-
Artur Davis Says Scandals Are Real
May 19, 2013 | 3 comments
-
Good New Book: ‘Precipice’
May 19, 2013 | 1 comment
-
A Long Record of Obamite Thuggery
May 16, 2013 | 4 comments
-
DeMint Supports Defense
May 14, 2013 | 5 comments
-
Update on Tom Perez
May 14, 2013 | 0 comments
The Spectacle Blog
Conservative movement leader Morton Blackwell, founder and head of the Leadership Institute and chairman of the weekly “Weyrich lunches” of conservative activists, AND longtime Republican National Committeeman from Virginia, had the final remarks at tonight’s “Weyrich Awards Dinner” raising money for the Coalition for America, which sponsors the Weyrick lunches. He quite clearly refrained from any direct endorsement for president — but he DID take the time to say specifically nice things about only one of the candidates. Remarking on Rick Santorum’s big wins on Tuesday, he noted (without specifying examples in the cases of the other three candidates) that all four GOP candidates offer “advantages” unique to each. Santorum’s advantage, he said, is that “the longer and better you know him, the more you like and trust him.”
Very kind words from Blackwell… and very astute, as usual.
View all comments (41) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Quin Hillyer
http://spectator.org/blog/2012/02/08/morton-blackwells-kind-words-f
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Issue
- Eugenic Abortion 2.0
- Downton’s Class System — and Ours
- Boys and Girls
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
RJ| 2.9.12 @ 1:25AM
I agree. I have been more and more impressed by Santorum as this race has progressed. He has demonstrated good character, has significant governmental accomplishments, has been consistent in his views, doesn't pander, and speaks well. He is campaigning as a solid conservative and I trust that he would govern that way.
Nancy in NC| 2.9.12 @ 6:38AM
While some have touted Santorum as unlikable, I find just the opposite. His demeanor seems honest and unforced. Sure, he's not perfect, but I believe I shall make a contribution today.
Garfield| 2.9.12 @ 11:54AM
It isn't that he isn't likeable, its that he doesn't have any executive experience.
Gingrich has executive experience, having to reign in congress on spending shows he did a good job as Speaker of the House.
Further the IRS cleared him a few years after paying the fine... So in other words, Pelosi's witchhunt shouldn't be given credibility it doesn't deserve.
RJ| 2.9.12 @ 12:25PM
I like Newt, but he continues to be erratic and he has let his temper get the best of him. I don't think he would do well in the campaign against Obama. He lost me when he acted like a Democrat in hitting Romney (tax returns, Bain Capital, kosher meals for seniors). It distracts from criticizing Romney for a lack of conservative credentials. We really need to win this year.
mzk1| 2.10.12 @ 3:39AM
His main problem seem to be that he doesn't show his enthusiasm.
Clint| 2.9.12 @ 6:09AM
Big Government Ricky Santorum's Record On Voting For Earmarks, Even The Bridge To Nowhere, His Support For The Lobbyist "K-Street Project" , His Tariff Votes, Medicare Prescription Drugs, No Child Left Behind, Etc. Will Sink Him With Tea Party Patriots.
However, He's A Useful Dupe For Keeping Delegates Away From The Other RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.
The Tea Party Heads To A Brokered Convention.
Occam's Tool| 2.9.12 @ 11:54AM
Well,one Minnesota county has a Republican Precinct Captain from Chicago. If Ricky's the Candidate, I'll be takin' a poll of the local graveyards in August in preparation.
I think I'll donate to Ricky to piss Clint off.
Clint| 2.9.12 @ 5:23PM
Tool Job's The RINO-CINo,Who Said He'kll Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.
Apparently, Israel Firster, Tool Job Is Gonna Give Ricky Specter-Santorum His 30 Pieces Of Silver.
Occam's Tool| 2.9.12 @ 9:51PM
Well, I actually get involved, you see, because I don't live in my mom's basement wearing shit covered underwear like you do, Clint.
It will be more than 30 pieces. Why don't you donate to Paul or his Pacs, Clint? I thought you were rich?
mjs_pa| 2.9.12 @ 7:56AM
As a long time Santorum supporter from Western PA, I can tell you this is very true:
"the longer and better you know him, the more you like and trust him."
GAME ON!
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 11:58AM
I'm sure most everyone [reasonable individuals] would LIKE and TRUST him. However, our next president insteads needs to be a competent and capable administrator/manager of governmental policy and procedure. This country is facing financial bankruptcy and economic default, and if the next Republican president is not able to begin credible solutions to same, this country will simply die. Likeability and trustworthyness are secondary characteristics, though admirable ones for our next leader!!!!!!!!!!!
RJ| 2.9.12 @ 1:30PM
I wish we had a good candidate who had extensive executive experience in government, but we have to choose from what we have. No modern President can match Eisenhower's administrative ability. But during this national crisis, the most important thing is to have a President who will lead us in the right direction. Abraham Lincoln did this, without prior executive experience. (He also lost two senate races) Fortunately Edwin Stanton did an excellent job in administering the war effort. I just don't think Romney has the consistent political values to lead us in the right direction in reforming a corrupt government; I am afraid that he would only serve as as better manager of broken system.
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 3:25PM
I'd suggest a reading of Donald Trump's [who definately knows a thing or two concerning administration of businesses in the private sector, just as does Romney.....and granted government is not private business but it is a public business without the profit segment involved] recent comments concerning Santorum. Basically he says that Santorum was rejected by the people/voters of Pennsylvania in his last election by a large percentage [against him], and that how can it be expected that Santorum will be able to secure a majority of votes within the US if he can't even obtain same within his own state of residence? As Trump concludes rightfully, GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!
RJ| 2.9.12 @ 4:36PM
I appreciate your comments. Although I am not a fan of Donald Trump, you and I agree on many things, and there is a reason most presidents have been governors rather than senators. I was really hoping Rick Perry would be the man, but he was ill prepared. Like you, my priority is that the best candidate wins the nomination and beats Obama. On a point related to your comment about private business versus government, I enjoy reading von Mises and think his book, "Bureaucracy" does a good job in explaining the differences between the profit-based free market system and the command and control government bureaucratic system. Best wishes friend.
Bill| 2.9.12 @ 8:50AM
Santorum's problems:
voted for
1. raising the debt ceiling for 8 times
2. Medicare prescription drug
3. NCLB
voted against
1. Right-to-Work law
2. Free-trade
and lost his re-election bid by 18 points in 2006.
Good luck, Mr. Santorum!
mzk1| 2.10.12 @ 3:16AM
This is anachronistic. Not voting for the debt ceiling is just getting someone else to do your dirty work. The Republican party would not have survived the lack of a prescrition drug plan - and this is about the only fed. program that is under budget.
The Conservative movement post-tea party is not the same as it was before. Like Santorum, I like what I see and want to go along for the ride. But politics is the art of the possible, and the possibilites years ago are not what they are now. At least he hasn't thrown religion under the bus like so many want us to now.
DeaN| 2.9.12 @ 10:19AM
No surprise Washington insiders would support one another. WTF cares?
Romney,Newt and Santorum are all awful.
Romney's healthcare plan and inability to excite anyone who isn't Mormon is frightening.
Newt's a disgrace,as is anyone who would support him.
Satorum is totally obsessed with gays(maybe he's a closecase)and abortion. I will never forget his publicizing Terry Schiavo. What a hack!
I would vote for either over the pos currently occupying but hope for another option.
Dai Alanye | 2.9.12 @ 11:18AM
I don't get the malice regarding Santorum's support for Terry Schiavo. In the first place, her family were his constituents.
More importantly, here was a helpless but not completely hopeless woman whose husband was doing his best to have her killed, who spoke of her in the most demeaning terms, who used money donated for the care of Terri for his own purposes, who almost certainly lied about Terri having wished for someone to pull the plug, and who was suspected of contributing to the cause of her severe disability.
All that, and he avoided paying for a divorce.
Having shown an interest in justice for Terri Schiavo and her family is another bright spot in Santorum's record.
Occam's Tool| 2.9.12 @ 11:55AM
I don't have a problem with Rick supporting a culture of life over death.
Ward Bond| 2.9.12 @ 12:07PM
What has happened to our society where we value convenient death over incovenient life? That is another reason I like Santorum.THE DIRECT OPPOSITE OF obama.
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 12:00PM
Santorum's problem is that he has never run/administered/run any large governmental/public or business/private entity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mzk1| 2.10.12 @ 3:20AM
I would say his support of Schiavo is the best reason to vote for him. Also "obsession" with abortion.
A man who will subordinate human life to other things is one I would worry about babysitting my kids. You want him in charge of the country?
Bill| 2.9.12 @ 11:28AM
GOP 2012 Team:
President: Newt Gingrich
VP: Mitch daniel
AG: Rudy Giuliani
Treasuary: Paul Ryan
Secretary of State: John Bolton
Defense: Allen West
DHS: Joe Arpaio
Gingrich will crush Romney (the father of Obamacare) and Santorum (who opposed "Right-to-Work" law) on Super Tuesday, and will solidify his position in the GOP race. On April 3, he'll grab TX, ditching Ron Paul (who is preaching Black Theology recently) once and for all.
Gingrich will be the GOP nominee.
I pray for him.
mzk1| 2.10.12 @ 3:25AM
Newt would make a good head of the other DHS. Would not trust him running the country; he could do anything (as could Paul). At least we know how far Left Romney can go. Gingrich can run HHS under close supervision. I want Sarah drafting our energy policy.
I don't know why you would have expected Santorum to impose RTW on his State. You have problem with Federalism?
DeaN| 2.9.12 @ 11:42AM
Why would Newt pick Paul Ryan? He called his modest and sensible plan for reforming medicare "rightwing social engineering".
Why would he pick Joe Arpaio,when Newt has by far the most radical and awful immigration policy of anyone,save BHO?
I don't pray for anyone,and certainly not for a dirtbag like Newt.
Garfield| 2.9.12 @ 11:55AM
You should look at what Gingrich was actually asked by the media, rather than take what he said out of context.
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 12:02PM
I pray for the economic and financial survival of this country and its people, and I'll vote for the most administratively/managerially experienced candidate to hopefully turn this country around and to avoid its bankruptcy!!!!!!!!
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 11:51AM
Hopefully, Blackwell's comments won't get the PARAGRAPH POLICE [here] on his case!!!!!!!!
Occam's Tool| 2.9.12 @ 11:58AM
Again, I voted for Rick, and will do again on the 25th, but I don't have any animosity towards the other candidates, save Paul. And, you know, while I disliked Paul at the beginning, I developed a real hatred for him from his supporters, not a one of which I know who DOESN'T deserve to be buried up to their eyeballs in a pile of African ants. Ronulans are worse than Obamazombies, by far. Assholes and druggies, every one of them.
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 12:07PM
I'll vote for the one candidate that convinces me that he has the best probability of [1] beating Obama [2] administratively turning this country around in an opposite direction from the socialism of the last three years and of the last half-century in general and [3] avoid the impending financial bankruptcy of this country from excessive governmental defecits/debt!!!!!!!!!!!
RJ| 2.9.12 @ 1:34PM
My formula too, friend. We just may come to a different conclusion on who it should be, but we want the same thing.
Oldefarte| 2.9.12 @ 3:41PM
Honestly, I do not have a preferred choice to date among the four. Even though your description of Santorum ['....I agree. I have been more and more impressed by Santorum as this race has progressed. He has demonstrated good character, has significant governmental accomplishments, has been consistent in his views, doesn't pander, and speaks well. He is campaigning as a solid conservative and I trust that he would govern that way....'] is entirely accurate of the man, I disagree in that same IMHO does not qualify him to be the president that this country needs presently. We are facing an extremely opposite crossroad ahead in November, in that we can repair over time the dire economic/financial condition that this nation is in or we can alternatively sink into financial bankruptcy similar to what Europe is coping with now. If we do not pick the most professionally qualified to manage/administer/eliminate this country's defecit/debt issues, there will be no more USA by the middle of 2013 or sooner. It's not a question of electing a person with good character [certainly Jimmy Carter possessed same] but instead one with professional business or governmental management capabilities. Santorum simply does not have this, and that is his problem!!!!!!!!!!!
RJ| 2.10.12 @ 2:57AM
You are right; I cannot disagree. Santorum's lack of executive experience is a significant problem. As big a problem as that is, I think he makes up for it vis a vis Mitt Romney in two areas. First, Romney is somewhat gaffe prone and at times hasn't been able to defend himself well in the debates. I think the media will cut him up while I think Santorum will be better able to get his message across. I think it makes Santorum more electable.
Second, I fear that Romney would be much more likely to be pushed away from a conservative course if elected President, if he even plans to follow one. His economic plan isn't what I would like and Romney Care is a huge problem for me. I don't have that concern with Santorum. After going through GW Bush, I really want to be confident that a candidate is committed to limited government. (Didn't have those worries with Reagan.)
Regarding someone with executive experience, I wish Don Rumsfeld was 55 and ready to serve again. He was a great change agent leader. But I am not sure that the country wants that kind of no-nonsense, results-oriented leadership. As illustrated by Clinton's elections, candidates need to engage in so much touchy-feely stuff. It usually takes us off track of getting things done. I wish American politics was more serious minded.
Clint| 2.9.12 @ 6:15PM
Screwball Maniac Israel Firster Fanatic, Tool Job's The RINO-CINO,Who Said He'll Vote For The RINO-CINO Frontman, Mittens Romney.
The Tea Party Rebellion Heads To A Brokered Convention.
Occam's Tool| 2.9.12 @ 9:53PM
Clint: great job winning votes for your guy.
mzk1| 2.10.12 @ 3:28AM
Wow! A cut-and-paste poster! Save time, I bet.
mzk1| 2.10.12 @ 3:27AM
Well, I basically agree with you here. But I have a good friend who is a Paul supporter, and I have to tell you that they aren't all like that. It's just that the fanatics tend to post.
Earle Belle | 2.9.12 @ 12:23PM
Who Is Rick Santorum?
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=48620
National Right To Work Asks: Is Rick Santorum Really A Union Stooge?
http://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfe.....ion-stooge
Earle Belle | 2.9.12 @ 12:25PM
Club For Growth FACT CHECK Confirms Santorum A “Big-Government Conservative”!
http://www.clubforgrowth.org/n.....sReleases+(Club+for+Growth+||+Press+Releases)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?f.....rAn90brop4
Earle Belle | 2.9.12 @ 12:28PM
Fraud & Betrayal From Another Shocking Big Government Pretend Conservative Hypocrite Exposed: http://www.redstate.com/erick/.....hat-a-b... http://www.youtube.com/watch?f.....r_embed...
Bob K.| 2.9.12 @ 7:16PM
I am well acquainted with Santorums political history since I am from PA, but I have never heard of Morton Blackwell so whatever he said, I am way ahead of him on Santorum!