Welcome to Baghdad. An Iraqi reporter set off pandemonium Sunday by hurling two shoes at President Bush during a news conference that was the centerpiece of his secret good-bye visit. Bush was cool under fire.
The president successfully ducked both throws. Photos show him with his head down near the top of the podium. The embarrassing incident marred a visit meant to show off the improved conditions since the troop "surge" dramatically reduced casualties to U.S. troops."This is a gift from the Iraqis. This is the farewell kiss, you dog," the journalist shouted (in Arabic), Steven Lee Myers of The New York Times reported in a pool report to the White House press corps.Myers reported that the man threw the second shoe and added: "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."
Sunday, December 14, 2008
MCCAIN FIRST -McCain unsure if he'd support Palin for president
(CNN) – Sen. John McCain said Sunday he would not necessarily support his former running mate if she chose to run for president.
Speaking to ABC's "This Week," McCain was asked whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could count on his support. "I can't say something like that. We've got some great other young governors. I think you're going to see the governors assume a greater leadership role in our Republican Party," he said, citing Governors Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Jon Huntsman of Utah.
McCain said he has "the greatest appreciation for Governor Palin and her family, and it was a great joy to know them. She invigorated our campaign" against Barack Obama for the presidency.
Pressed on why he can't promise support for the woman who, just months ago, he named as the second best person to lead the nation, McCain responded that "now we're in a whole election cycle. Have no doubt of my admiration and respect for her and my view of her viability, but at this stage, again … my corpse is still warm, you know?"
Speaking to ABC's "This Week," McCain was asked whether Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin could count on his support. "I can't say something like that. We've got some great other young governors. I think you're going to see the governors assume a greater leadership role in our Republican Party," he said, citing Governors Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and Jon Huntsman of Utah.
McCain said he has "the greatest appreciation for Governor Palin and her family, and it was a great joy to know them. She invigorated our campaign" against Barack Obama for the presidency.
Pressed on why he can't promise support for the woman who, just months ago, he named as the second best person to lead the nation, McCain responded that "now we're in a whole election cycle. Have no doubt of my admiration and respect for her and my view of her viability, but at this stage, again … my corpse is still warm, you know?"
Friday, December 5, 2008
Huckabee and Palin top early 2012 list
Poll suggests Gov. Sarah Palin is a 2012 presidential hopeful.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Barack Obama is still more than six weeks from White House, and the next Iowa caucuses are more than three years away — so naturally, it’s time to start talking 2012, as a new national poll suggests that Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee top the list of potential 2012 Republican presidential hopefuls.
In a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey out Friday that serves as an early measure of potential support for the next GOP presidential nomination, Huckabee tops the list. Thirty-four percent of Republicans and independent voters who lean towards the GOP say they are very likely to support the former Arkansas governor if he were to become their party’s nominee in 2012. Huckabee surprised many by winning this year's Republican caucuses in Iowa and seven other contests before ending his run in March.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, John McCain's running mate in this year's election, draws nearly as much support: 32 percent of those polled said they would get behind a Palin nomination. And with the survey's sampling error of plus or minus 4.5 points, Palin and Huckabee are statistically tied.
The survey is an early measure of possible support, not a horse race snapshot.
“It might come as a surprise to some that Palin does better than Huckabee among GOP men but that Huckabee beats Palin among Republican women,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. “Palin's strength is also concentrated among older Republicans, but Huckabee may have a slight edge among conservative Republicans."
Among voters who consider themselves born again or evangelical, Huckabee draws more support than Palin, with a 9 point edge. Meanwhile, Palin holds a 7-point advantage among non-born again or evangelical voters.
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Barack Obama is still more than six weeks from White House, and the next Iowa caucuses are more than three years away — so naturally, it’s time to start talking 2012, as a new national poll suggests that Sarah Palin and Mike Huckabee top the list of potential 2012 Republican presidential hopefuls.
In a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey out Friday that serves as an early measure of potential support for the next GOP presidential nomination, Huckabee tops the list. Thirty-four percent of Republicans and independent voters who lean towards the GOP say they are very likely to support the former Arkansas governor if he were to become their party’s nominee in 2012. Huckabee surprised many by winning this year's Republican caucuses in Iowa and seven other contests before ending his run in March.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, John McCain's running mate in this year's election, draws nearly as much support: 32 percent of those polled said they would get behind a Palin nomination. And with the survey's sampling error of plus or minus 4.5 points, Palin and Huckabee are statistically tied.
The survey is an early measure of possible support, not a horse race snapshot.
“It might come as a surprise to some that Palin does better than Huckabee among GOP men but that Huckabee beats Palin among Republican women,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. “Palin's strength is also concentrated among older Republicans, but Huckabee may have a slight edge among conservative Republicans."
Among voters who consider themselves born again or evangelical, Huckabee draws more support than Palin, with a 9 point edge. Meanwhile, Palin holds a 7-point advantage among non-born again or evangelical voters.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Zogby Interactive: Palin Leads the Pack Of Possible 2012 GOP Candidates
Support of Religious Conservatives & Gun Owners Give Her An Edge Over Romney & Jindal
UTICA, New York - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the slight favorite of Republican voters as the best candidate the party could run for President in 2012. When all voters are asked that questions, Palin falls into a three-way tie with Mitt Romney and Bobby Jindal.
Those are among the findings of a Zogby Interactive poll of 24,964 voters conducted from Nov. 7-18. The margin of error for the entire sample is +/-0.6%.
Voters were offered the choices of Palin, former Massachusetts Gov. Romney, Louisiana Gov. Jindal, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. All but Palin and Jindal were candidates for the 2008 nomination. Voters also could choose someone else.
Here is how each ranked with only Republicans and with all voters.
Candidate
Republicans
All Voters
Palin
24.4%
13.4%
Romney
18.1%
13.7%
Jindal
15.6%
12.5%
Huckabee
9.7%
8.0%
Giuliani
4.9%
5.0%
Paul
2.9%
7.4%
Someone Else
8.2%
20.3%
Not Sure
16.2%
19.7%
Palin's strength is with all conservatives, conservative religious voters and gun owners. Among Republicans, she gets the support of 30% of Born-Again Christians, 32% of weekly churchgoers, 34% of National Rifle Association members, 28% of current gun owners and 29% of self-identified conservatives. More GOP support comes from 32% of blue collar workers, 30% who shop weekly at Wal-Mart, 28% of NASCAR fans and 25% of both those with children under 17 and those with family members in the military. She scores lower among GOP voters ages 18-29, with 15%.
Romney's Republican support level is very consistent across demographic groups. Among his party members, Romney's numbers fall off by a few points from his overall 18.1% with religious conservatives and gun owners. Surprisingly, Palin leads Romney among Republican investors, 24%-20%.
There are no highs or lows among subgroups for Jindal among Republicans. He is a newcomer to national politics, and already has a reasonable base of GOP support.
Palin looks to be stealing Huckabee's thunder among Republican religious conservatives and working class voters. Huckabee is an ordained Southern Baptist minister, and his highest GOP totals still come from Born-Again Christians (15%) and weekly churchgoers (18%), but those numbers are about half of those drawn by Palin. Despite his populist economic message, he wins only 10% of blue collar Republicans.
The interesting finding about Paul is that he is more popular among all voters than he is among Republicans, reinforcing his appeal as a potential third party candidate.
Pollster John Zogby: "While someone other than those we listed could still emerge as Republican contender, GOP voters seem satisfied with this group. Only 8.2% would choose someone else. Despite all of the bad press and late night TV parody of Palin, she still leads the pack. So it is hard to see what could shake the faith of her supporters going forward. If she chooses to run, that solid base would likely keep her in the race through the early primaries. Both Romney and Jindal have appeal to Republicans, with Jindal having the advantage of being the new guy who could bring change to the party."
UTICA, New York - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is the slight favorite of Republican voters as the best candidate the party could run for President in 2012. When all voters are asked that questions, Palin falls into a three-way tie with Mitt Romney and Bobby Jindal.
Those are among the findings of a Zogby Interactive poll of 24,964 voters conducted from Nov. 7-18. The margin of error for the entire sample is +/-0.6%.
Voters were offered the choices of Palin, former Massachusetts Gov. Romney, Louisiana Gov. Jindal, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Texas Rep. Ron Paul and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. All but Palin and Jindal were candidates for the 2008 nomination. Voters also could choose someone else.
Here is how each ranked with only Republicans and with all voters.
Candidate
Republicans
All Voters
Palin
24.4%
13.4%
Romney
18.1%
13.7%
Jindal
15.6%
12.5%
Huckabee
9.7%
8.0%
Giuliani
4.9%
5.0%
Paul
2.9%
7.4%
Someone Else
8.2%
20.3%
Not Sure
16.2%
19.7%
Palin's strength is with all conservatives, conservative religious voters and gun owners. Among Republicans, she gets the support of 30% of Born-Again Christians, 32% of weekly churchgoers, 34% of National Rifle Association members, 28% of current gun owners and 29% of self-identified conservatives. More GOP support comes from 32% of blue collar workers, 30% who shop weekly at Wal-Mart, 28% of NASCAR fans and 25% of both those with children under 17 and those with family members in the military. She scores lower among GOP voters ages 18-29, with 15%.
Romney's Republican support level is very consistent across demographic groups. Among his party members, Romney's numbers fall off by a few points from his overall 18.1% with religious conservatives and gun owners. Surprisingly, Palin leads Romney among Republican investors, 24%-20%.
There are no highs or lows among subgroups for Jindal among Republicans. He is a newcomer to national politics, and already has a reasonable base of GOP support.
Palin looks to be stealing Huckabee's thunder among Republican religious conservatives and working class voters. Huckabee is an ordained Southern Baptist minister, and his highest GOP totals still come from Born-Again Christians (15%) and weekly churchgoers (18%), but those numbers are about half of those drawn by Palin. Despite his populist economic message, he wins only 10% of blue collar Republicans.
The interesting finding about Paul is that he is more popular among all voters than he is among Republicans, reinforcing his appeal as a potential third party candidate.
Pollster John Zogby: "While someone other than those we listed could still emerge as Republican contender, GOP voters seem satisfied with this group. Only 8.2% would choose someone else. Despite all of the bad press and late night TV parody of Palin, she still leads the pack. So it is hard to see what could shake the faith of her supporters going forward. If she chooses to run, that solid base would likely keep her in the race through the early primaries. Both Romney and Jindal have appeal to Republicans, with Jindal having the advantage of being the new guy who could bring change to the party."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
a Happy Thanksgiving message from Sarah Palin
Hello jacob,
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. May God richly bless you and your family today and in the future to come.
Let us pray and give thanks for all our troops over seas and in the USA. If not for them, we would not have the freedom to give thanks.
Let us pray and give thanks for our leaders. Pray that God will lead them and guide them in the direction that God sees fit, not what man thinks is right.
Let us pray and give thanks for our children. Pray that their future on this earth will be as plentiful and bright as our past has been.
So once again, Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. May God richly bless you and your family today and in the future to come.
Let us pray and give thanks for all our troops over seas and in the USA. If not for them, we would not have the freedom to give thanks.
Let us pray and give thanks for our leaders. Pray that God will lead them and guide them in the direction that God sees fit, not what man thinks is right.
Let us pray and give thanks for our children. Pray that their future on this earth will be as plentiful and bright as our past has been.
So once again, Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you all.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Joe the plumber torn between Palin & Jindal (like me)
Q: The Republican Party was dealt another devastating blow [on Nov. 4]. In your opinion, what do you feel the party needs to do in order to successfully regain control of the government? Also, what should disappointed conservatives like yourself do following the election?
A: The party should remember that they are conservative Republicans — that has been forgotten. They no longer hold to their ideals. They blow with the wind on just about every public opinion poll. So they are not right-wing; they are trying to show that they’re middle or even left-of-middle sometimes. You have to remember two years ago, the Democrats loved John McCain. That is not what this is about. If you’re a party, you have to stick to your ideals. The frontrunners in the Republican Party have definitely seem to forgotten that. Governor [Bobby] Jindal of Louisiana seems to have the right idea. We have got to get back to the grassroots of the Republican Party and not apologize for being conservative …
Q: As a Republican, do you feel that Gov. Sarah Palin was the right vice-presidential selection?
A: Honestly, I think she shines too much. I think vice president no, president definitely. She has moral values. She has a record of change that … John McCain had supposedly … Sarah was actually too big of a personality, too big of a person to be vice president.
A: The party should remember that they are conservative Republicans — that has been forgotten. They no longer hold to their ideals. They blow with the wind on just about every public opinion poll. So they are not right-wing; they are trying to show that they’re middle or even left-of-middle sometimes. You have to remember two years ago, the Democrats loved John McCain. That is not what this is about. If you’re a party, you have to stick to your ideals. The frontrunners in the Republican Party have definitely seem to forgotten that. Governor [Bobby] Jindal of Louisiana seems to have the right idea. We have got to get back to the grassroots of the Republican Party and not apologize for being conservative …
Q: As a Republican, do you feel that Gov. Sarah Palin was the right vice-presidential selection?
A: Honestly, I think she shines too much. I think vice president no, president definitely. She has moral values. She has a record of change that … John McCain had supposedly … Sarah was actually too big of a personality, too big of a person to be vice president.
Zogby poll: most Obama supporter are dumb
Zogby’s numbers. The poll surveyed over 500 self-professed Obama voters and has an MOE of 4.4%, with 55% having a college degree and over 90% having a high-school diploma. It asked 12 multiple-choice questions; only 2.4% got at least 11 correct. Only .5% got all them correct.
57.4 could NOT correctly say which party controls congress (50/50 shot just by guessing)
81.8 could NOT correctly say Joe Biden quit a previous campaign because of plagiarism (25% chance by guessing)
82.6 could NOT correctly say that Obama won his first election by getting opponents kicked off the ballot (25% chance by guessing)
88.4% could NOT correctly say that Obama said his policies would likely bankrupt the coal industry and make energy rates skyrocket (25% chance by guessing)
56.1 % could NOT correctly say Obama started his political career at the home of two former members of the Weather Underground (25% chance by guessing).And yet…..
Only 13.7% failed to identify Palin as the person their party spent $150,000 in clothes on
Only 6.2% failed to identify Palin as the one with a pregnant teenage daughter
And 86.9 % thought that Palin said that she could see Russia from her “house,” even though that was Tina Fey who said that!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Jealous......Jealous.....
GOP governors unhappy with Palin press conference
MIAMI (CNN) — Some Republican governors tell CNN they were not particularly happy with the way the Republican Governors Association press conference was executed Thursday, saying that they agreed to go as a show of GOP governors’ unity — but they ended up feeling like silent Palin supporters, since it was clearly a press conference called for her.
The GOP governors spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity.
One called it awkward: “I’m sure you could see it on some of our faces.”
Another Republican governor eyeing a presidential run in 2012 told CNN the event was “odd” and “weird,” and said it “unfortunately sent a message that she was the de facto leader of the party."
There has been palpable tension among some GOP governors gathered in Miami that Palin has been sucking up all the media oxygen.
MIAMI (CNN) — Some Republican governors tell CNN they were not particularly happy with the way the Republican Governors Association press conference was executed Thursday, saying that they agreed to go as a show of GOP governors’ unity — but they ended up feeling like silent Palin supporters, since it was clearly a press conference called for her.
The GOP governors spoke to CNN on condition of anonymity.
One called it awkward: “I’m sure you could see it on some of our faces.”
Another Republican governor eyeing a presidential run in 2012 told CNN the event was “odd” and “weird,” and said it “unfortunately sent a message that she was the de facto leader of the party."
There has been palpable tension among some GOP governors gathered in Miami that Palin has been sucking up all the media oxygen.
Is Romney the man to save GOP in 2012?Story Highlights
Ex-Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney may be a 2012 contender, observers say
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As Republican leaders sift through the ruins of the 2008 election and debate the party's future at the Republican Governors Association meeting this week, one of the GOP's potential standard-bearers is instead on a Caribbean cruise.
But it isn't just any cruise and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney isn't just any Republican. Since the economy began its historic downturn six weeks ago, Romney's stock in his party appears to have skyrocketed.
Now the onetime front-runner for the Republican nomination is schmoozing influential party insiders on the National Review's annual cruise -- a gathering of 700 conservative activists and the same forum where Palin wowed the movement's media elite last year, beginning her meteoric rise from obscure governor to vice presidential nominee.
But even as Romney publicly declares he has no intentions to run again, several former aides said they believe he will, and this week's get-together with leading conservatives is only the latest sign the man who spent more than $50 million of his own money to vie for the party's nomination last year is itching to do it again. Watch more on the GOP's rising stars »
After all, in many ways Romney's campaign for 2012 appeared to begin the instant he abandoned his primary bid in February. Instead of the conventional location befitting most losing candidates -- his home state, surrounded by friends and family -- Romney broke the news to grass-roots activists at a gathering in Washington.
The last-minute announcement was greeted with cries of surprise and was seen as a public attempt to bolster his standing with the key GOP voting bloc that largely broke former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's way through the first round of primary contests.
"There he was addressing the largest gathering every year of conservatives, and it was extremely symbolic in many ways," said Matt Lewis, a writer for the conservative Web site Townhall.com. "That's where he chose to say for the good of the movement he was going to get out. It was very well-received by most people, and he is now in a better position to garner more conservative support because of it."
Romney also has maintained close relationships with key supporters in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, according to party officials there, and could easily revive the infrastructure he built should he launch another bid.
If the economy continues to flail after four years of Democratic rule, Romney's economic acumen may be in demand when it comes to restoring GOP power to the White House.
"If the economy remains the dominant issue, there will certainly be a draft Romney movement, you can count on it," Lewis said.
Romney also may be positioned to attract a wider base of support than some of the other figures on the Republican bench, including the now-GOP rock star Palin and Huckabee, whose 2008 campaign outlasted Romney's. Both have shown the ability to generate excitement among base voters but appear to remain fairly unappealing to the more moderate faction of the party -- not to mention independent voters who are permitted to vote in some Republican primaries.
Al Regnery, publisher of The American Spectator who attended a summit of prominent conservatives in Virginia last week, said movement leaders continue to toss around Romney's name as they look to the future.
"People are going to have to compete for what will be the equivalent of several interviews with conservatives as to whether they fit the job description, and Romney would certainly be one of these contenders," Regnery said.
But even as the Romney drumbeat already can be heard in some corners of the party, it remains possible the former governor will face the same problems that hindered his 2008 campaign -- namely the perception he is overambitious and given to flip-flopping on issues for political expediency.
"Many conservatives never really trusted him," Regnery said. "A lot of people think he pretty much adjusted his message to meet the needs [of the base]. He's going to have to go back around and talk to the dinners and talk to the small groups and large groups and write op-eds with a fairly consistent message."
Steven Wayne, a professor of American government at Georgetown University, also noted that not holding elected office now makes it more difficult for Romney to stay relevant on the political scene.
"He's going to need some vehicle to stay in the public eye and comment on the economy and, if appropriate, be critical of the new Obama administration," Wayne said. "One of the problems that people who are not in elected office have is that they don't have a ready platform until you start running for office."
But should Romney decide on a second presidential run, he's likely to face a friendlier reception than his first go-around. The base may to be more convinced of Romney's conservative commitment if he's willing to take another stab at the presidency, activists say, and the Republican Party has a history of rewarding presidential candidates who have run at least once and lost.
"There is a tradition in the Republican Party -- you run first for the nomination and lose, and then you run and get it," Wayne said, pointing to Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, former Sen. Bob Dole and McCain.
"Losing once is almost a badge of honor among Republicans."
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As Republican leaders sift through the ruins of the 2008 election and debate the party's future at the Republican Governors Association meeting this week, one of the GOP's potential standard-bearers is instead on a Caribbean cruise.
But it isn't just any cruise and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney isn't just any Republican. Since the economy began its historic downturn six weeks ago, Romney's stock in his party appears to have skyrocketed.
Now the onetime front-runner for the Republican nomination is schmoozing influential party insiders on the National Review's annual cruise -- a gathering of 700 conservative activists and the same forum where Palin wowed the movement's media elite last year, beginning her meteoric rise from obscure governor to vice presidential nominee.
But even as Romney publicly declares he has no intentions to run again, several former aides said they believe he will, and this week's get-together with leading conservatives is only the latest sign the man who spent more than $50 million of his own money to vie for the party's nomination last year is itching to do it again. Watch more on the GOP's rising stars »
After all, in many ways Romney's campaign for 2012 appeared to begin the instant he abandoned his primary bid in February. Instead of the conventional location befitting most losing candidates -- his home state, surrounded by friends and family -- Romney broke the news to grass-roots activists at a gathering in Washington.
The last-minute announcement was greeted with cries of surprise and was seen as a public attempt to bolster his standing with the key GOP voting bloc that largely broke former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's way through the first round of primary contests.
"There he was addressing the largest gathering every year of conservatives, and it was extremely symbolic in many ways," said Matt Lewis, a writer for the conservative Web site Townhall.com. "That's where he chose to say for the good of the movement he was going to get out. It was very well-received by most people, and he is now in a better position to garner more conservative support because of it."
Romney also has maintained close relationships with key supporters in the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire, according to party officials there, and could easily revive the infrastructure he built should he launch another bid.
If the economy continues to flail after four years of Democratic rule, Romney's economic acumen may be in demand when it comes to restoring GOP power to the White House.
"If the economy remains the dominant issue, there will certainly be a draft Romney movement, you can count on it," Lewis said.
Romney also may be positioned to attract a wider base of support than some of the other figures on the Republican bench, including the now-GOP rock star Palin and Huckabee, whose 2008 campaign outlasted Romney's. Both have shown the ability to generate excitement among base voters but appear to remain fairly unappealing to the more moderate faction of the party -- not to mention independent voters who are permitted to vote in some Republican primaries.
Al Regnery, publisher of The American Spectator who attended a summit of prominent conservatives in Virginia last week, said movement leaders continue to toss around Romney's name as they look to the future.
"People are going to have to compete for what will be the equivalent of several interviews with conservatives as to whether they fit the job description, and Romney would certainly be one of these contenders," Regnery said.
But even as the Romney drumbeat already can be heard in some corners of the party, it remains possible the former governor will face the same problems that hindered his 2008 campaign -- namely the perception he is overambitious and given to flip-flopping on issues for political expediency.
"Many conservatives never really trusted him," Regnery said. "A lot of people think he pretty much adjusted his message to meet the needs [of the base]. He's going to have to go back around and talk to the dinners and talk to the small groups and large groups and write op-eds with a fairly consistent message."
Steven Wayne, a professor of American government at Georgetown University, also noted that not holding elected office now makes it more difficult for Romney to stay relevant on the political scene.
"He's going to need some vehicle to stay in the public eye and comment on the economy and, if appropriate, be critical of the new Obama administration," Wayne said. "One of the problems that people who are not in elected office have is that they don't have a ready platform until you start running for office."
But should Romney decide on a second presidential run, he's likely to face a friendlier reception than his first go-around. The base may to be more convinced of Romney's conservative commitment if he's willing to take another stab at the presidency, activists say, and the Republican Party has a history of rewarding presidential candidates who have run at least once and lost.
"There is a tradition in the Republican Party -- you run first for the nomination and lose, and then you run and get it," Wayne said, pointing to Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, former Sen. Bob Dole and McCain.
"Losing once is almost a badge of honor among Republicans."
Palin Urges Republican Governors to Stick to GOP's Bedrock Values
Sarah Palin begins her rise from the failed McCain presidential campaign's ashes Thursday at the Republican Governors Association conference in Miami.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Thursday the Republican Governors Association is committed to returning to the bedrock values of the party after a battering in the Nov. 4 election left Republicans in a weakened state across the nation.
"Let us resolve not to become the negative party, too eager to find fault or unwilling to help in this time of crisis and war," she told the gathering Thursday. "Losing an election does not have to mean losing our way, and for governors, the way forward leads through our own state capitals in reforms we will carry on or begin anew."
Palin, whose vice presidential nomination led to her being cast as one of the GOP's rising stars, told reporters ahead of the group's plenary session that she's not thinking about her personal ambitions but putting the country back on the conservative track.
"As far as we're concerned, the past is the past, it's behind us," she said. "And I, like all of our governors, we're focused on the future. And the future for us is not that 2012 presidential race. It's next year, and our next budgets and the next reforms in our states, and it's 2010 when we'll have 36 governors' positions open across the U.S."
Nonetheless, Palin's role in the coming years helping other Republicans get elected could be the key factor in her ability to stake a claim to the presidential nomination in 2012. Palin is hoping to rise from the ashes of a failed John McCain presidential campaign that ended with her fending off claims she is countrified and bubble-headed.
"I can assure you, she's just getting started," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry, introducing her, and telling her to "knock 'em dead" at a press conference before the press conference.
As a history-making figurehead who has held court with foreign heads of state and still has the media clamoring for her time, Palin is poised to cement her role within the party. She told governors that America wants "to be able to trust the federal government again" and much of that will rely on the ability of governors to project authority on the state level and work across partisan lines.
"We are united and we understand what it's going to take to get this economy back on the right track, national security issues, immigration issues, education reform, health care reform, those issues that we deal with every day in our states," she said. "We want to reach out to the new administration and offer our assistance, our support, offer solutions and I think that we'll be sought by the new administration, by Congress, and we're here to help."
Meanwhile, Palin has signaled she might just heed the calls to reach for the mantle of the Republican Party -- and remain in the national spotlight. She said she was disappointed by the election results. "You run to win," she said, adding that her gender is an asset to the party's image.
"In America there will be no ceilings on achievement, glass or otherwise," she told the governors.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Thursday the Republican Governors Association is committed to returning to the bedrock values of the party after a battering in the Nov. 4 election left Republicans in a weakened state across the nation.
"Let us resolve not to become the negative party, too eager to find fault or unwilling to help in this time of crisis and war," she told the gathering Thursday. "Losing an election does not have to mean losing our way, and for governors, the way forward leads through our own state capitals in reforms we will carry on or begin anew."
Palin, whose vice presidential nomination led to her being cast as one of the GOP's rising stars, told reporters ahead of the group's plenary session that she's not thinking about her personal ambitions but putting the country back on the conservative track.
"As far as we're concerned, the past is the past, it's behind us," she said. "And I, like all of our governors, we're focused on the future. And the future for us is not that 2012 presidential race. It's next year, and our next budgets and the next reforms in our states, and it's 2010 when we'll have 36 governors' positions open across the U.S."
Nonetheless, Palin's role in the coming years helping other Republicans get elected could be the key factor in her ability to stake a claim to the presidential nomination in 2012. Palin is hoping to rise from the ashes of a failed John McCain presidential campaign that ended with her fending off claims she is countrified and bubble-headed.
"I can assure you, she's just getting started," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry, introducing her, and telling her to "knock 'em dead" at a press conference before the press conference.
As a history-making figurehead who has held court with foreign heads of state and still has the media clamoring for her time, Palin is poised to cement her role within the party. She told governors that America wants "to be able to trust the federal government again" and much of that will rely on the ability of governors to project authority on the state level and work across partisan lines.
"We are united and we understand what it's going to take to get this economy back on the right track, national security issues, immigration issues, education reform, health care reform, those issues that we deal with every day in our states," she said. "We want to reach out to the new administration and offer our assistance, our support, offer solutions and I think that we'll be sought by the new administration, by Congress, and we're here to help."
Meanwhile, Palin has signaled she might just heed the calls to reach for the mantle of the Republican Party -- and remain in the national spotlight. She said she was disappointed by the election results. "You run to win," she said, adding that her gender is an asset to the party's image.
"In America there will be no ceilings on achievement, glass or otherwise," she told the governors.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Obama trend in Israel
The Obama trend is up for grabs in Israel , and is changing the political market in Israel for the first time in history.
Yesterday the municipal races gave a indication of what will turnout to be a historical moment in the Israeli politics, in most cities the younger candidates and the new Parties that present the younger generation emerged in some amazing victory, showing that the old politics, Former Army Generals and experienced Politicians are no more the answer to the problems and to the Future of the coming generations.
In what defeated Beersheba Mayor Yaakov Terner called the "Obama effect," young candidates beat out their much older rivals in several key municipal races across the country on Tuesday.
Terner, 73, fell to 37-year-old Rubik Danilovitz, who has served as the outgoing mayor's deputy for the past five years. Danilovitz received 60.5% of the vote, compared to 30% for Terner.
In Rishon Lezion, Meir Nitzan, 76, who has served as mayor for the past 25 years, was defeated by 56-year-old Dov Tzur. Tzur won 52.3% of the vote, compared to Nitzan's 47.7%.
Ashdod also saw the end of an era as Zvi Zilker, 75, was defeated by 51-year-old Yehiel Lasri, who received 56% to Zilker's 44%. Zilker had served as mayor of Ashdod since it was incorporated as a city in 1969, except for one stretch of six years in the 1980s.
Even Bibi Netanyahu (60), the likely to win Likud candidate , opened a website that is the same look and layout as the Obama election site, and is running on the same message of change ,and campaigning on a slogan of "ISRAEL RENEWING ITSELF..".
Yesterday the municipal races gave a indication of what will turnout to be a historical moment in the Israeli politics, in most cities the younger candidates and the new Parties that present the younger generation emerged in some amazing victory, showing that the old politics, Former Army Generals and experienced Politicians are no more the answer to the problems and to the Future of the coming generations.
In what defeated Beersheba Mayor Yaakov Terner called the "Obama effect," young candidates beat out their much older rivals in several key municipal races across the country on Tuesday.
Terner, 73, fell to 37-year-old Rubik Danilovitz, who has served as the outgoing mayor's deputy for the past five years. Danilovitz received 60.5% of the vote, compared to 30% for Terner.
In Rishon Lezion, Meir Nitzan, 76, who has served as mayor for the past 25 years, was defeated by 56-year-old Dov Tzur. Tzur won 52.3% of the vote, compared to Nitzan's 47.7%.
Ashdod also saw the end of an era as Zvi Zilker, 75, was defeated by 51-year-old Yehiel Lasri, who received 56% to Zilker's 44%. Zilker had served as mayor of Ashdod since it was incorporated as a city in 1969, except for one stretch of six years in the 1980s.
Even Bibi Netanyahu (60), the likely to win Likud candidate , opened a website that is the same look and layout as the Obama election site, and is running on the same message of change ,and campaigning on a slogan of "ISRAEL RENEWING ITSELF..".
Romney- a strong voice for the GOP
Although i endorsed Mitt Romney in 2007 for his Presidential Bid in the republican Primary, and i thought that he would be a great VP mate for The republicans in order to win this Election, but unfortionaly the Republicans lost, and without looking back on the past and start discussing who and what would void a defeat, our eyes have to focus on the Future, and in order to open the party for all American, and start rebuilding the party, giving a voice for the young generation, we must elect a young, energized leader, that knows how to use a blackberry, and can energize the base , raise money, and appeal to young voters, bring out massive rally's and bring a fresh and good look to the party.
Therefore i think that with all respect to Mitt Romney, we must build a grass root young generation volunteer group ,and elect a new face for the party, and Mitt Romney is a great man to be a strong voice and a part of the Republican leadership ,but not for the top of the ticket, and i am sure that he will understand that, and continue to work for the better future of our party and country.
Therefore i think that with all respect to Mitt Romney, we must build a grass root young generation volunteer group ,and elect a new face for the party, and Mitt Romney is a great man to be a strong voice and a part of the Republican leadership ,but not for the top of the ticket, and i am sure that he will understand that, and continue to work for the better future of our party and country.
President Palin? Alaska governor ponders her futureStory Highlights
(CNN) -- Far from stepping out of the public eye since the Republican ticket lost the election, Gov. Sarah Palin is moving deeper into the spotlight.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has granted numerous interviews in the week after the election.
In the past week, the former vice presidential candidate has invited reporters into her home in Alaska, serving them moose chili and moose hot dogs as she opens up about her life and what's next.
The Alaska governor, who was criticized during the campaign for being too shielded from the media, has been granting back-to-back interviews -- including two Wednesday on CNN.
Palin sits down with Wolf Blitzer in an interview that will air on "The Situation Room," starting at 4 p.m. ET. Palin also will appear on "Larry King Live" at 9 p.m. ET.
Palin also plans to give remarks Thursday about "Looking Toward the Future" at the Republican Governors Association annual conference in Miami, Florida, and she's expected to hold a news conference later that day.
Her newfound openness with the media is a sign that she has her future in mind, analysts say. Watch more on Palin's media blitz »
"Right now, Gov. Palin's future is up for grabs, and no one knows exactly what she wants. About the only thing we do know for sure is that lately, she has been preoccupied with clearing her name, which is an indication that she's got big plans for the future," said Gloria Borger, a senior political analyst for CNN.
Palin speaks out
Sarah Palin responds to her critics' attacks with CNN's Wolf Blitzer and then later on "Larry King Live."
Today, 4 and 9 p.m. ET
see full schedule »
Palin is brushing off what she calls "false allegations from anonymous sources" from McCain campaign insiders who have refused to go on the record as they called her a "diva" and worse. See how Americans view Palin »
While Palin's been point-blank about shooting down rumors about her wardrobe, her record and going rogue, she's been less direct about her future plans.
Immediately after the election, she told CNN that she didn't know "what the heck's going to happen in 2012."
"Right now, I cannot even imagine running for national office in 2012," she said after the results came in. "When I say that, of course, [it's] coming on the heels of an outcome that I did not anticipate and had not hoped for."
One week later, the self-described maverick is sounding much more open to a future run.
Palin said she is leaning on her faith and looking for any future opportunities.
"I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door," she said in an interview that aired Monday on Fox News.
"And if there is an open door in '12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door."
The former beauty queen said it would be "very exciting to have an opportunity to serve in a greater capacity," but in the meantime, she said she has plenty to contribute to Alaska.
She told CNN that in 2012, she'll see where her kids are at that point in their lives.
"They're going to come first, and we'll see what happens," said Palin, a mother of five.
Amy Holmes, a CNN contributor and conservative commentator, said Palin has the next four years to prove herself.
"We saw sassy Sarah, sexy Sarah. Hopefully over the next four years, we'll see smart Sarah as governor of Alaska, having to tackle issues like energy, energy independence, the Alaskan oil pipeline," Holmes said on CNN's "Larry King Live."
"There's a lot of ways she can showcase her talent and her intelligence as well as the soft mothering, cooking, nurturing side of her that she's been doing the rounds lately."
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has granted numerous interviews in the week after the election.
In the past week, the former vice presidential candidate has invited reporters into her home in Alaska, serving them moose chili and moose hot dogs as she opens up about her life and what's next.
The Alaska governor, who was criticized during the campaign for being too shielded from the media, has been granting back-to-back interviews -- including two Wednesday on CNN.
Palin sits down with Wolf Blitzer in an interview that will air on "The Situation Room," starting at 4 p.m. ET. Palin also will appear on "Larry King Live" at 9 p.m. ET.
Palin also plans to give remarks Thursday about "Looking Toward the Future" at the Republican Governors Association annual conference in Miami, Florida, and she's expected to hold a news conference later that day.
Her newfound openness with the media is a sign that she has her future in mind, analysts say. Watch more on Palin's media blitz »
"Right now, Gov. Palin's future is up for grabs, and no one knows exactly what she wants. About the only thing we do know for sure is that lately, she has been preoccupied with clearing her name, which is an indication that she's got big plans for the future," said Gloria Borger, a senior political analyst for CNN.
Palin speaks out
Sarah Palin responds to her critics' attacks with CNN's Wolf Blitzer and then later on "Larry King Live."
Today, 4 and 9 p.m. ET
see full schedule »
Palin is brushing off what she calls "false allegations from anonymous sources" from McCain campaign insiders who have refused to go on the record as they called her a "diva" and worse. See how Americans view Palin »
While Palin's been point-blank about shooting down rumors about her wardrobe, her record and going rogue, she's been less direct about her future plans.
Immediately after the election, she told CNN that she didn't know "what the heck's going to happen in 2012."
"Right now, I cannot even imagine running for national office in 2012," she said after the results came in. "When I say that, of course, [it's] coming on the heels of an outcome that I did not anticipate and had not hoped for."
One week later, the self-described maverick is sounding much more open to a future run.
Palin said she is leaning on her faith and looking for any future opportunities.
"I'm like, OK, God, if there is an open door for me somewhere, this is what I always pray, I'm like, don't let me miss the open door," she said in an interview that aired Monday on Fox News.
"And if there is an open door in '12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door."
The former beauty queen said it would be "very exciting to have an opportunity to serve in a greater capacity," but in the meantime, she said she has plenty to contribute to Alaska.
She told CNN that in 2012, she'll see where her kids are at that point in their lives.
"They're going to come first, and we'll see what happens," said Palin, a mother of five.
Amy Holmes, a CNN contributor and conservative commentator, said Palin has the next four years to prove herself.
"We saw sassy Sarah, sexy Sarah. Hopefully over the next four years, we'll see smart Sarah as governor of Alaska, having to tackle issues like energy, energy independence, the Alaskan oil pipeline," Holmes said on CNN's "Larry King Live."
"There's a lot of ways she can showcase her talent and her intelligence as well as the soft mothering, cooking, nurturing side of her that she's been doing the rounds lately."
Republicans turn to Web for help in rebuilding party
Fresh off a US presidential election defeat and further losses in Congress, the Republican Party launched a new website on Tuesday asking members for their ideas on its future.
"We are a party of principles and must regain our voice," Republican National Committee chairman Robert Duncan said in a statement announcing the creation of the website, RepublicanForAReason.com.
"We need to hear what our volunteers, activists, elected leaders, and party members think about the Republican Party as we rebuild, re-focus, and renew our bond with the American people," Duncan added.
The statement said the new website provides a venue for party members to "offer their opinion of where the party is headed and how we can be better prepared for the future."
"We are a party of principles and must regain our voice," Republican National Committee chairman Robert Duncan said in a statement announcing the creation of the website, RepublicanForAReason.com.
"We need to hear what our volunteers, activists, elected leaders, and party members think about the Republican Party as we rebuild, re-focus, and renew our bond with the American people," Duncan added.
The statement said the new website provides a venue for party members to "offer their opinion of where the party is headed and how we can be better prepared for the future."
Win Baby Win: Michael Steele running for RNC chair
Michael Steele, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, has decided to run for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee and is in talks with Newt Gingrich to win the former House speaker’s endorsement, FOX News learned Tuesday.
Steele declined to comment, but a source close to the situation said Steele would announce his candidacy as early as Thursday.
The source also contradicted a report in Tuesday’s Washington Times that Steele and Gingrich were competing for the RNC post.
“There is no fight,” the source said. “This tension between Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich is totally fabricated and, in fact, Gingrich and Steele are working together to create a new strategy for the direction of the GOP.”
Steele declined to comment, but a source close to the situation said Steele would announce his candidacy as early as Thursday.
The source also contradicted a report in Tuesday’s Washington Times that Steele and Gingrich were competing for the RNC post.
“There is no fight,” the source said. “This tension between Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich is totally fabricated and, in fact, Gingrich and Steele are working together to create a new strategy for the direction of the GOP.”
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Palin not ruling out 2012 bid
Palin is considering a presidential bid over her own.
(CNN) — As Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin heads to Florida to attend the Republican Governors Association annual conference in Miami, she says she'd consider a run for the White House in 2012 or beyond.
Less than one week after the victory by Barack Obama and Joe Biden over the GOP ticket in the presidential election, John McCain's running mate is speaking out about her political future in national politics.
"Don't let me miss the open door. Show me where the open door is and even if it's cracked up a little bit, maybe I'll just plow right on through that and maybe prematurely plow through it, but don't let me miss an open door. And if there is an open door in '12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door," Palin said in an interview with Fox News Monday.
Palin will be with her fellow Republican governors on Wednesday and Thursday as they meet in Miami. In the crowd will be other possible contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
Palin also sits down Wednesday for a one on one interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Tune into the Situation Room, starting at 4 pm ET Wednesday to see Wolf's candid conversation with Palin.
(CNN) — As Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin heads to Florida to attend the Republican Governors Association annual conference in Miami, she says she'd consider a run for the White House in 2012 or beyond.
Less than one week after the victory by Barack Obama and Joe Biden over the GOP ticket in the presidential election, John McCain's running mate is speaking out about her political future in national politics.
"Don't let me miss the open door. Show me where the open door is and even if it's cracked up a little bit, maybe I'll just plow right on through that and maybe prematurely plow through it, but don't let me miss an open door. And if there is an open door in '12 or four years later, and if it is something that is going to be good for my family, for my state, for my nation, an opportunity for me, then I'll plow through that door," Palin said in an interview with Fox News Monday.
Palin will be with her fellow Republican governors on Wednesday and Thursday as they meet in Miami. In the crowd will be other possible contenders for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination.
Palin also sits down Wednesday for a one on one interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Tune into the Situation Room, starting at 4 pm ET Wednesday to see Wolf's candid conversation with Palin.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Odds on the 2012 Presidential Election: Romney, Palin, Gingrich, Jindal and More
It's never too early for Intrade to start putting odds on the next presidential election. For the GOP nomination: 1) Mitt Romney 24.5 percent, 2) Mike Huckabee 11.1 percent, 3) Sarah Palin 10.5 percent, 4) Newt Gingrich 8.9 percent (thanks Bob Novak). No wagers have yet been placed on Bobby Jindal and David Petraeus, but volume overall is pretty light. Plenty of time to get in early. Interestingly, the GOP nominee is given a 40 percent chance of being the next president.
New Poll: Palin a GOP Rock Star
Despite some news reports suggesting otherwise, a new poll shows that Sarah Palin was a definite asset to John McCain in his run for the White House.
According to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey, 69 percent of Republican voters say the Alaska governor helped McCain’s bid for the presidency. Twenty percent of GOP voters said she hurt the ticket, six percent said she had no effect, and 5 percent were undecided.
Other results of the poll:
91 percent of Republicans have a favorable view of Palin.
65 percent of Republicans have a very favorable view of Palin.
8 percent of Republicans have an unfavorable view of Palin.
3 percent of Republicans have a very unfavorable view of Palin.
64 percent of Republicans say Palin is their top choice for the GOP 2012 presidential nominee.
12 percent of Republicans say Mike Huckabee is their top choice for the GOP 2012 presidential nominee.
11 percent of Republicans say Mitt Romney is their top choice for the GOP 2012 presidential nominee
According to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey, 69 percent of Republican voters say the Alaska governor helped McCain’s bid for the presidency. Twenty percent of GOP voters said she hurt the ticket, six percent said she had no effect, and 5 percent were undecided.
Other results of the poll:
91 percent of Republicans have a favorable view of Palin.
65 percent of Republicans have a very favorable view of Palin.
8 percent of Republicans have an unfavorable view of Palin.
3 percent of Republicans have a very unfavorable view of Palin.
64 percent of Republicans say Palin is their top choice for the GOP 2012 presidential nominee.
12 percent of Republicans say Mike Huckabee is their top choice for the GOP 2012 presidential nominee.
11 percent of Republicans say Mitt Romney is their top choice for the GOP 2012 presidential nominee
Palin gives first extended interview since campaign
KTUU.COM:
video: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/134247
WASILLA, Alaska -- For the first time since losing as Sen. John McCain vice presidential running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin sat down for an interview Sunday.
Channel 2 was invited into the governors home Sunday afternoon to talk about everything from what's it's like speaking in front of a crowd of thousands to the abuse of power investigations to the governor's future political plans.
Palin says despite the loss, running for vice president was a positive experience for her and her family.
As for her plans for the future, the governor says she has not decided what to do in two years when her term expires.
Asked why the McCain-Palin ticket lost, Palin said:
"My goodness there was such a desire for change across the nation. I mean that was that was the given -- change was going to be ushered in, and I think the Republican ticket represented too much of the status quo, too much of what had gone on in these last eight years.
"Americans were kinda shaking their heads going, ‘Wait a minute, how did we run up a $10 trillion debt in a Republican administration? How have there been blunders with war strategy under a Republican administration? If we're talking change, we want to get far away from what it was that the present administration represented.'
"And that is to a great degree what the Republican Party at the time had been representing. So, people desiring change I think went as far from the administration that is presently seated as they could."
Palin also talked about why it seemed she was kept away from the national media during the beginning of her campaign.
"I'm not going to say anything negative about the strategy of the campaign, because it was such a positive experience, and I will never say anything negative about John McCain and the people who he surrounded himself with. He had very sharp and professional and experienced people around him in the campaign.
"I do though believe that they were surprised at my desire to be out there speaking to Americans, speaking to Alaskans -- the only way you can do that is through reporters, of course -- and I think they were surprised.
"I think Kyle (Hopkins, a local reporter) called me once on my cell phone, and they were like, ‘A reporter's got your cell phone number?' And I said, ‘That's the way we roll in Alaska, yeah.' I talk to reporters every single day, and I think they were surprised at that -- that that was my desire, to be able to reach out and speak to more people through the media. That took some getting used to."
video: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/134247
WASILLA, Alaska -- For the first time since losing as Sen. John McCain vice presidential running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin sat down for an interview Sunday.
Channel 2 was invited into the governors home Sunday afternoon to talk about everything from what's it's like speaking in front of a crowd of thousands to the abuse of power investigations to the governor's future political plans.
Palin says despite the loss, running for vice president was a positive experience for her and her family.
As for her plans for the future, the governor says she has not decided what to do in two years when her term expires.
Asked why the McCain-Palin ticket lost, Palin said:
"My goodness there was such a desire for change across the nation. I mean that was that was the given -- change was going to be ushered in, and I think the Republican ticket represented too much of the status quo, too much of what had gone on in these last eight years.
"Americans were kinda shaking their heads going, ‘Wait a minute, how did we run up a $10 trillion debt in a Republican administration? How have there been blunders with war strategy under a Republican administration? If we're talking change, we want to get far away from what it was that the present administration represented.'
"And that is to a great degree what the Republican Party at the time had been representing. So, people desiring change I think went as far from the administration that is presently seated as they could."
Palin also talked about why it seemed she was kept away from the national media during the beginning of her campaign.
"I'm not going to say anything negative about the strategy of the campaign, because it was such a positive experience, and I will never say anything negative about John McCain and the people who he surrounded himself with. He had very sharp and professional and experienced people around him in the campaign.
"I do though believe that they were surprised at my desire to be out there speaking to Americans, speaking to Alaskans -- the only way you can do that is through reporters, of course -- and I think they were surprised.
"I think Kyle (Hopkins, a local reporter) called me once on my cell phone, and they were like, ‘A reporter's got your cell phone number?' And I said, ‘That's the way we roll in Alaska, yeah.' I talk to reporters every single day, and I think they were surprised at that -- that that was my desire, to be able to reach out and speak to more people through the media. That took some getting used to."
Romney Cruisin’ Toward 2012?
NYT:
Guess who is conveniently leaving tomorrow on a Caribbean cruise with influential conservative leaders now that the election is over and Republicans are pondering their future?
Yep, Mitt Romney, widely believed to be planning another run for president in 2012.
Mr. Romney, who sought the Republican nomination in 2008, is one of the headliners for the National Review’s post-election cruise, which departs tomorrow for six days of sun and conversation about restoring the Republican brand in fabulous ports of call in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos.
It is the same annual confab that fortuitously visited Alaska last year, stopping off to meet Gov. Sarah Palin, and, thereby, helping to send her on a trajectory, according to a recent New Yorker article, to be plucked from relative obscurity to become Senator John McCain’s running mate.
Conservative elites from that cruise, along with one organized by the Weekly Standard that also visited Alaska, came away enamored by Ms. Palin, who worked hard to court them, the article said.Ms. Palin, of course, is back in Alaska and does not have a ticket to this year’s get-together. Mr. Romney will share the stage with Fred D. Thompson and other guest speakers.
For a taste of the goings-on aboard ship, here is a description from the Web site: “This is not your typical cruise. Guests of National Review will enjoy informative seminars and extensive interaction with our guest speakers; numerous social events; dining with fellow conservatives as well as guest speakers; and a wonderful sense of sharing and camaraderie.
The cruise will include cocktail receptions, evening cigar and cognac smokers, dinners together, group excursions, and seminar sessions.”
Mr. Romney has kept busy since dropping out of the race for president, campaigning vigorously for Senator John McCain, Mr. Romney’s former rival, and raising more than $400,000 for Republican candidates and causes through his political action committee.
Eric Fehrnstrom, a spokesman for Mr. Romney, batted away the notion that the trip amounts to early preparations for 2012, pointing out the National Review endorsed Mr. Romney during the Republican primary and that “this is as much a thank you, as it is a chance to look to some of the challenges that are facing our country.”
Guess who is conveniently leaving tomorrow on a Caribbean cruise with influential conservative leaders now that the election is over and Republicans are pondering their future?
Yep, Mitt Romney, widely believed to be planning another run for president in 2012.
Mr. Romney, who sought the Republican nomination in 2008, is one of the headliners for the National Review’s post-election cruise, which departs tomorrow for six days of sun and conversation about restoring the Republican brand in fabulous ports of call in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos.
It is the same annual confab that fortuitously visited Alaska last year, stopping off to meet Gov. Sarah Palin, and, thereby, helping to send her on a trajectory, according to a recent New Yorker article, to be plucked from relative obscurity to become Senator John McCain’s running mate.
Conservative elites from that cruise, along with one organized by the Weekly Standard that also visited Alaska, came away enamored by Ms. Palin, who worked hard to court them, the article said.Ms. Palin, of course, is back in Alaska and does not have a ticket to this year’s get-together. Mr. Romney will share the stage with Fred D. Thompson and other guest speakers.
For a taste of the goings-on aboard ship, here is a description from the Web site: “This is not your typical cruise. Guests of National Review will enjoy informative seminars and extensive interaction with our guest speakers; numerous social events; dining with fellow conservatives as well as guest speakers; and a wonderful sense of sharing and camaraderie.
The cruise will include cocktail receptions, evening cigar and cognac smokers, dinners together, group excursions, and seminar sessions.”
Mr. Romney has kept busy since dropping out of the race for president, campaigning vigorously for Senator John McCain, Mr. Romney’s former rival, and raising more than $400,000 for Republican candidates and causes through his political action committee.
Eric Fehrnstrom, a spokesman for Mr. Romney, batted away the notion that the trip amounts to early preparations for 2012, pointing out the National Review endorsed Mr. Romney during the Republican primary and that “this is as much a thank you, as it is a chance to look to some of the challenges that are facing our country.”
Sunday, November 9, 2008
"Mike Huckabee Reacts To The Election: "We Will Be Back In Strength"
I'm very proud to have supported Senator McCain and the only regret is that more Americans didn't share my conviction that he would have made an outstanding President. I not only recognize, but respect that we are a nation in which the people choose and tonight they have chosen Senator Obama. He was not my choice, but he will be my President and I will pray for him to lead this great nation with God's help and grace. He will face serious challenges to lead our country and he will need all Americans to give him a chance.
The campaign is over and now is the time for governing and leading. The Republican Party must now reassess where it is and where it is going. Our problem is not that our views aren't acceptable, is that many in our party have abandoned the very principles that once drew Americans to trust us. Our party will be back with strength, but tonight we should all celebrate the historic nature of this election and put our country ahead of our party.
As disappointed as I am that we have lost the election, I can't help but feel that many courageous leaders of the civil rights movement look down from heaven tonight with a smile that the day has come when a man is elected without regard to his color. I salute President-elect Obama for his discipline and tenacity that has given our country the opportunity to witness this significant event.
Politics is not an event but a process. We sometimes lose the events but it never gives us the right to stop being faithful to our principles that enlisted us in the process. We shall live to fight another day."
The campaign is over and now is the time for governing and leading. The Republican Party must now reassess where it is and where it is going. Our problem is not that our views aren't acceptable, is that many in our party have abandoned the very principles that once drew Americans to trust us. Our party will be back with strength, but tonight we should all celebrate the historic nature of this election and put our country ahead of our party.
As disappointed as I am that we have lost the election, I can't help but feel that many courageous leaders of the civil rights movement look down from heaven tonight with a smile that the day has come when a man is elected without regard to his color. I salute President-elect Obama for his discipline and tenacity that has given our country the opportunity to witness this significant event.
Politics is not an event but a process. We sometimes lose the events but it never gives us the right to stop being faithful to our principles that enlisted us in the process. We shall live to fight another day."
The Plan for the Future
rebuildtheparty.com:
As Republicans, we face a choice.
Either we can spend the next several months -- or years -- trying to figure out what just happened, excusing our defeat away as a temporary blip or the result of a poor environment, and waiting for Barack Obama to trip up. Or we can refuse to take this defeat lying down, and start building the future of our party now.
2008 made one thing clear: if allowed to go unchecked, the Democrats' structural advantages, including their use of the Internet, their more than 2-to-1 advantage with young voters, their discovery of a better grassroots model -- will be as big a threat to the future of the GOP as the toxic political environment we have faced the last few years.
The time is now to set in motion the changes needed to rebuild our party from the grassroots up, modernize the way we run campaigns, and attract different, energetic, and younger candidates at all levels.
We must be conservative in philosophy -- but bold in our approach. We don't need a slight tweak here or there. We need transformation. We can't keep fighting a 21st century war with 20th century weapons.
This is a document about bringing the Republican Party into the future -- and it isn't just about strategies and tactics.
Revitalizing the party will have much to do with how we talk about issues and standing on principle. And, above all, it will require leadership.
At the same time, waiting for a political savior to materialize out of thin air is not an option. Eventually, strong new leaders will emerge. And when they do, they must inherit a party stronger than the one in its current state. Our grassroots must be stronger and more open. We must inspire young leaders to want to run for office as Republicans.
We are asking all the candidates for RNC Chairman to pledge their support for this plan as a starting point for our way out of the wilderness.
Our focus will not end with the current party leadership race. We will continue advancing the tenets of this plan throughout the next election cycle. We will hold our leaders accountable for implementing the plan. And we'll continue to refine with feedback from smart, up-and-coming leaders in the GOP, and help our local parties implement this strategy at the local level.
As Republicans, we face a choice.
Either we can spend the next several months -- or years -- trying to figure out what just happened, excusing our defeat away as a temporary blip or the result of a poor environment, and waiting for Barack Obama to trip up. Or we can refuse to take this defeat lying down, and start building the future of our party now.
2008 made one thing clear: if allowed to go unchecked, the Democrats' structural advantages, including their use of the Internet, their more than 2-to-1 advantage with young voters, their discovery of a better grassroots model -- will be as big a threat to the future of the GOP as the toxic political environment we have faced the last few years.
The time is now to set in motion the changes needed to rebuild our party from the grassroots up, modernize the way we run campaigns, and attract different, energetic, and younger candidates at all levels.
We must be conservative in philosophy -- but bold in our approach. We don't need a slight tweak here or there. We need transformation. We can't keep fighting a 21st century war with 20th century weapons.
This is a document about bringing the Republican Party into the future -- and it isn't just about strategies and tactics.
Revitalizing the party will have much to do with how we talk about issues and standing on principle. And, above all, it will require leadership.
At the same time, waiting for a political savior to materialize out of thin air is not an option. Eventually, strong new leaders will emerge. And when they do, they must inherit a party stronger than the one in its current state. Our grassroots must be stronger and more open. We must inspire young leaders to want to run for office as Republicans.
We are asking all the candidates for RNC Chairman to pledge their support for this plan as a starting point for our way out of the wilderness.
Our focus will not end with the current party leadership race. We will continue advancing the tenets of this plan throughout the next election cycle. We will hold our leaders accountable for implementing the plan. And we'll continue to refine with feedback from smart, up-and-coming leaders in the GOP, and help our local parties implement this strategy at the local level.
Exit Polls Reveal Conservatives Abandoned McCain
Democrat Barack Obama garnered a surprising 20 percent of the vote from conservatives who cast ballots on Election Day, top-ranked radio-talker Rush Limbaugh told listeners.
Citing exit polls, Limbaugh also said on Wednesday that Republican John McCain lost independents and moderates by a margin of 60 percent to 39 percent.
“McCain only got 89 percent of the Republican vote,” Limbaugh said. “He only got 80 percent of the conservative vote.
“And therein lies the tale, the recipe offered up by the wizards of smart in the Republican Party and on our side — for whatever reason we have to abandon our base, and we’ve gotta broaden our base . . .
“I have nothing against going out and getting Democrats and independents to vote for you. But not by behaving like a Democrat or independent.”
(newsmax.com)
Citing exit polls, Limbaugh also said on Wednesday that Republican John McCain lost independents and moderates by a margin of 60 percent to 39 percent.
“McCain only got 89 percent of the Republican vote,” Limbaugh said. “He only got 80 percent of the conservative vote.
“And therein lies the tale, the recipe offered up by the wizards of smart in the Republican Party and on our side — for whatever reason we have to abandon our base, and we’ve gotta broaden our base . . .
“I have nothing against going out and getting Democrats and independents to vote for you. But not by behaving like a Democrat or independent.”
(newsmax.com)
Rebuild the Party
Young GOPers rally to push technology, youth outreach
A group of under-40 Republican operatives and bloggers are joining forces to implore the party to improve its use of the Internet and technology and reach out to those young voters who overwhelmingly voted for Barack Obama on Tuesday.
"Rebuild the Party" will push the next Republican National Committee chair, chosen in January, to make bridging the digital divide between the two parties the top priority.
"2008 made one thing clear," they write on the coalition's home page, "[I]f allowed to go unchecked, the Democrats' structural advantages, including their use of the Internet, their more than 2-to-1 advantage with young voters, their discovery of a better grassroots model — will be as big a threat to the future of the GOP as the toxic political environment we have faced the last few years."
They'll be encouraging the candidates for RNC chair to sign an eventual technology plan, to be hatched by these activists and others who submit ideas.
"Rebuilding the Party, as the plan outlines, will involve a restructuring of the RNC, a new message and media strategy and a massive overhaul of the party's grassroots organization," emails Mindy Finn, a top Internet maven for Mitt Romney's campaign.
Members of "Rebuild the Party" include Finn, former Bush and RNC online guru Patrick Ruffini, former Republican Governors Association executive director Phil Musser, RedState founder Erick Erickson, TownHall's Matt Lewis and former Jeb Bush aide Justin Sayfie, host of the popular Florida political aggregator Sayfie Review.
A group of under-40 Republican operatives and bloggers are joining forces to implore the party to improve its use of the Internet and technology and reach out to those young voters who overwhelmingly voted for Barack Obama on Tuesday.
"Rebuild the Party" will push the next Republican National Committee chair, chosen in January, to make bridging the digital divide between the two parties the top priority.
"2008 made one thing clear," they write on the coalition's home page, "[I]f allowed to go unchecked, the Democrats' structural advantages, including their use of the Internet, their more than 2-to-1 advantage with young voters, their discovery of a better grassroots model — will be as big a threat to the future of the GOP as the toxic political environment we have faced the last few years."
They'll be encouraging the candidates for RNC chair to sign an eventual technology plan, to be hatched by these activists and others who submit ideas.
"Rebuilding the Party, as the plan outlines, will involve a restructuring of the RNC, a new message and media strategy and a massive overhaul of the party's grassroots organization," emails Mindy Finn, a top Internet maven for Mitt Romney's campaign.
Members of "Rebuild the Party" include Finn, former Bush and RNC online guru Patrick Ruffini, former Republican Governors Association executive director Phil Musser, RedState founder Erick Erickson, TownHall's Matt Lewis and former Jeb Bush aide Justin Sayfie, host of the popular Florida political aggregator Sayfie Review.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Obama win gives hope to Indian American politicians
NEW YORK: Barack Obama's historic win in the presidential election opens the gates for Indian American politicians like Louisiana Governor Bobby Jin
dal to enter the White House in future, the Indian community in the United States said as they congratulated Obama.
Sending congratulatory messages to the president-elect, Indian American organisations and community leaders hoped that the Obama Administration in the White House would herald a new era of relationship between India and the US.
"The last few years under the Bush administration has seen the ties between US and India grow ever stronger and that culminated in reaching the historic Civil Nuclear Agreement between these two nations. Indian national Overseas Congress (INOC) expects to see the relationship further strengthened under an Obama administration to new heights," said George Abraham, INOC general secretary.
Congratulatory messages came from the Indian American Republican leadership too. Ashok Mago from Texas, home State of the outgoing US President, George Bush, said Obama's success will be an inspiration for everyone. "It will energise people and send a strong message to the nation. No more excuses, opportunities are waiting for you. Compete and be whatever you want to be because of your talent and not because of your race, ethnicity, religion or nationality," he said.
"Obama's victory provides tremendous encouragement to Indian Americans like Bobby Jindal and others who wish to be in his shoes someday. Indian Americans should be proud of their role not only in the presidential but other elections as well. We are coming of age," Mago said
dal to enter the White House in future, the Indian community in the United States said as they congratulated Obama.
Sending congratulatory messages to the president-elect, Indian American organisations and community leaders hoped that the Obama Administration in the White House would herald a new era of relationship between India and the US.
"The last few years under the Bush administration has seen the ties between US and India grow ever stronger and that culminated in reaching the historic Civil Nuclear Agreement between these two nations. Indian national Overseas Congress (INOC) expects to see the relationship further strengthened under an Obama administration to new heights," said George Abraham, INOC general secretary.
Congratulatory messages came from the Indian American Republican leadership too. Ashok Mago from Texas, home State of the outgoing US President, George Bush, said Obama's success will be an inspiration for everyone. "It will energise people and send a strong message to the nation. No more excuses, opportunities are waiting for you. Compete and be whatever you want to be because of your talent and not because of your race, ethnicity, religion or nationality," he said.
"Obama's victory provides tremendous encouragement to Indian Americans like Bobby Jindal and others who wish to be in his shoes someday. Indian Americans should be proud of their role not only in the presidential but other elections as well. We are coming of age," Mago said
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