Why I’m not a Republican
June 19, 2008
If you haven’t read my post on Why I am not a Democrat, it’s somewhat required reading for this post. If you have, keep reading and enjoy!
General Colin Powell is one of the most recognized and respected Americans around the globe, and yet his political affiliation and opinions were completely unknown until his illustrious 35 year career as an army officer came to an end. Military officers have a long tradition of keeping their political views to themselves while serving; they are also bound by law not to partake in party politics. This is a good thing. However, when officers gather at the “O Club” to toss down a few beverages together, they drop their guard. Having attended more than my fair share of such gatherings, I can personally attest that our service-members are overwhelmingly Republican.
13 Things John McCain is Older Than
April 21, 2008
I’m guest blogging today over at The Chiri Chronicles. Stop by for a visit. I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time blogging about the Democratic side of the Presidential election. So, in the interest of fairness and, more importantly, me getting a day off from writing, I’ve asked a good friend of mine (McCain supporter) to guest blog and make a case for McCain for President. That’ll be out by the end of the week. By the way, we have no set rules as to why guest bloggers are selected. Send me an email if you’re ever interested. We highly encourage dissenting opinions and rebuttals to previous posts of mine. Read more
Death to America! Death to the West!
February 15, 2008
If you’re like me, those phrases kind of bother you when you hear them repeated by large, angry crowds in the Middle East. Not that I expect them to chant about how much they love us, it’s just that I’d prefer not to be mentioned at all. I mean, do they have any idea how these things are received on Main Street U.S.A.? Read more
If you Can’t Say Something Nice…
February 12, 2008
You know how they say that if you can’t say something nice about someone it’s best to say nothing at all? Yeah, well, whoever came up with that saying is a moron.
Just kidding, but in response to my recent post about Kool-Aid drinkers, the Chief of Staff has tasked me with saying something nice (or what’s good) about all of the candidates. This will not be easy, but I shall rise to the occasion and do my best. Read more
Huckabee “Crosses the Line” on Faith
February 1, 2008
I think a lot of Americans are, like me, unenthusiastic in their tolerance of religion in politics. It doesn’t bother me when people ask for a moment of silence or say a short prayer. And it doesn’t bother me that our currency bears the slogan “In God We Trust” and our pledge has the words “under God” in it. Actually, I kind of like it when the president - any president - ends his speeches with, “God bless the United States of America”. It sounds poetic and patriotic. However, there is a line that can be crossed. What is that line exactly? I don’t know, but as Supreme Court Associate Justice Potter Stewart said of pornography in 1964, I know it when I see it. Read more
The Manchester Debates (Part I - Republican)
January 6, 2008
I liked the way Charlie Gibson moderated the debate last night at St. Anselm’s College. He set a serious but cordial tone. He asked tough questions but with class and intellect. Having the candidates from each side come together in the middle of the broadcast for a group photo-op was great. The whole world watched as they did their best to look “likable”; Obama made it look easy. Anyway, on to the races.
This is the first of two posts regarding Manchester.
Here’s my snapshot of the Republicans:
Huckabee – Just as he started to sound charming he melodramatically recited the first few sentences of the Declaration of Independence and blew it. Never forget, “It’s easy to be cheesy”. The religious “halo” that follows him around is equally annoying. Personally, I think he knows he has no chance but the further he goes the more he can raise his speaking fees in the future. However, I have to give him credit for one good idea – offer a $1 Billion tax-free reward to the first engineering team that designs a car capable of getting 100 MPG.
Mccain – Seasoned, battle-tested, steady. Unfortunately, he also comes off as old, a bit of a slow-talker, and just a touch too casual sometimes. American hero? Yes, but so was Bob Dole. If “change” is really as important as the polls suggest, he does not inspire those images. His joke about Romney being the real “candidate for change” - because he has changed positions so many times - was painfully forced and ill-timed. Everyone felt the awkwardness but him. Ultimately, he will not be President. He will serve another Senate term or two and retire with a Medal of Freedom.
Romney – Obviously, he is the best looking of the lot and his hair is definitely presidential. Yes, that means something. But he also comes off a bit too polished, a little plastic. There’s no doubt he was a successful businessman. So was Ross Perot. In business, people get fired for not doing their jobs and producing results. The President doesn’t have such luxuries when it comes to steering the government. Washington D.C. is full of self-interested people that you just can’t “downsize”. You have to deal with an assortment of characters. This is why I am often wary of businesspeople who venture into politics. The Mormon thing is no more ridiculous than anybody else’s beliefs. His shameless flip-flopping is more bothersome.
Thompson- Comes off as painfully arrogant. Physical appearances aside, he represents what many people hate about Republicans. He’s rude but thinks he’s witty. His lame joke about Romney liking “man-dates” fell flat, but that didn’t stop him from chuckling like a sixth grader. He also looked like a schoolyard bully for the way he treated Ron Paul. No class. The sooner he is gone the better.
Rudy – Looking more and more like a one-trick-pony. Do we live in a post-post-September 11th world yet? The more he talks about being a mayor, the less presidential he looks. He is unlikely to get the nomination. He’ll be a great recurring guest host on Saturday Night Live.
Ron Paul – When is comes to foreign policy and terrorism he is telling the painful truth. People just don’t want to hear it and consider for even a moment that our actions have both short and long- term consequences. (This happens to be an area where I have a certain amount of expertise (see Bio). So, I will soon post a series of short articles on terrorism soon.) He is polling low but raising tons of money ($35 average contributions to the tune of $20 million for the last quarter). The concept of being “left alone” by the government to live in peace and privacy resonates especially with the young. Ironically, he gets more contributions from the military than any other Republican candidate. He has no chance but is making a statement.
Overall, I would have to say that McCain and Romney came out as the real players. There were no especially heroic or tragic moments for any of the candidates. McCain will likely win New Hampshire.
As for the Democrats….I’ll touch on them in part II
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