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Political Hay
Condiments From Mitch
How not to bridge a rift with social conservatives.
If Mitch Daniels hopes to bridge his rift with social conservatives leading into a potential bid for the Republican presidential nomination, he’s off to a lousy start. Last week, the Indiana Governor suggested Condoleezza Rice, an abortion-access supporter, as a possible running mate, yet again spitting in pro-lifers’ collective eyes, if ever so politely.
Whether Daniels was serious or not, the remark was another unforced error in his long string of unforced errors on cultural policy. Ironically, the development came shortly before Daniels’ presidential prospects brightened: of less importance, Donald Trump withdrew from the race; of significant importance, Mike Huckabee said he wouldn’t enter.
Even more, Newt Gingrich botched his own bid by criticizing the Ryan Plan and suggesting support for an individual mandate — not an insurmountable wound, but a deep one nonetheless. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney continues to walk a health-care reform tightrope that could prove his undoing.
But if Daniels doesn’t change course fast, his flubs on social issues could be just as disastrous politically as Romney’s health-care albatross. That’s particularly the case in the Iowa caucuses and South Carolina primary, both of which are bastions of socially conservative Republican voters. In a head-to-head match with former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty or Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, both of whom have clean records on cultural issues, Daniels would be a non-starter.
Making his Condi remark even more inexplicably, Daniels was the lynchpin of a recent pro-life victory in Indiana. He signed a bill pulling back millions in state funds for Planned Parenthood, the nation’s leading abortion provider, and banning abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy. The Planned Parenthood de-funding was an ideal allegiance of fiscal and social conservatism, and propelled Indiana to vanguard status in the pro-life movement.
So why — oh why — did Daniels have to go and make another blunder? If his aim was to telegraph that he’s serious about foreign policy — a worthy goal, though not necessarily accomplished by that pick — why not choose a respected figure who isn’t a dead weight on social policy? Daniels reads the newspaper. He knows that conservatives question his reliability on abortion. Why even mention Condi?
With GOP powerbrokers courting Daniels to enter the race, he could become the anti-Romney. That would be interesting, because in many ways Daniels’ dilemma is the opposite of what Romney faces. The former Massachusetts governor created a “light” version of Obamacare. Now, he’s trying to justify that leftward tilt.
In contrast, Daniels hasn’t been all that bad on protecting the sanctity of unborn human life. He isn’t a pro-life champion, but he hasn’t pussyfooted around the issue like a liberal Republican, and his recent support for pro-life legislation gives him more credibility. With Romney, his record gets in the way of his rhetoric. With Daniels, his rhetoric gets in the way of his record.
That’s a shame, because Daniels is nine yards close to being a solid conservative contender on domestic policy — both financial and cultural — but he can’t seem to crawl that final yard.
Maybe he doesn’t want to. Maybe he lacks the discipline or wisdom to at least nuance certain issues. Whatever the answer, he won’t survive the primary fight if he doesn’t shift course. And at this point, walking back his statements isn’t enough. He needs to make the case why the GOP’s pro-life base should pick him over the other options. So far, he hasn’t tried.
About the Author
David N. Bass is a journalist who writes from the Old North State. Follow him on Twitter.
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 5.20.11 @ 6:29AM
Some people like to welcome defeat because they can't admit they are not up to the task.
Alan Brooks| 5.20.11 @ 10:20PM
George F. Will would make the best POTUS, but his morality is too high-- having Will for president would be like having a Michelin chef cooking at a greasy spoon diner.
WFB couldn't even be elected mayor of NYC; so much for the moral high ground.
Genius| 5.21.11 @ 12:36AM
Finally, the truth about Daniels...RINO, anti-conservative, Bushie, neocon, pro-abortionist.
Sure the Liberals would love to have him win the Republican nomination, just like we would love to see Jim DeMint win the Democrat nomination.
Thank you, Spectator (finally).
Alan Brooks| 5.22.11 @ 6:45PM
Daniels threw in the towel within the last 24 hours.
Another melodramatic speech:
"My family needs me (sniff) and after consulting God I decided for the good of my humble heart and conscience that America might be able to survive without me."
John Daniel| 5.20.11 @ 6:48AM
He appears to make what could be called the Republican Fumble, the idea that you have to spinelessly appeal to the mushy middle. These middling sorts are sheep who will bleatingly follow a leader. Leadership consists of clearly articulating a philosophy and policies that are in the best long term interts of the people. The 1964 speech by Ronald Reagan is a good start....
Chuck Rivers| 5.20.11 @ 11:15AM
Of he believes you should appeal to the mushy middle. He spent most of career at the right hand of RINO Dick Lugar.
Chuck Rivers| 5.20.11 @ 11:17AM
Make that "Of COURSE he believes . . ."
John Daniel| 5.20.11 @ 3:07PM
Good point. Problem is that even some who should know better get wobbly.
The Bruce| 5.21.11 @ 4:10AM
Well said, John. I only wish I could see another Ronald Reagan in this group. Cain approaches that standard, but that Federal Reserve position he held taints him (Reagan hated the FED).
Unlike the Reagan we knew in '64, '76, and '80, I just don't see anyone in this current group of candidates that lifts my spirit as he did. He was the only President that actually inspired me. And, in my opinion, every President since has paled in comparison.
And think about this: Can we even imagine a President today that only increased the national debt by $1T over the course of eight years in office? Following that course, and doing the math, we'd only be $3.5T in the hole right now, as opposed to $14T.
I hate to say it, but I believe that the best of times are behind us, not ahead. No amount of course correction can undo the damage that's been done to our country's financial health over the last 18 years.
Lawrence Boccardi| 5.20.11 @ 7:17AM
I was disgusted with the Condi suggestion, just as much as I have become with her. She lost me when she exited her WH visit, with the observation,"he's doing a good job". She and Colin Powel, blinded by the man's skin color.
fmm| 5.20.11 @ 11:19AM
She also commented that there were not enough people in the state department who looked like her on leaving that job. Color blind she is not.
talkradio55| 5.20.11 @ 7:26PM
When did this happen? I knew that Colin Powell was kissing his ring, but when did Rice jump onboard?
Appleby| 5.20.11 @ 7:21AM
Condi is a *twofer* -- she is a Black and a Woman. I am sure, as a white man, that is all he was thinking when he mentioned her name. He probably has no idea what she stands for, nor does he care; he wants a prop to show he is one step ahead of Cain in the MultiCulti Race.
Wayne | 5.20.11 @ 12:18PM
He is also being touted by George Bush and family and I am sure that is the person W suggested. But his connection to Bush will not help him in this primary. It makes him look like the establishment candidate.
Old Soldier| 5.20.11 @ 7:32AM
I've got not patience for social nonsense this time. Talk fiscal conservatism, federalism, and freedom. I don't care about social issues that the federal government should not be involved in.
I Survived Arlen Specter| 5.20.11 @ 2:36PM
Enjoy BHO's second term then. Your thinking will make it possible.
SpiralArchitect| 5.20.11 @ 3:54PM
Arlen Specter is dead?
The Bruce| 5.21.11 @ 4:31AM
That's all well and good, Old Soldier, but you can't ignore social issues. Like it or not, social issues are part of the package. Whether or not a candidate advertizes his or her stance on certain social issues doesn't change the fact that they will be in the position to nominate Supreme Court Justices, etc.
I can't recall the last time a Supreme Court Justice made a ruling on a fiscal issue, but I can certainly remember the last time they made a ruling on a social or Constitutional issue.
Whether we like it or not, those judicial appointees to the court carry far more weight in the long term than an eight-year executive in the White House.
The Bruce| 5.21.11 @ 4:49AM
40 million would-be taxpayers in this country would agree, those born after 1970, had they not been stripped of their right to exist because some couple didn't take the time to ensure that at least one of them was using contraception.
It's too bad we can't ask their opinion. Perhaps you should take up a job disposing of medical refuse behind an abortion clinic. Trust me, right after you quit that job at the abortion clinic, you'll be a dyed in the wool social conservative (unless, of course, you have no soul whatsoever).
vb| 5.20.11 @ 7:37AM
Condi worked for Bush for 8 years. I don't recall that her private opinion on abortion ever influenced her work nor that of Bush. Do you people vet your plumbers, real estate agents, or neurosurgeons on their abortion stands? If you think it is possible to assemble a competent administration without encountering one unpopular opinion among its members, you are delusional. Pay a bit more attention to the avowed social justice views of our current AG, who. in fact, has power to impose his views on all of us, and then tell me how a mention of Condi is a bigger threat to our country.
Dai Alanye | 5.20.11 @ 10:31AM
I evaluate workmen on the basis of how each handles his individual trade, and I evaluate politicians similarly. Social issues are a part of governing just as much as are fiscal issues, and insane spending of others' money is as much a moral issue as is nationalized execution of the unborn.
The Bruce| 5.21.11 @ 5:36AM
Well, as far as I'm aware, doctors have sworn to uphold the Hippocratic oath, yet that oath hasn't seemed to interfere with chopping up fetuses in the womb to spare the mother an inconvenience.
Strange. If forty million unborn babies were killed tomorrow as a result of a nuclear blast, you'd call it an abomination to man and an act of murder and terrorism.
But, if those same unborn babies were killed as a result of an abortion, you'd simply shrug it off as a "choice" on the part of the mother.
Only a social liberal could justify this.
martin j smith| 5.20.11 @ 7:59AM
Look at least we are quickly seeing whothe bad apples are early in the game. Ge them out of the way
and maybe may be we can get some quality candidates.
For Mitch Daniels a question: What is your view of Obama's FOREIGN POLICY in light of his speech yesterday ? For me his answer to this question will be a clue to my view of him.
Mimi| 5.20.11 @ 8:05AM
The idea of killing a tiny human being is repulsive!
Most pro-life politicians have an essential ingredient.....HIGH MORAL AUTHORITY ! Throw in wisdom, ordered thinking , setting priorities...LEADERSHIP skills! Theyare good at sorting out choices....all positive skills . When one looks at the DECLARATION of Independence...It is first LIFE what you have to get LIBERTY and that being what you need to have "Pursuit of Happiness" ( A job, property, family well being, business) A visible respect for those values is a MUST for any candidate, and a pick for V.P., knowing the person could be President or a contender in the future is a BIG CHOICE!!!
Anthony| 5.20.11 @ 8:42AM
RINOS can't help themselves. They are instinctively drawn to timidity,compromise for the sake of compromise, and middle of the road intellectual mush because they need to make nice with the left.
The good news is, it's been a pretty good year for RINO roadkill, another one is creamed between the yellow lines.
Adios Mitch, you were a non-starter, except in the minds of the D.C. beltway crowd. Now you can run for mayor of D.C. instead.
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 1:19PM
My fellow conservative Anthony, sounds like so many of these 'hard-line' conservatives commenting at this location.
Anthony deals in words, and he likes candidates who use strong words and tough language.
No candidates for Anthony who seem "timid" or who "compromise for the sake of compromise" and Anthony certainly won't tolerate a lot of "middle of the road intellectual mush because they need to make nice with the left."
No, our Anthony wants strong words, fighting words, and apparently doesn't want to look beyond the rhetorical flare of a candidate.
And he attributes these kinds of 'soft' qualities to Gov Mitch Daniels.
So I ask Anthony if he thinks this following list of 'actual accomplishments' by Gov Daniels is to 'soft' or 'timid' or 'mushy' for Anthony, who is a Real Conservative?
As governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels has slashed spending, balanced budgets and cut the rate of growth of the budget by more than half.
When Daniels took office, in 2004, the state faced a $200 million deficit and hadn't balanced its budget in seven years. Four years later, all outstanding debts had been paid off; after four balanced budgets, the state was running a surplus of $1.3 billion
He capped property taxes, reduced the size of government to 1980's levels, defunded Planned Parenthood, lowered corporate tax rates and removed the requirement that forces state employees to pay union dues.
He also limited collective bargaining for teachers, instituted merit pay for teachers and expanded school choice in Indiana through Charter Schools and a School Voucher Program that is now the model for conservatives across the nation!
He cracked down on employers hiring illegal aliens, funded the largest Infrastructure Program in the nation, and put in place tighter restrictions on abortion that has 'pro-life' people giving him praise.
Tell me Anthony, is that TOUGH ENOUGH FOR YOU, and if not, please tell which of your TOUGH CANDIDATES has a record that is anywhere near as TOUGH as the Daniels record?
saleboter| 5.20.11 @ 9:31AM
This is beginning to worry me. Just like the Demos the pubbies are talking about all the wrong issues. Not saying thay aren't important but abortion, guns, gays and other social issues are NOT going to win in 2012. It's the economy and Obama stupid!
jolizoom| 5.20.11 @ 9:43PM
No, they're not going to win and they shouldn't be campaign issues. What they are, is a strong indicator of the candidate's moral compass. If s/he is in favor of killing unborn babies, undefining marriage, or legalizing pot, that gives us a pretty good idea that his/her compass doesn't point due north.
I don't want the candidates campaigning on social issues--but I DO want to know where they stand. Only then can I know whether they still comprehend that there is a higher value than "if it feels good/prevents you from being inconvenienced, do it". That can too easily translate into "If it lines my pockets, do it"--which is probably the main motivation for supporting those positions anyway.
You're probably right, these shouldn't be campaign issues, but they are character issues, and only a fool would ignore a person's character and entrust him with the highest office in the land. Look where that got us last time.
chris haynes| 5.20.11 @ 9:34AM
What a howler: "Daniels was the lynchpin of a recent pro-life victory in Indiana."
Not quite. he provided no leadership whatsoever. Didnt even endorse the bill till after it passed.
Why did he sign it? Come on, he had no choice. Was he to veto a pro-life bill, 8 months before the republican primaries begin?
The Rice business says it all. A pro abortion affirmative-actioness. And unless those weaposn of mass detruction turn up, a screw-up.
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 9:38AM
Makes you wonder why so many at TASOnline seem to be cheerleading for Mitchie...
loulou| 5.20.11 @ 11:04AM
The GOP establishment and the Bushes are pushing Daniels on an unwilling party.
We're not buying.
Occam's Tool| 5.20.11 @ 11:32AM
I'm not, thank goodness.
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 1:29PM
Why are you afraid to 'comment' on the actual record of Gov Daniels?
Why is it that you hide in your flaming rhetoric?
Have a open and honest debate with me?
Other than the way he looks or the way he speaks, what is it about his RECORD that you DON'T LIKE and would NOT WANT DONE IN WASHINGTON?
And if not Daniels, who out there has demonstrated anywhere near the ability to actually get things done that he has?
Please try to be intelligent? Is that possible?
David W| 5.20.11 @ 9:35AM
Unfortunately just about everything can boil down to "social issues." For example, can we change benefits for social security, medicaid, medicare? No, because it will hurt granny (SOCIAL ISSUE). Can we cut non-essential govt services (like arts, humanities, etc.)? No, because we would lose cowboy poetry reading (SOCIAL ISSUE). Should the FBI and CIA keep watch on possible terrorists? No, because that would be racist/islamophobic (SOCIAL ISSUE). Every Republican (actually conservative) cut in spending or change in policy can be boiled down, rightly or wrongly, to a SOCIAL ISSUE. Just because the Republicans want to ignore social issues doesn't mean the Democrats won't go after them. Remember, our current Hopey and Changey President was really elected more on intangible "socially relevant" issues than on facts, skills, or knowledge. Given Obama's pathetic performance so far, he can't run on his record, so the democrats will be focusing on everything but his record and his flip-flops and his lies. And guess what that will be??? SOCIAL ISSUES!!!!
If Mitch or any other candidate is unable to go toe-to-toe with Obama on social issues as well as other issues then Obama will win and then God help us.
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 9:36AM
Mitch Daniels is a RINO at heart, and he's fast proving his hard-core cheerleaders to be the complete and utter fools we knew them to be, the fools who gave us Bush '41. Dole, and McCain.
Daniels is NOT a reliable Conservative.
He wimped-out on right-to-work in Indiana at a critical time when his fellow Republican Governor Scott Walker was engaged in a political war with union thugs in Wisconsin.
He thinks we should "table" devisive social issues, meaning he'll sell-out social Conservatives.
He went on record to a Liberal Republican group in 2009 (the Ripon Group) as saying that we should avoid ANY "wedge" issues (so much for core principles), and that we need to make nice with Liberals because they're so "mean" (his words).
Mind you, this Bob Michaels-esque capitaulation to the Ripon Group was in mid-2009, when Obama was riding high, and the Tea Party was gaining steam. Daniels was either ignorant of the Tea Party, or afraid to be associated with them because they were "devisive". Meanwhile, people like Michelle Bachman were leading the charge to take back the Congress.
Daniels is also on record as supporting Universal Healthcare.
This guy is a shmuck, a loser, and a lightweight. If he's nominated, he'll lose, and the GOP will cease to be a force in American politics forever.
There are several more qualified, more reliable Conservative candidates. Daniels should join Gingrich and Huckabee in the discard pile...
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 2:13PM
YOU SAY...."Daniels is NOT a reliable Conservative"....I SAY....tell everyone what part of his record is NOT conservative?
YOU SAY...."He thinks we should "table" devisive social issues, meaning he'll sell-out social Conservatives".....I SAY....when Daniels passed Major Education Reform including the biggest Voucher Program America, De-funded Planned Parenthood and restricted abortion to the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, was that the 'kind of sellout' you are talking about?
YOU SAY....'He wimped-out on right-to-work in Indiana'....I SAY....he did however DE-CERTIFY PUBLIC EMPOYEE UNIONS in his 1st year in office!
Are you saying that only 100% success is enough for you?
You actually make NO SENSE when you try to defend your positions.
Which leaves you back where you started, with your 'Red Meat' and 'Flaming Rhetoric', and Americans have had enough of that!
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 4:17PM
".......I SAY....tell everyone what part of his record is NOT conservative?"
I did.
Can you read, or is your tongue to closely attached to your picture of Mitch Daniels that you can't see the screen?
I heard Daniels speaking to RIPON; it made me want to gag.
Daniels is NOT the answer; he'd cave in D.C.
D.C. is not Indianapolis.
Your slavish love of l'il Mitch is funny.
Frank Badomi| 5.20.11 @ 10:03AM
Numerous readers are unhappy over "vetting" candidates over abortion, whether it be Daniels or Rice. One asks if we vet our plumbers over their stand on abortion. If you read Rumsfeld's auto-bio, you'll learn what Rice did in the Bush Administration. You'll learn that she had a penchant for trying to make everyone happy, NSA, State, Defense, everybody. Didn't matter whether State was completely wrong and Defense was completely right, or perhaps vice versa. What mattered was that everyone felt satisfied that they got something in the deal. Rumsfeld blamed her behavior on her career in an academic environment. That may be true. But it is also often said that women [as a group] seek consensus and men [as a group] seek competitition to be right. Consensus as an end in itself does not achieve excellence. It only achieves a brief period of bliss. Like Robert Duvall said in "We Own the Night", "you can wet your pants but that will only make you feel warm for a little while".
And Rumsfeld notes that in showdowns over policy, Rice was direct in stating "human rights trump security concerns".
No they don't.
The worst a plumber with lousy judgment can do is cause an ugly, smelly backup in the bathroom.
The worst a VP with lousy judgment can do, especially if she ends up as most VPs hope they do, is a Hell of a lot worse.
williamssmith| 5.20.11 @ 10:33AM
What an odd article. Daniels has DONE more substantively for cultural conservatives than any governor in America. He SPEAKS softly and in terms of truce on these issues in order to emphasize the biggest threat to this country since the Civil War. That to me is the sign of an adult.
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 10:48AM
"Daniels has DONE more substantively for cultural conservatives than any governor in America."
Rubbish.
I'll take Scott Walker, Rick Perry, or even Chris Christie over Daniels any day.
What you call "adult", the rest of us call "timid".
We don't need someone who "speaks softly"; that's not going to defeat Obama in 2012.
We need someone who will take the fight directly to Obama and the Libs in both word and deed, and that's not Daniels. He has neither the stomach, nor the inclination for the fight.
And have you ever heard him speak? He's about as inspiring as a turnip.
A dull, timid, short, balding mid-westerner...?
Give me a break.
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 12:35PM
Sorry Doctor Right, I live in NJ and Gov Christie, while saying all the things conservatives like, has done very little of substance to bring change to NJ.
Maybe he will, and I truly hope he does, we need it!
But even Christie realizes that it is Daniels, and not Christie, who would make a terrific president!
So does Gov Walker, who openly proclaims that Daniels is his 'mentor', the one governor he has tried to emulate!
Rick Perry, who knows, maybe he would be good and I welcome him into the race.
But there is NO-ONE out their, who has a 'conservative record' of ACTUAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS, who can compare with Mitch Daniels. And I am talking about both 'fiscally conservative accomplishment' and 'socially conservative accomplishment'.
Try for a change actually looking at the record and you will see exactly what I am saying. It's there if you are really concerned about our candidate.
All your bluster and the bluster of all these so-called 'hard line conservatives' will not change that fact one iota!
This is not about words and speeches and promises, it is about actually being able to know what needs to be done, and then being able to get it done!
Daniels has shown he can do that and I hope the GOP wakes up and finally nominates someone who is more than simply 'red meat' and 'sound bites' and 'nice promises'!
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 4:21PM
I live in New Jersey, too. I would not support either Daniels or Christie for Prez in 2012.
You're right, it's not about "words and speeches"; it's about having the cajones to fight the Libs and Dems on their terms, and Daniels doesn't have it.
And if he does manage to get the nomination..?
Oh well...Like I've said before, I'm not pulling th4e lever anymore for another limp-wristed "go along to get along" Republican, and there's millions who agree with me. I don't want to "get along" with people who are destroying my country; I want them stopped cold.
Daniels is NOT the guy.
loulou| 5.20.11 @ 11:06AM
I don't care about the volume of Mitch's voice, his height, his motorcycle or his wife problems. He is a RINO and I WON'T VOTE FOR HIM!
A timid and tentative RINO at that.
fmm| 5.20.11 @ 11:25AM
And his wife hasthe last say in whether he runs or not? Give us all a break.
Joe R| 5.20.11 @ 10:34AM
Looks like Daniels has just begun reading "How to Run for President" by Newt Gingrich.
Dai Alanye | 5.20.11 @ 10:39AM
I'd like to do a dangerous thing, and make a prediction based on instinct. Here it is:
Mark my words--Daniels is a strangely inconsistent man for a politician, and we will learn more strange things about him in the future. I only hope it's before we select a nominee rather than after.
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 12:19PM
I am pretty far out there on the right, both on fiscal and social issues, but when I read these articles and the comments that come from some people on the right, I wonder how much truth there really is to the left's characterization of the 'crazies on the right'!
Many of the people making these comments really do seem 'crazy' to me.
There is very little serious thinking going on with the far right, as confirmed by this article and this reaction.
We have elected a lot of conservatives over the years, and VERY FEW of them have really gotten the job done.
I challenge these folks here to tell me who their ideal candidate is among the many out there, and exactly what 'record of accomplishment' this person has that can compare in any substantive way with Gov Daniels?
Please give me 'chapter & verse', not just all the usual ideological rantings!
Frank Badomi| 5.20.11 @ 12:45PM
As a fellow NJ resident, which I suppose bears badly on at least one aspect of my judgment, who are the "We have elected a lot of conservatives over the years" that you refer to?
I'll be 59 next month, lived in NJ since 1969, and cannot think of a single conservative governor or legislature. Not one.
In Washington, in my adult lifetime, the only conservative elected was Reagan, and I'm happy to report that I had my political head screwed on straight by 1980 [no excuse for earlier years]. And Reagan did everything he could do as a conservative with the Democrats in control of the House for all eight years and the Senate for the final two.
So who are these conservatives that have failed us?
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 1:46PM
Hi Frank, glad to see a fellow NJ conservative at this site.
I was not commenting on NJ elections, I mean the Big Boys in Washington who were going to get all this wonderful conservative change we needed!
People like Delay, Gingrich, McCain, Dole, Kemp, ....Ford, Bush 1 & 2 and the list goes on and on!
Other than Reagan, when have we conservatives elected someone to the highest office in the land, who actually had a record 'anywhere nearly as strong as the record Gov Daniels has'?
But is appears like that would make 'to much sense' to the GOP! We seem to want that 'red meat' and 'fire-breathing rhetoric' of Newt or Chris Christie!
Don't get me wrong, I like Christie and I hope he is successful here in NJ. But even he knows that he is NOT THE GUY to lead this country at this critical time in our history.
And it is instructive to note that he thinks that person is Gov Mitch Daniels.
Enough said....
Frank Badomi| 5.20.11 @ 2:26PM
Enough said, by you? Or by me?
I am also dubious about Christie. He appears to be a good man on stopping or even reversing the transfer of income in NJ from those who earn to those who don't. But I'm also a gun owner and competitive marksman, and he has declared himself to be neither "for or against" and that he will sign any gun control bill that reaches his desk. That's a serious negative for me.
On the other hand, and relevant to the present discussion, Ann Coulter has made the point that Republicans must nominate someone who can clearly and enthusiastically articulate his position. Coulter's point is that perfect policy with lousy articulation is a losing strategy. Christie is imperfect policy with great articulation and that is a more winning strategy.
Do I want, does Coulter want, Christie and his policies? No, I don't. But McCain was inarticulate. GWB had his problems. Dole was inarticulate. GHWB was inarticulate. The last articulate Republican candidate was...the Gipper.
Literally every Obama voter I've spoken to mentions how he spoke as what convinced them. When I ask further, ask what did Obama propose to do that impressed you, none could answer. Articulation was everything.
I don't believe Daniels is a conservative, and I don't believe his articulation will attract voters.
Gotta find somebody else.
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 3:25PM
Enough said by me....or so I thought.
I agree with much of what you say, but not all of what you say!
Disagreement #1.....Anne Coulter
She is just another 'Bomb Thrower' in a long line of bomb throwers, both Left & Right. Americans are tired of all the bomb throwers!
I agree with the idea going around, that Americans are ready for a serious candidate and a serious discussion.
The Chris Christie style does not fit this mold. His style is to bombastic, to much 'red meat', creates to many ill feelings. His kind of articulation is like the 'preacher' who is preaching to the 'choir'! They don't need preaching to, it is those who are not attending the church who need to hear the message.
Disagreement @2....Daniels not a Conservative
You surprise me with that comment, because I thought you were a little more informed as to the backgrounds of these potential candidates? If you were informed of the Daniels record, you never make that comment.
Please tell me what part of the Mitch Daniels RECORD do you think is NOT CONSERVATIVE or NOT CONSERVATIVE ENOUGH?
Diagreement #3....Articulation is everything
Maybe that was so in 2008, but Americans have seen the 'uselessness' of articulation when it is not combined with good policies! Obama has proved that case. I think Americans will expect from their next president someone who is a PROVEN leader and who is willing to put out their the real substance of their ideas.
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 4:24PM
I'm not tired of Ann Coulter. I think she's fantastic. She has more balls than most of the men in the Republican Party.
She'd make a great Press Secretary.
Occam's Tool| 5.21.11 @ 6:21PM
Ann is awesome! (Yeah, I know about the theological disagreements, but I'm a sucker for Babes with Brains---that's how She Who Must Be Obeyed hooked me.)
Frank Badomi| 5.21.11 @ 8:39PM
Americans are tired of bomb throwers? That's why Pelosi wasn't re-elected in San Francisco...not! Why Barney Frank wasn't re-elected in Newton MA...not! Why the Democrats who called Abu Ghraib proof that the Army and the Administration were Nazis weren't re-elected...not! The list is endless, all on the Left, all with their "safe districts", i.e., a clear majority of voters who like bomb throwers. But let someone on the Right say it like it is, and they're damned. Not by me. I want to listen to Ann Coulter...forever. When she's on the tube, even O'Narcissist, I'm a deer in headlights.
Daniels the conservative. Many people have posted the American Thinker article that is one hell of a bill of indictment. Convinced me.
Articulation. Most Americans, and I am not engaging in hyperbole, no longer worship the Creator but rather worship all kinds of demented ignorant celebrities. I wish you were right, I wish most Americans gave more than lip service to critical reasoning in politics.
But they don't.
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 3:56PM
Frank, if you want to hear how articulate Gov Daniels can be, spend a little time listening to this interview with Brian Lamb on CSpan back in 2009...think you will be surprised
cspan interview with Mitch Daniels - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNy7Dz_1OzI
Occam's Tool| 5.21.11 @ 7:44PM
Correct Frank:
Obama's speeches are a semantic null, as She Who Must Be Obeyed once pointed out to me.
chris haynes| 5.20.11 @ 1:33PM
Is Daniels even competent?
We dont need a great accountant, or a policy wonk, or a successful businessman, or a top executive. They're a dime a dozen. We need a politician.
His statement of a socials issues truce. Now the pro abortion affirmative action Rice ploy: Would a shrewd pol, like McCain, Bush, Clinton, or President Obama, needlessly insult the base, ahead of the primaries?
tennisman| 5.20.11 @ 1:51PM
Chris, how foolish can you be?
It seems that all we CAN ELECT to the highest office is a POLITICAN! And look where it has gotten us?
We actually do need someone who is competent and can actually demonstrate that they are!
Sorry chris....try to be a bit more serious
Doctor Right| 5.20.11 @ 4:25PM
Get serious yourself.
Daniels is nothing BUT a politician.
PCPSmoker| 5.20.11 @ 8:32PM
Good point but Mclame and Bush did insult the party during the primaries, recall "compassionate conservatism. Billy Blow Job and Hussein are too smart and reasonably make your point.
The scary thing is that based on historical trend (Dewey, Ford, Dole, and Mclame, the idiot GOP will end ip electing him
Robes| 5.20.11 @ 1:56PM
Daniels is as exiting as a game of solitaire and has about the same chance of winning.
shipley130| 5.20.11 @ 2:03PM
The republicans are walking the tightrope because republicans can smell their liberal odor. Condi Rice, does she still own some of that Cap and Trade stock? Mitt, the government controlled, stinkbomb healthcare. Does Newt Gingrich still need glitter?
Average and more conservative Americans are not sitting around in the library with tobacco pipes and brandy plotting the next One World Order (Bush 41) but we are listening and we are looking forward to a big change in 2012.
somnolence| 5.20.11 @ 2:08PM
Mitch Daniels is a Democratic liberal appeaser, as his conciliatory like speech in front of the Ripon Society in 2009 proves. No more RINOs please!
gearjammer| 5.20.11 @ 2:11PM
I will support a Santorum- Bachman ticket or a Daniels C-ondi one. I prefer the latter but do what is best for America. You big babies want it all of nothing . Get lost the republicans will do fine without 2 or 3 million absolutist fools.-
Alky| 5.20.11 @ 2:25PM
If the establishment Repubs are recruiting him, then you know you don't want him for POTUS!!
Peter McGrath| 5.20.11 @ 2:37PM
Daniels - who lamely admitted that he is "not yet ready to debate Obama on foreign policy" - would seem unfit for national office, at present.
Daniels isn't not a wonk, he's a twinkie.
Maybe he's realizing that Indiana is about as far away as one can be from Chicago, idiologically and pathologically, and that he doesn't have the stones necessary for a brawl - which is what he'd get against Obama and his goon squad.
Occam's Tool| 5.21.11 @ 7:42PM
It's easy to debate Obama on foreign policy.
Say 4 things:
1) I'm not going to bow to anyone except to G-d and the American voter.
2) I believe we should support our friends and terrify our enemies.
3)I believe America is an exceptional country, and 4) everything I do in foreign policy will reflect these three things.
That's all. But if Daniels isn't smart enough to see that...
chris haynes| 5.20.11 @ 2:47PM
Yes, he's "a liberal appeaser, as his conciliatory like speech in front of the Ripon Society in 2009 proves". And Rice, and truce on abortion, and Right to work.
But just as bad, he's not competent for the job. Before the primaries, you schmooze the party's base. Instead, he repeatedly insults them. Would President Obama do that? And Daniels, he doesnt seem to be doing it deliberately. How did he get to be governor?
William| 5.20.11 @ 5:34PM
This was an injudicious comment, but if it has the effect suggested in the article the Republicans might as well default on the 2012 election and save their money for another day. I am an independent who, unlike most liberals, finds the social issue views of those on the right to generally by legitimate, good faith positions, even when I don't agree with them. I am also an independent who would like to vote Republican in the next presidential election. But if the Republicans insist on a candidate with pristine credentials on social issues, which includes some almost laughable candidates that are already announced, I'll be sitting at home next election day.
Mimi| 5.20.11 @ 7:03PM
Plese sit home..if you decided to vote for OBAMA!
PCPSmoker| 5.20.11 @ 7:42PM
Please do that. Unless you are voting republican, please stay at home. Too many retards vote
chris haynes| 5.20.11 @ 6:56PM
You want to defend legal abortion, the greatest holocaust in history, go ahead. Hold your head high.
Mimi| 5.20.11 @ 7:07PM
CHRIS.....Smile... your mother was pro-Life !
And...she must be PROUD!
PCPSmoker| 5.20.11 @ 7:29PM
What a worthless article. Instead of looking at the constant gaffes and his infamous truce, we get a combination of "can you do better Mitch?" and "he is a CONSERVATIVE, you rubes!"
Bottom line, and this is proven by his enthusiasm for C Rice, he is a guilt ridden white guy who lacks the stomach for political fights. In other words, he's MCcain all over again but minus the POW status.
He is a wuss and he's boring. No wonder his wife left him.
Frisbee| 5.20.11 @ 9:35PM
I didn't know Condi was a pro abort. How disappointing.
Havoc| 5.20.11 @ 10:42PM
Condoleeza Rice is a good pianist, and probably would make an excellent wife and mother. However, there is nothing in her past to qualify her for conservative leadership.
Replica Handbags&wallet; | 5.21.11 @ 1:17AM
Nice topic and post, as we were just talking about what things can happen in the medicine industry.
Michael L. Hauschild| 5.21.11 @ 8:55AM
I am pro-choice but that lady would be better off (and so would the country) playing the piano at Bill/Bob’s or Jill/Joyce’s nuptial arrangements. Wait for it, wait for it…………….RACIST, CHAVENIST.
Neither Daniels nor Cond0lezza is fit to fetch Donald Rumsfeld a cup of coffee.
roadmaster| 5.21.11 @ 9:34AM
No Mitch for me! Krauthamer likes him - that's all I need to know. Much as I enjoy the good Dr. most of the time, he is after all, a beltway elitist. They're different from you and me. So-oooo superior, you know....
Dennis| 5.21.11 @ 2:10PM
If he wants a serious foreign policy person then choose John Bolton....
Shessler| 5.21.11 @ 3:01PM
Based on reading way too many comments on far too many websites the conservative cause is doomed. It appears no single possible candidate can appeal 100% to every voter we need to get Obama out of the White House, and seemingly half the Republicans out there will just stay home if their 'chosen one' doesn't get the nod. It's insanity...
bob46| 5.21.11 @ 3:12PM
I'm still questioning why Rice was in Kenya with obamao attempting to destabilize the gov't for his half brother. The msm has dropped that little tidbite like a hot rock 2 years ago never to mention it again. The social conservatives are just like the progressives in my book. Drop kick them off the planet when ever you wish. I'll not say a word. Abortion is murder, plain and simple.
Oldefarte| 5.21.11 @ 3:40PM
Daniels, Pawlenty, Cain and Romney have all dealt with numbers/budgets, and since our critical problems are the defecit, the debt and unemployment, they would initially appear to be the best choices to date. If Palin [as a former governor] and/or Bachmann [as a tax attorney] jump in, so much the better. If/until Romney shows the guts to admit his error of Romneycare, he should be discounted. The attacking of Daniels connection to Bush is asinine, since he as budget chief could recommend but not decide the political agenda [as governor, he could and did decide]. Its early, so let the games begin!!!!!
Dee See| 5.21.11 @ 11:40PM
"Fractional reserve lending is rooted
in a fraud (--and Biblical abomination)
results in widepread poverty, and reduces
the value of everyone else's currency."
-WILLIAM STILL
'The Money Masters'
(essential online source)
---Cut to the chase.
Fractional reserve lending IS abomination.
It mocks God by devising to create
something out of nothing.
Further, it would, going by the signs on
the ground, seem to demand extermination
of the genuine creative faculties of God,
or, if you will, nature.
Abortion is NOT a simple matter of Oprah 'lifestyle
choice' ---any more than, as we'er now being
programmed to 'feel', death is nothing more
than a 'psychological event'.
The FACT that we can have capstone creeps
walking about unchallenged, indeed, even
celebrated, as they call for rapid MASS genocide
'by ANY and ALL means' speaks for itself.
The money issue, part of the overall 'Free Trade'
Globalism, EUGENICS and TREASON
complex -----has to be unflinchingly and
decisively called out and addressed.
In this, the 11th hour of POST America
none of these figures above are credible.
NONE
Michael L. Hauschild| 5.22.11 @ 7:54AM
It appears that the "swinging door" (I suspect it was actually a snowmobile belt spanner) knocked some sense into the RINO. The heap of bandwagons at the bottom of the AS cliff is getting bigger.
Clint| 5.22.11 @ 9:10AM
Daniels Walks.
Keep Vetting The GOP's Candidates.
The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates.
Carpe Diem.