Posted on 01/05/2005 11:26:57 AM PST by WoodstockCat
PREMATURE 2008 PUNDITRY [Rich Lowry ] Here is how one GOP insider sees the state of play (in other words, not necessarily my take on things). Rudy Guiliani wasn't fundamentally hurt by the Kerik flap. Its ultimately Kerik's problem, not Giuliani's. The former mayor is loved by GOP crowds and has great all-around political skills. He has something of George W. Bush's ability to connect with individuals in a crowded room. He was a wonderful surrogate for Bush last year. But his problem on gays, guns, and abortion is probably insurmountable. It is likely he can't fix it short of totally revising his positions, and that will be difficult given his tough-guy, straight-shooter image. Bill Frist is in perhaps the strongest position. He will soak up publicity as Senate Majority Leader, leading on issues like judges. He headed the senatorial committee when the GOP took back the Senate. He is close to the White House, has a good relationship with Dick Cheney, and is loyal to Bush. He is pro life and knows how to talk to socially conservative audiences. He will be able to raise a ton of money. Jeb Bush won't run. He is arguably the most talented GOP officeholder in the country. He would probably be the strongest GOP candidate. But he considers the dynastic issue too serious to overcome. Because of his family and faith, he doesn't lust after the job like most politicians. And he is 52 in February, so is young enough to wait, eight years if neccessary (he probably wouldn't take the VP slot if offered). The theory is that he has to skip at least one cycle the way W did to have some distance from his dad and the way Hillary did to have some distance from Bill. George Allen is a politician to watch. He wears cowboy boots, he is tall and handsome, he doesn't take himself too seriously, he's a solid conservative, and he's putting together a tip-notch team. It will be hard for any senator to get traction, however, when the Senate Majority Leader is running. Mitt Romney is going to have a hard time connecting with the social sonservative base of the party given his Mormon faith--just a fact of life. For what it's worth... Posted at 02:08 PM
Dear Old Dominion FReepers...more scuttlebutt about our boy George Allen runnin' fer POTUS...MUD
Dear Old Dominion FReepers...more scuttlebutt about our boy George Allen runnin' fer POTUS...MUD
Bush is a business executive at heart with a Harvard MBA. Savvy business executives implement effective succession plans.
Bush may have a succession plan that sees Cheney serving through the 2006 election, resigning to become an advisor to the upcoming 2008 campaign. Then George Bush could appoint George Allen as his VP -- especially if a Republican governor is elected after Warner's term is up.
There would then be an sense of incumbency running against the Democrat pack in 2008 together with 2 years more of national name recognition for Allen and Bush's personal political grooming for the job when he retires from office.
Bush is a business executive at heart with a Harvard MBA. Savvy business executives implement effective succession plans.
Bush may have a succession plan that sees Cheney serving through the 2006 election, resigning to become an advisor to the upcoming 2008 campaign. Then George Bush could appoint George Allen as his VP -- especially if a Republican governor is elected after Warner's term is up.
There would then be an sense of incumbency running against the Democrat pack in 2008 together with 2 years more of national name recognition for Allen and Bush's personal political grooming for the job when he retires from office.
George has my support the nanosecond he declares. . .
Yes, Senators do not win very often.....so....put Owens on top:-)
I know I can make it from northern Accomac County to Hampton Roads in 2-2.5 hours.........
Makes a lot of sense to me. I love the idea of George Allen becoming VP in 06
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a36025ceb20ee.htm
To: mrsmith
Did you happen to bookmark (or favorites) the thread where I posted the articles about Allen that you alerted me to? I'd like to place a link to them in the candidate discussions that come up from time to time. We could be the "draft Allen" committee. :^D
From: Anthem
09/18/98 23:40:30 EDT
Free Republic: We give you the real news- and over six years before anyone else tells you!
Quoted you above.
But they don't win very often for a reason... little to no executive experience.
Allen WAS a governor.
Hey, I like Allen...would love to see him run and have said that for a long time. If not 2008, then 2012...he's young enough, I believe!!
I guess I'm in better shape than you are. Jack Reid stood tall against the tax increases, but Stosch need to go.
Add me to the G. Allen ping list, too, please!
Virgina, home of Presidents, bump.
Bump to remind all Virginia FReepers to donate! We're number 8 on the scoreboard. That's SICK!
Please put me on your ping list as well.
Thanks for the pings. George Allen is the number one draft pick in my book. His going out there and connecting with the Iowa delegation tells me he's testing the waters and that's great news!
He also served part of a term in Congress until the RATS redistricted him out.
Hey! I'm a monthly donor.
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