Posted on 08/21/2010 7:13:40 AM PDT by Tom D.
Being Speaker of the House, third in line to the Presidency, is not exactly a job that leaves you lots of time for the kids.
Good point, Kabar. ALthough the Speaker’s job does not require quite as much travel- unless you are San Fran Nan.
I think Ryan would step up to the plate, if that was the best choice. But would it be? He’s one of the few in the House that actually is good with economics. Maybe he feels that if the balance of power shifts, he could do more good there? Get legislative issues sorted and then there’s plenty of time for a young man to run for Pres.
Seems to me so much hangs on the outcome of midterms that it is really hard for anyone to think too far ahead of election day. [except perpetual candidates like Romney.]
Some R’s have started the obligatory visits to early primary states, which seems especially premature this year. We’ve got a real leadership crisis in Congress. Going to a stinkin’ bbq in Iowa isn’t helping. Have to credit Palin, she’s focusing on the most important target- getting good candidates in Gov’s mansions and Congress. If the composition on the hill does not materially change, it really does not matter what happens in ‘12. Governors are important any time, but with the current Federal overreach, it will take the Governors acting en bloc.
I think Haley and Sarah are in cahoots to some degree. Seem to recall reading something- gee well over a year ago- about the mutual respect. Sarah was a player [not of the money type, though] in the RGA as is Haley.
Unfortunately, that is not the way it works. If you have a window of oppportunity, you take it because you may never get that chance again. If the economy continues to tank and Obama's approval ratings do likewise, then the GOP candidate will have a once in a lifetime chance to win.
Seems to me so much hangs on the outcome of midterms that it is really hard for anyone to think too far ahead of election day. [except perpetual candidates like Romney.]
Regardless of the outcome, the midterms are just the first step. If the Dems retain control over Congress, the Reps will have to double their efforts for 2012. And even if they gain control over the House [I believe the Senate is not possible], the GOP will just be fighting a rear guard action until 2012. Obama will use the Reps as the scapegoat for whatever is wrong and claim credit for whatever goes right.
Have to credit Palin, she’s focusing on the most important target- getting good candidates in Gov’s mansions and Congress.
McCain was a monumental blunder on her part. And she failed to back people like Buck and Devore. On balance her endorsements have been good, but she may regret some of them later on, especially McCain when he starts backing amnesty and cap and trade.
Governors are important any time, but with the current Federal overreach, it will take the Governors acting en bloc.
Governors will become especially important re the redistricting following the 2010 census.
To you point about windows opening for a narrow opportunity, I’d agree, but would be more impressed with someone who made a decision for what was best all around for the nation, rather than their chance at the brass ring. I realize most don’t think this way, that’s why I really respect the few who do. That’s really serving the public, rather than self.
Agree with the situation on the ground for November and beyond and why I do not admire potential Presidential candidates who spend more time sniffing around for ‘12, rather than working their tail off for the mid-terms.
Don’t know about Buck, but I understand why Palin didn’t back DeVore and agree with her Fiorina endorsement. McCain was payback. Notice she’s not on the campaign trail for him? Notice her comments about favoring contested primaries? I realize the McCain endorsement is a HUGH bone of contention. Thing is, there are good reasons on both sides of the issue. The main thing is to get the worst nutters out of congress and put in as many fiscally sane constitutional supporters as possible. Also, if the balance of power swings and the nation continues to show conservative preferences, it will enable centrists to shift right without being eviscerated in the media and by their constituents.
He isn't an attractive man ...but he is sharp as a tack.
Look at Mississippi after Katrina...and the eye of Katrina hit Mississippi.
They aren't mutually exclusive. You can make a decision on what is best for the nation and realize that you have an opportunity to achieve a position that allows you to achieve your objective.
Don’t know about Buck, but I understand why Palin didn’t back DeVore and agree with her Fiorina endorsement.
And why is that? Devore was the clear conservative in the race.
McCain was payback.
Payback for what? And what does putting that bastard back into the Senate do for the country and the promotion of the conservative agenda? I guess "payback" trumps principle and the good of the country.
The main thing is to get the worst nutters out of congress
Maverick McCain is among the worst. He is a Specter-like Rep who is more interested in getting elected than any loyalty to party or conservative principles. A defeat of McCain would send hugh shockwaves throughout the Rep establishment. McCain is spending close to $20 million to win a primary and he is using every dirty trick in the book to win. This is the same guy who would allow people to use Obama's middle name or to use the Reverend Wright connection. He is the symbol of what is wrong with the GOP.
We will continue to get RINOs using that flawed logic. Why is Palin supporting the conservative for governor in MD who has absolutely no chance of winning rather than the moderate Erlich who is tied with the Dem in the polls? There is no rhyme or reason to Palin's picks.
For bringing her to the National stage. Sarah has done far, far more good on the National stage. If not for her, we'd be stuck with an entire nation of primarily RINO candidates,
BS. The Tea Party is what has made the difference, not Palin. McCain used Palin. She would have made it to the national stage without him. And she would have finished her tour as governor and not been tainted by the stench of McCain. He has damaged her political fortunes more than helping them.
He's not won the primary yet. You'd have a better argument, IMO, if Sarah was out running around AZ on the stump for him, which if she really, really thought he was the best choice and in a tight race [which he is] she'd be on the campaign trail. She isn't.
She has made multiple appearances with McCain on the stump. Where are you getting your information?
If you want every candidate to pass every purity test which you determine appropriate, I suspect there will be very few humans who will pass muster.
Here we go again. The same old refrain from the moderates who want conservatives to hold their noses and vote for the RINOs like McCain, Snowe, Collins, Specter, etc. When does it ever work the other way?
I don't demand purity but when it comes to key issues like amnesty, which will destroy this country with the stroke of a pen or cap and trade, then I draw the line.
PS: Learn how to use paragraphs.
I hope she takes her rightful kingmaker place as, either the head of the RGA when Haley steps down, or as the head of the RNC.
In either role, she would be da’ bomb!
Paragraphs are our friends.
Let’s get past Nov 10 before we get too embroiled in 2012. Ryan is indeed an articulate spokesman for Conservative ideas. Let’s see what role he gets in a Republican led Congress and how well he captures the imagination of the public in that role. There will still be time to mount a serious campaign fourteen or fifteen months from now. Who knows, Haley Barbour may even be Chairman of the RNC by then(my hope). Our focus now needs to be retaking both the Senate as well as the House.
We can walk and chew gum at the same time.
Well aren’t “we” clever.
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