Posted on 04/18/2007 1:06:58 PM PDT by Unmarked Package
Mitt Romney -- a successful businessman, savior of the Salt Lake Olympics and former Republican governor of a Northeastern state -- may not be the most obvious Republican choice for commander in chief. John McCain may seem like a more obvious choice when one considers his stalwart defense of the "surge," support for the war in Iraq, and his Vietnam heroism. But if you listen to the way Romney's been talking lately, the "obvious choice" may change.
Romney has a chance to capitalize on the fact that this has not been a particularly proud few weeks for the West. Iran essentially declared victory in the hostage standoff with Britain. The U.S. Speaker of the House has been practicing her own foreign policy, visiting Iran's best friend Syria while raising the possibility of going to Iran.
Last September, Romney refused to provide state security for former Iranian president Mohammed Khatami. "State taxpayers should not be providing special treatment to an individual who supports violent jihad and the destruction of Israel," Romney said.
We were treated to his ironclad Republican ideology again earlier this month when Romney commented on administration faux paus, "Washington is a broken place right now, dysfunctional in some respects, which has been evidenced by the trip by Nancy Pelosi to Syria, but also evidenced by the failure to deal with overspending." These comments were made as Pelosi embarrassed America by parading around Syria and meeting with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in Damascus against White House objections.
"I'm going to suggest that the Democrats in Washington provide the funding necessary to support the foreign policy which is established by the president of the United States. It is not up to Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to dictate to the commanders in the field or to the commander in chief," Romney said.
He followed those comments up with a speech at the George H. W. Bush presidential library in Houston -- not only supporting President Bush's current troop-surge policy in Iraq, but calling for increased spending on the U.S. military.
Further evidence that Romney is prepared for his own surge? In first-quarter fundraising reports, Romney came out in front among Republicans in the race. And despite being faced with real and perceived obstacles (the "flip-flopper" label he's earned for a list of issues he's changed his mind on over the years, and the fact that he is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is expected by many to be an issue with evangelical voters and others), polls in states like New Hampshire and South Carolina suggest he's making progress.
"I think many of us still fail to comprehend the extent of the threat posed by radical Islam, by Jihad. Understandably, we focus on Afghanistan and Iraq. Our men and women are dying there. We think in terms of countries, because we faced countries in last century's conflicts. But the Jihad is much broader than any one nation or nations. For radical Islam, there is one conflict and one goal -- replacing all modern Islamic states with a caliphate, destroying America and conquering the world."
That's not exactly the most popular campaign talk, but it's leader talk. And these facts that our country, Congress and candidates are dismissing at an alarming rate are exactly what Romney is trying to remind them of.
I've not made a decision yet, but want to see how the top tier, second tier, and 'undeclared' candidates play themselves out in the coming months.
I can’t imagine being a candidate.
The media rectal exam is sure to hurt...they seem to find all sorts of polyps to pick at. (sorry about my choice of analogy).
Isn't it funny... the MSM seems to thrive in "that environment".
ROFL ..... where will he ideologically surge to next? Enquiring minds want to know!
I like Romney the man.
But I think when round one is finished, and likely Fred Thompson decides to run, Mitt will not be in the top tier.
Romney’s numbers dropped noticably when rumors started about Fred.
A great VP choice.
Romney got himself a headline.
Khatami got security from the city of Boston or someone.
Nice showboating, though!
Thompson/Romney ticket would beat out McCain or Rudy.
Romney definitely gets it when he speaks of Jihad. And he says it more openly than perhaps any politician I’ve seen, perhaps save John Howard.
I'm not into the LDS persuasion, but it may give him a vision that we all share on Islam.
I differ with LDS on the substance of theology, but the fruits may be values that most hold dear.
Romney fully understands the threat of the Jihadists because he has done extensive reading and research on the topic. His reading list (the books I know about) are included in my section on Romney and the War on Terror if you're interested.
I still vote for Romney in all the polls I do. I figure Fred’s got enough votes anyway. If Romney can win, he’s my man right now. Although if Fred wants in, I think I’d support a Fred/Mitt ticket, giving Mitt a chance at being an executive for a while. He’s young enough that another 4 years wouldn’t hurt (I’m betting Fred, even if he runs, won’t want to do more than 4 years if he can get done what he wants in that time — and that still lets him have a retirement with his wife and family).
Great photo....this guy has definitely got it!
You have a way with words.
Romney has it all.
Amazingly, you aren't able to give Romney the slightest bit of credit when he does something you agree with. Why are you lurking the Romney threads anyway?
Consistent belief and action I give credit to.
Empty words and meaningless showboating, forget it -- just shows what a walking head of hair Slick Willard is.
I he was as liberal as you say he is, he would have caved to the Bostonians. This was an unpopular and controvertial thing he did. I think you are actually displeased that he did this... that would fit into your view of the world better methinks.
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