VIDEO: Gov. Barbour On Sanford, Stimulus, 2012

Real Clear Politics ^ | june 28, 2009 | Real Clear Politics

[ianschwartz]

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-Miss.) says he would be "very surprised" if he ended up running for president. He is in his second term as governor and became the head of the Republican Governors Association after South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford stepped down following his admission of an extramarital affair.

On CBS's "Face the Nation," Gov. Barbour said that the $787 billion fiscal stimulus package passed earlier this year is "far too expensive." The Obama administration argues that it will save or create 3.5 million jobs over two years.

[gussiefinknottle]

I actually think Haley Barbour would be a great Republican leader.
He’s articulate and smart and can hold his own
with creeps like Carville, Begala, etc.

[PhiKapMom]

We have Pawlenty and now Barbour out speaking about too much spending by ZERO. I am so happy to see Barbour take over as head of the Republican Governors Conference because we will be hearing from him while Sanford had little to say nationally.

[Yossarian]

It’s high time Haley Barbour steps up to the media plate for the GOP. From what I’ve heard, I like the guy.

Does anyone have a full story on Gov. Barbour? While I like Gov. Palin (and have yet to learn about Gov. Jindal), the GOP has to have more than one strong horse in the stable to pull the country out of the mess it’s in.

[rbg81]

I actually think Haley Barbour would be a great Republican leader. He’s articulate and smart and can hold his own
with creeps like Carville, Begala, etc.

---

I’ve ssen Barbur and agree he is very able smart. However, (fairly or not) he does come off as a caricature of the Southern, white male politician. It would help if he could shed 50 or so pounds. After Bush, I think the chance of someone who fits that mold being elected POTUS is zilch, unless Obama totally melts down. Someone who is a Midwesterner probably has a better shot.

[rbg81]

I actually think Haley Barbour would be a great Republican leader. He’s articulate and smart and can hold his own
with creeps like Carville, Begala, etc.

---

I’ve seen Barbur and agree he is very able & smart. However, (fairly or not) he does come off as a caricature of the Southern, white male politician. [It would help his image if he could shed 50 pounds or so. ] After Bush, I think the chance of someone who fits that mold being elected POTUS is zilch, unless Obama totally melts down. Someone who is a lean, articulate Midwesterner probably has a better shot. Like it or not, image matters—otherwise, Obama would be nowhere near the White House.

[hinckley buzzard]

Haley Barbour was the RNC Chair when Gingrich engineered the victory of 1994. He has strong media skills, and understands the game better than any recent GOP spokesman. As an attractive conservative he will far outstrip Sanford or Steele in the public arena.

I gather there are some who quibble about his performance as governor of MS but he is a strong player and we need him out there.

[AuntB]

Haley Barbour refused to criticize Mark Sanford today on Face the Nation and said he shouldn’t resign.....’it was a personal thing’......Two Rino’s of a feather.....

Leaving your job for a week without telling anyone where you are is NOT personal, but for some reason Barbour can’t figure that out.

[SumProVita]

“From what I’ve heard, I like the guy.”

I like him too. Just compare Mississippi’s reaction to Katrina v that of Louisiana. There is NO comparison.

[SumProVita]

“Two Rino’s of a feather...”

I think you may have misinterpreted what Gov. Barbour said. Regarding deselection of duty, he clearly stated that he did not have all the facts.

What policy decisions make him a RINO, in your opinion?

[gussiefinknottle]

But Haley isn’t a rino, is he?

[Arizona Carolyn]

yes

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

Barbour was here in Iowa this week. He gave a great speech. I like the guy but he caused a controversy when he pleaded with the Republicans to remain united to get rid of RATs.

He explained how Mississippi is one of the most pro life states in the country and they had to use some pro choicers to get there.

Them was fightin words to the purists here in Iowa. They would rather lose the whole ball of wax to RATs than to vote for someone who may not fit their idea of perfection. Our state is mired in this mindset right now.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

I agree. He took some heat here in Iowa this week for some of his remarks but by golly, when examining the success he's had in Mississippi, his way works.

I'll take his lead.

[AuntB]

“I think you may have misinterpreted what Gov. Barbour said. Regarding deselection of duty, he clearly stated that he did not have all the facts.”

The ‘facts’ are apparent.

[SumProVita]

Not necessarily.....

[SumProVita]

What policy decisions make him a RINO, in your opinion?