|
Recently, I wrote a little piece about how it's good for politicians to project an active and energetic image. A Washington Post story on Saturday highlights President Bush's success in doing just that ... "Ronald Reagan chopped wood and rode horses, Bush's father sailed off the shore of Kennebunkport, Maine, and Bill Clinton jogged. For George W. Bush, clearing brush projects the image of a cowboy president, a tough rancher fighting the elements to survive. That is, of course, the White House's projection ..." My initial thought is this: It's a lot easier to get good press when some crazy lady isn't holding a vigil outside your ranch ... ... But, of course, even without a Shaheen, Bush's critics can't let this story be strictly positive. They see this as a "publicity stunt" in which Bush is merely trying to manipulate the media (Message to Bush: Don't worry about that criticism; they said the same thing about Reagan and that didn't seem to hurt him one bit). Here's one such critic: "Most likely he's doing that to show the media he's got a chain saw,' joked Larry Mattladge, who raises Black Angus cows three-quarters of a mile from the Bush ranch and built his fence rows out of cedar posts. 'It's a man's thing. Brush clearing is not only for the young at heart, it's for the young. It's to show he's a Texan." The truth is that Bush really enjoys doing this stuff. But, it doesn't hurt that it's good politics, too. Every time Reagan went to his ranch, his poll numbers would go up. Hey, if this works for politicians, then maybe it works for me, too??? Well, I better get going. I've got to chop some wood and change the oil in my car ...
|
Down Time
I hope you're having as much fun during this Holiday Season as I am. Of course, the best thing is spending time with friends and family. But it's also a good time to have some "down time." Here are some of the highlights of my week: Yesterday, I had lunch at Zola and then spent a few hours next door at the Spy Museum. The Spy Museum "is first and only public museum in the United States solely dedicated to espionage" -- perfect if you are interested in Opposition Research! This is a very cool museum that was definitely created for the 21st Century child-at-heart. It's very intereactive and fun. Unlike old-fashioned musuems where you aren't supposed to touch any thing, this museum was clearly created for those with a short attention span. But while entertaining, it is also highly informative. Next time you're in DC with an afternoon on your hands, I highly recommend checking it out. One note: Make sure to order your tickets in advance! I've also played several bad games of Scrabble, and taken in two movies ( The Producers, which I give a "B," and that new Jennifer Aniston/Kevin Costner movie, Rumor has It, which I give a "C."). Today, a good friend of mine from Frederick, MD is coming to visit. Tonight, it's champagne and caviar (okay maybe no caviar) as we ring in the New Year at a party of a good friend who works on The Hill. And tomorrow, the Redskins play the Eagles. ... So, for the next 48 hours, all is rigth with the world. ... So how the heck are you?
|
New Year's Resolution ... For Political Candidates
If you're a political candidate looking to do well in 2006, your New Year's Resolution probably isn't to get into better physical condition ... but maybe it should be. That's because political campaigns are marathons of emotional stress and physical demands. Sure, character and vision are vital, but so are energy and endurance. More and more, the term "run" for office has taken on a more literal meaning. In a typical day, a political candidate may knock on hundreds of doors, ask dozens of people for money, and give several speeches. Any candidate with the energy to endure all this -- and ask for more -- has a tremendous advantage over a less active foe. In terms of the rigor, modern-day campaigning is a task nearly as well suited for Lance Armstrong as it is for his fellow biker, George W. Bush. Making matters worse, the campaign lifestyle is not conducive to creating a healthy environment. Breakfast meetings with staff, early lunches with civic groups, late lunches with politicians, fundraising dinners, and stress -- all make it difficult for a candidate to stay in shape. Not only do candidates not lose weight during a campaign, most candidates gain weight. So, if you're planning on running for political office in the New Year, how can you prepare for this campaign marathon? Before running for office, a candidate should be in shape physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Once the campaign starts, it's too late to start thinking about making any personal changes. It's important that candidates are motivated to prepare themselves before they run. Here is some motivation for you to stick with this New Year's Resolution: In Politics, Appearance Matters. Studies show most people judge us visually. Candidates who look "in shape" appear to be more in control. Think of it this way: Who was the last obese President of the U.S.? Taft? The truth is that candidates who are in good physical condition demonstrate to voters that they are in control and disciplined. An Active Image Sells. The best political candidates assiduously cultivate an active image. They are often pictured jogging, playing touch football, or riding a bike. Voters want to elect public servants who will have the energy to tackle problems. Get a reputation for being active and energetic. Voters believe that an active leader will use that same energy to tackle their problems. Exercise Increases Memory: The best candidates have the uncanny ability to remember speeches, statistics, faces, and names. According to researchers at the University of Dundee in Scotland, just taking a ten minute walk dramatically increased a person's memory during testing. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is essential for your brain and memory. Additionally, cardiovascular exercise has been proven to prevent memory loss. Health is an Issue. For some candidates, losing weight means more than just looking good. After being diagnosed with type-II diabetes, Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AL) lost over 100 pounds in a year. Governor Huckabee needed to lose weight, not just for his career, but for his life. Additionally, at the higher echelons of political office, health is a legitimate campaign issue. Most experts agree JFK's Addison's disease would have disqualified him from being President if it were known. And even in modern times, Vice President Dick Cheney has had to answer questions regarding his health after suffering a heart attack. Stress Relief: Campaigns are stressful, yet a candidate needs to appear confident and relaxed. So how do you get rid of that stress? There are many benefits to exercise, explains Colin Shah, a personal trainer and owner of SomaFit in Washington, DC (he has trained several politicians and a Cabinet member.) According to Shah, exercise "greatly reduces levels of stress, increases endurance for those late nights on the campaign trail, and keeps them fit for in front of the TV camera." Execution of Campaign Tactics: Candidates who are in shape can sometimes simply out-work their older or less energetic opponents. Whether it's at the local level and you are going door-to-door at a faster rate than your opponent, or whether it's your ability to travel to more places in a shorter amount of time, endurance on the campaign train can make the difference. Networking: A lot of political relationships have been cultivated at a local bar, but more and more, networking is occurring at the local gym. As columnist David Broder wrote in December of 2005, "Steve Israel, a Democrat from Long Island, and Tim Johnson, a Republican from central Illinois, are fellow members of the Class of 2000 who became acquainted on treadmills in the House gym. Beyond their exercise, they seemingly had little in common ... Their conversation became the spur for the formation earlier this year of what they call the Center Aisle Caucus, a forum for communication across party lines." Once you've decided to keep your New Year's Resolution, here are some quick tips to help you stick with it: Schedule it: Put exercise on the schedule. With busy candidates, if you don't schedule it, it won't happen. Multi-Task: The best candidates hate to waste time. Find ways to kill two birds with one stone. If you are a news junkie, set up a TV in front of a treadmill. Do whatever it takes to make getting in shape fun. Persistence: Remember, nothing happens over night. Just like in politics, persistence pays off. Prepare to Win: I got this tip from Governor Huckabee of Arkansas: Bring your own food every where you go. This way, you will always have something to eat -- no matter what is served. If someone is holding a fundraising event for you, request a healthy meal in advance. Don't eat just because it's expected of you. Diversify: Work in exercises you enjoy. Some candidates like to play tennis, others like to ride bikes. If you enjoy it, you'll stick with it. Either way, start slow. Trying to do too much too fast only leads to burn-out our injury. If you follow this advice, I believe you will enter your political campaign in fighting shape. You will be sharper, more focused, and more energetic. Good luck to you as you prepare to run the race of your life!
|
Leadership Lessons ... from the Sports Page
I'm sometimes criticized for talking so much about sports. The truth is I'm not that interested in sports. But I am extremely interested in leadership. And it just so happens that following sports is one of the best ways to learn about good (and bad) leadership techniques. You see, the same leadership principles that work in sports also apply to other aspects of your life, including politics and business. As you may know, one of my all-time favorite experts on leadership is author John Maxwell. As I read today's Washington Post, it occurred to me that a lot of Maxwell's leadership lessons could be taught simply by reading today's sports page. In fact, here are a few examples: Attitude and Teamwork: John Maxwell has devoted an entire book to each of these subjects. Sadly, the Philadelphia Eagles' leadership must not have read either book. After losing last year's Super Bowl to the New England Patriot's, observers assumed the Eagles would be back this year. In fact, Eagles' middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter recently told the Washington Post, "I wouldn't have believed you if you had told me before the season this is what our record would be." (Of course, if you follow sports, you are aware the Eagles are already out of playoff contention.) Sadly, Terrell Owens' selfishness and negative attitude effectively ended the Eagles season. "The sports-viewing nation watched their team unity dissolve, chronicled in blaring headlines and breathless television updates, as wide receiver Terrell Owens's contract dispute with the club led him to turn on the organization and quarterback Donovan McNabb," writes the Post. Lesson learned: When making your hiring decisions, don't overlook attitude. No matter how talented a potential employee is, if his attitude is lacking, don't hire him. One bad attitude can ruin the team. The Law of Momentum: In his classic book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell teaches "The Law of the Big Mo." Whether it's life, sports, or politics, the best leaders understand the power of momentum. George Herbert Walker Bush understood this concept when he coined the term, "The Big Mo," during the 1980 Primaries. In sports, momentum is so important that a wise football coach, sensing that the tide has turned toward the opposing team, will often call a time-out in order to change the momentum. There are two stories in today's sports page that make me think of the importance of momentum. The first is simply the Washington Redskins recent victories over the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. A couple of months ago, the Redskins were on a downward spiral. Coach Joe Gibbs deserves a lot of credit for instilling discipline and a positive attitude into the Redskins. Today, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. But what changed in the last month and a half? Do the Redskins have a different roster? No, they've got the same players. The difference is their winning attitude -- and their momentum. The Indianapolis Colts seem to be heading the opposite direction. They went undefeated for the first 13 games of the season, but have lost their last two games. It is ironic that going undefeated for most of the year, and clinching a playoff berth early, may have actually hurt the Colts by forcing them to play a series of meaningless football games. The Colts have now lost two straight games, and with the recent unfortunate loss of Coach Tony Dungy's son, their momentum is heading in the wrong direction. Sadly, they are at their lowest point at the precise time when they should be peaking. Ultimately, the Colts season will rest on their ability to regain momentum. If they can shift their momentum, they may be unstoppable. As columnist Michael Wilbon puts it, "... if the Colts are able to have their hearts and minds in the game the next time they play for real, they're still the best team ..." The Law of Sacrifice: The third leadership principle I noticed in today's sports section involves Washington Redskins' defensive coach Greg Williams. The article points out that Williams will be tempted by several teams to leave the nascent Redskins, in order to become a head coach for another team. In fairness, Williams may see this once in a lifetime opportunity. Head coaching jobs are few and far between, and sometimes you've got to grab the brass ring while you can. But, on the other hand, Williams has a chance to stay with Coach Joe Gibbs and turn this Redskins team into one of the great teams. It would appear to be a sacrifice, but, as a Redskins fan, I hope it's one he is willing to make. In any event, in contemplating this decision, Williams gives us some good advice on what to consider when making a career decision. He says he will ask these three questions: " Where am I going, what am I doing and who is it with?' Williams wisely understands that affiliating himself with the right people will determine his success. I think this is good advice for anyone, whether you're looking to work on a political campaign or just looking for a job. As John Maxwell says, in order to go up, sometimes a leader has to give up. Whether or not Williams will be willing to "give up" this opportunity for the good of the Redskins remains to be seen. ... Thank you for indulging me on yet another sports-related blog. I guess if you're into leadership, you can find good and bad examples just about anywhere you look. These examples all come from today's (December 26, 2005) Washington Post. Even if you're not a big sports fan, I hope you never look at sports the same way again!
|
Matt's Best of 2005!
Here's my "best of 2005." One note: In compiling this list, I've scoured thru mattlewis.org. My first thought is that this is a pretty cool blog! However, I've also noticed that, over the months, we've focused less on campaign tips -- and more on the issues. As time has gone on, our readership has increased, as well (this could be because of the focus on issues, or it could just be that the blog has been around longer, and more people are discovering it). In any event, let me know your thoughts on whether or not you like the way the format has evolved ... Here's my pick of the Best of 2005:  Best Leadership/Business Book: A Whole New Mind
Best Historical Book: Franklin and Winston
Best Political Book: Reagan's Revolution
Best Radio Show: Tony Kornheiser
Matt's Best Campaign Tip: 6 Steps to Enduring a Political Loss
Best album: Gary Allan's "Tough all Over" (listen to excerpts here). 
Matt's Best Villian: Terrell Owens
Coolest Town Visited: Tie: San Antonio, TX, Charleston, SC, NYC (and yours)
Best Athletic Performance: Lance Armstrong Best Bush Pick: Tie: John Roberts, Samuel Alito Worst Bush Pick: Harriet Miers
Best Forgotten News Story: Jeff Gannon
Best Guest Blogger: Nancy Madsen
Best Fashion Move: Condi's Boots
Best Makeover: Tie: Martha Stewart, Human Events redesign.
|
The Washington Post has a big story today, titled: Newly Emboldened Congress Has Dogged Bush This Year. It is healthy and expected that even a Republican Congress should, from time to time, disagree with the Republican President of the United States. We have a separation of powers, and as a fortune cookie once told me, "If people always get along, one of them is the boss." Times of war call for leaders. We don't think of Parliament or Congress leading countries through tough times. We think of men like Winston Churchill, Abe Lincoln, and FDR. Deliberative bodies may be good for a lot of things, but they aren't known for their "leadership" qualities. During difficult times, executive power tends to increase out of necessity. For this reason, if America's liberties are ever taken away, they will probably be taken, "for our own good." I'm certainly not comparing any U.S. President (past or present) with a tyrant. However, other countries have certainly experienced the rise of a "strong man" who seized power under the guise that it would be "temporary." Every American must remain vigilant, regarding preserving freedom. And, by the way, the most compelling Republican arguments against the Patriot Act have come from Republicans like Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), who argue that these powers could be exploited by a future Democrat President and Attorney General. As you can see, even I struggle with these questions. Yes, even this social conservative has a libertarian streak, from time to time. I think these disagreements are a healthy part of Democracy. Congress should not be expected to toe the line. By the same token, on the Patriot Act, I still come down on the side of President Bush. Here's why: First, it's now old-hat to say, but 9-11 truly was a call to arms. We are in a war we cannot lose, against radical Islam, plain and simple. Second, I always can tell if I'm on the right side by looking at the players. Look at the Democrats (even Tom Daschle has weighed in on the whole "eavesdropping" thing) -- and the Republican Senators (who filibustered the Patriot Act) -- and tell me where you fit in ...
|
 David Mark of Campaigns & Elections Magazine is coming out with an interesting new book, Going Dirty, The Art of Negative Campaigning. It looks very good. Here's a review: "Negative campaigning--the public hates it, the press loves it, the candidates need it. And David Mark has documented it from A (attack) to Z (zonk) in this creative compendium of dirty politics, past, present, and future." -Dr. Larry J. Sabato, University of Viriginia Center for PoliticsYou can pre-order your copy now.
|
Wow. Busy news day ... The New York Transit Strike has ended. ... I still say they should have pulled a, " Ronald Reagan:" According to journalist Haynes Johnson, the decisive manner in which Reagan handled the PATCO strike convinced many Americans that he was "the kind of leader the country longed for and thought it had lost: a strong president" -- in sharp contrast to the widely-held view that Reagan's predecessor, Jimmy Carter, had been too indecisive. Look, I'm glad folks are going back to work. And I'm not sure what the final agreement will be. But what was the lesson learned by the labor unions? If you want to get your way, go on strike at Christmastime. ... You just can't allow people to be rewarded for breaking the law.
|
Looks like the Patriot Act has been extended for 6 months. Maybe John Sununu and his ilk got our message? On a related note, here's a superb example of "spin" being used by a Frist operative: "Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said he decided on the six-month extension, although he, too, had repeatedly said he would reject "short-term" extensions such as for three months. He said he had not discussed the agreement with House leaders, who plan to meet today. Frist's chief of staff, Eric Ueland, said a six-month extension is not 'short-term."
... Nice one. I wish I'd thought of that.
|
... Speaking of having to "spin," White House press secretary Scott McClellan is one politico I wouldn't want to trade places with ... By the way, there's a good profile about him in the Post today. "You can't make a mistake,' says Marlin Fitzwater, White House press secretary in the first Bush administration, whom McClellan sought out for advice before he started the job. 'So you just get into a routine of repeating the same thing over and over again." It's a tough gig. I don't envy him. He's gotten the tough years. Ari got the "salad years" ...
|
The Emotional Economy ...
Nancy Solomon's article, The Emotional Economy, underscores what I've been saying about politics, for a long time: Emotions drive decisions ... "Although there has been a profusion of new information on consumer buying habits published in the past several years, one of the most conclusive studies was completed by the University of Florida in 2002. This national study analyzed the responses of 23,168 people to 240 advertising messages in 13 categories, from cars and appliances to groceries and other small-ticket items. The results, which appeared in the August 2002 issue of Journal of Advertising Research, concluded that emotions were nearly twice as important as knowledge in consumer buying decisions-that individuals may be interested in the technical aspect of a purchase item, but this interest is driven by the desire to achieve a specific emotional response. This evidence refutes the historical data that strongly implied that consumers made their purchases based on information, data, and logical conclusions and that if emotions were involved at all, it was purely incidental."
|
Matt's 2005 Year in Pictures (Vol.1)
2005 has been a great year for me -- and a great inaugural year for mattlewis.org! Here are just a few pictures to remember 2005 ...  Conservatives saluted Tom DeLay ...  We threw a pretty cool rooftop soiree this Spring ...  I continued to do a lot of public speaking. I lost count of how many campaign training seminars I spoke at in 2005. More to come ...
|
Hanukkah Lights and Latkes
NPR has an interesting little story titled, "Hanukkah Lights and Latkes." Although I am not Jewish, I have actually had latke, and found it to be quite tasty. The story includes some info on Hanukkah that I thought might interest you: "For the record, Hanukkah is a minor holiday in Judaism: It's one of the few Jewish holidays not mentioned in the Bible. But it's a good story. In the 2nd century B.C.E., Judah Maccabee and his brothers defeated Hellenistic-Syrian King Antiochus IV, who was trying to wipe out Judaism. When they chased the enemy out of Jerusalem, the Maccabees found their temple had been desecrated. They had only one small vial of untainted olive oil -- enough, they thought, to burn for only one day. But to their surprise, the oil lasted the eight days -- the time they needed to get more consecrated oil and rededicate the temple. This miracle is celebrated by lighting a candle for each of the eight days of Hanukkah and frying potato pancakes in boiling oil."
|
Don't Rest on Our Laurels on Alito ...
Upon further review of today's Washington Post story on Alito, it occurs to me that conservatives should not take news of Alito's popularity as a sign that, "we have won." Remember, the survey shows Alito is as popular as Roberts was before his Senate confirmation hearings. But the truth is that Roberts was primarily considered a great nominee precisely because of his performance during the Senate hearings. Saying Alito is as popular as Roberts was before the confirmation hearings is like saying your garage band is as popular as the Beatles before The Ed Sullivan Show. Additionally, the survey found that one in five Americans don't know enough about Alito to have an opinion. So there's a lot of people out there still waiting to make up their mind. My message is this: It is good that Alito is currently popular. He's off to a great start. But we can't rest on our laurels. We're still in the second or third inning of a long ball game ...
|
Where Have You Gone Johnny Damon?
The New York Yankees just picked up center fielder Johnny Damon from the Boston Red Sox (full disclosure: I hate both teams). The obvious question is: Will Damon cut his hair and shave his Jesus-like beard in order to adhere to George Steinbrenner's "dress code?" ... And if so, will his hair-loss result in a Samson-like loss of strength? (These are the questions that kept me out of the really good schools). I've long believed the unkempt appearance of Red Sox players, in stark contrast to the clean-cut Yankees, defined "Red Sox Nation" as the anti-Yankees. Every outsider in the world who worked for some corporate conglomerate could identify with the downtrodden Red Sox and their seemingly quixotic attempt to overcome the neatly pin-striped New York Yankees. Then, the worst thing happened to their image: The Red Sox won. How can you be an outsider and win? Success often changes us. And just like the former hippies who now own stock and live in the Burbs, Johnny Damon has gone over to the corporate world and signed with the dreaded Yankees. (I guess even millionaires have to bow to the man, sometimes.) Will he shave the beard? Who knows? At least it will be entertaining. Here's an idea. How about a Seinfeld episode where George Castanza tells Johnny Damon (without consulting Steinbrenner) that he can keep the beard if he signs with the Yankees (comedy ensues)? I know, I know, Seinfeld has been off the air for five years, now. But I can dream, can't I?
|
Majority of Americans Support Alito Nomination
Here's something you don't hear every day: There is terrific news in the Washington Post, this morning. "Alito now is about as popular as Chief Justice Roberts was on the eve of his Senate confirmation hearings last September, the survey found."
|
Teaching Elephants to Talk Spanish
Note: This blog was guest written by Bill Meierling of the Leadership Institute. Also, please be advised: There are often differences in the words used by different Spanish-speaking countries. We've done our best to include generally-accepted phrases. But if you see any mistakes -- or have any recommendations -- please email me at MLewis@CampaignLeadership.com.Hispanics represent one of the most important coalitions in politics, because of their growing size, their traditional family values, and their belief in small government. Simply put: Conservatives cannot afford to ignore this group of voters. While I firmly believe immigrants must learn to speak English fluently -- I know first hand that learning a few simple Spanish phrases can demonstrate your candidate's interest in winning the support of Hispanic voters. Our first lesson involves your introduction to a Spanish-speaking voter. Here's what you might say: "Hola, mi nombre es___________. Estoy lanzando mi candidatura para ____________, y necesito su apoyo." (Hello, my name is _________. I am running for ___________, and I would like your support.)In the candidacy portion, the following offices may be useful: -Assembly: Asamblea - Councilman: Consejale - Delegate: Delegado - Mayor: Alcalde - Governor: Gobernador - Lt. Governor: Vicegobernador - Attorney General: Procurador de la justicia - Congressman: Congresista or Diputado de la asamblea nacional - Senator: Senador One note: Be careful how, when, and where you use your Spanish phrases. During the 2005 Virginia Gubernatorial race, Jerry Kilgore published a piece of direct mail titled, the "Spanish Language Version." This piece had 11 words in Spanish on an entire 8.5"x11" mailer. The 11 words of Spanish were not inclusive, nor were they grammatically correct. As you might imagine, this did not ingratiate him within the Hispanic community, instead; it only served to alienate his potential Hispanic constituency. Remember, first impressions are important. Mastering an introduction can go a long way toward earning a vote! ... Our second lesson involves 5 easy Spanish phrases that can be worked into just about any speech you give: - Gracias por tenerme aqui esta noche. (Thank you for having me here tonight.) - Yo agradezco la oportunidad de que estemos aqui' juntos. (I appreciate the opportunity for us to be here together.) - Quiero hablar con usted sobre temas que son importantes para todos nosotros. (I want to speak with you about important issues that matter to all of us.) - El votar es su derecho y su obligacio'n. (Voting is your duty and your right). - Necesitamos su apoyo. (We need your support). When approaching a stranger, most politicians like to do all the talking. The truth is that it's actually more effective to let the other person do the talking. Of course, it's difficult to have a dialogue when you aren't fluent in the other persons language. ... Following are some easy yes or no questions you can ask a Spanish-speaking person: - Quiere inscribirse para votar? (Would you like to register to vote?) - De donde es su familia? (Where is your family from?) - Eres ciudadano? (Are you a citizen?) - Te puedo ayudar a llenar el formulario? (Can I help you fill out the form?) - Tienes hijos? (Do you have children?)
|
Journalistic Ethics Run Amok ...
I'm currently engaged in a pretty spirited debate over at FlynnFiles.com, regarding journalistic ethics. Here's the background: There have been several recent examples of writers being accused of being "shills," including Armstrong Williams, Doug Bandow, and Peter Ferrara (in the interest of "full disclosure," I should "disclose" that Peter and I recently sat on a panel discussion at the Heritage Foundation.) My argument is that it's hard to define who is a journalist, these days ... that the "new media" has blurred the lines between what used to be considered appropriate behavior for writers. But I'm open to debate on that. Personally, I can tell you there are several juicy topics that I don't discuss on this blog, for fear someone would say there's a confict of interest. And I'm clearly not a journalist ...
|
Republicans to Blame for Sununu Defection ...
National Review recently ran an editorial which stated: "If New Hampshire Republican Senator John Sununu wants to endanger our national security, shouldn't he at least know what he's talking about? Apparently that's too much to ask of the usually admirable senator, who is helping filibuster the reauthorization of the Patriot Act." As usual, Buckley's magazine gets it right. And if the stakes weren't so high (our national security is at stake, for crying out loud), this Republican defection would be laughable. That's because it's our own darn fault. Half these guys should never have been elected, in the first place. John Sununu's ascension to the U.S. Senate is a prime example of party loyalty gone awry. Back in 2002, commentator David Pyne wrote: "When centrist Republicans gleefully dump the Party's most ardent conservative champions like Senator Bob Smith and Representative Bob Barr for much more moderate and wishy-washy challengers, you have to really wonder whether Bauer was right and whether Smith's defeat at the hands of senior Republican operatives and plotters signals that the Republican Party has finally lost its soul." So why did the establishment take down Senator Bob Smith, in favor of Rep. John Sununu? For one, Smith was too conservative for them. Secondly, he made the stupid mistake of leaving the Republican Party (bad advice). But the third reason probably has to do with the fact that the first George Bush was blindly loyal to the first John Sununu (who served as George Herbert Walker Bush's Chief of Staff). (This loyalty, no doubt, dates back to the time when George H.W. Bush needed the support of then-Governor Sununu to win the New Hampshire Primary.) While this Bush/Sununu friendship was mutually beneficial to the first Bush and the first Sununu, it wasn't quite so rewarding for the American people. All we got was a tax hike (the most famous broken promise in American politics) and the nomination of liberal David H. Souter to the Supreme Court. Reportedly, the first Sununu feuded bitterly with Republican strategist Lee Atwater, who warned that a tax hike would lead to Bush's defeat. Atwater saw Sununu as an elitist Governor of a small state, who wrongly believed he understood politics. Atwater resented that Sununu viewed him as being merely a lowly "staffer." Sadly, Atwater's ill health prevented him from winning that argument. Of course, Atwater was right. Bill Clinton was elected. And Sununu was partly to blame. Now, normally a Chief of Staff, like the first Sununu, who arguably cost the President his re-election, would be swept aside, relegated to the back bench. But loyalty -- not effectiveness -- is what's rewarded, it seems. And today, the Bush Family loyalty is being repaid in the form of a filibuster from their old family friend, little Johnny Sununu. How's that for loyalty? For a White House that prides itself on wielding power and rewarding friends, they dropped the ball on two of the four filibustering Senators. Lindsey Graham -- who supported John McCain over Bush in the vitally important South Carolina Republican Primary -- somehow managed to get elected to the U.S. Senate from South Carolina, in 2002. And John Sununu would never have ousted an entrenched incumbent without the support of Republican insiders, who turned their back on the more conservative Smith. Had the Bush's learned their lesson from the first Sununu, conservative Senator Bob Smith would still be in office, voting for the Patriot Act. The lesson, by the way, has still not been learned. Currently, Republicans are falling over themselves to support liberal Republican Senator John Chaffee (RI) -- a man who didn't even vote for George W. Bush in 2004. How's that for loyalty? Of course, these four Republican defections are so more costly than they appear. In truth, they account for dozens of votes, because they provide cover for Democrats who may have otherwise been afraid to oppose the Patriot Act. Now, these Democrats can always say, "even four Republicans think Bush is wrong." Ironically, they may provide Bush some cover, too. If, God forbid, another attack occurs on Bush's watch, this vote will allow Bush to blame Democrats -- and these four Republicans. We Republicans have nobody to blame but ourselves for these defections. The chickens have come home to roost. The problem is that you and I are the ones who stand to be hurt by it.
|
Christmas Presents Aren't All Bad ...
As Linus reminds us every Christmas, "the true meaning of Christmas," Charlie Brown, has nothing to do with trees ... or presents. But that doesn't mean they aren't important. When I was young, I could never understand why my dad truly didn't care about receiving Christmas presents (his joy was in giving them to others.) To me, this seemed like a foreign concept. Sacrilegious, even. How could you not get stoked about Christmas presents? I mean, I never thought that would happen to me -- nor was it something I aspired to. But, just like dad, the older I get, the less and less I care about receiving presents (not to say you can't send something my way.) But, you know what? I've been thinking about the Christmas presents I received as a child. And it occurs to me that they did bring me joy. Here are some of my favorites: - One year, mom and dad took me down to the basement on Christmas eve to find a new ping-pong table and a heavy punching bag set up for me. Wow! That was probably the best. Even better, the ping-pong table gave me hours of time to play against my dad (who always won.) - I also have fond memories of another year when it snowed before Christmas, and my dad broke out an early Christmas present. It was a plastic sled (at the time, this was newfangled technology). We went sled riding together. I also know I got an Atari one year, and a Nintendo one year (just like every other Gen Xer). Again, these gifts also provided a chance for me to spend some time with dad. (He could beat me at ping-pong -- but for some reason, kids always win with video games). ... Was it just cheap consumerism? Well, here I am, still smiling thinking about it. I guess presents aren't so bad, after all. In truth, the best part is that I bet mom and dad got as much joy out of giving those gifts as I had receiving them. And it strikes me that the best gifts were all the ones that resulted in spending more time together. The most important gifts you can give your kids is to love them and spend time with them. The second, is an X-Box. Just kidding. Sort of. ... So what was the best Christmas you ever had???
|
Gibbs: Class Act & True Leader
... I admit it. I was one of those folks who thought Joe Gibbs was unwise for returning to the Redskins. Sure, I was rooting for him. Sure, I believe he is a winner and that winners win. But, from a PR standpoint, I never thought he should take a chance in tarnishing his legacy. I mean, how can you beat the way he ended his career? He went out on top. One of the rules of show business is to "know when to get off stage." Michael Jordan shouldn't have come back a third time and Gibbs, having had two tremendous careers in football and NASCAR, shouldn't try either, I reasoned. I was wrong. Joe Gibbs is a man to admire. He is a decent man, a winner -- and a leader. In returning to Washington, he took Teddy Roosevelt's famous advice about being, "The Man in the Arena." I underestimated him. Gibbs' return has injected passion and energy to this city. I know, the experts say that sports teams don't really inject money into a city. But the city of Washington, DC is on cloud nine, right now. And it's largely because of Gibbs and his team. After last night's victory over Dallas, I was listening to the post-game show on WJFK. One of the callers remarked how focused and passionate the Redskins played, yesterday. The caller asked show host Charles Mann if Gibbs gives a pre-game Knute Rockne-type speech to the team. Mann said that Gibbs does not rely on a pre-game speech to inspire the team. That's what he does every day, all day. Mann said that if you wait until right before the game to start inspiring people, it's too late. Leaders inspire their team daily. They don't try to come up with some emotional act just before the game. Winning is an everyday thing. Yesterday's Redskin's game rocked. But I'm disturbed by the fans who think just beating the Cowboys is enough victory for them. There's no time to gloat ... I'm already focused on the New York Football Giants. My bet is Gibbs will let the team celebrate for about five minutes. COLTS ... After going undefeated all season, the Indianapolis Colts finally lost a game. Is this good or bad? One could argue that it allows the Colts to focus on what really matters -- winning the Super Bowl. I think it's good for another reason. Losing is shocking. And teams who never lose begin to believe they are omnipotent. Confidence is good, but confidence can lead to hubris. Sooner or later, every team loses, and that omnipotent fantasy comes crashing down around them. Yes, even football can be a Greek tragedy. In any event, it is good for the Colts that this rude awakening came in a game that 1. Didn't matter, and 2. Allows them a couple of weeks to figure out what went wrong. As for me, I have no personal stake in the Colts. I like and admire Tony Dungy. But I still haven't given up disliking the Colts for sneaking out of Baltimore.
|
An Historic Election ...
 We continue to be amazed at the lack of coverage this historic election is receiving by the mainstream media ... But then, how could an election dare to compete with positive news stories like, " Bush allows spying" or " Zarqawi once Caught and Freed"?
|
NAACP Apologizes for McNabb Attack ...
Kudos to the NAACP's CEO for criticizing the president of its Philadelphia branch for the "racially charged comments" he made regarding Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. You know, it never works out when political candidates or officials try to criticize athletes. This sort of reminds me of when San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown called Elvis Grbac " an embarrassment to humankind." The people who criticize McNabb deride him as a "company man" (which is code language for "Uncle Tom"). Those of us, who defend him, think he is, instead, a team player. There's a difference. The USA Today's Jon Saraceno hits the nail on the head: "Look, this guy plays hurt, he plays tough, doesn't offer excuses and he certainly doesn't sell out his teammates as Owens has. McNabb has a healthy dose of perspective, and he has class. He was raised right. Sometimes, big money changes players for the worse (see T.O.) Sometimes, too much recognition does them in (see T.O.). Sometimes, their mouths rev out of gear before their brains catch up (see T.O.)."On another note, I am cautiously optimistic about this Sunday's Redskins/Cowboys game. Feisty Cowboys' coach, Bill Parcells, has owned Joe Gibbs over the years -- and the Cowboys have owned the Redskins, too. But this is a different type of Cowboys/Redskins game because --- for the first time in a long time -- there is a real rivalry. Both teams are desperately competing to make it to the playoffs. The loser of this game is likely out. Normally, I would justify my Redskins' optimism by arguing this lopsided record actually means the Redskins are "due" for a win. But the fact that the Redskins basically stole that Monday Night game from the Cowboys, earlier this season, means that we may have already used up our luck against the Cowboys. Sadly, the Redskins didn't turn that upset victory into momentum, nor did the Cowboys allow that loss to define their season. Somebody must think we can win, because the Redskins are currently three-point favorites. All I ask is that, if the Redskins blow this game, that they don't do it in the last minutes of the fourth quarter. I'm not sure I can take another game like that.
|
Bush Must Read Blogs ...
On April 5th, 2005, I blogged in defense of Tom DeLay at Redstate.org. A lot has happened since then. But even at that early date -- and writing to a friendly audience -- my defense of DeLay sparked quite a controversy (27 comments were posted.) Here's part of what I had to say: "... And let's be honest: The liberals are attacking him because he's effective. Period. And not only is he effective -- DeLay has stuck his neck out for us. During re-districting in Texas, he actually made his own district more liberal -- to help win other Republican seats. In short, he sacrificed his own comfort and "safe seat" to increase the Republican majority. And we reward him by turning our backs on him???" Yesterday, speaking of DeLay, President Bush echoed that sentiment, when he told Brit Hume: "When he's over there, we get our votes through the House," Bush said.
Conclusion: Bush may not read newspapers, but he must read blogs!
|
Anti-Alito "Movement" Rolls Into Obscurity
According to the New York Sun, the anti-Alito tour being organized by the liberal Alliance for Justice, is drawing sparse attendance. "A spokeswoman for the Alliance for Justice, Kelly Landis, denied that the project was a failure. She said the intent was not to generate large crowds ... She explained one of the tour's first events, where no one showed up, according to a Knight Ridder report, as an anomaly that resulted from 'sub-zero temperatures and hurricane." Nice spin. By the way, the dog ate my homework, Kelly. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, "If nobody wants to come to a ball game, there's nothing you can do to stop them." Well, if nobody wants to come to your protest, there's nothing you can do to stop them, either. And, by the way, nobody does ... The liberals are swimming up stream on this one. Their fruitless attempts to gin up an anti-Alito movement has felt, well, perfunctory. Real movements are organic. Political operatives may do their part to be the catalyst -- but even the best politico's can't "create" excitement -- or even resentment -- out of thin air. They are the spark, but there must be a fire burning deep in the soul of America, to sustain a true movement. And that's the problem. Try though they might, there is no deep-seated anger at this mild-mannered Jurist. Rolling Thunder will continue to roll into obscurity.
|
At Least He's Creative ...
 Kinky Friedman's new television commercial features a talking action figure ... Will it work? The fact that we're talking about it says something, doesn't it?
|
Two America's: So Which Ticket are You Buying?
The new cowboy romance "Brokeback Mountain" received seven Golden Globe nominations, yesterday. According to the Washington Post, the movie is drawing rave reviews from it's target audience: "This is our gay 'Gone With the Wind,' says Neil G. Giuliano, the former Republican mayor of Tempe, Ariz., and current president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, a national organization that tracks the representation of gay men and lesbians in the media." The controversial movie is being billed as the first openly homosexual cowboy movie. This was news to me, as I mistakenly had assumed Young Guns had beaten them to the punch ... But, in truth, the most interesting question is: How will conservative pundits react to this movie? As for me, I guess I'm not likely to spout a bunch of controversial rhetoric, because I'm no longer shocked by this. We've become so desensitized by the mainstream media, that it's hard to shock us, these days. I do believe that a film like this is the best form of propaganda there is, because, as Village Voice columnist, Michael Musto puts it in the Post, "Now we just have a love story that hits a lot of formulaic points that happens to be between two guys." The truth is the lines are being drawn in America. And we are segmenting into (to paraphrase John Edwards), two America's. But the two America's aren't the rich and poor, as Edwards wants us to believe. The two America's are secular humanists and Christians. This divide can be easily illustrated at your local movie complex. ... Brokeback Mountain or Narnia. So which ticket are you buying?
|
Laffey all the way to the bank ...
Yesterday's Club for Growth endorsement of conservative Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey (RI) provoked an immediate response from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). The NRSC is dumping in tons of dollars to prop up liberal Senator Chaffee (R-RI), who is fighting off Laffey's Primary challenge. The consensus among conservatives has been best expressed by Tim Chapman at Townhall.com, who writes, "The NRSC should not be spending its money against conservative Republicans ... period." KLO at NRO's The Corner blog points out that the NRSC money would be better spent attacking Bob Casey, instead of Steve Laffey: "In order for Casey's negatives to rise, of course, the NRSC may want to do some negative advertising. But of course not before it's done spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on negative ads against Steve Laffey, the Rhode Island Republican who is running against Sen. Lincoln Chafee in the GOP primary. You know, because it's so much more important to have Sen. Chafee than Sen. Santorum." How do I see it? Chaffee is a liberal who didn't even vote for George W. Bush. Yet, pragmatists will argue that he's the best chance Republicans have of holding that Senate seat. So here's how you decide: If you're in the business of electing Republicans, you support Chaffee. If you're in the business of electing conservatives, you support Laffey. As for me: I choose the latter.
|
Election Day ain't what it used to be ...
Election Day ain't what it used to be. As Human Events' John Gizzi reports, in the recent U.S. House election in California, the candidate who won at the polls on Election Day -- lost the election. Conservatives candidates and campaign managers must realize this trend, and adapt their strategies, accordingly. Sure, it's still important to have an effective Election Day GOTV program. But if you ignore early and absentee voting, you do so at your own peril. Such strategies include implementing an absentee ballot chase, as well as finding out which voters have a history of voting early -- and contacting them just before early voting begins. In Texas, where I've done some work, about half the voters vote early (starting a few weeks prior to Election Day, they can vote in-person at the county courthouse, etc.). And in Oregon, the only way to vote is via mail. Of course, this trend didn't just appear out of nowhere. It is the result of an effort to make voting more convenient. You used to have to provide a legitimate excuse to be able to vote absentee. Today, most states allow you to vote absentee for any reason, whatsoever. An effective modern GOTV plan must include Election Day, early voting, and absentee voting. The results in California should serve as a wake-up call to conservative candidates who are a bit behind the curve on this one.
|
Conservatives for Tookie?
- Under pressure, ND Senator Byron Dorgan is giving back $67,000 in tribal gifts that may have been connected to Jack Abramoff - Doctored Photo Controversy: "The RNC is pimping a mute and unnamed soldier not just to defend the Iraq war but to imply that Democrats are white-handkerchief-waving cowards who want the United States to lose." - Slate- Redstate.org speculates there could be a Giuliani/Brownback '08 ticket. - "The case for New Hampshire can be put in a name: Gene McCarthy. The small state gives an unknown underdog challenger, practicing retail politics, a fighting chance." - George Will. - OPINION NEEDED: I'm looking for a conservative who thinks Arnold should have granted Tookie clemency. So far, I can't find one. If you fit this description, email your thoughts to me at MLewis@campaignleadership.com. I will post the best response.
|
Arnold's Tough Decision
 Today, Arnold ceased being a friend of Hollywood. He made a tough decision. It was the right decision. But it won't be popular in Hollywood. And I think he probably has lost a lot of friends in the process. I don't envy him for having to make this sort of decision. But Tookie's victims didn't have the chance to appeal their sentence ...
|
Democrats Mounting Efforts
On several fronts, Democrats are mounting efforts to win the election in '08. First, many presidential hopefuls joined a meeting of Florida Democrats to mingle and test messages on favorable audiences. Read more in today's Chicago Tribune. The attending potential candidates include Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, Virginia Governor Mark Warner, '04 Vice-Presidential Candidate John Edwards, and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. (Although Sen. Obama has denied that he would pursue the Democratic nomination in '08). Second, Democratic Congressional Committee Chairman Rahm Emanuel has pestered fellow Illinoisan, Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, with endless open letters. Hastert's staff have pointed to the possibility that Emanuel is behind unfounded charges of corruption against Hastert. The two have a history reaching all the way back to 1986. The Tribune today blames Emanuel for a shift towards more partisanship in the Illinois delegation.
|
Is Spin Getting Worse?
Howard Kurtz wonders if the Bush administrations "spin" is more aggregious than past administrations ...
|
Skins Keep Hope Alive
Well, the Redskins managed to win today. We're still alive.
|
Friday Wrap-Up
- "Bob Ryan should be hung," - Tony Kornheiser radio show guest, concerning the lack of snow today -- and meteorologist, Bob Ryan.
- Miguel Tejada wants traded from the 0's -- and as an O's fan -- I can't say I blame him ...
- I'm speaking at the Leadership Institute's Campaign Leadership School, this coming week. If you want to attend a top-notch week-long campaign school, this is it.
- ...And Howard Dean's brother petitions against Lieberman.
|
Matt's Morning Roundup ...
|
PC in DC
 Conservative groups want Bush to put the "Christmas" back into his Christmas cards. The card in question, which was sent to 1.4 million people, wished them a happy "holiday season", reports the Chicago Tribune today. While the last time "Christmas" appeared was in 1992, under former President George H. W. Bush, they are again expressing displeasure. In part, this comes because Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert has "insisted that the sparkling spectacle on the Capitol lawn should be called the Capitol Christmas Tree, not a holiday spruce." Religious conservatives, now more than ever, are reacting to the influx of secularism in the pursuit of political correctness. If you're wondering about my sudden spurt of blogging, I'm procrastinating from studying for finals.
|
Actions Speak Louder than Words
The States Department has affirmed that officials will not be critical of China's human rights violations in upcoming talks. The Chicago Tribune reported today that "administration officials are not expected to voice any concern over the detention and harassment of scores of activists targeted as a direct result of President Bush's recent visit to China." As Tom Malinowski of Human Rights Watch pointed out, if Bush wants China to take the U. S. seriously on human rights issues, the administration has to follow up words with actions. The U. S. needs to honor its principles, promises, and threats if it expects to be respected internationally.
|
Taking a Page from the Opposing Playbook
The Conservative Party in Great Britain has elected a new leader, David Cameron. Cameron, 39, promises to change the tone of the party. The Chicago Tribune said, "he is proposing a makeover no less sweeping than that which occurred in the mid-1990s when Blair reinvented the Labor Party." Cameron used the following line in his acceptance speech, promising: "a modern, compassionate conservatism that is right for our times and right for our country." Sound familiar? This line shows an effort to change the Conservative Party's image as for "grumpy old men." Cameron said, "We need to change the way we look. Nine out of 10 Conservative [members of Parliament], like me, are white men. We need to change the scandalous underrepresentation of women in the Conservative Party." His first chance to see if this new tone will bring the Tories out of the 30% range in elections will be 2009. To read more, click here.
|
Crashing The Gate
 Those of you who are regular readers know I'm not afraid to read and recommend political books written by liberals (providing I can learn some philosophically neutral political techniques from them.) I am happy to learn from Carville, Begala, and Trippi, and then use their techniques to beat them over the head. What I can't stomach, however, are liberal books that push ideology, without teaching any political technology. That's why I need your help. I don't want to buy this book, unless there is something to be learned from it. I know it's brand new - but has anyone out there read an advanced copy of Crashing The Gate? I need to know if this is just liberal drivel, or if there is something to be learned ... If you've gotten a hold of an advanced copy of this book, please email me at mlewis@campaignleadership.com.
|
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack ...
|
More Madsen!
In response to my query about this blog, John writes: "I want to see more articles by the brilliant young former intern, Nancy Madsen ;)" You and me both, John! Nancy is a terrific writer. Nancy, it looks like you are in demand. Let's get writing ...
|
Dem Talking Points: Don't Talk!
Ever wonder why politicians sound like, well, politicians? It's because that's what works! Ever wonder why Democrats do nothing but criticize? It's because that's what they are told to do by their leadership. Today's Washington Post offers a peek into Democrat talking points. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rahm Emanuel (Ill) is quoted as saying: "What I want Democrats to be discussing is what the president's policies have led to," Emanuel said. He added that once discussion turns to a formal timeline for troop withdrawals, "the how and when gets buried" and many voters take away only an impression that Democrats favor retreat.
In other words, Emanuel is telling Dems: "The way to 'stay on message' is to simply poke holes in Bush's plan. Just complain. The public doesn't agree with us, so don't dare say anything substantive. If you start trying to fix this thing, you are 'off message'." Of course, it is rare that a Dem be so up-front about their "talking points." The truth is, it doesn't matter. We know what they are doing, and they know what we are doing, and it really comes down to who plays politics the best.
|
Isaac and Linus ...
 When you read this post, you'll know that last night was a quiet night at home: 7:00 pm - I am now convinced the new Isaac Mizrahi show, " Isaac," will be a huge hit for Style. It's fresh. It's different. But why am I watching this??? 8:00 pm - Charlie Brown Christmas was on last night. Every time I see it, I get choked up ... Not because of the wimpy Christmas tree -- but because I wonder how many more years we will be allowed to hear Linus read from the Bible. I mean, how long before someone says Linus is "intolerant?"
|
Chaffee Backlash ...
Shane writes: "I've already informed the NRSC that they will not get any support from me this cycle if they continue to back Chaffee over Lafey. Doubt that will make much of difference but if enough little supporters like me make noise it will add up. Supporting Spector over Toomey was not good, but this one is just too much to let slip by without consequences." Disagree? MLewis@campaignleadership.com.
|
Chaffee on NPR
Did anyone else catch the NPR story on Sen. Lincoln Chaffee (RI), the other day? Listen here. According to NPR, Chaffee didn't even vote for George W. Bush in 2004 -- instead, writing in the name, "George Herbert Walker Bush." And it's well known that Chaffee voted against the War in Iraq. Yet, establishment Republicans in Washington are pouring in thousands of dollars to prop up Chaffee, and defeat his more conservative Primary opponent. So what do you think? Should our Republican Party be propping up this RINO? Is it a smart, pragmatic strategy to support a moderate Republican in Rhode Island? Or are we selling out by propping him up? Email me your thoughts at MLewis@campaignleadership.com.
|
Help Me ... Help You ...
It's that time of year again ... time for me to ask you to help me make this blog even better. So here goes: 1. What would you like to see on this blog, that is currently not included? 2. What campaign tips would you like me to address? 3. ... Any other ideas or suggestions for me? Email me your thoughts at MLewis@campaignleadership.com
|
Ignore Thy Political Consultant ...
This Democrat candidate's blog ad has an interesting angle: "My consultant thinks blogs are a waste of money..."
|
Bush's Conservative Legacy
As I write this, President Bush has nominated Judge John Roberts and Judge Samuel Alito - two top-notch and qualified conservative jurists - to the Supreme Court. Judge Roberts has already been confirmed, and the prospects of Alito being confirmed are good. Should Justice John Paul Stevens, 84, a liberal, retire, Bush will have a chance to name a third replacement. Recently, I was talking with a Gary Marx of the Judicial Confirmation Network. Gary made a very good point: If Bush gets three conservatives appointed to the Supreme Court, it really doesn't matter what his other failings are: He will go down in history as a great conservative President.
This hat-trick would dramatically alter the philosophical makeup of the high court, and ensure Bush's legacy. If Bush puts three conservatives on the Supreme Court, most conservatives will willingly ignore his handling of illegal immigration, spending, and the deficit. His failure to reform Social Security won't be remembered, either. Of course, the reason for this is that changing the Supreme Court is a legacy unto itself. Bush has only three more years to serve, but reshaping the Supreme Court of the United States, will endure for decades, if not centuries. These three conservative Judges would dramatically impact the way America looks in the future. In short, this is what we've all been fighting for, all these years (this is precisely why the Harriet Miers nomination was so opposed). Conservatives have also learned that winning elections is good, but with all our electoral success, the culture has continued to decline. Politicians can pass good laws, but legislation does little good when a Judge overturns it. Changing the Supreme Court is the first step toward winning the culture war. It is the culmination of a lifetime's worth of work by some conservative activists. It should be noted that the liberals didn't seize academia, Hollywood, and the courts over night. It took years of organized efforts before the 1973 Roe decision (which many consider the high-point for liberals.) Likewise, it has taken conservatives forty years since Barry Goldwater's defeat in 1964, to get to this point. Conservatives, who realize the significance of the Supreme Court nomination battles, will rightly understand the importance of working hard to make these nominations a reality. To us, Bush's legacy is incidental icing on the cake. We want to change America for the better - and if Bush makes that happen - he rightly deserves our respect and affection. But the real heroes are the conservative activists who survived the Barry Goldwater campaign, helped elect Reagan, and now are about to win the "final frontier." A year ago, conservative Stephen Moore said, "Bush has an opportunity over the next four years to create a conservative New Deal, to be one of the most influential presidents in the last 50 years." To many who have watched Bush's approval ratings plummet, those words, uttered just a year ago, sound as off-key and out-of-date as Mili-Vanilli. In the maelstrom of political war, it's easy to assume things won't change. John F. Kennedy's legacy wasn't the Bay of Pigs, nor was Reagan's Iran-Contra. In a world that judges your performance based on the final score - not by how you played the first three quarters - it would serve to remember the words of Yogi Berra, "It ain't over till it's over."
|
The Annapolis Speech ...
Wes Pruden had a terric article about Dubya's speech in Annapolis, a few days ago. Here's an excerpt: "The speech was one of the best of his presidency. But it won't be enough unless, like most good and effective medicine, it is repeated often. This president, who came to office promising to restore the spirit of Ronald Reagan, does not have the instinctive regard for the power of rhetoric to thrill, to inspire, to put willing masses on the march. Perhaps the wasted years at Harvard, where aspiring masters of business management learn to reduce everything to cold beans for the counting, blinded him to how emotion, not mathematical theory, is what moves men to great deeds. Words without action, of course, are empty and foolish. Stonewall Jackson reminded his men that soldiers should make short speeches, "and when you unsheathe the sword throw away the scabbard." Just as small dreams have no power to inspire men, no soldier will follow the leader who sounds the call to battle with a sigh into an uncertain trumpet."
|
We've Got Email ...
... Seems yesterday's campaign tip on Spanish phrases has prompted several emails. Here are a few that represent the various sentiments: Tim in Maryland thinks I'm "pandering" ...
"If they cant speak English, what are the chances of them being Illegal Aliens? If I hear one more conservative pander to the Hispanics by looking the other way on immigration, I am going to blow my stack. Come on Matt, you can do better. "Karla wants even more info ..."Matt, Keep the emails coming. We are enjoying & learning from them. How do you say County Treasurer in Spanish?"And Sarah in Texas thinks my tip will benefit Texas conservatives ...
"This will be great for the TONS of Texans on your list."
|
| |
|
Digg This | 
Facebook | 
Technorati
