Posted on 07/30/2010 11:55:39 AM PDT by pissant
This is another installment of the Duncan Hunter interview series in which the former congressman and conservative stalwart discusses the issues of the day and offers his Reaganesque approach to solving the problems currently vexing our nation. With some luck, perhaps Hunter will throw his hat into the ring for the 2012 presidency. Either way, he certainly is not through serving this country as he pushes to re-ignite and finish the Reagan Revolution.
AJM: There you are, you sound much better than on the cell?
DH: Hey, how you doing there?
AJM: Not too shabby. Youre not out doing a fundraiser tonight, it appears.
DH: Nope. Just writing away here.
AJM: Hey, how did the two fundraisers go last week?
DH: It went well. We raised a nice sum for Gunny Pop here at the house. Just had some folks over here. Not an organized thing, but just a very informal event to raise some money for him. He had another one as well. I dont know how he did, but I presume pretty well. Were going to start doing some television.
AJM: Oh, is that right?
DH: Yeah, youve got to do that stuff early. These things dont happen by Immaculate Conception, so if you wait until October hoping that somehow people are going to discover you, youre in trouble. Youve got to go out early.
AJM: I assume he has been crisscrossing the district like a madman too.
DH: Oh yeah. Hes been out meeting a lot of people. But you absolutely have got to do a lot of stuff to win.
AJM: Yeah, its hard work, as you well know.
DH: Yeah. So hes hard at it, and were helping him. So thats good.
AJM: Thats fantastic. Hes a good one.
DH: So what are you up to?
AJM: Ive been busier than the proverbial one-legged man lately and
DH: Glad somebody is working.
AJM: Yes indeed. Got to take care of the clients, otherwise they can get snippy on me if I dont.
But Sam Crump, the conservative out in Arizona. He had an announcement on his website some time ago, and I think I brought it up to you, that you were ..
DH: I went out there.
AJM: Oh, so you did go out there for him?
DH: Yeah.
AJM: OK. I just didnt know if that ever took place. I see that your old buddy McCain came out and endorsed some RINO thats running against Sam.
DH: Well thats interesting, but not surprising. Thats the old Shadegg district. Its a good republican seat. So in keeping with Republican traditions, were going to spend 10 million dollars to decide who gets a sure fire district.
AJM: (laughs)
DH: And well lose the closely contested district by 50 votes, because we needed another $10K to put us over the top. Were not real smart.
AJM: (laughs)
DH: I mean that always happens. Everyone is an independent contractor, so you cant keep them from running.
So anyway, thats a complicated district in this sense. Theres a bunch of guys running, some of whom have a lot of money. One of whom is Dan Quayles son. I talked to Sydney oh, yeah, Sydney had her fundraiser out here, yeah. She did pretty good too. Its harder to raise money for people who arent in the district. Youve got to appeal to the folks that want the team to go over the top. But anyway, Crump is in that busy primary. Sydney thinks it might be tough for him. Youve got Quayle spending money like there is no tomorrow. And there are several other people there in the race. So its very hotly contested. But I liked Crump.
AJM: Yeah, well I read all of Sam Crumps literature, all his statements and policy positions. He sounds like the real deal. Hes a pretty conservative guy.
DH: Yeah, he is.
AJM: Anyway, I think you chose wisely and Ill see if I can help him a little bit. But I cant spread myself too thin.
DH: Yeah. So Crumps got a tough road. But thats a good reason to help him.
AJM: Yep, absolutely. Another no amnesty guy! I imagine that Sydney (Sydney Hay, GOP candidate for congress in AZ #1) has a tough primary as well?
DH: Oh yeah. I think though shes got a lot of name ID. And shes got money, and she has about $160,000 in the bank. But shes got a lot of name ID from last time. So, I think Sydney wins handily. Thats just my inkling here.
AJM: How about old Jesse? Jesse Kelly, down in Tucson?
DH: I got a call from Jesse. He says they are neck and neck.
AJM: Well, you might have to get back out there!
DH: Well, Im going to help him again at some point and get out. I got a call yesterday. Hes running against a state senator. These guys are all calculators. When they think they can win, they get in.
AJM: Yeah, the thing is, most of them I shouldnt say most of them but half of these guys are RINOs until they get into a situation where conservatism is the flavor of the day. Then all the sudden these limp wrists become rock ribbed Reaganites. But it seems to me that Kelly, who jumped in some time ago, was one right out of the gate.
DH: Absolutely. I agree with you.
AJM: But Ive got a couple more questions then Ill let you get on with your business.
DH: Go fast, because Im writing away here and Ive got a helper with me. Hes a PhD in history, so hes very expensive. (laughs). Hes a $100 per hour.
AJM: (laughs) Is that right? Thats more than I charge you! (laughing)
DH: Thats more than Im getting FROM YOU! (laughs).
OK, what do you got?
AJM: OK, Ill be real quick. The Arizona case yesterday, we lost. At least Obama won the initial round.
DH: I only saw what was on the news, so tell me what really happened.
AJM: The judge ruled, she set aside the enforcement provisions of the Arizona law, saying you cant do this until it has finally worked its way through the court system. So she set aside anything with teeth. But of course your friend Joe Arpaio, the Sheriff out there, said Im not changing a thing. So, I dont know if its going to affect him, but it will likely affect some of the other ones, the law enforcement out there.
DH: So they set aside the enforcement of the law?
AJM: They cant ask, if they have reasonable suspicion, they cannot ask to see the documents of the suspected illegal aliens. Isnt that ridiculous?
DH: Yes.
AJM: How the hell else are they supposed to tell if they are illegal? Of course, Arizona immediately appealed.
DH: Now, did she set that aside permanently, or did she set it aside until the final case is decided?
AJM: Yeah, she didnt rule it unconstitutional, she just set it aside, I believe, until the full case is heard. The law was supposed to go into effect yesterday, but shes saying you cant check their papers. And thats the whole point: To allow local law enforcement to check for immigration status. But we still have some hope for it; its not the end of the road for it.
DH: That may be a victory that the Obama Administration doesnt want to have around their necks going into the election.
AJM: Well, they were out there crowing about it.
DH: Well first, the Obama Administration is doing this strictly for the politics. Because they KNOW the border is out of control there and they are not offering to accelerate construction of the fence or do anything else to help.
AJM: They put the brakes on it completely.
DH: Yeah, thats my point. Theyre not saying in good faith, lets secure the border, but we dont like the way youre doing it, heres our way. Theyre offering NO WAY. So for all practical purposes, they are perpetuating an open border. They are content to leave the floodgates wide open.
AJM: Absolutely. And here is the proof. I got proof today, and this is the main reason I called you tonight. You know how we talked a little bit before about how Chuck Grassley and some of the senators had written a letter to Obama saying, hey, we hear rumor that you guys are trying to do an executive order amnesty?
DH: Yeah.
AJM: Well, turns out it wasnt rumor. They got the documents; Grassley managed to get the documents from the administration. And they have like an 8 point plan for all the things they can do to give amnesty without the legislators input. So hair is on fire right now. Ill send you this PDF and the news story thats on it. National Review covered it. Numbers USA covered it today. A few outlets have covered it already today. I know youre busy writing the book, but if you could write an article and get it out, maybe send it to the San Diego Tribune, or somebody; this is diabolical.
DH: Yeah, whip it over to me. There ought to be a large hue and cry, a lot of people in Congress should be commenting on this!
AJM: Yeah, but it just broke. And unfortunately, as you well know, theres a large contingent of the GOP that really doesnt care about this subject.
DH: You mean out of the almost 200 GOP representatives, none of them are saying a word? That cant be!
AJM: Well, Grassley is. And maybe they havent had time to digest it all yet.
DH: That should be explosive news!
AJM: And it is, and
DH: Are you sure it is? Are you sure youve got whats been advertised?
AJM: Yes, absolutely. Im sure youll see people like Steve King, Im sure hell come out and say something. Maybe JD Hayworth will say something, even thought hes not elected now. I mean, I anticipate that all the usual suspects will come out and say something. The other Republicans, mmmmmm, well see. The reason I think you are the best choice to give a response is that you have moral authority. Lots of people still see you as the kingpin of the anti-amnesty crowd.
DH: Well send it on over. But the things that I have done, the contribution Ive had, has been securing parts of the border by building the fence. Ive left a lot of the talking head stuff to the other guys, because in the end, all theyve done is have a good conversation. What Ive done is construction, basically, and some enforcement. Construction works. (laughs)
AJM: Thats true. But youre being too modest. I went through your congressional record back in 2007.
DH: But listen, King has been on the television every other night. Hes part of the talking crowd.
AJM: (laughs)
DH: Hes been a great supporter of border enforcement, rhetorically, and thats been good. Let me see, who else? Obviously Tancredo. But these guys have actually done more speaking and talking about amnesty and immigration than I have. What Ive done is just gone out and built stuff.
AJM: Well, youre selling yourself short.
DH: No listen, I think action is always better than words! Im not selling myself short. Ive done real stuff. But you want me to join the debate club. (laughs)
AJM: You ARE selling yourself short. Not that the construction wasnt fantastic and genuine and concrete and absolutely needed, but you proposed, either sponsored or cosponsored, legislation of course a lot of it failed by hitting brick walls with dems and RINOs but you sponsored or cosponsored some 80 or 90 bills or amendments dealing with illegal immigration, above and beyond just the fencing.
DH: Yeah, but in the end, the only thing, or one of the few things that have been of substance has been the fencing. Its impact has been dramatic, where it gets built. All those other 90 bills, even the things that initially got some Democrat co-sponsors early on, fell apart. You know like E-Verify? One thing we got was that employers didnt want to, and in most cases couldnt, be the ones to determine the validation of documents, the validity of documents. So we made something very easy for them, which was E-Verify, where they knock out the social security number and they get either a yea or a nay. In the end, even that has lost Democrat support. So essentially, the Democrats turned, almost without exception, without debating the point, they turned into the open borders crowd.
AJM: Thats true. They see illegal aliens and hispancis as their meal ticket.
DH: Yeah, thats what they think.
AJM: But youve had, for example, legislation to punish sanctuary cities, to end the anchor baby nonsense. By the way, your son came out with the other day new legislation too on sanctuary cities. Did you know that?
DH: I know hes been working hard on it.
AJM: I think hes now got it drafted up, and hes got cosponsors coming on. So hes taking up in your footsteps. And just like you, taking the heat. Youve dealt with all these things over the years. And youre right; most of them have been smothered in the crib, so to speak.
DH: (laughs loudly). Yeah, they just havent had enough support. But nonetheless, theyve been good talking points for the cause. But in the end the only thing that has really worked has been the real fencing.
AJM: Ill switch gears on you in a minute, but some of that gum flapping you did
DH: (laughs) I dont do gum flapping. Ive endorsed stuff. But if you look at the debates, and you saw all the guys that just go out and talk and talk and talk about the immigration issue, Ive been there, usually writing or supporting the bills, but Ive tried to be a man of few words, but more action.
AJM: No doubt.
DH: So I havent spent a lot of time singing to the choir, like most people do in this business, right? At some point you have to move forward and try to do things that are meaningful and real. So thats what Ive done.
AJM: Thats true. But there are certainly exceptions to that, and one big recent one. And that was in 2007 when the amnesty bill was imminent remember Bush said see you at the signing of McCain-Kennedy? you led the charge, though you had a lot of help, you led the charge condemning that in no uncertain terms.
DH: Yep. Im against any amnesty. I condemned it during the presidential debates, with McCain there on the stage with me: The Kenndy-McCain bill. Highly popular in New Hampshire. (laughs)
So thats all true. But on the other hand, to go back to my original point, the only thing of substance that has occurred to inhibit illegal immigration, and all the smuggling that has attended this illegal wave, has ultimately been the fence. So thats what Ive concentrated on.
AJM: Thats not altogether true; youre still selling yourself short. (laughs)
DH: No, no, Im selling myself STRONG. Listen, there are a lot of guys that spend tons of time talking. Which to a certain degree is necessary to present the point to the people and to initiate action. But the action is more important than the talking. Its always been that way.
If you go to the debates for example, I pointed out the fallacy of the McCain-Kennedy bill. It needed to be exposed for what it was: Amnesty. I recall the main time talking about it was when it came up at the New Hampshire presidential debate. But, in EVERY debate, I pointed out the efficacy of the border fence. So I didnt get too wound up in sanctuary cities, and anchor babies and all the issues that attend this debate. It was for this reason: If you have a secure border, most of those other issues go away, to a large degree. If Arizona, today, had a secure border, they wouldnt be having this debate right now.
You know one alternative for Arizona? It is to build the fence; for the State Government to build the fence.
AJM: Theyd probably be sued again by the Obama Administration.
DH: Im not sure they could. The state has, under their rights as a sovereign state, they have a right to control the flow of people coming in. Just as they have the right to have stop stations at their borders where they ask the inevitable question do you have or fruits or vegetables in your car - right? They have a right, as a state, to determine whether people coming into their state are legal or not. And they have a right and an obligation to protect their installations. So I think a state certainly has a right to put up a border fence.
But my point is, when you go out on a broad front, sometimes you lose the ability to drive a single issue home. What Ive tried to be most persistent in is border security. While other folks talk about all these other attended issues, most of those attended issues are a function of not having an enforceable border.
AJM: Thats true. But when I say you are selling yourself short, Im saying you are not giving yourself enough credit for some of the other things you did. You had sponsored multiple times, and some of them were actually successful, legislation for larger detention facilities, and Border
DH: Yeah, I helped to increase the Border Patrol. But those are physical border security related, that go to interdicting illegal aliens coming across the border. And that all goes to a physically strong border. Its our national sovereignty, and our national security, to have real border. But it doesnt go to the internal politics which youve been discussing. Those are all important and they highlight the issue. But Tancredos spent 10 times the floor time that I have talking about what I would call the interior politics and policies.
AJM: Yes he has, and he has about 1/10th the number of amendments and bills that you put forward to deal with them. So he was a lot of hat and few cattle on that one (laughs).
DH: No, no. Tancredo did a lot of good stuff. But listen, thanks for telling me what a great guy I was. Its usually not a challenge to assure fat, old ex-congressmen that they were really great. (laughs) Getting them to accept that praise is usually not a toughie.
AJM: (Laughs)
DH: Anyway, what else is new? Ive got to just a few minutes. I need to get about 10 more typed pages done before midnight.
AJM: Listen, Ill let you run. But I just wanted to mention that I think your son, Duncan D., has bested you already in his short career. He won an award I dont recall you even being considered for. You know the Hill? The publication called the Hill?
DH: Yeah.
AJM: Well they just awarded Duncan as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in Washington DC. Did you know that? (laughs)
DH: Yeah. I heard. And Ive got a capper for that.
AJM: Yeah?
DH: When the Washington Post reported on it, they put my picture in the paper instead of his! (laughing)
AJM: HA!!! Youre kidding, arent you? (laughing)
DH: No!
AJM: Now THAT is hilarious!!
On that note, Ill sign off. Ill get you the PDF for the Obama amnesty plan to you tonight though.
DH: OK. Send it over. Ill look at Mr. Obamas grand plan here. Well talk to you later.
In case you missed these....
Duncan Hunter Interview 07-20-10: Barry & Hugo, the Monroe Doctrine & a Patriot Pop Quiz
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2557510/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 07-16-10, Pt II: Obamas Immigration Fraud and Some American Heroes
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2557375/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 07-16-10, Part 1: Uncle Fester, Mitt Romney, and taming the EPA Monster
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2555621/posts
Duncan Hunter Takes on Obamas Planned Executive Order Amnesty and Elena Kagan
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2544451/posts
Duncan Hunter 6/22/10 Interview PART 2: Joe Barton vs. The Hypocrits & Arizona vs. Obama
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2541291/posts
Duncan Hunter 6/22/10 Part 1: Iraq Reality vs. The Wash. Post & Gen. McChrystal Vs. Obama
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2540963/posts
Duncan Hunter interview 6/9/10: CA Elections, Virtual Appearances, Chicom Dangers, and more!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2536020/posts
Duncan Hunter talks War: The Korean flareup, Vietnam, and Leftwing Disgraces - Interview 5/26/10
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2522373/posts
Tradin with Reagan and Gaggin on Kagan: Duncan Hunter Interview May 17, 2010, Part II
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2517498/posts
On Knuckleheaded Apologies, Russia & Iran, and Border Politics: Duncan Hunter 5/17/10, Part I
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2516378/posts
A very, very Brief Conversation with Duncan Hunter: 5/17/10 - Chuck DeVore endorsement!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2515430/posts
Duncan Hunter FR Exclusive: On Gunny Pop, Chuck DeVore, Car Bombers, Anchor Babies and more!!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2509921/posts
Duncan Hunter on GOP & Tea Party Politics, Rick Perry and Ilegal Aliens
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2504213/posts
Duncan Hunter (of course) Supports Arizonas crackdown on Illegal Aliens
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2501797/posts
Duncan Hunter 4/8/10: Obamas Nuke Puke, Stimulating Russia Jobs, and that Evil Oil
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2490025/posts
Duncan Hunter Talks 4/1/10: Shooting Donkeys, Phony v. Real Protests, & McCains border security!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2485034/posts
Duncan Hunter Takes Obama, Biden and Grahamnesty to the Woodshed & More!(Interview 3/19/10)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2475394/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 3-5-2010: On Obama the Apostrate, The Reagan Doctrine, and Aging Hippies
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2465638/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 2/24/2010 McCain v Hayworth, OReilly v 2A, w/cameo from Gunny Pop
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2458713/posts
Duncan Hunter Slams the Obama Adminstration over push for Gays in the Military
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2444696/posts
Duncan Hunter Slams Obamas SOTU! 1-28-2010 Interview
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2439864/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 1/21/2010: Mass. Miracle, Obama, Cheney, Jobs, McCain-Feingold & More!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2435091/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 1-8-2010: GOP Primary Politics, JD Hayworth, Panty Bomber and FOOTBALL
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2425011/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview - Dec. 18, 2009: On Christmas Blessings, the Gay Agenda, and Don Rumsfeld
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2412548/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview - Dec 8, 2009: On Huckabee, the EPA, GOP Amnesty Hacks, and Harry Reid!!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2404824/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 12-01-2009: Obamas Weak Speech, SEALS, ClimateGate, and Shrinking Uncle Sam
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2398503/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 11-17-09: Terrorist Trials in NY, Amnesty, Sarah Palin and More!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2391044/posts
Duncan Hunter Interview 11-10-09: Gunny Pop, Afghanistan, Terrorism & Political Correctness!!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2384405/posts
Duncan Hunter Nov. 4, 2009: On the 2009 Elections, Global Warming Alarmists, and Ronald Reagan!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2378862/posts
Duncan Hunter October 27, 2009: On ObamaCare, RomneyCare and Americans!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2372627/posts
Duncan Hunter 10/9/09 Interview. Bomb Iran, confront China, and work to defeat Socialism!
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2360735/posts
DH PING
BTTT—still the best...
The next time you talk to Congressman Hunter, why don’t you ask him what he thinks about Sarah Palin?
See post #2, fifth link from the bottom.
I’d vote for him in a heartbeat
Mr. Skinner, how goes things?
I hope we get the chance. If not, then he needs to be the next Sec of Defense or Homeland Security poobah.
AJM: Thats for sure. OK. That answers that. Somebody had asked me, who could not attend this conference, to ask you a question regarding Sarah Palin. I dont know if youve turned on a TV lately, but shes everywhere. Shes got a new book just released today number 1 bestseller. Shes on Oprah and Barbara Walters and basically it is her re-introduction after she quit her governorship. So what do you think about Sarah Palin and her future in the Republican Party?
DH: You know, I dont know Governor Palin well. And Im not close to their campaign. So I dont know her well enough to comment on what her strategy may be for the next couple of years. But I think she provided some energy to the Republican Party. And I think she has provided a strong role model for conservative women who want to get involved in politics, and to take the fight back to the liberal feminist side which has dominated Democratic politics.
So I think Sarah Palin was a refreshing contrast to the model that the liberal media was shoving at us as to what women in politics should be. She represented independence, individualism. I dont know, Im not familiar with all of her activities as a governor in Alaska so its tough to comment on that.
But I think, generally speaking, shes a refreshing new presence on the political scene and I wish her well.
AJM: Very good. The suggestion was that wed send her up to Idaho shes from Idaho originally as a little kid and youd take her hunting. Not only could you guys have a good time hunting together, but that you could impart some of your military and foreign policy wisdom to her at that time. One of the criticisms of her, fair or not, was she doesnt have a full grasp on certain aspects of what the Presidency entails when it comes to foreign policy or military affairs, national security, sovereignty, the types of things youre known for. So wed love to send her up to you at some point at least to meet. Would you be interested in meeting her?
DH: (Laughs) Well, of course. Listen; there are lots of people that have information, that have good backgrounds in national security who could brief up Sarah Palin.
I thought in the debates and interviews that she needed to have three or four positions that are classic republican, conservative positions, like Peace through Strength, and she needed to assert those. And remember Charlie Gibson, I think, was the first major interview that Sarah Palin did. I think she needed to assert those strongly, and stake out conservative positions, rather than kind of trying to handle the volleys that the media was throwing at her. I would have had a little different strategy going in to that.
But you know, I think Sarah Palin did a good job in the campaign. And certainly the campaign was in tough shape when Sarah Palin came onto the ticket. I think she was value added. Absolutely.
I would like to get Hunters current take on Palin/McCain and more importantly Palinamnesty.
He’s been so immersed between writing his book and campaigning for congresscritter candidates, that I’d be surprised if he’s been following her or any of the other potential presidential candidates. But we can always ask.
..as Dickens put it—the best of times, the worst of times—family health issues, but am getting married soon—very happy—I miss you guys Jim...
Married? Wow. Big step. Get used to the fact that the queen of the castle trumps the kingship. LOL
LOL—I’ll never forget Charlton Heston’s great line when asked how he stayed happily married for those many years. He said “I remembered just four words—”Honey I was wrong.” ROFL...
Hunter, unlike Tancredo, seldom goes after people with soundbite worthy scoldings (with a few hilarious exceptions). Rather he goes after policies. And I can assure you that he will oppose any attempts at “reform” that include an amnesty.
Great suggestion.
LOL. Yep. But don’t think admitting fault (even when you both know you are right) is going to give you points down the line. Just accept your fate.
Pissant makes me dislike Duncan Hunter. I must stop that. He’s like, Hunter’s worst PR guy ever.
Well, we all can’t like everyone.
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