Wooing Fredheads
As soon as Fred Thompson announced he was dropping out of the GOP race, friends, acquaintances and total strangers started trying to win Thompson supporter Rick Moran over to McCain, Huck, Romney or Rudy. Who will he and his fellow depressed Fredheads turn to for their second choice?
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Less than 10 minutes after Fred Thompson’s announcement that he was dropping out of the Republican presidential race hit the wires, one of my good internet friends IM’d me.
FRIEND: Sorry to hear about Fred. Gd mn. (Good man)
ME: SUCKS THE BIG ONE
FRIEND: He wll b missed.
ME: IT REALLY, REALLY SUCKS
FRIEND: Kinda sucks 2bu right now, huh?
ME: YA. DOPE.
FRIEND: btw - given any thought to supporting Mitt?
ME: ARGGGGHHHH
There I was not ten minutes after my political world came crashing down, with my guts spilled out all over my keyboard and my emotions as raw as fresh hamburger, and one of my best friends was trying to recruit me for his guy, Mitt Romney.
If timing is everything in politics, my buddy violated the first rule by interrupting someone in the process of committing hara-kiri. He could have at least waited until the blood stopped flowing.
And it wasn’t long after that conversation that the emails began to arrive, all weirdly similar. They would start out saying how sorry they were that Fred had dropped out, praising him for being a good guy and a true conservative, and then launch into a sales spiel about their particular candidate and why I should support him.
That was yesterday, and most of those emails were from people I knew. Today, I am getting emails from total strangers. I find most of them extremely annoying.
Here’s an example:
You should DEFINITELY support John McCain now that Thompson has quit. McCain is the ONLY candidate that can defeat Hillary in nov all the polls PROVE it. He is a REAL american hero and will fight the terrorists wherever they are hiding.
He is the best candidtae for the repubs and every one KNOWS it.
McCain is the ONLY candidate left in the race who is a TRUE conservative. If you fredheads were smart you’d switch to McCain.
My reply was unprintable but inquired as to the gentleman’s questionable ancestry. It also offered a couple of short but sweet recommendations — in not very clinical terms, I’m afraid — about where and how he could put his sentiments.
Being wooed in this manner would be flattering if the attentions were wanted. I guess now I know how Britney Spears feels. Well, I would if I were an ex-teenage pop star with mental health issues and an impulse control problem. Perhaps a better analogy would be woman being pursued by several suitors, who, while uninterested in spending the rest of her life with them, doesn’t wish to hurt their feelings to the point that they would forego giving her the expensive presents and nights on the town she has become accustomed to.
In this vein, I have decided not to support any candidate in the primaries and to revisit the issue once the GOP chooses a nominee. Judging from what I’ve read from many of my fellow Fredheads, I am not alone in choosing this path — although I’m certainly not in the majority.
For most who supported Thompson, there is that all-important second choice. And to analyze who will probably benefit the most from Thompson’s pullout, you must look from where Thompson’s major support was coming.
Exit polls in South Carolina revealed that Thompson did very well among those who identified themselves as “very conservative” and evangelical. This would seem to indicate that the bulk of Thompson supporters would gravitate toward former Arkansas governor and ordained Baptist preacher Mike Huckabee.
But Fred also scored well among those who thought that illegal immigration and terrorism were important issues. Looking at that evidence, Mitt Romney and John McCain would seem to benefit from Thompson’s withdrawal.
In short, if a Fredhead is inclined to vote according to issues, McCain and Romney could benefit the most. If a Thompson supporter believes ideology or values should be the determining factor, Mike Huckabee could be the likely beneficiary.
My sense is that Mitt Romney will probably receive the biggest boost from Fred’s withdrawal. Most Thompson supporters I know are livid with Mike Huckabee’s underhanded tactics in South Carolina and would never vote for him for that reason. And while some of Fred’s supporters will no doubt be attracted by the strong national security credentials exhibited by John McCain, the Arizona Senator’s track record on illegal immigration would probably disqualify him from consideration by most.
To be honest, I see no reason any of Thompson’s supporters would consider supporting Rudy Giuliani. But people vote for a candidate for many reasons so I’m sure Rudy will get a share of Fred’s supporters.
But all of this leaves me cold. Fred Thompson was not the most exciting candidate and certainly not the best campaigner. It was his philosophy and ideas that captured me and earned my loyalty and support. It is very difficult to simply transfer your allegiance to someone who might represent only a pale echo of your candidate’s qualities. So for that reason, I will sit and watch with interest as the drama of the campaign plays out to the end, hoping that the eventual nominee will be someone I can vote for without too much discomfort.
Rick Moran blogs at Right Wing Nuthouse.
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47 Comments
Key:If you want a well-prepared straight-shooter, who will also punch the hippies, then pick Rudy!
Check out this endorsement (4 min.)
Jan 24, 2008 - 2:46 am DeeAnn:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODUfAQYzgH8
I feel your pain. While I’m not a Fredhead, by the time he dropped out, Fred was my second choice. If my candidate dropped out I don’t know who I’d vote for either. I would have to seriously look at all of them and even consider Democrat and Independent candidates before making a decision on whom to support.
My condolences.
Jan 24, 2008 - 5:00 am newscaper:I was not an excited “Fredhead”, but he’d recently become my first choice, and only for the 2nd time ever*, I contributed some money to a political campaign. I don;t feel personally jilted like some do, but I am disappointed he dropped out so soon, w/o even waiting for Florida in a few days. There are even reports he could have picked up a substantial # of delegates in La. Sure, he was not going to win, but by staying in thru Super Tuesday he could have kept a higher profile on the issues by continuing to call it like he (we) see it in debates, and hopefully further impact the positions of the other candidates. that would have also made *our* support, once he dropped out, more valuabe/influential.
Dammit, he bailed a little too soon.
[* The first donation was Bush in 2004, but the GOP pissed me off by wasting most of my contribution on a million more expensive mailings asking for more money.]
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:17 am edh:Um, I’d be be careful.
Judging from the IM dialogue, it sounds like one of your “good internet friends” is 13 years old or prentending to be.
If he or she asks you to visit his/her house while his/her parents are away, I’d skip it.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:17 am Ed Weirdness:I too grieve Thompson’s departure. I also agree that some will wait til the final cut and vote only in November. This is a sad state of affairs as it virtually assures that we will be left with an elderly, self serving little martinet who would do or say anything to be President. Its my view and a mantra I find myself chanting throughout the day ABC or Mc. Like it or not, Romney seems to have the domestic credentials, and Presidents have state departments and ambassadors for a reason. Indeed, many American’s tend to feel that direct Presidential interference in international affairs is not the sort of activity we should encourage. McCain has been on board throughout the whole terrorism crisis and all he’s managed to do is divide the party. It’s time for this old soldier (rather pilot) to accept that he’s made too many missteps, and go gently into that goodnight. Were he to win, the very first confrontation he’ll have with a Democratic Congress will force him to accept immigration reforms he already supports, hardly what Fredheads would want or accept. On the upside of this nightmare scenario, Mc, given his advanced age, and as some would speculate, his tender mental condition, the chances of a second term would seem to be nil. Why do we continue to nominate only those candidates who display a power mad desperation for the job, rather than those who strive for perfection in everything they do?
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:22 am roy in nipomo:As a [former] supporter or Sen Thompson, I’m not qualified to speak of his “fire in the belly,” but I do know that I have none in mine for any of the other candidates. All mean major compromises for me to support them.
Come November, I guess I’ll be voting _against_ a candidate rather than _for_ one of them.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:24 am Lola:Key . . . you just proved his point.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:30 am El Tonto:Your post sums up my position perfectly. The remaining candidates are all of the “hold your nose and pull the lever” variety. Until this week, I was getting really excited to vote on Super Tuesday. Now, I’ll just stay home and begrudgingly vote R in November.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:43 am Grisha:After Fred dropped out, I gave my support to Bill the Cat. No one else is worth my vote.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:52 am banjo:I too am a FredHead, and I’m quite distressed that he dropped out. I find myself without a candidate, and I will likely follow your example.
I have to take some issue with your comment on Huckabee, however. I’m a very conservative Christian, one of those “fundamentalists” you hear about. I definitely think ideology and values are crucial, and that was one reason I was for Thompson. But Huckabee’s self-conscious and self-serving religiosity does not appeal to me at all. I don’t trust him. He seems fake to me, in a TV evangelist way. And I find the “push her Christian button and she’ll vote for you” attitude demeaning. All of that is completely aside from his political philosophy, which as far as I can see is more Clinton than Reagan.
In fact, it sadly seems that this election year, the options are Democrat or Democrat-Lite. That’s a difficult fact to swallow.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:53 am Don:Well, if you were a *true* supporter of Fred, then obviously you’d throw your support behind…
Nah. Just kidding.
Fred was my guy, too. I’m struggling with whom to support, although I don’t think I’ll sit it out. Even in my disappointment, Hillary and Obama scare me enough that I can’ just take a pass. Fortunately, our primary is a bit more than a month away, so I have some time to figure it out.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:57 am ubu roi:I’m thinking exactly as the author and Roy in Niporno: Wait until November and vote against the Democratic candidate. Huckabee might as well be a Democrat (I’ll stay home, unless it’s Hillary), McCain is too weak on the 1st & 2nd Amendments & immigration; Guilini is way too weak on the 2nd Amendment, and I don’t care about the rest.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:58 am Mister Snitch!:Sorry to hear your wife died this afternoon. Have you met my unmarried daughter?
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:09 am Trey:On local talk radio (I live in Nashville) the recent calls have been dominated by people saying that while they are not Paulites, Ron Paul is the obvious choice for the disappointed Fred heads such as myself.
I don’t see it, and I called the show to complain about letting the Paul campaign tie up his program.
I don’t think Huckabee benefits a bit from this as that big government cat is out of the bag. I think that Mitt now gets the nomination. While Fred is friends with McCain, I do not think he will endorse him as their politics are too different. In light of their friendship, I bet Fred keeps his endorsement to himself.
I think Fred would have made a fine president, too bad he sucked as a candidate.
Trey
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:15 am J. Lindskog:Rick
I am not a friend, just and ordinary person observing the pundit peanut gallery from outside the tent. The following is my response to the Bill Kristal capitulation to the base conservative principals (NR), and to your despondent reaction to Fred’s withdrawal.
The Longer View
Your thoughts and comments regarding the current crop of presidential hopefuls and their relative standing in the post Reagan era are well taken. The majority of these candidates, right and left, focus on domestic issues and perhaps that is appropriate for a primary selection process.
This election however represents a generational leadership change. Administrations assuming the mantle responsibility in that circumstance are vigorously challenged by external events ranging from global economic failures to tinhorn dictators. Think FDR, JFK, and now President to be: ?.
The next president if perceived to be weak by the international community will receive a swift kick to the “lock box”. Probably more than one. The learning curve will be steep and dangerous. As I view the candidates standing in the shadow of Mt. Reagan, the thoughts in my head and the feelings in my gut tell me that these folks are not ready for Prime Time. Further, the response of the electorate to date does not inspire confidence in they’re being Ready for the Prime Time reality show of their lives.
We have been here before, muddled through a beginning, finished on top, and we will do it again. That is what America is about. Breakout those hightop shoes and roll up the pants legs gentlemen, “Detour Ahead”.
* * *
In my view the ME generation remains focused on themselves to the detriment of all of us. Fred had a longer view of the historical context of this election cycle but, was not the nimble thinker the future will demand. I can forgive Rudy’s’ abortion issue, Mitts’ socialist tendencies are more difficult, Mc Cain though is special case. The good man is one of the walking wounded of Viet Nam. His temperament will trip him and I don’t want us left to deal with the consequences.
Take heart. Life’s most valuable lessons are the most painful, and they are not easily forgotten. Surely you would not wish to deprive our new generations of this opportunity for political enlightenment.
I will still vote Republican.
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:35 am CDeBoe:I will not be holding my nose.
I will observe the process with interest.
We are electing a President, not a king.
Only in America. What a country!
Pollster called me yesterday to ask who I’d vote for in the Virginia primary. I said “Fred”. She came back with “He just dropped out of the race, so which–” and I cut her off with “I know that, I’m voting for him anyway.”
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:37 am Peg C.:I could not agree more. Leave us alone.
I’m active on a good, conservative site. One of the directors put up a nasty post right after Fred dropped out that shocked and appalled many of us. I have not forgiven or forgotten it. Some cannot resist twisting the knife.
I can’t decide who I’ll support; I only know who I won’t. Anyone comes knocking to sell their guy, I’m likely to be repelled rather than enticed.
Right now I want to wallow in being a proud conservative voting for None of the Above.
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:41 am Fred Beloit:I’m a conservative and resent the attempt to marginalize us with the term fredhead. Fred was the only conservative the big money Republicans offered us. I resent them for this. Guess you could say I’m full of resentment. Newt Gingrich is the only choice left. He should be on the ballot for Tuesday. Too bad.
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:54 am Harry:With Thompson, I saw someone that thinks a lot like I do, so I was really hoping he would do well. The fact that he never did very well makes me wonder if my being a Republican is a fantasy in my mind. Do Republicans really share my values? I know Democrats do not. Now I am beginning to wonder if Republicans do.
In McCain, Romney, and Huckabee, I see people that I do not like very much. If they came into a restaurant where I was seated, I would be hoping that they do not come over to my table. I could possibly support Giuliani, since I do respect the man, but his values are not my values. He would surely do some things that would upset me. So who do I support? Where is the real leadership we all need?
Jan 24, 2008 - 9:07 am Peg C.:Fred B.:
With all respect, Fred’s own campaign was selling buttons, stickers, etc. with FredHead on them. I bought those and others. I find nothing demeaning or marginalizing in the term. Just sayin’.
As for Newt, Rush had a conversation with him last week and has declared Newt not a conservative. I have to agree. Newt is an extremely intelligent person who is self-aggrandizing, who is talking to us like we’re morons, who is courting the Drive-Bys, and who is selling books and movements. His style for me is repellent. Fred is so anti- all that. He is contemptuous of the Drive-Bys and that’s one of the things I love about him.
Jan 24, 2008 - 9:13 am J Richardson:If you read some of the gun rights forums, there is a strong move among many Fredheads to support none of the above or even vote 3rd party as a protest. They (we) want the GOP to realize that they (we)are a critical bloc of voters and should be counted as such. We don’t trust Mitt (sure I’ll sign a new Assault Weapons Ban), Rudy (I believe in an individual right - now that I’m running for President), nor John (McCain-Feingold AND close the (non-existant) gun show loophole). Huck is good on the 2nd Amendment but wants a theocracy and Ron Paul is just a loon.
Jan 24, 2008 - 9:16 am MF:Depressed.
Disappointed with what’s left.
Voting against is a downer: remember Bob Dole?
Wait until November, but will support legislative candidates with “A” NRA ratings. If you are a Second Amendment supporter and you didn’t support Fred, you might have made a mistake.
Jan 24, 2008 - 9:24 am Joseph Somsel:I was a strong Fred supporter - designated delegate, contributor within my means, foot soldier in the phone banks, etc.
Within 10 minutes of reading Fred’s declaration of withdrawal, I shot off an email to the state Romney organization volunteering. As soon as I hear back, I’ll make a small contribution too.
Mitt is an easy choice now and his executive experience is a very solid plus. He did the best a Republican could have done in his liberal MA, much better than Schwarzenegger has done in my home of California.
In spite of what the MSM would have us believe, the GOP’s problem is TOO MANY good and decent candidates - Fred, Mitt, and Rudy are all worthy of the support of Republicans. Even Ron Paul and Huckabee are adding to the conversation and debate in certain areas. McCain’s strength is national security but is otherwise unworthy of being called a Republican by anyone with the best interests of the GOP at heart.
Jan 24, 2008 - 9:50 am cargosquid:Write in Thompson in primary, Support the candidate in the election. Except Ron Paul. He is NOT A REPUBLICAN.
Jan 24, 2008 - 9:53 am Jimbo:Well I was/am a fredhead too. However, since I do not vote until super teausday I can watch Florida.
I am now just going to vote for whoever looks like they can beat McCain, not including Huckafool.
I am also an evangelical, that tuned huck out long ago. Telling me I have to vote for you for a political office merely because you say we share the same religion, is a definite no no.
Plus throwing away my vote or holding onto it until the general makes no sense. We Fredheads can influence who is going to be the nominee, and we should.
We are now free to elimate the worst. And we owe it to our party to do just that. So I need to see who is going ot step up between G-man or Romney. Then I will vote. To do otherwise is just childish. We supported Fred because he has the most conservative positions. Now lets eliminate those with the least.
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:09 am DMIKE:Vote for the man that would turn this country around positively. From closely looking at the candidates, the only two I can see doing it is Ron Paul or Obama. But with Paul it would be a drastic positive change and Obama would be a very slow progression.
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:33 am El Paso Stone:Fred was definitely my choice. My wife asked me, “Who is the least offensive Democrat for you?” I replied, “John McCain.”
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:40 am FredP:Is Duncan Hunter still in the race? Does he have a chance?
The best choice might be to vote strategically to produce a brokered convention. We FredHeads could vote for Fred to get him more delegates at the convention so that he could influence policy and eventual choice of candidate (and VP). We might vote for the guy who is behind in delegate count just to keep the contest alive. When the time comes I could support Romney or Giuliani but I would not support or even vote for McCain or Huckabee.
Jan 24, 2008 - 10:42 am Laura:I will not vote for Huckabee. I will not vote for McCain. I am hoping that neither one of these guys is my choice in November. I am guessing I will be voting AGAINST instead of FOR. What a shame. Something has got to change in this process. No more support for the RNC–they just let the best candidate get away!
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:01 am retro:All the Fredheads (and other TRUE conservatives) that hold their collective noses and vote for the lesser of evils do nothing but reinforce the continued and deliberate watering-down (liberalization) of the Republican Party.
When Fred dropped out of the race I dropped out of the Republican party. They no longer represent the same values I do as a conservative.
America NEEDS a conservative party and the Republicans have blown their chance to be that party. Republicans have become the Democrat-Lite Party. Democrats have become the Socialist Party.
To hell with both of these phoney corporations. Neither party is what it claims to be. Both of these corporate giants have become more reflective of what’s wrong with America than anything resembling a viable impetus for positive change.
If I vote at all, it will likely be for an independent candidate.
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:19 am Nate:I completely concur with your sentiments. I don’t believe any of the other candidates come close to Fred. I almost thought about sitting out, then I heard Hillary’s screechy voice saying “Si Se Pueda” and yes that reinvigorated me, so it won’t be a vote for anybody, but a vote against the socialists in the Democratic party (that includes Mr. Obama.)
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:22 am fooburger:You might be careful of deceit on the part of people claiming to sway you to one candidate or another. The phrasing you quoted could easily have been a fraudulent email attempting to dispose you against the candidate they were touting, rather than for him/her. I think you can only evaluate the offers from people you know, even if only by reputation.
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:30 am joated:Have you been reading my mind? What you’ve expressed here is exactly how I feel now that Fred has pulled out.
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:47 am Garcia:I was a Fred supporter and now I need to find the guy who will take the country in the right direction, I struggle to find one, but I have to admit I will not vote for McCain or Huckabee, that leaves Mitt Romney, and his positions on immigration and free trade are very similar to Fred’s we need as Republicans to win the presidency [McCain is not one of us]
Jan 24, 2008 - 11:48 am stillconservative:I’ll support Fred in Florida’s primary and the general election as a write in. My principles haven’t changed either. Show your support, write in a President FDT!
Jan 24, 2008 - 12:21 pm opal johnson:I WILL VOTE FOR THE ONE WHO WILL TRY TO SAVE AMERICAN FROM BECOMING A SOCIALIST STATE AND THAT WOULD CERTAINLY NOT BE HILLARY (BILLARY), OBAMA AND EDWARDS. I LOVE TRADITIONAL AMERICA AND NOT ALL OF THIS LIBERAL HOLLYWOOD ACLU CROWD WHO ARE ALL SOOOOOO UNAMERICAN. THEY ARE NAUSEATING - NO WAY!
Jan 24, 2008 - 12:22 pm rasqual:With Fred out, life as we know it is over. I’m moving to Fiji.
Jan 24, 2008 - 12:38 pm lastnymleft:This issue has been debated to death over at FreeRepublic. The consensus seems to be (in order of preference):
(1) Ron Paul
.
. (Long way)
.
(2) Mitt Romney
(3) Rudy Giuliani
(4) Mike Huckabee
.
. (Long way)
.
(5) John McCain
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958341/posts
Jan 24, 2008 - 12:38 pm Jody:Personally, I’m still voting Fred in the primary, but may hold my nose in the general depending on how that shakes out.
Jan 24, 2008 - 1:18 pm ChrisM:Mitt will get my vote when I see him punch a hippie.
Jan 24, 2008 - 3:08 pm OmegaPaladin:Ron Paul is getting huge amounts of support… You’ve got to be kidding me. Dr. Paul is the stab our allies in the back while ripping apart government candidate. I would campaign for the democrat (shudder) in that case.
Advice to Fredheads: Be a presence at the convention. Fred is a perfect ticket balancer for the moderates. He would make an awesome VP or cabinet member.
Jan 24, 2008 - 3:08 pm John Dunshee:I too was a Fredhead and am still recovering from our disappointment. I haven’t decided yet who to support. Huckabee is out, Guliani doesn’t do anything for me. It looks like a choice between McCain and Romney but I’m underwhelmed by both of them for the reasons we all know.
The only thing I can cling to now is the hope that in the event of a Republican victory, whoever is President convinces Fred to accept the post of Attorney General. He would shine there. Plus he knows how to go about getting confirmed. He could be his own “sherpa”.
Jan 24, 2008 - 4:20 pm OCBill:I’m a FredHead (donating $500 should count), and I am leaning Giuliani. McCain gives me bipolar (love him on the GWOT, terrrified everywhere else). Huckabee is an eloquent, pro-life Jimmy Carter. One Jimmy Carter is enough for me, thanks. Romney… I don’t believe him. I don’t believe a man can reach his 50’s being staunchly pro-choice and have a pro-life epiphany that roughly coincides with his decision to run for President. If his faith, the position of his party, the position of the Supreme Court justices he allegedly admired didn’t sway him before, I’m left doubting the authenticity of this epiphany. More likely, he didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of William Weld and Christie Todd Whitman. He also seems a little too confident in the ability of the government to swoop in and fix things for people. I’ve had one compassionate conservative, and frankly that’s been one more than I really wanted. Giuliani is at least authentic (or seems so). I don’t like his position on abortion, but a President’s main input to this equation is through judicial appointments. Rudy comes across as a law and order guy, and I don’t know how many penumbra and emanation guys/gals would be law and order enough for him. He also has Ted Olsen. And Steve Forbes (who I supported back in the day). That’s a relatively short version of how I come to tentatively support Giuliani. I miss Fred.
Jan 24, 2008 - 6:18 pm Austin Personal Trainer:Today I heard one of Fred’s advisors say that he worked with Fred for 20 hours a day for five months. He almost sneered when asked about the possiblity of Fred supporting McCain. He said it was not going to happen. I hope he is right. Perhaps John McCain will ask John Kerry to report for duty to be his running mate.
Jan 24, 2008 - 7:05 pm rurik the hammer:I am for Mitt, my friends were for Fred. We signed blood oaths to support the other guys candidate should one win over the other. Mitt is less than perfect but is best of whats left. Hold you nose and go to the polls……..
Jan 24, 2008 - 8:28 pm fgmorley:I gave a few bucks to Fred’s campaign and was actually thinking he could get the nomination. Now that reality has struck I’m going to vote R and hope, but I really don’t think we have a chance. Without the clear principled arguments against the dems that Fred had made, I think we should all prepare to be defeated. Say Bob Dole three times slowly and weep.
Jan 25, 2008 - 12:33 am Pearl:I donated a thousand dollars to Fred’s campaign, and mostly what I got were soliticitations for more money.
When Fred officially announced, the grassroots organizers turned it over to the likes of Mary Matlin. I expressed my concern at the time, I believe at the Friends of Fred’s site” and other places, with no one really responding.
I want to know, how and why he should call it quits based on the results of three primaries, when Giuliani hasn’t placed period.
I was discusted by last night’s debate. It is becoming increasingly obvious the MSM is distorting election results (especially in regard to Ron Paul, as evidenced in the first three primaries and LA). Up until recently, Paul wasn’t a serious choice for me, but I have to tell you, the nasty stunts and rhetoric coming out of all MSM (and that includes FOX) has gotten my suspicions up that “the powers at be” think the rest of us are a bunch of idiots. It is as if, both parties are flirting with the concept of “soft” fascism, which isn’t the first time this country has gone down this road, if you know your history….and that includes “liberals”.
One has to ask oneself what the heck is going on when Rupert Murdoch hosted a 2006 fundraising event for Hillary Clnton.
It is pretty clear that if Giuliani gets the nod, Rick Perry is going to be his VP. He has been spending a lot of time in the background, especially in SC, wooing for Rudy. Rudy has also set up a very large law firm in Houston doing work for big oil.
Perry is not seeking re-election for governor in Texas. When he mandated that eleven year old girls get a vaccine for HPV, that was the last straw for me.
Increasingly, most of these politicians, whether they call themselves conservatives or liberals, are simply doing the bidding of transnationals, whether or not they are U.S. corporations. When I see a merging of the NASDAQ with the state owned Saudi exchange, and vice versa the NASDAQ merging with the Saudi exchange, I see it as a marriage between government and business.
The “liberals” want to tell the corporations what to do, but still want corporate interests entangled with setting government polciy. Meanwhile the “conservatives” call individuals at the government trough parasites, but don’t mind stepping up and feeding at the government trough themselves.
At first, I believed that Thompson was going to confront this, with his video out there on Chinagate proclaiming the Clintons better get ready for round two, but now I have to wonder, if he just wasn’t put in the race by the puppeteers to draw votes away from those who they consider their annointed (be it Clinton, Romney or Giuliani). All three are pretty much being supported by the same people.
McCain gives me the creeps, when he touts global warming and panders to those who not only look the other way in regard to illegal immigrants, but profit from it. I am not against legal immigrants, not at all, but looking the other way in regard to illegals, more or less is condoning human trafficking. Those who do not want to do that are not only at a competitive disadvantage, but will be the ones who go to jail, if they end up sucooumbing to it. Corporatation often filter down the responsiblity for verification of legal status to subcontrators, often times looking the other way when the subcontractors breaking the law are willing to take the chance (pretty risk free in sanctuary cities). How am I suppose to take seriously a party who claims to be strong on national security and putting on a show about actively combatting it, with sweeping measures provided them in the Patriot Act, while they think an open border to our south or north is permeable to the very guys they say are out to get us. Why did Trent Lott aggressively lobby support for Israel’s right to build a Wall to protect themselves from Palestinian terrorists (he even supported giving Israel money to do it) and then pontificate about how conservative talk show hosts need to STFU when speaking out for the same thing here?
I am a xenophobe for seeing the hypocrisy of both parties in regard to immigration? I am to be afraid of terrorists, but not question the methods, by which there has been an open gate that more or less says “come on in”?
Basically, I am tired of being played for a sucker, and I have serious doubts, at this juncture, that Thompson didn’t either get snookered himself, or was in on the snookering. Like I said Mary Matlin, was in on his running strategy, as was one of the daughter’s of Dick Cheney.
What the heck is going on here?
Befuddled.
Jan 25, 2008 - 3:42 am