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Posted on 09/05/2011 12:35:27 PM PDT by ken5050
I turned on the TV shortly before noon. Wanted to see if C-span was carrying Palin's speech in NH. I hate those bugs and crawlers and other distractions on FOX, CNN, and MSNBC. It wasn't on C-Span, but they were airing Col. West's town hall from 8/31, and I watched it, and was totally blown away.
Like many here, I first became aware of Col West's story via posts on FR. I've followed it closely...all the way through his win last November. And I've seen him many times on the cable shows, as well as watched clips of many of his speeches. I've been a supporter, including financially, for over two years. We need men like West in Congress. His most excellent reports to his constituents, via email and video clip, are always posted here on FR.
But I've also tended to view West as somewhat of a gadfly ( in the best sense of the word.) Every party needs a few individuals who possess the ability to both energize the base and also drive the opposition nuts. West does that admirably. Indeed, he seems to relish, even embrace that role. I suspect that's partly due to his military career. You're taught to "find, fix, and destroy" the enemy.
But in all candor, I've also been dismissive of those frequent calls for West to either run for the Senate, or even be considered as a possible choice for VP. I didn't think he was ready for either.
Florida has been at the epicenter of the political universe ever since 2000. Early in 2009, I saw the cover story ( "Yes He Can!" ) in National Review, about Marco Rubio. I'd just recently moved to Tampa and knew next-to-nothing about the man. Two weeks after, I read that he was holding a meet and greet in Clearwater. I drove over, and spent two hours being blown away by his brilliance, and his personality. He spoke briefly about why he was running, and then took questions from the audience..on any and all topics. Rubio is, in baseball parlance, "a natural." And after signing up to volunteer, and writing a check, as I was walking out of the restaurant, I, along with several others, felt that we could well be watching a future President of the United States.
You all know the happy outcome of that Senate race. Florida also elected a conservative governor, who is keeping his promises, and the state is starting to turn things around. We face a challenging battle in the state legislature, and possibly the courts, over redistricting, but Florida is getting back to being solid RED territory.
Obama's poll numbers look awful, and most importantly, there is no realistic electoral vote scenario by which he can win reelection without winning the state. And he will NOT carry Florida.
We also have the opportunity to defeat Bill Nelson for the senate. He is old, tired, a hack, and will be hurt with Obama atop the ticket. This race is ours. We should win it, unless we manage to screw it up..
And because the senate seat is viewed as being very winnable, we've attracted a slew of candidates. One, Mike Haridopoulous, who was viewed early on as the likely front-runner, has already dropped out of the race.
Many of those who early on felt that Rubio could indeed win, have bestowed the same impramateur on Adam Hasner. A solid conservative, with good credentials, he has so far failed badly in any attemtp to break out in early polling. He doesn't seem to be resonating with the base. I've seen him in person, and can't quite put my finger on why he's not connecting. Possibly it's just that being hyped as "the NEXT Marco Rubio" is an impossible act to follow.
For those who want to get a fuller sense of Hasner..who he is and what he's about...RedState.com has the full video of his speech at their meeting last month..the same one where Perry announced that he was running for the WH. Possibly someone can kindly post a link as well.
I've been inclined towards Hasner, but haven't as yet committed. There are a few others already announced, and they've starting hurling accusations and brickbats against each other. Just what we need...NOT!
And of course, this being Florida, there's always the rainbow, (perhaps you'd prefer "spectre") of Jeb Bush hanging over it all. Maybe here believe that Hasner is just a stalking horse for Jeb. But be assured, if Jeb wants it, he can have the nomination for the asking. Everyone else will bow out, and gracefully. And Jeb will have NO problem beating Nelson.
So last week, out of the blue, we get this blurb that Col. West, after meeting with some potential supporters, has decided NOT to pursue the senate nomination. Hello! I didn't even know that he was considering it..seriously or just out of politeness.I thought it was a funny "non-story" story...one of those silly things you always get in the election season..
And then, ( as I began this blog) earlier today I watched the tape of West's town hall meeting, and was totally blown way.
He was, well..simply magnificent. here's really no other way to state it. Quiet, soft-spoken, yet forceful..it's called "command presence." He's blessed with an abundance. His talk was a tour de force...displaying a knowledge of, an awareness of, a wide range of topics..all without the benefit of index cards or a teleprompter. No weaseling, or equivocating..it was a bravura performance. I URGE YOU TO WATCH IT FOR YOURSELVES AND DECIDE.
And just then, it hit me.
1. West had announced that he's not considering a senate run because Jeb told him he was getting into the race.
2. However, if #1 isn't true, then we Florida Republicans need to start a petition drive to draft West to run for the Senate. He is far too valuable, as a national conservative figure, to waste in the House. West, as a senator, being able to speak for more than the 2 minutes on the House floor, or 5 minutes in committee, well..he'd make C-span 2, along with Rubio and a few others..MUST-SEE Political TV.
I suspect ( though this is purely speculation on my part) that West did have thoughts of a Senate run, but felt that he owed it to his constituents to serve then in the House, and to come back and hear from them at home, rather than begin immediately to campaign all over the state for the senate seat. He is, above all, a man of honor and principle. And that's why he would, IMHO, be responsive to a state wide petition drive. He knows that real leaders "lead from the front."
And there's always the really, REALLY long shot possibility..West doesn't run...the GOP hopefully still wins the seat, but Rubio in fact does accept the VP nomination.
That would mean that Gov. Scott would have a Senate vacancy to fill, and I ask you..who better that Alan West?
Last thoughts..er..possibilities....West is re-elected to his congressional seat. We have a Republican president, and Rubio is still in the Senate.. and a new Republican senator from Florida. West's career opportunities are therefore somewhat limited. He does not appear to be best suited for a role in the House leadership.
The new president will have to select a Cabinet, and I would submit that Col. West would be a superb choice as Secretary of Defense. The military faces a great many challenges in the next few years, and there is no one better that Westto head the department. The troops would love it, would embrace him.. It has been far too long since we had a SecDef with a real understanding of our nation's military.
So..there you have it...either Sen. West, or SecDef West.
FYI..List ping, if you’d be soooo kind. Thanks.
Of course, since he was able to handle Iraqis shooting at him, I guess demonRAT plants sniping at him aren't too tough.
My vote is for SecDef, the military really needs a guy that's been there and done that, and he'd get the fags out of the military in a heartbeat.
How about he do more then make speeches before we give him a promotion? I haven’t been too happy with his votes since he got into office.
“...either Sen. West, or SecDef West.”
.
Hmm, not a bad choice. And John Bolton for Sec. of State.
Cain/West... win-win.
Agreed. Alan West would make a superb SECDEF.
What,
And have a Sec. of Defense who actually has Americas best interests at heart?
NO way!!!!
Instead of say doing mooselimb outreach?
353FMG you are mad.
Sure soon as he changes those RINO Lefty votes he has been making to conservative,Do you guys follow a voting record or just listen to his BS??
I like Allen West. Almost moved to his district last year to vote for him, but decided there were local races in my district that needed my vote, and I didn't know the local races down there in his district.
For Senate, I would encourage you to look at Col. Mike McCallister. He's a great guy, pretty conservative, has good values, many years of military experience (and a security clearance). He undrstands the foreign policy aspects of being a Senator (confirming ambassadors and cabinet people), and he's a veteran with many years in the military (20 years I think, but don't quote me on that without researching it).
Nelson has had the veteran's vote locked up. You won't win a Senate seat representing Florida without that demographic. Most of the other candidates 1) don't understand that and 2) don't have a plan to win that demographic block.
I love Bolton! I'd love to see him as vice president!!!
I have not been folllowing West. Can you specify the "RINO lefty votes" he has made that you object to? Generalities like the above mean nothing.
Which of his votes have been bad.
I agree, Secy. Def. He might even make a good Secy. of State. But really you could plug him in almost anywhere...he was a commander on the ground, but also his highest duty was logistics, which means logically dealing with reality, and problem solving.
I saw him talking about the NLRB and the Boeing debacle and thought, what a hoot he’d make as Secy. of Labor...kicking around all those commies in that department...
I’ve forgotten the legislation’s title, but there was money for black farmers, which was essentially a scam. When someone confronted West with the details, he immediately regreted his vote.
I think his biggest problem is too much stuff being forced through without enough time to research. Those in FL might want to make themselves voluntary advisors & quickly get to him with details when problematic legislation comes up.
Really ????????? That is Scary Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUDE This is free republic NOT Banana republic, it all is here Gather it in!
He Joined the Black caucus.
He voted for the Pigford Reparations "FOR" mind you right along racial lines.
Voted Against defunding Obama Care!
Voted for the Libyan funding.
Is selective on abortions voted for Obamas medical centers a collection point for planned parenthood.
voted for The debt cap increase and 2.4 Trillion for obama Then he gives a speech for the Fags!
Ok one wrong vote. Sounds excusable. Anything else?
But anyway it’s good that he wants to master this job first before moving on up.
I like your suggestion for volunteers.
He needs to stay in the Congress.
He needs to establish a record to go farther. Secretary of Defense is no where to start running for President from.
Maybe so, but he could always jump back in the Senate, or maybe do a term or two as govenor...he’s young, just 50.
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