The American Spectator : Pence and Santorum: Thought Leaders

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Pence and Santorum: Thought Leaders

By Quin Hillyer on 9.23.10 @ 6:08AM

Elevating the substance of public discourse.

In the past two weeks, two potential candidates for the Republican presidential nomination each made one of the most substantive, thoughtful, on-target major addresses that presidential-level politics has seen in many a year. Each really deserves its own separate column, but time does not allow; so this single column will need to suffice.

The speakers were both conservative stalwarts, both of them leaders but both seen as somewhat long-shots for the nomination. U.S. Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, if he runs, is a long-shot because conventional wisdom stupidly believes all past is prologue, and the past says that nobody since James Garfield has gone straight from the House to the presidency. Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania is seen as a near-hopeless case because, after all, who can lose re-election in his own state and move, without intervening election, to the White House? Nobody, supposedly.

Well, neither could a black man, or somebody born in Hawaii who grew up in Indonesia. Neither could presidential ticket nominees come from small states like Alaska or Delaware or Wyoming, or be born in the Panama Canal Zone, or be a woman who hunts elk… or a peanut farmer or a washed-up movie actor, fergoshsakes.

So forget the useless, premature campaign handicapping. Let's see what these men actually say -- because the speeches are worth reading and re-reading and discussing and sharing, regardless of whether each man even runs for president much less if he can win.

The Santorum speech came first, on Sept. 9, commemorating the 50th anniversary weekend of John F. Kennedy's famous speech declaring that he, as a Catholic, would answer to the American Constitution before answering to the Pope. JFK's speech has long since been fitted for a civic halo from the liberal elites, who do and will evermore point to it as the decisive statement on proper American church-state relations.

Against that elite, Sen. Santorum had the guts and mind to call JFK's hand. In short, Santorum said JFK was peddling balderdash:

Let me quote from the beginning of Kennedy's speech:

I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute.

The idea of strict or absolute separation of church and state is not and never was the American model.

After JFK's bit of political jujitsu, the moronic cognoscenti taught as established doctrine that faith should be completely segregated from the public square. To which Santorum answers: "Our founders' vision, unlike the French, was to give every belief and every believer and non-believer a place at the table in the public square. Madison referred to this 'equal and complete liberty' as the 'true remedy.'" Repeat: The idea was not to divorce all faiths from the public square, but to welcome all faiths into it.

More pithily, Santorum rightly said that "Kennedy took words written to protect religion from the government and used them to protect the government from religion."

Then came this long passage:

Another consequence is the debasement of our First Amendment right of religious freedom. Of all the great and necessary freedoms listed in the First Amendment, freedom to exercise religion (not just to believe, but to live out that belief) is the most important; before freedom of speech, before freedom of the press, before freedom of assembly, before freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances, before all others. This freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, is the trunk from which all other branches of freedom on our great tree of liberty get their life. Cut down the trunk and the tree of liberty will die and in its place will be only the barren earth of tyranny.

This first freedom has now been placed on the lowest rung of interests to be considered when weighing rights against one another. The fruits of this misguided idea are increasing evident -- for example:

• The ACLU is currently pushing HHS to force Catholic hospitals to perform abortions under the emergency care mandate of Obamacare.

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About the Author

Quin Hillyer is a senior editor of The American Spectator and a senior fellow at the Center for Individual Freedom.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (70) | Leave a comment

aware| 9.23.10 @ 6:37AM

"Pence and Santorum: Thought Leaders"

You're kiddin', right? This has to be a cruel joke. Are we THAT desperate? Must we grab at ANY debris floating down the river?

Bill| 9.23.10 @ 7:01AM

So aware, substance and insight as well as men of character who elevate ideas that were basic to our founding are a problem to you? Truth will always shine its light on darkness and dispel the lie.

Ret. Marine| 9.23.10 @ 7:32AM

So tell me "aware" of the accomplishments you have contributed to our society these days. If this is an example of how you are with the truth that must be heard, well lets just say I am with you in that there is no hope for humanity, but that would make me a liar, I don't do these types of lies this early in the morning.

aware| 9.23.10 @ 3:43PM

Ret Marine.....I leave the blowing of one's own to you. What kind of "accomplishments" would satisfy you to the point that I can be granted the right to an opinion?

aware| 9.23.10 @ 3:40PM

"...substance and insight as well as men of character..."

That kind of talk might work except for one little thing.....they both have records. Ignore it if you want.

mzk1| 9.24.10 @ 5:06AM

OK, what is your problem with Mike Pence?

I loved the way he called out Obama on Israel, and I love what he does fiscally. I wanted him for president before reading this.

aware| 9.24.10 @ 6:34AM

Pence might have been a better choice in say 2000, but events have accelerated the day of reckoning since then. It is too late for the usual milquetoast GOP "reformers" and their nibbling at the edges "Pledges". There no room for error or compromise.
An economic cataclysm is almost upon us, regardless of who wins and we had better have the right person in place that understands this(unless you believe the ruling elite has given us "recovery summer). Does Pence show any understanding of how fiat money regimes end. Or how the Federal Reserve tops a corrupt banking system that creates money out of thin air and enforces a debt slavery system?
Does he know how deadly government buying its own debt is to the citizens? What about how over reach in foreign affairs and obligations also spell doom for nations a la Rome or Soviet Union? Does he see the disruption and false signals that government intervention causes in markets, leading to resource waste and driving the boom/bust cycle? How about the cycle of dependency instilled in hapless citizens through vote buying schemes known as "welfare"?

No, with an epic failure staring us in the face it will take much more radical people than the current crop has shown themselves to be. They still act like we have time for their puny efforts to make a difference.

Chalkdust| 9.23.10 @ 7:35AM

This country could do a whole lot worst than Rick Santorum or Mike Pence as president...."Holy Cow aware", maybe the current speciman in the white house proves my point.

rainmaker1145| 9.23.10 @ 9:27AM

I agree. I missed the Pence/Sanitorium Balanced Budget Amendment. I missed the Pence/Sanitorium repeal of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. I missed the Pence/Sanitorium Social Security Privatization Act. I missed the Pence/Sanitorium Health Care Bill.

All these guys talk the talk and have been in Washington long enough to be able to move bills through Congress for our benefit. To call them leaders is to suggest they have actually accomplished something beyond pushing the voting button. We have $107 trillion in unfunded, button-push certified liabilities and $13 trillion in button-pushed national debt. Real leaders create plans and have the personal charisma to lead people regardless of who is the majority party in Congress and get it done.

That's a real leader. These are just people who need to be replaced because you can no more trust them than anyone else.

Dai Alanye| 9.23.10 @ 9:51AM

"…a real leader."

It's so simple to demand perfection, isn't it? Yet any candidate who proposed rainmaker's ideas would be crushed in an election. It is first necessary to be elected before attempting to reverse the course of the ship of state. Anyone who fails to realize this not only knows nothing of politics but also nothing of human nature.

Pence and Santorum are fine conservatives, and Hillyer's article is both eloquent and true.

rainmaker1145| 9.23.10 @ 11:06AM

Really? It didn't stop Reagan. It didn't stop Eisenhower and it didn't stop Lincoln. My point is that these people have had years to deliver on any part of the issues they claim to be leaders on and have failed in the leadership test and Mr. Hillyer's laudatory article on them is not supported by the actual facts of what they did when they were in the Congress and we have no reason to believe them now. In fact, the GOP went behind closed doors to vote to let Murkowski keep her job after her latest political move - even though McConnell said she would be stripped on Monday. You have no reason to believe they will deliver because they have never delivered for anyone but themselves and the choice will be actual new Tea Party candidates who may deliver or these people who have had ample opportunity and have NEVER delivered.

Cheryl Miller| 9.23.10 @ 12:50PM

I did not hear McConnell say that, but, if in fact he did, then WE THE PEOPLE, must hold his feet to the fire. The Republican parrty ought to be outraged, OUTRAGED I say, at the fact this woman would have the audacity to take campaign money and write herself in on an election that, clearly, the Alaskan people said NO...Hey Mitch, we're gonna hold your feet to the fire, buddy... we get it out here in REALITY AMERICA..are you hearing us GOP?? As for Rick Santorum, being from Pennsylvania, I can say without a doubt, sadly, we exchanged a statesman for an empty suit (with the famous Casey name). However, having said that, Rick needs to come out and apologize for following Pres. Bush's lead and endorsing Arlen Spector in 2004, when clearly, as we will see soon enough, Toomey would've whopped Arlen..Hey Rick, are you hearing us out here? Blessings to you..

aware| 9.23.10 @ 3:46PM

"WE THE PEOPLE, must hold his feet to the fire"

Laughin' my freakin' tail off! Just how do you propose to do that? Threaten to vote for the other crook?

Alan Brooks| 9.23.10 @ 7:50PM

well, yeah. That's the only leverage-- and you know it.
It is called competition, you might have heard of it.

aware| 9.24.10 @ 5:49AM

Yeah, and it sure has worked like a charm hasn't it. Keep thinking "we" are the government, fool.

Bruce| 9.23.10 @ 1:15PM

Umm ... you mean debris like say Obama? Pelosi? Reid? etc.?

aware| 9.23.10 @ 3:50PM

No, "our" kind of debris. You know big government republicans like these two conformists. The article is about them, not the commies.

Mo| 9.23.10 @ 6:04PM

Santorum's only problem with Obamacare was its velocity, not its intent. That's the problem with "'our kind of debris.'" They seemingly all agree that "it is right" to take from some in the service of others' need. Republicans are as far from respecting/protecting individual rights as any avowed Leftist. Capitalism requires the protection of individual rights. Republicans will destroy the last recognizable shred of Capitalism if we hand them the mantle of power. It's too dangerous a time to let them have it.

Ralph Novy| 9.23.10 @ 1:51PM

Yeah, you'd think he'd have to be kidding, right?

Pence and Santorum "thought leaders"?

Well, you know, they MIGHT be....but those are the kind of thoughts best left hidden under one's mattress.

Dead on aware| 9.23.10 @ 2:47PM

Not much needed to make these baggers go ga ga.
Acouple of bone headed Know nothings, unless the finger in the wind tested counts as qualifications.
But at least Pence comes from a northern state famous for KKK activity. Hell the governor, along with judges, mayors, legislators, etc. , accompanied the Grand Cyclops to jail , after he murdered a girl in a sadistic manner in the good old days. Like Pences daddy's era.

aware| 9.23.10 @ 3:55PM

Don't need any support from the likes of you, bud.
What are you even talkin' about? This would be like eons ago? You are nothing but a distraction.

mzk1| 9.24.10 @ 5:17AM

Pardon me, but if we are talking KKK history, then please recall that it was, de facto, a branch of the Democratic party, of which you are clearly a proponent.

Not to mention the the party continues its tradition of promoting racism by still accepting Al Sharpton - a murderous, race-baiting anti-semite -as a legitimate force in the party, instead of drumming him out as the Republicans did with David Duke.

Until the Left excommunicates Al Sharpton, they have no right to even hint about racism.

Tim*| 9.23.10 @ 7:13AM

" Sen. Jim DeMint, greeted as a folk-hero for his success at backing Tea Party challengers to establishment GOP candidates, took on the idea directly, saying “you can’t be a true fiscal conservative if you do not understand the value of a culture that is based on values.”

Lu Dumak| 9.23.10 @ 7:23AM

I heard Mike Pence speak at an AFP Convention 2 years ago. This women thought he was awsome.

Tim*| 9.23.10 @ 7:30AM

Jim DeMint , "...I really think a lot of the motivation behind these Tea Party crowds is a spiritual component. I think it’s very akin to the Great Awakening before the American Revolution. A lot of our founders believed the American Revolution was won before we ever got into a fight with the British. It was a spiritual renewal.”

...

I think people are seeing this massive government growing and they’re realizing that it’s the government that’s hurting us and I think they’re turning back to God in effect is our salvation and government is not our salvation and in fact more and more people see government as the problem and so I think some have been drawn in over the years to a dependency relationship with government and as the Bible says you can’t have two masters and I think as people pull back from that they look more to God. It’s no coincidence that socialist Europe is post-Christian because the bigger the government gets the smaller God gets and vice-versa. The bigger God gets the smaller people want their government because they’re yearning for freedom."

Ret. Marine| 9.23.10 @ 7:39AM

There are many words of wisdom in them there words TIM. I believe you are correct in that many have made the connection and are encouraging others to return to those roots that have made us the best thing the world has seen since sliced toast. Its just too bad that there are far too many who have not only turned their back on our creator, but there fellow men as well. Pray the Lord has heard our plea's.
Both men this article speaks of are well within the realm of what is necessary and the message has been heard loud and clear. I believe their intensitivity is well advised, We the People know why they are rightly concerned of our future.

Tim*| 9.23.10 @ 8:01AM

Hi Marine ,
I can not take credit for the second paragraph .That also is Jim DeMint speaking.
I forgot to type in the the lead quotation marks .

God Bless Ya Marine

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 9.23.10 @ 7:43AM

The problem with speeches like Pence's and Santorum's is that the looters in our society won't read them or understand what they hear about them. They are simply speeches to the faithful.

JFGalt| 9.23.10 @ 8:07AM

Succint observation.
But I guess we have to start somewhere - maybe we need to take over ALL media and put it out there at the same time where nobody can escape the truth of the words.

Ken (Old Texican)| 9.23.10 @ 8:14AM

Bill,
Good thought.
Hopefully the "faithful" will show up at the polls, this year, and the looters will be bummed out and drunk.

John Navratil| 9.23.10 @ 8:52AM

Bill,

Perhaps they are speeches to the faithful... NOW! That doesn't mean that promulgating these ideas is a waste of time and effort. Even the faithful benefit from a weekly homily. Without them, there isn't a chance that the "looters in our society" will ever get the message and with them the unengaged, but open-minded, will.

Like Ken, I hope the "looters" day in the sun has passed.

hardcard| 9.23.10 @ 8:23AM

Are you "aware"the trolls are working O/T.

DonDuke| 9.23.10 @ 8:51AM

So how cool is it that left-wing hacks and retrobates (I know it's slang) like "aware" and "vtwin" for that matter are so darn scared that they are the first to read and post to articles here. Oh yeah... they're on the run and scared. Keep up the pressure, remain focused and send these automotons back to the closet.

aware| 9.23.10 @ 4:24PM

My (unpopular) views prove me to be exactly what I am, an anachro-capitalist and I haven't voted for a commie democrat, EVER. As an anarchist EVERYBODY is to the left of me, including you. Been posting here 4 years and subscribed to the mag since the 80s. I don't come here to pick fights, but to debate intelligent people. There are many of those here, unlike HuffPo and other leftist rag sites.

I used to be a party partisan, like many here, till "my" team(Republicans/Conservatives) "won". Then I saw the true nature of that awful entity....the State. It grows, it tramples, it steals, it murders, it corrupts, and it is just plain EVIL. Apparently regardless of who's in charge, I won't support anyone who doesn't see it that way. A little less of these things doesn't cut it anymore as "opposition". I want it stopped, not lessened.

My "extreme" view of personal liberty gets me into trouble with the neo cons here sometimes, but that doesn't make me a troll. All my opinions will show an extreme anti State bias, consistently.

PJ| 9.23.10 @ 9:15AM

While I agree with the ideas of Rick Santorum & Mike Pence, I believe they are not electable given their present political position.

For Santorum, who can not forget his endorcement, 6 yrs ago of Arlen Spector instead of Pat Toomey, whose agenda was most similiar to his own. Santorum for all his great ideas is still part of the old time Republican establishment, just like McCain who's changing his tune to sound conservative.

Don't know much about Mike Pence but he doesn't have statewide running experience just like Jack Kemp who also had some great ideas! Pence needs to be elected governor or senator 1st.

As to the presidental election of Obama, there's indication of alot of voter fraud that took place. One begs the question that if the election was reasonably clean would the man connected w/dirty Chicago politics, Soros money, & no real world experience have won? (For those who have to think about the question, the answer is no!)

Michael L. Hauschild| 9.23.10 @ 9:59AM

Pence deserves political consideration, and Santorum seems to perform a pundit type function. However, anyone willing to forgive an endorsement of Snarlin is demented. Returning these clowns to their old haunts simply enables them to return to their old ways. Look around, like what you see? There are three types of politicians; those that actively are wrecking our Republic, those that enable or allow their peers to wreck our Republic, and those that having been removed want back in to do one or the other. New blood is needed; this may be our last chance why would you trust it to someone wanting second chance?

Bob| 9.23.10 @ 10:50AM

Santorum looks presidential but his 41.28% election debacle and Roman Catholicism serves up voters the political double whammy but he should garner a top tier cabinet position in 2013. Pence, his white hair, don’t look presidential at all hence Indiana rep. he shall stay

PJ| 9.23.10 @ 11:16AM

Santorm's Catholicism is not considered a hindrance. It's because he did not faithfully practice his faith; he endorsed a radically, pro-abortion, political hack. Had Santorum practiced what he preached, he would not be in this predicament & I would "jump hoops" for this man!

I do believe in redemption. So, if Santorum can prove to me through many "without a doubt" actions, that 6 yrs ago was a 1 time major faux pas then I would consider him as presidential material.

Cheryl Miller| 9.23.10 @ 12:56PM

Rick was totally wrong in endorsing Arlen Specter in 2004. He put politics (as usual) over the people of Pennsylvania. If he's willing to come out and admit that, then I'll know he's more concerned about the state of our union than he is politics....

Ralph Novy| 9.23.10 @ 2:04PM

"Santorum looks presidential..."?

Maybe if you can imagine Mortimer Snerd as president.

Jeez.

Oldefarte| 9.23.10 @ 11:44AM

Of the cited referenced politicians [Obama, Carter Palin, Reagan], only the last one was a retreaded politician [Nixon would be another]. All the others were new political faces, and Obama, Palin and Reagan [and Kennedy, Clinton] had the needed WOW/SHAZAM factor. Sadly the voting public has a historical need to be WOWED by a presidential candidate. No doubt Americans are so lacking/depressed in their own personal lives, that they desire some presidential candidate to figuratively come riding up on his white horse, sword in hand and clothed in silver armour, to same the day for them. They're blinded by what's usually behind the candidate's mask [intentional], and only see the horse, sword and armour [and go WOW!]. They don't ask WHO/WHAT IS THIS, WHERE DID HE/SHE COME FROM, WHAT IS HIS/HER BACKGROUND, WHO ARE HIS FRIENDS/ASSOCIATES,ETC? Pence, Santorium are good guys as detailed, but IMO they are not presidential material [as they have not nor can they WOW the voting public]. Again, I feel that the [as determined by recent polling] most important quality of a potential candidate is now/currently their business knowledge and/or practical/real world business experience in solving economic/financial problems. Government has never [but should have been] run like a business [although different from private businesses, its still a business with income and expense essential issues]. If Jack Welch, Donald Trump or Bill Gates could be elected president, our current problems would be futuristically solved, but sadly they will not be candidates. Typically presidents tent to be LAWYERS who mostly don't know their ARS FROM A HOLE IN THE GROUND about finance, economics, and solving business problems. My choice would be someone like Palin, Christie, DeMent, Ryan, Barbour,etc [Pence and Santorium could be valuable advisors/department heads,etc; but not presidential candidates]!!!!!!!!!!!

PJ| 9.23.10 @ 12:26PM

This Yankee likes Barbour then DeMint!

mzk1| 9.24.10 @ 5:40AM

That is an interesting point about the WOW factor. The only exception I can think of is Nixon, but both he and Humphrey were not that sort and Nixon had been V.P.

I would also avoid college professors; my examples are Obama, Clinton, and former Gov. Glendening of Maryland.

At the end, though, I think two specific things killed McCain:

1. He did not have the base, and his opponent did.
2. A bad economy will just about always get you, if you are identified with it. That's what killed Ford, not his pardoning Nixon, as the MSM claims.

hrh| 9.23.10 @ 11:46AM

These 2 men are principled legislators, not leaders.

We need to get back to the balance between the legislature and the executive branch to understand that I am not insulting them. We need strong leaders in the legislative branch who will keep the executive branch in line - and perform all the many tasks the Constitution gives the legislature - instead of letting the executive branch act like it has more power than it has.

Let Pence be Speaker of the House. Let Santorum get back in the Senate and be Majority Leader.

Neither one of them is an executive leader.

And I repeat, that is not an insult.

mzk1| 9.24.10 @ 5:26AM

I would agree, but I don't see anyone else out there. (Palin needs more experience. Just look at how Obama's inexperience continually trips him up.)

Oldefarte| 9.24.10 @ 12:06PM

Agreed, but Palin has experience in running a small town and a state government; whereas Obama had neither [plus he's the quin-essential collegiate EGGHEAD]. Our federal government is currently running ON AUTOMATIC PILOT, which is frightening. Palin's lack of national political expertise could be remedied quickly by her closeting herself inside a library with a computer connected to the internet and with several highly knowledable political advisors [and by her, in Reaganisk fashion, issuing periodical political positional radio addresses to the public]. I'd take her at 1600 anyday over what we're now faced with for the next two years!!!!!!!!!!

Tom| 9.23.10 @ 11:49AM

Just Google 'santorum' see the crap he is involved in.

He is anally focused like Pat Robertson.

Tom

TR| 9.23.10 @ 11:56AM

Thanks, Quin, for another great article. I have recently discovered your writings and your observations. Keep up the good work!

Oldefarte| 9.24.10 @ 12:11PM

TR, As a long time Quin reader going back to when he for an Alabama newspaper, you're in for a real treat and enjoyable conservative writings from him. I'd suggest that you also read some of his historical/archived editorials here at TAS!!!!

Dan D| 9.23.10 @ 12:01PM

Quin, you need to ponder whether expressing principles and sentiments you agree with is sufficient for serious consideration for the office of President. The Oval Office job is an executive function in our constitutional order, and it seems essential to elevate a qualified executive leader to that role, not a pundit or philosopher.

Pence and Santorum may be interesting advisers or influences on a potential successful President, but they show no signs of having the skills of leadership and administration needed to bring their ideas to practical effect within our constitutional system.

Having known Rick Santorum for quite some time, I would not entrust any significant authority to him. I have no personal experience with Mike Pence. Either of them are adequate in the legislative and debating roles, but please, now is the time when our country desperately needs us to be serious and focused in making a wise selection of our next President.

Ralph Novy| 9.23.10 @ 1:57PM

Dan D:

Well put.

Roy| 9.23.10 @ 8:19PM

The article did not say they should be president. It called them "thought leaders".

Seek| 9.23.10 @ 12:32PM

Rick Santorum lost not because he tepidly endorsed a pro-choice candidate, but because he was perceived -- properly -- as a standard-bearer of an aggressive strain of religious piety that mixes poorly with politics. He's not viable. If a U.S. Senate candidate can't pull in 42 percent of the vote, never mind 50 percent, his presidential aspirations are pretty much moot.

As for Rep. Pence, several years ago he pushed the Krieble Foundation/Heritage Foundation illegal immigrant amnesty plan. Though he'll dance around it, he's basically a shill for employers looking for cheap labor. And he's not original either. Everything he says could have come from a Newt Gingrich talking points manual.

Ken (Old Texican)| 9.23.10 @ 12:43PM

Folks,
I still pray that Sarah will run. She certainly has "Shazam". Finally, she would gather the brightest guys in the country around her, just like she did in Alaska.
Folks,
She did truly do a great job up there.

I do hope each of you will order her new book. Read her thoughts yourself...as I will...and see what you think...as I shall.

Jim DeMint is splendid. if nominated, I would not be a bit surprised if he asked Sarah to be his running mate. They have been on the same page for some time now.
Folks,
We NEED DeMint in the Senate to keep their head's straight.
Thoughts?

Oldefarte| 9.24.10 @ 12:14PM

Ken, Don't care whereever/whatever, as long as the goal is to get rid of the Pilosi's, Reid's, Schumer's, Rangel's, Conyer's, Boxer's, Frank's,etc!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

loulou| 9.23.10 @ 1:31PM

Santorum may be a good man but he's no Pence or Jim Demint. Santorum supported Arlen Spector over Pat Toomey. That says all I need to know.

Ralph Novy| 9.23.10 @ 1:54PM

The minds of Pence and Santorum, combined, would be a person barely able to tie his/her own shoes.

What a laughable article.

Oldefarte| 9.24.10 @ 4:33PM

Then, NUMNUTS, you must really laugh your HEAD-ARS off in consideration of the words/actions of Democrats Rangel, Waters, Conyers,etc..........right????????????

Brain Dead Baggers| 9.23.10 @ 2:38PM

Only an imbecile on the I.Q. scale would think Pence, from Klan land Indiana, and sad sack religious delusional Sanatorium, are the brainiacs of the RepugliKlan party.
Sanatorium alway's looks like a chastised child, while Pence is Boehmers beach bum buddy.
Intelligent? God is this Spectacle joke full of good , healthy, belly laughs.

Tim*| 9.23.10 @ 7:34PM

Get Back To Us After Ya Get Your Democrat Asses Kicked on November 2nd.

The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates.

We Can See November From Our Houses .

mzk1| 9.24.10 @ 5:31AM

Thank you for showing us exactly what a leftist calls "intellegence".

Now you can go back to your fellow five-year-olds in the left-wing blogs, and your fellow racists and anti-semites of the "Democratic" party.

Apologies to all five-year-olds.

Oldefarte| 9.24.10 @ 4:39PM

Hey BRAINFAG [from adoration of fellows at MSNBC's Rachel's/Keith's (and CNN's Anderson's) homo-carnivals]; want 'INTELLIGENT', then check out Conyer's imitation of LIGHTNIN from Amos-N-Andy!!!!!!!

psutopgun| 9.23.10 @ 3:15PM

It's a long way to 2012 but if DeMint, Bachmann or Ryan is not in the mix then the establishment Republicans still don't get it. The three above are the ONLY three that have been in the trenches with us all the way.

Redstateboy| 9.23.10 @ 4:34PM

who ever is the Republican Nominee... I am absolutely serious when I write.. they'll be better than Hussien the Insane.

WR Jonas| 9.23.10 @ 4:59PM

I agree wholeheartedly with Ken ; Sarah simply becomes the focus of attention when she arrives. There is no denying her magnetism . Pence and Santorum deliver great speeches but we need a winner with great appeal.

Laine| 9.23.10 @ 10:35PM

Give up the fantasy that Palin can be president. Although she's not as light weight as Obama, still too light weight for the job of cleaning up after Obama. She has been Quayled by the media, made into a joke synonymous with white trash in the minds of so-called Independents and frankly, her family members have made it easy for them. Levi is like Jethro on Beverly Hillbillies and the daughter who's hoofing on Dancing with the Stars keeps bringing him into the mix. Dems are hoping and praying Republicans go with Palin. They got their empty suit Hussein elected because of a perfect storm including illegal donations, voter fraud and a media shilling for him but Republicans will never have any of these factors working for them. The Dems got their media creation into the White House and simultaneously made the Palin created by the media unelectable. Face the depressing facts instead of living in a fantasy world like Obama-ites. She does not have the stature nor natural wit of a Reagan that was needed to turn their attacks back against them or to get us out of this mess especially abroad. Sorry. Time for a real man, not a disrespected woman. Leave the woman president for some future date when the ship has been righted or the second coming of Thatcher.

Carol Bennett| 9.23.10 @ 11:16PM

I read the essay by Quin Hillyer which speaks of Rick Santorum's speech pertaining to John Kennedy's declaration about separation of church and state during his presidential campaign. President Kennedy apparently landed on this idea after listening to friend journalist, John Cogley, who was a liberal Catholic and at one time wrote for Commonweal. I read about this idea and the subsequent damage to our country in an article by Russell Shaw in The Catholic World titled "The Separation of God From The Public Life" in the August/ September issue.

Yosemeti Sam| 9.24.10 @ 12:57AM

Santorum ran a woeful campaign against a political ladder climber and got beat by some - 700,000 votes; why that was near 3/4 million votes saying nay to him. Bush, no doubt did 'it' to him.

Now, he's supposed to be 'magnetic' qua the 2012 election selection primaries event?

Nice guy - but he did finish last!

And he did support Spectre!

That yoke is upon him!

Forgetaboutit in 2012!

Brian| 9.25.10 @ 6:17PM

ANYBODY, that wants to know the REAL Rick Santorum need only look at the Judges he put forward for nomination to the federal bench to GW Bush. 1) Judge John E. Jones, the leftist judge that ruled it was illegal to question evolution in the famous "Dover" evolution case. And 2) Judge Legrome D. Davis, the leftist judge that ruled it was ok for thousands of gays and other groups to protest at the liberty bell but two christians can't preach there ( U.S vs Marcavage)