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 guess it would be OK for you if the illegals were all white EuroSocialists instead.
Actually, the best candidate will draw to him the best team. It's a vicious circle. The best campaign workers (managers, pollsters) will go to the candidate they think has a reasonable chance to win.
Thank you. I feel mighty welcome on the light side.
I suspect that Senator Allen will view that as a challenge to overcome not an obstacle to success.
Allen is a former governor with Executive experience.
I see you're making light of the third world immigration issue.
I surmise that you must be benefitting from it.
You're posterity, eventually, won't. Mark my words on this. I know what you're thinking. You think that when the sh*t starts to hit the fan, you'll be running back to civilization - Europe. Well, I'm here to tell you that I will be here to defend our forefathers' heritage from the hordes of third world illegal aliens.
If Hitlery runs, that is a moot point.
That's right! I am not voting for any man that cheats on his wife. I don't know about Owens, but I do know Tim Hutchinson.
What did the NRA rate Allen?
George Allen was governor of Virginia before he was term-limited out. He has exec experience. It shouldn't be a problem.
No.
I want them here legally if they are to enter the country.
According to a Handgun Control Press Release, aka Brady he received an "A" from the NRA.
I'm in Spotsylvania County which is split 80/20 between the 1st CD (Jo Ann Davis) and 7th CD (Eric Cantor); social and fiscal conservatives, we love them both! I've been hearing a lot of chatter in DC about Jo Ann taking the next open Senate seat. She already holds the distinction of being the first woman from the Commonwealth elected to the House, that would give her both honors.
I'm curious if you think the fact that Cantor is Jewish could hurt him statewide? Or help him? Or have no effect?
Reelect, no question. If he didn't run again and Mark Warner picked up his senate seat, that would look really really bad. Even worse than when Bill Owens didn't run for Campbell's seat and Salazar ended up winning.
With a reelect, Allen has an excuse to raise lots of money, which he can save for the prez election (as JFnKerry did) if he doesn't have a tough opponent. If he DOES have a tough opponent (Warner) he'll get added attention and prestige from beating him.
I think of him as the anti-Lieberman. I don't know that his religion has really mattered that much.
"If Hitlery runs, that is a moot point."
Good point, just about all of the demo's stars are Senators except for Dean who doesn't have a chance.
I like George Allen and Mark Sanford. I'm kinda torn on whom to throw in with (not that anyone is really clamoring for my support :) I think an Allen-Giuliani ticket would be unbeatable.
There's a lot of hype over Warner running on the dem ticket, too. As a number of others have pointed out on other threads, Warner is Edwards-lite (and a horrible governor).
Please add me to your George Allen ping list -- as Mud can attest, I have been a fan of his for a long time and think he should run with J.C. Watts in 2008! That is my dream ticket.
J.C. spent countless hours in the black communities this time to get more votes for the President and is still very popular all over the Country. George Allen has been at the top of my list for a long time and thought he has done a fantastic job heading up NRSC!
Don't count Howard Dean out. If I were still a looney liberal democrat......I would want Dean to run in '08. If he doesn't go for DNC chairman, he's getting ready for '08.
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