Sen. George Allen for President?

NewsMax ^ | 3/7/05 | Kathleen Antrim

[wagglebee]

Speculation rages as to who will run for president in 2008. It takes only a few minutes of conversation with Republican Senator George Allen of Virginia to understand why top-level Republicans are encouraging him to run. His easy charm, straight talk, quick wit, mental acuity and experience separate him from the pack of would-be candidates.

Formerly the governor of Virginia, Sen. Allen also served as a U.S. representative and in the Virginia House of Delegates. Now serving on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he's putting his experience to work around the globe.

While on a recent trip to the Middle East, Allen met with American military troops and government officials from both Iraq and Israel.

Allen told me about his long and encouraging conversation with Ibrahim al-Jaafari of the United Shiite Alliance – the mostly likely choice to be the next Iraqi prime minister.

I asked the senator if he was concerned that al-Jaafari might turn Iraq into a theocracy.

Without hesitation, he responded: "No. Not with him [al-Jaafari]."

Allen detailed his talk with the Iraqi leader, where they agreed on many important principles. They discussed the four pillars of freedom: freedom of religion, expression, private ownership of property, and the rule of law under a system of justice.

The senator brought a copy of the Virginia Bill of Rights to share with al-Jaafari, which Allen considers to be even stronger than the ten amendments that were adopted to form the Bill of Rights.

Allen said that al-Jaafari considers himself to be a religious man who believes that there must be religious tolerance and that all Iraqi citizens must have equal rights. Religion should neither enhance nor diminish a citizen's rights.

Al-Jaafari even pointed out to Allen that the United States has "In God We Trust" on our currency, but there is still tolerance. And al-Jaafari specifically stated that he didn't want Iraq to be like Iran.

Allen explained the significance of al-Jaafari's potential rise to power. If al-Jaafari becomes the next Iraqi prime minister, then Iraq will be the only Arab country to be ruled by a Shiite. All other Arab countries are ruled by Sunnis. (Iran is considered Persian, not Arab.)

This is a great opportunity to show the Arab world that the Shiites can govern. And to that end, al-Jaafari told Allen, he felt a huge responsibility to succeed.

During their talk, they shared some Virginia peanuts, after al-Jaafari politely asked the senator to taste a few first. Yes, Iraq is a dangerous place and Iraq's future leaders obviously can't be too careful.

I asked the senator how he felt the recent attacks would affect the momentum in Iraq. He noted that the attacks were focused increasingly on the Iraqi people themselves, which he believes undermines the goals of the insurgents. Instead of intimidation, this brutal violence seems to be solidifying the resolve of the Iraqis.

"These attacks aren't going to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people," Allen said. "The more vicious and vile these attacks become, the more it reminds the [Iraqi] people of what they don't want for themselves and their children."

"I have a great deal of faith and belief in human beings to want to live free and chart their own course," Allen said.

So, one has to wonder what course Sen. Allen has set for himself. Could the son of the great football coach George Allen be the next president of the United States? I'd certainly keep my eye on the proverbial ball.

[Servant of the 9]

A United States Senator who isn't a household name is by definition not up to the job.

I'm sorry you're not familiar with him. But most in political circles are well aware of who he is.

I know who he is, the problem is the apolitical, middle of the road voter we have to carry to win has never heard of him.

So9

[GraceCoolidge]

There was a long thread about this a few weeks ago. In the interests of disclosure, though, I think it's fair to note that J.C. Watts acknowledges that he fathered two children while a senior in high school. One was with the woman who later became (and remains) his wife; I think they now have five children. The other daughter was raised by his aunt and uncle as their own child. There was a fair amount of debate on the effect of this on his candidacy. J.C. Watts did become a youth minister after his football career, but I don't think it's quite accurate to say he was a preacher fathering children out of wedlock. He was a high school senior (and obviously a pretty irresponsible one) who later became a minister. Given his age at the time he did this, and his life since, I think people might judge differently. I think these issues about him are well known so it's not clear to me the effect on his candidacy.

[Gabz]

Yes, you have, I have, but the rank and file voter hasn't.

Maybe, maybe not.........but if so the job is to get the name known.

[GraceCoolidge]

I believe the law prohibits two consecutive terms. I think that George Allen (or any other governor) could be governor again, but I doubt many would want to pursue that route. I can see a two term limit, but I think a one term limit (which is effectively what this is) is too restrictive.

[Antoninus]

I've met George Allen a number of times, he is a great man of incredible vision and committment. However, I'm not sure he has the national exposure to have the top spot, I would love to see him as Condi Rice's running mate.

A ticket with pro-abortion Condi Rice at the top is a LOSER nationwide. It will split the GOP and be a free pass for President Hillary. Am I the only one who understands this? The Hilliario-philic media wants Rice or McCain at the top of the GOP ticket in the worst way, and it's disturbing how many of you have risen to the bait.

As for George Allen, he would make a brilliant candidate. He's handsome, conservative, and has no baggage (that I know of). Plus, he has a 0% rating from NARAL.

President Allen has a mighty fine ring to it...

[GraceCoolidge]

No president has been elected since the invention of TV who didn't have Charisma, Star Quality, Elvis, call it what you will.

Richard Nixon? Jimmy Carter? "Charisma" isn't the word that comes to my mind, but maybe charisma is in the eye of the beholder.

[Servant of the 9]

Yes, you have, I have, but the rank and file voter hasn't.

Maybe, maybe not.........but if so the job is to get the name known.

If he hasn't gotten the job done in all his years as Governor and Senator, then nothing short of taking a sniper rifle to the top of the Washington Monument is going to do it.

So9

[Servant of the 9]

A ticket with pro-abortion Condi Rice at the top is a LOSER nationwide. It will split the GOP and be a free pass for President Hillary.

It would cause you to vote for Hillary?
Or to sit out the election because there is not one other issue you care anything about?
Give me a break.

I would love to see George Allen as President, but he is certain loser.

SO9

[BCR #226]

Yeah, that is all fine and good... but when he ran for Senate, he took a pro ban stance... then flip flopped when pressure started mounting on him.

Trust me, I know better than to take anything to the bank. I've been screwed over by politicians too many times. That is why I work for people like Dick Black and not people like Russ Potts or Tom Rust. If Allen want's the support of the thousands of people like me, he needs to start proving himself and not only voting for pro gun stuff, but introduce legislation... real strong legislation. There is a lot of stuff he could do but hasn't.

Mike

[Mudboy Slim]

Uh oh...yer sounding like a shill, dude...it's still three (3) years away...MUD

[Corin Stormhands]

yes

[Corin Stormhands]

I believe the law prohibits two consecutive terms.

That's correct.

[Gabz]

I didn't agree with you. In fact I disagree with you.

[Corin Stormhands]

... then flip flopped when pressure started mounting on him.

If you're not going to pay attention, then there's little more I can do to help you.

Do what you must. Just don't come crying to me when President Hillary takes away ALL of your guns.

If you have the need, you may have the last word.

[Antoninus]

I think you're right. Anyone who has his resume and is not a household name, and not just among movement republicans, hasn't got that little bit of "Elvis" it takes to be a poitical superstar or beat Hillary.

GW Bush isn't "Elvis"--he's not a great debater and only passable as an orator. GW Bush is perceived as a good man and conservative by most of the voting electorate and THAT'S the magic formula. You don't need to be "Elvis" as long as you're:

Pro-tax cuts
Pro-strong defense
Pro-Life
Pro-Family

The GOP needs a candidate for 2008 that's all of those things, plus:

Strong on illegal immigration
Serious about ending judicial tyranny

A republican who can combine all those positions with a friendly, congenial manner and no baggage, can easily defeat Hillary nationwide.

Want a recipe for defeat? Nominate a RINO with that "Elvis" thing going.

[Corin Stormhands]

Uh oh...yer sounding like a shill, dude...

Does this shill make my butt look big?

[Antoninus]

Count me as a bandwagon rider...MUD

Me too. It's about time we had another Virginian in the White House!

[BCR #226]

No need... thanks for the debate though.

Mike

[Antoninus]

Yes, you have, I have, but the rank and file voter hasn't.

That's what primaries are for...

[Antoninus]

but that the middle of the road voters it takes to win have never heard of.

That's the trouble, isn't it? It's not easy to win without the mushy middle. But it's IMPOSSIBLE to win without a solid conservative base.

The trick is to keep the base solid while appealing to the middle. GW Bush was able to do that. Condi Rice, or McCain, or Giuliani wouldn't have a prayer. They'd split the base from top to bottom.