President or VP in 2008? An Interview with Senator George Allen

Senator Allen, thank you for granting this interview. Readers of The North Carolina Conservative are very interested in your views on the issues facing our nation and our state.

NCC: Tell us a little about your background, and how being a southerner has shaped your political and social views.

I grew up in a football family, and I always say that the four “Fs” that were important were - faith, family, freedom and football. You learn a lot of things from football: teamwork, motivation, preparation to win, and that all the players are important. You also learn from mistakes. If you get knocked down, you get back up and keep fighting. Another thing about football is that it is a meritocracy - you don't care about race or ethnicity. In a football family, you move around the country a lot - the only things that are constant are faith and family. Those values of faith and family shaped who I am, and continue to guide me.

What I like about the south is the people and the beauty of it. There is a self reliance, an independence and a trusting of free people. There is a distrust of meddling, burdensome government. You expect certain things out of government, mainly good schools and law enforcement - other than that, don't meddle in our lives. It is a part of the country where people are more willing to figure out how to solve problems in their own communities. Folks pitch in to address the problems rather than relying on government. They look first to themselves, their family, neighbors and communities. The hospitality is also important; people are friendly in the south.

After being governor, I was with McGuire Woods law firm. I had three options: run for governor again, senate or private sector. I wanted to get back into the political field, rather than being a spectator. I had accomplished 95% of what I wanted to do as a governor. The Senate impacts the whole country. You can pick key issues and advocate for them, influencing policy for the whole country. It can be frustrating - the Senate worships process - but it is worthwhile. I am a strong advocate for policies I believe in. I want America to remain a land of opportunity and the world capitol of innovation. I want to make sure the internet is not taxed. The internet is the best invention, since the Gutenberg press, for the dissemination of information and ideas. The internet has a positive impact on commerce, but it will also be helpful in spreading freedom internationally.

I want to advance what I call common sense, Jeffersonian conservative principles. They have worked in Virginia and throughout America, and can spread freedom and prosperity to the rest of the world.

NCC: What is your appraisal of the political climate in our nation? Is America becoming more conservative?

I do think America is becoming more conservative. People need and want a mission to unite us for a cause. I think we can motivate people to conservative ideals by showing the positive impact on their lives and families, their job opportunities, etc. President Reagan advanced conservatism - he was the modern day Thomas Jefferson. He applied conservative principles to everything from the Cold War to tax policies. Reagan showed that with lower taxes, a strong defense and by trusting the people, we could turn things around from Carter Malaise. He made us proud to be Americans again. There are hundreds of millions of people from the Baltics to the Black sea, who are now free thanks to Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul 2 and Margaret Thatcher.

The vast majority of this country agrees with the principles of conservatism that Reagan advanced. They will coalesce around the right leader, one who inspires and motivates.

We are in the midst of the War on Terror, and that is the overriding issue. Islamic fascists want to destroy our way of life. It is important that we face this threat with the resolve President Reagan showed in the Cold War. We cannot forfeit Iraq, or anywhere else.

We also must be more competitive. We are not matriculating enough scientists, mathematicians and engineers. China matriculates 6-7 times more technology students, and India matriculates 4-5 times as many. That can affect our standard of living and national security. We have to reverse this trend by working with colleges, the private sector and government.

Energy security - we must become less dependent on foreign oil. That will require a multi-faceted approach to energy policy. We need to advance clean coal, oil from US, nuclear, natural gas and bio fuel - we can grow an American fuel to fuel America. The growing economies in China, India and other parts of the world will continue to increase demand for oil. We can produce bio-fuel for under $35.00 a barrel - we will not see oil for under $50.00 a barrel in the near future.

We must drill in ANWR. I have been there; there is nothing there but mosquitoes in the summer, and it looks like the dark side of the moon this time of year. ANWR will be opened to drilling soon. We now have the votes, and it will pass. I am also working with Sen. Burr on a fuel bill to get rid of boutique fuel standards, which will enlarge our refinery capacity.

The other major issue is accountability in government spending. The Federal government is taking more money in, but it is not being spent wisely and with accountability. I support giving the president the line item veto, which is an old idea of President Reagan’s. I used it as Governor of Virginia with great effect. That way, instead of only 11 of us voting for that bridge to nowhere in Alaska, the president can veto non-essential items. We have to spend money more wisely and focus on important things like national defense and education.

Yes, we are winning the War on Terror. We are taking the fight to the terrorists. At home, there is much more sharing of information among state and federal agencies. We have prevented attacks at home and abroad, and have not had another terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11. We are making progress in the Middle East, and spreading democracy in places like Afghanistan, Lebanon and Egypt. The death of Arafat (that reptilian, corrupt terrorist) has created a real chance for peace in Israel. It is difficult, and will remain difficult, but on this very day we are talking, the Iraqi people are voting. We must persevere.

There are those who say we should abandon Iraq, tuck tail and run, but we need to continue with political and security improvements there. The tree of liberty has been planted in that formerly oppressive, terrorist friendly nation. As stability increases in Iraq, we will see more help from the international community.

This issue must finally be addressed - it is undermining our security and the rule of law. First and foremost, we must secure our borders. Finally, this is being done. We need more personnel and more detention centers. Catch and release doesn't work. We need to invest in technology, heat sensors and a virtual fence, unmanned drones that can patrol the border and use infra-red sensors to detect people crossing at night.

We should not reward illegal behavior through amnesty. This will only beget more criminal behavior.

We must reform legal immigration. We need a guest worker program to fill the needs of employers. The guest workers must be checked out and have background checks, so we know they aren't terrorists or criminals. We also need to expand seasonal visas for people who come just to work and not to live here. We also need to make it easier for people who come here legally to become citizens.

NCC: Like North Carolina, Virginia has seen much of its furniture and textile industry move overseas. What are your views on international trade?

Fair trade and free trade can have net plus. But, trade agreements must be abided by. China cheats - it manipulates its currency, which gives a 15-30% advantage. Nations must have accurate currency evaluations. Nations like China also give illegal subsidies to industries, which is contrary to WTO and hurts US workers. Trade can open markets to US if trade agreements are abided by.

I support concealed carry laws. Virginia has an excellent concealed carry law - I signed it into law as governor. Law abiding citizens get concealed carry permits to protect themselves and their families. Law abiding citizens do not commit crimes with guns. I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, and all of the rights and responsibilities it entails.

There must be standards of learning. High School graduates should be able to speak and write English, know history and be proficient in science and math. We set high standards in Virginia when I was governor, and students in Virginia are testing higher. K-12 is the state’s responsibility. No Child Left Behind had the right idea, but it has been detrimental to Virginia - it undermines state standards by setting the national standards lower than the state's. Complying with federal regulations requires us to “dumb down” our academic standards. I have introduced legislation, called Flexibility for Champion Schools, to address it. It would make sure that Virginia, or any other state with higher standards, go forward without interference from micromanaging federal bureaucracies.

Yes, I support vouchers as a state and local option. Washington, DC is under federal jurisdiction, and I supported it for DC. Now, about 1,700 students have vouchers under the DC Choice program, which they can carry to private schools. I don't think the Federal Government should mandate it, but it also shouldn't prevent it. The money should go with the student, if the state and localities wish.

NCC: Rush Limbaugh has repeatedly stated that your political speeches are inspirational and remind him of President Reagan; what is your reaction to his praise?

That is as high a compliment as I can envision. I like Rush Limbaugh - he is an influential and smart leader. He is also entertaining. I find it relaxing to listen to Rush. It is a very high compliment to be mentioned by Rush, and to be mentioned with my political hero, the man who motivated me to get involved in politics, President Reagan. I was in law school, at the University of Virginia, when they asked me to become chairman of Young Americans for Reagan, which was my first experience in organized politics. Plus, Rush knows sports, and he knows football.

Again, Senator Allen, thank you for this interview and your service to our nation.

Thank you, Judson. It is such a pleasure speaking with a conservative journalist, and one who actually values accuracy!

I would like to say one more thing - I want to recommend a movie to your readers, "The Chronicals of Narnia". It is a wonderful, magical movie. The cinematography and the scenery remind me of the Asheville area, around the Grove Park and the Biltmore Estate. The movie has a great message, and I think people will really take something positive away from it.

The North Carolina Conservative is North Carolina’s only independent, state-wide conservative newspaper. Please visit www.northcarolinaconservative.com frequently for exclusive interviews and commentary, as well as coverage of politics in North Carolina.

Judson Cox is a political columnist from the mountains of North Carolina. Judson Cox is President of the Foundation for Conservative American Values and Editor In Chief of the North Carolina Conservative (soon to be North Carolina’s largest circulation newspaper). Please visit www.northcarolinaconservative.com

Just like in 2000, he might start off strong in the primaries in "open primary" states where one doesn't have to be a registered Pubbie to vote in the GOP primary.

I don't even think he will make it that far, though it won't be any fault of his own.

The circumstances have changed.

In 2000, he was the moderate, running against all the conservatives.

Forbes, Bush, etc.

In 2008, he is going to be one of many big name moderates, Rudy is going to run, Romney is going to run, Pataki (despite being booed in Iowa and New Hampshire during some fundraising tours) is going to run, etc.

With all these moderates competiting against each other, they'll split the vote.

Leaving anyone who is conservative, with a good shot to rally the conservative vote, state by state.....and in a GOP primary, getting the conservative vote gets you a lock.

Reagan had the right ideas (eliminate Dept. of Education, cut taxes, etc) and did some good things (he was the only President to actually CUT spending in some areas) but in practice, wasn't as effective as he, or we, would have liked.

Even the July, 1975 Reason magazine interview suggested this, that his heart, and mind were conservative, even libertarian, but in practice, he did what he could practically do.

Shortly after the 2006 Mid term elections, Cheney makes a decision to step down due to his health, Bush names Rice to fulfill the balance of the term, and it becomes a Rice/Allen2008 winning ticket in 2008.

Cheney has no intention of stepping down, his mood is now hostile to the question and he gets angry talking about it.

That said, Rice is already making plans for after 2008, she has no intention of running for any office.....ever.

Right now she just laughs are the whole president talk, in a few months she is going to start going "jeb bush" style on press folks who ask her.

I agree. But republicans better start explaining that the goal in overturning Roe is to return abortion to the states - overturning Roe will not outlaw abortion across the US. alot of folks don't understand that. and I worry that if we have a republican candidate who is honest about that, the pro-lifers will refuse to accept it.

Personally I think Ohio's own Ken Blackwell would make an excellent President. Black Republican (which always pisses off Dems), very Reaganesque in his views, likeable, electable.

But let us have him as Governor for a couple years at least!

That's why the abortion issue is so tough. Lots of people I know (even though abortion is abhorrent to them), would just as soon drop the issue because it will NEVER BE RESOLVED in our lifetimes. It's sick that it's the case, but I do think it's true.

It is true. And it's a difficult area for compromise, since over 90% of abortions take place in the first trimester. All the hand-wringing is over "scissors in the back of the head" but that's very much the exception, and nothing much would change if those were banned.

Sort of. However, Bush didn't HAVE to push that Medicare crap down the throats of the GOP. Congressional Republicans would not have had him do that. He also could have passed more tax cuts and more spending cuts had he wanted to.

There's a deal breaker, I don't support school vouchers. He says he believes in stopping illegals, but supports "guest worker program".I DON'T.

I'm kind of the opposite on school vouchers, if he didn't support them, I would refuse to support him, or any other canidate unless they back vouchers.

That said, his "guest reform" package looks really small, and limited to only legal immigrants, no amnesty, and illegals need not apply.

On the upside, scary as it may sound, he seems to have the hardest position on illegal immigrants then anyone who may run against him.

No one else is even remotely close, except for the possibility Tancredo may run, and he would get smoked anyway.

Pence certainly on the 08 radar for Rush Limbaugh,NTU,Eagle Forum,Family research Council,Club for Growth,NFRA,ACU etc,etc.That is what counts.3 years out that is all he needs,we will see what the next 6 months bring.

Allen's calm, composed, friendly demeanor would contrast extremely well with the anger and stridency of HRC, if she gets the Dem nomination. Allen would be the anti-Hillary and would sweep up all the votes from the roughly 55% of voters who find HRC completely unacceptable as POTUS (by my rough estimate). He would beat HRC like a copper kettle drum, 53-46 and take 42 states in a landslide, if he runs a good campaign.

The tickets I would like to see are Allen/Jeb or Rudy G/Jeb. I know, I know, Rudy is not a social conservative but he too can beat Hillary soundly with his calm, professional demeanor and strong anti-terror position. Jeb should run for VP as a Cheney type of strong, involved VP and then run for POTUS in 2016. I think he's about 50 now so he would be 61 in 2016, but then, heck, Reagan was 67 when he was first elected.

George Allen on Abortion # Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004) # Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003) # Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)

With all these moderates competiting against each other, they'll split the vote. Leaving anyone who is conservative, with a good shot to rally the conservative vote, state by state.....and in a GOP primary, getting the conservative vote gets you a lock.

And then lose to Hillary?

We all better chip in and get Allen a personality before the primaries.

Oh give me a break. I've known George Allen for over 20 years. Wife and I have both worked for him.

He is one of the most genuinely likeable politicians out there.

Dullsville. I like the guy but he is a dud on the personality meter. The good news is if Hilly would be his opponent, then her personality is a huge negative. The bad news is if it's Warner (as I suspect it will end up being), who isn't exactly colorful but looks better in comparison to Allen.

I actually like his personality.

When I see him in interviews or on TV, he comes across as a good, decent family man with alot of optimism and a strong set of beliefs.

He also, thankfully, doesn't act like a firebreathing hell fire and brimstone type of conservative which seems over the top to to many voters.

Coming across and warm, folksy, and personable works, it helped Bush win, hell it even worked for his father.

Allen reminds of a conservative version of John Edwards, unfortunatly that comes with some of the same downsides too.

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