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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

Perry, Gingrich, Cain, and Huntsman. Oh My.

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  November 8th, 2011 at 10:50 AM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

I wrote a while back that I could not support Jon Huntsman ever for what many consider a very esoteric reason — he went to work for the President of the United States and while working for the President of the United States decided to run against his boss. That the President is Barack Obama has no relevance to me.

I am not, at this point, planning on even attempting to walk back that “ever,” but consider it a sign of how frustrated I am with the race.

I have not endorsed any candidate and I do not intend to endorse any candidate.

I know and like Rick Perry tremendously and I think that not only could he beat Barack Obama, but that he would beat Obama and be an excellent President conservatives would not feel the need to fight against every step of the way. He just has to improve his debating skills and figure out how to reconcile his immigration views with the base (not easily done). Other than Romney, I think Perry has the easiest path to victory if he can recover some of his footing.

I know and like Herman Cain tremendously and I think that should he survive this latest problem with his campaign, he would come out of it much, much stronger and could beat Barack Obama and be an excellent President. However, I do not know that he can improve his image with women quickly enough.

I do not really know, but have always liked Newt Gingrich. I think Newt Gingrich could beat Barack Obama. But Newt Gingrich, throughout his long career, has a habit of shooting himself and others in the foot and I sometimes get the impression that Gingrich, like George W. Bush before him, thinks conservatism is what he says it is and not what it actually is. So were he elected, conservatives would find themselves in opposition to him on big issues. Likewise, he has issues with women too. Consider only my wife, whose math teacher was Newt’s first wife. After returning from our honeymoon, she threw out my autographed copy of To Renew America and forbid its return into our house. My wife holds grudges.

I know nothing about Jon Huntsman, but unlike MItt Romney, Huntsman is not running away from his record as Governor. He has some moderate to liberal tendencies of gay marriage and the environment, but he’s never flip-flopped on abortion, the need for tax cuts, etc. I still find it shocking that the guy running as the liberal in the race, or at least the media accepted moderate, came up withe boldest, most conservative economic plan. His deficit reduction plan alone makes all the others look weak. To even get me to half-way take him seriously though, I think he’d have to get rid of Jon Weaver and show conservatives he actually is a conservative. Thus far, from his jokes at debates to his tweets, he’s come across as condescending. But he does like Nirvana. That’s something.

All that said, I think each of these men could beat Barack Obama and conservatives would be with them more than against them — though with some more often than with others.

I really do believe that MItt Romney cannot beat Barack Obama. You and I both have time and time again seen the GOP decide to go with “the most electable” guy only to lose. The corollary is that we’ve also seen a lot of conservatives decide they must stay so pure to their convictions they get the teetotaler who cannot win the general. Conservatives have to choose the right combination of conservative conviction and electability.

Notwithstanding all of that, I do not see how Romney wins given Romney’s lack of any core beliefs and conservative conviction only when he needs conservative conviction. Americans want a guy who means what he says even if they don’t always agree with him. Likewise, if somehow I am wrong and Romney could beat Obama, you and I both know that given how this campaign has gone so far, Romney would decide he did not need conservatives and could govern without them. If you need a more recent example, look to the election of Charlie Crist in Florida after Jeb Bush.

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COMMENTS

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  • constitutional

    ” I think Newt Gingrich could be Barack Obama.”

  • barleycorn

    “beat” being the intended word.

    Spellchecker can be a flawed friend sometimes.

  • http://www.erickerickson.org Erick Erickson

    Good catch. Fixed.

  • clowngirl

    what percentage of the electorate is likely to personally know Newt’s first or second wife?

  • jakeofalltrades

    Complete with revolutionary-era graphic.

    We have to consolidate against Obamneycare now. The only way this turns out well for conservatism is if people coalesce around Cain or Perry immediately.

    So which one? A rational conservative movement would take the odds of each candidate defeating Romney and multiply that by the odds that each candidate will not self-destruct.

    This is clearly Perry, who alone among the contenders is undefeated at the ballot box and untainted by marital scandal.

    It’s time for the factions of the conservative movement to fight together or die separately. It’s time to join or die.

  • drdavenw

    “Americans want a guy who means what he says even if they don?t always agree with him.”

    Wouldn’t that be Perry?

  • tailfins1959

    I ask this question of those who let immigration be a deal breaker for Perry: Do you think Obama will do better on immigration? Are you willing to toss the whole election over this?

  • http://wadingacross.wordpress.com logus

    about the “death of conservatism”, which is certainly a good sign of a fair opinionator.

    In the prior post I had noted that the New York Times effectively states that Jon Huntsman is pretty much the only one who can beat Obama… here it is, see the fairy tale for yourself… or is it?

    Mr. Erickson might want to tell his wife that grudges aren’t healthy. Forgiveness is better. Doesn’t mean you forget though.

    Whether or not Cain is lying about all of his accusations, and even if he’s able to survive them and more so, able to get the nomination, I think it will be a millstone around his neck that will do the most to keep him from winning against Obama.

    For all of his foibles, Mr. Gingrich’s political savvy, his “statesmanship”, may help him. While to a degree he’s got his wet finger in the air like Romney, he’s certainly more conservative, yes? In the presidential debates, Gingrich would be the perfect foil to Obama, far better than Perry or even Romney.

    Mr. Obama has made a career of looking like a great orator and debator, but I suspect that were he up against Gingrich, it’d be like GWB against algor in the 2000 presidential debates. I believe Gingrich would mop the floor with Obama and make him look as foolish as GW did with algor.

  • Massachusetts_Transplant

    I don’t get the confidence that both Rick Perry and Herman Cain could beat Barack Obama, and yet Romney can’t. Seriously? Herman Cain is wounded and damaged and every day it seems like a new woman is coming forward. He can’t win a general. The ONLY reason his support has not collapsed is because conservatives have rallied around him because they hate the double standard of the media protecting Bill Clinton and John Edwards more than anything.

    Quite simply, I don’t think Rick Perry’s brand of conservatism sells beyond the Tea Party and in states dominated by social conservatives. Sorry, but Perry just won’t win in places like NH and Pennsylvania, and he isn’t the guy to help us win back Prince William and Loudon Counties in Virginia where the voters are fiscally conservative, but socially moderate. With Perry as our nominee we are back to the 2000 and 2004 maps and hoping to thread the needle. Worst of all, after 8 years of having George W. Bush not being able to articulate a position, that is exactly where we are with Perry again – back to slogans like “Fed Up” and a “flat tax” plan doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in h*ll of ever getting implemented.

    I think the constant bashing of Mitt Romney on this site is starting to be detrimental to the guy that is likely to be the nominee – and is going to demoralize people and lead to four more years of Obama . . . and possibly Obama making another pick or two on the Supreme Court. I think Romney’s speech on debt and entitlements was (almost) dead on, and we are going to NEED someone that can articulate and discuss his plan on Medicare and Social Security or we will lose. Rick Perry can say “Ponzi Scheme”, but seriously, does anyone really believe in their heart of hearts that Perry – after watching all of the debates, will be able to withstand an Obama assault that he is “destroying social security and medicare” and intelligently articulate the other side?

    I also think the times actually call for a sensible center-right pragmatist like Romney. Right now, look at the Supercommittee, where its likely to deadlock, and we will face huge defense cuts and no entitlement or tax reform. Therefore the moment is crying out for someone who can actually lead and get things dones, and you know what compromise in a way where you still get 85% of what you want, but give on that 15% so that the Dems save some face and cut the deal. The alternative is actually worse as we get no reform and defense gets cut. Face it – we are going to have just a 1 – 3 vote margin at best in the Senate (consequence of supporting unelectable Christine O’Donnell, Ken Buck and Sahron Angle), so do we need a President like Rick Perry calling people “socialists” and face more years of gridlock, or do we need a Romney who can actually work and get the votes of a Joe Manchin, a Mark Warner, a Mark Pryor and a Tim Johnson.

  • Tbone

    women would throw Erick out after returning from their honeymoon and keep the book.

  • sunshinek67

    Rick Perry: The Republican Party?s last best hope ?
    By Bernie Quigley – 11/08/11 09:11 AM ET

  • WY_Cowboy

    Romney, in part. The election will be about Barack Obama and whether Americans want another four years of what he has been selling or shoving down our throats. If the economny and unemployment isn’t markedly better (and it doesn’t look like it will be), Obama probably will not be able to overcome that – unless the GOPer just can’t put together a sentence without sounding like Porky Pig.

    The thought in voters minds as they enter the voting booth on November 6 will not be, “Is Romney conservative enough?” And, actually it won’t be, “Does Romney have a core set of values?” The question will be, “Can Romney do a better job and should we give someone else a chance?”

    Now, the attacks on Romney will be legion, and Romney is pretty adept at handling them. He will have plenty of money to combat them (should he be the nominee), and there will be harsh attacks on Obama from our side as well. Whoever the GOP nominee ends up being will not be left to fight alone. Plenty of groups will come forward to attack and defend. I think many people relate this race to Kerry in 2004. The thing is Kerry and the Ds chose to not engage the independent groups until it was too late. Even still, that election was pretty close (not by 2000 standards), and the economy was much better.

    Whoever the GOP nominee ends up being will ultimately be the 45th POTUS.

  • annplato

    I don’t know about his divorces but I really don’t think it matters. If we would still be a society where divorce is rare, then Gigngrich could not be considered electable.

    The advantage of Newt is that he KNOWS the inns and outs of Washington, DC political games and he could play it better than any other. He knows policies in their historical context and how to correct them; therefore he is the one who COULD reverse all that went wrong. Basically he IS a conservative.

    He lacks “charisma” and that IS a problem. He is way too intelligent to be able to cater to the average American voter, who mostly don’t understand what is for the good of the nation and what is bad. They, unfortunately, rather than think for themselves, rely on the loudest media voice.

    It is unfortunate that Erick Erickson cannot even recognize in himself that he IS for Rick Perry, no matter how inadequate he appears to MOST Republican voters. If a popular columnist/pundit does not know himself and cannot divorce himself form his prejudices, what can we expect from his readers?

    I liked Herman Cain, but after his inability to clearly explain his 9-9-9 tax reform and then his inability to clear himself from these sleazy allegations, I had to admit he is not the one who can defeat Obama.

    Who is left? In my opinion is Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich. Either one could beat Obama, because Obama has beaten himself already with his own policies. Eric, a little faith and optimism would go a long way to encourage your readers.

    Lose your bias!

  • bzip

    So let me see if I understand this: We can count on a Romney nomination and the death of conservatism in one of Erick’s threads because we can’t get behind anti-Romney candidate.

    But Erick himself won’t even endorse and try to help rally behind a anti-Romney candidate. Something doesn’t make sense to me. Seems to me we need to start rally behind a anti_Romney candidate.

    I don’t care what anyone says, Perry is the best person for the job and we should (including Erick) start rally behind the one true proven conservative with the experience and record to back it up.

  • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister

    but just can’t seem to pull the trigger. Perry hasn’t been able to make the sale even though he should’ve easily been able to do so. If he’s unable to make the sale to conservatives, what does that say about his chances beyond?

  • gekster

    But Romney is center left, and light on the center.
    The sooner you see that, the better.

  • bzip

    Well at least someone gets it.

    http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/presidential-campaign/192275-rick-perry-the-republican-partys-last-best-hope-

  • irishgirl

    I continue to be baffled that this is a deal breaker for some. I just assume they simply don’t know the facts.

  • WY_Cowboy

    he couldn’t make a cogent (and factually correct) argument that ‘global warming’ is a fraud. He’s from Texas, for crying out loud! I can give Romney a little pass (not beyond what he has already said) because people who do not live in energy producing states may be more tempted to embrace a more moderate position on environmental issues not knowing the facts. It would be up to us in energy producing states to press for the right cabinet nominations and policy advisors (which we have always done with success). In the end, to get the US economy growing again, we need more domestic energy production and that will escape no sitting POTUS. Perry is from Texas. He should be able to hammer global warming as second nature. He couldn’t. That led me to believe he doesn’t study important issues.

    This is the same reason I will NEVER vote for Jon Huntsman. He knows better and yet he is as green as you can get. Supports cap and tax today. Utah may not produce as much energy as my state, but they are a producer and his state’s neighbors are as well. He should no far better.

  • mrmises

    Mr. Gingrich does come off as a bit slimy to the population as a whole. Three wives, rumors of infidelity, a big credit line at Tiffany’s and his status as the ultimate insider’s-insider in D.C. do not endear him to voters. Especially after the recent near shutdown that infuriated most Americans, the Newt-led government shutdown will not play well.

  • jakeofalltrades

    And now that Cain is imploding, he’ll become the front-runner again.

  • irishgirl

    is that Romney is McCain all over again. After 2008, I converted from “let’s get the most electable”, meaning somone who’s more in the middle and apeals to moderates, etc., to “let’s get back to our conservative roots and be true to our convictions”. The lesson is clear. Let’s not repeat 2008. Get behind the most conservative candidate (and for me, that is Perry) and promote the heck out of the guy.

  • annplato

    It is his inability to talk himself out of a brown bag. Face to face with Obama and the MSM he would be dead meat. I have no grudge against him, but his deer in headlight look when confronted with his not conservative stance on immigration turned me off. I was as impressed with his state’s success in creating jobs as anyone else, but he has to be able to translate that better in his debates.

    Will he improve? The question is: CAN he improve? I personally doubt it. Would he be a good president? Yes. But he has to get there, and I cannot see that happen. Simply put he LOOKS and sounds stupid. G. W. Bush was NOT stupid, but his inarticulacy made him look that way. We really cannot afford to put him up against the slickest rhetorical charmer in recent presidential history.

  • jakeofalltrades
  • mrmises

    …

  • http://stevemaley.com Steve Maley
  • snowsoul

    His immigration policy does suck. I’m willing to forgive that, no politician is perfect. On top of that, do we really think he’s going to get amnesty? With a republican house and potentially senate, no that won’t happen. For better or worse, he’s the one who stood on principle.

    As for Huntsman, I’m not a fan. Never have been, never will be. Just to put into perspective how bad he is, I’d recommend reading this opinion piece by Patrick Byrne of O.co http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/60708.html It’s enlightening to say the least.

  • westcoastpatriette

    I don’t understand why he doesn’t get it.

    He needs to change just a few words in order to get the enthusiasm he needs from the base on illegal immigration.

    He is just behind the curve ball on this. It should be obvious that the majority of Americans support strong enforcement of the laws on the books and are thrilled with the progress Alabama and Arizona are making in this regard. (They are winning in the courts the states’ rights to enact tough enforcement laws.) We don’t want to hear blaming the problem on the feds or we can’t do anything until the border is sealed. Those are worn out excuses for doing nothing.

    When you interviewed Perry the other night, Erick, his response when you pressed him on this issue was one of defeat and powerlessness: “We can’t deport millions of people.” That comment is not what we need or want to hear.

    Simply enforcing the laws will solve the problem and we don’t need to discuss what to do with the millions here illegally. Enforce the laws, incentivize states to enforce the laws and they will leave on their own. So simple. The people who want to allow them to stay feign powerlessness. And this is why Perry cannot get past this problem.

  • cjd87

    I’m sorry but I have principals and those prevent me from voting for someone that I know has none. I refuse to vote for someone whos beliefs comes from whatever polls say is popular right now. Mittens is not due, its not HIS TIME, he’s a true politician in the worst possible way.

    Read more:
    http://conservatisthandbook.blogspot.com/

  • gekster

    If I myself endorse a candidate, how many will vote for, or vote against because of whom I support.
    I think Erick sees it the same way.
    That is one reason why I don’t like actors and such publicly endorsing.
    To many people will go with what thier idol will say, instead of doing actual reaserch and getting informed.

  • tnguy

    I agree completely.

    I just don’t trust Gingrich. Repeated infidelity and this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWt7lCMzG90 are enough reason why…..that and Newt was in charge of a the legislative branch 15 years ago, and ultimately fell flat on his face.

    He’s a smart guy, but not the guy I want leading my party, or especially my country.

  • tnguy

    Ultimately, “we can’t deport millions of people,” will probably cost Perry the nomination and the presidency.

  • acat

    The Federal ones? Those require, you know, the Federal Government to actually enforce them…

    Mew

  • gekster

    Could you point it out.

  • circlegranch

    Herman Cain presents TWO problems for me:

    1. If his diehard fans and his supporters in the Right media refuse to allow him to be properly and fairly vetted and he’s the nominee, we get 4 more of Obama.

    2. If he’s the nominee and ends up defeating Obama, we may well be in for another 4 more of Clinton-esque behavior. Powerful men in high places develop enormous amounts of arrogance and bold, risky behavior. Sports, politics, et al.

    Cain’s presser today should be enlightening. Will he call a woman a liar in front of the nation? Will he produce proof she’s a liar? Will he accuse her of racist biogtry? How far will he go? Or, will he just sucker punch Allred and the media in the knees and call it day?

    Anthony Weiner was kicked quickly to the curb and he didn’t even touch anybody, only sent photos revealing too much. There was a sitting member of Congress that got the bum’s rush for tapping his foot in a men’s room. It doesn’t take much these days to send folks packin’ from the political realm—as it should be. At some point, the voting public is going to have to stop with the emotion of this and take a serious assessment of Herman Cain’s background. Those women receiving hush money may be afraid to talk (after reading some very vile stuff on Ms. Bialek, who can blame them) but they still exist. They are still part of Cain’s professional past. The young woman at the radio station in Iowa that recently felt uncomfortable with his comments to her still exists. The witnesses at the dinner table back in the ’90′s where another woman claims he was stepping over the line and she was invited to his apt. still exists. There’s a pattern.

    There’s a woman that commented over at Spectator that said having a man run his hand up your thigh and trying to shove your head down isn’t harassment or assault. It’s just guys being guys and trying to make a move. Whoa—I guess I’m more outdated than my grandkids tell me I am.

    I do not think Huntsman is a player this time around. Newt will still have problems with the Christian Right and at some point those stellar polling numbers Cain’s enjoyed from ‘values voters’ (whatever that means–don’t we all have values?) and conservative women are going to decline. The problem with He said/She said situations is that Let Herman be Herman doesn’t have any proof or witnesses either. He can stand around all day long and say it ain’t so but he has no proof it didn’t happen just as she has no proof other than signed statements from 2 persons that it did. I also think Ms. Bialek’s confession yesterday may well open a flood gate, as it did in Tiger Woods’ case and others.

    Here’s the deal, fellow patriots: we have to get back on message. Herman Cain is now a national distraction and he’s pulling down the Republican Party which is why anytime stuff like this has happened in the past, the culprit—guilty or innocent—gets an escort to the door. He’s sucking the oxygen out of everybody else’s campaigns, giving fodder and fuel to Team Obama and he quite simply, needs to step aside. The genie does not go back in the bottle. He can never overcome every single accusation and challenge to his stories. Allowing him this much national media attention and constant competittion between the Right and Left media is our current form of Chinese water torture. Enough, Mr. Cain. We’re sorry as heck this all happened. If you’re guilty, we’re sorry for your family and for you because you’re weak. If you’re innocent, we’re doubly sorry because if you’d been straight up with us from Day One, most or perhaps all of this would never have happened. Welcome to the big league. Sorry. Now step aside.

  • sharp

    becomes a non-issue (the press will do their best to agree with Obama about heading in the right direction – just give it more time)?

    Or, everyone is going to be really tired of hearing Perry’s standard, repetetive jobs lines. I am already worn out by it.

    Newt has 50 issues, and pick a topic, has something intelligent to say about each one.

    Nov 2012 is such a long time, when you are being bored to death.

    I will vote for the nominee – but, I will vote Newt in the primary (if he is still in).

  • westcoastpatriette

    He keeps talking from the viewpoint of a governor not a president.

  • texasroots

    Haven’t you notice? It’s typical for all those who have the microphone to never commit. Wishy-washy, Why not support the only proven true conservative, which in this case, is Perry?

    How come all 200 pages of opposition research done on Romney not disclosed earlier?

  • WY_Cowboy

    I don’t care what is economic and budget plans are. He would fail turning around this economy because he is a warmist. Period. If anyone supports Huntsman, it’s like supporting Algore.

  • annplato

    someone to perform. One either has the talent or not. Perry (who reminds me a lot of Fred Thompson) should be able to promote himself, but unfortunately he proved so far that he cannot. If miraculously he will be able to do that in the next few debates, he has a chance.

    Newt Gingrich is slowly but surely coming up and I believe will take the Cain supporters to catapult him to the front. His debate with Cain clearly showed Newt to be like Herman Cain but better informed and infinitely more articulate. That debate was an excellent strategic move on Newt’s part. He used Herman Cain?s charm to promote his own intelligence AND understanding of policies and contrasted himself to be the better choice.

  • pttx333

    regarding Perry’s stance (as well as mine) on deportation of millions of illegals. What would you do and how would you solve it? And can you name any other candidate who has the faintest idea of how to deal with such? How are you going to get them all in one place in order to even begin to deport them or do you go house to house searching for them? Just my thoughts on this.

    “As for deporting all of the millions? How on earth does that happen? Do you line up thousands upon thousands of buses to transport them, do you round them up by horseback, or do you fly helicopters in to round ?em up that way? What on earth would all of that cost? The more practical thing is to have laws in place with strict restrictions/fines on those who employ illegals, no more freebies/entitlements, etc., and they will self-deport if there are no jobs. Now, there is no one more strongly opposed to illegal immigration than me, but this has been going on for decades and decades with no one doing anything about it.

    Perry is NOT soft on illegal immigration at all. If he is our next President, there will be many, many changes along those lines. He WILL secure our borders.”

  • jakeofalltrades

    If you pay taxes to the state, and you live there, then, under our own American principles, you are entitled to 1) representation, and 2) equal protection (or failing those, #3 – self determination).

    Since you aren’t giving them any of those things, why not throw them a bone and let them go to college?

    Ridiculous all around? Yes! That’s what happens when the federal government intentionally promotes the development of a massive, legally unrecognized underclass.

    You have three choices:

    1. Deport them
    2. Normalize them
    3. Do at least your fundamental duty as a government and protect the people in your domain

    Since #1 and (arguably) #2 are not within Texas’s power, they did what any responsible government would do and at least tried to treat them as state residents rather than an unofficially officially sanctioned slave underclass.

    Good for Texas.

  • thirstyboots

    With his record of corporate welfare?

    And Perry is a mediocre machine hack that can win elections in an uber red state like Texas. The only time he faced a competitive primary, he didn’t lose to a complete amateur because she revealed herself a “truther”. Otherwise he’d have gone down. And then he beat Democrats – Texas hasn’t elected a statewide democrat since the early 90s.

    Perry is done. Romney beats him as the 2nd choice amongst Cain or New voters – unlike many here believe, if those guys drop Romney will benefit most. Perry has high negatives amongst conservatives, not only the general public. People took a look at him and strongly disliked. You don’t rebound from this. He knows he’s going to finish out of the top 3 in Iowa and he’s now campaigning in New Hampshire in hopes that he can somehow come in 2nd there and become a serious Romney alternative going forward. But if your strategy is to get the 2nd place in a state in which you’re polling at 4%, what does this tell you about your viability?

    This is all a waste of time. The only serious candidate is Romney – and this saddens me as just 4 years ago I had 5 or 6 candidates I’d pick before Romney at this point of the race. But it is what it is and the sooner the party coalesces around Romney the better.

  • http://www.tooncesthecat.wordpress.com tooncesthecat

    My wife hits the mute button when Newt comes on (even during debates). Three wives is too many, particularly given the circumstances involving each. If Newt is the nominee, she will write in Rick Perry. Why anyone is considering him is amazing to me. Now he has another book out that he can hawk on the campaign trail. And his wife has a “children’s book”– give me a break. Ron Paul would have a better chance than Newt of beating Obama.

  • exitsfunnel

    Of the people who chose to make a run, it really should have been Tim Pawlenty. He made a horrible decision to leave when he did. I know that he was broke but he should have fought and scraped to hang around on a shoe-string budget a la McCain 4 years ago.

    If he had, his stock would be very high right now. I think that a smart, accomplished, likable evangelical conservative with a good record in a blue state would be looking pretty good to primary voters right about now. 75% of the party doesn’t want Mitt Romney but the reality is that there are just no other credible candidates.

    -exits

  • DCuz

    Having read Erick’s previous posting on why Romney will be the nominee and will lose to Obama, plus this post, I’m left utterly depressed.

    No, Newt is not the answer as the author eloquently explains. Nor is Cain, nor Huntsman nor anyone else currently in the race with the POSSIBLE exception of Perry. But he too is severely flawed and has inflicted irreparable damage to his campaign. He’s really not a viable alternative.

    With a second Obama term – even if the GOP picks up a big majority in the Senate and a bigger majority in the House – America is effectively over. I hardly trust the Supremes to throwout ObamaCare and it will be come so entrenched that it can never be repealed fully.

    Paul Ryan – where are you?????

    Canada is already considered a “free-er” nation than the US. But their winters are even worse than Michigan’s. Where am I to go?

    DCuz

  • aesthete

    His position en se was unorthodox but survivable, given an adequate presentation. It was with the “heartless” comment: sorry folks, but that sort of terminology used by a supposedly “conservative” Texan governor has a history, and it ain’t a pretty one. Very few people want frmr Pres Bush back, myself included — and while I don’t think that Perry is exactly like Bush, he’s doing a terrible job of dispelling that notion in the minds of many Republican primary voters.

  • thirstyboots

    I’m not really sure why should taxpayers subsidize high-education though (and that includes non-immigrants too). Why are Texas who decide to not go to college or that go to a private school or that studied in another state or that don’t have kids paying taxes that subsidize the TSUS and in-state tuitions?

    In-state tuitions are below the price of cost. Who’s footing the bill? The taxpayer.

    Of course, this is peanuts compared with the big government programs Perry has imposed in Texas. TEF anyone?

  • http://www.gmsplace.com/ civil truth

    Perry is still thinking too much as a governor, not President.

    He didn’t make the transition in time when he entered the race – and he needs to shift gears ASAP – or he’ll stay governor.

  • pttx333

    comment I sent to the two of you? I’m not sure where it went because I don’t see it here, but you will find it on the recent posts list.

  • aesthete

    That wasn’t so swell. I’d rather not have four years of Romney allying with John McCain and Harry Reid against the Tea Party, and then having some liberal Dem successfully run against him while blaming capitalism.

  • pttx333

    sent them my personal remarks from today that I made on another diary. tnguy replied to me, but it was obvious he didn’t read a word I wrote as he was reading me the riot act. So … go figure. Any suggestions, oh ye wise one?

  • http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

    The odds are that because we failed to fix our primary system that Romney will probably be the candidate.

    But Erik is DEAD WRONG in saying that Romney can’t beat the pants off of Obama. Obama is in Jimmy Carter territory, and Romney is a skilled campaigner and debater.

    I don’t really like or trust him much, but there is no doubt whatsoever that he would be infinitely better than Obama, and who knows he might surprise us by being more conservative than we thought. (the value of low expectations.) Heck I would settle on just being more conservative than G W Bush.

  • carolynr

    He lacks good judgment. Forget the women. The man does not know his history, does not know foreign affairs, accuses other candidates without proof or blames them for something they have nothing to do with. The man is not ready to be President. We are about ready to go off the cliff and we are thinking of electing someone that lacks experience. Yes…Cain people…his judgment is poor. Obama’s is calculating…however, the result is the same with both…a poor outcome for America.

  • clintonformccain

    In-state tuitions are below the price of cost. Who?s footing the bill? The taxpayer.

    That’s far too simplistic. What cost are you talking about? Public universities are like conglomerates. They have research divisions. Grad school divisions. Undergrad divisions. The primarly focus (and costs) of a major university are not in undergrad education. In fact, the per student expenditures (undergrad only) are probably a good bit lower than you think.

    But, that really doesn’t matter. The in-state tution is THE PRICE at any public university. In Texas, that is the price that nearly all students (95%) pay minus financial aid. The whole thing is just red herring. There is no “tuition discount” at the standard in-state rates. That’s demogogry.

  • Vaughn Harold

    “Seems to me we need to start rally behind a anti_Romney candidate.”

  • izoneguy

    I guess we just need to kill them before they cross over into America….
    I guess we could use the high speed rail system Obama wants to build to deport them to the forced labor camps.

  • acat

    He does, on some level, still have to think that way.

    Tell you what. Show me where you disagree with Perry’s actions. Leave his words out of it, what’s he done – as Governor of Texas – that leads you to suspect he’s wrong on immigration.

    Maybe it’s just me, but .. I trust more what candidates’ records show that they’ve done than what their words say they will do.

    This was a major part of why, although I liked Palin, I never thought she should run in 2012. Her words and her record as Governor of Alaska did not line up.

    Romney’s record and words line up just fine – if you’re a little choosy about *which* of his words you use….

    Mew

  • gekster

    The State of Texas, as well as all states, take a portion of tax money and gives to institutions to lower the base cost of education.
    Wether the illegals go or not, it is still the same.
    The illegals have to have lived in the state for at the least three years, so it can safely be said that they have paid taxes.
    As a note, citizens from other states can live in Texas for one year, and get the instate rate.
    Another note note, Texas has no income tax.
    So they are not being subsidiesed by any means.
    And they have to pay for it themselves.

    As far as TEF, what is that.
    Do you mean TCC, which when the residents of Texas rose up in opposition to,
    Perry, adhereing to the will of the people, something I wish most polititions would do, dropped it..
    No part of it was implemented.

    I wish some would get the facts before spewing left wing talking points.

  • carolynr

    You…poster. could debate Obama. Stop selling anyone short. The man, Obama has a record…and it STINKS and it is corrupt. We need solutions to get us out of the hole. The question to American…do we elect a President that puts people to work to fill the hole…or re-elect Dufus who continues to dig deeper.

  • goformitt

    I mean, geesh, she hardly looks alive. She’s like a culled stepford wife. I mean seriously – not wanting to be mean here – but she’s about as weird looking and acting as any woman I’ve ever seen.

    Not that any of that is important – it isn’t.

    I’ve met Newt and he comes off as very bright and engaged – sort of the opposite of G W Bush. Too bad his ego seems to have been his own undoing.

  • lineholder

    at various blogs are any indication, it’s part “heartless” and part fear. Lots of comments being made from people expressing fear/concern that if Perry was elected President, he’d make a public policy decision based on his “heart” that provided amnesty to illegal immigrants (back door or otherwise) and that in doing so, he’d also open for the door for Dems to get access to a huge voting block for decades to come. The basic premise is that if this happens, Conservatives have lost any chance we might have of turning things around and Liberalism wins.

    Right or wrong, truth or lie, that’s how it is being seen.

  • westcoastpatriette

    I am talking about strategy to win the election. And what he needs to stop saying in interviews. And how he needs to frame the issue to get everyone behind him.

    The issue is very complicated and it is easy to get sidetracked and bogged down in details that wind up sounding like excuses.

    That is where he is blowing it and giving people the impression that he is weak on the issue.

  • thirstyboots

    Pawlenty flaming out is a very bad symptom of the state of the party and the conservative movement.

    The same can be said for Bachmann and Perry early success.

    People are too focused on identity issues, red-meat and talking loud. They see the political arena as one suited for the culture war. That’s why so many here talk about “fighting” and “candidates that fight for us”.

    I mostly blame the self-serving talk-shows crowd. They want noise, they want emotions riled up. Any suggestion of political compromise or tacticism is seen as surrendering.

    We came to the point that one of the most conservative governors in America in the last 40 years, Mitch Daniels, with an impressive record of conservative accomplishments in all areas, was deemed as a RINO or as a squish.

    Lots of people don’t really care about politics. About what legislation passes or not. They care about the emotion that the political/cultural fight brings to their lives.

    And that’s why Pawlenty was ran out of the primary: Bachmann and Perry talk louder and say more extreme and nonsensical things.

  • pttx333

    I just fail to agree with you on what you are saying. You would throw away your vote over one issue with which you don’t agree. All I have to say is, do what you have to do, and God bless.

  • acat

    but hey, it’s your time.

    See my reply to ‘patriette above. The fact is, if one ignores what Perry’s said and looks instead at what he’s done, he’s actually pretty decent on immigration.

    1) Perry set up Texas-funded interdiction operation on the Rio Grande and Lake Falcon. Lake Falcon, especially, is of interest. By doing the job the Feds won’t, this means Texans are paying double for border enforcement…

    2) Perry’s in-state tuition gambit kept Texas from having to spend millions defending against potential lawsuits over whether illegal students are entitled to in-state tuition.

    2a) Federal courts require States to provide K-12 education to children regardless of status. This can be fixed only by Congress or the Supremes, not the Governor of Texas.

    2b) One month of a lawyer costs the State more than one semester of lost “out of state” fees, and at 1% of the total student population, this represents a relative bargain. This leaves aside the cost of clogging the court system as well.

    2c) Perry also realized he had no chance of making Arizona’s SB1070 work in Texas.

    3) We’re going to end up discussing the ratio of deportation to amnesty eventually. It’s unavoidable. The right time to discuss it, though, is when the economy is in recovery and the right Fed mechanisms are in place and funded to do the job, not during the campaign.

    So. Cat counsels patience and persistence.

    Mew

  • carolynr

    First off, get off bashing the TPM. At least they are trying to stop the spending. Your beloved candidate, a big spender, would put us further into debt. What was Perry’s words…if you want to see how someone would perform in the future..look at his past. Thank you…but Taxachusetts is not my answer to the problem. Your guy ran to the left of Kennedy.

    I am an in-between person…meaning half TPM/half original GOP platform.

    So, here’s what is going to happen with Mitty. Conservatives will not vote for him. PERIOD. He is another version of Obama. His policies are alike. In fact, we never know where we stand with him…he’s out there today defending Mississippi concerning personhood and all that I can gather in that Drudge Report was that Romney is NOW AGAINST CONTRACEPTION!!!. Talk about trying to get to the right of Pro-Life!!!!

    Yes, Rick Perry should be calling people socialists…we’re redistributing wealth…do you have another name. As far as Angle is concerning…based on the mess Harry Reid has made so far…which is worse. See..your ideology shows right through when you back Romney.. and .we also KNOW HIS IDEOLOGY.

  • carolynr

    Romney is a bully, is not a Conservative and likes to spend. The man is no different than Obama…none…notta…end of story.

  • center77

    in the gen election, the MSN will always say our candidate is lying, and for proof, they will point to credibility, Newt has very little of that. All we need is a fighter to tell Obama is wrong , and not try to get the approval, a real fighter.

    Perry can say conservative values work, and he can point to his record. See Perry answer to Oreilly when he asked him on his radio show what he would say to Obama saying he has been a success on the war on terror, Perry said Obama wants to claim he inherited the bad economy, well he also inherited the greatest military on earth, and the aero up to make it happen. Perry will do fine debating.

  • carolynr

    So…he couldn’t come up with a name…can you? Someone (see I don’t remember the name) came up with the argument against it last week wherein they stated that there was no such thing.

    I will tell you this…I don’t think Perry would have a problem telling Europe to go pack it when it comes to signing some stupid treaty. Romney…oh…he’d sign it in a moment…with lots of face time.

  • thirstyboots

    In-state tuitions are below the market price. Think of it this way:

    The Texas public universities system has $100 of revenues. To simplify, let’s assume there are 2 sources of revenue: the taxpayer money politicians send is $60, the money paid in tuitions is $40.

    In-state tuition are below the market price, so they aren’t maximizing their tuition price. It could be $50 from the tax payer and $50 from tuitions. It’d still be bad – no idea why the government is in the high-education business and that won’t end well (maybe we can blame the free-market once the bubble bursts) – but it’d save taxpayers some money. Let those who want to study in college pay their own education as much as possible, let private charity and loaners step up. That’s the conservative position.

    I mean, this isn’t complicated. Every time the government subsidizes an institution in order for that company to make a special price, to lower their prices, then a conservative will oppose to it. If the special price is for a special class, well, even worse.

    Who cares if there is no income taxes in Texas? They still pay taxes. How is that even relevant? TEF is the Texas Enterprise Fund – again, taxpayers funding and subsidizing businesses, politicians picking winners and losers.

  • clintonformccain

    But, this why I’m at peace with him as the nominee. He does have his fairly obvious electoral college strengths, particularly in an election where many independents would vote against Obama if the alternative is not “scary”.

    Quite simply, I don?t think Rick Perry?s brand of conservatism sells beyond the Tea Party and in states dominated by social conservatives. Sorry, but Perry just won?t win in places like NH and Pennsylvania, and he isn?t the guy to help us win back Prince William and Loudon Counties in Virginia where the voters are fiscally conservative, but socially moderate. With Perry as our nominee we are back to the 2000 and 2004 maps and hoping to thread the needle.

    So, even though I can’t stand him, I think Romney could, arguably, be the strongest Republican candidate.

  • goformitt

    I’ve read many of the points here before – on the Daily Kos blog written by people supporting amnesty for illegals.

    A year ago, amid the tea-party hyperbole, you would have been run right out of Red State with comments like I’m reading above.

    Amazing how fast and far people can change in such a short time.

    So now that the conservatives have essentially adopted Obama’s position on immigration, how shall we differentiate ourselves?

    What other positions should we just cave on because “our guy” has no defense of?

  • bzip

    Yet another face you can attach to another accuser of Cain’s sex scandal;

    ?SHE IS VERY RELIABLE?
    Another Cain accuser only doing right thing, family and friends say

    http://www.thedaily.com/page/2011/11/08/110811-news-cain-accuser-1-3/

  • clintonformccain

    is not the 2008 election. The Republicans could have run the baby Jesus in 2008 and lost the election. Between the wars and the economy, the country had had their belly full of GW and the Republicans. That’s the way the cookie crumbled.

    It is useless to compare the two.

  • theagent

    so why have a blog? from someone who lives and and breathes politics, i personally think you’re just being [********* - Edit by NS]. have you no idea who you intend to vote for? i do not respect someone who has not the courage to fight for their convictions.

  • pttx333

    are my remarks made on another diary today that I had sent to ‘patriette and tnguy. Actually, the first part of my remarks from earlier today dealth with the in-state tuition and how the federal’s part works, etc. But these two are all worried about getting them all deported, so I sent only the last part which dealt with how I feel about deportation from a practical standpoint. Truly, if I had my way, every single one of them would be shipped off, but then there is the real world. This crap has been going on for so many decades that it has become a monster out of all proportion – a blob that has grown so as to overwhelm us, and overwhelm us it has. And many, many thanks for your sage advice, ‘cat!!Anyway, this is what I sent to them:

    Regarding Perry?s stance (as well as mine) on deportation of millions of illegals. What would you do and how would you solve it? And can you name any other candidate who has the faintest idea of how to deal with such? How are you going to get them all in one place in order to even begin to deport them or do you go house to house searching for them? Just my thoughts on this.

    ?As for deporting all of the millions? How on earth does that happen? Do you line up thousands upon thousands of buses to transport them, do you round them up by horseback, or do you fly helicopters in to round ?em up that way? What on earth would all of that cost? The more practical thing is to have laws in place with strict restrictions/fines on those who employ illegals, no more freebies/entitlements, etc., and they will self-deport if there are no jobs. Now, there is no one more strongly opposed to illegal immigration than me, but this has been going on for decades and decades with no one doing anything about it.

    Perry is NOT soft on illegal immigration at all. If he is our next President, there will be many, many changes along those lines. He WILL secure our borders.?

  • miconservative

    and get in this fight. Rick Perry is the only one in the race who has had the guts to run as a true conservative and has a record to back it up. Is any perfect? Nope. If you want the candidate you agree with 100% of the time you better run yourself. But if you want someone who we will agree with 95% of the time and who has backbone to make the tough calls in office then Rick Perry is the guy.

    We need to stop the complaining and moaning and get in the game in a big way. I have heard so many talk about how bad Rick Perry’s immigration policy is. Why? He wants to secure the border in a way that actually makes sense…fencing where it works, boots on the ground and other technology to detect intruders and give those boots on the ground the tools they need to catch them. As Governor of Texas he had no control over immigration policy, that is the federal government’s job, but he did have a responsibility to deal with the federal government’s failure and he did so in a way that was supported by the vast majority of Texans and 97% of the legislature. And he is vilified for that?

    His immigration policy is solidly conservative. He tax policy is incredibly pro-growth. He is energy policy is pro-jobs and pro-American. His regulatory policy is pro-jobs and private sector growth.

    I don’t understand what the problem is. Tomorrow’s debate in Michigan is centered on the economy which should be right in Rick Perry’s wheel house. Let’s see how he does and if he does great let’s help amplify the message.

    Time to gear up, strap it on and go help Rick Perry win this nomination!!

  • center77

    that Cain US really establishment, in all its grossness, and we can have a epic election with a Perry as nominees. It’s all comes down to who he is.

  • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens

    We have rules here. Your use of language is not in keeping with them.

  • gekster

    Shouldn’t you be in school now.
    Are you missing show and tell on purpose.

  • center77

    of ethics violation that does him in. 84 ethics violations levied at one point, and he stepped down because he was destroying the party, that’s why is is a no go.

  • center77

    you make up the silliness to not vote for Perry, if your moderate, stand by it, but don’t just make stuff up.

  • center77

    buts that’s ok.

  • streiff

    Look here, the guy you’re referring to is a long time poster here. You, not so much. Your characterization of the immigration debates we’ve had on RedState is just so stupid as to be beneath contempt.

    While we’re on the subject, though

    Romney might well get tough on sanctuary cities in the future, but he didn?t when he was governor. During his tenure, at least four Massachusetts cities enacted or renewed legislation declaring themselves sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. Brookline and Cambridge reaffirmed their longtime status as sanctuary cities in so many words. Somerville and Orleans didn?t officially deem themselves ?sanctuaries,? but Somerville affirmed its ?long-standing policies in support of all immigrants,? while Orleans forbade city officials from turning in illegal immigrants without probable cause. We asked Romney?s campaign if he had acted against these cities, but they didn?t provide us with any examples. As far as we were able to determine in our own research, Romney made no attempts to penalize, censure, or cut funding to them.

  • streiff

    it was the “heartless” comment not the policy which has been approved by the US Supreme Court.

  • gekster

    is that no states should help finance collages so more students can afford to go.
    And even if no illegals go, the rate would be the same.
    And just to inform, only 1% of students are qualifying illegas.
    That must be some big tax drain.
    Why not pick on the other states, why just Texas.
    Why blame Perry for something that was put into place many years befor he was even off the farm.
    Why blame Perry for signing a bill that was passed with a vetoe proof majority.
    Even though, it was proposed in the legislature, passed with a 177 to 4 vote.
    is supported by a majority of those who live in the state, it’s all Perrys fault.
    Amazing.
    The state you live in has the same collage support program.
    What have you done to stop it where you live.

    Oh, the Texas Enterprise Fund.
    Is it this one?

    The Texas Enterprise Fund is a business incentive fund that was created by legislation in 2003. The fund, which had an initial $295 million investment, is used for ensuring the growth of business in Texas. One of Texas? most competitive recruitment tools, these funds are used primarily to attract new business to the state or assist with the substantial expansion of an existing business as part of a competitive recruitment situation. Sources indicate that since 2003 the Fund has yielded up to $6.3 billion in capital investment in Texas by out-of-state companies

    In 2004, he authorized the fund to grant $20 million to Countrywide Financial in return for a promise “to create 7,500 new jobs in the state by 2010.” The grant (all of which are approved by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House) is one of the largest made from the fund in terms of the size and the number of jobs promised. In the fall of 2007, while slashing jobs and with its stock price plummeting, Countrywide was eventually acquired in a fire sale by Bank of America. But thanks to the “claw-back” provisions in the program, grantees return all funds to the state for jobs not created

    Did you miss these parts?
    1. The fund was created by the legislature in 2003. (not by Perry)
    2. Sources indicate that since 2003 the Fund has yielded up to $6.3 billion in capital investment in Texas by out-of-state companies. (brought in more money than paid out)
    3. The grant (all of which are approved by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House) (so not just Perry, but also two other people)
    4. But thanks to the “claw-back” provisions in the program, grantees return all funds to the state for jobs not created(so basically, no jobs, give the money back)

    Is that the one you are talking about.
    Point out the flaws, and please show how Perry is responsible all by himself.

  • WY_Cowboy

    The problem with most Perry supporters is that when you criticize Perry as being unserious, you are automatically a mod or lib. Wyo’s lifeblood is energy and warmists are a threat to my state. We have to combat warmists and you can’t do that with a guy who sounds like a drunk Porky Pig on global warming.

  • texasroots

    I am in 110% for Perry.

  • WY_Cowboy

    The reason is when he was Speaker, he toured the coal mines and gas fields of Wyo. He at least understands the lifeblood of my state and is not unfamiliar with federal land policies and how they affect energy production.

    After Newt toured the coal mines and gas field in Wyo, pressure from Wyoming’s Congressional delegation on the Dept. of Interior received the support of the Speaker and permits got issued at a must faster rate. We need more of that.

    If that makes me a moderate in your eyes, you judge before you learn.

  • congressworksforus

    If you look at the way McCain won the nomination last time, he was way behind until the voting actually started. There’s no reason that Perry wouldn’t have the same path, which is probably why Erick thinks he has the easiest path to victory.

    The flip side is that the new GOP rules require all states who vote before April 1 to split their delegates, so unlike in 2008, if Romney comes 2nd and 3rd (or Perry for that matter), if he has the money to continue to the winner-takes-all states after April 1, it’s worth it to stay in the race.

    While there is a long way to go, I’m guessing there’s only three candidates who have a real shot (barring something really unexpected, such as Santorum actually winning Iowa): Cain, Perry and Romney (in alphabetical order).

    And I think whomever gets the nomination will be a good indication of where the GOP stands in the eyes of the GOP voters. I personally think Romney winning the nomination spells the beginning of the end of the GOP.

  • septembergurl

    1. Why Romney must not be nominated. Because he would almost certainly lose, and if he won he would not advance our radical conservative reform agenda.

    2. In looking for the Reagan among the not-Romneys, ie a conservative who can beat both Romney and Obama and enact our agenda (and this includes winning a mandate, or at least a solid majority, and helping, or at least not hurting the down-ticket races, especially the Senate) we need to be realistic.

    In discussing jon Huntsman Erick points out that Huntsman is indeed a conservative with a strong conservative record. Please don’t make me go through it again, just read what Erick said.

    In other words, Huntsman is not a liberal pretending to be a conservative. He’s a conservative pretending to be a liberal.

    But why?

    If he is a conservative, why does he make a point of differentiating himself from conservatives by stressing for example, his views on evolution, gay civil unions, etc. Why is he appearing in liberal media but not conservative media?

    Why, in short, is he presenting himself to the voters as more liberal than he actually is?

    Or to put it differently, why is he positioning himself to the left of Romney (as near as one can position oneself vis a vis Romney, who is currently running as a moderate conservative)?

    Answer: Because he wants to win.

    Please take a look at this handy widget
    http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2011/11/03/magazine/538-gdp-election-calculator.html?ref=magazine

    He obviously believes that only a stealth conservative is going to beat Obama. Hence the apparent moderation, the “civility” shtick, You might not agree with him (I obviously do) but it’s reasonable strategy.

    In other words, he will play up his moderate persona in order to enact a conservative agenda.

  • panhandler

    I am, and have been a Herman Cain supporter since he announced. Our system in Washington is broken, bloated, and corrupt – I grew up there in suburban Maryland and survived my neo-Socialist public education (even at Eleanor Roosevelt High School) to eventually become a conservative…I was there for Nixon, Carter, and the glorious early Reagan years, when some of the damage was undone.
    We don’t need to send another politician to the White House who already has “connections”, That’s the problem, we already have too many “connected” people there already. We sent several citizen representatives there last year, and we need to do the same now. Herman is a firm, consistent conservative, a Christian with strong values, and what we need most right now…a LEADER. I am sick and tired of the media “vetting” that goes on and on and on. It seems no one was willing to make an issue of any of Herman’s purported past behavior until he blew past Romney in the polls, then the “vetters” showed up. There is legitimacy to finding significant issues in a candidate’s past (associations with a terrorist named Bill Ayers, for example) that might influence policy, but at some point (I’m there) it becomes obvious that the political machine, through its media lackeys (Politico, MSLSD), becomes determined to eliminate a candidate because he represents a threat to their boy, the chosen One. Herman Cain has a real chance to cause a significant, and possibly permanent, electoral shift in the African-Americain electorate, and that scares the youknowwhats out of the Dems. So far Herman has stood strong against this crap, and unless he says something different today at 5pm, we should stand with him. If everyone throws just throws him under the bus and goes to Gingrich or Perry, the machine will just “vet” them until all we’re left with is Romney, then it will be mission accomplished…four more years of Obama and a PERMANENTLY ruined health care system. If Herman gives in to the pressure, that would be a truly sad thing. We need to rally behind him, and send the media and the machine a message that We the People choose our candidates, not the political establishment or the parasitic mainstream media. That’s just how I feel. Hang in there Herman!

  • lucasblack

    But it’s not ‘clearly’ Perry and supporters of the other candidates think that their guy is the best one. I am certainly not going to drop my support of Newt to support Perry. Newt is ahead of Perry in the polls, anyway, I think Perry should give up and endorse Newt.

  • pttx333

    supported Perry lo these many years and have no plans to ever change as there is absolutely no need to do so. As you pointed out, do I agree with him 100% of the time? Nope, but about 98% is pretty good, huh. He is a solid rock upon which to rest, believe me. He speaks the truth, always.

    For a little insight into who Perry is and from what he came from, read this article about his parents from one of the liberal Dallas papers. It is fair except for two statements: (1) it refers to that deer hunting lease as “the Perry family hunting lodge” – what a joke! and (2) referring to that stupid rock is beyond belief – BUT the rest is very worthwhile:

    http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/perry-watch/headlines/20111105-rick-perrys-parents-say-their-son-is-strong-medicine-needed-by-a-sickly-nation.ece?ssimg=368982#

  • lucasblack

    No Republican was going to win in 2008 thanks to the Bush/Delay screwups. Do you really think Lazy Fred Thompson or Mike Huckabee would have done better than McCain? And he was doing okay (though I don’t think he would have won) until things crashed in October of 2008. The mistake was electing a big-government conservative in 2000 rather than a budget hawk like McCain. That was what so badly damaged the GOP brand. Better yet would have been John Kasich (my choice back then before he dropped out) but everyone was all Bush, Bush, Bush.

  • gekster

    He was stuck at forth and worse for a few months.
    People were urging himto get out because there was no way he coild win with those poll numbers.
    Everyone was saying Huckabee would win the nimination with his Iowa win.
    How did that primary work out.
    Crystal balls are not right, they are crystal.

  • lucasblack

    Pawlenty was my first choice as well, but instead those goofballs at Aimes voted for Michelle Bachmann (who was already acting like a rock star – just throwing out red meat and not doing retail politics). Pawlenty made some bad campaign choices, but in hindsight, I wish he had stayed in. So does he, by all accounts. If the worst knock about you is that you are ‘too nice’ this is hardly a major flaw. But done is done. I’m hoping for Newt, but resigned to Romney.

  • jgge

    that I cannot support if one of them become the nominee. Mitt Romney because he is liberal Republican and Herman Cain because he has zero governing experience. I do not trust that either would be a good President and also I do not trust that either can beat Obama in particular Herman Cain. Herman Cain is an insult to me because I simply cannot vote for anyone to the most powerful job in the world when he has not enacted a single public policy and has not voted on single issue. I do not vote for talkers and Herman Cain is nothing but a talker and in most cases a lousy one based on his daily gaffes on many issues.
    In fact to make it simple I only see two qualified candidates in this race:
    Perry, the most qualified by far based on his very powerful record.
    Gingrich, is second.
    There is no third.

  • retire05

    Both of you talk about Perry’s stance on “immigration.” Now, let me give you a bit of history; a decade or so ago, the attention turned to IL-legal immigration. But you see, the left understood that talking about IL-legal immigration pointed to those who violate our laws of sovereignty and entered our nation withour our government’s approval, something that has been happening since the days of the Bracero Program. So the dialog was changed by the left. The debate then became about “immigration” and creating a perception that the Republicans were isolationists who wanted to end immigration completely. Now, most common sense people understand the difference, but it still allows the wordsmithing on the part of the left and it is a shame that any conservative would choose to conflate legal, and illegal, immigration as one and the same.

    Yes, the majority of Americans support stricter enforcement of our laws, but that can only be done by the federal government. The governors of any state do not have the authority to enforce federal law. It is under that purview that Eric Holder has sued both Arizona and Alabama. Federal authority is not trumped, in this case, by state authority. The removal, and deportation, of those in our nation illegally can only be done by the federal government, not state governments.

    So let’s address your complaint: perhaps you would like to give a clear, and legal, resolution to the 12-20 million illegals currently here? How would you go about rounding them all up? Would you do it Nazi style with cattle cars and repatriation? Hundreds of thousands of buses to all points of the four corners of the world? Would you separate them from their children that are citizens of the U.S. due to their birth, and if so, what would you do with the children? Would you confiscate the homes they have been allowed to buy due to the rules of the Community Reinvestment Act to pay for their deportation? Or would you put that cost on the backs of the taxpayer? You see, I am looking for reasonable, and rational, answers from you.

    Yet, there are some things that governors can do. They can pass state laws that ban sanctuary cities and allow for the prosecution of those city officials who turn a blind eye to federal laws, such as the Mayor of Houston, and her predecessor, have done going so far as to direct Houston police officers not to check for residency when arresting someone suspected of being an illegal. This, Rick Perry tried to do with state legislation, and is something no one ever mentions. The proposed law would have given Greg Abbott, the current State Attorney General, the ability to press charges against any city official that refused to enforce federal immigration laws. It failed due to two people, David Dewhurst and Joe Strauss.

    Border governors can create coalitions between state law enforcement and the Border Patrol. This two, Rick Perry has done. Our state owned drones, who give real time information to the Border Patrol, are being paid for by Texans, not the federal government, although the federal government declares it is their purview, not the states, to enforce immigration laws. We have at least, 150 Texas Ranger Recon Squad members on the Texas/Mexico border. Compare that to the number of Border Patrol alotted for just Texas.

    Now, last night I brought to everyone’s attention something that you should find very important and give a clear indication of how Rick Perry supports border security. The Discovery Channel is currently running a program entitled “Texas Drug Wars.” It goes quite deeply into the things that Texas is doing to secure the border, stop the flow of drugs and humans, and to protect the citizens of Texas. In one scene, you will see the capture of millions of dollars worth of marijauna by the Texas Rangers, that is immediately turned over to the Border Patrol and taken away in the back of a BP pick-up.

    Now, just for comparison, I would like you to provide me with any similiar program about Arizona, New Mexico or California. Tucson is the kidnap capital of the U.S., yet where are the reports on how Arizona is using their crack state troopers to protect its border? Where are the stories on drones, sensors, state man power about the other border states?

    Yes, Arizona and Alabama passed laws that dealt with IL-legal immigration. And what did they get for their efforts? They are being sued by the DoJ, and now have to bear the burder of the expense of litigation. Jan Brewer has even set up a website where you can donate to the state of Arizona to fight the DoJ. I would assume that in your mind, begging for funds for a legal battle is better than actually putting state troopers, and state resources on the border. Meanwhile, illegals continue to pour over the Arizona border unfettered save the few Border Patrol agents there.

    So………………………………

    if you are going to slam Rick Perry for his actions on the border, not to be confused with in-state tuition, you can only legitimately do so by comparing the actions of other border state governors. I think you will find by comparison that all other border state governors fall way short. The question then becomes; will you admit it?

  • thirstyboots

    politicians shouldn’t be using others people money to lower the costs of higher education below market prices in order to allow more people to go to college. I’m a limited government conservative, so yeah, I dont’ believe in government interventionism. And like Reagan I’d like to abolish the Dept. of Education too.

    I’m a conservative, hence I’m opposed to government subsidies. I blame Perry because we’re talking about him; I blame anyone who supports these policies.

    I’m ashamed to read the defense of socialist programs like TEF, subsidies to private companies, in this place.

    This was the problem with Bush and would be with Perry: for many conservatives, it’s okay to use socialist policies as long as it’s a “conservative” they like pushing them forward.

    TEF = stimulus. Taxpayers money going to some companies that politicians and bureaucrats pick.

    LOL at your strawman “the legislature did it too”. I mean, what kind of excuse is that? No, Perry isn’t responsible all for himself – I hope you remember to apply that to Mitt Romney too, who had to deal with a very democrat legislature and also to Perry’s successes – but he’s one of the major responsibles, I mean, you can’t say “hey, he was the governor of Texas, look at the good things” and then “hey, he isn’t the only one supporting this, the legislature supported it too”.

    I don’t understand this type of fanaticism. I can respect an argument that goes like “Yes, something like the TEF is unacceptable and Perry is wrong, not only because he didn’t put an end to it, but because he’s trying to sell it as a good thing, but I still like him over the others”. But to try to excuse socialist programs because “they create jobs”? I mean, the belief that government subsidies create jobs is now acceptable here? The Tea Party has spent the last 3 years fighting against that notion and it has come to this?

    Plus, using ad hominem arguments on a internet political discussion, to put it mildly, childish and pathetic. Just saying,

  • gekster

    I don’t think there is nothing I can add,
    besides that Perry also put NG troops on the border also.

  • goformitt

    McCain made a huge mistake by picking Palin as a running mate. The vast majority of Americans saw her as not only unqualified, but selfish, self-promoting and down right scary as a potential president – if anything where to happen to the old man.

    Romney can avoid this by choosing a solid, respectable right of center VP.

  • pttx333

    spoke so brilliantly on this issue and in such a way that even a moron should understand. I’ve been dealing with some pretty thick skulls today here and elsewhere, and I’m simply frustrated as well as overwhelmed. Thanks for your insightful and very significant tutorial.

  • rightyb07

    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5576670191369613647

    http://www.oism.org/pproject/

  • gekster

    increases employment, hence more tax revenue, less people on government suppot, and gets more money back than what it puts in, is bad.

    And states that help more people get into collage, some who would other wise not afford it, is bad.
    Ok, I got it.

    So what have you done to stop the tuition program in your state.
    Or is just an issue to dis Perry for.

  • clowngirl

    One thing that must be kept in mind is that the reaction within the GOP is likely to be very different than that of the population in general.

    Gingrich and Cain have, in a sense, opposite problems:

    Gingrich has had difficulty in the primary because Republicans — much more than Democrats or Independents — believe that a man who would cheat on his wife can’t be trusted in matters of state.

    Democrats and much likely to take the position that a candidate’s private life should remain private. After all, pretty much all their favorite Presidents have cheated on their wives while IN office,

    Even for those who would normally count adultery as reason for disqualifying a person — Gingrich has already been punished — and many will probably think after 25 years he’s done his time.

    With Cain it’s very different. Because, while sexual harassment may include adultery — it also (if it gets to the point of actual sex) includes coercion.

    Like rape, it’s not about sex. It’s about humiliating and degrading women. IF Herman Cain did, in fact, offer to help a woman get a job in exchange for sexual favors — he wasn’t acting out of attraction or fondness for her as a person.

    Among at least some Republicans, there seems to be an attitude that MOST sexual harassment claims are bogus. One diary — and I hope I’m misunderstanding but don’t think I am — even seemed to convey they feeling that it would be cool to have a President who abused his power and serially harassed women.

    These attitudes are likely to be MUCH less common in the general electorate than among Republicans – particularly than among male Republicans.
    And it bears remembering also that sexual harassment isn’t something a person does in their private life — it is a part of how a person conducts themself professionally.

    Herman Cain may not be guilty. But he hasn’t acted innocent and he’s not likely to be exonerated (you generally can’t prove a negative) — and it’s quite likely that we’ll get through the whole primary season without ever knowing the details of all the allegations — which could still come out in a general election.

    The best that could be hoped is that he’ll remain only suspected of serially abusing his power and trying to degrade and humiliate women. That doesn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, make him a stronger candidate.

  • goformitt

    One of the more intelligent things I’ve read on here. Just reading all the fear and anger expressed here – the braggadocio, the “tough guy” moderators, the hate expressed – often echoing the right wing talk show blather. Mindless hate, publically expressed will get you exactly here:

    TOTAL POSITIVE / TOTAL NEGATIVE:

    Hillary Clinton ?????????????.. 55 / 22
    Michelle Obama ????????????. 51 / 21
    Barack Obama ????????????? 45 /.40
    The Democratic Party ?????????. 40 / 37
    The Occupy Wall Street Movement ??32 / 35
    Mitt Romney ??????????????. 26 / 30
    Ron Paul ???????????????? 19 / 28
    Herman Cain ?????????????? 23 / 35
    The Republican Party ?????????.30 / 44
    The Tea Party Movement ???????.27 / 44
    Rick Perry ???????????????. 16 / 37

  • center77

    that you are the only speaker to ever be found guilty of ethics violations, substance matters and like Perry said, gingrich has been part of that establishment, he has set up committee after committee to deal with our problem. Washington is not working, Newt is that, 84 ethic violations and all.

  • federalfarmer1

    than anybody in the past fifty years. he was under cut by senate repubs and k street repubs like delay. I don’t care about his divorces.

  • lepelerin

    As a man, I’ve always questioned this line of thinking. If it weren’t somewhat about sex, rape would happen against ugly women. I don’t see that happening often. If Cain did something, it’s because he thought he could get away with it because of his position of authority, not because he wanted to humiliate or demean someone.

  • federalfarmer1

    Nobody likes him. Santorum is more likely to win Iowa at this point than Perry, and Cain has been outpolling Perry in Texas. Newt is the natural next stop. Perry can’t change who he us or his debate performances.

  • thirstyboots

    Corporate subsidies are bad. Taking money from ones to put on anothers pockets is wrong. It’s a violation of the most basic conservative principle of limited government. I mean, the democrats can claim that the stimulus brought jobs and that the unemployment rate would be at 15% (hi Nancy!) without it and what not. Politicians always have excuses for these type of programs. Doesn’t make it true.

    And yes: subsidizing higher-education is wrong. Subsidizing jobs, in the auto industry or green industry or banks or whatever, is wrong. We don’t need politicians and socialism to put more people in college.

    These ideas are at the very core of conservatism. It’s amazing that you dare to challenge them at this site. This is exactly what happened with Bush: a certain type of conservatives (the ones who are ready to get behind identity conservatives like Bush and Perry, are always willing to get behind the most socialist policies as long as their heros are the ones supporting them).

    Plus, the idea that you think that increasing tax revenue is good is flat out scary. I don’t really know what to say at this point.

  • federalfarmer1

    These are democratic talking points. Which of those 84 claims had merit? Did the house get more or less conservative after he left?

  • lucasblack

    I don’t really think Rick Perry (or anyone else) should drop out – I was just reflecting back the sentiment that everybody ‘must’ rally around him. If Perry (or Newt) are good candidates, people will figure that out and they will win. Frankly, I think Romney is running the best campaign so far which is why he’s the frontrunner. I just wish it were someone else.

  • avagreen

    ^^

  • federalfarmer1

    In the elementary education program. So is spelling.

  • center77

    I go to a instate school, my parents are dirt poor, I also get grants, scholarships and loans, without these is never get the chance to go, I also work, and still fall short on needed money.

    I can’t even afford a education by myself, there is nothing wrong with helping people gain a education. If that’s not the conservative position, then it should be, because over a lifetime it pays for itself.

    as for gaining the Latino vote, like it or not, every election they are going to have a larger impact, that’s life, if Republicans do not learn this, they will lose, period, no its, And, or buts about it. We need them to vote for us, and we can get that by people strong on border security, but have to be reasonable with people. The economic argument is valid, we pay no matter what because of healthcare and welfare. but the vote argument is vital, because Latino population is growing and fast, and that’s legal voters.

  • federalfarmer1

    You just repeated obamas arguments for making those loans. As I understand it, in Texas, they weren’t even loans, it was free taxpayer money. I could be wrong, but I hope there’s a better defense for Perrys red grants than what you just gave.

  • federalfarmer1

    Tef grants, not red grants.

  • thirstyboots

    Are you sure it was to me?

    I’m very pro-immigration. I don’t see a problem of compatibility between being in favor of immigration reform and conservatism. I’m in favor of giving most of the illegals (the ones with jobs and without criminal record) a long-term residence authorization

    I see a problem between subsidies and conservatism. This is so obvious. If you don’t, please don’t call yourself a conservative. At least a limited government, constitutional, conservative; you can call yourself a “Big Government Conservative”, I guess, even though to me that’s an oxymoron.

    The idea that we need politicians and socialist policies to get poor people into college is one of the most basic fallacies that liberals use. They use for everything. “Well, if it wasn’t the government, how would that work?”, “Well, if it wasn’t the government people would be dying of starvation everywhere”.

    If you buy that, you’ll end up buying the idea that we need politicians and socialist policies to have a good healthcare system that covers most people.

    This discussion shows what’s wrong with American conservatism today. It’s not Romney. It’s posts like the ones you and gekster wrote, what is defended in them, being published in a conservative site with little pushback.

  • center77

    but do not make stuff up, you have obviously never heard an interview were he discussed global warming and climate change.

  • gekster

    the only thing we can learn from the Solyndra loan, is that green energy
    cannot support itself.
    And the collage tuition thing is a state issue, not a federal one.
    Along with that, collages can stand on thier own with out state aid.
    We would just have less people going, and the rates would be much higher.
    And another point, statistics show collage education leads to higher paying jobs,
    so the benifit is not only to the student, but also the tax base.
    If you have a problem with instate tuition, take it up with your legislature.
    The poster I was replying to want’s to throw all the blame for it on one candidate, where it was in place long before he was in politics.
    He is just giving a reason to salm said candidate.
    What’s you reason.

    Now since it is Tuesday, I’m off to vote.
    I not only blog, I get off my butt and do something.

  • retire05

    my sister thanks you, and I thank you.

    To quote George M. Cohan.

  • gracie

    http://www.esquire.com/features/newt-gingrich-0910

    The wives…I knew
    The ethics violation….I had forgotten
    The ego, audacity, disorganization, lack of discipline…totally forgotten if I ever knew. If I was paying good enough attention in those days.

    Folks…not at the top of the ticket!! He is Way too egotistical and undisciplined to be in charge. VP maybe.

  • gekster

    Get involved or get lost.
    Quit the whining and actually do something.

  • federalfarmer1

    Needs to die.

    At this point, I don’t think any of the candidates have an easy path to the whitehouse. But Newt is the best choice to advance small government conservatism. If he loses, it will be like Barry goldwater, and not like bob dole or john mcain. He will give the country a clear choice on what path it wants to take.

  • jakeofalltrades

    derp

  • retire05

    you never met G.W. Bush in person, and if you did, never had any time with him on a personal level where you could actually talk to him about issues.

    G.W. is intelligent, charming, polite, and a real gentleman. He does not slander others, unlike Clinton or the Marxist in the Oval Office. He had plenty of reason to slam the Clinton administration after what they did to the White House and AF1 the day before Bush took office. He had plenty of opportunity to slam Clinton for what he has said about Bush.

  • federalfarmer1

    It wasn’t there before him. And I agree with your login solyndra, but don’t see why it doesn’t apply to Tef grants. Couldn’t those businesses survive without subsidies? Has anybody put together a defense of Perry on this issue?

    The connection between college and success is a correlation. Smart people succeed, and usually go to college. I can understand and support some subsidies for poor people to attend college, but middle class subsidies lead to bubbles and misallocation of resources, as well as waste taxpayer money.

  • thirstyboots

    Colleges can’t stand on their own without government aid?

    I’m speechless at this point.

    And what Solyndra proved once again, is that politicians shouldn’t be making “investments” using others people money. Why is this even a discussion? It’s a basic point of conservatism. It’s not about the type of industry: it’s wrong to give taxpayers money to a “green sector” company as much as it’s wrong to give it an oil company.

    Btw, you should google Hillsdale College.

  • federalfarmer1

    As a candidate for pres? He is polling terribly with little sign of life and no realistic plan to revive.

  • irishgirl

    explanation of Kay Bailey Hutchinson? True, I certainly didn’t consider her to be a conservative, but your post makes it sound as though Perry only ran against Medina.

  • federalfarmer1

    I’m sure it was a well balanced treatment of Newt. Congress was so much more conservative after he left.

  • aesthete

    Personally, I don’t think that’s the case — I’ve seen little to tell me that Perry is either an immigration hardliner or a total squish, and IMO granting work visas would nip the illegal problem in the bud.

    However, Perry has simply been awful at communicating exactly what he believes on immigration, which is quite reasonable.

  • federalfarmer1

    This kind of slimy personal attack should be out of bounds. Stick to policy. Who do you support? Should we discuss romneys mansions, Perrys mansion paid by Texas taxpayers? Cains white wine breakfasts? These are the kinds of things conservatives should not use to line each others candidates.

  • federalfarmer1

    Have a beauty pageant for wives (or mistresses)! Awesome contribution!

  • irishgirl

    that Perry has certainly not performed well. But I continue to support and promote him because he has the best credentials according to my beliefs. We already have a guy that’s a slick speaker and I refuse to be swayed by anything but substance at this point.

  • jakeofalltrades

    We need realism here. Start coalescing, people!

  • irishgirl

    because some folks sure act like they’re waiting for Jesus and only Him to run….(tongue-in-cheek).

  • jakeofalltrades

    his proven conservatism, his undefeated record at the ballot box.his executive experience.

    What is wrong with Perry other than his low poll numbers which, at this point in the process, he shares with several historical primary winners? Oh and he gave in-state tuition to long-time residents of Texas?

  • avgjo

    It is interesting that a lech like Clinton was popular with women. It is interesting that Obama is popular with women now, even while he destroys their children’s future. It seems that if Cain cannot clear up these charges QUICKLY, Gingrich may well get his time in the sun. I hope that the women weigh his past stupidity about fidelity against a Marxist taking away the opportunity for America’s future generations.

    It’s a shame that we’re at this point, but there’s no use in complaining. It’s where we are, and it is the state of affairs.

  • bzip

    You know I really feel like I have woken up in a nightmare. I am cussing at the TV just like I did in 2008.

    Let me run this by you ?all:
    Our Country is falling apart, it is in serious melt down mode due to a ?Likeable, Inspiring? President.

    We are trying to determine – who is the best candidate to lead our country out of this disaster. Instead of discussing policies, issues, who are more experienced, who can beat Obama -
    Guess what we are talking about: Sex Scandals and how many more women may come forward with allegations on Herman Cain.

    Herman Cain ? you know the guy, very likeable, very inspiring. You know the guy without any elected office experience, the guy better known for:

    Abortion Flap, China Weapon Flap, GITMO Flap, Gun Control Flap, Sex Flaps, Lying Flaps, TARP support, Fed Audit flap, New Taxes morphed VAT new national sales tax, ?opportunity zones? a form of affirmative action, No prior record or experience, Race Card flap, Foreign policy flaps

    You know the guy that said he wouldn?t fully support Perry if he were the nominee.

    Could someone please tell me what is going on? Why is Herman Cain even in the list of candidates? What are we doing?

  • reggie182

    Who will then? Do you mean Perry? He polls below Bachmann in Iowa. I keep hearing about this astonishing comeback he will make and it never happens. Chances are slim and none he’ll be the nominee.

    So then who are you left with?

    Yup, if you don’t like Romney, then it’s Newt.

  • jgge

    a Pizza company? What was Cain most difficult decisions in running this mediocre Pizza company? Opening or closing a Pizza place here and there? Increasing or decreasing the price of Pizza? Seriously folks stop insulting the remaining of us by stating that a Pizza guy is qualified to run for President.
    You Cain supporters/cultists are for him because he gives you all the red meat and empty bumper sticker rhetoric that you crave like drug addicts. Talk, talk, and more talk, with zero actions.

  • jakeofalltrades

    no sense

  • onemovoter

    Someone just posted it the other day and it reminded me why so many conservatives felt sick with Newt. If you are serious about the energy issue and warmists being a threat, then Newt really isn’t your guy.

    We who support Perry do so on taking the candidates at their word and actions. When you put out false information, we are here to correct that. We suggest you do the same.

  • tnguy

    I am not determined to deport them all. But acting as though deportation is an impossibility is fail, and Perry’s remarks on immigration, “heartless”, for example, have mirrored his slide in the polls.

    What I am saying is he has generally been ambiguous on the issue, and his “we can’t deport them” comment is weak and pathetic for a guy who generally hasn’t been.

    You can pretend he’s been forward and specific, but look at his website. On the one issue that has generally been a noose around his neck since he declared, his website is almost silent on the issue. It should be front and center. It should be hand in hand with his economic policy if he expects to satisfy tea party types. And if he expects to win, it had better be aligned with conservative thinking, which, yes, includes deporting individuals who are illegally in the United States.

    Amazing that enforcing the law wasn’t considered Nazi-think until the last few years. Sad that even many conservatives have no respect for our national borders, our national identity, or our laws.

    Now resume you’re “YOU’RE NOT READING WHAT HE SAID LAST WEEK ……” etc etc etc diatribe.

  • federalfarmer1

    Presenting conservatism. I think he is conservative, but he can’t sell it. I think he’s more of a good politician than a natural conservative. I don’t see him being much better for conservatism than romney. I think he will get destroyed outside of the south. The fact his polling is so low suggests im not the only one who doesn’t see much to get excited about.

  • cbartlett

    on the immigration issue just a little more – I have posted on this theme before on RedState and will try one more time….

    I am another Texan who lukewarmly supported Perry in Governor races (because the alternatives were a LOT worse). Despite my past reservations, I actually think he is one of the most conservative candidates in the field right now. People that really know him, know that he supports small federal government and the 10th Amendment, which is a huge step in the right direction in turning this country around. He is, however, doing a terrible job of explaining some of his positions, especially illegal immigration, apparently. He’s getting persecuted for the immigration issue on all sides – conservatives seem to think he?s ?soft? and liberals seem to think he?s too conservative ? what should he say to deal with this issue? Really? If you don’t live in Texas, you don’t know what we have to fight every day. Despite media rhetoric, he’s not “against” building a wall on the border – he’s just against building it everywhere. It just won’t WORK everywhere ? like the middle of the Rio Grande River, for example, and huge game ranches with no cameras, no officials patrolling and no guns ? just cattle and deer that do not offer much of a threat to someone who wants to be on our side of the border. And if Arizona or New Mexico want to try building a wall – he’d be fine with that ? it should be, ultimately, a state?s right to spend their money that way. But he is adamant that the feds have to do their part FIRST and foremost (border enforcement IS one of their few jobs!) and there are other measures – besides walls – that work better in some rural areas.

    As for the “Dream Act” (I hate that name – the Texas version is NOT the California version at all!), Perry needs to explain the alternatives here. The parents of those “illegal” immigrant students have been living in this state for a minimum of three years, probably more. (Those kids are required to have attended a Texas public school for at least three years and graduated to qualify.) This means they have most likely paid sales taxes and some form of property taxes in their rent during that time. Those taxes help pay for the kids’ K-12 education as well as help “fund” those in-state tuition rates at state colleges. These kids were drug here by their parents – sure, technically, they are “breaking the law”, but did they get any choice in that decision? Until our federal government gets their act together and no longer allows families to get across that border, Texas is REQUIRED by federal law to deal with this problem. We must educate them, as well as provide healthcare and other public assistance from taxpayer dollars. Many of these kids do not even remember life in Mexico. They have been educated in our public school system and most likely speak English better than their parents. In order to qualify for the in-state tuition rates, they must have decent grades (if not excellent), good SAT scores, at least some attempt at a resume’ of activities and/or community involvement, apply to and be accepted at a Texas college or university. They have to be motivated and really want to go to college to accomplish all of that. I know an awful lot of young Texas natives who can’t manage to do all of those things! Oh yeah – they also have to apply for legal citizenship in the process. The goal here is that they will be legally eligible to work in this country by the time they graduate. Is that such a bad thing? They might just become one of those taxpayers. I think the most compelling thing to think about is – what is the alternative for these kids? How many of them will drop out of high school and have an “anchor baby” so their chance of deportation is minimized? Yeah – contrary to popular opinion, our great federal government would rather keep those “illegal” parents here taking care of that “legal” baby instead of putting it into the already overloaded foster system. So what have we accomplished? We have now continued the cycle of yet one more generation of uneducated, untrained, unemployable people sucking on our STATE welfare system. 181 out of 185 Texas state legislators, including many conservative Republicans thought that it was a better plan to spend our STATE tax dollars to break this cycle and get a few of them becoming productive members of our society and paying taxes instead of living off OUR taxes. Perry supported and signed this legislation, which, by the way, would have passed over his veto, had he decided to do so. It was obviously right for Texas to do this. Perry would be the first to say that it is up to any other state to decide if it’s right for them or not – he would NEVER expect to force that on the entire country either! He has never, to my knowledge, supported blanket amnesty and I wouldn?t either. On the other hand, any intelligent conservative will admit that it will be impossible to actually round up 100% of the millions of illegal immigrants and ship them back ? there will eventually HAVE to be discussion about the logistics of the process. I agree with retire 05 – now is not the best time to do that, but it will have to happen. In the meantime, allowing a handful of kids (a drop in the bucket, actually) to have the opportunity for in-state tuition rates and possibly becoming a productive citizen seems like a very tiny baby step in the right direction in one state, at least.
    I just hope Perry can do a better job of explaining this issue. It is obviously a huge hang-up for a lot of people who do not know him. Also – Perry does much better in one-on-one interviews and debates and would be able to handle Obama just fine, given the chance. The bad news is he’s going to have to do a better job weathering this multi-person primary media garbage right now if he’s ever going to get there.

  • acat

    I asked ‘patriette above.

    Ignore what Perry’s said. Forget it. Throw out all the speeches, all the web site posts, everything.

    Go read the specifics I posted above, or do your own research. See what he’s *done*. Then tell me what you think of the policies he’s pursued, not the words.

    Mew

  • streiff

    there is no danger of a realignment of the black vote with or without Cain. This is a pipe dream. I’m also failing to see this leadership talent that everyone talks about. I don’t care to have someone in the White House who seems to think young women are part of the perks of the job. We’ve already had one of those.

  • federalfarmer1

    And if global warming is no problem, why does Perry support alternative energy at all in Texas?

    Why do Perry supporters insist on making every bad argument possible against Newt?

  • acat

    hat tip prod4ever.com

    Mew

  • tyman

    I just read a column and Huntsman said what I have been thinking: Cain’s distraction is preventing the other candidates’ messages from getting out.

    I had to turn Rush off (as apparently a lot of other people did) because he’s pulled a James Carville (attack the accuser),and has left a huge vacuum.

    The polls may not reflect it, but I read that Cain’s negatives have gone WAY up. Sooner or later, this will be reflected in polls and subsequent voting.

    Do Cain supporters seriously think that he will survive the general with this? If you think the coverage is bad now, if Cain were the nominee, it may jeopardize Republican chances in other races.

    Remember 2006 and the Mark Foley scandal? Coverage of that story resulted in Republicans losing control of Congress (among other issues), and the media portrayed it as a big deal. It taints the Republican name!

    If Cain is truly a conservative (which I’m having my doubts about based on his support of Bill Clinton in ’92 and the fact that his wife has voted in 5 Democrat primaries and runoffs since ’04), he needs to get out of the race.

    Sometimes being a CEO/leader means that you have to know when you’re causing your brand irreparable harm, and that is happening NOW.

    Whether the allegations are true or not, the things they said about Sharon Bialek are shameful (the tactics are like what we heard from Bill Clinton): she’s had financial difficulty and paternity issues.
    So that means that Cain didn’t do what she alleges, based on that?

    Bialek has explained that she had financial issues due to the medical expenses following the death of one of her parents. I have no reason to doubt her on this. The fact that the Cain camp brought it up will leave a bad impression on prospective women voters, and a lot of men (as a father of daughters, I pray that they never have to face a harassment situation or worse).

    Bzip, I’m with you: What in the Wide, Wide World of Sports is going on?

    Obama’s running this country into the ground and conservatives are upset with Perry for using the word “heartless” in a heat of the moment debate or they’re not taking the time to look up the facts for themselves? All the while wanting to put the future of our country in the hands of someone who claims to be a conservative, but no real record (Cain)? And as a backup, some look to Gingrich who was constantly portrayed as the bad guy while he was speaker? Does anyone not even remember how constantly they demagogued Newt? I like him, too, as a debater, but he’s just not the conservative poster boy that people think they’re seeing. That commercial with Nancy Pelousy made me sick.

    Don’t even get me started on Romney as the nominee. The press has got tons of stuff on him and they are just salivating, waiting to use all of it: but only until he gets the nomination.

    How many folks will run out and vote for a guy who puts a dog in a cage on the roof of the car and drives that way? I can see the ASPCA ads that will run for that. Never mind the fact that he could afford a vehicle big enough for said dog and cage (they’ll rag him on that, too).

    Perry’s got the money and every day he looks more and more presidential. Aside from that, I believe he’s a good man and has put forth plans that no one else has, with the intent that America’s best days are still ahead.

  • tnguy

    To my mind, dealing with illegals already here is just as big of an issue as securing the border.

    Two words: in-state tuition. A few other words: we can’t deport them. Not a lot of research necessary.

    He has yet to properly address the issue. You can take some sort of gratification that you posted some stuff or cut and pasted from a news article, so you win! (Yay!). But that does nothing to dispute a single thing I’ve said, as reflected in his poll #s. As he began to get hammered on illegal immigration, he began to sink (well that and Herman Cain calling him out as a racist).

    Address illegal immigration head on, prove you’re not soft on it, make it one of the central themes of your campaign, or be prepared to head back to Austin, irrelevant on the national stage, Gov. Perry. The details of some speech or obscure law from your past as Texas Gov will do little to impress at the national level. Maybe it will play well at some sort of conservative PAC conference’s immigration session, years down the road.

    It’s hardly rocket science. I’ve said it several times today, and for some reason, it’s ignored or dismissed. The man’s greatest perceived weakness is essentially a non-existent part of his campaign. It’s not really even addressed on his website. This should be elementary. Your opponents identify it as your weakness, turn it into your strength.

  • acat

    The general election will not be about illegals.

    Mew

  • tnguy

    We’re still in the primaries, and this issue is a giant cancer on Perry’s campaign.

    Does no one recall the furor when Bush was pushing immigration reform? The millions of grassroots calls and faxes that stopped it? You think that has disappeared as an issue?

    Perry is easily the best candidate we have, but this one issue is a ball and chain for him. There’s a reason that candidates are now more concerned with going after Cain and Romney than Perry now. Perry has been relegated to secondary status. Because. Of. This. Issue.

  • Scope

    In response to your comments after the Cain presser on CNN, “I wouldn’t be on the radio in Atlanta if Cain didn’t leave to run for the presidency. I really like Herman Cain.” Thank you Herman for giving me EE a radio gig. Harsh yes, but also truthful. No adressing the fact that Cain dislodged any of the allegations, he called everyone else a liar, and actually finally blamed the leftist media. How about last week when he accused the Perry camp, and in particular Curt Anderson for his woes. Don’t anyone come forward and defend Curt Anderson, the most upright guy in campaigns. EE, what will it take for you to get on the up and up here with the Cain crap?

  • Scope

    Even after the accusers attorney said it was definitely a “settlement” agreement, he still stands with his story that it was a seperation agreement. Since Joel Bennet’s client has now come forward, and wants all of the accusers to do a presser, holy cow. He probably just lied for the last time that he will be able to get away with it. His presser answered no questions, and actually did him more damage.

  • californiagold

    Polls show women are less inclined to believe Herman Cain’s responses to the scandal. The problem for the other male candidates is that they cannot jump in the fray and attack or defend Cain. But as a woman, Michele Bachmann could raise the issue.

    It is very possible that Michele Bachmann could use the next debate to raise the issue of Herman Cain’s credibility. There are now four women who have made accusations…if Bachmann defends the women, Cain will then have trouble defending himself.

  • retire05

    there may be further allegations by more people? Is he trying to brace us for more accusations by even more women? And while I have no problem with Herman Cain hiring a legal pit bull in Lin Wood, since when does a candidate’s attorney do the lead in to a presser? How is that any different than what Cain is accusing Bialek of doing; hiring a high dollar lawyer to speak for her? And how is coming out with a statement that is basically an attack on Sharon Bialek’s financial problems going to convince any but the most ardent Cain supporters who obviously don’t need to be convinced since they are operating on blind faith that Cain, himself, is being truthful?

    It has been reported, a number of times, that Herman Cain has a problem with ego. It would not be surprising since he managed to “climb” that corporate ladder Team Cain points to. Cain would not be the first person to let their business success get in the way of their brain.

    Why do I think Cain WANTS this to go on. It is all Cain all the time in every news outlet. He is sucking the wind out of every other candidate. Mitt realizes this, as does Newt.

  • californiagold

    Cain is probably more concerned about jeopardizing his future radio/TV career than winning the nomination.

    Put of fork in his candidacy…it’s done.

  • tarnishedroses
    You won’t find another recent example of a Republican who was in fourth place in November of the year before the election and suddenly completed the New Hampshire-Florida-California trifecta to get the nomination.

    Some explanation, it would seem, would be in order.

    McCain benefited from a gentleman’s agreement between him and Giuliani in which the first to bow out would endorse the other. This type of agreement among moderate candidates like McCain and Giuliani has been used in many state elections but very few national campaigns. It is what gives moderate Republicans like McCain and Giuliani the power to off-set the huge advantages that perceived conservatives have in the primary.

    McCain also benefited from the grudge match between Romney and Giuliani that benefited both McCain and Huckabee.

    Huckabee had very little support outside of the Bible belt, so his candidacy was unsuccessful.

    Romney and Giuliani effectively “took each other out” the way Howard Dean and Dick Gephardt “took each other out” before the 2004 Iowa Caucuses.

    This gave McCain the opening that he needed.

    If there are two front-runners who have this type of mutually-destructive feud going on, it can open the door for underfunded and unpopular candidates like McCain.

    You correctly noted that Iowa no longer portends a national win. The Iowa Caucuses have turned into “the Evangelical Caucuses” with pulpit support being not just helpful, but crucial. Because Romney got almost no pulpit support in 2008 (with his church’s refusal to directly involve itself in a presidential campaign and the rejection of Romney’s religion by evangelical pastors), it is likely that Romney will spend less money and attention in Iowa this time around.

    The evangelicals just don’t like Mitt and never will. Somehow or another, the evangelicals liked Sam Brownback in 2007 until he failed to place in the top 3 in the Ames Straw Poll. I guess no one told the evangelicals that Sam belongs to a church that worships idols, prays to saints, etc. For Catholics, there is tolerance. For Mormons, there is mainly contempt.

  • tarnishedroses
    Some just want Perry to get the nomination, no matter the cost.
  • Martin Knight

    … from the moment Newt took the gavel. All except for one was laughed out of the ethics committee because everyone knew it was a political stunt.

    The House GOP and Newt himself therefore never took it seriously. The GOP was and is completely inept when it comes to understanding and managing public perception – Democrats excel at it.

    What Bonoir was aiming for was headlines – the WaPo and NYT could then publish that Newt was the Speaker, or member of Congress in either House was the highest number of ethics charges levied.

    The kicker? Most members of the public don’t know the difference between between being charged and being convicted.

  • tarnishedroses
    Which “long time poster” are you referring to?

    Your characterization of Goformitt as referring to a guy who is a “long time poster” here is so stupid as to be beneath contempt (whatever that means). Can you explain what you’re talking about?

    Is this contempt directed at Goformitt because he is a Romney supporter? Or is there a justification for it?

  • tarnishedroses
    You’re right about that. He is being portrayed as a serial rapist who is out to demean and/or humiliate women. If that were true, he would be punching them in the face and dumping buckets of poo on them (I hope I didn’t inadvertently create “woman #6″ by posting this.

    You’re right about Cain. The guy just has no game whatsoever. He is convinced that women will turn into sluts for wealthy men and is so upset when the real world just doesn’t work that way.

  • tarnishedroses
    Cain.

    She is smarter and better credentialed.

    I have no idea why the far right ever fell in love with Cain. He’s that toxic combination of dumb and creepy.

  • WY_Cowboy

    Perry participated in. Too bad.

  • bzip

    True Bachmann is far better than Cain, but that isn’t saying much.

    Instead of the constant looking for the prefect, why don’t people stop looking the best is right in front of you. The only person with a proven 10 year record of conservative governing, conservative values is right in front of everyone. Did you hear Rick Perry is running for President.

  • californiagold

    Cain’s statements suggest that he’s not even that conservative. Unfortunately, some voters support a candidate for the “likeability” factor and nothing else. That’s how we got stuck with Obama.

  • Scope

    a while that I am so about done with politics it isn’t even funny. I feel almost completely overwhelmed by it all. I admit that my husband and I did not even go and vote in our VA elections. Some of the articles posted here going from this is a total waste of a candidate, to well maybe is isn’t that way, to well id he would just say this, to well I don’t think that he can ever explain what I have wrong with him. I am losing any and all heart for politics, the games, the lies, the deception, the media, the posters here that reply with total false information. I am so sick of the whole thing you could not know.

    Today, I have been more interested in the push against Jo Paw from PSU. The man has had 47 great years with Penn. state. He is now being denigrated because he did the right legal thing, but, he was morally obligated to do the right thing and he didn’t. I have a very special affinity for Jo Paw, I was born and grew up in PA. Jo Paw does not need to end a fantastic career on, in his old age, with a charge of moral denigration against him. Sorry for going on.

    Nothing is normal, nothing is as it should be, nothing is even remotely about electing the best conservative. Everything is now turned upside down, and Cain is a part of that upside down in politics. I hope Cain rots in the hell of his own making.

    Obviously I’m pretty upset right now. I may say more later, or I may not. I’m at the point that I almost don’t give a crap anymore.

  • supergirl2911

    For Perry, doesn’t he live in “the governor’s mansion” which actually belongs to the people of Texas? If I am not mistaken, Ga’s governor lives in a governor’s mansion, not in his home town.

  • Martin Knight

    You obviously were not paying attention in 2008.

    Before McCain picked Palin, he was having trouble filling a mid-sized hotel ballroom. He had staffers announcing that they could not attack Obama because they “liked him too much.” He was running out of money and was being ignored by the Press. His campaign manager was giving interviews saying how he wanted his boss, at the end of everything, to be seen as a “graceful loser.”

    Then he picked Sarah Palin and all of a sudden, he was filling stadiums. The polls actually had McCain/Palin up over Obama/Biden for a week or two.

    Then McCain’s communications team went to work … apparently they thought that she was taking too much of the attention away from McCain. In effect, they made sure that Obama’s victory parade got past that little speed bump. Remember that the handler that Palin got was a woman named Nicole Wallace – then most recently George W. Bush’s White House Communications Director.

    In case you didn’t know – Mrs. Wallace headed the absolute worst White House Communications team in the history of the Presidency. The fact is that George W. Bush could have been the exact same President, and he would have left the Oval Office with a 50+% approval rating if Mike Deaver (Reagan’s Communications guy) had been handling his communications operation.

    It was Wallace’s bright idea to limit Palin’s exposure to the national media (in the middle of a Presidential campaign!), to have Palin repeat the same speech at every stop, to respond to attacks on Palin and her family with Silence. Worse is that she was evidently leaking disparaging reports about Palin to the Press from the moment she was selected for the VP slot.

    Palin absolutely loathed her for very good reason.

    PS: goformitt – I have a very strong suspicion that you voted for Obama in 2008. In fact, I suspect you’re still voting for Obama come what may. You have a “whalish” way about you …

  • federalfarmer1

    Quit spewing lies about Newt. None of the charges had merit. On the one that was voted on, the irs later found no violation. Newt was sanctioned for failing to get legal advice on a tax issue the irs later found Newt to have been correct about.
    You are a liar.

  • supergirl2911

    for contributing to the Southern Hick stereotype “Ain’t gonna happen”

  • gekster

    You should use reading comprehension.
    Here is a hint:
    Try following the blue lines.

  • ecarson

    Rick Perry is a good man who has not been accused of infidelity and he’s a real conservative unlike either Romney or Huntsman.

    His ‘big sin’ of not wanting to crack down on illegals, is a small piece of the whole– and besides, most of them want to come here to a free country, work hard, not complain about what they make and are Christians, so not a big deal with me.

    And yes he had a couple of bad debates but that can be fixed with more debate prep time. Overall I think he’s the best candidate.

  • gekster

    Th sentance read:
    Along with that, collages can stand on thier own with out state aid.

    Just how did you miss that.

  • Scope

    the fact that I saw at least 10 times today Rush Limbaugh talking about Bialek. He pronounced her name “buy a lick” and then did slurping sounds into the microphone. I wanted to puke at how much some paid operatives are willing to go to prop up a horrible candidate. We may see video of Cain having sex with animals. and they will still support him. Because, He. Is. A. Conservative. Black. Make me puke.

  • Martin Knight

    [nt]

  • gekster

    Because I try to disspell misinformation that you trolls throw out there.
    Something I do with all candidates.
    You new guys should have to read for a month before you start posting and beclowning yourselves.

  • gekster

    Perry spent the day dealing with the massive fires in Texas.
    Where he spent the day with the people of Bastroph, all who had just lost thier homes.
    Then he spent a 2+ hour flight to get to the debate.
    The one where he was immediatly attacked when it started.
    Are you talking about that debate.
    And under the same circumstances, you would have done much better.
    And add that he was still recovering from back surgery.
    What did the other candidates do that was equal to that.
    Oh, right, they spent the day preparing for the debate.
    Non of them had a job to go to that day.

  • circlegranch

    I was encouraged today to hear Herman Cain move his blame from Mr. Perry and onto the Democrat party. Now, an apology is in order.

  • federalfarmer1

    Newt has a clearer path to victory than anybody except romney. His baggage consists only if divorces and democratic smear jobs from the nineties. Cains supporters will go to Newt.

  • pttx333

    maybe you’ll feel better tomorrow. It is infuriating, frustrating isn’t it? Sure gives me a headache sometimes. But I will struggle along and let my voice be heard because I must.

    Take care, Scope, and feel better. God bless and keep you.

  • circlegranch

    I’ve been in the same funk for months. Our county GOP is in turmoil and we’ve already divided into teams…. the Establishment is in the tank for Romney, then there’s the Paul people that are downright scary sometimes, then the Cain people that believe every single thing the man spews. I’ve connected w/ Perry people outside my usual circle of contacts. I find alot of encouragement here at RS. We all get agitated and spout off and maybe write something we regret but when my inner clock and morning alarm goes off about 4 am I can’t wait to get up, log on and see what’s happened overnight. I enjoy hearing from the like-minded and those that I can’t begin to understand where they’re coming from. But I’m better informed for hearing all sides. This much I know, I depise the primary process. It’s almost like the Civil War, brothers against each other, families split and irreconcilable differences at every turn. But, we must keep the faith and keep our hearts as pure as humanly possible. After events of the past week, I’ve never been more commited to working my old tail off to get Gov. Rick Perry elected as our next president. I’m goin’ to Iowa just after Christmas to see what they need done. I’ll get there if I have to walk barefoot on hot coals the whole way. I know others have the same passion, but this much is for sure, Mr.Cain has completely sucked the energy and news coverage out of every single other campaign and I’m danged angry at him about that. I’m enjoying Huntsman taking some shots at Romney. Good exercise for both of them. Tomorrow night’s debate is gonna be a little different. The target aint’ gonna be on Perry. He doesn’t walk in with gloves up trying to protect his jaw. Bachmann and Santorum are both on their last legs and I expect to see both of them come out swingin’ and its gonna be Cain and Romney in the crosshairs if there’s justice in this whole mess. When you get down and depressed, just know we all go there alot. It’s a son of a gun trying to keep a good attitude. With a dangerous man running this country and then garbage like Mr. Cain insisting that no matter what harm he does to our party or the prcoess, he’s staying in this, it does get to a person.

    As for Coach Paterno, the great can fall from grace just like the lowly. If he knew about an incident of sexual abuse on a child and didn’t move mountains to stop it and put a monster behind bars and prevent other little innocent kids from being hurt and scared for life, then he’ll have to face the music, and like the rest of us, ultimately, his Maker.

    God bless y’all and don’t lose heart now. This is our Valley Forge. This is the winter of trials and tribulations. We must stay focused on the goal.

  • federalfarmer1

    I’m still looking for a conservative defense of perrys Tef program. You gave me democratic talking points for crony capitalism. And you claim its a state issue, the same dumb argument romney trost out about home-care. That’s what a bot does. If you weren’t a bot you’d admit it was a bad program but give me reasons to overlook it and support Perry anyway.

  • tyman

    That was over the top, and I don’t think it’s helping Herb to have him do that.

    I just happened to hear Hannity say something about her, too; although it wasn’t degrading as Rush did.

    These are the same people that took up for Bill Clinton’s accusers.
    And the only difference is that Cain “claims” to be a conservative.

    Cain needs to realize the damage that he is causing Republicans, and if it lasts, it could have far reaching effects not just on the Presidential race, but also the Congressional races.

    Hello, 2006? Anybody remember Mark Foley?

  • acat

    Every one of those phone calls to stop Bush’s amnesty were from conservatives. You seem to agree with this.

    Show me one thing in Perry’s actions – not words – that concerns you on this front. One thing.

    Conversely, taking a hardline position now hurts Perry in the general. Why do you want him to do this?

    You say Perry is the best candidate in the race. I happen to agree. I wonder, therefore, why you’re asking him to sabotage himself.

    Mew

  • pttx333

    propped up and on the road to 1600, I’ll swear we will.

    I have the same frustrations, fears, doubts (not about Perry, though) about this entire process, but it must be done, and I’ll be swinging till they count me down and out. It is the only thing that I can do and feel good about myself. Like you, RS has been the biggest blessing for me. I find myself up and down and on the computer at all hours of the day and night. (Since I live alone I can do that. ;-) ) It truly is interesting and refreshing to talk to everyone – even some of the nutjobs, sometimes – but I’ve certainly learned so many valuable things.

    Poor Scope, she’s just on her last leg today, but I’m sure she’ll be back with a vengeance before long.

    Will be glad to hear your full report when you return from Iowa. What an exciting trip that will be for you.

  • rickperryreport

    I did!

    Well, I guess Erick needs to at least appear open to the other candidates on a web site for everyone.

    Another option would be to rename the domain PerryState.com, but trust me, I am not sure where the revenue model will come from, unless Perry kicks some booty tomorrow night. And even then, that probably wouldn’t make as much money as… (see below):

    Erick, you can buy Perry stock on InTrade where $250 could turn into $2500 if Perry gets the nomination. Now’s the time to buy at the bottom and maximize ROI!
    http://www.intrade.com/v4/markets/contract/?contractId=656777

  • rickperryreport

    …is affecting Rush Limbaugh’s defense of Cain. On the surface, I am not sure it is. Maybe Rush really feels that way. But I cannot help but notice the “Hello, I am Herman Cain…” radios ads on Rush and Hannity shows.

  • gekster

    repost from upthread:

    If I myself endorse a candidate, how many will vote for, or vote against because of whom I support.
    I think Erick sees it the same way.
    That is one reason why I don?t like actors and such publicly endorsing.
    To many people will go with what thier idol will say, instead of doing actual reaserch and getting informed.
    _______________________________________________

    Many people like Erick, and just as much don’t.
    People should inform themselves insted of, “well, that’s who he endorses, so I’m going to…….”

  • rickperryreport

    Although there is some kind of crowd mentality with endorsements. That’s why Apple’s “Think Different” ad campaign was so effective.

    Even though Einstein was dead before he could “endorse” Apple Macs, just mentioning that Einstein “Thinks (thought?) Different” and that owning an Apple is thinking different was a really cool thing. You could be an Einstein!

    Not sure how well politico endorsements of candidates does, or newspaper endorsements for that matter. I tend to resent my newspaper’s endorsements and seriously think about voting the opposite way. Sort of a middle finger to the MSM (-;

  • intensity

    …and I hope the rest of you out there are with us!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Perry ’2012

  • retire05

    Krauthammer said that Cain needs to stop blaming the Democrat smear machine when he doesn’t have any proof. O’Reilly said that Cain still blames Rick Perry. Krauthammer said “No, he’s walked that back.”

    O’Reilly said that Cain is still making the claim that all this was started by Perry and Cain was on his show last night repeating the Perry smear.

    I HAVE HAD IT WITH HERMAN CAIN.

    Man up, Cain. You were accused of two women of wrong doing. Perry did not leak that, someone at NRA did. Now you are trying to improve your poll numbers by telling a falsehood. Since you think you have the right to demand proof from the women of their claims, I AM DEMANDING YOU PROVIDE PROOF THAT RICK PERRY’S CAMPAIGN LEAKED TO POLITCO.

    Better yet, Herman. Just go away.

  • rickperryreport

    working for the Perry campaign too. Don’t get discouraged! Drop me an email at rickperryreport.com/contact and I’ll get you in contact with other like-minded Perry supporters who are looking forward to “walking over the coals in the dead of winter to get Perry the Iowa win.”

    (Did I tell you that *I* never have chosen a candidate that lost).

  • wacowboy

    nt

  • greyeagle

    You are right, he is a very friendly nice man. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a campaign stop to our small town in TX, when he was running for governor. I had a chance to talk with him. Made a good impression and I don’t impress easily.

  • Tbone

    A culled one at that.

  • greyeagle

    Perry will have less for Obama to attack him for. Perry has also been fighting with Obama over TX for the past three years. Perry has also been heavily vetted, so no surprises. Everyone thinks their candidate is the best choice and I am no different. However, I am also practical. Perry also has the best plans to get people back to work.

  • sethellis

    I like both of your guys posts because it exposes the larger problem this website ignores. There is an assumption on Redstate that we should pick the most conservative candidate, and that’s enough to win the presidency.

    This simply isn’t true. Right now the tea party is more of a liability than an asset. They simply haven’t been able to articulate a vision that the majority of America can get behind. This shouldn’t be be, and we must reverse this trend. To do this we need a candidate that can articulate the conservative vision, and change the conversation.

    Right now all Perry has going for himself is identity politics, and that just makes the conservative problem worse.

  • Xasteius

    Hardly a conservative bastion.

    http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/archive/election_2012_wisconsin_president

  • RebelRoss0587

    I’d love to get your response to http://mittromneycentral.com/2011/11/08/red-state-and-free-republic-double-down-on-their-war-on-romney-and-were-not-gunna-take-it-anymore/

  • greyeagle

    The TEF has enticed companies from other states to move to TX and provide jobs. This is the main reason TX was the majority job creator in the US. All states have some type of program, but this one seems to be more effective.

  • bjames

    that someone who wastes trillions upon trillions of dollars may still be consudered electable while anyone who actually stands a chance of restoring fiscal order can be unelectable over certain sexual advances?

    That’s why I’m beginning to think it’s too late to save this country. Marginal electoral victories will never be enough to implement the kind of solutions we need. The USA will eventually collapse under her own weight. We’ll just have to pick up a handful of the good pieces and create a new, smaller republic with a socialist-proof constitution.

  • gekster

    Have you bothered to look at all the vids of Perry putting out his plans.
    Or do you only look at the soundbite debates.
    There are many vids out there, but people like you don’t see.
    Where are Romneys vids of his plans.
    Ain’t seen any, but you don’t see.
    In the debates, where has Romney said anything that you can take to the bank.
    He hasn’t, but you don’t see.
    Does Romney tout his record in MA, like Perry does of his recoed in Texas.
    No he doesn’t, he runs away from his liberal acomplishments, but you don’t see.

    Driving with your eyes closed will get you only so far,
    but the inevitable will happen, but you don’t see.

  • pttx333

    about Mitt that gives me that hinky feeling on the back of my neck, and always has. Good for you!!

  • pttx333

    about Mitt that gives me that hinky feeling on the back of my neck, and always has. Good for you!!

  • greyeagle

    Perry has been trying to secure the border for several years. He got some support from Bush, but nada from Obama. The TX border is 1200 miles. Perry has asked for boots on the ground, aviation and drones. Obama has refused everything. TX can NOT deport or do much of anything because it is a federal responsibility. TX catches them and ICE releases them. Perry said give them a visa to work, that way we know who is here and where they are. However, no citizenship. So he does NOT favor amnesty. The instate tuition was just that. Tuition only, and they had to pay it themselves. No grants, or scholarships. Plus they had to apply for citizenship. Remember, not all children of illegals are illegal themselves. If anyone can bring in the legal hispanic vote, it is Perry.

  • pttx333

    as those who will not see.” I think I quoted it the right way. I’ve always thought it spoke volumes …

  • gekster

    I showed them the benifits of this plan, how Texas has taken in more money than spent, how three different people have to approve any grant, and even that if the company given a grant doesn’t create jobs, it has to pay the money back.
    All plusses, and it is still a black mark on Perry.
    These people don’t listen to reason, it’s all about slamming Perry.
    That is thier only goal, sad to say.

  • izoneguy

    N/T

  • pttx333

    in fact, I’m not so sure that he’s ever apologized to anyone in his life. He is his entire team need to apologize to Perry!

    Guess what? I just read a headline on Drudge that b.o. has now ordered a new 15-cent tax on CHRISTMAS TREES! This is to finance his new federal program to promote … ta da … Christmas trees! Sure, that is exactly what the tax is to be for … and the reader-in-chief is out there with his skullduggery and we’re all talking about the moron.

  • greyeagle

    The so called debates (first 3) were a pile on by other GOP candidates and moderators. They were a joke. Too bad people watching could not tell the difference. I also know that TX was burning and Obama would not declare the state as a disaster, which it was. Perry was flying back and forth and getting little rest. He also had back surgery about a month before the debates. A person having back surgery can not stand on their feet for 2 hours for several months. No excusing him, but there were other factors involved. I don’t pay attention to debates, but listen to speeches, and presentations. These so called debates, tell next to nothing about a candidate.

  • http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

    on immigration. He is all for cracking down on illegals, but there is only so much you can do on the state level.

    His support for the in state tuition simply makes economic sense. If you have a large minority of student aged people who think they are americans because they came here as children, then it is better to allow them to have an education than creating a permanent underclass.

    That would likely turn many of them toward radicalism and certainly toward the welfare state.

  • gekster

    ” Would you rather have them on a street corner selling dope”.

  • greyeagle

    Perry was on FOX news for an interview, and said he would secure the border within one year. The entire southern border over 2000 miles. Fences in urban areas, boots on the ground and drones in the rural areas. I imagine the same would apply to the northern border as well. Arizona and Alabama have been sued by the Feds and parts of their laws have been struck down. Perry is a big states rights guy.

  • pttx333

    of Houston and the media’s pick; Kinky Friedman, comedian from around Austin, good guy and funny – ran just because he could; and that is all I can recall now, other than KBH (R- Senator), supported by Rove, the Bushies, et al.; and Medina.

  • onemovoter

    State powers and Federal powers are completely different in what they each can do about illegal immigration.

    A governor can’t deport people from other countries.
    A governor can’t arrest illegals except if they are caught committing a state or federal level crime.
    A governor of a state can’t refuse education, welfare and medical to illegals (federal mandate)

    So the only real options left for a state is to either let them go on welfare or give them the same option that other foreign college students can get after just 1 year residency in TX.

    Enforcing most of the laws on the federal level will actually make most illegals self deport. There will be plenty though that will sign up for a work visa like the program we already have on a limited basis.

  • federalfarmer1

    I’ll do so gladly. It has nothing to do with targeting Perry. It’s all about ending corrupt practices, even if republicans do them.

    For you, apparently its defend every blemish on Perrys record, no matter what kind of liberal argument you have to make to do so. Thats called being a bot. If you are going to defend the policy of states giving taxpayer cash to private businesses, just like Obama did with solyndra, please remove your tea party signature, because you don’t know what the movement is about.

  • gekster

    The stimulas that went to unions, who are friends of Obama.
    Solyndra, whose exects gave money to Obama, as well as other subsidiesed companies who are declaring bankrupsy.
    The no tax bill to GE, whose head is a friend of Obama.
    The banks, who donated to Obama, and got a bail out.
    There are more. but get your anger directed on the Federal level.
    What a state does is a states business.
    What the Feds do is everyones business.

  • gator_hoo

    Which candidate said that Congress should “propose a reasonable program for the 12 million (and counting) illegal persons who broke our laws to get here, but not amnesty?”

  • LibertyWins

    is that Democrats always run to the center. Every Democrat in November is suddenly a reasonable centrist, even if their record suggests otherwise. Remember in November 2008, Obama became the great tax cutter? Heck even FDR ran to the right of Hoover on fiscal policy.

    Mitt Romney’s advantage of being the reasonable centrist or moderate will not matter one bit come November 2012. When independent voters who would vote Republican begin to lose an ability to tell the difference between Obama and Romney, they will stay home.

    This is why President Reagan said we need bold colors, not pale pastels. Romney could only win by moving to the right in the general election. Even that is risky because, that’s not who he really is. So, basically Romney is gonna do just as poorly as McCain.

  • LibertyWins

    Amen to that!

    President Perry, get used to it!

  • aesthete

    He didn’t really start doing these things until after Bush-Kennedy went down in flames. A consistent anti-illegal zealot, he ain’t.

  • acat

    the “heartless” comment won’t matter in the general… might even help him.

    Mew

  • avgjo

    those folks are going to follow SOMEBODY’S lead, so it may as well be someone good like Mr. Erickson.

  • avgjo

    those folks are going to follow SOMEBODY’S lead, so it may as well be someone good like Mr. Erickson.

  • davesinsanantonio

    Look back at previous races at the same point. None of the polls at the time had the actual nominee right.

    More than half of the polls are conducted by lefties or left leaning types. So, you can’t trust the questions, the “sample”, or the actual reporting of the “outcome”.

    We should never again let the lefties choose our candidate for us. Their fawning over Mittens should tell you something. Their antipathy to Perry should also tell you something.

    But, no matter what the lefties have to say, even their lies, have no bearing at this point. Iowa, then New Hampshire, then South Carolina, and finally Florida, will only BEGIN to actually tell us ANYTHING!!!

  • daveoconnor

    As a former radio type with many friends still in the business I can tell you with complete certainty that Rush’s “avails” as they’re called are always very limited. If Rick Perry asked for a half hour on air with Rush he’d get it. That would be an audience grabber and Rush is all about big audience numbers. He had Huckabee on last cycle and they went at it pretty hotly.

  • danf1789

    Just as in 1980, with the country in tatters, we need a visionary with the ability to communicate hope and optimism to the citizenry. Only one candidate makes sense. Newt Gingrich is the easy answer here. Gingrich/Rubio is a winning ticket. They will both obliterate debate opponents and don’t think that’s not critical. IT IS!

    I know Gingrich has many many flaws, for the elitist, collectivist media tells me so. It must therefore be true. But Newt is the only candidate who takes on the media like a warrior. People love that. The media, academia, and the sorry state of the judicial system must all be blown apart and rebuilt. Newt seems to be the only one who gets it and can communicate it.

    Hope based on substantive, creative, change; a restoration of our greatness. It can be done. Get on the Gingrich/Rubio train. It’s headed in the right direction and it’s moving fast!

    Dan Foley

  • daveoconnor

    We may see a video of what? Do you really think that sick comments help your man? If he makes it to the general will you blame his polling on Obama? Rush? The man in the moon?

  • gunsrus

    at a rate that would make Adolf Hitler blush, you guys are worried about the morality of having been divorced and remarried.
    Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
    Substance is greater than image. A liberal in an elephant suit might be palatable to the mainstream media but I thought this was a conservative forum.

  • davesinsanantonio

    the question should be who will actually govern better for America.

    The answer is clearly the most conservative Republican candidate will end up being the best president for America.

    And, that ain’t Mitt!!!

  • http://impudent.edublogs.org/ kyle8

    McCain was running against the Bush record of which he was tied. Obama is now running against his record which is abysmal.

    If you cannot see what a huge difference that is then you have a lot to learn about politics.

  • gunsrus

    Bob Dole was supporting the exportation of American jobs and technology. His wive was the better candidate.

  • davesinsanantonio

    even more than his infidelities. And those infidelities will hurt him a lot with many women and some men. So, he should drop out and then be the next White House chief of staff or press secretary. In either job he could articulate the needed changes very well indeed.

    But, he would lose the election because too few indys would vote for him, and a lot of conservatives would just stay home.

  • nathanalbright

    Abortion runs rampant in large part because of sexual immorality. Where do you think most unwanted babies come from? Fornication and adultery. So, your concern about abortions should mean that you are not only concerned about the “cover-up” (namely abortion) but also the sins that result in pregnancies. It’s a lot easier to attack a national sin at the source rather than merely deal with the consequences.

  • gunsrus

    doesn’t he have a National Guard?
    I better get some coffee…

  • davesinsanantonio

    Securing the border?
    More jobs?
    Federalism?
    The national debt?
    The federal deficit?
    Support for Israel?
    Shrinking the government?
    I am not sure which one is his ONE issue!

  • paco12348

    I think Gingrich could beat Obama easily and I also believe a Gingrich/Cain tick would be unbeatable. I could care less about Gingrich’s past. If America can still slobber over Clinton after the way he defiled the White House then they d*** well should forgive Gingrich for his escapades. If Clinton could he still would while Gincrich has settled into adulthood. He knows all the ins and outs of government, loves America, is conservative and recognizes the threats to America much more than many of the others. Cain would be great for the economy along with putting the race baiters in place. He would make an excellent example for young black Americans, something they do not have in Obama.
    Obama may be Black, but it’s Kenyan Black, not American Black and as such cannot relate to that time in history. If he had, he would understand the need for continued healing instead of the division and anger he is deliberately creating simply because he isn’t getting his way with Congress. Obama’s Presidency will be one to look back on as a lost and shamful period when Socialism was attempted to restructure America.

  • christinakfjeffrey

    Newt is not Barack Obama. Newt loves America, he has a conscience, he wants to be a good person, and lying is difficult for him. He isn’t a monster, he’s a Teddy Bear. He isn’t strong, he’s weak. That’s why he agrees with the last person he talks with. If you have his word, but you do not stay by his side until what needs to be done is finished, he is liable to go in another direction. Of course, we are all weak, but some are weaker than others. For my money, when it comes to strength of convictions, Michelle Bachman is the strongest.

  • circlegranch

    and they could not overcome the very problems Cain is currently embroiled in; Newt’s got the same issues on his record only they aren’t faceless/nameless. We would spend the entire time from the convention to election day fighting with liberals, trying to do just what has occurred here during the past week: defending our guys, making excuses, calling every woman that the Dem’s are able to bring to a microphone a liar. There would be little to no time devoted to the real issues. The campaign would turn into a National Inquirer-type smear and gossip fiasco. There are no candidates in the race that have -0- issues and problems, but the last thing we need to do as conservatives that stand for life, morals, Christian values is to nominate a pair of guys that will both have plenty of reason to be attacked for questionable morals and judgment in their personal lives. Newt’s humbled himself and made apologies and all of us believe in redemption but our opponents won’t be so generous. Cain’s problems are never going away. He may be able to get past this and get on the ticket but the Democrats will resurrect the current conversation in ways he can’t imagine. If he thinks he’s had a tough week now, just wait till the Democrats come after him in an abashed and non-covert way.

    We just observed in last night’s election in OH what the power and influence of unions and Team Obama can do and the havoc that much money and strong-arming can accomplish. The last thing we can afford to do is nominate people fresh off the scandal trail. Our work’s cut out for us enough as it is.

  • gunslingr45

    Really? This place has been off the hook for Rick Perry since day one of his announcement at the “red state gathering.” Could have fooled me.

  • nathanalbright

    …by the fact that this website refuses to accept ad hominem attacks on Perry, as appears to be de reigeur on other sites.

  • cldonley

    Perry doesn’t need to reconcile his immigration policy, he needs more than a 30 second sound bite on a debate stage to defend it against those who would misrepresent it. Let’s understand something; illegals are not clamoring to cross the border to go to Texas A&M at the in-state rate. They are coming because either they are hungry, afraid of the drug cartels, or criminals. In regard to a fence; how will a fence stop someone who is willing to dig a tunnel? In combat, you build obstacle to channel the enemy into the place most favorable for you to fight them, and you guard the obstacles too. So if we have to have people and assets on the ground to guard the border anyway, why build the fence?

    A state governor can’t deport anyone, must educate them, and if he catches them in a criminal act must imprison them. He has to rely on the federal government to deport and to defend the border. And if he convicts them of a crime, and they get deported, do they go to jail in their home country? Not likely. They wind up back in a Texas city.

    Let’s say Perry had vetoed the in-state tuition bill. It passed 177-4. Would his veto be overturned? Who knows- but the fact of the matter is that a governor has to deal with what is going on within his borders, and with what is not being done, and the unfunded mandates of a federal government run amok.

    Perry has done a good job here in Texas.

    And one more thing. Recently someone wrote that Perry didn’t really do such a great job in Texas because he was dealt the winning hand in this state. (I think this was Romney whining about how hard it is to be governor in a place like Massachusetts). Who ever becomes president of these United States receives a winning hand. He or she receives a country with the ability to out-produce any country on earth. He receives a country flush with natural resources. A people that is still, after 80 years of New-Deal politics largely motivated, independent and self-reliant. This country is a winning hand. Who is able to play it?

  • arthurmanger17

    Their are new dynamics at work today that weren’t in place during the 2008 election process. The most important is the social networking by the American people. Until then the media and it’s talking heads, political pundits shaped what Americans heard and influence what they could decide. Romney is the result of this old way. Their will be no investigations into the veracity of the women making the allegation against Cain. This is because the media wonks didn’t choose Cain to run so he no right to be in the lead. Gingrich, well they thought they destroyed his political career back in the nineties what’s he doing back and moving into third. The media said he was done when his campaign staff went to Perry. It turns out when they did that Perry was done, (what’s up with that). Bachmann in the early months was at the top, Perry when he entered he shot to the top like a rocket both faded. Cain is now on the top they call it a surge and compare it to Perry and Bachmann. But is it or is it a steady climb. Did Gingrich “surge” to third. What’s beginning to coalesce in the social networks is a Cain/Gingrich ticket with either at the top. Such a powerful ticket not of the pundit’s choosing can not be allowed to happen. It’s not what they envisioned, so one or the other has to be brought down at any cost. Even if it means Obama gets reelected.

  • Change Jar Conservative

    Remember that the early primaries can be winner take all (although the primaries after the first five can be split).

    The key for conservatives is to get one or two conservatives (but not more) through to those second set of primaries where the delegates are split based on vote.

    Right now Romney just needs to come in first a few places to get some momentum.

    This is also about MONEY and whoever comes in first to third in Iowa and first/second in New Hampshire will get money. If you aren’t in those spots then your money will dry up.

    Perry may make it to South Carolina based on what he has banked already.

    I could see Iowa going: Gingrich / Cain / Romney
    New Hampshire going: Romney / Cain or Romney / Gingrich
    South Carolina going: Perry / Gingrich / Cain
    Nevada going: Romney / Cain

    But only if Cain can get past this and it’s not true. If it’s true then he needs to be dumped. This isn’t affairs, it’s harassment.

  • 4suramcan

    He wants whats good for America, not for himself or his party.

  • Change Jar Conservative

    http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2011/11/09/gop_primary_deadlock_111995.html

    Seems possible.

  • darthvader

    I fear for the GOP party considering the current field on candidates.

    Romney speaks from both sides of his mouth. He has flipped and
    Flopped on every major issues. He is someone who will test the
    Winds before he makes a decision. And, look no further than
    Romey?s version of O?bama care in Massachusetts to determine
    What his true political agenda maybe.

    I will never vote for Perry after his comments on illegal
    Immigrants.

    Ron Paul is a joke. While some of his comments
    And observations are valid, isolating the USA from the rest of
    The world while possibly appeasing many people in the short run
    Would prove costly in the long run considering the real dangers
    That face democratically elected governments all over the world.
    We should not be the world?s police force however, we need to lead
    The nations against those who would destroy individual freedom
    And the right to choose.

    Cain will never survive the charges of sexual harassment even if
    The charges can be proven false. The operative word is ?Proven?.
    Whoever is / was behind the push to get the over decade old
    Charges out in the open (Gop or Dem) was very calculating.

    Newt is a dog. He is probably already cheating on his 3rd wife.
    Some example for the leader of the free world.

    The remaining GOP candidates don?t have a chance of defeating
    O?bama in Nov 2012.

    John Mc Cain should run again. My dilemma is the choice between
    Voting for someone , anyone just to get O?bama out of office,
    Or just staying home on election day.

    God help us all. Where , or where is a ?Ronald Regan? type
    Republican that we can trust to get this great country back
    On course.

  • gunslingr45

    fooled at all by what I read. Rick just like the all others has faults, not that I wouldn’t vote for him. But I see attacks on all the others I would also vote for right here on RS.

    “For those who have fought for it, Freedom has a taste the protected will never know.”
    IN GOD WE TRUST

  • bzip

    Some please explain why Cain and Team Cain constantly go around falsely accusing everyone with out having any evidence.

    First Cain accusing Team Perry and demands an apology BUT they have no proof and Cain has had to walk it back.

    Second Cain/Block alleges that Cain accuser?s son works for Politico which is proven to be false.
    http://dailycaller.com/2011/11/08/mark-block-falsely-alleges-that-accusers-son-works-for-politico/

    Now Cain has accused the Dem’s machine behind all these allegations and yet again Cain has no proof for these allegations.

    So now given that Cain continues his “false” allegations without proof how can he expect people to believe him when he says he has been falsely accused?

  • littleatlas

    Sorry, you are wrong! Newt is polling above everyone except Cain. Newt could very likely take Iowa. You are also wrong about newt not being the nominee! He is the only candidate who can turn around this country, because he has done it before. You people need to look at the issues and quit bad-mouthing Newt…you are acting like democrats! This includes you Erick…it’s so obvious you are for Perry. Newt asked for forgiveness of his past on national TV and he has repented of his sins. He has been married now for 11 years and joined the Catholic Church. What more can you ask of a person? Newt is also polling 3rd in the National polls. Everyone who really cares for this country should go to “Newt.org” and get the true facts about what Newt plans to do as President. No candidate comes close to what this Newt knows about fixing the country and his world knowledge. If we vote based on the way Erick’s wife thinks, we are all in trouble!

  • texasroots

    Last night, Mary Matlin on CNN, raved about how she thought Cain’s presser was outstanding, and answered every question, that he did himself tremendous and the voters would still support him. On Erin Burnette’s show, there was an irate Cain supporter, Niger (did not get full name), ranting against Sharon and advising Cain to sue her.

  • Vaughn Harold

    are false until proving true, and it appears that there will be no proof to substantiate the allegations.

    I do agree that going around and accusing others was the wrong way to handle this, but Perry, Romney, and Newt are all guilty with that respect.

    Your attack garbage should be considered aiding and abetting the enemy. It does nothing but keep conservatives from consolidating together. Obviously, if Perry is not that candidate that can unite conservatives, you want to make sure no one else is.

  • snappy101

    My first eliminating qualification is whether a candidate has executive experience/run anything large like a large business, a state, a city, a non-profit. I cannot believe we put men in the White House who have no real experience running anything large. I’m sure my mailman has ideas. Does that make him qualified to be Postmaster General? Should the sales clerk who has ideas on what dresses Macy’s carries or how the stores should display home furnishings, run Macy’s just because she made a nice presentation at a staff meeting to explain them?

    Who in Congress has experience dealing with the implementation of the laws they pass or dealing with the problems resulting from such laws? None unless they go home and run for governor, take a job as a CEO or came to Congress via that route.

    Take a look at the job history of Newt Gingrich, for example. He’s been a professor, a news analyst, a congressman, a documentarian, a consultant, an author. His jobs are all about ideas and talking about ideas, criticizing ideas, not about implementation, dealing with problems once his ideas are implemented. Congress hands their handiwork off to people like the governors to deal with the actual issues resulting from the laws they pass. The point is he has never chosen to be the show runner; never chosen a job where he’s had to deal with the fallout from his ideas and people want to hand him the White House as his first big executive job? He generates an idea, fleshes out how it should be handled and then hands it off to someone else who has to deal with actually doing it. There’s no leadership, there. There is zero in his resume that shows he’s capable of running a large enterprise and you want to give him the country because he has good ideas, speaks well, has a good organization of his thoughts, knows the ins and outs of inside the beltway workings and has a lot of general knowledge? His resume dictates that the job for him is Presidential Advisor.

    Ron Paul, Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum all also have no record of running anything large.

    That leaves Cain, Perry, Huntsman and Romney for me to decide who has a record of performance as an executive that I think will translate best to President, that is most consistent in his beliefs, shares the most of my values, will pick good Supreme Court judges and a cabinet that aren’t more people with just ideas and no experience and will be an asset to the country. The others don’t even get to the interview part of the job application. I’m voting for Rick Perry.

  • arthurmanger17

    Their are new dynamics at work today that weren?t in place during the 2008 election process. The most important is the social networking by the American people. Until then the media and it?s talking heads, political pundits shaped what Americans heard and influence what they could decide. Romney is the result of this old way. Their will be no investigations into the veracity of the women making the allegation against Cain. This is because the media wonks didn?t choose Cain to run so he no right to be in the lead. Gingrich, well they thought they destroyed his political career back in the nineties what?s he doing back and moving into third. The media said he was done when his campaign staff went to Perry. It turns out when they did that Perry was done, (what?s up with that). Bachmann in the early months was at the top, Perry when he entered he shot to the top like a rocket both faded. Cain is now on the top they call it a surge and compare it to Perry and Bachmann. But is it or is it a steady climb. Did Gingrich ?surge? to third. What?s beginning to coalesce in the social networks is a Cain/Gingrich ticket with either at the top. Such a powerful ticket not of the pundit?s choosing can not be allowed to happen. It?s not what they envisioned, so one or the other has to be brought down at any cost. Even if it means Obama gets reelected.

  • arthurmanger17

    Lin Wood spoke before Herman. He is a lawyer that doesn’t play.

  • bzip

    My attack, boy you better look at the attacks by Cain and tell me whos is abetting the enemy NOT to mention Cain has given the dem’s enough fire power for the next 50 years.

    Talk about who is abetting the enemy, Cain seems to be doing an excellent job of it all by himself.

    You can’t make this stuff up:
    China Weapon Flap,
    GITMO Flap,
    Abortion Flap,
    Gun Control Flap,
    Sex Flaps,
    Lying Flaps,
    TARP support
    Fed Audit flap
    New Taxes morphed VAT new national sales tax.
    ?opportunity zones? a form of affirmative action
    No prior record or experience.
    Cain wouldn?t fully support Perry as the nominee
    Race Card flap.
    Foreign policy flaps

    Let me know why Cain is done abetting the enemy.

  • iitywybad

    Conservatives are supposed to be for the 10th Amendment to the Constitution called the “States Rights Amendment”. The federal government mandates that all children, illegal and otherwise, be educated. The Texas legislature passed the law with only four (4) dissenting votes granting in state tuition to children of illegal immigrants who have lived “in state” for three years and who have graduated from a Texas High School.

    The law was passed by the Legislature, not the Governor. Governors do not pass laws, they sign them.

    What part of it was agreed to by Texans, the State Legislature, and the Governor don’t people understand?????

  • izoneguy
  • cldonley

    You’re killin’ me brother. This is a huge amount of negativity and smallness in your thinking. McCain is just another Romney. Statements like “I’ll never vote for Perry…” and “Cain will never survive” are shallow and without merit. What statement by Perry outweighs all others to make him completely without merit? Cain has only been convicted by a left-wing goon of an attorney and the media (not to mention that he has never been accused of a crime). You’d really stay home and allow the destruction of your country because of some negative idea you have about your own candidate? Really? Ronald Reagan is not here. The only way you’ll ever vote for a candidate you agree with on every point is if you run yourself. Don’t run around depressing the voters because of your notions. Don’t be a weakling. And, by the way, your McCain guy has some pretty egregious problems with his record (both personal and political) and HAS ALREADY LOST TO OBAMA ONCE.
    Get a grip.

  • retire05

    What should have been a 48 hour story, is now going into Week 2. Why? Cain needs for this to end. And I am disgusted by all the conservative talking heads that have done the same thing that the left did with Clinton; rally the wagons around Cain when NONE of them know the actual truth.

    They are being played by the LSM. The LSM puts the Cain story out there, and causes the conservative talking heads to rally around Cain. If this plays out like I think it will, the LSM will have acheived two things; took Herman Cain down and destroyed the credibility of the right who defended him. Then the LSM will move on to the next GOP candidate they intend to take down, but the talking heads, now with egg on their faces over their defense of Cain, will be mute. One by one, each GOP candidate will be destroyed.

    I have no doubt now that Obama will win the election. David Axelrod is rubbing his hands together with joy knowing that there is now enough time to destroy each GOP candidate, one by one.

    The only hope we have now is for Herman Cain to step down, to end his campaign because the longer this goes on, the longer conservative talking heads defend him not knowing what is true and what is false in this scandal, the more they fall into the Democrats trap. The longer this goes on, the more the Republican brand is damanged. Sometimes you have to fall on your sword for the good of the party, and the nation. Cain seems unwilling to do that. That tells me more about Cain than it does about anything else.

    Herman Cain is sucking all the oxygen out of the race. He is getting more free air time than any candidate, while the other candidates are basically being ignored. Remember this; bad publicitity is better than no publicity at all. Especially if you think you can turn that bad publicity into a sympathy vote.

    Yesterday, Senator Cornyn absolute nailed Eric Holder over the death of Border Patrol Agent Terry. Where was all the news reports about that? Obama slams Benjamin Netanyahu on a hot mike. See much about that? Cain continues to hold the headlines and the important things are going basically unreported. Who does this benefit? Obama.

  • Vaughn Harold

    that you’ve had to say and it isn’t working, it’s only helping the Dem’s.

    By the way, I agreed with you that Cain shouldn’t be attacking others. Just like Perry, Romney, & Newt shouldn’t be attacking one another.

  • clintonformccain

    I, for the life of me, don’t understand why the right wing is so determined to circle the wagons for Herb Cain. I mean, it’s one thing to go to the mat for a sitting President in your party. You’ve got a lot invested in the guy at that point and a lot to lose. But, who is Herb Cain? In the grand scheme of Republican things, he’s a nobody. There’s no investment there. Cut him loose.

    By circling the wagons, the Republican movers and shakers taking the problems of one guy and coating the entire party with Cain’s baggage. That’s stupid. You didn’t see the Dems rushing to embrace Anthony Weiner and he, at least, was an elected official.

    This whole thing just plays into the narrative that Republicans are looney tunes.

  • conservativeparrothead

    The reality is that if this election gets to be about discussion of divorce details 31 years ago when our country is facing the issues it faces today, then we are in real trouble.

    I believe that Newt has a special skillset that at this point, no other candidate has, and that is the ability to with historical reference, depth of knowledge and articulation take the Conservative approach to our Nations challenges in a way that can win over those millions of American either through his debate that they watch or from the analysis of that debate which follows.

    I believe that much the same way Ronald Reagan scared away many independents in 1980, he was polling in the high 30′s with two weeks to go before the election, then the debate occured and his skill set led him to victory.

    As for the gender gap, that is a very real issue right now for Republicans, regardless of who the candidate is, and I dont think its going to take simply a woman on the ticket or someone who has never been divorced to close that gap, its someone who can convince these women, many of whom are intelligent, educated, professional suburban women why Conservativism is the better choice, that the Government they are choosing to accept right now simply cannot work and here is why, articulated with historical reference and data…the skill set of Newt.

    Newt 2012!!!!

  • cldonley

    In my 23 1/2 year military career I too was accused. I was accused of racism once when I told a black female soldier that the “scrunchie” she was using to hold her hair back wasn’t in accordance with the regulation. She went to the inspector general, the IG investigated, I went on with my career. There were (unfortunately) several times that I was accused when I was simply enforcing the rules evenly across my units. My accusers were of all races, male and female.

    Why do I bring this up? Because, unfortunately, people sometimes retaliate against people they are unhappy with using the system, specifically sexual harassment and racism mechanisms, because they don’t have to have specific, defined accusations. They only have to say “he or she made me feel bad” to have a case. Hence the ‘nuisance settlements’. because it’s easier to settle than to fight a squishy accusation under squishy law, especially before a potentially squishy judge.

    There may very well be fire associated with the smoke currently surrounding Herman Cain. But there may very well be a few disgruntled employees who had their feelings hurt by a boss
    because he was willing to call them out for not doing their job, or firing them for incompetence.

    Accusations are exactly that, and only that. Without examining the credibility of the accusers, there is no way Herman Cain should be summarily thrown under the bus.

  • conservative_dan

    The only one with a demonstrably strong conservative record. I didn’t say perfect, but who is?

  • Change Jar Conservative

    Your first comment on redstate criticizes the Republicans as not being conservative enough and you want MCCAIN back.

    Compared to McCain, Perry’s II position is the gold standard.

  • Change Jar Conservative

    This makes the most sense to me as well.

    I’d like to see more poll traction.

    I think that Gingrich will do okay if he makes it, but I share your concern.

  • retire05

    when you were, as you claim, falsely accused of wrong doing, did you then set out to destroy the careers of those who accused you and destroy their personal lives? Did you blame others as being part of the injustice toward you with no proof that they had anything to do with the accusations made against you?

    Because that is exactly what Cain is doing. Clinton reduex.

  • deuke

    When did battles become cozy and less distracting? Step aside? If Herman Cain does that, he can forget ever being elected for anything. Why should he step aside? Because he has been accused by some woman that claims Cain acted like a low-life down in the red district?

    Are people that gullible? He was head of the National Restaurant Association; a CEO for a Pillsbury subsidiary at the time, and planning to buy Godfather’s Pizza – and he was going to risk all of that for some groping in a car? Cmmon – you people can’t be serious.

    Distraction ? against what – Mitt Romney’s success at being an Obama prot?g?? If anyone should step aside it is Romney. No more than 25 percent have supported him, and comments all over the country say nearly the same things – no one really wants Romney as the nominee. Why is that?Could it be because he has shown that he will fly to wherever the money is, despite the affects it has on the people that lost their jobs because of his actions? Is it because he will agree whenever it enhances his flip-flopping? Or is it because he will rarely, if ever step into the ring and throw a punch in hot issues?
    He stands off to the side and jeers at Cain, all the while smiling as he prepares his knife for Cain and Perry’s back. He’s afraid of Newt!
    His position on several issues is so contrary to conservatives, such as ‘state-run health care,’ that conservatives worry that if he gets into office we’ll just have another form of socialism under a capitalist flag.
    The accusations against Cain are so completely out of characterthat it boggles my mind that anyone is taking them so seriously. I wouldn’t be surprised if Romney himself started that ball rolling.

  • robertyates

    I’ve been involved in Utah politics for a long time. I have friends and relatives who work in State government and several friends who serve in the State Legislature. If Erick’s analysis of Romney is as far off as his analysis of Huntsman is, then I begin to wonder.

    Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney have similar family backgrounds, but the comparison ends there. Huntsman dropped out of high school to play in his rock band. He muddled through college and got into Wharton with the help of his billionaire father. Romney was the valedictorian at BYU with 30,000 students. Romney was a great success in business. Huntsman’s father chose another son to run the family business.

    Only two Utah Republican State Legislators have endorsed former Governor Huntsman. Nearly 60 have endorsed Romney, and these folks are some of the most conservative legislators in the country. The current Governor, Gary Herbert, who was Huntsman’s Lt. Governor, refuses to endorse Huntsman, as does US Senator Mike Lee who was his general counsel. His chief of staff, current Congressman Jason Chaffetz, has endorsed Romney.

    “Clueless” is the word that is most used about Huntsman by my friends in Utah State government. His success is due, in large part, to his family’s money and connections.

    Erick, Huntsman has a moderate/conservative record because he had no other choice. The Utah State Legislature is about 75 percent Republican. Huntsman’s support of Civil Unions had almost zero support among Utah State Republicans. There was absolutely no political reason for Huntsman to support Civil Unions. Huntsman was just showing his true colors. Romney’s relatively good record on same-sex marriage has to be understood against the backdrop of a Mass. State Legislature that is even more liberal than Utah is conservative.

    If Romney had chosen to stay in Utah after the 2002 Olympics, he could have easily been elected Governor. His record would have been very conservative. Of course, he would have been considered a flip flopper by many conservatives because of statements he made in his 1994 campaign against Teddy Kennedy.

    Erick, in short, Huntsman was a moderate/conservative in Utah because he couldn’t have been elected and governed as the mediocre moderate/liberal he truly is. Meanwhile, Romney was a moderate in Mass. because he couldn’t have been elected and governed as the smart, hardworking, competent conservative he truly is.

  • bzip

    Sounds like you are a little testy, perhaps Cain’s testy is wearing on you too.

    I’ll make you a deal, when you get the media and google to keep quiet and keep Cain’s gaffes a secret – than I will be more than happy to keep Cain’s gaffes secret too. Does that sound fair?

    I thought you would see it my way. Now don’t go all Cainaitic on me have another testy moment, I might get a tingle up my leg if you do.

  • cldonley

    Cain’s false accusations are troubling. To me, those accusations damage his credibility in this matter more than anything. The purpose of my post was to shed some light on the subject from someone who’d been there.

    The best thing to counter the accusations with is the truth. That is what Cain should be focusing, not who to lay blame on.

    And it wasn’t a claim on my part. Just the truth. Making people do the right thing can really cause you a lot of problems in our system.

  • sunshinek67

    however, they are punishing Perry for “heartless” and instate tuition, knowing where he stands on the issue and has a more conservative record and is consistent. Might not agree with his illegals positions on instate tuition, which has more to do with economics than emotion, but at least you know what he believes. What is wrong with you people! Travesty to see Gov Perry lose this nomination process because of his positions on immigration, which he IS the strongest candidate out there with 10 years border experience, unlike these mouthpieces on the debate stage. Anybody can debate, with a lot of practice, does not always transcend into strong leadership….2008.

    See what happens when Romney gets the nomination. EE is right, GOP will lose and conservatives will be to blame because of a very flawed coreless candidate that should NEVER have been nominated to begin with on a GOP ticket. Goofy Rubin wrote about it yesterday in her trashcan blog. Problem is, she only represents the 25% of the Republican party, while Mr. Erickson represents the other 75% ABR of the Republican party. Get up to speed in the debates GOVERNOR PERRY. Apparently this t.v. reality obsessed society demands this of you!

    Fun to see on CNN is Mr. Erickson debating this WaPo blogger on conservatism. She has zero t.v. presence to begin with, and she constantly has to be fact checked. That’s why she is a blogger, I guess.

  • edintexas

    So what’s your point? That the urban areas outvoted the rural? That the unions and leftie organizations put up more money and “boots on the ground” than the Senator’s supporters? That we should support a general amnesty because that Senator lost his state job?

  • texasroots

    I, too, was getting weary and frustrated daily but no more. This too shall pass.The talking heads get more and more irrelevant with their absurdities, I don’t listen to them anymore, period.

  • unitedwestand

    Myself and a friend are sitting here, we are both married white females aged 45 nd 62. We are both offended that you would infer that we disprove of Herman’s image based on allegations that can’t be confirmed, made by women who are anonymous and/or with suspicious ties to Obama, and/or with suspect pasts of their own.

    Our interpretation of your comment in your morning briefing implies that we are too stupid to not see through the lynching attempts by these women, and that we would without question believe the claims just because they were made by women. Please don’t print a blanket statement meant to imply to all women in general.

    Both of us agree that we know a sexual predator when we see one, have been subjected to unwanted and inappropriate criminal behavior in the past and do not for one minute believe that these allegations could be true because the Herman Cain we have come to know over the years is not a sexual predator. A woman has the inutition (most anyway) to recognize a sexual predator, they make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. That is not Herman.

    John Edwards gave both of us the creeps the first time we ever saw him, long before his story broke.

    The label of Democrat or Republican has no bearing on our beliefs and opinions. And whether we pull the handle for Herman or someone else doesn’t matter either.

  • edintexas

    I strongly suspect that the majority of Texans didn’t have a clue that this was to be considered by the Legislature. And the Legislature didn’t have a Republican lock at the time (not that it makes much difference when the Speaker owes his initial job to the Democrats and now the power of the office keeps his opponents in fear of being re-districted out of the House).

    So “agreed to by Texans” needs to be limited to Texans who were members of the Legislature’s majority vote, the Governor and the special interests, plus a few folks who caught wind of this.

    Just my $0.02 as a Texas voter.

  • arcangel

    do you really feel that global warming is the only reason one might advocate exploring alternative energy sources?

    Because I very much break that rule.

  • texasroots

    “heartless” ” instate tuition, “heartless”, “instate tuition”, “heartless”, “instate tuition”. This is spiteful overkill.

  • littleatlas

    Newt as “Speaker of the House”, cut taxes, balanced the budget, reformed welfare, created jobs, got rid of 40 years of Democratic slime and did all this with a Democratic President. I call that leadership! Why don’t you do your research before you make youself look so stupid again? Newt is the only candidate that has done what needs to be done now! Go to Newt.org and get the true facts about Newt.

  • texasroots

    I love reading all Bzip has to write..so, bzip keep writing.

  • sunshinek67

    Just thought I’d finish your comment title for ya.

    Not coalescing behind one candidate is what is damaging their “movement”, and will become a footnote in history~

  • retire05

    have no dog in this hunt. The Indies elected Ronald Reagan, and they elected Barack Obama. They are not emotionally invested in any candidate from either side.

    Now, quickly, the Cain supporters are turning into the same kind of voter that the Palin and Paul supporters are. If they can’t have their guy, or gal, they will vote down ticket only because their guy, or gal, has been rejected by the rest of us.

    We need to let Herman go away. He is dragging down the entire party with him. Instead of concentrating on the issues that we need to use to defeat Obama, we are concentrating on Herman Cain’s problems. Cain can make this go away. But my guess is his ego (which seems huge according to former staffers) won’t let him, and it is that ego that makes me question why Cain seems to want this to continue.

  • jakeofalltrades

    Put your palms over your ears and start shouting “Nah nah nah nah, I can’t hear you!” over and over.

  • iidvbii

    I think there are plenty of great reasons to explore alternative energy. In fact i think the government even has a role in supporting that research.
    What I have a problem with is the obama administration pouring billions into their pet industries (solar, wind ect..) while activly trying to undermine competition to th same (oil, coal, natural gas ect…). Without getting to deep into the details it is fair to say that the latter is proven, cheaper and availble in abundance. While the former has not been even remotly successful. When the goverment moves from researcher to consumer decision maker i push back. Energy is like any other market, when clean alternatives became effective affordable and widely available the will succeed. They will find private sector funding in abundance and will not need taxpayer subsidy.

  • morstar150

    I agree with Eric’s assesment of the Republican Presidential Candidates. Well, not really, I do not like Rick Perry. I have already seen that Texas show and I wasn’t impressed then either.

    One thing that I think we all should agree on is that we have not decided yet. We as Republicans will not make up our minds before we have had a chance to kick the prospective tires. John McCain will not have a sequel.

    There are some great candidates in this campaign, all of them are better for our country than the current pretender. Newt has been strong in his retoric and enjoyable with his jabs directed in the right direction, the left.

    Herman Cain has been accused by unnamed sources in the press, about matters that are restricted by confidentialility agreements but vilified by Gloria Aldredge and another attorney Mr. Bennet. So with the liberal media feeding frenzy ripping apart the latest frontrunner with the liberal bar association sitting as second chair we are to accept the latest concoctions of the press when they tell us what Herman Cain needs to do.

    What we need to do is keep your eyes and ears open and make up your own mind. Why is Herman Cain the top story on CNN one day after Eric Holder REFUSED to apologize to the family of the dead Law Enforcement Officer who was killed by a gun his office supplied to drug dealers and yet still denies that he knew what he had already been told.

  • RDCook

    ” he went to work for the President of the United States and while working for the President of the United States decided to run against his boss. That the President is Barack Obama has no relevance to me.”

    If loyalty is so important; I guess you think the F&F whistle blowers should have kept quiet. I am not a Huntsman supporter but if a person believes his boss is a disaster I believe he has every right to challange his boss.

  • changeforrickperry

    98% is pretty good when you’re measuring how well you agree with a politician! Thanks from a fellow Southernor for sharing the article, too! I creeped my sister out when I told her about Perry breaking his arm as a boy…she said it gave her the shivers.

    I have been a long-time lurker at RedState for the past three months or so, and I just wanted to say thank you to all the folks here. You post thoughtful, articulate comments, so much so that RedState and the commenting community has become my #1 news source. Keep up the good work, because I’m sure there are plenty of others like me who have lurked all this long time, soaking up the discussion and information.
    —
    www.changeforrickperry.org

  • curtmilr

    Speakers Jim Wright & Dan Rostenkowski, both Dems, and both found guilty and had to resign. Rostenkowski even went to jail!!!

    I have to admit that Perry stumbled in the first couple of debates. That can’t continue! But over the last two weeks his appearances, both set speeches and interviews, have been rock solid. I suspect the quality of his debate performance will too! And he has a big war chest to battle for the nomination. He has his warts as anyone with a long record does, but nothing that’ll hurt him significantly in the general.

    Since Newt does have this baggage, however, he can’t be top of the ticket. It’s too much of a distraction. But he’d be stellar as the VP pick for a better conservative (just compare him to Biden!! LOL!!!).

    If we’re stuck with Romney, and that’s the only way to describe it, I will hold my nose & vote for him, but without ANY enthusiasm!

  • avagreen

    I’m not getting your analogy, which is that every woman that has been raped/molested was the one at fault because she did not recognize a sexual predator and stayed around too long? Or, is it that it just didn’t happen? Honestly, have you ever been in that circumstance? I have and no, you can’t always “tell” who they are.

    I’ll be sure to tell my clients that, not to count all the young women killed by Ted Bundy.

    You can’t be serious.

  • carolynr

    I’m done with Herman and his mis-statements, his misquotes, …you took me out of context. Yesterday Herman Cain said that he had never seen this woman before. He was very empathic about it. That was early in the afternoon. Well, at 7:00 on comes Lou Dobbs and they have this woman named Amy from WING who says that this Bielack woman who was somehow connected with communications asked her(Amy) to bring Bielack back stage to speak with Herman. Not meet him, speak with him. This woman, Amy/WING, said that the conversation grew tense. She deduced this from their body language. Cain then went on to give his pitch.

    Now, people, this woman I believe. She is connected with a radio station, she observed a conversation between Herman and this woman, made a judgment and was on Dobbs. The thing is…this is what Bielack said also. The problem is…Herman doesn’t remember ever meeting her. Tell you what…I’d remember a “tense” conversation backstage. Remember…this was not on the rope lines. See if you can pick this up somewhere. My husband and I just looked at each other and said…well…he’s caught now…and yet NOBODY ON FOX REPORTED A DARN THING…ISN’T THAT FUNNY.

  • Vaughn Harold

    about gaffes in tonights debate. I suspect Perry loses any support he may have gained from the past week.

    Now, go ahead flap that mouth some more.

  • avagreen

    that’s why it’s still in the top news.

    And, no, it’s not just the “liberal” media that’s pushing this story. Everyone is talking about it, some more sanely than others, some not so sanely.

    I won’t say which side is the less sane….

  • supergirl2911

    And it is not my choosing either. Perhaps I DO have something in common with ‘pundits’

  • tyman

    I’d like for someone to explain why he supported Bill Clinton in ’92 and gave money to other Dems when he lived in Nebraska.

    Also, here’s a link to an article in the Atlanta Urinal & Constipation about Herb and his wife and how she votes.

    http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/gloria-cains-quiet-presence-1217182.html?cxtype=rss_news

    I’ve read in other places that a president is never more conservative than his wife. Well, Gloria has voted in Democrat primaries since 2000. She voted in the Democrat primary in 2008…I wonder if she voted for Obama or Hillary or John Edwards.

    Of course, when Herb ran for Senate in 2004, she voted Republican then.

    I know spouses don’t always agree, but I see something that isn’t quite right here. If Herb is so conservative and so inspirational, how is that his wife still votes Democrat? To me, that speaks volumes about his supposed conservatism.

    If someone can explain an opposing view on this, I’d love to hear it.

    It’s one thing to talk like a conservative, but we don’t have any idea what kind of judges Herb will appoint or how much influence his wife will have if he gets elected. As Bill Clinton said one time, “You get two for the price of one”. On that, Slick Willie was telling the truth.

    It just amazes me that with all of the trouble this country’s in, people are going to let a soundbyte from Gov. Perry get in the way of their support for him? I’m trying to be nice, but Cain just does NOT have the experience that I’m looking for, and I came to that conclusion as an early supporter of his.

  • supergirl2911

    We do have to think ahead. Perry has the best chance and experience record and personality to win. He is not perfect but he has shown willingness to deal with tough things and not back down. He had gaffes but nothing like Cain and knows how to win. He has a job and a successful record in Texas. If he does not receive good credit for what he has done in Texas you could not possibly give Newt any credit for anything in the 90′s.

  • http://politicalwoman.wordpress.com politicalwoman

    Newt. Why? I caught this on Fox News’ Bret Baier’s Center Seat, http://www.therightscoop.com/newt-gingrich-in-center-seat-on-special-report/. Tell me that Newt doesn’t have a grasp on domestic and foreign policy issues, and doesn’t deserve serious consideration. Besides, Newt’s the last person Obama thinks he’d have to run against.

    Regarding Herman, I see red. I was on the receiving end once of the physical kind of sexual harassment. I wasn’t asked, “you want a job, don’t you?” No, mine was, “you know your career’s finished here if you file a complaint, don’t you?” But Herman’s biggest problem for me is 9-9-9, which I don’t believe is realistic, lack of govt experience, poor grasp of foreign policy, We already have that sitting in the White House. Cain can NOT beat Obama.

    Jon Huntsman, I think he entered the race too late to make a measurable difference. Obama effectively neutralized him by asking/making him Amb to China. Huntsman can NOT beat Obama.

    Perry, I don’t have a problem with him, since I first saw him on Greta Van Susteren and said, wow!. But he needs to build some gravitas in front of large audiences, because the Presidency is not about one-on-one conversations, where he shines. Perry MIGHT be able to beat Obama.

    Mitt? I can live with Mitt. Perfect, no. Changes his mind, yes. But 10x better than where Obama is taking us. He CAN beat Obama if his own party doesn’t take him down first.

    I visualize these candidates on the debate stage with Obama, and consider who has articulated a vision as to where to lead this country. I keep coming back to Newt, and I urge people to watch his interview on Center Seat.

  • curtmilr

    Morstar, what are you talking about???
    Perry is no more a clone of GWB than Reagan was a clone of Nixon. Get a grip!!!

    Cain has now been named by five separate women, two publicly, a third contemplating going public, and two with confidentiality agreements in paid settlements. Even with no proof, it is troubling, and a distraction. He has handled the issue horribly, trying, but failing, to blame any and everyone else, but being unaccountable himself. This should have been nipped in the bud, but he blew it! Coupled with his ignorance of foreign and national security matters, he has crippled himself, and is now crippling the Party.
    All these vanity candidates need to go away, so we can get to the real issue of selecting a genuine candidate to oppose Obama.

  • pttx333

    nt

  • avagreen

    (For some reason I’m being told I’ve already said this……haven’t, but let me add words.)

    ??

  • retire05

    I don’t know who is telling the truth, Cain or the FIVE women, and I suspect that none of us will ever know the truth about what really transpired between Herman Cain and his accusors. But this much I do know:

    a political story that should have had a shelf life of no more than 48 hours is now 10 days old with no indication that it is going to die out anytime soon. I know that the most recent claim of Mark Block, Cain’s campaign manager was that one of the women’s sons works at Politico and that had been confirmed by Team Cain. I know that claim was false, the man in question, no longer works at Politico, hasn’t for over a year, and the only connection he has with one of the accusors is the same last name. I know that Team Cain seems to be in total disarray, with Block saying one thing and Cain another.

    I know that Cain, and Block, have tried to lay the blame for the leak of what proved to be fact, on Rick Perry, Curt Anderson, Rahm Emanuel, the Democrat Machine and last, but not least, on a man whose last name is the same as one of the accusors. I know that Cain has campaigned on his ability to pick wise, and good, councils, yet Mark Block is a prime example of bad choice.

    Cain has tried to fight the good fight. But now he is hurting the party by not ending this scandal. When one Republican is accused of wrong doing, it reflects on all Republicans, just as it does in our minds as conservatives that when Bill Clinton was proven to be a total skirt chaser, it reflected badly on the Democrats who defended him. Cain needs to fall on his sword for the sake of the party. If he does not, and this goes on much longer, we will NOT win in November, 2012.

    Perhaps Cain views this as his Valley Forge, but it is going to quickly turn into Thermopylae, with no survivors. He needs to drop out and let someone else pick up the standard, carrying it into victory. Deserved or not, Cain is now damanged goods. That is often the price one pays for entering the arena.

  • gekster

    I get that every now and then.
    hit the back button top left, and you see your comment has been posted.
    (thats 90% of the time)

  • avagreen

    to support our guy.

    It’s mind boggling all the lies and smears that have been put out about Perry. And, when one defends against those and presents the actual record, you’re called a Perrybot.

    Glad to be one if that’s the worst that can be said. The truth needs to be told over and over on one blog site after another!

    Glad to meet you.
    ~Ava

  • tyman

    you probably have said something like this, but I had to vent.

    As Rhett Butler told Scarlett, “You’re throwing happiness away with both hands”. And so it seems with the Perry detractors, either because they won’t take the time to examine his real record or they just take the soundbytes as the last word.

    I read a poll that says Perry is in single digits in South Carolina. I just don’t buy the fact that the strong governor of a southern state is that far behind in the Palmetto State. I think when voting time comes, people are really going to be surprised at how strong Perry is, for a variety of reasons.

  • bzip

    Sounds like you got Cain’s electric fence treatment instead of that tingle up your leg, Vaughn

  • Scope

    In addition to Cain pointing the finger at everyone else for his own problems such as Perry, Curt Anderson and etc., he has also done his level best to discredit the accusers. Early yesterday he released info. about Bialek including bankruptcies and legal issues, which had absolutely nothing to do with the sexual harassment charges. I guess if a woman ever files bankruptcy, she is now barred from any sexual harassment claims, and is open to the skirt chasers with no recourse.

    I’ve read that Levin was thrilled with his presser last night, and that he thought he did a great job. The only thing Cain did was hold yet another campaign presser “I am Herman Cain and I’m running for the office of the pres-a-dency of the US.” He just gave a blanket statement that he is innocent, and that “he has never acted inappropriately with anyone.” I don’t think the human is alive that “never acted inappropriately with anyone.” I am waiting until the quotes start coming out from statements made by Levin, Limbaugh etc. when any Democrat has been accused of inappropriate sexual behavoir, most recently Anthony Weiner. Yet those circling the Cain wagon are heaping on the attacks against the bimbo accusers. Cain’s approvals with women are crashing, and hopefully those same women will remember that his radio talking head enablers participated in their attempts to trash the credibility of those sexually harassed by their guy. 51% of those polled by Rassmussen over the last two days, including time after Cain’s presser, now believe that the accusations against Cain are serious, and that there is likely some truth to them.

    An article in a lefty ragfor sure makes some of the same points that have been going through my mind. Cain’s presser last night was the most stupid and dumb move that he has made in all of this. He created a video where his “falsifiable statements will destroy him.”

    I’ve just heard that there will be a presser by at least two of the accusers in the next day or two, and will be seen by the international news media. I would bet that the accusers and/or their attorneys are gathering every piece of ev-a-dence they can get their hands on. I hope they can get the hotel upgrade information, restaurant receipts, eye witnesses of anyone seeing Cain and Bialek together that night etc. We already know that the first accuser has retained all copies of the “settlement” from when it occurred. As the article above stated ev-a-dence can be gathered in order to prove that Cain lied in the presser, and has been lying about the issue all along. Oh, I would bet big that there will be ev-a-dence.

    As the saying goes- “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” I think Cain is finally about to learn that lesson the hard way.

  • avagreen

    don’t know a governor that doesn’t live in a “governor’s mansion”. WTH?
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Governors%27_mansions_in_the_United_States

  • ihateliberals

    that can beat Obama on the Debate stage. Regardless of newts politics he has a way fo making the Republican American story feel good and the Democratic story seem depressing. this is what has to happen when you are debating a liar. Obama has a reputation for saying anything he wants to and people believe him. Look at all of the campaign promises he failed to follow through with from the last election. None of the other candidates can compete with Obama on hte debate stage. Romney would be chewed alive and especially on Obamacare. i don’t like Newt because he is one of those that is conservative when he needs to be. A borderline RINO. I also know though that he is our only chance to get by Obama in the debates and then the election. Even with Newt’s faults he will be a 1000% better president than Obama, Romney, Perry or Cain.

  • pttx333

    are in better spirits today – you sure seem to be with your great post. You already know that I agree with you.

    Don’t worry, we’re going to pull it off, lady bug! Don’t forget that …

  • avagreen

    willing to put the party ahead of his own selfish, egotistical, press clippings-reading numb mind. He’s not honorable.

    The one thing that has been drummed into any rational head is that this man is just out for himself
    (even his early campaign people , who I think have now left, said so…..more interested in “selling books”, than campaigning or overseeing his disorganized efforts at campaigning). He puts nothing ahead of his own self interest, whether thinking he might actually be a nominee (RIIIIGHT!), or hoping to get the VP with Romney.

    He’s a charlatan, and everything he’s done since these allegations began only reinforces that he’s not to be believed……….in anything.
    I don’t believe one word out of his lying mouth. As a result, I DO think he’s guilty of everything that he’s been accused of.

    Further examples of his not being honorable are all over the headlines from blaming Perry (with no facts), insulting and pillaring these women………because get this…they have “no facts”, his 999 plan which he has backwalked……his complete ignorance on the issues……..

    God help us if this nitwit should get the nomination or the VP spot.

    He’ll ride this horse to the ground and not even take responsibility for it. It’s going to be everyone else’s problem, but his.

    Who does that remind anyone of?

  • bzip

    I can only agree with everything you said and you said it very well.

    Honor doesn’t seem to be a word Cain knows or can accept.

  • texasroots

    who says that Obama will debate; he will probably debate once if that? I remember Bush debating and he was not good.

  • westcoastpatriette

    I have tried to point out some of the changes that have taken place since that Texas law regarding instate tuition was passed. But sometimes, in all of the hysteria, it is difficult to be heard.

    For one thing, things have changed a great deal in the last ten years and people are paying much more attention to the problems caused by massive uncontrolled illegal immigration. And I am with you in suspecting that people simply were not paying attention when the law was passed.

    Also, a recent poll taken from a reliable source in Texas showed 56% of Texans now oppose the law. You can find the poll information at FAIR–the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

    I know of no other issue where people are less fully informed before forming their opinions. And of course, that contributes to so much of the acrimony when trying to debate in a reasonable manner.

  • westcoastpatriette

    ..

  • cldonley

    Seems there are too few of us out there supporting our guy!
    Good to meet you too.

  • avagreen

    and lettin’ the smoke curl around him, and then a Cheshire cat grin of the candidate after that.
    *shudder*

  • avagreen

    “coffin nail”

  • tilleyg

    I think Mr. Erickson underestimates the enthusiastic support that Mitt Romney enjoys amont some conservatives. I am an conservative-leaning independent and have just signed on to be a strong volunteer in Mr. Romney’s campaign. Why? 1) he’s scandal free and will stay that way because no other candidate has the standard of personal morality that Romney has; 2) he’s the most “electable” candidate, fully capable of beating Obama (contrary to Mr. Erickson’s opinion). With all due respect, Mr. Erickson needs to get a prozac prescription.

  • tilleyg

    You’re right about Mitt Romney’s electability. I have just signed on to his campaign as a volunteer — with enthusiasm! I’m one of those mysterious conservative-leaning independents with admiration for Romney’s skills and scandal-free life.

  • gekster

    1. I am an conservative-leaning independent .
    If you are supporting Romney, you are not conservative leaning.
    Conservatives like candidates that take a strong position, and stick them.
    Conservatives like candidates with core principles and stick to them
    Romney has neither.
    2. he?s scandal free and will stay that way because no other candidate has the
    standard of personal morality that Romney has;
    False. Rick Perry does. The only scandals are the ones the left has made up.
    3. he?s the most ?electable? candidate
    False again. That is your opinion. I didn’t know you were the arbator of what
    electability is to the American voters. I think not.

  • thirstyboots

    as Obama stimulus. Every single one of those programs is defended on those basis: attracts jobs, bla bla bla. BS. Texas attracts companies because of low taxes and sane regulations. Not because of politicians taking money of the private economy taxes, use part to pay themselves and bureacrats and use the other part to give handouts to corporations they like.

    If you believe that socialist programs where politicians use taxpayers money to subsidize private corporations can be efficient, then you’re not a conservative and you don’t know the facts as well as you should. It’s not a matter of efficiency, it’s of principle.

    I don’t understand why people have the need to defend socialist policies just because some politician they like is imposing them. That’s how we end up with Bush running one of the most socialist administrations ever.

  • gekster

    Socialism.
    Take money from those who have, and give to those who don’t, with the only expected return is support.
    And if you don’t support us, we won’t give anymore money.

    The TEF.
    Take money and use to encorage business to come to Texas, with a stated mandatory return of creating jobs, ths expanding the tax base.
    And if you can’t create jobs, and expand said tax base, then give the money back.
    Money invested for the goal of a larger return.

    TEF generates money to the state.
    Tell me how socialism generates money.

  • gekster

    It was ‘proposed’ in the legislature and signed by the Governor.
    Obama ‘imposes’.

    Definition of IMPOSE. transitive verb. 1. a: to establish or apply by authority

  • unitedwestand

    The female accuser from the restaurant association filed another sexual complaint aginst another person after she got her extortion money form the Rest Assoc.

    Now, according to Huff Post (link below) quote: “Supervisors at the Immigration & Naturalization Services say that Karen Kraushaar filed a sexual harassment charge and demanded a settlement of thousands of dollars, a promotion on the federal pay scale, and a one year fellowship to Harvard’s School of Government.” When asked, she says she doesn’t remember the details about the complaint and claims she doesn’t remember what she bargained for.

    Are you freaking kidding me? And now we’re supposed to throw Herman under the bus because he can’t control the media and make it go away? Whether you like him or not, you should be outraged at this staged attack on a Republican candidate. Wack-A-Mole will continue with the next candidate to surge in the polls, and they will make stuff up if they have to to win. And that’s alright with all of you who pass judgement here, as long as everyone but YOUR candidate just goes away????

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/09/karen-kraushaar-herman-cain-accuser_n_1083654.html?icid=maing-grid10%7Chtmlws-main-nb%7Cdl12%7Csec1_lnk2%7C111049

  • clintonformccain

    Claiming the allegations were false and that there was no settlement when their clearly were two settlements (a full year’s salary in both cases).

    They guy is an amateur. He’s damaging the Party and taking all the candidates off message. He needs to just go away.

  • avagreen

    I missed your post until just now……checking my archives.

    Gonna bookmark this. ;)

  • nathanalbright

    …on here who are passionate about Perry, Cain, Romney, and Gingrich both for and against. I haven’t seen much support for the others in here, though, though a surprising amount of support for Huntsman from a couple of people. However, this site is not Perry State, as some have claimed.

  • lylem

    that Perry was pushing the TTC and SPP and the joining of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. as one country.

  • nathanalbright

    You might need some links, as that kind of innuendo is serious enough that “seem to recall” isn’t good enough.

  • gekster

    The people of Texas didn’t want TTC, and he droped it.
    And the SPP is a federal education thing, which he could do nothing about, except to comply with it.

    So what is the problem.
    Is it the people spoke up, and he listened.
    Or is it complying with a federal mandate he has to adhere to.
    What is the problem.

  • daveoconnor

    Vaughn’s post was BEFORE the debate and he hints at a Perry gaffe and “suspects” Perry will lose support.
    Whew! Of course it wasn’t a gaffe, it was a GAFFE.

  • jabajax44

    Whether Mitt is electable may oddly enough depend on who he may pick for VP. If he picks someone like Christie, contrary to Ann Coulter’s opinion, conservatives will feel their reservations were justified and will support him with the same half heartedness as they did with McCain.
    If he chooses Rubio, we can go all out for him. It will be great because at worst case Rubio will be set up to run for president in four to eight years and probably win. We all agree that would be great. We can put up with Mitt for the interim to get there.
    I truly wish Cain and Gingrich didn’t have a problem with female voters, and they have been set up by the media. But they do. Gingrich did it to himself, but the end result is the same. Cain didn’t handle the PR properly and looked like he might be hiding something. It may be too late to change that impression.
    Erik, my parents felt the same way about Newt that your wife did. They were part of his first three campaigns, including the first when he lost. They knew his first wife and thought he was terrible to leave the wife who put him through school and tough times, whatever the real story is about the divorce. Truth is, however, that was a long time ago. However, I see that Newt’s and Cain’s negative ratings are 12-14% more than their positive ratings. Not good.
    Mitt’s positive rating is higher than his negative rating. This leads me to believe that he has the best chance. Did you see his recent TX tea party speech? Very conservative. With a Republican Congress his feet will be held to the fire.

  • constitutional

    Untrue. In what repugnant world do we elect Lyndon B. Johnson with JFK as VP? The truth is that a liberal and a moderate conservative (Christie) or even a stronger conservative will not “bring us out in droves.” If I remember rightly, Sarah Palin lost.

    Mitt McCain would be a disaster, ala Jimmy Carter or Ford. He is NOT a fiscal conservative or any other form of a conservative.

    What person ridicules Reagan and twenty years later states he’s a fiscal conservative?

  • darthvader

    Mc Cain would have won the election had it not been for his predecessor
    Bush#2 and the Iraq war, a war I may add , that was prosecuted on Intel that
    At the very least was questionable, and if you believe some of the rumors,
    Falsified. I guess he wanted his name in the history books next to his
    Father, Bush#1. And, if memory serves me, most of the 911 highjackers
    Were Saudi nationals. Possibly we should have invaded Saudi Arabia ,
    They have some of the largest oil reserves in the world.

    I will vote Republican , like I always do but I would like to get someone
    In office that I can respect. O?bama must go, but be careful who
    You replace him with.