2012 Presidential Speculation

I last wrote a full article on 2012 Republican speculation in early October of 2009. Arguably, this is a different world than 13 months ago. The rate of change in the political spectrum over the course of the 2010 cycle has been so much so that one should stop to ponder some scientific source of free energy from it! That being said, it is time to look at some serious and not so serious issues facing the presidential elections of 2012.

To begin, one has to wonder what the current President is planning for 2012. Early speculators for the left are suggesting that Hillary is ready to jump in and save the party and the unpopular president, while others are publicly calling for the president to announce that he will not seek re-election now in order to stop short of absolute destruction of the Democratic Party. A saviour he was not! Of course, barring any major changes on the left, we should expect to see a very weak President unable to control his divided legislature and thus enter the race as a weak incumbent. His performance at the G20 summit and throughout Asia last week indicate that the world is no longer smelling what Barack is cooking!

The GOP faces two camps of contenders for 2012 - those who fell short in 2008 and those who are new to Presidential politics; Each has a strength and a weakness. Those who are past failures have name recognition, but also suffer from burn-out or simple distaste from the people - hey, we already said we didn't like your brand of politic. Those who are up and comers have the fresh sense of something new, but may struggle with name recognition on a serious national scale. For the old, they suffer from the changes over the past two years, as anyone can clearly tell 2012 is definitely no 2008 in the political world!

So, who is in and who is out for the GOP?

Fox News is running a series called "12 in 2012" where they highlight 12 candidates:

Those candidates includes: Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, Indiana Rep. Mike Pence, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.
McPike reports, “A thirteenth story is also planned with long-shots such as former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, and others like Donald Trump.”

I had looked into the campaigns of some potentials (mentioned in my 2009 article linked above). Idaho Gov. Otter is out, carrying only 59% of his state when the Republican Senator snagged 71%. ND Gov Hoeven easily won election as the US Senator from ND with 76% of the vote. Some time on the federal stage could lend credence to his libertarian tilt. Gov. Luis Fortuño of Puerto Rico is single handedly turning the liberal state into a conservative economic model, and his campaigning in 2010 with others around the nation have lended credence to him as an early pick.

So, who is in? Who is out? No one is talking just yet. Word is that some are waiting until after the first of the year, and after the new congress is seated. Some are waiting a bit longer to see who is jumping into the race.

Of the list above, who would I NOT support?
1. Mitt Romney. He is a big government moderate who has gained nothing since 2008, and remains somewhat of an elitist with respect to the people and the media. He has nothing good to offer the GOP... unless you need someone to sell you a used car.
2. Bobby Jindahl. Anyone who votes 'yes' on making the Patriot Act permanent will never get my vote. He would be the Bob Dole of 2012, and is not significant enough to move this country back into the hands of the people. His horrible state of the union response in 2009 was both the beginning and the end of his national level political career. He is best left to the people of Louisiana.
3. Sarah Palin. I know Palin is a fan favorite, but she cannot beat Obama, and she cannot unite the base. Her career move to leave Alaska's Governorship in 2009 (after just two years) destroyed her credibility as an elected official. For whatever her purpose, the end did not justify the means. Her re-election campaign in 2010 would have been the training for 2012, and her two more years running up to that election plus two more ahead of the 2012 election would have given her significant executive experience. Instead she became a cheerleader for the tea party, in my mind washing away all the hope and respect I had for her as an elected official.
4. Newt Gingrich. He may have been third in line for the top spot in the nineties, but this is not the nineties. Newt Gingrich is a relic, and does not have what it takes to 'right' the sinking ship.

Who would I support?
1. Luis Fortuño. A Puerto Rican bid for the presidency would send a shockwave through the nation. A territory of the US for over one hundred years, the island's population are US citizens, but hold no vote in the US federal government. They pay no federal taxes, but receive federal funds. Fortuño has spent the last two years reforming the island commonwealth into a tax haven, and has worked to drastically cut the size of the island's government - and the jobs that went with it. He is a rising star, and his campaign would not only draw a latino voting bloc, it would change the debate to one focused on our imperial policy of territories.
2. Ron Paul. His economic forecasts proved to be true. His foreign policy stance is very isolationist, much like most Americans pre-WWII. His followers have taken root in local and state parties across the nation, moving into key leadership positions. His backers have never quit the 2008 campaign. Ron Paul's followers are the reason for the Tea Party. The Campaign for Liberty has millions of followers. Ron Paul's appointment as the Chair of the Sub-Committee on Monetary Policy, which he will use to go after the Federal Reserve lends credence to his gain in popularity and credibility within the party, and the outcome of his crusade of the Fed could put him in a strong place to lead the field in 2012.
3. John Hoeven. If he can do something strong and dramatic within the Senate, he stands a chance to make a national name for himself. He is easily in the libertarian camp; arguably able to become the Ron Paul of the senate (notice Rand did not get that distinction). He did a great job in North Dakota, and could do a great job taking that same policy to D.C.

Others who Intrigue.
1. Lou Dobbs. There were feelers put out when he left CNN last year that he may be setting up for a 2012 run. Dobbs would do a great job in the mix.
2. Joe Arpaio. The Arizona County Sheriff will play the part of Tom Tancredo, getting tough on immigration. He holds general favor across the nation, and is already making the rounds.

Wikipedia is tracking 28 potential GOP contenders, with the prospect of a few more waiting in the wings. As the dust settles from November 2010, it will surely be interesting to see who decides to put a horse in the race for 2012.

Going Rogue or GOING ROUGE? Democrats Continue Attacks on Palin

h/t to The Daily Blogster for this story.

The left knows no shame. In response to Sarah Palin's memoir titled Sarah Palin, Going Rogue, an American Life , the left has published a book titled GOING ROUGE, Sarah Palin, an American Nightmare. Here are the covers of the books side by side:


Sarah Palin's book is on the right.

However, one would not know that at first glance. Both appear to be Sarah Palin's memoir, both appear to be written by Palin, and both are made to look exactly alike.

The left truly know no shame. They know no decency. And they work day and night in order to undermine liberty as if this is some sort of a childish game. They are true enemies to liberty, and acts such as this are a glaring mock of anyone holding an alternative belief.

I feel pity for them, really. What low level humans they are... what a shame to waste such a precious gift as life on fascist children. What is worse is that they think they are being so clever...

My advise - contact the publisher O/R Books with your concern over their childish game. And furthermore, purchase Palin's actual book to indicate support for liberty minded conservatives - whether she is your "gal" or not...

Does this make you angry? Sound off in the comments section!

Rotten Apples: Healthcare for those who still don't get it

Del over at Revolution of CG compares apples to apples in this great example of the cost AND impact of Socialized Insurance in the United States.


If this bill passes, we will be taxed so high that submission or revolution would be our only two options...

AND

PALIN RESPONDS TO OBAMA'S SPEECH... He attacked her, she socked it to him...

State's Sovereignty Bills Explode Across America

Special thanks to RP at Way Up North, and the Tenth Amendment Center, for bringing this information to my attention. States across the nation have, en masse, passed legislation or bills of some manner declaring their continued sovereignty from the Federal Government. As of today, 35 states have proposed or passed such bills - sending an overwhelming message (even from blue states) that the Federal Government is subject to checks and balances within the bounds of the Constitution.

Colorado State killed the bill in Committee - as did six other states... The remaining states have the bill in committee, passed in one or both houses, and in the case of Alaska, on the way to the Governors Desk... Do you think Gov. Palin will sign a sovereignty bill?

The text of the bill, similar across the multitude of states, speaks a resounding "Heck No" to subjugation of the states to federal authority outside of their Constitutional bounds. This example is pulled from the Alaskan version -

SENATE CS FOR CS FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 27 (2d RES)

Relating to the Sovereign Powers of the State

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF
ALASKA:

WHEREAS the Tenth Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States reads, “The powers not delegated to the United
States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to
the States respectively, or to the people”; and

WHEREAS
the Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being that
specifically granted by the Constitution of the United States and no more; and

WHEREAS some federal actions weaken states’ rights
protected by the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; and

WHEREAS the Tenth Amendment assures that we, the people
of the United States of America and each sovereign state in the Union of States,
now have, and have always had, rights the federal government may not usurp; and

WHEREAS art. IV, sec. 4, Constitution of the United
States, reads, “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a
Republican Form of Government,” and the Ninth Amendment to the Constitution of
the United States reads, “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the
people”; and

WHEREAS the United States Supreme Court
has ruled in New York v. United States, 112 S.Ct. 2408 (1992), that the
United States Congress may not simply commandeer the legislative and regulatory
processes of the states; and

WHEREAS all states,
including Alaska, find themselves regularly facing proposals from the United
States Congress that weaken states’ rights protected by the Tenth Amendment;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature hereby
claims sovereignty for the state under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution
of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the
federal government by the Constitution of the United States; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution serves as Notice
and Demand to the federal government to cease and desist, effective immediately,
mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.

COPIES of this resolution shall be sent to the
Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States; the Honorable Joseph R.
Biden, Jr., Vice-President of the United States and President of the U.S.
Senate; the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of
Representatives; the Honorable Lisa Murkowski and the Honorable Mark Begich,
U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Don Young, U.S. Representative, members of the
Alaska delegation in Congress; all other members of the 111th United States
Congress; the presiding officers of the legislatures of each of the other 49
states; and the governors of each of the other 49 states.

These remaining 28 bills - and even the 7 which have been killed - represent a strong stand against the federal authoritarian expansion of powers in violation of the Constitution of the United States. These state legislatures are making the stand necessary to ensure that These United States remain a collection of free and independent states, not a single nation state under Federal Rule.

I strongly urge every reader to write/call their local state legislator and explain to them the importance of declaring sovereignty at the state level - and ensure that the Federal Government gets the message that the People of the United States will not be ruled.

My previous post raised the question about the future of the Republican Party. If we use strong-arm Grassroots tactics such as this, and not rely on them merely as parlor tricks, then we become leaders within the Libertarian movement needed to return the GOP to the right - and ultimately to electoral victory. Though this is not a partisan issue, rather a state's rights issue, it MUST BE the GOP who drives the movement to regain standing.

As new potential candidates come forward - ask them how they would vote on a state sovereignty bill... and then continue to press the issue of state's rights and limited government... Let's vet the 2010 candidates fully and ensure that the next generation of GOP candidates breathes the necessary life into the party.

Live from New York, it's Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin, portrayed by Tina Fey, has become a parody dream for the Saturday Night Live team... and a nightmare for Palin's opinion by those who watch. Fey, and the SNL crew have systematically attempted to "decimate her" (as Chevy Chase so eloquently requested)...


Alas - Palin has once again proven that she is not afraid to take on tough opponents - and instead challenged Tina Fey to a "Palin-off"

My vote: Palin was the victor!

In the first clip, she was pointed and direct - taking on Alec Baldwin directly - who ran out scared with Tina Fey.

In the second clip, she showed that she was a good sport with all the labels and parody spots being used by SNL to mock her.

She appealed to the young voters, possibly some undecideds who may not know the difference between Tina Fey and Sarah Palin.

Ultimately, I have to say that the Real Sarah Palin was her Real Self!

Your thoughts?

Palin: Pointing Fingers at Bush, in the past, is NOT Change

Perhaps one of my favorite clips from the Vice Presidential debate last night was when Sarah Palin challenged the "change" that Obama/Biden represent, versus the reform that McCain/Palin represent. Obama and Biden are pushing the blame game, attempting to play off the emotion of the people, insisting that "A Republican by any other name is still a Bush!"

Palin struck back with the following:

h/t to Brigate for posting this clip at: Desde la resistencia - where she also explains why McCain may be hesitant to visit with her President in Spain.

Sarah Palin is right. Once the next President gets in office the fingers are going to be pointed at him! So your strategy had better be more than pointing fingers to bring the country together.

Real change is a reform in government - not a societal change of leftist policies and hate politics - there is no "Unity" in that... merely a political catch phrase. Obama has no record of Unity, and is openly disgusted by conservatives and Republicans in General. So much for "Change"

Palin Clear: Energy Independence GOP VP Focus

Sarah Palin cleared the muddied air about her ability and role as the next Vice President of the United States - she is there to take on the hurdle of ensuring energy independence in the Untied States. As the Vice President, she will ensure that the policy of "All of the Above" will bring about true energy independence in the United States!

The plan that she will enforce is a plan that will make the United States dependent on no one other than ourselves for energy. That includes a phased set of milestones, not a complete and immediate withdrawal from carbon based products (immediate withdrawal seems to be a common trend to Obama/Biden)

The plan will play out thusly:

1. Increase production of America's oil reserves - including shale. This will allow the current infrastructure to survive the transition to alternative energy. Obama/Biden see the need for alternative energy, but they refuse to admit that their policy will be grossly ineffective if they do not sustain the current infrastructure as we build the bridge to the future.

2. Invest in the capital of America's Future - Alternative Energy. Begin a process to incentivize car companies to steer away from Gasoline engines, tending towards Natural Gas or Electric. Establish an incentive program to encourage households to install solar panels - enough to reduce the need for residential power by a large percentage across America. Then begin to convert power usage from coal and oil to wind, solar, and the remaining nuclear plants built to initially sustain the energy system.

Palin is undoubtedly and undeniably the perfect candidate to take on energy independence. McCain giving her full reign in this arena was the best move for America's energy future.

In contrast, and as a side note, Biden's role as VP would be to council Obama, but let him be President... what kind of an answer is that?

Regardless - it is clear that Palin will be the leader in Energy Independence starting on day one as Vice President of these United States.

McCain and the Bail-Out

On July 17, 2007 I wrote a short article about John McCain's failure as his campaign seemingly fell apart. It was an article no more than two-three sentences that left me eating crow when his campaign rallied back to win the nomination. It was inspired by the following cartoon:


So now we are seeing the second crumbling of the McCain campaign - and I am left wondering if the strong finishing maverick has what it takes to turn it around?

As early voting is already underway in the battleground state of Ohio, it is necessary to look at McCain's failures and what he must do to turn them around NOW!

1. McCain saw his biggest bump when he picked Sarah Palin, but has spent the last month trying too hard to conform her to McCain Jr. What he needs to do is let the tiger out of her cage! Sarah Palin works best when she is allowed to lead - not when she is being micromanaged and shielded from being the hardball player that she naturally is. Hopefully tomorrow's debate will be the beginning of the Palin rally, and she will come out swinging against Joe Biden.

2. McCain has stayed negative. John's constant attacks of Obama are failing to succeed. This is a time when McCain needs to lay out his economic plan, his energy plan, his tax plan, etc. No more attack ads. Everyone knows WHO John McCain is, but he has failed to say what he stands to do - besides making the authors of earmark legislation famous... Unfortunately Earmarks are not the source of the problem right now!

3. Focus on leadership. John McCain gathered 60 votes in support of the failed bailout plan - there were 4 House votes originally - McCain brought over 60 additional. McCain has the ability to lead the party and the country - He just needs to do it in a way that is not supporting a growing government and bad policy!

4. Come out against Bush. McCain needs to run an ad, or give a speech that hits Bush hard on the size of government. He needs to say that bush was distracted from his role as a conservative leader, and caused the government to grow - and then lay out a plan to shrink the size and the authoritarian nature of this government. Bush has not campaigned for McCain, and endorses him only as a Republican - so why not send a Conservative/Libertarian message that enough is enough on government growth, and He is the only candidate pledging to reduce the size and spending of the government by ~25% in four years.

5. Buy a two minute spot before the Vice Presidential debate on all channels in which he can make a case for his presidency. Everyone is going to be watching the VP debate to see Palin perform, so this is the perfect time to catch the attention of America. He needs to spell out his plan, and lay it all on the line then. Early voting is already under way in some states, and Mail-in ballots are a week away in Colorado. Now is the time!

If John McCain is going to make a move, it needs to be done NOW. The general election is one month away, but a majority of ALL voting will be complete within the next two weeks. Americans have been encouraged to become a "mail-in" ballot country - what is more patriotic than staying home and voting in your pajamas? If McCain intends on finishing first, all cards need to be laid on the table, all bluffs need to be called, and he needs to go all-in... This is it, folks... all or nothing!

Vice President - Biden or Palin as the Future?

As Joe Biden continues his embarrassing string of gaffes, one has to wonder what Obama must have been thinking in selecting Joe. If foreign policy was his only discriminator, Biden is even sketchy on that - as he has been wrong for about 30 years!

But what I want to question is the importance of the Vice Presidential selection, and what it is supposed to represent as the future of the respective party.

When a President's term is up, it is generally the Vice President who is the next in line to run for the party in power. This election is an anomaly, which was widely discussed after the 2004 Bush victory, in that Cheney would not seek the Oval Office.

As we look at our prospects for President, we must also look at the selection of VP running mates, and what they represent for the next election cycle.

Obama's selection of Joe Biden would indicate that, should Obama/Biden win, Biden would be next in line in 2016. If Biden insists, as Cheney did, that he would not seek the White House in 2016, it would bring into question the selection of VP candidates, and the role of the VP for the future of the White House. More importantly, it represents the end of the Clintons in White House politics. If Obama and Biden gain victory, and Biden makes the move in 2016, Clinton would appear as a spoiler should she attempt to unseat the "next in line" candidate.


Obama's selection of Joe Biden means that the future of the Democratic Party - in a Post Obama Democratic Party - will be in the hands of a 74 year old Presidential Candidate, which is two years older than John McCain in the 2008 race. Biden will not just be a 74 year old, but a 74 year old with a history of aneurysms. Biden, as a symbol of the future of the Democratic party, and as a symbol of the future of America, is not a confidence builder on either front! That, of course, does not bring into account that less than 1% of Democrats wanted the gaffe master as their candidate to begin with.

Now let's look at the Republican selection. John McCain recognized that he needed to make a selection for the future of the party, and a leader for the future of America. Sarah Palin will be 52 in 2016, and 48 in 2012 - assuming that McCain stays only one term in office. Palin represents the conservative wing of the Feminist movement. Palin represents Conservative Reform in the party. Palin has the ability to bring the country together under a clean government initiative, sweeping ethics reforms in business and government dealings, and bring our society back from the brink.

As I watch the Presidential Race, I have to look at the Vice Presidential choices as the first indicator of decision making ability and intent for the future.

Palin was a great choice. Though she is not a well known Washington insider power house, she has the experience and the ability - her record of advancement proves it. And she did it all on her own.

Biden has indicated that he was a poor choice as a running mate, that he was wrong on foreign policy remarks, that the White House is not a place where you get OJT, that Obama is wrong on America's energy future, that FDR was president in 1929 - and that we had Television in 1929, that Indians are welcome in his community at the 7-11's, and that Obama makes poor judgement in his campaign advertisements.

Who best represents the future of our nation?

Major Hillary Supporter Endorses McCain - Obama's Media Works to Angrily Defend Obama

Campbell Brown, CNN reporter, writes off a major McCain endorsement as just being a "Bitter Hillary Supporter".

Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a very wealthy Hillary Democrat, has endorsed John McCain and Sarah Palin for 2008, citing that Obama's Audacity is egotistically elite, and goes against the core values of modesty and humility needed in a successful leader - traits which McCain exude.

Watch the body language put out by Obama's Campbell Brown. These media hacks are so uncomfortably angry any time someone says something negative about their boy, Barry Hussein, that they can barely contain themselves in their seat.

God bless reason and logic, as shown by the level headed Mrs. Rothschild in this interview. Logic and reason will ultimately trump emotion based irrationality.

Biden: Our Platform is to Redistribute Wealth

Biden has finally admitted what we have known for so long - the goal of the Obama/Biden Democratic party is to force the final bits of socialization of the Untied States.

Call me a fear monger? Or am I just telling the truth?

Biden told ABC's "Good Morning America" that the wealthy must pay more taxes to show their patriotism.

"it’s time to be patriotic … time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut."

What Biden seems to be forgetting to tell people is that an increased tax at the higher level, coupled with a near elimination of taxes at the lower level is nothing more than redistribution of wealth. It is a punishment of those who work hard and accomplish more. It is a punishment on intellect, innovation, and accomplishment.

And what Biden fails to recognize is that Free distribution of wealth, through charity work and charity giving, is the True American Way!

Now, I would not expect Biden to recognize charitable giving, considering that his $300,000 income only afforded him $350 worth of bread crumbs to toss to the poor.

The socialization of America is nearly complete:

• The US government is continuing to "bail-out" mega-companies with Taxpayer dollars, seating the US government as the CEO of each company. They are months away from a complete take-over of the entire business market. Do you think the Taxpayers have a say? No - we are merely the working pawns, generating worth (not wealth) for the continuation of the government.
• The US has taken education out of the hands of the states, and federalized a state institution with "No Child" legislation. Obama and Biden promise to go further, eliminating state control to ensure equal schooling (for better or worse) throughout the United States, run entirely by a central Dept. of Education. Any hope for school choice? No - we cannot be trusted to educate our own children, or choose who we want educating them on our behalf.
• The Dept of Treasury has long since been usurped by the Federal Reserve, but in light of the current economic crisis it is important to point out the failure of the Federal Reserve. The Fed has no consideration for actual wealth - only perceived wealth. It is an institution that has devalued the American Dollar to the point that the money is worth less than the paper it is printed on. A perfect example is in the AIG bail-out. The answer from the Fed was to flood the market with newly printed dollars - driving the value of the dollar down. This gives the perception of wealth... however, when a $0.69 loaf of bread costs $5.00, and you find yourself in a breadline, you can thank the Socialist Reserve - um - the Federal Reserve.

The list goes on.

With Obama/Biden at the helm, the transformation from a Republican form of Government (article IV, section 4 - US Constitution) into a Socialist form of Government will be complete. They have shown the intent of their "change" to be the transformation of a free society to a society of proletarians - a working class whose only purpose is to provide worth for the government to continue survival.

Understand that the Socialist philosophy indicates that the source of wealth is labor. The more we work, as a collective society, the better off our society will be in the end. This is precisely the case for the symbolism of the socialist parties: Hammer, sycle, and gear. Symbols of labor. Dumb, hard, labor. From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.

In contrast, the Capitalist philosophy indicates that the source of wealth is innovation. The free market's freedom to succeed and fail based on leadership, new ideas, and creativity in the market causes fluctuation, but is based on the success of new technology.

If there was ever more of a reason to NOT vote for Obama, it would be that he supports the path that Bush has put the nation on - one of an authoritarian Socialized society. John McCain and Sarah Palin are the true anti-Bush on society, and have pledged to revisit the rules and regulations that are as outdated as an Atari. The real shake-up comes from a candidate with new ideas - not the instillation of old Marxist ideas.

Don't give Obama/Biden the free pass on their ideals. They are in favor of the further socialization of this once great nation... Don't support the "Che 2008"!

Liberals and the "God Problem" - Obama Claims to "Hear God"

If there is one thing that a liberal hates more than a conservative, it is a God Fearing Conservative! Never mind if the head of the Democratic Party claims to hear the voice of God... read on for the full story:

Recent attacks on Sarah Palin, because she is a practicing Christian, have directed the argument in that matter - if a Conservative is a Christian, they must be some Radical Crusader hell bent on converting Americans by the thousands.

The Obamedia has been reporting on half-truths and outright lies regarding Sarah Palin claiming that the war in Iraq is a mission from God - even ABC's Charlie Gibson attempted a hack job attack on Sarah Palin regarding a half-quote from a speech she gave.

The truth of the quote, however, was that Sarah Palin was suggesting that all things we do in the US, be it in war and peace, we should pray that they are being done out of God's Will, not our own - and that prayer should help us determine what is the right course of actions. It was a paraphrase of Abraham Lincoln's belief that what he was doing in maintaining the Union was the will of God, lest the north should not win.

Sarah Palin prays, and is demonized because of it. Because the Liberals want to strike fear in the heart of their fellow man that love of God is wrong? Because Liberals want to start a panic that Christians are hell-bent on bringing the inquisition to the United States? Yes. But it is all lies.

Where Conservatives are hated for their faith, Liberals are embraced for their bravery in standing up for liberal ideals under the tyranny of Christian Values... or it is ignored all together, as if discussing a Liberal's faith is off limits.

In January, Barack Obama gave an interview with Beliefnet.com, in which he CLAIMED HE HEARS THE VOICE OF GOD:

The prayer that I tell myself every night is a fairly simple one: I ask in the name of Jesus Christ that my sins are forgiven, that my family is protected and that I am an instrument of God's will. I'm constantly trying to align myself to what I think he calls on me to do. And sometimes you hear it strongly and sometimes that voice is more muted.

Why is it that Charlie Gibson does not berate Obama over the claims that he hears the voice of God? Why doesn't Saturday Night Live do a skit suggesting that because Obama is a Christian that he thinks dinosaurs are a failed animal which lived 4000 years ago?

The answer is simple. The left use religion as a tool to attack the right - claiming that religion is for the fools and ignorant to "cling to". The left have pushed themselves so far from religion or spirituality that to pin someone as religious is to slander them as a radical idiot.

The left embrace the religion of secularism, not of the state but of the self. They embrace the religion of Atheism, forcing the perception that there is no God but the government.

So what problem comes when Barack Obama claims to hear the voice of God? From the left, there is none. They won't acknowledge the claim.

Swing States: Swinging for McCain/Palin!

Rasmussen/Fox polls in key swing states shows the change in momentum between the two presidential campaigns. The poll indicated that McCain closed the gap on 3 point Obama Lead, to come out ahead by 2% - a 5 point swing toward the McCain campaign in the state of Colorado.

Real Clear Politics also shows that the PPP (D) poll, favoring Obama by 4 points now favors Obama by only 1 point in Colorado - well within the margin of error of that poll.

Obama's campaign is losing steam in many key swing states - most notably Pennsylvania, with 21 electoral votes. If McCain can swing Pennsylvania, Obama will be unable to catch him in the electoral count. Taking a look at the breakdown in Pennsylvania, Obama is holding the core Democrat vote, but losing with unaffiliated voters by 23 points (55% - 32%). What is most notable in this state is that McCain is making his gains while Obama is holding steady, indicating (as noted above) that unaffiliated voters are swinging for John McCain and Sarah Palin in the Keystone State.

Another key state in this race, Florida, has moved from the "toss up" category, to the "Leaning McCain" category, indicating a favor for McCain of more than 5% on the average - a great number for McCain!

A look at other swing states shows a trend that should have the Obama campaign moving into crisis mode.

Minnesota (10) - Obama's 12 point lead dwindles to a tie in the latest polls - Obama lead by 1% on average.

New Mexico (5) - CNN poll indicated Obama's lead post Palin was 13%, now Rasmussen indicates a McCain 2% lead in the state. Unable to determine the average in that state.

Michigan (17) - An Obama 5 point spread has been cut to a 2 point spread for Obama - indicating a McCain surge in that state.

Missouri (11) - The "Show Me" State is showing a liking for McCain/Palin, moving from the toss-up category into McCain's category, indicating 11 electoral votes for the Big Mac and the Cuda.

Washington (11) - Though Obama is still leading this state, McCain is showing a surge in the Evergreen state, while Obama is showing slipping poll numbers. Is Washington going to end up in play in 2008?

The fact of the matter is that, even with the media squarely supporting Obama - and making no secret of it - the Obama campaign is in disarray. The LA Times' Jonah Goldberg suggests that Obama's inexperience is beginning to show, indicating that Obama has never run a successful campaign against a Republican opponent. He also reports that the Obama camp has vowed 4 other times to face off and fight dirty against McCain, but come up short and with the same message that is not working: McCain is too close to Bush - making him McSame. This message is a good talking point for Democrat Core voters, but it is not catching on with Independent and unaffiliated voters. Why?

Lieberman's endorsement indicates that McCain is appealing to independent voters, and continually stumps that McCain stood up against Bush on issues, like the surge.

The Palin pick indicates that McCain is ready to embark on a reform conquest in Washington, picking the most popular Governor in the US, who is a known outsider and reformer. The attacks on Palin by the media and the left (I repeat myself) have backfired, showing significant support for the Alaskan Governor - indicating that the media is not only in Obama's camp, but out of touch with the voters.

If the 2008 Republican Primary taught us anything, it is that McCain is a strong finisher, bringing out the big guns when it matters. He has done that with the Palin pick, and he is doing that with the direct push towards Obama's inexperience.

If the McCain Palin bump is over, like the MSM reported yesterday, it is definitely not a burst bubble, but a new plateau. The Obama campaign, however, continues to plummet in national and state polls. With 49 days left to go, anything can happen - but the outlook is not so good for Obama.

Palin/Clinton on SNL - Parody Politics & "Experience"

I can picture it now - it is similar to the Oscar's...

The award for Woman in a Leading Role... The nominees are:

Hillary Clinton - in "No Country for Old Man" - The tale of the 2008 campaign that wasn't

Sarah Palin - in "Into the Wild" - The tale of one woman's political enlightenment in the Alaskan Wild

And the Oval Office goes to: (drum roll) SARAH PALIN, for her wonderful role as a small town woman who found herself in the Alaskan Frontier, and brought those values and life lessons to the lower 48 states!

This image popped into my head as I watched the SNL skit featuring Tina Fey as the stereotyped Sarah Palin - a know-nothing Conservative gun-toter from nowhere Alaska, and Amy Poehler as stereotyped Hillary Clinton - a nut-cracking, power hungry pants-suit.

Though I think they did a hack job on Palin, over playing her stereotype - I am pretty confident that they nailed Hillary's reaction spot on... I am sure there was more pulling out her hair than ripping apart the podium, however.

Regardless, as the world continues to get to know Sarah Palin, including Obama's army of lawyers and investigators rummaging through Alaska's landfills looking for ANY dirt on Palin, they are beginning to see a very capable conservative. And it is Palin's conservative views, shared by most Americans, that the Liberal Media, like SNL, don't seem to understand - perhaps because they actually think that New York thinking and living (such as Sex and the City) is the rule, rather than the exception in America. Let me tell you Lib-Media types something... you are wrong - a thousand times over.

Sarah Palin is every woman. She is my mother, my grandmother, my sister, and my friend. Not only does she appeal to the every-woman, but she appeals to me... the conservative guy. She is a reformer, an executive, and the future of the GOP - youth and women are now given a new face within the Republican Party with which they can relate.

The attacks on her experience? Even if she had been Governor for 20 years in Alaska, the answer would be that Alaska is a state of only 600,000 people, less than the population of the city of San Francisco and just over the population of Oklahoma City. Governor of such a small amount of people must not be in touch with the complexities of the real world.

Palin has 8 years of Executive Experience - 6 years as Mayor of Wasilla, the 4th largest town of Alaska, behind Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau; and two years as the Governor and Commander In Chief of the State of Alaska.

Palin has 4 years Legislative Experience - serving on the Wasilla City Council.

Palin has 2 years Judicial Experience - serving as Chairman of the Alaskan Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. This role also gives her almost expert insight into energy independence issues.

That is 14 years of tested leadership of notable measures.

If the Democrats are going to go to war against small town USA, supposing that work in small or sparsely populated states or regions doesn't count as "real experience" - hinting that small town citizens are somehow inferior to their North Eastern metropolis cousins... That is a battle I firmly welcome. Small town USA will win every time!

Attacks against Pentecostal Faith - Palin's Faith

Sarah Palin attended a church in which their faith practices being overcome by the Holy Spirit. And the attacks continue.

The left is justifying general attacks and fear mongering about the Pentecostal faith because of the right's attacks against Obama's Rev. Wright - and his daring proclamations of "God Damn America", amongst other hate-filled speech against race and the US.

So, to the left, a faith is now fair game. That Pentecostals practice the "unusual" belief of being overcome by the Holy Spirit, and therefore we should fear that Sarah Palin would be overcome and embarrass herself by her practice of faith?

Oh - right - the same way that King David embarrassed himself:

To those who are attacking Palin because of her faith - STOP.

I know that the left is grasping at straws, but let's be clear. Practicing religion is different than filling hearts with hate towards a country. There is no comparison here. Trying to scare voters away from Palin because of her faith is a direct assault on the faith - period.

However, attacking an individual for claims of a white conspiracy, and who openly damns America in his church is NOT an attack on faith, but an attack on character of the individual, and the individuals who allow the hate speech to continue.

We live in a country where we are free to worship - there is no one church, no one right of passage. It is okay to not understand, but do not fear. All organized faiths believe or practice something different.

Catholics pray to saints, and kneel before statues of Christ. They even set up shrines to oil markings on the side of highways that may resemble Mary or Christ.

Pentecostals believe that they are overcome with the Holy Spirit, and worship through song and over the top convulsions and dance, and that speaking in tongues is the language unknown to any but God.

Baptists do not allow children into their faith, via baptism, until they are old enough to understand the significance of the baptism.

The list goes on and on... Each religion has it's oddity. And each stems from an understanding of the Holy Scriptures. To deny one as unholy is to deny all. They are all manifestations of the Scriptures, and all serve to work towards the Halleluyah - or living in continuous praise.

Let not your hearts be troubled by hate.

269-269 Electoral Tie - Civics 101 or 440?

Colorado and New Hampshire are absolute MUST WINS for McCain/Palin, else we find ourselves in a constitutional crisis where the House of Reps would be responsible to select the President of these United States, and under the 12th Amendment, the Senate would select the Vice President.
Let's start this discussion by looking at the electoral map. Based on the most recent state-by-state polls, three states previously won by Bush may be leaning towards Obama - Iowa, New Mexico, and Colorado. One state won by Kerry in 2004 may be leaning towards McCain - New Hampshire. If this is the case, there is no majority winner in the electoral college vote. Each party will receive only 269 votes, and as such, no President will be named due to the outcome of the election.

The 12th Amendment of the Constitution states that in the case of no majority in the electoral college, the vote for President goes to the House of Representatives, each state receiving only one vote, and similarly a separate vote will be cast for the Vice-Presidency. This means that the party tickets could be broken up, and the representatives will select the party leadership.

What my research has found is that it would not be the current Congress who casts the votes - rather the newly elected Congress. This would potentially give Obama an advantage, as the representatives of each state will have to work together to cast a vote for the state - a heavy loss in Congressional seats by Republicans would ensure that a vote favors the Democrats (could be Obama, could be another compromise Democrat, like Hillary).

Unfortunately, if a state delegation is tied, the votes from that state are uncounted. Below is a map of the 2006 election results, giving an example of which states would be in favor of which candidate, assuming no seats are lost to either party. Unfortunately, it is only a guide, as the house moved seats from some states to Western states growing in population.

If everyone in the House kept their seat, and neither party gained a single seat, Democrats would win: Democrats 28, Republicans 21, Tie 2. Obama wins, 28 votes to 21 (total is 51 because Washington, D.C. is counted as state for presidential elections).

Fortunately, the likelihood of another 2006 style Republican defeat is unlikely. The most important point to note is that Republicans must win in key states, where a vote would come down to one vote or a tie - turning the votes in favor of the Republican Candidates.

Stepping back from this scenario, it is dangerously clear that two states are in play for 2008 at this time: New Hampshire (where current polling gives Obama a 0.3% lead) and Colorado (where current polling gives Obama a 1.0% lead). If New Hampshire follows the suit of the Northeast, electing Democrats, and Colorado is pulled back into the traditional role of voting for Republicans, the crisis is averted, and McCain/Palin wins the election.

Should Colorado and New Hampshire both fall in favor of Obama, Obama wins at 273 electoral votes.

It is evidently clear that Colorado is the key state to both campaigns. The next President of the United States is going to have to set up a condo in Colorado... they can't afford not to!

McCain in the Polls - the Palin Bump is Killing Obama

Barack Obama's moment in the limelight may quickly be coming to an end. 30+ Million viewers watched his historic acceptance speech in his extravagantly constructed Greek Theatre on Thursday August 28th.

But then came August 29th - what will likely be known as Obama's Black Friday.

McCain made an announcement that would send shock waves through the political world - He named a little known, but highly effective reform Governor from the "tiny" state of Alaska as his running mate.

Instead of replaying the Obama speech on a loop all day Friday, Obama's speech was nowhere to be found. Instead, the news media was frantically trying to cover a HUGE story about someone they knew NOTHING about. They were left grasping at straws, trying to make a story - any story... and they ended up feeling the big hurt because of it. Their anointed one was no longer the story.

Sarah Palin, the first woman on the GOP ticket, gave her acceptance speech after 5 days of constant press coverage - to an audience of 30+ Million... even though she was covered by four less networks.

It would appear that McCain chose correctly.

And McCain's acceptance speech - one week after Obama's visual and oratory dream - received more viewership than Obama.

The game had clearly been changed - and all of Obama's attacks about making a poor choice for VP, and a week of comparing his record to that of the GOP VP nominee eliminated a commanding lead in the polls and in the headlines of all the major news outlets.

Obama's choice of Biden was intended to show strength through experience - but it showed a poor choice in planning for the future of the Democratic Party.

McCain's choice of Palin was intended to show reform through ethics and values - and hit the nail on the head.

Obama's failure to foresee McCain's strategy, and his clamoring in the week and a half since Palin was named as the VP have weakened his standing with the independents, the youth, the experienced - pretty much anyone outside of the "tow-the-line" Democratic Party.

Gallup reported yesterday on the swing heard around the world - a 9 point gain for McCain and a 4 point drop for Obama in two weeks - that is a 13 point swing in McCain's favor since the conventions kicked off. Gallup is not alone. As you can see in the attached graphic, McCain is tied or leading Obama in the selection of polls making up the RCP average, giving McCain a 1.2 point national advantage over Obama, representing an average swing of 8 points nationally in McCain's favor.

Sarah Palin represents a few things -

1. The strength of the "Every Woman" movement. This is different than the other wing of the feminist movement, where-in women have to become men to compete with them. The 'Every Woman' feminist is one who represents strength AND femininity. This is the Hockey Mom/Soccer Mom crowd.

2. Vitality. Her youth and endurance represent the future of a party - one who is capable of growth and leadership over a lengthy term of service.

3. Reform. When McCain picked Palin, he made the message loud and clear - The Republican Ticket was a reform ticket! Palin has cut the throats of corrupt Republicans with the ease of a warm knife in butter, and with a smile on her face. It is this same drive for a clean government that invigorates the voters who are desperate for a different kind of politician. They feel that they have that more with Palin on the GOP ticket than the duo of Obama/Biden.

For the time being, the Underdog campaign of John McCain has been boosted with the strength of Wonder-Woman. Scoring 54% in the USA/Gallup poll indicates that the independent voter may be willing to make a bet on the future by way of a reformed conservative movement, rather than a party representing the changing style of our society.

The Palin Bump has hit the polls - and even though she is number two on the ticket, there are many voters now decidedly supporting a "Palin/McCain" White House.

McCain/Palin: It's Official - GOP Runs Reform Ticket

John McCain made it official tonight - he has accepted the call to duty as the candidate for the Republican Party!

But he did not do it quietly. John McCain issued a warning to all politicians and lobbyists - "A Change Is Coming". That change is in the form of a new deal, a break from Partisan Politics and a break from corruption and business as usual in Washington DC. John McCain promises to lead the nation in a much needed reform of her leaders and their corruption.

How better can John McCain, Republican Candidate for the Presidency, show the citizens of this country that his promise of actual change - of actual reform in DC - is true? Sarah Palin.

John McCain and Sarah Palin represent the most frightening duo to the status quo in the District of Columbia, quoting John McCain:

"I’m not in the habit of breaking promises to my country and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we’re going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country’s problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it. And we’ve got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience, judgment and backbone to keep our word to you.”

For years I have held a disdain for Senator John McCain - for his often liberal legislation that struck at the very core of what I believed. And I will make the admission now that this ill feeling was partisan in nature... McCain broke ranks with the Republicans on one too many issues.

However, with the selection of Sarah Palin and the message delivered tonight, I believe that I can truly support the mission that John McCain is taking on - a mission of reform.

The GOP needs reform from her ranks swollen with corruption.

The Democrats need reform from their corrupt dealings within the once highly respected offices in the federal government.

Washington DC needs reform from it's Pork Barrell ways, aimed at encouraging lobbyists and providing a breeding ground for scandal and corruption.

And the federal government needs reform from a set of rules and regulations put in place in a time when business and the world worked much differently under very different technologies.

John McCain is taking the mantra from Obama - and promises to deliver true Change.

Obama's change is that of increasing government influence in our daily lives - changing from a libertarian based society to a socialist based society.

McCain's change is that of fixing the ills in the government, reducing it's size, and ensuring that the citizens are released from the authoritarian society we fear, and are allowed to live locally under more personal responsibility - the way this country was intended in it's founding.

Sarah Palin was the ticket for me. John McCain has won my endorsement and my vote!

The Bold and the Beautiful… and the Pitbull!

Consider Sarah Palin officially introduced to the nation! Now the voters of America know what I have been trying to explain for nearly a year – Sarah Palin is the future of the Republican Party, and the Democrats’ worst nightmare!

Her speech last night was feminine, but firm; showing that a Hockey Mom from small town America truly does have what it takes to lead this nation. For all the slander and slime that the liberal left has attempted to throw her way over the last five days, Sarah Palin delivered a bold “Shame On You!” with her cheeky yet inspiring address at the RNC.

"I think Sarah Palin can do a one-two punch better than Muhammad Ali," Kansas state Sen. Karin Brownlee said after the speech. "And I think she delivered it just square on the opponents' face. I think she has energized the Republican Party like we haven't seen in a long time."

Where the GOP was left with cracks and concerns after a John McCain nomination – a general level of unease in selecting a centrist maverick who openly toyed with the thought of appointing an Independent Democrat to share the ticket – Sarah Palin has repaired those cracks. Sarah Palin stood with the grace of royalty and celebrity, but delivered a speech with the strength of a no-holds-barred hitman ready to take on the media and the left. Sarah Palin has successfully united the GOP – and now she is reaching out to independents and inviting them back into the large tent of the Republican Party.

And for all the inspiration and energy she brings to the Republican Ticket, she is instilling the same amount of fear in the hearts of the Democrats. Left wingers in the blogosphere are attacking her speech now for lack of substance and mean-spiritedness, not realizing that it was a shot across the bow of the national press and DC insiders – warning them to back off of her and her family. Her strength and poise are inspiring to the GOP, and drawing attacks from the left. The GOP has a shiny beacon on the hill, and her name is Sarah Palin. She has the power to ensure that the change in America is a conservative one, and that we get back to being Americans – not Socialist European wannabees.

The left have got their hands full now! The Republicans are ready to fight, ready to reform, and ready to lead!

“A Man Who Never Quits is Never Defeated”

Fred Thompson stole the show last night at the Republican National Convention. His energized and moving toast to John McCain and Sarah Palin at the top of the ticket inspired Republicans and set the tone for how tough this ticket is going to be for Democrats in November.

He hit Obama and the Democratic controlled congress hard – claiming that their politics do not represent change, rather, they represent the same old stuff they have been peddling for years. Fred Thompson threw down the gauntlet on the liberal notion of change, and on the liberal definition of progress. The change is that the Democrats plan to run the most liberal government, establish the most liberal bureaucracies, and ensure the most liberal judges in the history of the US – the sure undoing of the intended freedoms established by our founding fathers.

But the best line of the entire speech was this: “A man who never quits is never defeated”. John McCain is that man. He has spent an entire career fighting the Republican Establishment – challenging change in his own right. Some of his issues are not my favorites (immigration reform and campaign finance reform), but his pursuit of what he believed to be right has won him notice on the national stage, and branded him as the original maverick. John McCain and Sarah Palin represent reform for the GOP, and a different kind of hope for America – a hope that we can return to conservative government that is smaller and more locally controlled, a government that balances it’s budget and controls wasted spending, and a government that eliminates taxes and allows Americans to keep their hard earned money. Fred Thompson made it clear that McCain/Palin is the best bet for America. The full video of his speech is below: