Posted on 11/11/2005 1:40:09 PM PST by CarlEOlsoniii
Sen. George Allen is standing on the sideline of an empty Giants Stadium about an hour-and-a-half before the 1 p.m. start of a New York Jets vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game. His brother Bruce is general manager of the Bucs, so Allen is here to root on the family team.
A guy with a vest reading FIELD PHOTO comes up to him: "You're going to be a tall president," he says, smiling. Allen laughs and they banter about the senator's height. He is commonly called 6' 4", but he is quick to note he is more like 6' 31/2" or 3 ", explaining that you never want to be inaccurate or to be seen as exaggerating. It is an unremarkable interaction, but the photographer has hit on something important: Standing there, basically unnoticed, soaking in the pre-game vibe, is quite possibly the next president of the United States.
It is not hard to do a calculation that says at this early stage in the '08 race George Allen has perhaps a better chance of winning the nomination than any other Republican. He combines the people skills of a Bill Clinton, with the convictions of a Ronald Reagan, with the non-threatening persona of a George W. Bush circa 2000, prior to his becoming a hate-figure for the Left. With a personal history that has forged a rare and particular political talent, blending amiability with a streak of competitive ruthlessness in a way that makes him, at age 53, one of the nation's top politicians.
He is about to embark on a challenging journey: running for reelection in Virginia next year, then -- assuming he doesn't founder on unseen shoals -- for the Republican nomination in 2008.
Ditto that. I attended one of his town hall meetings and he was upbeat without being phony. He is very firm in his convictions about taxes, the proper role of government, etc.
Dull, he was not.
Are we picking Allen because he can wear a cowboy hat (and very well I might add) or because he can beat the pants off of Hillary or McCain? That's what I'm worried about and right now he's being trounced by McCain in the polls 37% McCain to 5% Allen
They've got this exactly backwards! Reagan had people skills (great communicator) while Clinton had the convictions (well ok, he copped a plea, but you get the idea.)
I won't speak for others - I'm picking him because of his principles. And I think he can beat Hillary.
Many years ago as a lawyer, George Allen represented my wife for an insurance claim. The insurance company was trying to weasel its way out of paying for a horrendous accident caused by their client in which my wife was terribly injured.
All I can say is, he is a very fine and caring man, and I would be proud to call him Mr. President.
In every article I have read about Allen, everyone seems to bring up how he is NOT a compassionate conservative. I remember his quote about liberals he said when he was governor
"Let's enjoy kicking their soft teeth down their whining throats"
I'm not looking for a Ronald Reagan (first president I ever voted for and proud of it) - there will never be one like him - I'm looking for someone who can beat the pants off of the Dems and McCain. He's not even beating McCain in the polls.
Pinging the Richmond folks for an article on George Allen.
Of course, it's way early yet.
But don't underestimate him.
Edwards had a recognition rating of less than 1 percent two years before he ran - When you keep a low profile three years before the election, it can pay off
The public doesn't yet know Allen. Don't count him out because he isn't yet well-known. McCain's numbers are moot since there is no way in hell he will win the GOP nomination - it would sunder the party in a way that would make the Harriet Miers debacle look like childrens' recess.
And Edwards lost the VP race. His girlie looks couldn't even help Kerry. But if Allen gets out there and lets people know who he is - Face recognition will help him this time because there will be VERY WELL KNOWN FACES runnng this time - McCain, Hillary, and some others and Allen will get left behind in the dust!
I just mean to say no one knew Edwards at all, but on election day everyone in the country knew who he was
Thats true. I wasn't too familiar with Edwards really.
What's his favorite Concealed Carry piece? Is his holster an IWB Uncle Mikes? Or does he prefer an ankle rig?
He looks beefier in that pic than he does on those emails I get with his political pic. Had no idea. Well, then, let the games begin!
Who knows what we're 'gonna be dealt when we walk into the booth come 11/2008. Hell... I liked Keyes... until it was either Bush or McCain in 2000.
I just pray that I'm in a red or purple state by then... where my vote will mean something.
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