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Political Hay
In Defense of Boring Men
Particularly when it comes to finding a serious challenger to Mr. Obama.
The fact that young women frequently fall for bad boys is something that every good guy knows. It’s also something our society immortalizes in popular culture: Juliet fell for Romeo; Joanie fell for Chachi; Diane fell for Sam; Buffy fell for Angel; and Bella for Edward. In the movies and on television, it generally works out okay. In real life, it’s generally drugs, disease, despair, divorce and parental heartbreak, which is why, knowing what challenges lie ahead and the value of a solid partner, parents ask, “Why couldn’t you just fall for the nice guy?”
Right now, polls show many conservative voters, at least temporarily, falling for the bad boy in the form of billionaire celebrity Donald Trump. A main reason cited for this is the “bland” or “boring” slate of potential GOP candidates. They’re not dynamic, dangerous or sexy enough to attract their eye. But conservatives have long prided themselves as belonging to the party of reason and dismissed the Democrats as the party of emotion, so expect these feelings to subside.
To aid that eventuality, a defense needs to be made in favor of boring men. When at a car lot, it’s usually the exciting car that catches your eye, but the reality is, for what you need to accomplish, it’s the reliable, “boring” choice that better fits budgets and better gas mileage. Just as you might initially be attracted to the luxury sports car at the car lot, it’s easy to get distracted by a flashy, brash, entertaining candidate. But unless that candidate is suited for the job you actually need him for (defeating Obama, and reining in spending), it’d be a good idea to avoid buyer’s remorse and kick the tires of the other candidates.
Mitch Daniels, the plainspoken, bald, short governor of Indiana is not the kind of man generally described as exciting. His claim to television fame is his long-form campaign commercial series, “Mitch TV.” It was no Apprentice, but then again, it wasn’t supposed to be.
Daniels erased a $200 million dollar deficit and turned it into a surplus, reformed state government, and reduced the total number of state employees to their lowest number since Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” was top of the charts. Daniels is currently taking on the teachers’ unions with education reform. On federal issues he warns the U.S. faces a new “Red Menace” as devastating as the former Soviet Army, only this time the menace is the red ink of debt. He defended Paul Ryan’s budget plan as “the first serious proposal” of either party to tackle the looming debt tsunami, and derided those who criticized it without offering a substantive alternative as “unserious” men.
Daniels’s one “bad boy” characteristic is that he rides a Harley, but just as you’d never confuse Richie Cunningham for “The Fonz” even if Richie were wearing a leather jacket, you won’t mistake Daniels on a Harley as a “bad boy” either. He can make a Harley look like a scooter. But when he is talking about policy, he is an unmistakably serious man.
Former Governor of Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty possesses qualities similar to Daniels. If he were a kid, he’d be the kind of young man grandmas would urge their teen granddaughters to date. He would also probably be earning money mowing that Grandma’s lawn. Pawlenty was one of the few governors to receive an “A” grade from the Cato institute for his efforts on behalf of the fiscal policy of his state. He approach to the numerous new taxes proposed by the Democrat legislature in his state was to veto them, and then veto them again. He is plain vanilla but likeable, earnest, and with a solid track record on the issue of the day (spending). Only Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana scored higher on Cato’s fiscal report card, but there’s no sign he’s getting into the race.
In 2008 the American electorate was swept off its feet by the dazzling rhetoric of an exciting candidate who promised everything. Will they be looking to be swept off their feet again? I suspect when the time comes, the electorate will be in a more serious mood, seeking a leader who will speak clearly and honestly to them about the great issues of our time, spending and the size and scope of government.
The Republican presidential field is not yet in stone. Perhaps there will be some surprises, but let’s not start believing we need them just because MSNBC pundits say we do. We have good candidates now.
Candidates who satisfy our desire to be entertained will have their time in the sun, but most Americans are not thinking about the presidential race right now. They’re thinking about rising gas prices, looming debt, inflation fears, and foreign wars. The presidential race seems far away, so they’re looking for distraction. Right now when nothing seems to be at stake, during the adolescent phase of the presidential race, flirtation with the “bad boy” candidate seems like harmless fun.
Times are too serious for that to last, and when Americans really start considering the presidential race, they will think about America at a crossroads between big government and a path toward greater economic liberty. They will consider whether they want more choices over their health care, or do they want to be cared for by the state. They will have to decide if they want to cripple future generations with debt and fewer opportunities, or reform the social safety net in a way that expands freedom. Ultimately, they will have to ask themselves whether they want another four years of President Obama’s vision for America.
When they answer “no,” they will need an acceptable alternative. That’s when we will be grateful to have a “boring” candidate at the helm with the vision, experience, and credibility necessary to begin the hard work of getting the nation back on course.
About the Author
David Boze is talk radio host on AM 770 KTTH in Seattle and the author of The Little Red Book of Obamunism.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (93) | Leave a comment
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vb| 4.28.11 @ 7:01AM
In other words, we will seek a grown-up. I am so sick of over-hyped crises and the resulting thoughtless actionism. It would be wonderful to have someone who could calmly prioritize the problems we face and evaluate and implement realistic ways to deal with them. Maybe the media would even catch on that we are tired of people who tell us to save the world by using only 5 sheets of toilet paper. I don't need first graders to lecture me on social justice, but I would like a president who knows that flip-flopping on items like oil drilling and Gitmo is not the way to build confidence among the people.
Alan Brooks| 4.28.11 @ 10:04AM
"The Republican presidential field is not yet in stone."
DUH!
NoLib| 4.29.11 @ 11:22PM
But your brains are.
Red Ryder| 4.28.11 @ 7:12AM
After the histrionics of the Obama administration we could use another Calvin Coolidge in the White House. Daniels and Pawlenty both qualify.
Prester john| 4.28.11 @ 7:44AM
Herman Cain
Michael Tomlinson| 4.28.11 @ 8:53AM
At least for Veep if he doesn't get the Presidential nod.
NedB| 4.28.11 @ 8:54AM
VP first then President with Congressman West as his VP. Then West as President.
Palin for secretary of the Interior.
No need for sec. of energy since that department needs to go away along with EPA
Le Cracquere| 4.28.11 @ 9:12AM
I believe the author was specifically looking for BORING men.
NoLib| 4.29.11 @ 11:23PM
Trump's not a bad boy he's a ballsy boy.
WayneFarmer| 4.28.11 @ 6:22PM
YES!!!!!!!!!!!
WayneFarmer| 4.28.11 @ 6:22PM
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny| 4.29.11 @ 2:12PM
Amen P.J., I wish everyone could hear him speak on the issues, because that's what he does, at least once. He's not so boring but just what we need right now.
steev| 4.29.11 @ 4:40PM
He may not be boring, but he IS serious. And right. He might have the energy to pull some of the disenchanted Obama ex-voters while still being the right man for the job. But he needs to keep away from the social issues if he doesn't want to alienate independents and libertarians.
Gary Johnson looks good, too.
Michael Tomlinson| 4.28.11 @ 7:49AM
After 4 years of the MSM's "rock star"/incompetent occupant of the White House America is looking for an effective leader who can clean up Obama's domestic and foreign policy mess. In other words any serious Republican candidate.
Nancy G Murdoch| 4.28.11 @ 8:24AM
If only the American voter would get with the program and look past the sound bites we might have a President with character and adult attributes. The fact that we elected a Barack Obama is scary to begin with...most liberal record in the Senate and no experience. Just goes to show the voters aren't that bright.
Ken (Old Texican)| 4.28.11 @ 10:45AM
Nancy,
it is even worse than that. Obama is pesident only because so many American voters sat on their butts rather than voting in 2008.
Yeah yeah, I've heard it all before..."McCain was a doofus...yada yada yada".
At least McCain doesn't hate America, and if we can't unseat Obama and some Demo Senators in 2012 this country might be beyond a roll back from the brink.
Frankly, I feel sorry for the new Republican president in advance, whoever it might be. He or she will be inheriting a mess.
In my mind, NOTHING is more important than throwing out the Demos in congress and the presidency in 2012. I think Bohner is playing it pretty cagey with that in mind.
Occam's Tool| 4.29.11 @ 12:49AM
I am increasingly coming to the conclusion that we need a Black President in the office, not one who's half-white. Allen West would be best, but Cain will do.
nperry| 4.29.11 @ 11:29PM
Oh, that's very good. I hadn't thought of that. Why, what would the Democrats do then? I like this very much.
nperry| 4.29.11 @ 11:40PM
Actually, Obama got in as a result of a backlash against Bush and the Republicans. But that is all old news. I agree, however, that Obama must go in 2012 and that means no more candidates who have no track record to indicate where he/she stands. Executive experience is a plus, partnered with a VP who has national Congressional experience inside the Beltway, can carry his own state, and sit in the Big Guy's chair if he has to.
Bob| 4.28.11 @ 8:42AM
Cheri fell for the Doc, that's Cheri Daniels-first lady of Indians who had a steamy affair with a California Doctor, divorced Mitch-married the Doc-divorced the Doc-married Mitch again. A new soap opera-reality show beckons titled Cheri's Jubilee.
Michael Tomlinson| 4.28.11 @ 8:54AM
Bob you must be a Democrat living in the gutter you call your life. How about Obama's closet lifestyle?
gearjammer| 4.28.11 @ 8:44AM
He would be a winner in my book. I'd pair him with Bachman if she could dial it down a notch or two.
we need a winning ticket-will somebody please remind that the SJC is on the line. Do you want these union thugs doing to the SJC what they tried in Wisconsin ?
Michael Tomlinson| 4.28.11 @ 8:57AM
Governors make solid Presidents.
Daniels - Cain in 2012
Daniels - Barbour 2012
Pwalenty - Cain in 2012
Pwalenty- Barbour 2012
Romney - Daniels 2012
Romney - Pwalenty 2012
Doctor Right| 4.28.11 @ 12:03PM
FDR was a Governor.
Carter was a Governor.
Clinton was a Governor.
SOME Governors make good Presidents; others make pathetic Presidents.
Being a Governor is COMPLETELY over-rated. Success depends on the character of the man/woman being elected.
Michael Tomlinson| 4.29.11 @ 12:42AM
Since I never vote for Democrats I never consider them in elections.
Dennis Bergendorf| 4.28.11 @ 8:46AM
I live in Indiana and am happy with Mitch Daniels (finally joining the rest of the world in daylight saving time, keeping taxes low, and making billions by privatizing the Indiana Toll Road). I'd vote for him again for governor.
But, darn it, Mitch is the not the first person I think of when you say "presidential." His speaking style is a cross between "W" and Dan Quayle. He's slight of frame (yet the word "fireplug" never comes to mind).
We think of Ronald Reagan as a great president only partly because of his policies, and the fact that he got the country back on track. Reagan WAS presidential, in the mode of Lincoln, Kennedy and FDR.
After four years of a rudderless ship of state and wholesale posturing, we need a strong, articulate president.
Michael Tomlinson| 4.28.11 @ 9:00AM
Dennis the anti-Obama will be in style next year.
As for your choices to illustrate being presidential, just don't see it with incredibly ugly and lose jointed Lincoln, the doped up Kennedy or the Stalin loving FDR.
idalily| 4.28.11 @ 10:51PM
I think Daniels has the character to rise to the occasion.
Johnny Rebel| 4.28.11 @ 9:25AM
The next election is the "Anyone But Obama" election. I would vote for Daffy Duck over Obama.
The Obama Administration has been a "Man Caused Disaster", yes, his term for terrorism FITS HIM.
Bob| 4.28.11 @ 9:37AM
The President won Indiana last time and will win it again with or without Cheri's bald husband on the ticket.
Doctor Right| 4.28.11 @ 12:04PM
Obama also won Pennsylvania in 2008.
So what? Ever hear of Pat Toomey?
There goes that (dumb) theory...
PCPSmoker| 4.28.11 @ 8:26PM
Indiana was sick of Bushies and Mclame. If you think they'll vote for Obama, you are a motherfucking idiot
Michael Tomlinson| 4.29.11 @ 12:43AM
Obama will lose Indiana and the election.
David T| 4.28.11 @ 9:51AM
As John McEnroe would say, "You cannot be serious!" Daniels and Pawlenty are both spelled
L-O-S-E-R for the GOP.
Doctor Right| 4.28.11 @ 12:05PM
EX-ACTLY!!!
The "Bland Brigade" (Pawlenty, Daniels, Romney) will doom the GOP...again.
Don Carlson| 4.28.11 @ 10:57AM
In the midst of our present political hurly-burly, a boring person will not achieve the presidency. An articulate person, willing to call the perfidious left what it is, might be elected. A brave soul who will ask the American people what they were thinking when they elected Barack Obama to the presidency might be elected. A thoughtful, brave, and articulate person who will define the issues in terms of indulging envy, resentment, and dependence; or reviving the self-reliance of Americans and the founding principles of the United States---that person might be elected. If we aim for less, we are fooling ourselves.
Doctor Right| 4.28.11 @ 12:05PM
AGREE 1000%!
idalily| 4.28.11 @ 10:53PM
A "thoughtful, brave, articulate person" is often seen as boring. I also think boring might be a nice change for most folks after Obama.
JimP| 4.28.11 @ 10:58AM
One of the very appealing things about Trump the bad boy is, he is really p!$$!ng off the GOP establisment/parents. Who knew I'd experience a teenage girl's thrill as a male in my 6th decade? LOL It's almost as much fun hearing the grumbling from the GOP elites as it is watching Trump beat Obama about the head with his shortcomings. If our GOP parents/Dad had cajones as big as Trump's to take on Obama I'd have zero interest of any kind in Trump. Alas GOP Dad can only whine in Beta Male fashion about Trump being a "joke candidate" etc.
The moral of the story is if you want your kids to not rebel and fool around with bad boys, you must set a good example yourself and grow a pair if you don't already have them. But for the crappy GOP establishment Obama wouldn't be POTUS in all probability.
somnolence| 4.28.11 @ 10:18PM
Palin is going after Obama with a vengeance several times a week. Is she getting half the publicity Mr. Trump is from the media? I'm getting tired of hearing that he's the only one on the attack. Yeah, the birth certificate. Now, are ANY of them going to go after his several Social Security Card numbers? That should send Lawrence O'Donnell into the psych ward if pursued.
JimH| 4.28.11 @ 11:22AM
If boring was the criterion, we would be reaching across the aisle to Joe Lieberman. I understand what is meant though. We should not be looking for the man (or woman) on a horse. A competent executive would be a relief.
chris haynes| 4.28.11 @ 11:26AM
What does Daniels stand for?
Saving the welfare state from itself.
That's more important than abortion, our grown-ups say. Weve listened to the grownups for 40 years. 55 million children dead, and for what? 14 trilllion in debt.
idalily| 4.28.11 @ 10:58PM
No, we have been listening to the children who believe there is such a thing as social justice and fairness. And do you REALLY think a candidate who takes a position to fully outlaw abortion would defeat Obama in a general election? If you believe that, you are seriously deluded.
somnolence| 4.28.11 @ 11:04PM
You are so right. Nobody on this page has a soul if you think we can ignore that 55 million figure. Daniels doesn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of being the nominee. A competitor of this magazine recently suggested he has his own version of Obamacare light in tow. He won't be able to generate the money anyway. Aside from Trump, that domain will belong to Romney, Palin, and Bachmann. Huckabee hinted just yesterday he is not running.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 4.28.11 @ 11:45AM
What makes most of the Republicans boring is that they have no principles worth fighting for, having a litany of global warming, climate change and endorsements of amnesty for illegal aliens in their background.
This is why the public is gravitating towards Trump. He's fighting for something besides himself.
Look at the metrosexuals inside the beltway. They don't get their hands dirty. I observed Cantor talking about how he and Boehner have both run a business. Maybe they have but you would never know it by the disastrous way they run the House.
So far, there is no principal they will not surrender on, not compromise, but simply surrender. The entire filed of Republican candidates plays into their milquetoast management style.
The inside the beltway pundits like Karl Rove, heed their chains and puppet strings and can't wait to attack anyone who comes from outside the citadel of corruption. One example of that is the way Karl Rove attacked Christine O'Donnell for not having a college degree when he didn't possess one.
No standard is too low for these professional squeegees to stoop to as long as they can keep the myth going.
And what is that myth? That many of these candidates in the Republican hierarchy are credible.
It's not that they are boring. They've gone beyond boring. They are empty suits, the proverbial Hollow Men.
Doctor Right| 4.28.11 @ 11:59AM
Mitch Daniels, all 5'-7" of him, is an accountant...a good one, but nothing more.
Stupid article. We don't need or want a "bad boy" as our nominee. We need and want someone who will fight vociferously for Conservative principles and fearlessly stand-up to the left, and call them what they are: Un-American liars.
And that person ain't Mitch Daniels.
The reason Donald Trump is resonating at all with Conservatives has NOTHING with Conservatism and everything to do with the things that this article counsels against. To wit, Trump is out there saying the kinds of things that we'd like to hear our guys say, in public and on-the-record, just once!
Instead, we get gutless, careerist milquetoasts who, even when they control the House, are too afraid of the press, of Obama, of the media, of "the middle", etc, to enact the VERY agenda they were sent to Congress for.
Put Mitch Daniels into the latter category. Daniels is a joke. I don't remember seeing him AT ALL when people like Michelle Bachman were rallying the Tea Party in '09-'10. But all of a sudden, he's viewed as the "mature, sensible" candidate.
WHY?!?!? He won't fight for the social issues that are near-and-dear to Conservatives (he wants to put them aside), and he vetoed Indiana's Right-to-Work Law while his neighbor, Scott Walker, was fighting the battle of his life against union thuggery in Wisconsin. Yeah...What a leader that guy Daniels is!!!
Daniels is the preferred candidate of pseudo-Conservative, elitist a-hole David Brooks, the guy who swooned about Obama in 2005 because of the immaculate crease of his pants, and if that doesn't tell you all you need to know about his doomed candidacy, it should.
What the hell has happened to the American Spectator? This used to be a place where solid Conservatives met to read and discuss the issues of the day; it's been watered down over the past few months to where it's virtually indistinguishable from (uggh...) The Weekly Standard. In the last week or so, we've been told by TASOnline that John Boehner's cowardly cave-in on the budget was somehow a "win" for the GOP, and been informed how happy some British fop is that his immature, spoiled daughter has run-off to India and become a Sikh because "Sikhism is her high".
Please...let's get back to Conservative principles here.
Mitch Daniels? Get real.
David T| 4.28.11 @ 1:24PM
On the positive side, Doctor, we know Mitch has a lock on the dwarf vote.
Jim Hlavac | 4.28.11 @ 1:23PM
And let us not forget Gary Johnson -- an 8 year former governor of New Mexico -- fiscally sane, reasonable on a lot of hot button issues -- and well, not much baggage that anyone can throw at him. He also built a business from just himself to over 1,000 employees. Oh, I'd say he'd make a good president -- and he's actually doing something other than run around trying to sell his book. He just up an announced his run.
Maybe he's the we seek.
David T| 4.28.11 @ 1:31PM
Johnson is appealing, but almost no name recognition at this point is nearly impossible to overcome.
Would I be totally shouted down if I said Rudy Giuliani is the only Republican who has the name recognition, stature, background, and proven leadship skills to beat Obama? Just asking.
Doctor Right| 4.28.11 @ 2:03PM
In early-1991, Bill Clinton had very little name recognition, either, and the incumbent President had >90% approval ratings...
...how things change.
somnolence| 4.28.11 @ 10:26PM
Socks(G.H.W. Bush's socks at Christmas 1991), Perot, watch-watching, Lawrence Walsh. That also helped to evaporate the 90%.
steev| 4.29.11 @ 4:51PM
Who knew who Obama was at this point in 2007?
wodiej| 4.28.11 @ 6:16PM
Gov. Sarah Palin.
somnolence| 4.28.11 @ 10:23PM
Other than his pro-choice stance, I have nothing against Rudy. It doesn't help matters though that the photo of him in drag is still around. Rudy is a great fellow who turned the crime and vice around in New York, and had the leadership to rally the city after 9/11. But you have to remember what Moe said to Joe, "where's the dress."?
steev| 4.29.11 @ 4:55PM
Most Americans are not even thinking about abortion when it comes to the President. An anti-choice candidate would have a lock on 30% and alienate any libertarian and many independents who are not interested in abortion and gay marriage.
Public sector unions and illegal immigration may be the ONLY social issues that will resonate, and that's because they're FISCAL issues, as well.
No, today's issues are fiscal and foreign. Social conservatism will lose if that's the focus.
Occam's Tool| 4.29.11 @ 12:51AM
Gary Johnson destroyed Mental Health treatment in New Mexico, and he regularly breaks the law and gets high. No thanks. WEST, BOLTON, or CAIN are excellent.
steev| 4.29.11 @ 4:59PM
Would be nice. Big time states' rights guy. Why the hell are the Feds creating gang wars with Mexico by spending billions fighting POT of all things? Methinks that states need to make their own laws and put the Feds back in a cage where they were meant to stay. Maybe then we wouldn't be broke. Or have so many dead people due to something like pot that could never cause the harm that the war on it causes. That's only an example, but Johnson does fight that particular issue.
big bob| 4.28.11 @ 1:47PM
This whole need for a "persona" drives me crazy. Who out there who has any sense of what and who Obama is does not realize that Axelrod created this man who became a caricature of himself. There was nothing real about this "fantasy", and the media helped sell it and perpetuate it. That Obama is boring has many facets. But the dynamics which got him elected were phony and widespread. I'm not sure why we need to defend "boring". We need to find "real with integrity". And I see several.
chris haynes| 4.28.11 @ 2:13PM
Rudy Giulianni: Barbarian, Coward, Goof.
Barbarian:
He supports legal abortion. Supports the legal killing of innocent human beings. That's murder, is it not. At 55 million its mass murder, is it not.
Coward. Tough guy Rudy, Patton of Manahttan, 9-11. He promotes killing of the weak and helpless.
Goof: When asked about abortion by Laura Inraham, your Mr "Stature and Proven Leadership Skills" Gulianni couldnt give a coherent answer.
David T| 4.28.11 @ 3:44PM
I think all he would have to do is promise to stop funding Planned Parenthood and the social conservatives would come around. Of course, it's a very open question if he would do that. Otherwise, Rudy's good on defense and good on fiscal issues, especially when compared to Obama. He would win on the right and in the middle.
PCC| 4.28.11 @ 4:11PM
I think people are overlooking the fact that Sarah Palin is by far the most electrifying potential GOP nominee. It's her against the field.
wodiej| 4.28.11 @ 6:15PM
Right on.
chris haynes| 4.28.11 @ 4:33PM
Gulianni again.....
Where do you stand on mass murder?
Abortion. Isnt it the mass murder of innocent human beings, or is it not. How about a yes or no.
And if it isnt mass murder, can you tell us why not?
And if it is, why do you support a aperson who supports legalizing mass murder?
steev| 4.29.11 @ 5:01PM
No it is not. The public generally agrees with where the line was drawn with respect to viability. Shoving religiosity and social conservatism down our throats WILL lose you an election.
David T| 4.28.11 @ 5:41PM
I will not apologize for supporting Giuliani, nor will I make excuses for him. I'll let his record speak for itself: As mayor, Giuliani reduced the number of abortions by increasing the adoption rate 135 percent. He also reduced the number of murders and other violent crimes, thereby saving many more lives. Overall, he was the most conservative mayor of NYC in more than 50 years.
idalily| 4.28.11 @ 11:00PM
A voice of reason! Thank you.
WL| 4.28.11 @ 5:41PM
Alright AM. Spectator folks...
Here's the deal....In case you haven't figured Trump out yet....
Some prominent conservative somewhere is sending the establishment a message with Trump...
Either get it together, or keep watching your little ruling class club get whacked with a Flying Toupee.
I would rather go down in flames with Trump than keep following these Establishment Idiots who have led us down the path to ruin since Reagan left.
Was I the only one to notice that Trump really got going around the time Boehner signed that deal with the devil and tried to fool us all one too many times.
The sad little republicans can cry all they want...
We told these fools that '10 was their last chance....
They didn't listen.
I'm done with them...
Trump OR BUST!!!!
k winterkorn| 4.28.11 @ 6:12PM
"I am the Un-bama!".....a winning slogan and campaign philosophy for Daniels, or whomever.
wodiej| 4.28.11 @ 6:14PM
I like Daniels ok as a governor but we certainly are setting our expectations low if a boring man is our criteria for a nominee.
I say give Gov. Palin a shot. She's been a successful mayor and governor, has a great family, great values, loads of energy, speaks with the American people not at them, tons of courage and the right ideas.
PCPSmoker| 4.28.11 @ 8:22PM
Pathetic article and a clumsy attempt to hide this assholes weakneses. First the gut is weak to the point of surrender on social issues. Second, he caved in to union thuggery. Third, he's a Bushie. Fuck this creep and fuck anyone who supports this Charlie Crist.
Michael Tomlinson| 4.29.11 @ 12:45AM
I wish you Obama supporters would learn to actually discuss issues rather than being merely vulgar and pedestrian.
PCP Smoker| 4.30.11 @ 10:47PM
The issue is clear, fuckstick. Your boy Daniels is weak. He called for a surrender on socials issues (as if the Left ever surrenders on anything), he countered his own party on right to work legislation, and he gave in to the fleeing democrats' demands on school choice.
That you are having an orgasm about this creep says a lot more about you and the current weak state of the republican party (not the Tea Party) than anything else. As previously stated: Fuck you.
dick| 4.29.11 @ 3:55PM
Here is a poster who should be banned for life. And take your immature and vulgar comments with you. Back to Daddy's basement probably.
PCP Smoker| 4.30.11 @ 10:50PM
How the fuck are you, Dickwad? Go back to your pedophilia and experimentation with alternative lifestyles. And get the fuck off of this board. Shit like you no one needs
chris haynes| 4.28.11 @ 9:29PM
You Gulianni supporters:
Why cant you answer a simple question. How many tyimes do we have to ask? Is abortion mass murder? Yes or no.
Mass murdrer, that's nothing to sweep under the rug. Quit dodging it.
Stefan Stackhouse| 4.29.11 @ 12:59PM
I think that by the time Daniels has traveled Iowa and SC far and wide on his motorcycle, with his pack in tow, stopping at every country eatery along the way to chat with ordinary salt-of-the earth type folks, all caught on national TV, this nomination will be just about settled. I don't care what the others look like, or what they talk about, Daniels will simply blow them out of the water. Then watch him take his show on the road nationwide in the summer and fall.
Johnny| 4.29.11 @ 2:39PM
Herman Cain/Allen West! And the American people become winners all!
dick| 4.29.11 @ 3:53PM
David Boze ... it is the media that has fallen for Trump, not the people. Isn't this the usual case?
pmains | 4.29.11 @ 4:09PM
My choice is David Petraeus /Allen West. Petraeus tops the polls in favorability. http://americansforpetraeus201.....f-possible
Marshall| 4.29.11 @ 4:23PM
This article absolutely nails it. So sick of hearing people complain about the weak Republican field. No, we have a very strong field when it comes down to taking care of business. "[V]ision, experience, and credibility" How hard is that? Duh! America TRULY winning is picking somebody who embodies those qualities, with a big dose of integrity and discipline rolled in, of course. And then watch the guy pound Obama for acting like a 6 year old when he's challenged on anything! Can't wait!
AJ| 4.29.11 @ 4:42PM
The analogy made in this article is inaccurate. The so-called "nice guy" candidates are seen as phony professional politicians, while people like Trump are seen as straight-talking and willing to shake things up to get something done.
I will tell you this in simple terms, and I hope the Republican Party gets this message loud and clear: I will not vote for Mitt Romney if he wins the Republican nomination. A second Obama term with Republican control of Congress is preferable to a phony Republican like Romney in the White House. If Romney wins, I will be supportive of almost any third party candidacy, whether it's Trump or Ron Paul, or whoever wants to do it. I think a lot of the Tea Party people will feel the same way.
Hmmmm| 4.29.11 @ 6:01PM
I challenge you on this. Give me one reliable reference (exclude newspapers unless they give real proof) that Romney ever lied. He has changed positions on some things--what pol hasn't--but in every instance he has been open and honest about why he did.
Do some research. He has certainly had some less conservative views in the past, and openly and honestly changed those views, but not once has he lied. As a matter of fact, perhaps some of the things he has been truthful about are probably what has hurt him, and what you dislike about him.
AJ| 4.29.11 @ 7:18PM
I didn't say anything about lies. He is merely a politician who will say anything to get elected, and will change his positions at the drop of a hat. It is true of most politicians, but in his case it is so manifestly undeniable that he should be disqualified from any serious consideration. His effortless flip-flops on social issues depending on what election he's trying to win are the most obvious proof. That's point one.
Point two is that his "Romneycare" law, however you spin it, will make it impossible for him to combat president Obama on the issue. Obama will simply show that the two are nearly identical, and Romney will be reduced, as he is now, to arguing that it should be a state issue. Since Obama has already been preparing the groundwork for pushing it to the states in case the Supreme Court rules against him, it means their positions on arguably the single most important issue to conservatives will be essentially the same.
Third, he has never been popular. He has been rich enough to self-finance, and favored by the party establishment. If it was not for his personal wealth, he would have been forced to drop out of the race in 2008 after he lost in NH. His outside contributions dried up at that point, and he paid his way through the rest of the race out of his own pocket.
In other words, in addition to his demonstrable lack of principle, the guy is not, as the establishment would have us believe, "electable". He's a loser. This is a case of the Republican Party elite trying to shove the same dog food down the throats of its voters that they already rejected last time around. If he was a winner, he would have easily been able to defeat John McCain, who almost nobody in the Republican Party wanted to vote for in the first place.
Let us not forget the lessons of the last two years. I don't think Trump will cut it, but his statements regarding Karl Rove are dead on, and they apply to the entire GOP beltway establishment. They destroyed their own party. The ONLY thing that brought it back is the Tea Party movement. And if they forget that, and think they can foist some phony insider candidate on us, they can go screw themselves.
alan k| 4.29.11 @ 4:46PM
I am sad to hear you say that boby jindal may not be joining the field. As I am a conservative catholic, Jindal satisfies all my requirments for a n excellent candidate. He combines a proven record of reform and leadership with a solid catholic record. His immigrant story is as, if not more, inspiring than Obamas. I for one hope to see him enter the field.
republidemotarian| 4.29.11 @ 5:50PM
Either would be a vast improvement over the imposter currently in the oval office.
Falcon 78 in NVA| 4.29.11 @ 6:04PM
In honor of WF Buckley [paraphrasing]--I'm almost to the point of saying that anyone from the first 100 entries in the phone book of any large city would be better than Obama. At least they would think of the common and greater good, instead of the left/liberal/"progressive" agenda of the guy currently receiving his mail at 1600 Pennsylvania
hmrhonda| 4.29.11 @ 9:49PM
Amen.
Hank Beckman| 4.29.11 @ 11:54PM
David, good article, but I have one minor quibble. When Buffy fell for Angel, he was good; he only turned bad later.
Parker1227| 4.30.11 @ 5:14AM
Pawlenty and Cain. Cain can lead the "America back to work" campaign.
Mary Wilbur| 4.30.11 @ 7:11AM
After reading this article and all the comments I think Herman Cain and Allen West would be a powerful ticket. I'm libertarian in my sympathies but I don't think a libertarian can win.
Kerry| 4.30.11 @ 12:11PM
Good Article. When was Trump ever a Republican, anyway? Nice he is weighing in on fiscal responsibility, and if that is the central issue in 2012, his voice is as loud and clear as anyone's. I'm guessing he wouldn't be conservative in a broader, social sense. We do like excitement in our entertainers and politicians and political events have most certainly fallen into the vacuous entertainment hole with increasing frequency. Thanks for pointing out the benefit of a serious guy - they are much better for the long haul.
randyinrocklin| 5.1.11 @ 1:47PM
we would have a 16 year dynasty with a Bachmann/Palin ticket. Bachmann would be re-elected after 4 years and after her second term Palin will run to succeed Bachmann for another 8 years, hopefully with another conservative in te wings under Palin. BOOYAH!!!!
Creative Recreation | 8.10.11 @ 9:41PM
is good