A very early look ahead to 2016

Even if Mitt Romney wins, both parties could have primaries in 2016.

I was thinking about the 2016 Presidential Election recently. That’s right, 2016.

I’ve seen several stories that have mentioned the possibility of Hillary Clinton or (hold the laughter) Joe Biden running in 2016. Here’s a question: If Barack Obama loses, which I think seems likely, will he run again in 2016? If so, we could see a repeat of the 2008 election.

This scenario also led me to think about Mitt Romney’s chances in 2016 if he should win in 2012. I’m not referring to the General Election, but rather the primary. Romney will be the Republican nominee in 2012, but if he becomes president, is it a foregone conclusion that he would win in 2016? I don’t think so. » read more

A brokered GOP convention is a real possibility

Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul at a Republican debate.

The GOP nomination is still very much up for grabs, and its fluidity seems to change the frontrunners on a monthly basis. While Mitt Romney is usually considered the favorite, it appears that a sizable majority of Republicans are looking for anyone but Romney. The pattern is to elevate a monthly favorite, then watch them collapse once the media picks them apart. To date, this has been the pattern for Michelle Bachmann, Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum.

With more than half the original field gone, and several primaries behind us, it looks like Romney is in real trouble. As other candidates have dropped out, there are fewer choices for their supporters, increasing each piece of the electoral pie for the remaining candidates.

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Rick Santorum: Stop the sex

When it comes to abortion, I’m pro-choice, but I can see where those that are pro-life are coming from. For some issues, it’s hard to understand the other side’s viewpoint, and quite frankly, I think they’re a bit confused. Those who oppose birth control fit this description.

In the video, Republican nominee Rick Santorum discusses the dangers of contraception, and how these methods have harmed the country. If you’re one of the people who believe sex is inherently wrong, and whose only purpose is for procreation, then you must think Rick Santorum is onto something. Those who share this belief probably also tend to be pro-life. If that’s the case, it raises an interesting question: If more people used birth control, wouldn’t there be fewer abortions? Of course there would.
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SI cover model Kate Upton has political ties

There are so many important things happening in the world, but today I decided to write about something that is completely meaningless and unimportant. Some would argue that I do this frequently, but i digress.

For those of you who enjoy perusing the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and follow politics, you might be surprised to find out that there is a connection between the two. Michigan Rep. Fred Upton’s niece Kate Upton is featured on the cover of the 2012 issue.
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Newt? Are you still there?

After winning the North Carolina primary, Newt Gingrich implored fellow candidate Rick Santorum to drop out of the race and throw his support behind him. The thinking was that their supporters are both anti-Romney, and would form a coalition to defeat the former Massachusetts Governor, who reminds this blogger of an exceptionally smarmy used car salesman.

The idea made sense then, and still does. The only problem, for Gingrich at least, is that Rick Santorum has pulled ahead in the polls, and is now ahead of Mitt Romney.
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Mitt Romney’s comment concerning the poor was on the mark

Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney

“I’m in this race because I care about Americans. I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it. I’m not concerned about the very rich, they’re doing just fine. I’m concerned about the very heart of America, the 90, 95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling, and I’ll continue to take that message across the nation.”

I’m not a Mitt Romney supporter, but I can’t believe anyone with common sense would be bothered by this comment. Sure, progressive Democrats are going to seize upon it, but the last time I checked, they lacked any semblance of common sense. Let’s take a look at what Romney was saying, shall we?

First, the wealthy don’t need any help. They have all the money they need. That’s simple enough. As for the poor, that’s going to take some explaining, especially for those who are accustomed to government sponsored hand-outs.

If you’re poor, you’re eligible for welfare payments, subsidized rent, childcare, heat, utilities, food stamps, free college, free healthcare, and lots of other breaks. These programs are all established at the state or federal level, and are (overly) generous. How many more handouts and programs should be created for those who have a track record of bad decisions? We have a safety net, and Romney said he would fix it if need be.
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Do you like Jon Huntsman? Harry Reid does!

Nevada Senator Harry Reid would support Jon Huntsman over Mitt Romney.

Former Ambassador Jon Huntsman has made it official: He’s running for President. I know some people are excited by his candidacy, but I think I’ll pass. After all, I don’t want to be on the same side as Harry Reid. In case you missed it, Huntsman received Reid’s stamp of approval. “If I had a choice in that race, I’d choose Huntsman over Romney,” said Reid. On top of that, Huntsman’s family members are big Reid supporters.

In addition to the Reid endorsement, Huntsman doesn’t have much room to criticize Barack Obama, since he accepted an appointment as ambassador to China. Of course, you could argue that his appointment could cause a problem for Obama during a campaign against Huntsman, but I doubt it will get that far anyway. Think about it: If someone is absolutely terrible at what they do (like the GOP will argue), do you really have credibility if you agree to work for them? I don’t think so. » read more

Sarah Palin: Confused chopper chick

Sarah Palin: Biker chick

Sarah Palin is currently engaged in a tour of “enemy territory,” also known as the Northeast. Her first stop was the Rolling Thunder motorcycle event in Washington, D.C. Her next stop will be…she’ll be going to…where will she be going? If you check out the map on her site, it’s blank. I wonder if she even knows where she’s going.

I think Sarah Palin seems like a nice person and is very likable. There are lots of nice, likable people, but those traits don’t qualify them to be President of the United States. Intellectually, she’s unimpressive, plus she has a thin resume, and for me at least, fails to instill confidence in her leadership skills. Even her campaign/publicity tour looks like it’s unorganized. Plus, if Katie Couric of all people can make you look like an idiot, how can we trust her to interact with world leaders? I don’t think we can. » read more

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels won’t run for President

What are the chances Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will run for President? Zero

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels will not be running for President, and I don’t particularly care. It’s nothing against Mitch Daniels. After all, he would be much better than declared candidates such as Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich, or potential candidates such as Sarah Palin.

The problem is that Mitch Daniels seemed to be the darling of GOP insiders. That’s not what the country needs. The United States needs someone who isn’t afraid to step in and make bold decisions. We need someone who has little regard for the way things have always been done, and will try to do the right think, regardless of how many people it upsets, or how unusual the solution may seem. » read more

Tim James: “This is Alabama, we speak English

Alabama gubernatorial candidate Tim James has a novel idea. Rather than offer the state’s drivers license exam in 12 languages, it should be offered in just one: English. Tim James cites the amount of money that could be saved because of this change. I have no doubt there would be some modest savings in printing costs, but there are even more important reasons to make the change. The most important is to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.

Road signs are written in English. Some signs are easy to recognize, such as stop signs, but what about those that are seen less frequently, such as those related to road construction? How will someone who can’t read English understand warnings and directions? » read more

Is Mike Huckabee really a conservative who believes in small government?

Mike Huckabee seems a bit confused. In a recent speech, he discussed the future of the Republican party, and he had this to say:

“One of the things that concerns me is that in the United States there is real talk of maybe we need to have this big tent and accommodate every view,” Huckabee said. “That will kill the conservative movement.”

I’m not sure if Mike Huckabee realizes it or not, but the United States only has two major parties. When you have only two parties, you should have a “big tent” to accomodate a broad cross section of the country. If not, your party will get decimated in elections. Of course, if Mike Huckabee really believes in having total agreement on a wide variety of social and fiscal issues, it might lead the GOP to become a powerhouse…among second tier parties. That’s right, it will probably be able to dominate the Libertarian, Green, and Socialist parties in elections. Sure, the Democratic Party will continue to pick up seats at a rapid pace, but at least the dwindling membership of the GOP will be homogenous and won’t have to put up with dissenting voices. You know, those pesky people who contribute to a lively debate. » read more

Get Harry Reid a history book

When Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made his rambling speech about how opponents of the health care bill (mainly Republicans) are racist, he brought up the Civil Rights Act to prove his point. Unfortunately, Mr. Reid was wrong about those evil Republicans:

Historians also faulted Mr. Reid’s curious reference to the Senate civil rights debates of the 1960s. After all, it was Southern Democrats who mounted an 83-day filibuster of the 1964 Civil Rights Bill. The final vote to cut off debate saw 29 Senators in opposition, 80% of them Democrats. Among those voting to block the civil rights bill was West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd, who personally filibustered the bill for 14 hours. The next year he also opposed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Mr. Byrd still sits in the Senate, and indeed preceded Mr. Reid as his party’s majority leader until he stepped down from that role in 1989.

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Do you oppose the health care bill? If you do, you’re a racist and a sexist

Do you oppose the health care bill? If you’re concerned about taking a step toward a single-payer system, using tax dollars to pay for abortions, or rationing, you’re not a concerned citizen, you’re a racist. Oh, I almost forgot: You’re also a sexist. If you’re thoroughly confused, don’t worry, so is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

In a sign that he realizes his house of cards is falling in around him, the Senator made a vicious attack on Republicans who oppose the health care bill. Here is his statement: » read more

For Republicans, common ground is necessary

When I heard that some in the G.O.P. were trying to establish a “purity” test, I was concerned. According to what I read, candidates failing to agree with at least 8 of the 10 points in the test would not be eligible for money or endorsements from the party. My concern was based on a tendency by some to narrow the party’s base, thus hurting our overall chances in the 2010 elections. After reading the ten resolutions, I’m not concerned.

Fiscally, I’m about as conservative as you get, and I favor limited government. The stimulus bill, bank bailouts, cap-and-trade, and socialized medicine all nauseate me, I oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants, and I’m a strong proponent of 2nd Amendment rights. That seems fairly common for a Republican, doesn’t it? It is, until you consider that I support gay marriage, I’m prochoice, and support the decriminalization of marijuana. Some would find these positions inconsistent with the Republican party, but I don’t. If someone truly believes in limited government, then they should stay out of its citizen’s private lives. » read more

Dede Scozzafava’s betrayl

In the space of about 24 hours, New York Congressional candidate Dede Scozzafava went from being considered a selfless hero for dropping out of the NY23 race, to a traitor for then turning around to endorse Democratic candidate Bill Owens. Based on her actions, Ms. Scozzafava should seriously consider leaving the Republican party.

It’s understandable that Ms. Scozzafava wouldn’t want to endorse Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, due to their differing political beliefs, but the same should be true of Bill Owens. I’m one of those rare people who seems to think a political pary in a two-party system needs to have a wide umbrella with some core issues that bring people together. One of those core issues should be increasing the number of GOP House seats to help Republicans gain control of the House and attempt to bring fiscal restraint. By offering an endorsement ot Bill Owens, Ms. Scozzafava has offered her support to Nancy Pelosi. » read more

Dede Scozzafava’s decision: Great for conservatives, not so great for moderates

I was surprised to hear about Dede Scozzafava’s decision to suspend her campaign for a Congressional seat in New York’s 23rd district. Since she is currently running third in the polls, her chances of winning were slim, and the chances of splitting Republican votes and handing them to the Democrat were likely. It’s important to pick up as many seats as possible in order to eventually remove Nancy Pelosi from power. Ms. Scozzafava realized that, and I commend her for her selfless decision. With that said, I’m also a bit worried.

While Dede Scozzafava’s decision will likely lead to greater unity for Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, it certainly doesn’t bode well for moderate Republicans in general. I’ve never been a big fan of the two party system, since it essentially forces people to pick the side that is closest, rather than a side that is close. That results in a certain ideological heterogeneity that you wouldn’t find in a multiparty system. Unfortunately, it seems that some on the far right don’t seem to get this, and have a tendency to lash out at moderates the same way they would at Nancy Pelosi. It’s similar to a “with us or against us” mindset. » read more