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Political Hay
Mitt Romney, Conservative Cultural Icon
Precisely because he’s not Mr. Cool, the self-regarding incumbent and caudillo wannabe.
Obamunistas are saying that Obama is cool, and Romney is not. But cool to whom? Cool is in the eye of the beholder.
I have to admit that if you are an aging hippie who never grew up, still think that the counterculture of the 1960s was the highwater mark of American civilization, reject America’s capitalist economic system as inherently unfair and uncool in the grubby pursuit of profit, see America’s historic world-leading prosperity as crass materialism causing global poverty, and regard America’s world dominating superpower military as the tool of global imperialism, you would see Obama as very cool for bringing your values into the White House. Ditto that if you are a mental infant throwback stuck in the last century who thinks global socialism and Che T-shirts are cool.
But social and cultural conservatives would have just the opposite view. For them, Romney is the personal embodiment of their values. His personal life is right out of Ozzie and Harriett, Leave It to Beaver and Father Knows Best. The practical relevance of his Mormonism is that he is personally devoted to these values at his core. The offbeat theology of Mormonism is not at issue because he is not a Mormon theologian.
Moreover, his professional life involves the core of entrepreneurial capitalism. It has been all about the finance of struggling smaller and mid-size companies so they can grow into successful larger, national companies, creating boomlets of real jobs in the real world. Romney’s whole business life has been about the capital in capitalism, which means he knows first hand how the system works, and how to fix it. This is why he should personally appeal to the Tea Party as well as to social conservatives.
To the Left, therefore, Romney represents the personification of everything they hate (the precise word for today’s Left). A straight-laced Mormon who personally deeply believes and lives out traditional family values who is also personally a successful businessman, himself a card carrying member of the top 1%, from Wall Street to boot.
That frankly makes this election even more high stakes. For Romney is personally carrying the flag for cultural conservatism like no other candidate could. If he wins, he completely shatters left-wing mythology and demonology regarding social conservatism, the top 1%, and Wall Street. This is why social conservatives and Tea Party conservatives should now come together and enthusiastically support Romney.
Add to that the rejection that would involve of the personal embodiment of the Left, Mr. Cool himself, the product of a 1960s hippie and a self-avowed African communist. Indeed, for the Barack Obama/Nancy Pelosi/MSNBC Left to rise to power, and then be repudiated by the voters, would be far more of a defeat for the Left, and victory for conservatism, than if the Left and Barack Obama had never won at all. For their ideas would then have been tried and failed and repudiated by the American people.
How ironic it would be for the anti-Reagan, who did everything just the opposite of Reagan in power, to end just the opposite of Reagan. Instead of reelected in a historic landslide, with his political progeny going on to dominate American politics for nearly 30 years, a generation, he is defeated for re-election, possibly by a landslide, with his party quite possibly routed in Congress, and nationwide. That would quite possibly inaugurate another generation of Reagan conservatism, as the nation goes back to basics with the three Rs, Romney, Rubio and Ryan, restoring the American Dream, traditional American prosperity, and superpower peace through strength.
Given the alternative, Obama’s re-election and the continued decline and fall of America into Hugo Chavez style socialism, or worse, in a second Obama term, this election is among the most critical and consequential in American history, rivaling 1860, 1932, and 1980, a true Paul Revere moment for the American people.
A Historic Veep Pick
In this context, Romney’s pick for his vice-presidential running
mate will be highly revealing as to how he intends to govern, and
highly consequential as to whether he can reconstitute the Reagan
majority coalition. Romney needs to recognize that the country is
so polarized and so ideologically divided that he cannot gain by
trying to appeal to liberals and slice off a few votes from the
Left. Liberals and the Left are going to vote for Obama in any
event. Yes, Romney should try to appeal to votes in the middle, but
he also needs to recognize the best kept secret of American
politics — half of independents are independent not because they
are in the middle, but because they are to the right of the
Republicans. They are independent because they think the
Republicans are too liberal, not because they think the Republicans
are too conservative. That is why the Reagan coalition could
dominate American politics for a generation.
This is why Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is such a unique, historic opportunity for Republicans. He would enable Romney to bring together and maximize the Reagan coalition again of Republicans and independent conservatives because he is such an appealing conservative. But he brings an added ingredient that is so critical to the future of conservatism and the Republican Party — a powerful, grassroots appeal to the burgeoning Hispanic vote that is not committed to the ideological Left.
The truth is that America’s Hispanic population is growing rapidly and will become a bigger and bigger proportion of the electorate in coming decades. Bottom line, there is no meaningful future for conservatives or Republicans without an appeal to the Hispanic vote. Rubio does so well in appealing both to Hispanics and conservatives, including social conservatives and Tea Party conservatives. He consequently presents the embodiment of opportunity to change the future course of American politics for decades.
That change would start this year. In 2008, Obama took the Hispanic vote by 66 percent to 29 percent. But that vote is deeply alienated from Obama now after his miserable first term performance for Hispanics. They have suffered a depression under Obama, with unemployment well into double digits for his entire term. The disaffection is so broad that the latest data shows a net outflow of illegal immigrants from America, as real people vote with their feet to flee Obama’s economic oppression.
Imagine the alienation that suggests among the Hispanic population of American citizens that remain here, for surely they are aware of the hardship suffered by their ethnic brethren, if not personally experiencing it themselves. They are already living the nightmare of the American Dream receding before their eyes like the Cheshire Cat. They are ripe and ready for change with the right appeal.
Rubio on the ticket would draw much needed attention as well to Romney’s own Hispanic background. While Romney has the demeanor of a WASP, he in fact is not a Protestant, not an Anglo-Saxon, and actually not even white actually but a person of color in fact with his Hispanic heritage back to his family’s roots in Mexico.
About the Author
Peter Ferrara is Director of Entitlement and Budget Policy at the Heartland Institute, General Counsel of the American Civil Rights Union, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis, and Senior Policy Advisor on Entitlements and Budget Policy at the National Tax Limitation Foundation. He served in the White House Office of Policy Development under President Reagan, and as Associate Deputy Attorney General of the United States under President George H.W. Bush.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (144) | Leave a comment
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Appleby| 5.9.12 @ 6:28AM
Now that's a new reason to vote for somebody who's Not Like Us: because he's Not Like Them!
Who are these people who want to return to the days of Ozzie and Hariett and Father Knows Best? Where are the girls who long to be called "Kitten"? (Well, okay, they're in strip clubs.) Who longs for the days when women cleaned house in high heeled shoes and pearls?
And who on earth votes for somebody because it would stick a fork in the eye of the Cool Kids? Help, I'm trapped in TVTropolis!
Jack in Wi.| 5.9.12 @ 6:42AM
Romney and Obama both have so far as is known impecible home lives. That does not make either of them fit to be President. Marco Rubio would add nothing to the ticket. He is part of the problem not the solution. He has shown that he is nothing but another neocon chickenhawk who would be another warmonger. You may as well put Jeb Bush's half Mexican son as the running mate. He looks hispanic and he has the name Bush. Oh! I guess that would be a bad idea the name Bush.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 10:24AM
Jack, a majority of voters are not anti-American, stick-head-and-other-body-parts-in-the-sand, Paulista foreign-policy milquetoasts.
TLP| 5.9.12 @ 1:37PM
If you look at this article, we've got so many, who sound like they're willing to, not only hack off their Nose to spite their face, but Blow off their Heads to spite their Hats.
We didn't get the guy or gal, we wanted.
No sh*t. Get in line. Maybe that's because, nobody threw their hat in the ring.
Mitt Romney is our Last Best Chance to continue living in a Free Country. Deal with it.
He's a Mormon, but the Church he goes to is NOT run by a White Hating, Jew Hating, America Hating, Farrakhan Loving, Marxist Pastor. He's never been raised in the Muslim Schools and Mosques of Indonesia, and he's never knelt on his very own Prayer Rug, facing Mecca, and Prayed to a God of Murder. In fact, I also know that he has never told anyone that The Muslim Call to Prayer is the most beautiful sound in the world. And, then go on to RECITE it.
His parents didn't consist of an Atheist/Communist/Whore, and a Muslim/Marxist/Whore Chasing/Drunk, who ran out on his Family, and died Drunk, in a Gutter, in Africa.
His Grandparents weren't Communists. Nor does he have any Mentors, in his Closets, who were Communists or Marxists.
He hasn't surrounded himself with Self Proffessed Marxists, or Communists, or Maoists, or Anarchists, his entire Adult life.
He's not friends with Unrepentant Domestic Terrorists.
He's never been a Coke Head. Never shook down businesses, with the threat of violence, while leading ACORN on Kamikaze Attacks, on the Banks in Chicago.
He's never Taught SAUL ALINSKY Workshops. Never bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia.
Never pissed away $1,000,000,000 meant for Shovel Ready Infrastructure Jobs, on Public Sector Union Pals.
Never ran around the World, APOLOGIZING for the United States.
Never Socialized our Health Care, Forged Documents, to put in place an ILLEGAL Drilling Moratorium, Shut Down a Pipeline from Canada, that would have provided a STABLE flow of Oil from a Friendly Ally, never RAN GUNS to the Mexican Drug Cartels, and NEVER had The Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Organization to the White House, for Tea, and $1.5 Billion, Cash.
And, if that's not enough for you?
He's never EATEN his dog.
He just put him on the roof of the Car.
Wake Up. Shut Up.
And, do what needs to be done.
Teaghan| 5.9.12 @ 1:45PM
I'm with you Tim. Tell it everyday until Nov. 6th. Keep repeating the history of the scrawny harpie that is our president. If it reaches just 1 person and changes their mind, it will have been worth it.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 2:52PM
"Mitt Romney is our Last Best Chance to continue living in a Free Country. Deal with it."
Took me a while to stop laughing.....
TLP| 5.9.12 @ 3:06PM
That's because, you're an Idiot.
Appleby| 5.9.12 @ 4:41PM
If Mitt Romney is "our last, best hope", then God help us, every one.
Sorry, I'm too old to be scared by boogeymen like that; it sounds too much like Bugs Bunny shouting "Head for the hills! We're up to our armpits in Martians!"
TLP| 5.9.12 @ 6:02PM
Why don't YOU tell us, who the last best hope is?
Cause, if Mandingo wins this?
It's all over.
You don't have to love him.
You just have to vote for him, idiot.
GreyLion| 5.10.12 @ 3:36AM
Bugs bunny is your frame of reference?
Real adult Appy.
Appleby| 5.10.12 @ 5:55AM
Frankly, I would rather vote for Bugs Bunny. I am not being offered a choice between good and evil. I'm being offered a choice between being stabbed and being shot.
There is always another choice. And I don't mean Ron Paul; he's out there trying to make alliance with the martians.
I didn't vote for Ford OR Carter although people told me I HAD NO CHOICE; the world did not end, and at the end of the day a candidate arose who was neither Ford nor Reagan, and I voted for him. Things were unpleasant because the masses believed heir only choice was between two incapable parties and they chose one because they were told to. I waited for a better choice and one appeared.
That will happen this time too.
Appleby| 5.10.12 @ 5:56AM
Neither Ford nor Carter, I meant to say. I did vote for Reagan. Twice.
TLP| 5.10.12 @ 6:43AM
Listen to yourself. "There's always another way".
Why don't YOU tell everyone what "Other Way" you're talking about, you Senile Old Bag.
We've got enough Idiots on this Site, without you spouting off about being Stabbed or Shot. (Let me guess. The JEWS are pulling Romney's strings.)
You can't be that Fcking Stupid.
Maybe it's time for a nice HOME, where you can be watched, so that you don't hurt yourself.
Stupid Sh*t, like what Grandma, here, is spouting off, is gonna LOSE US this Election.
Wake Up.
Shut Up.
And do what has to be done.
DROPPING DEAD, is "Another Way" to help, as well.
Ken (Old Texican)| 5.9.12 @ 5:46PM
Well spoken, TLP
irish19| 5.9.12 @ 11:47PM
"Never pissed away $1,000,000,000 meant for Shovel Ready Infrastructure Jobs, on Public Sector Union Pals."
I think you left out some zeroes there.
TLP| 5.10.12 @ 6:44AM
I think you're right.
A Sphincter Says What?| 5.10.12 @ 12:45AM
TLP, who did you support in the primary?
TLP| 5.10.12 @ 7:09AM
I would have PREFERRED anybody else, except the Popeye looking, little weasel from Texas.
I was for Cain, at the beginning. I believed that he would have been The Muslim's worst nightmare, come Race Card time.
I liked Perry, because of the way he has made Texas #1 in just about every facet of a State that still cherishes our Founding Ideals.
I liked Bachmann, cause I know that she Gets It, and she's pretty.
I liked Mitt, because I knew that he would Mop up the Mens Room Floor with President Teleprompter, in a Debate, no matter how many time the Liberal Moderator asked Obama the Questions, with his hand inside Obama's pants.
I liked Santorum, cause he wasn't Romney.
These are all moot points, now. We have a Nominee, and we can do everything in our Power to get him Elected, or we can become Venezuela, without the Oil. France, without the hairy armpits. Greece, without the Vaseline. Spain, without the Puerto Ricans. Or Zimbabwe. (There's no 'without the') because we actually have our own Black Marxist Leader with an African Name.)
What we won't be, is The Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave.
That'll be gone, forever.
Occam's Tool| 5.10.12 @ 5:05PM
TLP: He also saved a dog in danger of drowning, as well as the dog's family. He also closed down Bain for about two weeks to go after and find just in time the missing teenaged daughter of one of his partners. Romney is as decent a human being as Jack is a very poor speller.
And Appleby, my wife loves being called "Angel" by me. She wouldn't mind "Kitten," either. That's because she is a fantastic wife and mother fully worthy of any pleasant affectionate nickname i can come up with for her. She is not just a woman with the nickname of "Angel," she has saved my life in the past when I have been physically ill, and taken wonderful, loving care of me all the years of our marriage---in short, she is an Angel.
Neither of us smoke, drink, or do drugs. Our kids watch decent movies. we actually do have an "Ozzie and Harriet" marriage, and I'm thrilled for that joy.
Crassus| 5.9.12 @ 7:44PM
CHICKENHAWK!! CHICKENHAWK!!!
Mickey| 5.9.12 @ 7:04AM
Doesn't it bother you to agree with Klint/Jack?
Appleby| 5.9.12 @ 7:18AM
Its downright scary.
Richard Ryan| 5.9.12 @ 8:33AM
What is truly scary: seemingly intelligent people considering a vote for Obama. The author is spot on when he describes Obama voters as a dangerous infection. You can attempt to rationalize your position by claiming a non-vote on principle, but it's still the same result: a vote for Obama. And if you desire a total breakdown of our system in order to unleash true liberty, you are f------ kidding yourselves. It would not happen.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 10:26AM
Sorry, we get this line every four years as to why we should vote for moderates. No one's buying it this time.
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 10:29AM
So what's your plan? Who are you going to vote for? Oh, that's right you don't really have a plan other than spoting nonsense and illogical comments. One of two people are going to be president (Obama or Romney), so your comments look real silly since those are the only two choices. You act like there is some other option and there is not.
Richard Ryan| 5.9.12 @ 11:20AM
So tell me Vern: how will we recover from 20-25 trillion dollar debt? There is a significant difference between 16 trillion and 20. Soon the interest will consume too much of the budget. There is a point at which things become irreversible. We are very very close. So standing your ground on Romney may make you feel all strong and principled, but it may cost us our futures.
TLP| 5.9.12 @ 10:30AM
Don't ya get it?
Clint IS Jack, and Jack is Clint.
Clint is Jack's Evil Twin, and Jack is Clint's Evil Twin.
Think - SPIDERMAN. Now think Norman Osbourne, having conversations with his alter ego, in the Mirror.
Only, this time, they're BOTH the Green Goblin.
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 11:05AM
Pennell Is One Of RINO-CINO Mitens' Kittens.
RINO-CINO Romney On Abortion-2002:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_w9pquznG4
These Clown Think They Can Use Religious Conservatives As Their "Useful Dupes" Again.
TLP| 5.9.12 @ 1:41PM
That was Jack.
Teaghan| 5.9.12 @ 1:47PM
Who will you vote for Clint? Are you one of the foaming at the mouth Tea Partiers who will vote for some obscure gal or guy that promises to restore DC to the constitution?
Shit.
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 6:42PM
Interesting, How These RINO-CINO Agendists Badmouth Tea Party Patriots.
Tells Ya All Ya Need To Know About These RINO-CINO Faux Conservatives.
irish19| 5.9.12 @ 11:49PM
Please answer the question.
Occam's Tool| 5.10.12 @ 5:11PM
Clint: I'm voting for Romney. I live in a purple state (Minnesota) where EVERY vote counts (Franken won by less than 500). Obama is atrocious. I have also donated money to Cravaack's campaign and Bachmann's campaign. I have also donated money to Romney's campaign after Santorum left.
Pennsylvania is also a purple state where every vote will count. No one except Romney can beat Obama in that State. So, the question is very simple: in a State where every vote counts, a vote not for Romney is a vote for Obama. Staying home is a vote for Obama. I knew all this very well when I said I would not vote for Paul under any circumstance, and have made my positions crystal clear.
So, Clint, what's your answer? Or are you gonna duck this one like you did the fight with the Jewish guy with the colostomy bag? Personally, I think you will duck the question because you are a poor excuse for a man, a coward, an insult to your father's memory.
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 10:26AM
Put me down as one of those people who would like to return to the virtues of the days of Ozzie and Hariett and Fahter Knows Best.
darcy| 5.9.12 @ 6:13PM
I'm with you, CarlH.
TLP| 5.9.12 @ 10:32AM
I don't get it.
Richard| 5.9.12 @ 11:47AM
Vote Democrat or Socialist or Communist, then. You obviously believe in some demented world view while Romney is very much a traditional American with traditional middle class values. I will support Americanism and oppose Leftism with all of my strength as I always have.
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 6:34AM
" Gingrich: Conservatives Won't Let Wall St. And Romney "Buy Election"
"Look, the conservative movement is not going to sit by and let a Massachusetts liberal, who's pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-tax increase, pro-gay rights, whose Romneycare in two articles in the last 24 hours were described as the equivalent of Obamacare and who George Soros says is just fine. He'd be happy with either Obama or Romney [be]cause they are both the establishment -- that's just George Soros," Newt Gingrich told FOX News' Bret Baier on the campaign trail in Tampa, Florida.
"Now, the conservative movement isn't going to sit back and say 'Oh yes, let's let Wall Street, and Goldman Sachs and Mitt Romney buy the election. So you're going to see a real grass roots fight. It will be people power vs. Goldman Sachs and Mitt Romney," he added."
Marco2| 5.9.12 @ 9:17AM
And where is the bankrupt moon king today? Perhaps celebrating the three more great Paul victories of last night? Losers all, big time.
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 10:11AM
Romney Is Israel Firster McCain Redux.
" Santorum: Might As Well Have Obama Over Romney
Presidential candidate Rick Santorum said Republicans should give President Barack Obama another term if Santorum isn't the GOP nominee and for a second day compared rival Mitt Romney to an Etch A Sketch toy.
Santorum reiterated an argument he has made before: The former Massachusetts governor is not conservative enough to offer voters a clear choice in the fall election and that only he can provide that contrast.
"You win by giving people a choice," Santorum said during a campaign stop in Texas. "You win by giving people the opportunity to see a different vision for our country, not someone who's just going to be a little different than the person in there."
Santorum added: "If they're going to be a little different, we might as well stay with what we have instead of taking a risk of what may be the Etch A Sketch candidate for the future."
Santorum was referencing Romney adviser Eric Fehrnstrom's comment Wednesday that "everything changes" for the fall campaign. "It's almost like an Etch A Sketch," he said on CNN. "You can kind of shake it up and we start all over again."
Tom| 5.9.12 @ 6:59AM
A "Father Knows Best" persona carried by a progressive enabler -- supports VAT, government-mandated health care, global warming, gun control, to name a few -- and I'm supposed to think of him as the conservative second coming of Reagan. PUHLEEZ ...
And VP picks are symbolic only, serving just as bait to placate the GOP base to embrace yet another establishment "moderate." Did Dan Quayle influence George H. to not repudiate Reaganism? No. Did Dick Cheney halt George W.'s oxymoronic "big government conservatism?" No.
Romney is definitely a lesser evil compared to Comrade Obama, but let's not mistake him for a conservative -- he's very much a "fellow traveller" with progressivism / collectivism.
Mickey| 5.9.12 @ 7:07AM
Klinty/jack/tom
The "three" of you bunk together? What a coincidence the "three" of you pop up to post the same garbage.
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 10:31AM
They are probably all paid democrats to post on these boards, pretending to be conservatives.
Richard| 5.9.12 @ 11:48AM
Absolutely. I am sick of these worm Democrats on this web site. That should be "worm" with a capital "W".
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 6:45PM
That's A Lie, Mittens' Kitten.
I'll Match My Conservative Republican Creds Against Yours Any Day, RINO-CINO Carly.
randyinrocklin| 5.9.12 @ 12:43PM
I think clint and jack are idiots but Tom makes a good point there.
Tom| 5.9.12 @ 9:52PM
Thank you randyinrocklin.
Contrary to some posters' assumptions, I am not a Democrat troll.
I am a registered Republican (in FL). I am what is lately being referred to as a "constitutional conservative."
My posts reflect dismay that the GOP hasn't nominated a true conservative since 1984 (Reagan's second term). And as we face an existential threat to the country (I HIGHLY recommend read the book "Radical in Chief" to get a true sense of the threat), the best the GOP establishment can do is engineer the nomination of the beta-tester for Obamacare.
So in a sense this election is "heads progressives win ultimate victory via Obama, and tails progressives win a sympathetic place-keeper via Romney."
Yes I'll vote for Romney in November, but with my eyes open and nose held, as will any true conservative.
irish19| 5.9.12 @ 11:54PM
I pretty much feel the same way as you do. However, as was pointed out over at the Rott (nicedoggie.net), Romney will do what is necessary to get elected and then re-elected. With a House and Senate controlled by conservatives, his options to screw things up more will be limited. As was also pointed out there, Romney is not likely to sign legislation that is overwhelmingly unpopular.
So, got a clothespin I can borrow in November?
Occam's Tool| 5.10.12 @ 5:13PM
Irish: you are on the anti-idiotarian blog? I'll have to check that one out more often.
irish19| 5.10.12 @ 7:25PM
I don't post there that often, because I usually can't add anything to what's already been said. Lots of good stuff though.
A Sphincter Says What?| 5.10.12 @ 12:54AM
Tom, you're absolutely correct. There is little difference between the effects of Obama v. Obomney other than the speed at which we go off the cliff. The ONLY way to back up this train is to get a conservative into the WH with a conservative Congress. For that reason among others I've posted on this site.....I WILL NOT vote for a moderate republican....again. Love is tough and so is the stupidity of supporting a nominee that is no different than the "worst" of the two choices. There is, regardless of popular belief, a third choice and that is to sit back and watch a moderate, self-imploding GOP lose another one to a radical.
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 7:23AM
Uh Oh !
Bibi's Cabana Boy, Little Micky Is In The Building.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 5.9.12 @ 7:48AM
So far, the party that rejected Romney in the last election has not proven up to the task of selecting a candidate in this election cycle.
In the last cycle McCain selected Ms. Palin, a woman of little experience who then quit her job.
Romney appears to see clearly what is needed. The Republican Party itself appears to be floundering.
Von Mises Jr| 5.9.12 @ 10:09AM
That is why Romney MUST picks a conservative VP candidate to produce that potential landslide. The TEA Party, conservative and libertarian base is energized to remove Obumer. But the answer is not simply to replace Marxism/fascism with Hobbes Leviathan statism.
This is why Ryan, Portman or perhaps Rubio would inspire the base and indicate Romney's desire to change the nation, not the leadership. Choosing Christie, Daniels whom is afraid of social issues or any other Rodney King "can we just all get along" RINO will be a disaster.
We know the Obama regime, ACORN, SEIU and the socialist plan massive vote fraud. IF we take back the Oval Office and the Senate, we can deliver a death blow to socialism in America.
W| 5.9.12 @ 10:37AM
I agree.
I think it will or should be Rubio, Ryan, Kasich, McDonald, or Portman.
Biden will look like a clown compared to these candidates, and Romney will do well against Obama in the debates, and Romney appears determined to win so he will attack Obama, unlike McCain.
A landslide with a Republican Congress.
Al Adab| 5.9.12 @ 11:27AM
Jr., W:
A Conservative VP pick would help Romney establish some credibility in the Movement. Still, we must ermember how little influence a VP might have if the President chooses to ignore him. His policy making influence can be severfely limited by the "old line" GOP types who will fill a Romney cabinet. Someone like Rubio, although I hate to lose the Senate seat, might help with FL electoral votes which are absolutely critical to any hope of winning in November. That has to be a consideration. As noted elesewhere, a Lugar endorsement of Obama could retain IN electoral votes in the DEM list even with his defeat. Many IN Dems would rally. Which other States are in play where a VP pick could help?
W| 5.9.12 @ 7:59PM
Al
We need Ohio so Kasich or Portman would help. Kasich would also help in Pa since he is from Pgh. He went to Ohio State and remained in Ohio.
I prefer Rubio, Ryan, Kasich, McDonald in that order.
It will be a landslide with Republcian Congress/
Maybe Romney should pick the prisoner who got 42% of the Dem vote in West Virginia.
Richard| 5.9.12 @ 11:50AM
I am not for Portman. McDonald is turning Virginia conservative with his policies. I would support Rubio, Ryan or Kasich but probably Rubio first. I like very much his life story and his ideology.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 10:28AM
Sarah is the only reason McCain had even a prayer of a chance. But even Sarah couldn't save a Republican moderate against his Oneness.
Von Mises Jr| 5.9.12 @ 10:54AM
I love Sarah Palin since she has the guts to come to a knife fight with a knife. Cowards send their SEIU thugs with bats and guns.
But I have to disagree having gotten involved with a couple campaigns, and going to local politicians speeches over the last couple years.
Because I read Von Mises, Hayek and Friedman does not mean that I should be appointed Fed Chairman or Treasury Secretary. Like Ben and Geithner, I would not know what to do. We need people such as John Taylor, or perhaps Richard Fisher from Dallas, not me.
Sarah is great, but like OStoner, she had no experience in Federal Office in a leadership role. OStoner voted "present" for a couple years, and Sarah was a Governor for a couple years. Neither should be holding the "nuclear" briefcase.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 11:01AM
She was running as VP not as President. Her role for (presumably) 8 years would be ceremonial. Her main challenge would be to avoid making the sort of gaffes that we've come to expect from Biden. She would not have been near the nuclear button.
Al Adab| 5.9.12 @ 11:30AM
Gosh guys don't you remember that the war is over and we have no enemies only a couple minor misunderstandings around the world. At least that is what the administration keeps telling us and they wouldn't lie would they?
Drunken Sailor| 5.9.12 @ 12:15PM
Dick Cheney broke that mold. He wasn't exactly a "place holder" like Biden has been. If a VP can be active and effective once, another one can follow in those footsteps.
Von Mises Jr| 5.9.12 @ 3:40PM
She would be one step away just like Biden. With Joe "Bite Me," it would not be so dangerous since a bumbling fool is preferable to an evil tyrant.
But we will be past that soon and next time we need a President and a Vice President up to the task, and with morals and ethics whom loves this country as Founded.
Everly Bros. Fan| 5.9.12 @ 11:30AM
Dre----am, dream, dream, dream
dre----am, dream, dream, dream
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 5.9.12 @ 7:48AM
So far, the party that rejected Romney in the last election has not proven up to the task of selecting a candidate in this election cycle.
In the last cycle McCain selected Ms. Palin, a woman of little experience who then quit her job.
Romney appears to see clearly what is needed. The Republican Party itself appears to be floundering.
Everly Bros. Fan| 5.9.12 @ 11:31AM
"Wake up silly Billy, wake up!"
"Wake up silly Billy, wake up!
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 5.9.12 @ 1:23PM
What ever you say.
Derek Leaberry| 5.9.12 @ 7:57AM
Mitt Romney can only be considered a cultural icon only if being a political flounder flopping about on an ocean pier can be explained as something worthy of such a name.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 10:29AM
Dittos....
Teaghan| 5.9.12 @ 1:52PM
He's what we have and we need to get behind him and cheer him to victory against obama.
Crawler| 5.9.12 @ 8:41AM
I think Mr. Ferrara is spot on: Obama loses by ten points at least.
The same moderates and independents that mistakenly put Obama in office in 2008 will be the same ones that will ensure he is unseated in about six months.
And as Mr. Ferrara has reminded us, did anyone pay attention to the near-record seat changes in the 2010 midterm elections?
It doesn't matter who the Republicans run for president because the majority of the electorate will think the same as I do: Alpha Bravo Oscar...
Louis Jenkins| 5.9.12 @ 8:43AM
Romney comes off as a buffoon in many respects. Unfortunately, selected by the RINOs, he will be the Republican buffoon for sure. So into the election season we go. Kind of like the last presidential election, knowing full well that the conservatives may be pounding their heads against the wall. Obama is sharpening his knives to cut into Romney's butter. What is Romney up to?
H Abdullah Shabazz| 5.9.12 @ 9:11AM
A lesser evil? Perhaps
But Romney is still an elite liberal at heart. he still supports leagl abortion, (for rape and incest)
And he will prevent a decent person for 8, maybe 12 years.
By contrast, Obama will be a weak second term president, and increasingly a joke, even to his friends.
Myself, Im writing in Palin's name.
Alej| 5.9.12 @ 9:18AM
And the illegal alien in the White House will appreciate your vote.
scotchieguy| 5.9.12 @ 9:52AM
You might as well vote for Obama.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 10:33AM
That's the point. Four more years of Obama is better than an empty suit Republican. If Romney is elected, he will just be another Sarkozy to be followed in four years by another socialist, worse than Obama.
idalily| 5.9.12 @ 11:06AM
With all due respect, you're INSANE. First, 4 more years of Obama means 20+ years of a SCOTUS majority with judges like Sotomeyer, Kagan, Ginsbery and Breyer, which means 100+ years of legalprecedents shredding our Constitution, precedents we'll have neither the will or ability to undo. You are INSANE if you think 4 more years of Obama is better than Romney.
Your sanity, the Constitution and the SCOTUS aside, your principles will only be effective in truly changing anything if it's done in the state elections, Senate, and House. The presidency needs to be about someone ELECTABLE, and at this point, we are down to only two electable candidates: Obama and Romney. That's it. THERE ARE NO OTHERS. Romney at least gives us time to change hearts and minds. Obama gives us no time at all. If you still don't accept this reality, go to the start of my post and being again. Maybe reading it 1500 times will bring you some sense of reality here.
If you do not vote for Romney, you are voting for Obama, and if Obama wins and packs the court with Kagans and Sotomeyers, YOU will be the one responsible for the death of our Constitution and our nation.
Vern Crisler| 5.9.12 @ 11:47AM
Yada, yada, yada, the same argument every four years.
Richard| 5.9.12 @ 11:55AM
Vern Crisler, you are wrong! Presidential elections in this country are between the two winners of their respective party's primary processes. That is your choice--which will it be? Leftism or traditional Americanism.
Al Adab| 5.9.12 @ 1:10PM
Richard:
It would be wonderful to have such a choice of Traditional Americanism as you propose. Sadly or choice is Radical Left or Accomodationist Left. Where is the victory in that?
idalily| 5.9.12 @ 3:51PM
No, there is another choice: work hard in our local districts to change hearts and minds, elect true fiscal conservatives to state government, Senate and House. All that will push Romney and others like him further right. The GOP has drifted left because we the people have allowed it. We have let our reps in Congress bring subsidies and freebies back to our own states. That is where it has to stop. Stop that and they will all (including Romney) know we are serious about fiscal responsibility. I was very happy to see Lugar go, hope Hatch follows him, and this is a trend. Romney, who was not defeated in the primaries is our only POTUS option if we are not to go the way of Greece.
As for social issues, all social-conservative issues must be put back into or remain the purview of the States and we have to be vigilant on this. You cannot legislate so con issues before you change hearts and minds. It never works.
Occam's Tool| 5.10.12 @ 5:15PM
Yes, Vern, but the SCOTUS argument is a doozy of one. Regardless of anything else, no more Kagans.
Slacker| 5.9.12 @ 11:52AM
People should vote their conscience. If that leads the country to ruin, then so be it.
Mitten’s supporters and the establishment will be solely responsible for the outcome. Win or lose, you guys are on your own.
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 12:48PM
I am glad that most people will have more smarts than Slacker, Crisler and the others on here who are spouting the nonsense that people should not vote for the GOP candidate out of principal, which defaults the election to Obama. That is the definition of stupidity. Of course, my hunch is that most of these guys on here are really democrats pretending to be conservatives who are trying to sway conservatives not to vote for Romney. I have to believe that most people are not that stupid to fall for it.
Slacker| 5.9.12 @ 2:10PM
You’re awfully thin-skinned about Mittens. I didn’t even say anything negative him.
You just don’t get it. I don’t particularly give a shit if Mitt wins or loses. I don’t have any confidence in him and I’m not participating in this lessor of two evils crap.
Alej| 5.9.12 @ 4:48PM
Sorry, Carl... Slacker is stupid enough to fall for it, evidently.
Slacker| 5.9.12 @ 6:28PM
Call me stupid or a troll if it makes you feel better. I’m not the one backing a Massachusetts liberal RINO.
Boar Hunter| 5.9.12 @ 11:33PM
As much as I value and respect the position and beliefs of some in the "we have to" vote for Romney cause he's our only choice crowd.
I WILL NOT VOTE FOR ROMNEY!
I have seen a lot of people who established their conservative credentials here a long time before Romney was in the running to know they are neither idiots as TLP would contend or democrat plants.
America is afflicted with a cancer comprised of a voting populace so ignorant that they elected Obama to the presidency. We can survive four more years of Obama, we cannot survive four more years of people stupid enough to vote for him.
Obama's leadership has placed us on the brink of destruction and in the face of the most horrendous catastrophe in the history of the United States the Republican party gives us Mitt Romney?
irish19| 5.9.12 @ 11:59PM
And your favored candidate is/was.........?
Just askin'.
Occam's Tool| 5.10.12 @ 5:16PM
I think Boar Hunter's favorite was Santorum, if I recall. My point is that even though the process sucks, Obama is sui generis. I don't think we will do well with 4 more years of him.
irish19| 5.10.12 @ 7:28PM
Agreed. Especially with the likelihood of two or more appointments to SCOTUS during the next four years.
Everly Bros. Fan| 5.9.12 @ 11:33AM
You're not alone friend. You're not alone.
Drunken Sailor| 5.9.12 @ 12:18PM
Please explain why you feel Obama will be a weak second term President? That pipe dream does not make sense unless your assuming the Republicans will control both the House and Senate. That is a long shot still. Even then he has abused executive powers before and would do so easily again. Or did you miss his little speech to Medeved/Putin about having more flexibility after he re-election?
Boar Hunter| 5.9.12 @ 11:42PM
I do not expect you to agree or suggest that you join me in my completely symbolic refusal to vote for Romney.
I will offer that I do believe that for precisely the reason you accurately identify, if Obama is re-elected, he will reach for power so unimaginable and unconscionable that someone will finally stand up and say "enough."
Romney is an oxygen thieving waste of skin who I personally refuse to vote for.
With that said, it seems it will matter not in any event. The race seems to be over who hates their candidate more, us or them. As I'm sure you now know, a convicted felon serving time in a federal prison received 40% of the vote in a match against Obama.
Scorpio51| 5.9.12 @ 10:18AM
Romney is an elite liberal. Where do you all think the money is coming from? Elite Wall Street!
But, I'm through saying anything else about Romney because journalists will still write white-washing pieces about him.
Why do we have elections anymore? It's all a farce and rigged from the beginning. We no longer live in a free America and that's sad.
9thID| 5.9.12 @ 10:56AM
"But social and cultural conservatives would have just the opposite view. For them, Romney is the personal embodiment of their values."
What planet does this RINO live on? Planet Inside The Beltway?
I'm sure I missed a few, but Romney's Record is:
- Pro-Abortion
- Pro-RomneyCare/ObamaCare
- Pro-Gay Rights Activist
- Pro-Military Social Engineering via repeal of DADT
- Pro-Gun Control
- Pro-Cap & Trade
- Pro-Bailouts
- Pro-Big Gov't everything
Romney is no more of a Mormon than Harry Reid is.
Want to further split off Conservatives? Most Tea Partiers I know do not believe Rubio is a "natural born citizen" any more than Obama is. The last sentence of the 12th Amendment makes Veep qualifications the same as for POTUS.
What brought us to this crisis point? Those RINOs who kicked Conservatives in the teeth and followed the GOP Establishment & Faux Conservative media machine in voting for Romney as the nominee. Now we all have to sleep in their excrement...
Romney = McCain| 5.9.12 @ 11:36AM
You're absolutely right in every word you say, but you're wasting your breath here. This place has become is trying to beat out National RINOs Online for the crown of "Squishiest Website Of The Year".
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 1:04PM
Actually, this comment section, as well as Free Republic, has become a shoot-yourself-in-the-foot-bash-Romney anger fest. We have to play the card we are dealt to try to take out Obama, and the only card we have is Romney. Any other discussion is a waste of passion and energy which should be directed at Obama. At the end of the day, we only have one option to beat Obama and his name is Mit Romney. That is a fact.
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 1:00PM
LOL. Even if everything you say is 100% true, it is no longer relevant. The only thing relevant is that two men are running for president (Obama and Romney) and one of those two will be the president. You can vote for Obama or you can vote for Romeny. Nothing else in this election cycle matters. Attacking Romney is not going to accomplish anything or change reality. We are still getting one of those men as president, and I prefer the one closer to the right. Any conservative should too.
9thID| 5.9.12 @ 2:54PM
Nominating a "to the Left of McCain" Progressive is not an option. I held my nose and voted for McCain only because of Palin, but will never vote for neo-Marxist RomneyCare/ObamaCare. The only difference between Obama and Romney is going over the cliff with your eyes open to Obama's agenda vs. just closing your eyes as with Romney.
In any case, Mitt RomneyCare cannot win. The only hope for our Republic now lies in true Conservatives taking control of the House and Senate...
Here We Go Again | 5.9.12 @ 11:02AM
I almost hate to bring this up, but...
Rubio is not a natural-born citizen and would not be qualified to take the office of the presidency should the president be unable to complete his term.
Has Romney attained 1144 delegates yet? Then discussion of a veep is presumptuous and premature.
People will vote with their pocketbooks. If enough people who expect to get significant "government money" i.e. entitlements, handouts, rebates, subsidies, etc. (your money and my money, recycled) then Obama will be re-elected. If however enough people see that Obama means the complete emptying of their pocketbook, destruction of their assets, a path to being penniless and disarmed and unable to do a thing about it -- if enough of these people vote and overcome the democrat/Soros cheating machine, then Obama loses.
If after the GOP convention and after November, Romney is the winning GOP nominee, what will change? Hmmmm....
For a moment assume the GOP captures both houses of Congress and the Presidency.
Do you trust ANY of the corruptocrats in Washington DC to do the right thing, balance the budget (heck, just PASS a budget would be great!), stay away from UN-sovereignty-usurping treaties, etc. etc. etc.? Really? Do you trust ANY of them?
The stink in DC is big and won't stop until the incumbents all are tossed out including czars and "staffers", and the government is a small fraction of what it is now, with a severely deflated budget. The size of the federal treasury (the people's money) is the biggest problem, and also the biggest attraction. Where there is that much money, criminals will flock. The corruptocrats in DC now are just another organized crime ring. A legal one! The Mafia wishes it could have such a deal. If RICO were applied to Congress, the Senate and the Oval Office Occupier, AND if there were any people in DOJ with stones to pursue charges, then we would see 90% of these tainted politicians resign before the truth comes out.
Throw them all out, 2012.
CarlH| 5.9.12 @ 12:55PM
I don't think there is any serious discussion of Romney not being the GOP candidate. He will be and there is no chance he won't. Zero chance. It is a forgone conclusion, so it is not premature to be talking about a VP. You imply that there is no difference in Obama and Romeny. There is a big difference. We all know Obama is a Marxist. Romney is not. Romeny is not a perfect conservative, but he is very far to the right of Obama.
JmsA| 5.9.12 @ 11:11AM
Pray tell, where's the staunch conservative you're all pining for? In the Senate? In the House? Where? Why is it that all we got was Gingrich, Santorum, the idiot former ambassador to China, etc.? Bitching, moaning and complaining bunch of whining defeatists. You all deserve another four years of Obama. And no, Romney, isn't and never was my favorite, but I suspect he's better than what we have presently, who many of you seem perfectly at peace with--as a perfect excuse to continue bitching and complaining about. What a bunch of losers.
Drunken Sailor| 5.9.12 @ 12:19PM
First rounds on my JM. Well said!!
Romney = McCain| 5.9.12 @ 11:26AM
Mr. Ferrara, my only question is, what were the other two wishes the genie granted you when you rubbed the lamp? Talk about wishful thinking. If there is one good quality RINOs have it is they are absolutely hilarious when cheering each other on to "victory".
Victor Lazlo| 5.9.12 @ 11:54AM
Excellent article. One point I'm compelled to comment on is this: Hispanics are not "people of color". No more so than all of Central and South America being populated by people belonging to a single racial category. Peoples in Latin countries hail from many different countries of races, ethnicity, and cultures. Moreover, there is no single Hispanic mind-set when it comes to politics. For example, Cuban-Americans have very little in common with Mexican immigrants. The issues that drive and motivate how they vote are different.
Richard| 5.9.12 @ 11:59AM
Geez, since when has this web site been taken over by Democrat Worms and Libertarian Cranks? We have a choice Obama the Leftist or Romney the traditional middle class American. How will you vote? PS cut this wacky crap out about Rubio not being a "natural born citizen".
Al Adab| 5.9.12 @ 1:17PM
Sorry Richard:
Obama the Radical Leftist
Romney the social-welfare state republican
I see only a difference without a distinction.
We had this conversation here a couple days back. If the driver of the car is speeding toward a cliff and I grab the wheel from him but the car goes over the cliff, who gets the blame? A Romney administration may slow the Statist collapse but will not reverse the trend.
9thID| 5.9.12 @ 3:00PM
RINO Richard - Get back to us Conservatives when you have actually read the Constitution and looked at legal precedent...
Cuffs| 5.9.12 @ 12:17PM
It is very simple:
Romney has a core;
Obama's gets his from a teleprompter.
davelnaf| 5.9.12 @ 3:02PM
Well put; excellent article. The Romney camp shouldn’t bother itself too much with O’s reelection antics. He will win in a landslide for the simple reason that Americans aren’t going to buy into O's attempt to rewrite his dismal record in office.
Obama-Biden makes me wonder what other horrors the dems have up their sleeves.
Tammie de Cortez Haynes| 5.9.12 @ 4:43PM
Why will Obama be weak in his second term?
Because all second term presidents are. Moreover, the gravy is long gone.
The congress, the army, the bureacracy, the interest groups they'll know that Obama will soon be gone. By 2014 he will be working full time just to keep his people from quitting, and finding placeholders for those that do.
And for Obama its worse. Even now, his aura is gone, he's becoming a bit of a joke, he has bad relations with his own party in congress, and the welfare state is being hit by retiring baby boomers.
To avoid that we're supposed sell out the next 12 years for Mitt Romney? A dishonest and unlikable liberal , who supports abortion, homesexuality, global warming, and every other elite cause.
Me, I'm writing in the name Palin.
David Messick | 5.9.12 @ 4:53PM
Romney is not a conservative icon. He is a socialist who gives pretence that he is a conservative. He is fake.
Alej| 5.9.12 @ 4:53PM
"Me, I'm writing in the name Palin."
And Obama thanks you for your vote.
David Messick | 5.9.12 @ 5:00PM
And Obama thanks you for yours. If he must be replaced it is good for him that he is replaced by someone just like him. Romney Obama 2012...
Dmitry Aleksandrovich| 5.9.12 @ 5:47PM
There's nothing conservative about Romney. I'm voting for Ron Paul in the California Republican primaries. Since Romney's pretty much a shoe in I will be writing in Ron Paul (and or Pat Buchanan) in the general election again. As far as I'm concerned there's no difference between Obama and Romney. They are both elitists, both corporatists, both Wall Street lackeys and foreign interventionists. As far as I'm concerned Romney will be the Mormon version of George W. Bush and Obama of course is Bush Light.
Ken (Old Texican)| 5.9.12 @ 6:38PM
Hey Dimitri
That's what we need! Advice from a dumbshit Russian. Russians have never gotten anything right.
Dmitry Aleksandrovich| 5.9.12 @ 6:53PM
Ron Paul representing Texas gives me hope that all Texans aren't as stupid as you Ken.
Crassus| 5.9.12 @ 7:51PM
You've obviously been sniffing too many fumes from Chernobyl. Maybe you could write in Boris Yeltsin. Makes about as much sense as voting for RuPaul.
Dmitry Aleksandrovich| 5.9.12 @ 8:55PM
For as many mistakes as Yeltsin made he would probably be better than Obama, W. Bush, Clinton and H.W. Bush combined. You do understand that it was Yeltsin's failed policies of market liberalization and cow towing to U.S. State Department wishes that led to Vladimir Putin getting elected?
Ken (Old Texican)| 5.9.12 @ 6:08PM
Mr. Ferrara,
please forgive the idiots on this page. Your essay is well taken by me.
Most ADULTS have come to understand that one plays the hand one is dealt.
Some idiots here would not vote for Jesus Christ.
Our goal is to throw Obama OUT...and get America started again.
In your next article, please ask the whiners to quit whining...and grab an oar.
idalily| 5.10.12 @ 8:17PM
Well Said, Ken! And if anyone thinks ANY president is going to be able to turn our ship around by himself, that person is an idiot. We need Obama out, and we need to take the Senate and the House and as many governorships as possible, and make the case to everyone we know that fiscal responsibility is vital to our survival, then MAYBE, with continued pressure from all of us non-stop for the next four years, we MIGHT turn things around. It can be done. It won't be easy, but how many worthwhile things are easy? It's better than sitting around pouting because your guy didn't get the nomination. I'm sick of this crap from the purist crybabies. They need to grow up.
Clint| 5.9.12 @ 6:51PM
Kenny The RINO-CINO Squirrel Is Tryin' To Sell Conservatives The McCain Redux Crap Sandwich.
" Gingrich: Conservatives Won't Let Wall St. And Romney "Buy Election"
"Look, the conservative movement is not going to sit by and let a Massachusetts liberal, who's pro-abortion, pro-gun control, pro-tax increase, pro-gay rights, whose Romneycare in two articles in the last 24 hours were described as the equivalent of Obamacare and who George Soros says is just fine. He'd be happy with either Obama or Romney [be]cause they are both the establishment -- that's just George Soros," Newt Gingrich told FOX News' Bret Baier on the campaign trail in Tampa, Florida.
"Now, the conservative movement isn't going to sit back and say 'Oh yes, let's let Wall Street, and Goldman Sachs and Mitt Romney buy the election. So you're going to see a real grass roots fight. It will be people power vs. Goldman Sachs and Mitt Romney," he added."
Ken (Old Texican)| 5.9.12 @ 7:33PM
Hey, Clint,
why don't you shut up and get a job?
Are you a spoiled idle rich kid...or is your mom just etremely patient?
cicero| 5.9.12 @ 8:11PM
Back to the article. Peter, why would we want to take Rubio out of the Seenate, and Ryan out of the House at this point in time? It seems to me that it would make more sense to nominate a senior conservative Republican for the post of VP, who would be capable of stepping into the White House in the event of the demise or disability of the Pres. After 2 successful terms by Romney, Ryan and Rubio may be ready for the office, and the party and office may be ready for them. They willl also have a track record, on which they can be judged. Rubio has not b een around long enough. Ryan needs to survive a few fights, and rise in the leadership positions.
Thom| 5.9.12 @ 8:42PM
Romney's chief political problem is that he can’t run on his record as neither can King Obama. That leaves us with two candidates saying, “Trust me, I’m not really the guy that voted that way in the past”, aka “hope and change”. One is a committed Marxist and liar, the other is essentially unknown but he does have a record to the left of George W. Bush which last time I heard was the worst Republican President since George H. Bush…..if you ignore the other option in 2000 was Albert (Wh)Gore and John Francis “Fraud” Kerry.
If this election boils down to simply who has the better family portrait this Republic is doomed.
Barn Cat| 5.9.12 @ 9:10PM
Romney isn't a conservative. You'd have to live in some type of Bizarro universe to think he is.
bluecollarbytes| 5.9.12 @ 9:27PM
So race then is important to choosing a hispa...I mean vice president candidate?
One reason the messiah won in 08 was it was 'important' to vote for the first publicly-known african-American, which would then prove how non-racist we were. Instead we've come to find out that we be as racist as we ever was.
------------------------
Romney is not the conservative cultural icon you wish he was. It's enough that he's Romney though, against Obama.
anymouse| 5.9.12 @ 9:30PM
Rubio isnt a "natural born citizen", so he cant serve as president; just about the only requirement for the VP job.
Not too bright of an author not to see the simplest of problems.
POST American| 5.9.12 @ 10:48PM
---------------------BOTTOM LINE---------------------
--The George's in the BUSH
----BILL 'Clint ---IN'
----DICK 'CHAIN---knee'
------------'BAR--Rockefeller' H. Obama
and now ------------'SUB--Mitt ROME--knee'?
E---NUFF with the CFR front ops!
----D. POP --Obama, facing R--'Con' Romney----
DE POP meets Archons --somehow
just isn't the ticket either way.
AND --as for 'ROME-knee', again,
-------MAKE NO MISTAKE------
-------he is a ---long -----long
underway, ---deeply CON--neck'd--id
------------GLOBALIST--------------.
In short not ONLY is this 'R---CON'
---an Archon ---BUT!-----
he ain't even Archon who's OUR CON!
STEER CLEAR!
Magic Underwear| 5.10.12 @ 1:01AM
Believe in it! I will. I will vote for someone who believes in his own personal moon and crazy shit like that before I vote for a effing spook.
PCC| 5.10.12 @ 6:54AM
Does Cuban-American Mr. Rubio appeal as strongly to the broader Hispanic-heritage electorate as Mr. Ferrara and other commentators suggest? I'm skeptical. I perceive a great deal of diversity of opinion and cultural identity amongst the Hispanic population in the U.S., of which Cuban-Americans are a tiny minority who are not especially well-liked or admired by their fellow American Hispanics.
jms| 5.16.12 @ 3:35PM
Very true,...and I hope that Romney and his people have figured this out. Cubans actually thumb their noses at other Hispanic groups, especially Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. Cubans have actually used the Republican Party to enrich themselves. Now they are have enough clout to play the other side of the fence with those like Menendez and Sires. Their chief aim is not to keep America great, but to be the major benefactors when Cuba becomes up for grabs, and they'll be using the USA's might to muscle their way in.
Manny| 5.10.12 @ 5:07PM
Ferrara writes that Romney "deeply believes and lives out traditional family values." He may live them out within his own family. But his public policy (and he says, his commitment) is to support "gay rights." He's OK with homosexuals in the military. He supported Kevin Jennings' radical GLSEN programs in the Mass. public schools, and even signed gay Youth Pride Day proclamations. He sought support of the Log Cabin Republicans. He appointed homosexual activists to the Mass. courts. He violated the Mass. Constitution when his executive depts implemented gay marriage without the Legislature making the required change in the law. He forced Catholic hospitals to offer the morning-after abortion pill, even though they were protected by religious freedom clause in the Mass. & US constitutions, and by Mass. law. Etc. This is not sharing the values of cultural conservatives.
Occam's Tool| 5.10.12 @ 5:25PM
SCOTUS argument: This year, Kennedy will turn 76, Ginsburg, who has had CA, will turn 80, Scalia just turned 76, Justice Breyer will turn 74. Justice Thomas is 63.
The other Justices are in their 50s. But a majority will be nearing the doors of death or hitting retirement age during this next term. Do you want Obama or Mitt appointing the successor to Ginsberg? That one will allow Kennedy's vote to become superfluous if Mitt is in the office and appoints a Conservative. W gave us two superb Scotus justices, remember.
This is muy importante, folks.
idalily| 5.10.12 @ 8:18PM
The SCOTUS trumps all. I wish more people understood that, Occam.
splat| 5.10.12 @ 6:57PM
To be sure,. some of us conservatives don't want another 4 years of Obama. However, there is no reason to be enthusiastic about a northeastern liberal. Just because he is successful at business and changing his 'core' beliefs and stance on issues does not mean he will be an effective president. Sorry, I'm not buying him as worthy of my suport and I refuse to vote for him. I am leaving the top slot blank on the ballot this year because both candidates suck. Besides, the 'independents' and 'moderates' are the ones who do the electing so I will let them vote since mine doesn't matter. I will vote for conservative candidates only; regardless of party affiliation. Besides, I am just one vote so nobody will notice. I'm not being bitter, I am just articulating my disgust and disdain for the 2 POTUS candidates.
idalily| 5.10.12 @ 8:20PM
There is every reason to be enthusiastic if the northeastern liberal is our only way of defeating Obama. I would crawl naked over broken glass to vote against Obama even if I have to check the box for Mickey Mouse.
Tina| 5.10.12 @ 10:26PM
Romney our last best hope?
What an idiot!
Romney is the death knell of the Republican party
He is not a conservative in any way shape or form
Mitt Obamney is an Obama clone in Republican clothing who is being shoved down our throats by the Republican elite and a willing media complex.
He is not a change from Obama he is business as usual and as someone who has 1/3 of my paycheck stolen by the feds before it even hits my bank account that is not good enough!
Rmm| 5.11.12 @ 9:02AM
Thank-you, Peter for bringing this into context. The contrast we face is as clear as black and white. No that was not a racial slur. President Me, Myself & I ,Obama has not done a single thing for " the good of the country" . From his first day in office he has been angling toward his second term. In my entire adult life I cannot recall a sitting President who cannot run on his record, in fact doesn't want to even go there. How pathetic is that??
Now that is audacious, but revealing that Obama is and always has been an empty-suit. He has played his hand and failed. Throw the bum out.
Kurt| 5.11.12 @ 11:11AM
Mitt is a Conservative? Have you *looked* at his voting record?
Oh wait. This article was written on a Wednesday. He's a Conservative on Wednesdays, a Socialist on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a Hispanic on Mondays, and a Mormon on Fridays.
It's not a flip-flop though. It's actually on his calendar that way.
The Protectionist1| 5.11.12 @ 9:58PM
I'd like to suggest that a mainstream conservative in the White House will not resolve our economic woes. Why? Because with the abandonment by Republicans in the 1960s of their Lincoln inspired economic platform of protectionism, they effectively became an economic mirror image of Democrats who have historically been free traders. This amazing state of confusion has led to a political theater of the absurd where conservatives have unwittingly adopted Karl Marx's suggestion that the fastest way to destory capitalism is with free trade, while ignoring Daniel Webster's claim that the number one reason we have our present day Constitution was to stop the economic chaos unleashed by free trade with Great Britain under the Articles of Confederation? One can only make sense of our decline when one finally recognizes that there has never been a sound theory of economics. So claims the daring new website rescuingeconomics.wordpress.com.
I am hoping that you might take a couple minutes out to consider the website's propositions. Without a deep and solid intellectual foundation of economics, I suspect America's decline will only accelerate underfree trade (all three parties are free traders). Free domestic markets are not sufficient to counter act the radically broken money mechanics introduced by free trade.
best regards
jms| 5.16.12 @ 3:28PM
The truth is,...Liberals wouldn't consider any White Male Republican cooler than ANY Black Democrat no matter what. Ask a Liberal to even name a White Democrat who is 'cooler' than Obama and they'll struggle to name one.
So, it's a silly contest with no definable parameters as to what makes someone 'cool'. Basically Black and Liberal beats all.
Would Romney approach being 'cool' had he gone to an Anti-American church?....had he consumed illegal drugs?.....had he had Rap Star Hip-Hop friends?...no, because he's a White Republican and that, according to Liberals, disqualifies him and every Republican from ever being 'cool'.