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
I know he's genuine. I was just wondering how the Iowa crowd reacted to him.
Ditto that!
Old Dominion FReepers ROCK...MUD
The Republican nominee will be the one who assembles the best campaign team. It don't make no difference how great the horse is, without a trainer and jockey it ain't gonna be a winner.
Wow, I'm totally flattered. Corin and Mudboy are way more knowledgeable than I am, though. And Sultan - God rest his soul.
I think they liked him. You have to remember the mind set of the typical Iowa Delegate,,, most are quite conservative, so they were happy to see someone other than Rudy & Pataki.
Does Dick Wadhams count?
Well, technically I have a Richmond ping list and a Kilgore ping list. But you're on.
I think you need to set up a "George Allen for Pres in 2008" ping list.
I think you're right...
Not if he keeps caving in to the dems....
Allen has hired Dick Wadhams, who helped Thune get elected, and is arguably one of the biggest behind-the-scenes talents that the GOP has.
George Allen is a good man. A nice man. With a beautiful family. BUT, unless he has someone like Rove behind him, I don't think he can survive the democrat's scorched earth way of campaigning. And the MSM. It's going to be ugly. Can Allen kick ass and take names??
Tell me about him. At a minimum I would want a manager who has won at least a couple major Senate or Gubernatorial races. The big contributors look very carefully at a candidate's organization.
Wow...that's quite interesting..not many strategists can claim dumping a sitting majority leader. That along with Allen's success overall in the Senate campaigns (sans Coors) gives him a great headstart for '08. Being a former governor I think insulates him somewhat from just being viewed as Senator (a.k.a. Kerry, Kerrey, Dole, Gramm) etc..
How about using the Kilgore ping list as a starting point for an Allen ping list?
If you're getting this ping you are current on ping lists for Jerry Kilgore for Governor in 2005 and George Allen for President in 2008.
Let me know if you want on or off either list.
heh...
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