head; you can still be a good cheerleader without trashing the rest of the team. Now put down your pom poms and take a deep breath.
Marc| 11.25.09 @ 9:52AM
Quin...give me a break. Your rant on Mike Huckabee is just ridiculous. I'm sick of people trashing Huckabee just because Pat Toomeys (Club for Growth) doesn't like him and Rush is in LOVE with Sarah Palin (like a schoolboy). He's got Ronald Reagan's charisma, intellect and ability. He can debate Obama (or whoever else you want) because he uses old fashioned COMMON SENSE when he speaks and he has answers that are not the "same old same old". FAIRTAX is a wonderful idea that would ignite our economy overnight....even faster than tax cuts. Huckabee is the repubs only hope for 2012.
Ron Wheeler| 11.25.09 @ 10:55AM
I'm more inclined towards Romney, but I think Marc is quite right to speak to Mike Huckabee's strengths. Huckabee is charismatic and funny, and would have a real abillity to cross party lines. I view him as a common sense conservative. Palin will be a factor for sure, but she's going to have to come a long way to be as prepared for the national stage as Huckabee. The Club for Growth has a litmus test that is too rigid. I'm with Marc, and I like Mike!
Adam Smith| 11.25.09 @ 1:06PM
No, Quin is exactly right and, quite frankly could have gone into great detail on Hucksterbee's flaws as a man and a politician. Do some research on his years in Arkansas and your eyes will be opened.
This guy is a Bill Clinton / Andy Griffith wannabe, right down to the lame musical instrument props.
This is the clown who thought telling Republicans about cooking a squirrel in a popcorn popper (in a trailer yet) would be a good "bonding" exercise to get in touch with the common man.
Huckabee is a menace to the Republican party.
He is Dede Scozzofava in drag, spouting verbose, empty platitudes while oozing what he thinks is charm & "good ol common sense & decency".
Hucksterbee is a complete fraud at all levels and what is really oozing from him is a trail of snake oil, not charm & folksy wisdom.
Margie| 11.25.09 @ 2:46PM
Now Adam... can you tell us how you REALLY feel? :^)
Adam Smith| 11.25.09 @ 11:09PM
Sarah Palin has more real character in her toenail clippings.
Throwin you a bone.
Margie| 11.27.09 @ 12:12PM
"Sarah Palin has more real character in her toenail clippings."
~Can I quote you on that?
Charles| 11.26.09 @ 11:12PM
I have known Mike Huckabee for over 15 years and now work with him on his radio show. Nicest, most down-to-Earth person I've ever met in politics. I've picked him up at airports and had to wait 20 minutes because he took the time to chat with anyone who recognized him and wanted to talk. Also, the only candidate in 2008 with real, successful executive experience (named one of America's 5 best governor's by Time magazine, no less, back when they weren't terrified that he might keep Obama from becoming President). I'm an unreconstructed conservative who cast his first vote for Reagan, and Huckabee and I have virtually no political disagreements. While other "real" Republicans were pushing stuff like TARP and taking stimulus bill money, Huckabee has been 100% in opposition to all of them on grounds of conservative and Constitutional principles. If you did a little research, you'd know that the slams on Huckabee came from the Club For Growth and were a lot of slanted bushwah that have been debunked by everyone from Michael Medved to the New York Times.
In sum, you, sir, and the the writer of this article do not know your rear ends from your elbows.
Dave Clark| 11.25.09 @ 10:17AM
Quin--interesting take on all the possibles, though
I agree you sold sister Sarah a little short. You are
right on the money that Pence would make an inspiring President. He's had my support and my
donations for a few months already.
NeilBJ| 11.25.09 @ 10:36AM
Governor Bobby Jindal not only has the logistics problems of running for president in 2012, he has the Constitutional problem that he is not a natural born citizen.
If the putative definition of natural born citizen is a person who is born on U.S. soil (true for Jindal) to parents who are both citizens (not true for Jindal) then Jindal cannot run.
There is still activity pending regarding Obama's natural born citizenship status. Until all the law suits are settled (all of them have been dismissed so far), the question of who is a natural born citizen remains open, and until the question is answered definitively it will not go away.
Ben Evans| 11.25.09 @ 10:50AM
I like Pence, but I would be willing to bet a large amount of money that he will lose in a landslide. Much can change before 2012, but I do think it highly unlikely that a House member could make a serious challenge for the White House. Pawlenty, Romney and the usual suspects are the best bets today, and if the economy comes back, which I suspect it will, it could be tough for any Republican to win.
canuckistani| 11.27.09 @ 5:19PM
Agreed. The only republican hope here is more calamity and a worse economy. Obama will have an improving economy and a humbled Pelosi after 2010. Scandals anyone? Whoops, the GOP has a franchise on hypocrisy. The Tea-baggers will cross the goofiness line sometime in 2010 and send sympathetic independents back behind their doors on e-day. A handsome, modest centrist is needed, fiscal restraint, populist social views and a pristine record. Hmmmm.
Margie| 11.27.09 @ 8:54PM
Pardon me, but uh... are you an American?
victor| 11.29.09 @ 11:05PM
Yeah, maybe a wannabe, perhaps.
If he had any brains, he'd be an American by now and not a Great White Troll.
victor| 11.29.09 @ 11:05PM
Yeah, maybe a wannabe, perhaps.
If he had any brains, he'd be an American by now and not a Great White Troll.
Jon | 11.25.09 @ 11:03AM
While I'm a fan of Pence, it seems strange to call out Riley for lacking "national notice", while finding that isn't a problem for Pence. I imagine their name ID at a national level is awfully similar.
Also, Daniels has already been making some moves that indicate he may be willing to back down on his promise.
Hank| 11.25.09 @ 11:09AM
Sounds like a guy with potential.
As for Sarah, I really think we'd be better served having her force out Steele at the RNC.
Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 2:26PM
Now there's a thought. Might just be what she has in mind.
Ken (Old Texican | 11.25.09 @ 11:13AM
Quin,
Thank you for that essay. Pretty much on track in my mind. I really like Jim DeMint as well. I have read his book, and I have called some of his peers.
One thing I think I can state flatly, is that unless she runs over her tongue, Sarah Palin MUST be in the "camp" for any conservative to win a solid mandate.
We will desperately need a "barracuda" with a smile in the campaign/s.
I mentioned yesterday that I believe her invite to Billy Graham's home for dinner won at least 12 million votes across the country for what ever congressmen or senators she endorses for 2010.
I truly believe her when she says she is focused only upon 2010.
Thoughts?
Oldscool| 11.25.09 @ 11:22AM
I think an extremely attractive and qualified candidate would be Texs Governor, Rick Perry.
canuckistani| 11.27.09 @ 5:28PM
Nope. Texas is a no go zone for presidents. Johnson? Whoops. Bush? Whoops. No thanks. Texans are unreliable at the national level. Name one in the whole history of the union that did anything at the national level that didn't leave the country in a stinking pile of manure? Maybe Sam Rayburn.
victor| 11.29.09 @ 11:04PM
Hey, Canuckaphony,
When we need your opinion, we'll give it you.
Aren't you supposed to be at the Garden or something?
Pingback| 11.25.09 @ 11:26AM
The American Spectator : A Pence for Your Thoughts | americantoday links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Al Adab| 11.25.09 @ 11:29AM
We waste our energy debating the "who" when the real issue is the "Waht", the principles which guide us. It is imperative that a Movement Conservative emerge, but who that might be is secondary to that candidate clearly espousing the tenents of the Movement. A restoration of Constitutional government is critical, but beware the "man on the white horse" as that is the road to Rome or, worse yet, Bonapartism.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.25.09 @ 11:59AM
Thanks Al Adab! GOOD thoughts!
Al| 11.25.09 @ 12:34PM
If I would ever spell check. Thanks though.
hunter| 11.25.09 @ 12:02PM
There is a perfect galvanzing warcry Pence can take up that will rile both sides and by overwhelming numbers produce a victory for him. It could have worked for McCain but he was a PC wimp, talked tough but didn't want to offend anyone. Well its best to piss a lot of people off and that gete the heat of battle raging. Its especially best when the majority sides with you. The subject matter of illegal immigration. Round them up and deport them, that not only will open up the jobs illegals hold for Americans, but the unemployed can be hired to help with the deportation process. Really secure the border, make the border a training base for our military. Write tougher laws on the hiring of illegals, upping the fines, stiffer prison sentences for the hiring more than five illegals etc. Hell this would help lessen the costs of educaution, emergency rooms, highway traffic, crime, energy/utility use etc. The people want someon with a backbone to lead, not a empty suit being PC, sterile, artificial. I have my birth certificate do you have yours. OHH, now I know why Obomba is easy on illegals They don't have a birth certificate either.
Bill Sr.| 11.25.09 @ 12:03PM
Baring impeachment, it is safe to assume the 2012 election will pit the tax and spend lie and spin socialistic reign of Barack Obama against a truly and totally opposite conservative based candidate (we pray) with the most nationwide support of the people.
Currently, it is also evident that we have become more polarized politically than ever before largely due to the election of our most anti-capitalistic and the first anti-American president ever.
As of today the two politicians most responsible for this “polarizing” in the forefront of public opinion and discourse and whose agendas for the future of our republic based on the economy, energy, education, healthcare, entitlements, and national security are more profoundly opposite are none other than Barack Obama and Sarah Palin. Don’t try to deny it!
The difference is one relies on the support of the liberal media with its bias to carry his message to the people the other has to rely on the people with their common sense and courage to carry her message to the media. If a fair and balanced battle for America was on a “level playing field” for these two there is no doubt that today Gov. Palin would win.
However, the sad but obvious truth is we do not have such fairness, balance or playing field any more. And it is the fact Sarah is a woman not the usual crappy “no experience” baloney that she gets short changed by even those within her party. Tell me, if Barry and Joe were having a beer under a tree on the golf course during a rain and were struck by lightning which “woman” would you want running the country, Sarah or NANCY?
canuckistani| 11.27.09 @ 5:39PM
Easy, Nancy.
She doesn't quit. She practices what she preaches, and has been re-elected many times by her constituency.
Sarah: quitter
Sarah: hypocrite, how's that Alaska abstinence program workin' for ya?
Sarah: Liar. Troopergate, bridge to nowhere
Sarah: never stood for re-election
Sarah: quitter. True american.
Nancy: pain in the ass liberal, but you would know exactly what your getting.
Sarah: who knows? SHE HAS NO RECORD, other than quitting.
Peter McGrath| 11.25.09 @ 12:09PM
Pence has been steeped in the double-speak of Washingtonian-ism. He's eloquent to the point of pushing up against - but never challenging - political correctness.
He's way too friendly with establishment liberals and moderates, and is not likely to be the catalyst for systemic change that our country needs, now.
We don't need reasonable, nice guys willing to play nice within the rules of the existing, corrupt game.
Nope. We need new players, with wrecking balls, ready to level Washington, D.C., to its foundations.
Oldefarte| 11.25.09 @ 2:51PM
AMEN, Peter----I wholeheartedly agree!!!
Rmm| 11.26.09 @ 9:55AM
Before reading the speech he gave the other day, I didn't know diddly about Pence. The only thing I gathered from it was he touched all the right bases.
But your take about the 'wrecking balls' certainly struck a cord.
How often have we seen 'virgins' go to Washington and be corrupted and turned by the system. Its time to turn the system on its ear.
Benson| 11.26.09 @ 5:23PM
I agree totally, I saw Pence's YouTube video where he finally decided to be against Gov. run health care. The political speak was so thick you could cut it with a knife. No political figure is going to get away with talking like we do in comments sections of conservative blogs but neither do they need to kneel down to political correctness and good ole boy club talk. I want someone who can cut Obama and the rest of his cabal to the core with politeness, finesse, honesty, truth and a smile. With maybe a wink as they turn the knife.
Adam Smith| 11.25.09 @ 1:09PM
Excellent article Quin, well written and to the point.
Your evaluations were spot on. More honesty and realistic analysis than I have seen in a while.
Pingback| 11.25.09 @ 1:32PM
How to make money writing online! – Life123 | ProBlogr links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Oldefarte| 11.25.09 @ 2:44PM
'A Friend' blogger recently reprimanded me for a mispelling, so I'll do likewise-----it's TOO, not TO!
Oldefarte| 11.25.09 @ 2:46PM
Unfortunately, it appears that the proper use of the English Language means more than the intent of a message. Continuing, let me respectfully disagree with your editorial a tad, if permissible. Haley Barbour would be an outstanding choice as a presidential candidate, since he's intelligent, politically savvy, extremely conservative and most importantly, he has tons of MANAGERIAL TALENT AND ABILITY from his tenures as RNC chairman and also as the governor of Mississippi for I think two terms. In you POLITICAL CORRECTNESS, you avoid saying that, as the latter and from being born/raised in Yazoo City, Mississippi, that he would become a target of minorities in a nationally political arena. So be it-----bring it on! The age of this political correctness BS is sickening and needs to be
dispensed with and flushed down the toilet. This attitude is exactly what has resulted in our current president becoming elected and in the horror of the Fort Hood disaster. It's time that people started telling THE TRUTH----if is smells like a duck, walks like a duck,etc; then by God, tell it and call it A DUCK! This country needs a conservative/patriotic president who will (1) begin cutting federal expenditures to eliminate the waste/fraud/abuse of taxpayers' hard earned money (2) begin using missile technology/megaton bombs,etc to force foreign governments and religious extremists factions to stop their worldly abuses (3) rein in the welfare classes of this country to reprogram them into productive citizens via a revised/improved public education system; etc. American is swirling around the bottom of the toilet bowl at present, and if we don't begin to elect truly qualified and dedicated candidates [instead of political hacks and criminals]; we will
witness it finally disappearing inside the toilet bowl of existence[and we will become a banana republic type country similar to Africa and or South American jungles]. Barbour, Romney, Newt, Palin and Jindal are ALL extremely qualified potential candidates [maybe Pence also, don't know enough about him]-----but the bottom line is we need to eliminate the Obama's, the Pilosi's, the Rangel's, the Conyer's, the Reid's, the Dodd's,etc from control of this country!!!!!
Margie| 11.25.09 @ 2:57PM
I also want to know.. where did you get the 62% B.S. stats about Sarah Palin? Maybe the folks over at Huffington Post or something?
I have met Liberals who voted for the current Resident of the White House who love her.
While I always prefer a man in the leadership slot, I believe Sarah could win the Presidency. Do you really believe for a moment if it were a choice between Sara Palin and any Democrat that she could lose?
~I do like Hayley Barbour, mucho. Great guy. Great attitude. Manly man. Good conservative.
~Mike Pence. Fabulous. Excellent conservative. Go for it, Mike!
~Jim DeMint. Also a great conservative.
Will be watching!
~
Oldefarte| 11.26.09 @ 1:43PM
Margie, That 62% no doubt came from Chris Mathews' lips as the tingle was cascading down his leg while listening to THE MESSIAH! Really, with the huge crowds that are battling the elements of adverse weather in order to get Sarah's signature, does anyone in their right mind truly believe that 62% disfavor her? Even a liberal Democrat wouldn't utter such nonsense!
Margie| 11.26.09 @ 11:53PM
Actually, I think he meant to say that 62% FAVOR her. It's just that he was so tingly, his lips were shaky. :^)
Derek Leaberry| 11.25.09 @ 3:09PM
If Pence had any political guts, he'd run against Evan Bayh for the Indiana senate seat that is up next year.
jgo| 11.25.09 @ 3:31PM
I'd much prefer Thomas Sowell to any of those mentioned. Romney isn't hideous. Pawlenty is too weak on terrorism and too much a fan of open borders.
DL has a good point. We need to get the leftists out ASAP, and take away their federal subsidies.
SoCon| 11.25.09 @ 4:37PM
I like Mike Pence, but I think he's rather dull. If we want to win in 2012, I think we have to run a candidate with strong Conservative beliefs and charisma.
shoey| 11.25.09 @ 6:15PM
"conservatives will be in a quandary unless they refuse to accept the conventional wisdom about which candidates can be successful."
successful like the McCain campaign?
Pence seems ok, but where's the fire in the belly?
i'm done with milqtoast canidates like this, there are folks out there fighting the good fight, you know their names; Palin, Bachman, DeMint these are the ones taking the slings and arrows, unless Pence steps up to the plate and takes a few for the team i won't consider him part of the team.
others are free to support whomever they choose.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.25.09 @ 7:03PM
Shoey
Very nicely tied up with a bow! We need to hire you at TEAM AMERICA for your thoughts.
We are not a "think-tank"...we are a "do-tank".
Drop in and see if we are partners you would like to work with. http://judgeroy.wordpress.com
Best regards
Da Judge
Charity in Truth| 11.25.09 @ 7:41PM
I listened to House Minority Leader John Boehner on C-Span during the health care debates on the Republican alternative. I thought he gave the best speech that night, November 7, 2009 full of truth and compassion.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.25.09 @ 8:07PM
Charity,
Welcome!
Yep! There are some good guys in congress. Send 'em an attaboy fax or letter. e-mails get lost.
They truly appreciate an atta' boy encouragement note.
Pingback| 11.26.09 @ 2:48AM
¤ Know The Signs Whether Your Man Really Loves You ¤ links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Radegunda| 11.26.09 @ 3:53AM
JGO, Sowell may sound good on paper, but he has some temperament issues (& age).
Pingback| 11.26.09 @ 4:47AM
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Healthcare Kit by Mickmurp links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
roadmaster| 11.26.09 @ 9:33AM
Pence is a great conservative representative, but so is Michelle Bachmann and Jeff Flake. Bachmann suffers the same vitriolic scorn from CINO's and snotty East/West coast elites as Palin and neither would be a good national candidate - much as I love both.
Senators make notoriously BAD presidential candidates, except when they're as charming and disarming, albeit PHONY, as Obama. One senator out of the 100 now serving that I would like to see go for it is my own, Jon Kyl. He is a very smart man, but may lack the sense of self-aggrandizement required.
I agree that Huckabee is a little too oily, and Newt has SO much baggage.... Pence should get moving before "they" get him in their sights. Let "them" expend all their ammunition on Palin and Bachmann.
Ken (Old Texican)| 11.26.09 @ 1:38PM
I just had a somewhat brilliant idea...
WHEN we win back congress in 2010
LET'S ALL SHOW UP ON THE CAPITOL STEPS ON SWEARING IN DAY!
Thoughts?
TonyRaskoon| 11.26.09 @ 7:02PM
Mike Pence is the real deal. I used to have meetings with him about twice a year when he lead the Indiana Policy Review. What you see is what I saw way back then. He has since honed his communication skills by hosting a talk radio show and has proven apparently immune to the D.C. disease. I trust this man. To paraphrase Bill Bennett: "Would he sell his guts for it?" Mike is a good man. If he were to run, look for him to keep his values intact, even at the expense of a campaign. Been supporting him for years, and he's not even from my district.
TonyRaskoon| 11.26.09 @ 7:06PM
Regarding Palin: opponents underestimate at their own risk. Once fear of her authenticity has subsided she may well emerge appearing as knowledgeable as any of the politicians in our present group of leaders. For now, she is doing a good job energizing the base.
Carolynn| 11.26.09 @ 9:05PM
I love Mike Pence but I don't know if he has enough broad appeal -- maybe he would. Mitt is still my guy and it's frustrasting that everyone is counting him out for RomneyCare. That was not a problem for many conservatives in the primaries and now even folks like Glen Beck are disqualifying him.
My motto at this moment -- "anyone but Huckabee." Can someone explain why he leads every poll? I think the Huckster would be harder to swallow then McCain.
Pingback| 11.27.09 @ 3:51AM
American Red Cross Cold Care Essentials by Mickmurp links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Jon| 11.27.09 @ 4:45AM
Mike Pence. Yeah, that's what the GOP needs- another pro-amnesty nominee (his fraudulent "touchback" plan was opposed by NumbersUSA, because it was an amnesty).
smrstrauss| 11.27.09 @ 12:36PM
Re: "If the putative definition of natural born citizen is a person who is born on U.S. soil (true for Jindal) to parents who are both citizens (not true for Jindal) then Jindal cannot run. "
However, if as more likely Natural Born simply means born in the USA, then Jindal can run.
And that is what it means. Its meaning stems from the Common Law and from the laws in the American colonies before the Revolution, and it meant "born in the country." A Natural Born Citizen was simply someone who was a citizen due to being born in the country regardless of the number of parents who were citizens.
Pingback| 11.27.09 @ 10:05PM
. o O ( The Complete Guide to Potty Training your dog in Just 7 Days Review: Scam or links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Mandarin Chinese Online | 11.28.09 @ 4:34AM
What they say doesn't matter to me.
it really make me down
glothunder| 11.30.09 @ 2:40AM
But he is still a damned lawyer and that is our problem. He is not the "common man", but an elitest as well. He speaks well, but his is a JD and that in and of itself is enough to throw the red flag to the top of the pole.
electronic | 11.30.09 @ 4:10AM
First of all, I wouldn't trust ANY bill punched out by the idiots in congress today.
Trackback| 1.5.10 @ 9:08PM
alabama credit repair, on alabama credit repair, links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
www.us-bapeoutlet.com | 4.2.10 @ 5:27AM
www.us-bapeoutlet.com
karen | 4.2.10 @ 7:42AM
Not only are www.herveleger-outlet.comsuitable attire for most occasions they are also a very comfortable form of for men. The fabric they are usually made from is flexible and comfortable with plenty of ‘give’ in the cheapwww.us-chaneloutlet.com if you need to stretch, zcount jordan shoes they have a collar to protect your from the sun if you are likely to be spending time outdoors and they have buttons at the if the weather should turn a bit chilly.