Posted on 03/10/2006 9:54:42 PM PST by WKB
We knew that Trent Lott was getting cozy with John McCain, but after just listening to Haley Barbour speak is there another Mississippian ready to get on board the Straight Talk Express?
Addressing a not-quite-full ballroom in the after-dinner slot, Barbour picked up the McCain banner of the weekend: all the straw polls in the world pale in comparison to the task ahead in '06.
And later, in emotional remarks about the impact of Katrina upon his native state, the governor singled out McCain for praise, saying that the "deficit hawk" came to the aid of Mississipi as they sought federal relief to rebuild the coast. Barbour said that McCain carried the message that the package that Sen's Lott and Cochran were pushing was "really a conservative solution."
The mentions of McCain, though, won little applause from the audience. In fact, Barbour seemed to in general almost lecture the group, directly prodding them for applause at one point.
Beyond the McCain bouquet, Barbour spoke of two necessary components for the GOP to be successful this fall. First, "big turnouts help Republicans." Barbour alluded to his own race in '03, which drew the most voters in the history of the state, and Pres Bush's 04 re-elect as examples.
Second, he said "when campaigns are about issues, Republicans win." Barbour asserted "that most Americans agree with us on the issues." Dems, Barbour said, want to focus elections on "emotion, scandal and personalities."
Also notable was Barbour's taking two direct knocks at the news media -- of which there were many prominent members in the back of the room. He said that it was they, the press, who were driving the unhealthy obsession with '08 WH politicking. Further, he praised the Bush admin's response to Katrina, saying that the feds were of great assistance -- "despite the complaints of the news media." Incidentally, Barbour also said that "faith-based group have been the backbone of our recovery," drawing immeditate and sustained applause from the true-believing audience.
Clearly still consumed (and for good reason) by all things Katrina, Barbour closed his remarks by saying that "it may be years, but the Mississippi Gulf Coast will be back bigger and better than ever before." At this, Barbour won his biggest and longest ovation yet.
Uh sorry no way... McCain will never get my vote.
Neither me.
Or Rudy
I say George Allen (VA) and Rice (CA)
I am not a one issue voter
but Rice'a pro choice views trouble me.
Rules are for Republicans only.
But Haley HAS said, repeatedly, that he will NOT run for president in '08, which I assume means that he would turn down being a V.P. candidate as well.
Forget about Rice...she is NOT going to run as anything!
I see your point.
Many here will argue the "W" liberal label.
But he shore does like to spend my money.
and this Ports deal still bothers me.
He has said he will not leave MS in the aftermath
of Katrina. So far as Gov he has been a man of his word.
I think he will continue to do so.
BUT he IS a politician. :>)
True...all true. :-)
With the exception of the War on Terror and the tax cut. Other than that I have not seen much to other wise indicate he is a conservative.
Since you are the only one who answered am I to presume
you are the Sidebar Mod? :>)
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