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Political Hay
The Grown-Up
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels may be boring. But after four years of Obama, that may be just the type of change Americans want.
“I’ve been thinking lately about this slogan that won the last presidential election, ‘Change You Can Believe In,’” Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels mused to a group of Washington reporters on Tuesday. “Obviously, it was effective, because they won. But I’ve been thinking, what the hell does that mean? What was artful about it was that it can mean anything. If I believe in it, it must be what the guy’s talking about. So, points for cleverness.”
Yet Daniels continued, “If we (Republicans) had a catch phrase of our own, it would be more like, ‘Change That Believes In You.’ You’re a person of dignity. You’re a person who was born to be free, and … if we simply arrange society in a fair way, you’re fully capable of deciding how to spend as many of your dollars as we can leave with you, where your kid should go to school, what health care to buy or not buy.”
One recurring theme in recent American political history is that presidents who fall out of favor tend to be succeeded by candidates who exhibit opposite attributes. Jimmy Carter was elected in the wake of Watergate as somebody who vowed never to tell a lie, but misery ensued, and Ronald Reagan’s sunny optimism carried the day four years later. Obama campaigned as the antidote to the Bush era, and while a lot of Republicans fret that they don’t have anybody to match his rock star appeal, that may not be what the public will want in the next election. With lofty rhetoric now being followed up by incompetent governance, by 2012, the electorate may warm up to somebody boring who knows what he’s doing. Therein lies the potential appeal of Daniels, a mostly bald, 5’7”, Midwestern governor who is the last person one would think of as a contender in the modern media age.
The buzz surrounding Daniels increased this week with the publication of Andrew Ferguson’s excellent profile in the Weekly Standard. In the piece, Ferguson recounts how Daniels campaigned for governor driving around the state on a Harley Davidson, sleeping in the homes of Indiana families who he didn’t know. During his time as governor, which followed a stint as the Bush administration’s director of Office and Management and Budget, Daniels has mixed his populist appeal with successful governance — slashing spending, reforming education, turning a deficit into a surplus, and outperforming neighboring states economically.
Daniels’ desire to protect his family from the national media exposure is seen as a major factor preventing him from seeking the White House. In the 1994, his wife left him and their four children to marry a doctor, Ferguson reported, but three years later she returned to Daniels.
“The second worst experience I could think of would be going through the people shredder of national campaigning,” Daniels said of running for president when speaking to reporters at a gathering held at the Heritage Foundation. “The worst thing would be to do that, win, and not be able to make a lot of difference.”
He explained, “I want to see the next candidacy on our side be somebody who is campaigning to govern, not to merely win.”
Daniels said rather than concentrate on personalities, those who believe the country is heading in the wrong direction have to “really think hard, beyond the slogans and our own catechism, about what is to be done and what can be done.”
Repeatedly, Daniels spoke of the nation’s fiscal crisis as an emergency that challenges the American experiment itself. He also referred to public sector unions as the “new privileged elite in America” for their lavish benefits and job security.
“The question is, ‘what kind of people are we going to be?’” he wonders. “I’m not the great historian or political philosopher, but certainly it’s true that from the beginning of this quaint notion of government by the consent of the governed there have been people who have said it will not fly, eventually 51 percent will figure out they can exploit the 49 percent.”
When prompted, Daniels criticized Republicans for making attacks on Medicare cuts a centerpiece of their campaign against President Obama’s national health care legislation.
“I do not think it was a proud moment for the Republican Party at all,” Daniels said. “Medicare is going to have to change. I have to say, the granny card has been played so cynically against Republicans so many times, that I can certainly understand the turnabout there. But it is not a grown-up attitude. We’re going to have to have some grown-up conversations. And to pretend that Medicare can continue in its current form is just not honest.”
He later added that, “I understand why they leap at the short-term temptation to score a point or two, but it’s not really in the national interest.”
Daniels referred to the current entitlement spending crisis as “Thelma and Louise” politics, with both parties driving the car over a canyon. “Somebody in that car is going to have to say ‘no’ and go back and face the consequences.”
While he won’t win on charisma, Daniels has an opening to run as a grown-up at a time when Washington is desperately in need of adult supervision.
About the Author
Philip Klein is The American Spectator’s Washington correspondent. You can follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/Philipaklein
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Rebecca| 6.11.10 @ 6:39AM
I have read that the number one topic in the Bible is money. It would be nice to have a grown up dialog about the topic. I am getting tired of current politicians stereotyping those with money as greedy and those without as virtuous. Neither is true.
Ryan, Daniels, Christie are like voices in the wilderness right now. They should be encouraged and supported. As a social conservative, I would rather vote for a small government social liberal than a big government social conservative.
IMKessel| 6.11.10 @ 10:31AM
Rebecca,
The central and paramount issue of the Bible is morality. The proper use of wealth fits with this catagory.
Ryan| 6.11.10 @ 12:06PM
Actually, the central and paramount issue is the Gospel. It's what Jesus pointed out to the disciples on the road - all the things in scripture concerning Himself.
Morality is a byproduct, not the central aspect.
IMKessel| 6.11.10 @ 12:26PM
Ryan,
I will have to ask to agree to disagree. As a Jew, I do not follow the teachings of the Gospel or Jesus. For some, the Gospels are the pinacle of the Bible, but it is not for non-Christians and the authors of the the TNK.
Ira
Ryan| 6.11.10 @ 4:47PM
You stated "The Bible," which in general includes the NT, which is very involved in casting Jesus as Messiah (and which, without Jesus as Christ, is pointless).
Even without Christ, scripture is pretty heavy that the central idea is the Glory of God and His plan for His people (whoever they are), and that He is the one Who changes hearts.
Without God as the central character, there's no point to being moral - there's no standard for morality at all.
IMKessel| 6.11.10 @ 9:52PM
Again, I will agree to disagree. This is not the forum for theological debate.
Ryan| 6.11.10 @ 10:10PM
Actually, it's a great forum for theological debate - usually you wind up with like-minded individuals. I had a pretty good one with a Mormon before.
Nodoz| 6.12.10 @ 12:33AM
Mr. Kessel obviously is a secular Jew, probably believing that theology should be left out of the public discourse. Problem is that theology and matters of the hear t, as they intermingle, relate to and emanate from God, are the only way to navigate morality even from the sterile view of Mr. Kessel. You can't successfully argue secularism or humanism without going back to God. If you do, its yet another religion.
IMKessel| 6.12.10 @ 12:07PM
Nodoz, your assumption is that, assumption. I am not a secular Jew.
Ryan, you have a good point in that TAS offers a place to discuss issues rationally -- for most readers that is true. Considering the anti-Semitic rants I have read too often on this page, I don't find this to be the arena for debating Jewish v. Christian theology.
Apodoca, I disgree with you as well, but please see my statement above.
I would enjoy greatly debating the scriptures with both of you, but not in this forum.
Oh, Apdoca, many Jews find the use of the words NT to be offensive. It is implies the TNK is obsolete and God and Jews no longer have their convenant. I understand that Christian believe that the new convenant (Jesus) superceded the old, but we Jews don't.
To all, enjoy. This is the day the Lord has made.
Ira
Tim*| 6.12.10 @ 4:38PM
Then , those Jews are too easily offended.
" I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much."
Mother Teresa
Ryan| 6.12.10 @ 8:31PM
I think that "obsolete" is the wrong word.
The one Jesus used is "fulfilled." He kept the law to its fullest extent - the spirit AND the letter - and was thus able to be the perfect sacrifice.
Phil| 6.13.10 @ 7:16PM
Rest assured, Ira, many Christians understand God's covenant with his people, the Jews, is equal and perhaps primary to our own. Jesus was a Jew and could not be my savior if he was not.
I cannot imagine where anti-semiticism could originate in a Christian-- if Christian truly he / she is.
Christ came to redeem us. Its our good fortune someone came to teach us the morality, the law as it pertains to the gentiles, that we might find redemption and someday, be good neighbors to you.
apodoca| 6.12.10 @ 7:13AM
The message of the NT and the TNK is the same: God draws us to Him through His Word. In the TNK, the Word comes through various prophets and appearances of God amongst men; in the NT, the Word is the last prophet and high priest, the God who becomes man. So whether you follow the teaching of the Gospel or Jesus, Ira, the message is the same: the salvific grace of God to men.
Deborah| 6.13.10 @ 9:44PM
Ira,
My grand-dad's twin brother was named Ira. Is that a Jewish name? Grand-dad was Irva. Thank you.
Also, the Jewish Messiah is mentioned many times in the O.T. Check out Ariel.Org
Dr Fruchtenbaum is most knowledgeable to answer questions about Yeshua;s right to David's throne.
Abrahamic Covenant is still in effect. Thanks you for your time. Deborah
Tomas| 6.11.10 @ 12:08PM
We moved to Indiana in 2000, After living our whole lives in states where budget shortfalls were the norm, where politics was the refuge of the smarmy egomaniac, it was both astonishing and refreshing to see a man of Mitch's character put the state in the black - the only state in the region - and pull the Governor's office above the political morass.
Mitch is an everyman. He connects with the average Hoosier in ways I've never seen. And the thing that endears him to me is this: his love of the people and the state is genuine. You can feel it. It's not phony-baloney nonsense traipsed out just to win the election. It's from his gut.
Indiana loves Mitch. We've been blessed to have him as our leader.
My Man Mitch.
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Margie| 6.11.10 @ 12:24PM
An interesting and amazingly true thing that a godly man I know once said, is that the Bible is God condescending down to man's level. So true.
"O LORD, what is man that thou dost regard him, or the son of man that thou dost think of him?" Ps. 144:3.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:19AM
Really? I actually could agree with you on that one. Usually Republican means social conservative and I don't agree with a lot of the social conservative agenda. Just like I can spend my own money better than anyone else, I can decide who I associate with, sleep with, how I live and as long as I follow the law of God and Man, I want to be left alone.
DaveR| 6.12.10 @ 10:38AM
"Just like I can spend my own money better than anyone else, I can decide who I associate with, sleep with, how I live and as long as I follow the law of God and Man, I want to be left alone."
Purpleguy: *Most* conservatives agree with that philosophy in general. As long as you aren't harming anyone or their property... as long as you don't negatively affect others, privately do as you wish and keep your hands off ours of the same.
Oh, and if people don't want to hear about the bible, they need to keep quiet about it. A loud atheist making comments is a challenge to debate... so they shouldn't be constantly complaining how Christians try to "ram it down their throats" if they can't keep their own mouth shut.
Now overall, as far as Daniels goes... I' have some issues with some of his policy, but overall he's been tasked to make some very unpopular decisions that the population will realize when the smoke clears. He's doing a great job from a budgetary perspective when other states are sinking because they are too afraid of the next election to make these "grown-up" decisions.
Overall, I applaud Daniels for having the thing required to stand upright and face tough problems: A Spine
Spinward | 6.14.10 @ 12:21AM
I have to agree.
Making the right decisions requires a spine - not a pollster. I, as one voter, will respect a leader who knows what he's doing more than a leader who simply gets us all excited. I remember Hillary Clinton in the primaries and she pointed out two things that are coming home to us now.
1. She pointed out Obama's lack of substance and contrasted Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" to Obama's "I have a speech". At the time, it seemed tinny - but I get it now.
2. Who do you want to answer the phone at 3am? Again, at the time, I thought it was overly dramatic. Now, I am sincerely concerned and would like it answered by an adult with a spine.
As for debating athiests - I don't have as much faith as athiests do. These are people with more faith in scientists and the public press that any Christian or Jew needs to have faith in God. Meaning to say: Faith in God is easy when compared to the athiestic requirement of faith in scientists.
For that, I salute athiests and men and women of astounding faith that I fear I could never have.
Jocon307| 6.13.10 @ 5:59PM
"As a social conservative, I would rather vote for a small government social liberal than a big government social conservative. "
AMEN SISTER!
Harry Beadle| 6.13.10 @ 8:15PM
Rebecca, if you want a real conservative, take a close look at Indiana Republican Congressman Mike Pence.
JoeB| 6.14.10 @ 9:33AM
Harry,
I agree that Mike Pence is a cosnervative warrior, but why do you suppose he endorsed the carpetbagger RINO, Dan Coats in our Senatorial primary for Evan Bayh's old seat? Stutzman or Hostettler were far superior conservative candidates.
Appleby| 6.11.10 @ 7:42AM
An adult who understands limits is a consummation devoutly to be wished. Mr. Daniels could also adopt the slogan THE SIXTIES ARE OVER. The only real good that this national nightmare will achieve is that it will finally put Paid to the most disreputable era in American history, the whole If It Feels Good Do It era.
stmichrick| 6.11.10 @ 11:03AM
I SAY, APPLEBY; I LIKE IT.
When Republicans are able to incorporate calling a spade, a spade, into their political identity they will emerge winners. They are guilty of too much equivocating and whining to date.
Christy/Daniels/Ryan; this type of leadership is what we need, but superficial star quality is what got the last guy elected and I'm afraid that trend continues.
Proud Mormon| 6.11.10 @ 8:09AM
Can't we all agree Mitt Romney is the best the GOP can offer in'12? The general election will be a piece of cake but admittedly the "tea baggers" will stridently oppose him for the Republican nomination.
Ryan| 6.11.10 @ 8:56AM
Nope, we can't. He was a governor of a far-left state, has not proven to be a consistent small-government conservative, and is part of a religion that ignores history.
His campaign was actively trying to buy votes at the SCLC in New Orleans (dirty secret - so was Ron Paul's).
If he wasn't Mormon or wasn't the governor of Massachusetts, he may have a shot.
Right now, I'm defaulting to Huckabee unless someone better comes along.
bull-gator| 6.11.10 @ 10:17AM
huckabee is a no win right from the get go. zero national appeal and nobody wants another arkansas governor in the white house.
Ryan| 6.11.10 @ 11:00AM
I don't disagree, which is why he's the "default" candidate for me. I'm waiting for a better one to come along out of a governorship or possibly the House.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:21AM
What about Sarah Palin?
Ryan| 6.12.10 @ 8:33PM
Huckabee has a bit more proven leadership skills in a state in worse condition. I'm not dissing Palin here, just that I don't think she's ready for the job.
James| 6.13.10 @ 12:02PM
Huckleberry will NEVER be ready for the job.
Yashmak| 6.14.10 @ 2:39PM
She alienates independents and those conservatives who are not comfortable with social conservativism. That's a recipe for electoral disaster.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:21AM
What about Sarah Palin?
Joanie| 6.12.10 @ 5:14PM
Nice double post, loser. You still can't get the hang of it can you?
SteveGW| 6.14.10 @ 3:30AM
That was unnecessary, and not very 'grown up'.
REMEMBER NOVEMBER!!| 6.14.10 @ 3:51AM
Scolds like you are a bore, Stevie. Get a life.
stmichrick| 6.11.10 @ 11:54AM
Huckabee has found his niche as an entertainment show host on Fox News.
He is an unreliable conservative, as would be Romney.
Michael| 6.11.10 @ 4:52PM
stmichrick is right, and Ryan is half-right. Huckabee will not win because of the pardon scandle, and Mitt because he's from the state of Taxforever (Being Mormon is not a problem). Palin-Daniels 2012!!
cindy| 6.12.10 @ 11:56AM
Mitt also has a problem with healthcare-it will be hard for him to defend his anti-obamacare position. I encourage you to read the fairly long but worth it Weekly Standard piece on Mitch. I'm convinced he's the person we need right NOW. He is not afraid to tackle huge issues because of political or personal popularity. It is frightening to think of 3 more yrs of this administration.
IMKessel| 6.11.10 @ 10:35AM
PM,
No, we can't agree.
Mitt carries heavy baggage. Also he is not a fiscal conservative. Many question is bona fides as a conservative in general. Before we choose "our dream date," lets be patient and see who knocks on the door.
And it is not only the Tea Party members who oppose Gov. Romney.
Jocon307| 6.13.10 @ 6:01PM
"Before we choose "our dream date," lets be patient and see who knocks on the door. "
LOL, you are dating (no pun!) yourself.
I guess they don't make that game anymore.
Nancy| 6.11.10 @ 11:10AM
Mitt is a good guy. But he is too slick. He won't relate to the 'normal guy' or to the independent voter he'd need to win. He LOOKS like a 'rich Republican' and his $1200 suits don't help that. Also, he has given up his stated beliefs before for political reasons and I think he's in it for the win, not to govern. I would be sorely disappointed if he's the best we've got.
c. j. acworth| 6.11.10 @ 6:18PM
I'll think about supporting Romney as soon as he comes clean and sincerely admits that he made a HUGE mistake in pushing Romneycare onto the state of Mass. , that it has been a total disaster and he has learned his lesson. But I'm not holding my breath. One thing no politician can ever do is admit that they were wrong.
Troll Watch| 6.11.10 @ 7:09PM
Clearly this is a troll. The tea Tea Party movement is big in Utah. Ask Bob Bennett. What kind of Mormon uses the "tea bagger" reference? A not so bright troll trying to cause trouble. Don't play the troll game.
Tuckfield| 6.11.10 @ 8:25PM
I think that's an unfair stereotype. There are Mormons at quite literally every part of the political spectrum, and, believe it or not, there are Mormons outside of Utah and even outside of the United States.
JoshINHB| 6.11.10 @ 10:15PM
There's even a progressive socialist Mormon running the US Senate (or trying to).
Bram| 6.11.10 @ 8:40PM
A Mitt Romney nomination ends the Republican Party. I'm done voting for Rino liberals because the alternative is worse. I will vote third part before Romney.
JoshINHB| 6.11.10 @ 10:16PM
Agreed,
Romney would be a great candidate...for the Dems
Joanie| 6.12.10 @ 5:16PM
Agreed. Romney's just as smooth and unctuous as Obammy.
Yashmak| 6.14.10 @ 2:41PM
I suspect a Palin nomination would have the same effect, Bram.
WODIEJ| 6.11.10 @ 10:30PM
Do you know what the term "teabagger" means? It is a vulgar sex act where a man stands over someone's face and hangs his testicles in their mouth. Do Mormons advocate such derogatory language? I know most Christians don't....at least the real ones.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:25AM
Holy Cow ... THAT'S what the Tea Partiers believe in ? Do they do that at their rallies? I sure didn't hear about THAT.... I don't think they'll be much of a force except maybe in Nevada where prostitution is legal.
Joanie| 6.12.10 @ 5:17PM
Purpleguy loves tea-bagging--just ask his boyfriend.
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:53AM
You mean your husband? He loved the "tea bags"
zxc| 6.12.10 @ 9:16PM
that doesn't sound very vulgar
Yosemeti Sam| 6.12.10 @ 2:49AM
Respectfully - do the Massachusetts 'experiment' in BHO-lite health deform really add to his laurels?
Lucy| 6.12.10 @ 10:44AM
I do not agree. IMHO based on what I have observed and heard during the debates and other situations, Romney is a follower not a leader. Romney looks to both sides to see what others are doing and saying before taking a position.
This country needs a fearless, articulate leader to return the country to it's greatness.
DaveR| 6.12.10 @ 10:53AM
@Proud Mormon
No, we can't agree.
Mitt isn't a conservative Republican.
I may also add, your reference to "tea baggers" lands you comment in the troll spam category.
A year ago, everyone got a big laugh out of the Tea Party movement. Then came these vile references to us from the left.
Here we are today, leftists feel the blood draining from their brains in fear as they see the true magnitude of the Tea Party and who we are.. and not necessarily what we WANT, but what we are SICK of. The lib's I know personally who couldn't say enough good things about Obama 2 years ago are now closet Tea Party members. I'm Ok with that, no need to yell it out loud. There are more of us who are quiet than those at the rally's. You can see the evidence after each and every primary these days. We are no longer content voting for the lesser of two evils. I pray the GOP understands this fully before the elections and that the voters educate themselves before voting rather than ticking to name at the top of the list, voting straight ticket or looking at names to try to decide who would be the best pick.
It's hard work indeed, but not doing your homework prior to voting is a serious injustice and an outright abuse of a freedom and obligation we have.
Lastly, NEVER listen to promises, go straight for the voting record and ignore EVERYTHING else.
Yosemeti Sam| 6.13.10 @ 9:17AM
Spot on, DaveR - especially your last sentence!
Tim*| 6.12.10 @ 6:17PM
Troll Homos use The Fruitboy Term " teabaggers " .
hmrhonda| 6.13.10 @ 11:25PM
As long as Romney continues to defend Massachusetts' health care plan--(and he continues to do so, so it is to late) he has no chance whatsoever of winning. I certainly wouldn't vote for him because of just that.
saleboter| 6.11.10 @ 8:19AM
I LUV this guy he is the complete anti-Obami. Campaign slogan "if speeches made for good government we would have 1% unemployment and monster budget surplusses."
Sam Vaughn| 6.11.10 @ 8:25AM
Ahhh take a big deep breath. Proud Mormon you're not. "tea bagger" is slang for a highly abnormal and perverted act.... but perhaps you already knew that. Those of us who support "tea party" initiatives are like myself. I worked my way through college, never asked for a handout, didn't owe anything when I was through. I've lived debt-free, driven old cars till I could afford a new one, never lived beyond my means, quietly gave to local shelters while nobody knew, volunteered when the going got tough for others, woke up everyday trying to do the right thing, sometimes failing but never giving up... then people like you come along and use a word like that. I feel sorry for you. If Mitt Romney get's my vote it'll be becuase he deserves it. However, I don't think you are who you say you are,,, shouldn't you be over at the Daily Kos.......
Proud Mormon| 6.11.10 @ 8:54AM
Romney is the best candidate...vote for Mitt in '12.
Fred| 6.11.10 @ 12:21PM
"Proud Mormon" I hope you think he is the best candidate because of his policies and not because he is a fellow Mormon. Look at what has happened because millions of people voted for Obama simply because he is "black."
George Carlston| 6.11.10 @ 9:34PM
As a born and bred Mormon, I couldn't care less what religion he espouses if his politics match up with mine. If I vote for Romney it will be because he's proven to my satisfaction that he's become conservative enough to be the kind of leader I want (I have no doubt that he could lead, it's what kind of leader he would be that counts to me).
Joanie| 6.12.10 @ 5:18PM
Romney lies. We've had more than enough of that from Obammy.
coal carrier| 6.11.10 @ 8:54AM
Amen!
neo-libertarian| 6.11.10 @ 12:02PM
The semantic distinction regarding the “tea” modifiers should, as you have done, always be distinguished and the offenders brought to task. A careful and thorough read of today’s posts reveals that the only “bagging” displayed is distinctively “Mormon on Morman.”
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:27AM
Wow, that sounds just like me ... minus the Tea Bagging part.
BlewBoy| 6.12.10 @ 12:29PM
Come back to Bed ,My Purpleguy & show these people that You are The Real Teabagger Prince .
Joanie| 6.12.10 @ 5:19PM
LOL!
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:49AM
I guess you know all about it... are you inviting me to Tea Bag you?
Sam Vaughn| 6.11.10 @ 8:27AM
PS. It's guys like the Indiana Governor who surprise us all with their strength and courage... let's see if he's got the right stuff....
chuck| 6.11.10 @ 9:02AM
Fred Thompson supporters were saying these same things in the last election cycle. But when the political spotlight turned on his boring dullness stuck out like a sore thumb just like the Indiana Governor. The Mormon guy is right support Romney.
GeorgePQ| 6.11.10 @ 9:34AM
The Governor looks like a 5'7" floor lamp, switch on and no lamp shade. The last two Hoosiers on a ticket...Willkie and Quayle were found to be a bit wanting therefore no thanks to Mitch.
DaveR| 6.12.10 @ 10:59AM
"The Governor looks like a 5'7" floor lamp, switch on and no lamp shade. The last two Hoosiers on a ticket...Willkie and Quayle were found to be a bit wanting therefore no thanks to Mitch."
And this is the basis for your formula to pick candidates for critical office? Step back and ask yourself why we are in the current situation while thinking about your own comment.
chuck| 6.12.10 @ 3:48PM
George is right, Daniels head is shaped like a light bulb in fact a dim bulb.
Joanie| 6.12.10 @ 5:21PM
Hahaha!! All we need is to run another old white guy dud. Been there done that waaay too many times.
Romney's a loser. too.
Eric| 6.11.10 @ 8:42AM
Pardon this long response, but the thought thread of this article is crucially important.
I Love Mitch, but he's wrong that criticizing these specific Medicare cuts is irresponsible from a conservative point of view. Moreover this illustrates a strategy adjustment he - and we - must make to help freedom win.
These cuts in question are to Medicare Advantage, which is essentially a voucher program that lets seniors leave government-run socialist Medicare and purchase their own coverage in the free market. Oddly, most self-declared conservatives seem unaware that President Bush succeeded in privatizing Medicare for millions of seniors through this program. Conservatives obsessed about increased spending to add drug coverage, but it was the legislative sweetener Bush used to get a voucher program through Congress against all odds. Basically Bush agreed to increased spending on drugs – which Democrats were about to add to socialist Medicare anyway – to judo them into accepting the partial privatization of Medicare, for the first time in history.
Conservatives critical of this Bush program should ask themselves this: “if I were governor, would I agree to a deal to increase education spending by 10% if all the increase went into school vouchers, and would help people transition out of dependency on big government?”
If Mitch and conservatives truly want to be "grown-up" about moving toward freedom, we can't just hissy-fit about slashing government spending. We have to come up with practical steps to transition people away from dependency on government. Medicare Advantage attempts to do that, as would individual investment accounts for Social Security.
That is why Democrats were so eager to slash Medicare Advantage, to strangle it before it succeeds, just like they always spend millions to destroy school vouchers or choice programs anywhere. I would submit that killing this partial privatization of Medicare was one of the unspoken main objectives of Obamacare, because it was one of his few non-negotiables.
So really Mitch should be supporting Medicare Advantage, and opposing the cuts to it. In fact he should meet every attempt by Democrats to slash vouchers, charters, or other options in healthcare or education with proposals to instead slash the socialist parts of government in order to fund choice programs.
Conservatives wish all government spending were reduced, but in terms of strategy, transferring socialist spending into choice spending must come first. We must force the socialists to vote against individual empowerment over and over again on the record, to disprove the current public opinion that Democrats care more about the people and the conservatives just want to pull the plug on them. We must take the “pull the plug” argument off the table, in order to force the socialists to prove that their real interest is increasing government power at the expense of the people.
A conservative strategy of "slash all government programs that people depend on" will certainly fail. A conservative strategy of "let's start by giving people free market choice in health care and education" might succeed, and begin the unwinding of socialism. Grown-ups who care about winning for freedom would support such a strategy.
Eric Cartman | 6.11.10 @ 9:07AM
The fact that Bush had to use another giant Federal (Chinese funded) Program as a sweetener is exactly why many of us started to distrust Bush or it became the last straw for many (on top of Amnesty for Mexico, the "No-Coed-Left-Unmolested" Ted-u-cation reform, the never-ending ineptitude).
Governor Daniels seem like the medicine this country needs - a quiet, deliberate man who had love enough for his wife to take her back after they divorced. Seems like a thoughtful guy to me. It's time somebody looked the Asshole Media and Democrats in the eye and said "It's none of your God-Damned business - now bugger off!"
GeorgePQ| 6.11.10 @ 9:45AM
You think so. Giuliani tried that same tactic concerning his private life and the left wing media focused right on that and cut him to pieces. Think again my friend...history will repeat itself in spades. A Presidential candidate with a wayward wife...TMZ will be feasting on this.
Eric Cartman| 6.11.10 @ 10:08AM
If you can't take on TMZ, how are you gunna handle Iran's Imanutjob or the pot-belly pig dictator of NOKO. Sorry, that test doesn't wash.
GeorgePQ| 6.12.10 @ 3:57PM
Dem Party and their associated liberal operatives will be in search of the governor's wayward wife's former husband and lover digging up all sorts of dirt. That's the way the political world works. There is nothing juicier than a sex/infidelity scandal especially when it relates to politicians.
Fred| 6.11.10 @ 12:25PM
Eric, I agree with you very cogent analysis of how to wean the public off socialistic programs. You have shown some very good "outside the box" thinking.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:40AM
So you want to control the people to do things your way? Don't you realize the programs you don't like are there because the people wanted these programs. And, now you want to "wean" them off, like so many children. Who the hell do you think you are, the boss?
I'll keep my Social Security and Medicare, my unemployment and workmens's compensation, thank you very much. You can always give it back if you don't want it. Bet you won't though.
Eric| 6.12.10 @ 9:27AM
Your comment makes no sense. I clearly advocate giving people individual control of their Medicare and Social Security funds, so they can choose to be free of the crappy socialist programs Democrats force them into. And yes, I dream that someday people will be strong enough to leave the government plantation entirely (and not be kicked off it, as you dishonestly imply).
Yet you berate me as "the boss". I know why you lefties are so full of hate: your heads are exploding from the cognitive dissonance of discovering that yes, you are the tyrants. And yes, your current regime is collapsing.
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:43AM
Yeah, well I control my own 401K pension plan and IRA plan. You probably do too. I'll take the defined benefit pension instead, thank you. If you want to manage your own, and watch it go up AND down with the whims of the stock market and the economy, losing 40% in 2000 and again in 2008, you can have it. I'd rather have a professional manage the money and provide a secure pension for me when I am no longer able to work.
So don't tell me that to do it your way is not bossing me around - it is. Just like with Terry Schaivo, the Conservatives know better. You can't have an abortion, because Conservatives know what God means. We can't have unemployment, because Conservatives think that makes us lazy. And on and on ... We must do it their way, and they pull out all stops to get their way - and you call the Liberals tyrants?
Tim*| 6.14.10 @ 1:13PM
CHOICE !
" Not every worker would want to take on the risks and volatility of private investment. Some might prefer the political risks of today's system despite its looming insolvency. But that's why personal accounts have always been - and should continue to be - an option. Those who want to remain in the current system should do so, but those who wish to invest a portion of their money privately should be given that choice."
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:36AM
" President Bush succeeded in privatizing Medicare for millions of seniors through this program. " - and, it was the SUBSIDIES that went to the insurance companies that have been removed. The best insurance companies continue to offer Medicare Advantage, while the not so good dropped it without the subsidies... hardly what "privatized" would really mean.
"We have to come up with practical steps to transition people away from dependency on government. " - Is that what really bothers you? You think it bad that people are dependent on the Government? I thought you just wanted smaller government.
eric| 6.12.10 @ 9:35AM
What really bothers me is that the sham that Democrats tax away the money working people could have used for healthcare, education, and retirement, and force them into crappy socialist programs that largely fail to delilver and are fiscally collapsing. And yes, it is obviously bad for people to depend on government; it is as toxic and dysfunctional as adults who continue a child-like dependency on their parents.
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:36AM
You obviously don't know any one on Medicare .. it is one of the most popular, efficiently run government program. Just ask some seniors ... they can compare Medicare to private insurers for you ...
Tim*| 6.14.10 @ 1:26PM
" Indeed, nearly 80 percent of Americans pay more in Social Security taxes than they do in federal income tax."
Indiana Alex| 6.11.10 @ 9:34AM
It is very refreshing to live in this state (I defected from Illinois in 1999).
What i like most about it is reading in the paper about cuts to the education budget.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not someone who blindly cheers cuts in education, but everywhere else, poliltically, the public education budget cannot be cut without some yahoo screaming "Won't someone please think of the children".
While most in the private sector were cutting their budgets, our state government was cutting
too. That is refreshing.
GeorgePQ| 6.11.10 @ 9:52AM
Your adopted state voted for Obama last time, how refreshing is that?
Lora| 6.11.10 @ 9:51PM
And the '08 Acorn investigation have not been completed yet in several counties. Indiana has not been a "swing state" in a very long time, I still smell dead fish in that election
DaveR| 6.12.10 @ 11:08AM
"Your adopted state voted for Obama last time, how refreshing is that?"
Well, considering we are being overrun with illegals and a HUGE segment of Indiana population are Chicago commuters, it's not surprising Obama won by a thin margin.
We are also getting double-screwed now that Gun-Ban-Dan was promoted by the GOP and won the primary. Take a look for yourself, the Chicago commuters elected Obama, practically the entire state went red except for that infection in the North-West
http://elections.nytimes.com/2.....diana.html
GeorgePQ| 6.12.10 @ 3:37PM
Overrun with illegals...why hasn't this great governor Mitch Daniels taken a bold step like the governor of Arizona and cracked down on these criminals....HMMM?
James| 6.12.10 @ 6:40PM
Because Brewer's got balls.
JP| 6.11.10 @ 9:37AM
A word of advice for my Hoosier govenor: don't discount the social dimension of your potential agenda. Both FDR and Reagan didn't, and I would say the nation in 1932 was in a more difficult position than it is now. This nation has plenty of technocrats, plenty of excellent CEOs, and plenty of bean counters. But political leadership that can both get things done, as well as inspire others is becoming a rare commodity.
What you've done in Indiana should be recognized (turned a large defecit into surplus, revamped state pensions, reformed state property taxes, cut waste, reformed the DMV, as well as being a cheerleader for state businesses during a historic economic downturn). But those feats cannot be duplicated in the Beltway. Just ask another former govenor who enjoyed similar success locally, but failed miserably in DC - Jimmy Carter.
Your so-called truce appears to be a surrender in the eyes of many religious conservatives. Whether it is is immaterial; appearances mean everything in national politics. To people like me, you appear to be making the same mistake you old boss W made. He concentrated on what he considered the most pressing problems (foreign policy and security) at the deteriment of his domestic agenda (ie the culture wars). And despite nominating 2 conservatives to SCOTUS, the religious conservatives, in the end believed (with merit as it turns out) that W was in fact a Statist in the same tradition as his father and Rockefeller. The 2006-2008 election cycles saw these conservatives vote for other conservatives (Blue Dogs Dems) with disasterous political results.
Reagan and FDR attacked the big economic and fiscal issues without giving in one iota (at least rhetorically) to the culture wars. Ditto for JFK. Instinctively they knew they had to keep thier base happy. Reagan's Pro Life record was actually mixed. But his efforts to appeal to such a large voting block paid off. Both Bush41 and Gingrich cashed in and benefitted from his efforts.
A mark of a true political leader is to give his/her allies less of what they want, but at the same time give them the impression that they have the upper hand (what was that old saying from the Godfather -Keep you friends close, but your enemies closer?) FDR and Reagan both forged ties with thier opposition when they needed. They also tended to the demands of the constituients who spent countless hours working on thier behalf. Evangelicals, Traditional Catholics, and Orthodox Jews are your friends, not your enemies.
You've made a tactical mistake with your so-called Truce. If your real desire is to be a problem solver, you may wish to lobby for Treasury Secretary or your old position at OMB in a future GOP administration. Being President is more than solving problems. Again, refer to FDR's first term. It was an utter disaster economically, but the voters knew he was on thier side. We won re-election in a landslide.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:43AM
What a wonderful recap... I thoroughly enjoyed reading your insights .. thanks!
Tim*| 6.11.10 @ 9:51AM
Certain Factions of The Republican Party , too often use Social Conservatives as Cannon Fodder and Work Horses , then throw them A Bone.
dcd| 6.11.10 @ 10:40AM
Other factions of the republican party use fiscal conservatives as bait and then switch.
Tim*| 6.11.10 @ 10:57AM
Abso-freakin'-lutely dcd !
Aaaaaad , some of the same factions use both fiscal & social conservatives .
Michael L.Hauschild| 6.11.10 @ 10:27AM
Palin/(Daniels will do)
Nancy| 6.11.10 @ 5:50PM
Palin is too strident for my taste. This Mitch guys sounds OK. It's the Presidency...not American Idol. I don't care what he looks like...I care about what's between his ears, and also, what's in his heart. I also like Michele Bachmann, Mike Pence, John Thune, and Jim DeMint.
No to Mitt Romney...too RHINO.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We've to November 2 to contend with first.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 12:07PM
That's not stridency, Nancy--that's balls!
Sarah's got courage and our party has been sadly lacking same for too long.
Tim*| 6.13.10 @ 2:22PM
Don't say that around Purpleguy .
He'll start to lust after Palin.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 4:52PM
Purpleguy's into boys, Tim--note the troll's obsession with teabagging.
A hot woman like Sarah just ain't his cup of tea.
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:33AM
I guess a lesbo like you would know ...
Heatpacker| 6.11.10 @ 10:33AM
Here in Indiana, Mitch Daniels is very popular, and for good reason. He is an honest, straightforward, and competent (if uninspiring) executive. He offers us a remarkable contrast to the current resident of the White House.
Yes, Indiana did go for Obama by a narrow margin, but you know what they say: 'Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.'
To quote the Who - 'We won't be fooled again'
GeorgePQ| 6.11.10 @ 12:52PM
In the last Indiana presidential election cycle I understand the Gary part of it....Gary is in the same time zone as Chicago anyway but Obama did well in the rest of the state. You gotta be kidding me? Please explain what non-Gary Hoosiers were thinking in the election booth?
Heatpacker| 6.11.10 @ 3:15PM
Mitch Daniels won his election handily, so many voters obviously split their tickets. My only guess is that the middle-of-the-roaders, the pocketbook voters, and the gullible, skulls-full-of-mush who were voting in their first presidential election collectively decided that Obama was worth a try because, well, things couldn't get much worse, could they. A look at the voting results shows you that Obama did well in urban centers where unemployment was (and still is) high, and in college towns like South Bend, Bloomington, and Lafayette. It was enough to put him over the top.
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:45AM
And, you think that changes in 2012, how?
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 12:08PM
Oilbama's toast in 2012. We could run a sexual deviant like Clinton and still win.
Troll Watch| 6.13.10 @ 12:18PM
A bunch of unemployed young adults will see the error of their ways. They are not likely to becomes conservatives right away but they will not be so easily excited. In the next couple of Presidential elections this group will recognize the line of garbage that Obama pushes for what it is and the they will be voting for small government conservatives. The failed promises of the Democratic Party always become obvious to mature adults. All that will be left will be the ignorant who believe in all kinds of fairy tales and shake down artists like Obama.
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:30AM
Yeah, with the college loan/grant reforms the young people will sure "feel" that Obama didn't deliver on his promises to them... Oh, and being able to stay on Mom and Dad's insurance policy until 26 is another one of those things he didn't deliver for them. And, education reform in general will hardly be noticeable by young people. And, lest we forget green technology and the green collar economy - many young people won't even notice the issue that motivates them most. Yep, you're right. The young people are just as cynical as you old farts. Yeppers.
Blackwatch| 6.14.10 @ 12:36AM
He's toast. He won't be "new" in 2012--the first "whatever" shine is long gone. Clearly he is not "black enough" either for most blacks and some really stooopiiddd racist Bill Maher types.
They will really have to have more dead voters this time around for The Kenyan to win again.
The GOP needs to end voter fraud by stamping out the legion of dead voters and the double dip NY/FL voters. How many NY'ers also vote absentee in Florida??
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:32AM
So, are you saying that GW Bush should not have one Florida because NY voters pushed him over the top?
cnc| 6.11.10 @ 11:27AM
Mitch aslosays he wants to slash military/defense spending so MAYBE he is serious about cutting the budget. Of course that means mothballing a lot of the republicans favorite pork (expensive weapons systems of dubious value *cough* SDI *cough*), so the guy really doesn't stand a chance.
jann| 6.11.10 @ 11:29AM
I DON'T THINK SO! You have revolutionaries in the WH trying to take over the gov and you bring us HIM!?! Or MITT, Milktoast MITT!?! You guys better get your act together STAT! We do NOT want to hear anything SOCIAL come out of their mouths. We want EQUAL JUSTICE we are fighting for the CONSTITUTION not some communist manifesto. Get with it EQUAL JUSTICE for everyone!
Dave| 6.11.10 @ 11:41AM
I always admired Daniels and was ready to support him until he advocated a "truce" on social issues.
Back to Pawlenty or, in a perfect world, Christie.
FurrowedBrow| 6.11.10 @ 12:13PM
Well, Mr. Klein, your recent columns encouraging social conservatives to roll over on DADT are now followed by an enthusiastic piece on a potential candidate who recently encouraged a "truce" on social issues. Funny how you don't mention this controversial statement made by the subject of your article, even though it's been widely discussed this week . . .
Bydand76| 6.11.10 @ 12:25PM
Here are the top ten who I think might have serious potential in 2012.
1) Bachmann-MN-Awesome Conservative and really strong on taxation and economic issues. Perhaps would make a better VP choice
2) Christie-NJ-Awesome Conservative, will not back down from a fight and is willing to take the establishment head on with a "You wanna fight? You got it!" attitude. I really hope this guys runs.
3) Brewer-AZ- So far she is hitting on all cylinders and I like her attitude.
4) Jindal-LA- Has potential to be great but needs to learn how to communicate better. Other than that he is a solid candidate should he choose to run.
5) Palin -AK- Awesome Conservative and VERY effective communicator. Does have some baggage though. Strong personality could overcome that. A Christie/Palin ticket would be formidable
6) Ryan-WI- Good Conservative and is an effective communicator. His apparent willingness to comprise with the opposition might be a killer however.
7) Daniels-IN- Quiet strong Conservative but has almost zero name recognition. Possibly get painted as another Dan Quayle.???
8) DeMint-SC- Not completely sold on Mr. DeMint yet. I am open to a convincing argument though. Could make an excellent candidate though!
9) Pawlenty-MN- RINO! RINO! RINO! But, he knows how to be a good administrator and is a pretty cool person. Likes to delegate. Good VP choice. Not a good first choice IMHO. To much like McCain.
10) Romney-MA- RINO,RINO,RINO! Would be a last choice for the majority of the TEA party movement and his religion makes for some quirky aspects. However he does and can bring a formidable political machine to the table. Would be interested in seeing who he would choose as a running mate.
Just my two cents. Not trying to piss anyone off.
Pro Libertate!
Eric Cartman| 6.11.10 @ 2:26PM
I like your list - I second the motion!
PJ| 6.11.10 @ 4:48PM
Love your list also. I'm not too sure if I put Bachmann as #1 simply because her running experience is very local. If she was a senator or governor then I would agree.
ojo grande| 6.11.10 @ 1:09PM
Tomas,
I'll take the word of someone who has Daniels for governor of his state.
I've liked Daniels for as long as people have been writing about him.
Maybe after having an incompetent, dangerous, ideologue 'Showman' in the WH, thinking people will be ready for a Mitch Daniels. Unfortunately, The Obama election told me that 50% of Americans don't think or know who or what they are voting for. I even had a 'so-called- Republican friend get angry with me for not voting for Obama...she quoted all of his propaganda to me like she had been brain-washed...and to top it off, when I told her he was a socialist and would try to bring about a Socialist Ameirca... she said, "So, what's wrong with Socialism"? I was speechless...this the kind of non-thinking people who voted Obama in....and they are still out there waiting to vote for him again, now because they feel sorry for him and will want to give him another chance to put the last nail in this country's coffin....God Help Us!
dw| 6.11.10 @ 1:32PM
Elect Christy President 2012. That is the guy who will get it done.
Morman your insult of the tea party gives you away. To some how discredit them is not helpful to defeating the commies. Romney is a political animal and a rino at best.
GeorgePQ| 6.11.10 @ 2:24PM
Christie looks like a barrage balloon. The cartoonists and liberal pundits will have a field day with his weight.
PJ| 6.11.10 @ 4:57PM
They did. Christie came back w/the proverbial 2x4 & whacked them right back.
Nancy| 6.11.10 @ 5:53PM
He's a big enough man to take it. No pun intended.
PJ| 6.11.10 @ 4:54PM
I admire Christy too. You have to be loud in politics & on message which he is. Yet, non of his ideas have been passed by the legislature or am I wrong? I want to see actual economic change in NJ 1st. If he can pull off most of what he promised along w/a vibrant NJ economy, then he's got my vote!
Purpleguy| 6.12.10 @ 12:48AM
You should like Mark Warner from VA then. Solid gov, delivered on his promises and fiscal restraint.
Troll Watch| 6.13.10 @ 12:05PM
He could be a lot worse but that is not much of a compliment. "He is no Obama" will be how Democrats campaign this fall.
ojo grande| 6.11.10 @ 1:38PM
Bydand 76,
Interesting take on the candidates...
I don't agree with you on Daniels. I think its because you don't know him well. He is incredibly intelligent and capabale. Obama would have a hard time competing with him one on one....and he would probably try getting out of any debates...kind of like Hilary when she ran for the Senate.
I agree that Jindal definitely has a communication problems...he seems to hate getting before the cameras...He rushs his speech and rarely looks eye to eye with the camera/people. He mannerisms bother me.
I like Ryan a lot...but he absolutely says he will not run for President or VP and I believe him...he is where he should be in the House of Rep. since he is a real policy wonk...perhaps the best ever.
I love Christy....how very refreshing to hear a politician tell it like it is (needs to lose weight and take better care of himself...we will need him in the future).
I have always like DeMint...he's more of a politician than Christy but has put his neck on the block for Conservatism many times now. Not sure he would come off strong enough for President....too nice, I see him as a VP.
Forget Pawlenty...RINO.
I would have voted for Romney but McCain was the preordained loser by the good old boys in the backroom. Romney is capable...but leaves me a little cold...I find I don't watch or read anything about him...but of course, would vote for him if need be.
Palin, Brewer and Bachmann would make good VPs...no, I'm not a male chauvinist, in fact, I'm a woman...I just don't believe any of them can carry us to victory.
Thanks for the interesting rundown on future candidates....and the Dems. say we have no one to run against their Messiah...we'll just let them believe that for a while. The rate Obama is going down the tubes...his approval rating will be nil come 2012.
Melvin| 6.11.10 @ 2:39PM
There is never ever going to be the one perfect candidate that encompasses everything that all Americans desire.
The above back and forth posts prove this point. I would think that most here would be in some type of agreement that we cannot continue as we have. This has been said many, many times in the past but with no acutal sincerity or courage to do so.
Politicians have for the longest time maneuvered, cajoled, bribed individual opinions that are based on race, gender, postition in life, and others to have the populace constantly be at each others throats.
This method keeps the populace in a constant state uproar to where we are more concerned about tearing each other aprart rather than focusing our attention on the political burecrat.
"Ok, so what is our options?" For one thing we can't expect an overnight fix to correct decades of deficit spending.
The key phrase is,"freeze spending, and cut government in half, and use the savings from a smaller government to cut taxes such as the Corporate Income Tax."
As a Nation, we are going to need to experience, "Shock Therapy." Bye experiencing this type of therapy it will fundamentally change Americans attitude in how government needs to operate.
By cutting taxes gives people more disposable income to spend. Cutting the corporate income tax will entice companies to relocate back in the US, which will put Americans back to work contributing instead of taking available tax dollars.
Our tax code needs to be changed to be more simplified, by adopting the Fair Tax is a step in the right direction because it takes the power of taxation away from the political bureaucrat and puts it back into the hands of the consumer.
Unions need to either be banned or severely weakened. Truth be told Unions might at one time served a real purpose but in reality they have become corrupt and only serve the union bosses and the political machine they belong to.
This is completely wrong to force Union employees to contribute to a political candidate with their union dues that they do not support.
Union pension funds a scandal that is on the horizon because currently they are underfunded by billions of dollars and the union bosses want the taxpayer to bail them out.
There are simple effective, but painful approaches
to stop this runaway government corruption and deficit spending and we need a leader and statesman that can accomplish this.
But we have to stop this bickering amongst ourselves and start throwing these corrupt bums out.
One thing for sure as the sun coming up in the morning. We're flat ass broke people, the deficit spending is almost equal to our GNP. We cannot afford this type of spending any more or in the future, because it will take generations to correct our runaway government.
ojo grande| 6.11.10 @ 5:25PM
Melvin,
You are correct on all of your points...to bad You can't run for president....honest...I don't care what you look like or your speaking style...of course, even if every single person in the Congress agreed with your ideas...it would take a heck of a long time and great sacrifice by the American people to get this horrendous mess cleaned up.
I'm not sure the American public knows what is in the future for them. Most of them seem oblivious...that the Democrats are going to find 20 more taxes for them to pay, unemployment/underemployment continuing in the double digits...maybe forever, hey, why not, that's what Europe's and the UK unemployment numbers are. High inflation...it is already happening in the UK....I talked to a British couple recently and she said every time she shops for groceries, every single item is more expensive...and not by just a few pence.
No, until the American people really start to hurt, I don't see them throwing most of these incompetent, uncaring, lying socialists out on their a**es.
Derek Leaberry| 6.11.10 @ 5:29PM
Daniels is an agnostic on America's cultural collapse and is pro-amnesty on illegal immigration. He was also Bush's budget chief, ruining his credibility as a budget cutter. He also has a bizarre marital life that is as dysfunctional as Sarah Palin's family life.
Michael L.Hauschild| 6.11.10 @ 5:56PM
Derek,
If what you say is true, and I do not doubt you, your words carry conviction, I withdraw my nomination of Daniels as VP.
Ken (Old Texican)| 6.11.10 @ 7:19PM
Michael,
Derek is a "concern troll" and very very good at it.
...He is as "subtile as any serpent".
(I just love pronouncing subtle that way, Pisses off all the intellectoids. heh)
OK, folks,
Let me cast my vote.
It would be for a woman, believe it or not.
I'm not sure she would even accept the nomination,......or even run for the nomination... and I wouldn't blame her.
I do know she would surround herself with truly bright patriots in a host of disciplines. My own cousin, a "dollar per year guy" for six or seven Presidents who resigned at Obama's election would work his butt off for her.
I know the names of her entire cabinet. I know who her "press interface guy" will be.
(Heh, he works at Spectator!)
Bottom line...she can get ANYONE she wants....to help her......and she will respect and appreciate each of them no end.
Everyone in America knows her.
The state-run media hates her guts, and boy! does she have guts!
Dysfunctional family my buttocks!
If enough Americans get us a conservative congress this fall, she might actually run.
(Pray a lot.....or buy more ammo)
Her name?
Betty Sue Thelma Lynn.....Smith.
She has a teen age unwed daughter with a baby.
(Please, Lord, give her the courage to run...and serve.)
SoCon| 6.13.10 @ 12:13PM
I love you, Ken! I second your emotion for POTUS pick.
darcy| 6.11.10 @ 7:20PM
A truce? This is grown-up behavior? Really?
Tell that to Winston Churchill when HE was fighting an existential war against the Satanic Hitler Third Reich!
Let's be very clear here. I do not like Mike Huckabee's politics overall, but I do believe he is right on the critical importance of the issue of morality -- it goes to the very heart of what is wrong with America today.
How else could statists, progressives, leftists, and communists gain any foothold whatsoever in this country's imagination and image of itself had it not been for their long march through our institutions, heralding a new order based in nihilism and promulgated through amoral progressivism? The UNDOING of this nation is made possible by the UNDOING in the minds of our people of a fixed moral order, a moral order that is the very presupposition of our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights?
And this moral order was taken for granted when John Adams, T. Jefferson, and James Madison fused the wisdom and traditions of our Western past with a sharp rejection of an authoritarian, amoral, liberty-strangling vision of the future as devised by a tyrant, alien king.
While politicians abandon or discount the place of morality -- and stable families -- as the foundation of our freedoms, they can fight 'til their hearts burst to attain fiscal sanity and limited government. But to the extent they are successful in reining in our debt and reinvigorating a free-market economy, it will be short-lived and forced. Because a country that worships the dollar over a commitment to know the good cannot long endure the onslaught of nihilistic forces before it eventually succumbs to absolute tyranny.
Is Mitch Daniels a postmodernist, establishment Republican? Or is he meek (in the Biblical sense) and susceptible to growing in wisdom about the nature of family stability as it pertains to perpetuating our unique American freedoms?
Bram| 6.11.10 @ 8:48PM
I'm ready for an adult. Charisma does nothing for me any more. I've seen enough BS artist pretty-boy (and glam-girls) fakers come and go. In politics and in the business world.
I want an honest, hard-working, serious person. Mitch Daniels seems to fit the bill.
wodiej| 6.11.10 @ 10:49PM
Great Governor for our state but he has repeatedly said he does not want to run. His wife is adamantly against it as well as his kids. She rarely attends public events. He would be great in a position dealing w budgets.
Huckabee-too nice, not assertive enough
Romney-RINO
PALIN-loads of energy, great record as Governor and Mayor w proven results, bright (not to be confused w a Harvard degree which is not equivalent to nor more important than good old fashioned common sense), very popular w many Americans, very outspoken, does not get rattled by criticism, not a typical politician, will work with both parties and did in her administration. The only reason I voted for McCain was because of Palin. If there is not a real conservative on front of the ticket in 2012, I am not voting this time-period.
William| 6.11.10 @ 11:02PM
Sarah - leader of the free world
Liz Cheney, VP
Ryan, Daniels, Christie, et. al., Cabinet appointees
somnolence| 6.11.10 @ 11:16PM
Palin remains the most dynamic candidate of anyone out there. Daniels is anathema for various reasons I won't divulge in my Hoosier household. (concerns abrupt transition from state workers to privatization, which has had much criticism toward Daniels and Mitch Roob). Even if Sara is not the candidate the one who is selected will have to broker with her. I'm tired and fed up with losers who say she needs to be VP and wait 8 years. Yeah. Sure.
Danielle| 6.11.10 @ 11:34PM
To call PALIN a 'faker' is laughable. She along with a couple other conservative woman have more balls than all of your Mitch Romney McDaniels combined.
She alone stands up to Obama at every turn on every issue. She alone takes risks daily without consideration of how its going to affect her political future. If you want to talk about Christie and to a lesser extent Ryan, thats fine, but don't bring up these soft-on-Obama Dhimmi Cons like Mitt and Mitch and expect to get my vote.
By the way, why is it that in both the Weekly Standard article and this one the authors refuse to bring up his horrendous votes. His global warming oogie-boogie'ism or his limp wristed stint with Bush? That tells me they don't have as much faith in him as a candidate as they let on.
Danielle| 6.11.10 @ 11:41PM
How funny. I just stopped over at HOT-AIR, which has linked to this article and it would seem the commentors over there have the same opinion I do. Check it out, its quite entertaining.
http://hotair.com/headlines/?p=87641
apodoca| 6.12.10 @ 7:23AM
Mitch Daniels the grown up guy? Mitch Daniels is just another limp-wristed GOP man who doesn't have the balls to take on Obama. The only GOP with a serious brass pair is Gov. Sarah Palin, and she eats Obama's lunch on a daily basis. Her last meal was her FB note to Obama: call me. Then she followed it up on Greta by stating how she would've handled the crisis, thus demonstrating how active a leader with executive experience can be in crisis management.
Gov. Palin is the only one who is defining Obama as the empty suit that he is. These other guys take Obama seriously, and Gov. Palin's constant message is that there's no THERE there, and this is so from the convention on. Worse for Obama, Gov. Palin defines Obama in contrast to herself and her experience, and he's shown to be lacking on every occasion. He has yet to find a way to respond to her because there is no response that won't make him look silly.
Where are the GOP men? Blathering about a lot of nonsense, talking about Obama as a great orator, being scared of his teleprompter. Not Gov. Palin. She's the only candidate who can beat Obama. She doesn't care about his race or his elevated view of himself. She cares about his policies and she's constantly showing them up as unwise and bad for America.
jack carlson| 6.14.10 @ 1:22AM
apodoca, Mitch Daniels literally saved my life. And, to do it, he made a courageous political decision that he didn't have to do! He did it because it was the right thing to do, and benefited him not at all.
So, as for your conclusion that MD is "limp-wristed". That is just bull. He certainly has the guts to take on Obama. At this point, the major issue with him is that no one (including Mitch) is certain he really wants the job.
REMEMBER NOVEMBER!!| 6.14.10 @ 3:59AM
So we should vote for Mitch because he saved your life. Are you nuts?
Sorry, just because Mitch is your personal life saver doesn't make him POTUS material.
Crazier and crazier.
jack carlson| 6.14.10 @ 9:58AM
Actually, you should. And no, I am not "nuts". Daniels has courage and integrity, attributes that have been in short supply in the White House in recent decades. That is why you should vote for him.
Ken (Old Texican)| 6.12.10 @ 9:48AM
apodoca,
You took the words right out of my mouth. Well said!
Proud Mormon| 6.12.10 @ 3:42PM
To all you Romney naysayers Mitt won the Iowa GOP poll with a favorability rating of 62%. Tea Bagger favorite Sarah Palin was a distant second.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 12:16PM
Progressive Marxist trolls love Myth and hate Sarah!
Guess who will get my vote, moron?
chuck| 6.13.10 @ 12:57PM
Sore loser, Mitt beat your gal pal and that has been thrice married peach. Romney is NOW the frontrunner to win the GOP nomination in 2012.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 4:59PM
We'll see.
Romney is a Progressive RINO, not much different from Obammy. RomneyCare/ObamaCare--what's the difference?
Palin will destroy him in the primaries.
Myth is a loser and so are braindead Romneybots like you.
nodak | 6.12.10 @ 4:56PM
IMKessel
usual qualifying dreck about the New Testament..so you're a Jew, so What?, so was Jesus. Are you a "twofr" as twice yrly to Yom Kippur and Rosh a Shanna? Yes, like many twofr Christians, Christmas and Easter? Electrifying attachment to your faith, no? Who knows? Why the knee-jerk to a Christian poster? By the way I support Israel and their policy and endorse their survival...meaning...Why o Why did so many Jews vote for Obama, an anti-semite? Did you? Judaism is a wonderful religion without the so called New Testament as you'd probably agree. Why the animus about the "New" testament when all Christians agree the "Old" is the bedrock?
Tim*| 6.12.10 @ 4:59PM
Don't caller Palin that homo name Mormon FruitBoy.
It's jerks like you that will alienate more from even considering Romney.
Of course ,that's not necessarily a negative turn of events.
The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates.
Walk The Talk .
Mormon Girl| 6.13.10 @ 9:08AM
We members of the Church of Latter Day Saints are not milquetoasts and fruit cakes. I'm so happy Mitt Romney beat that snotty Alaskan barracuda in the Iowa poll. I love Mitt Romney - I swoon over him. I am going to campaign and vote for Mitt in 2012.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 12:18PM
Snort! One of Axelrod's astroturf finest oinks again!
Troll Watch| 6.13.10 @ 12:29PM
These self proclaimed Mormons are trolls. They play at mischief that tries to make dissension in the Republican Party. Have fun with them in a way that doesn't chase off good conservative Mormons. After watching what Utah did to Robert Bennett I don't believe Romney could be elected dog catcher. Any state where Bill Clinton finished third can't be that bad.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 5:01PM
It's ideology--not religion. Romney's a liberal, that's what I object to.
Troll Watch| 6.13.10 @ 6:16PM
I like the way you think Joanie. I still think we are seeing a fairly dim attempt to stir up trouble. Romney did damage to himself in Massachusetts and it can't be undone. I don't believe he has much support except apparently from liberal pretend Mormon trolls. November will set a tone for the type of Presidential candidate that will be successful. November is where our focus should be right now.
Joanie| 6.13.10 @ 11:46PM
I like the cut of your jib, TW. ;)
David | 6.12.10 @ 5:08PM
Purpleguy and apadoca, you guys are way off base. P-guy, the fed has stolen my hard-earned money all of my life in the name of social security. How many times have we heard about a "lock box". There ain't no such thing. When one passes away, they should be able to leave to their heirs what they have put into the system, they can't. Our money is just spent on pork projects. You keep your social security, which is about to go broke, and the ones who want to save and invest their own social security contributions should be able to do so.
Apodaca, as to Mitch Daniels not taking on Obama, he is the governor of a state. He is not in Congress where he would be in a position to do battle with Obama. I suggest that he does take on Obama when he governs in a diametrically opposite manner than what Bam Bam and the libs do. The same goes for the new governor of NJ, Chris Christie.
The more I learn about Daniels, the more impressed I am.
Purpleguy| 6.14.10 @ 9:26AM
Yeah, well that little trick of including Social Security money into the general budget started with Reagan's budgets. But you really ought to check how much money you put in SS... you probably put less than 100,000 into it. Hardly a huge fortune to leave your heirs after you have used it up in retirement.
ojo grande| 6.12.10 @ 6:37PM
wodiej,
Yeah, that's right...if it isn't exactly the politican you like, standing for exactly what you believe they should stand for...EXACTLY....Don't Vote...Give Your Vote to Obama...that will SHOW THEM..DUH?
That's what people like you did the last election and we have the most dangerous president of all time...some people never learn.
El Gordo| 6.13.10 @ 4:46AM
Mitch Daniels is the real deal. He got elected in a state Obama carried, governed as a fiscal conservative, was viciously opposed, got it done anyway, was reelected. Tim Pawlenty pulled it off too, and in a blue state. Christie, Jindal ... they stand up to serious opposition. I like Romney, I like Huckabee, but their record does not compare.
Yosemeti Sam| 6.13.10 @ 10:13AM
Yo, Mormons - cheerleading Romney:
Y'all cite a Iowa poll of Romney, in your minds,
eclipsing Palin in favorability.
Well - be honest!
The numbers were - by favorability factor - Romney 62, Palin 58 and Gingrich 56.
As they say in poll disclaimers - within the margin of error.
Thus Romney 'won' - by a flux margin.
Thus hardly a heralding endorsement for Romney - in distancing his relative co-equals.
So, it's Romney - pretty boy; Palin mettled; and Gingrich - polemical meister.
Romney is still IMO - pretty boy.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-.....gop-voters
Hoosier Daddy| 6.13.10 @ 10:18AM
I've lived in Indiana all my life. I've seen the democrats run the state into the red and the republicans drive it back into the black, a never ending cycle that somewhat mirrors DC. I'm not a raging fan of Mr. Daniels but I do respect him, and as we all know respect is something that is earned. Do I think he's got what it takes to make it at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? I would like to think so but it would be like herding cats. Send one adult into a town ran by the inmates and watch a good man get destroyed. If memory serves, I believe he resigned as as the director of the OMB because of the rank BS that cluttered his attempts to run it, now take that and multiply the BS a thousand fold. If he runs, I'll support him and pray for him to surround himself with like minded good people who emulate his approach.
Speedypete| 6.13.10 @ 11:51AM
As a resident of Indiana our family has nothing but praise for Governor Daniels. He receives a bashing from NEA (teachers union) for cutting education and depriving our children of the same lousy education they were receiving. He did not cut their funding--Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Large Bank Derivatives and a Federal Government Deficit Spending cut the state budget. But teachers are always the least educated when it comes to economics. He is also about to get the toll road back. Why? The foreign conglomerate that leased the toll road is losing a fortune. Imagine that, Daniels took a beating for leasing this but if this had still be run by bureacrats in Indy it would have meant even higher property taxes at a time when so many are looking for permanent jobs. Census taking doesn't count as permanent. Thanks Mitch.
Jeremiah| 6.13.10 @ 12:21PM
I'm sure Mitch is a lovely fellow, but we don't need another old wimpy white guy dud as our Presidential candidate.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Jonafire| 6.13.10 @ 1:03PM
Jeremiah,
Your ignorance is astounding. You don't know anything about Mitch Daniels if you think that. The fact is Obama has shown a high level of incompetence, childishness, and ouright stupidity. There is a reason that Mitch Daniels won 20% of the black vote and won Indiana by an 18% margin in 2008. Indiana is outperforming all it's neighbors in job crestion and sound fiscal management.
GeorgePQ| 6.13.10 @ 1:12PM
Hoosiers showed a high level of incompetence, childishness and outright stupidity splitting their ticket in '08 and electing Obama. Barak won Indiana REMEMBER!
Jeremiah| 6.13.10 @ 5:05PM
Sorry, fire--Mitch is a wimp, and I'm tired of white, wimpy, republican men.
Christie's a stud, I wish we had more like him.
SaltLakeKen| 6.13.10 @ 1:33PM
I'm proud of my Mormon heritage and don't like these snide remarks about LDS members. We Mormons have the right to express our thoughts and be just as tough as anyone else. Besides Sarah Palin had her chance in '08 and flopped. Besides how can anyone take her seriously on a presidential ticket if she can't win a state as conservative as Indiana? ELECT MITT ROMNEY IN 2012!
PALIN 2012| 6.13.10 @ 5:10PM
Sorry, Ken, no disrespect intended to the Mormon religion or Mormon folks like you--it's Romney's liberal policies like RomneyCare and his repeated episodes of deceit that have turned me off on the guy.
You want to take it personally? Then, it's on you.
Carolynn | 6.13.10 @ 4:26PM
Never gonna happen.
Troll Watch| 6.13.10 @ 4:26PM
You sound like a troll too. The inability to refrain from hunching Sarah's leg always gives you away. Plus what are you doing on the computer on the Sabbath? Why can't we get a troll of even average intelligence. Mitt should join Bob Bennett. They are not bad guys but there are better ones.
PALIN 2012| 6.13.10 @ 5:13PM
You're the man, TW!!
Mike in Kansas| 6.13.10 @ 5:07PM
To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, the Republicans now have 7 presidential candidates tied for last!
PALIN 2012| 6.13.10 @ 5:15PM
6 are tied for last--the others don't come close to the Reaganesque Palin. Sorry.
milwaukie guy| 6.13.10 @ 7:47PM
Two governors, both rock stars: Daniels/Christie in 2012, and Palin as Sec'y of State, ya betcha.
Wally| 6.13.10 @ 11:51PM
Great--the dull as dirt guy coupled with the big fat guy!!
Yeah, that's a recipe for success. They don't call us the stupid party for nuttin'.
milwaukie guy| 6.13.10 @ 7:51PM
Palin for Secretary of the Interior or Energy, mo bettah.
Sambo| 6.14.10 @ 1:11AM
Mitch for the 'dull as dirt' cabinet position.
hmrhonda| 6.13.10 @ 9:05PM
My Man Mitch--A Grown up in government.
Yeah, I like that. Could be a slogan.
I say Mitch Daniels, Christie, Ryan, Palin, hey I think we Republicans have some very good people to put into an administration.
Monty.Crisco| 6.13.10 @ 9:16PM
I am a proud flyer of the Gadsden flag, and the only person I ever teabagged was Keith Olbermann's mom! (And Rachel Maddow, but don't hold that against her - she was in college and "experimenting")
davelnaf| 6.13.10 @ 10:56PM
If the next president is the winner of what amounts to a beauty/personality contest we are toast. It has occurred to a majority of the electorate by now that such people bring to job a very thin, one dimensional understanding of what is expected of them. The last four presidents (Obama included) were of this disposition and they have been some of the worse presidents in US history.
Wally| 6.13.10 @ 11:48PM
Romney's quite a beauty, but the dude's got no personality! Too bad he's a flaming liberal.
RichN| 6.14.10 @ 12:07AM
Only left-wing arugula eating "salad tossers" use the term "tea-bagger" to describe the Tea Partiers. :-)
anna| 6.14.10 @ 12:19AM
As a Hoosier forced to spend a lot of time in Portland, OR I can only count my blessings for a state in which I am expected to carry the bucket of water as well as drink from it! I really have appreciated Mitch Daniel's style of keeping benefits for all children's agencies and even the schools as safe from cuts as possible. He really walks the walk and believes and expects that all Hoosiers should participate to make our state better. Some do and some do not. But...it helps to have the expectation there. No one ever rises to low expectations.
Petronius| 6.14.10 @ 1:17AM
Where are you G Gordon Liddy? Come back. All is forgiven.
Liberal Reader| 6.14.10 @ 4:04AM
Gordon's out with the rest of the plumbers.
Mike009| 6.14.10 @ 12:09PM
I graduated from high school with Mitch (North Central High School, Indianapolis, class of 67), and he is every bit as smart as people say.
Proud Mormon| 6.14.10 @ 2:14PM
Headline summer 2012.:
Romney vanquishes Palin and Tea Party movement wins nomination on first ballot and chooses Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels as his running mate.
Wally| 6.14.10 @ 4:54PM
I didn't know Proud Mormons smoked crack!
Romney's a Liberal like Obama--Republicans ain't gonna vote for stinkin' Liberals for a while. A VERY long while.
Get used to it.
The Globalizer| 6.14.10 @ 3:27PM
1. Don't understand why a religion discussion is occurring here.
2. Palin is unelectable.
3. Romney is unelectable.
4. Huckabee is unelectable.
5. Daniels could break 60% and 40 states.
PALIN 2012| 6.14.10 @ 4:58PM
You're dreaming. No charisma Daniels doesn't stand a chance against Obama.
Palin will win--you'll see. Americans are giving women a chance to score big at the polls right now because of the corruption of male politicians.
chuck| 6.14.10 @ 7:30PM
I agree with the Mormons and vote for Romney.
No Romneybots| 6.15.10 @ 1:32AM
It's dangerous to vote for someone because of his/her religious affiliation. That's called Identity politics and Liberals are destroying our country playing that game.
You people are backward. Romney's a liar--he'll NEVER win the Primary. A lot of people will work AGAINST him.
chuck| 6.15.10 @ 12:22PM
Many oppose Romney not for his politics but for his religious beliefs. Is that just as dangerous?
Mike Gabel| 6.15.10 @ 12:01PM
Quite to the contrary, I believe Mitch has fantastic charisma. In addition to his belief in our founding principles, Mitch's genuineness, candor and modesty form the perfect antidote to Obama.
"Change that believes in you" That, my fellow Americans, is charisma!
Proud Mormon| 6.15.10 @ 12:26PM
2013:
Romney: President
Daniels: Vice-President
Palin: Honorary Moose Chairman-Wasilla
fdj| 7.1.10 @ 4:49AM
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