It's Conserv-Aid Not Kool-Aid

What You Wish For

2008-11-21T12:59:00.000-08:00

1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
The Shadow Proves The Sunshine - Switchfoot

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Everything - Lifehouse

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Nobody Said it Would be Easy – Alan Jackson

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Recycled Air – The Postal Service

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Show Me - Lerner

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Tonight I Wanna Cry – Keith Urban

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
No Handlebars - Flowbots

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Open Your Eyes – Snow Patrol

WHAT IS 2+2?
Gotta Have You – The Weepies

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
I Still Miss You – Keith Anderson

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Suspect – Daniel Powter

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
All That I Am – The Afters

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Different People – No Doubt

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Boy – Our Lady Peace

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
The Sky Is Falling - Lifehouse

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
There and Back Again - Daughtry

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
What Kinda Gone – Chris Cagle

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Late Night/Early Town - Lloyd Cole

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Don’t Panic - Coldplay

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
American Baby – Dave Matthews Band

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
The Real Life – 3 Doors Down

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
For You I Will – Teddy Geiger

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
The Way I Am - Eminem

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
The Black Hawk War – Sufjan Stevens

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Believe it or Not - Nickelback

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
The Secret’s in the Telling – Dashboard Confessional

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Kiss Kiss – Chris Brown

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Cupid’s Chokehold – Gym Class Heroes

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Did You Get My Message? – Jason Mraz

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Petal - Oblivion

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
What You Wish For - Guster

Gratitude

2008-11-13T16:01:00.001-08:00

In politics it is impossible to accomplish what needs to be done without the help and encouragement of others. Without volunteers, donors, understanding friends and family members, dedicated staff, and sincere candidates nothing would ever be accomplished.

It is with this in mind that I am writing to thank everyone who has helped me this cycle. I have learned an incredible amount of things thanks to fellow staff and coworkers. My friends and family have unfalteringly encouraged me to do my best even when things seemed impossible. Without their support I doubt I would have been as successful as I was fortunate enough to be.

There are a few people in particular who have gone above and beyond everyday friendships to help, support, and encourage me. Without naming names (they should know who they are), I only hope they know how incredibly grateful and thankful I truly am for everything they have done for me. These individuals have also opened my eyes to what is important and have helped me embrace what really matters. I am luckier than I ever would have imagined at this stage in my life and it is all thanks to them for helping me realize it.

To those of you who have stood by me, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for believing in me and for your unending support.

today - a quick summary

2008-10-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

blogging via iPhone

I'm pretty sure the point where I reached into my bag and stabbed myself with a John Proos pin sums up my day nicely. Or maybe the part where the yard signs in my trunk gave me a base-ball-sized bruise on my hand. Either way, it was a great day.

Time for more walk lists... The never-ending walk lists. Soon I will be spending nights adressing AV postcards - just as soon as they arrive!

The one good thing is I'm really enjoying driving around and getting to see the fall color. :-) I could be stuck in an office all day. Even if I am working 16-hr days...

22 days out

2008-10-13T20:37:00.000-07:00

Right at this very moment I'm sitting in a house in a vineyard in SW Michigan. The very place I will remain until Nov 4th - or until things change. No doubt this is harder than I thought. I'm more exhausted and stressed out than I've ever been before. But we'll make it work.

You know I've been known to joke about being in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere before. I never considered being stuck in a vineyard. At least they make my fav kind of grape used to make grape juic - Welch's. :-)

"If You Like Michigan's Economy, You'll Love Obama's"

2008-09-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wallstreet Journal Article worth reading:

If You Like Michigan's Economy, You'll Love Obama's
By PHIL GRAMM and MIKE SOLON
September 13, 2008

... "Incredibly, the business climate in Michigan is now so unfavorable that it has overwhelmed the considerable comparative advantage in auto production that Michigan spent a century building up. No one should let Michigan politicians blame their problems solely on the decline of the U.S. auto industry. Yes, Michigan lost 83,000 auto manufacturing jobs during the past decade and a half, but more than 91,000 new auto manufacturing jobs sprung up in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Texas."

Let's not forget Mitt...

2008-09-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

If John McCain fails to win the presidency Nov. 4, Romney is considered the most likely front-runner for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. A recent National Journal poll of GOP political insiders places Romney miles ahead of the pack with 55 percent of the vote.

Other Possible Contenders:
15% - "Nobody"
8% or less - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich
3% - Sarah Palin

More Sarah Palin

2008-09-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

A Note on the Media Hypocrisy by Howie Carr at the Boston Hearld:

How can she be qualified when she doesn’t have a single $1.2-million-a-year lobbyist in her family? How can she relate to “lunch-bucket” Americans the way lunch-bucket blowhard Joe Biden can?

She admits smoking pot as a teenager, which sets a terrible example for the youth of America, unlike Barack Obama, who admits smoking pot as a teenager, and whose “refreshing candor” is a breath of fresh air after eight years of Cheney-Bush.

She went to multiple colleges as an undergraduate, which shows how flighty and immature she is, unlike Barack Obama, who went to multiple colleges as an undergraduate, which shows the inquisitive nature of his intelligence, which has been such an inspiration, at least to everyone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

The pregnancy and impending shotgun marriage of her teen daughter, Bristol, sets a terrible example for the youth of America, unlike the pregnancy of the teen movie character “Juno,” who sets a wonderful example for the youth of America by refusing to marry.

Sarah Palin is so stupid that on Friday she called the Penn State football team the “Nittaly Lions” - oh wait, scratch that, that was Barack Obama, who again proved his intellect by showing he has much weightier issues on his mind than college football. And who even cares about Penn State anyway, it’s not an Ivy League school.

She’s a member of the Alaska Independence Party - correction, she isn’t, it was The New York Times [NYT] that printed the flat-out lie that she was, in a story that, so said the Times, “called into question how thoroughly Mr. McCain had examined her background.”

Twelve years ago, she considered banning books at the Wasilla Public Library, which is a chilling assault on the First Amendment, unlike Barack Obama, whose campaign 12 days ago tried to shout down an appearance on Chicago radio of an investigative reporter looking into ties between Barack and rabid terrorist Bill Ayers. But that mob of Barack brownshirts besieging WGN can in no way be compared to what Palin did because well, uh, um, it just can’t be, if you know what’s good for you."

You must understand printing lies about Republican candidates is OK. It’s called “vetting.” Printing the truth about liberals - that’s called “swift-boating.” From career MSNBC jock sniffer Keith Olbermann to Barney Frank’s favorite publisher Jann Wenner, the verdict on Palin is unanimous.

2008-09-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

My career and my beliefs prevent me from wanting to be friends with a number of my old friends and family members. But I just can't take it sometimes.

The Palins

2008-09-02T13:42:00.001-07:00

This is a touchingly kind article. The kind of article you would expect and the decency we should expect from journalists dealing with children and teens of politicians.

In Wasilla, Pregnancy Was No Secret
Monday, Sep. 01, 2008 By NATHAN THORNBURGH / WASILLA, ALASKA

Sarah Palin's realness will be well received and an advantage to the McCain campaign this fall.

Over Heard in New York.com

2008-08-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

This site has some amazingly funny finds:

From Saturday, August 16th:

Thug #1: Yo, I can't wait for Obama to win the election, yo! He gonna make white people illegal!
Thug #2 (stopping dead in his tracks): You one ignorant muthafucka, ain't you?
--The Village

Guy selling purses out of a suitcase: Coach, Gucci, Prada! Purses for cheap!
Tourist lady: Are these real?
Crowd of shoppers: (no response)
Tourist lady (louder): Are these real?
Crowd of shoppers: (no response)
Tourist lady: Did you steal these?
--Canal St.

Vetting, a Wiki Definition

2008-07-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Vetting [the process of being vetted]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Broadly, vetting is a process of examination and evaluation. Specifically, vetting often refers to performing a background check on someone before offering them employment. In addition, in intelligence gathering, assets are vetted to determine their usefulness.

To vet was originally a horse-racing term, referring to the requirement that a horse be checked for health and soundness by a veterinarian before being allowed to race. Thus, it has taken the general meaning "to check."
[edit]Political selection

A party's presidential nominee must choose a vice-presidential candidate to accompany him or her on the ticket. Prospective vice-presidential candidates must undergo thorough evaluation by a team of advisers acting on behalf of the nominee.[1] In later stages of the vetting process, the team will examine such items as a prospective vice-presidential candidate's finances, personal conduct, and previous coverage in the media.[1]

Thank you Wikipedia.

Time for Some Campaignin'

2008-07-20T16:39:00.001-07:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Americans and Exercise

2008-07-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

I'm changing blog themes. Working in politics 24/7 leaves me needing some other topic and so I turn to ridiculous human behavior and/or political jokes.

There's still hope! Now where have we heard that again? I can't recall...

Thank You

2008-06-10T20:07:00.001-07:00

It's been said before and I'll say it again: President Bush will be remembered as one of the greatest presidents. It is too bad it will only be recognized after he leaves office.

If you haven't, read "Ten Minutes from Normal" by Karen Hughes and also this article: President Bush regrets his legacy as man who wanted war, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article4107327.ece

Poll: 0% Say Energy Should Be Top Priority For MI

2008-06-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

For my friend who's interning in the Governor's Office in the alternative energy department, this one's for you:

Poll: 0% Say Energy Should Be Top Priority For MI

"For all the ads, billboards and nonstop PR machines over energy reform, a whopping 0 percent of registered voters said providing affordable and reliable energy was the top priority for Lansing in a new poll."

55% said improving the economy and creating jobs
10% who said holding the line on state taxes and spending
9% on making health care more affordable
9% on improving the quality of public education

TargetPoint polled 600 registered voters from March 1 to 5, 600 voters from April 5 to 10, and 500 voters from May 9 to 12.

86% said plans to create new jobs were important
73% want to make health care more affordable and accessible
68% said taxing and spending decisions were important
33% were concerned with roads and transportation
27% wanted to focus on social issues like gay marriage and abortion

Some numbers never seem to change, with 79 percent saying Michigan is on the wrong track, 93 percent describing Michigan's economy as poor, 68 percent disapproving of the Legislature and 55 percent disapproving of Gov. Jennifer GRANHOLM.

Source: MIRS 6/9/08

Moving?

2008-05-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

That's funny, I've been the saying I'd do the same exact thing if Obama or Hillary are elected for months now.

I personally refer to Susan Sarandon as Susan Saranwrap. She's a terrible actress with predictably terrible political beliefs and NO common sense. I'm glad she's leaving the country in November.

Someone Could Get Assassinated!

2008-05-24T16:54:00.001-07:00

Oh Hillz, will you ever learn? But thank you for one of the best Drudge Report titles I've seen in weeks!

Context (yes, from Drudge):
Hillary says purpose was historical instances of candidates staying in race until late in primaries... In 1968: Dem Race was only 3 months along... New Hampshire, first in nation, wasn't until March 12. Kennedy didn't even get into running until March 16. By June 4, 1968, date of California primary, there had only been 13 primaries... Kennedy was killed on June 5...

For all the Political Junkies Out There - Oh, and Clinton Won PA - Are We Surprised?

2008-04-22T19:14:00.000-07:00

Next best thing to Real Clear Politics?

The NYT 2008 Election Guide.

They break down all the results into different color-coded, neatly organized categories AND list every single delegate, all of the superdelegates and their personal statements/endorsements. Plus the Republican and Democratic maps break down each state into results by county - which is pretty cool. Different views include: Percent of Vote, Dem. Delegates, G.O.P. Delegates, Superdelegates, Democratic Map, and a Republican Map.

Clinton won PA. Not surprisingly since all those small town PA folks who are bitter and clinging to their guns and religion might have been just a little turned off by Obama's elitism. Don't you worry though, I'm sure he'll write it off easily enough. Since the bitter small town folks cling to guns and religion AND racism. Right?

The Dems really are going to take it all the way to the convention this year which is absolutely fantastic. I almost wish I was a delegate just so I could watch all the in-fighting that will go down August 25-28 in Denver, CO.

Graduation

2008-04-20T06:24:00.000-07:00

There's one 15-page paper and one exam between me and the real world.

I'm currently questioning every decision I've made recently. Where to live, work, whether or not to go to graduation... the list goes on. I don't have any answers anymore.

The W Script

2008-04-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

The first few pages... take a look: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/photos/stylus/22342-w_script.pdf

McCain Veepstakes: Anti-Campaigns

2008-04-08T06:36:00.001-07:00

Who runs an anti-VP spot campaign? That would be Mike Huckabee's vote-for-me-or-go-to-hell followers. You can read more here: McCain Veepstakes: Anti-Romney Movement Starts

The best part?

The group has launched an iPetition -- http://www.nomittvp.com/ -- that calls on McCain to "reject any consideration of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as a Vice Presidential running mate."

It continues: "We further urge you to only consider for Vice President an individual with a strong and consistent record of support for both the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, and the amendment of the U.S. Constitution to establish marriage as only between one man and one woman."

McCain opposes such an amendment.

Huckabee followers are real smart. They support a man for president who doesn't share ANY of their beliefs and purposely helped knock a man who DOES share their beliefs out of the race. Now they're continuing to spread their misinformed lies about him. For love-thy-neighbor-type Christians they sure are hateful.

Post Secret Politics - Sunday Specials

2008-03-30T20:34:00.001-07:00

How telling is that postcard? I wonder if the woman who wrote that is still pro-choice... it seems rather unlikely.

On a lighter note...

Yes, I am on a "let's-make-fun-of-the-Democratic-candidates-as-seen-in-pop-culture" kick.

LOLBAMA

2008-03-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

This post goes out to you Tuman. My friend Nicki pointed out this site to me: LOLBAMA

It's LOL cats meets the Democratic primary candidates. (Put your hand up if you think the primary should have been over a month ago. Keep your hand up if you're a Republican who's glad the Democratic primary has lasted this long.)

Happy Easter! Senator Larry Craig as a Peep!

2008-03-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

From the Washington Post's second annual Sunday Source Peeps Diorama Contest.

"Peepator Craig's Wide Stance"
Other good ones from this year and last:

"Say Anything Peep"
"To Catch a Peep-a-tor"

Bill Clinton/Jeremiah Wright pic emerges

2008-03-21T06:24:00.001-07:00

Source: Thanks J-Mart.

Apparently everyone's favorite racist pastor was invited to the white house twice. The photo is from, ironically enough, September 11, 1998 at the White House with Bill Clinton.The Dems will never learn...

No Country for Old Men

2008-03-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

Political cartoons based on recent movies using 2008 candidates are the best ever.

Republicans in NYC?!?

2008-03-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

From Meghan McCain's "blog" (March 12th, regarding John McCain's speech at the Plaza Hotel in NYC on 3/11/08):
"The place was packed full of people... there ARE Republicans in New York! :-)"

*cough cough* No comment.

P.S. Bloomberg invited Lauren Conrad to the White House Correspondents Dinner. It's only fair we take the sex scandals to a new level - the celebrity/politician sex scandal level that is.

Prank on Planned Parenthood

2008-03-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

COLLEGE RIGHT-WINGERS ARE THE COOLEST KIDS IN THE UNIVERSE - (taken entirely from Ann Coulter's site)

Pro-life UCLA students stage prank call to Planned Parenthood offering a donation specifically to abort black babies -- and the Planned Parenthood employee accepts, saying "Understandable, understandable."

Response to caller 'a serious mistake,' says Planned Parenthood of Idaho

Excerpt:

(Fake) Donor: OK, so the abortion -- I can give money specifically for a black baby, that would be the purpose.

PP: Absolutely. If you wanted to designate that you wanted your gift to be used to help (an) African-American woman in need, then we would certainly make sure that that gift was earmarked specifically for that purpose.

(Fake) Donor: Great. Because I really face trouble with affirmative action, and I don't want my kids being disadvantaged, you know, against black kids. I just had a baby; I want to put it in his name, you know.

PP: Mmhmm, absolutely.

...

(Fake) Donor: And we don't, you know, we just think, you know, the less black kids out there the better.

PP: (Laughs) Understandable, understandable. ...

VP Spot - Websites Return

2008-03-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in DC with some amazing people from all over the country. There are some big things coming, but I'm not going to talk about that now.

Moms for Mitt broke some interesting news last week:

Fred Barnes of the Weekly Standard reports that President Bush favors former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as Sen. John McCain's (R-AZ) running mate, as does Jeb Bush, who "preferred Romney over McCain in the primaries." Bill Kristol also recently stated that "Mitt Romney would be good," adding that he "vetted the idea with former White House aide Karl Rove."

It also appears that the Romney website is back up and running - for the most part after having been down for a few weeks. This gives the VP spot speculation more credibility. Politico this morning talked about McCain's biggest issue being the economy - all the more reason to recruit Mitt. Jonathan Martin is reporting this evening that Romney said he would take the VP spot if it was offered to him to Sean Hannity in an interview that airs tonight at 10PM.

How to Get a Job - Apparently

2008-02-10T18:02:00.001-08:00

I've been reading up on resume tips, interview advice, and thank-you note protocol. The only conclusion I've come to is I have no idea what the "right" way of doing anything is. The process of finding a job is far too complicated and expensive.

For interview attire, they recommend women wear either a navy blue or black skirt suit - black is the new "hip" or "trendy" navy blue. The suit should be paired with a bright, "this-is-who-I-am-and-I'm-interesting" shirt - but not too flashy. Pair this with navy or black heels to match the suit, a string of pearls, and pearl or diamond earrings. Wait, how do I afford all this again? I'm still in college!

Four years of college, four jobs, and four competitive internships later and I'm not convinced I have any marketable skills. College makes you feel stupid and unemployable. I had more confidence coming out of high school.

2008-01-30T21:43:00.001-08:00

Never before did I think a campaign had the ability to break my heart. This year it's entirely possible.

It's strange how you can spend so much time with people who care as passionately as you do and in a single day it is all taken away. Back to reality and the only people who understand how you feel are gone. In a way, it's comparable to being in a bomb shelter for 9 months only to emerge and realize everything in your world has changed but no one else even notices the difference. Campaign break ups can be as rough as relationship break ups.

Don't ask me who I'm voting for in November. There's only one person I support and if he doesn't make it I'm not sure I have the heart to vote for someone else. Especially since I have lost nearly all the respect I had for the remaining candidates.

State of the Union Address #7

2008-01-28T18:02:00.001-08:00

In a few minutes, President George Bush will give his seventh and final state of the union address. Last year I was distracted by Nancy Pelosi's extremely annoying facial expressions and ugly, sea-foam green suit. I believe she's wearing lavender this year - which isn't much better. Ladies, let's be honest, wearing a suit with a skirt is fine but these crazy colors are unnecessary. Let's branch out a little, wear a nice navy, brown, black, grey, etc. Bush's tie is quite nice this year - a lovely solid, ocean blue. Strangely enough, I believe Hillary is wearing the exact same color suit as Laura Bush.

Anyways, the address is supposed to focus on the economy and Iraq. According to Fox News the speech this year will also be forward looking: addressing new reforms, programs, and plans for the upcoming year.

I think Senator McCain's choice to skip the SOTU is a bad move given that Hillary and Obama are both present.

Updates to come post-SOTU. Hopefully Cheney will keep Pelosi in check this year.

Why they Hate Mitt Romney

2008-01-23T10:40:00.000-08:00

Good read:

Why they Hate Mitt Romney
By Amy D. Goldstein, American Thinker, January 23, 2008

Have you noticed how all of the Republican candidates can barely conceal their contempt for Governor Mitt Romney? It goes way beyond the typical good-natured competition that usually is the hallmark of Republican contests. Senator McCain has snarled at Governor Romney in debates and Gov. Huckabee has tried to paint Romney as cold and uncaring, while Sen. Fred Thompson attacked Governor Romney right out of the box. This display of hatred usually is the hallmark of the Democrats.

So, why do the other candidates hate Mitt Romney? Several reasons:

1. He can win. Governor Romney appeals to economic conservatives and could appeal to foreign policy conservatives based upon his understanding of the issues. Most non-partisan foreign policy wonks who have briefed the major candidates tell me that Romney "gets it" better than any other candidate -- even better than those who have held high profile office for decades. Moreover, he is the candidate that the Democrats most fear.

2. Jealousy -- from his hair to his appearance to his family to his money - these are all reasons for deep seeded, if unseemly, jealousy. This green-eyed monster makes its appearance in almost every speech or presentation, in the form of a joke, a jab or a veiled reference.

3. He isn't beholden to interest groups. Governor Romney's wealth frees him from any influence that interest groups could apply to others - especially those who lack funds or who are Washington insiders. He doesn't need them, and that scares the interest groups and their allies. He is not of the game and wants to change it - and his personal wealth allows him to do so. He really can change Washington.

4. His brains - not only is he one of the smartest people ever to seek the presidency (having earned a Harvard MBA and JD simultaneously), but he understands the complexities of the issues that America faces and is able to devise workable solutions. Just look at his proposal for an economic stimulus and compare it to what the other candidates are proposing. Romney clearly can lead this country through economic challenges.

5. His wealth -- again. While he has raised more than any other candidate, Governor Romney doesn't need to raise the money in order to continue. Nevertheless, he understands that successful candidates must have people invested in their candidacy in order to succeed. He has learned the lessons of past wealthy businessmen who make vanity runs for the White House. The other candidates have to constantly raise money in order to continue their campaigns.

6. His experience. The rest of the Republican field has been in politics in one form or another for most of their adult lives. Governor Romney came to public service after having a successful career in which he directly created jobs, saved jobs, invested in new companies and turned around failed businesses. He even fixed both the Olympics and the failing state of Massachusetts. More than any other candidate, Governor Romney's experience is most directly applicable to the average American's situation.

7. He believes that America's best days are ahead of it, and not a memory. Governor Romney is a man of the future, not of the past. He sees America as a beacon of freedom for the entire world, and not a country limping toward its last days. His infectious optimism is informed by his business experience, his love of country and his family values. His can-do spirit is the antidote to defeatism masked as "straight talk" or "reality."

8. His beliefs. When all else fails, Governor Romney's opponents attack his religion in the hopes of sowing fear and loathing. Not only is this unseemly, but it is dangerous. We have seen this type of rhetoric before - in the 1920's and 1930's - from the likes of Henry Ford and Father Caughlin and others who sought to disenfranchise whole segments of the American population. Governor Romney believes in the common American faith of democracy and religious freedom, as he so eloquently stated in his speech "Faith in America." These are the values our Founding Fathers codified in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Why do the Republican candidates hate him? Because they don't have any answers to his challenges. They seek to undermine him by using personal attacks more worthy of a middle school playground than a presidential contest. This is politics and Washington as usual, and choosing any candidate that employs these tactics will only get us more of the same. One would hope that Americans could see beyond these base attacks and choose the candidate who is best for the country - Governor Mitt Romney.
---------------

Florida & California are looking closer and closer. We're starting to narrow back down to the original three candidates: Romney, McCain, and Giuliani. My guess is that Huckabee is the next to go - and trust me, I won't be the least bit sad.

What's in a name?

2008-01-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

When we talk politics, names mean everything. Using a candidate's first name either denotes extreme closeness or tears down their credibility in an attack. In blogs, articles, and throughout the media the latter is more common.

Earlier this year I began wondering about the way in which Hillary Clinton is almost always referred to as Hillary whereas her male counterparts are known by their last names: Edwards, Romney, Obama, McCain, Huckabee, Gravel, Giuliani, etc. At first I questioned my observation, reassuring myself it must only in order to distinguish Hillary from Bill. But I think I might be on to something here...

Now take Jonathan Martin from the Politico. Martin is an obvious McCain backer who refers to the other GOP candidates as Giuliani, Huckabee, and Mitt - notice the first name thrown in there? Especially seen in his pro-everyone-else-but-Romney articles - excuse me, that's practically every article by Martin these days.

In politics, using a candidate's first name over his/her last name is like a media death sentence. But if we're looking at who is leading in the sheer number of delegates and who has won the most state caucuses/primaries/conventions you come down to the same two: Hillary Clinton for the Dems, Mitt Romney for the Republicans.

So what does it all mean? Do we, the public, want a more likable candidate? Someone we can "have a beer with" or joke around on a first-name-basis with? If that's true then why do we overwhelmingly refer to George Bush as just Bush? He was the candidate Americans "most wanted to have a beer with." It just doesn't all come together yet. Guess we'll have to wait it out and see what happens this year, but watch for those first-name/last-name divisions, they can tell you a lot about the author's perspective on a particular candidate.

Updates, MI Primary in SIX DAYS!

2008-01-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

OK, so I've been seriously slacking on the posting. I promised you all new, interesting stuff and I let you down. :-( I'm sorry.

There is STUFF TO COME! I guarantee it!

Primary prep has occupied almost all of my time. Well that and dealing with the 2 feet of snow we've had here in the last 3 weeks. Right now it's raining - because it's Michigan - in fact, it just thundered. Hmm.

The MICHIGAN PRIMARY is in 6 days! SIX!

Michigan has become ground zero. Let the games begin.

More RCP Poll Updates

2007-12-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

More changes in the national polls... this is getting interesting.

Guiliani and Thompson are down while Huckabee, Romney, and McCain are all up - slight changes though. I'm fairly sure Paul is about the same. He's been hovering right around 4.5-5% for quite some time now.

I have lots to write about but with two final papers and an exam in the next 24 hours the only writing I'll be doing until noon tomorrow will be for the University. Stick around though, I guarantee over break I'll have some time and some truly interesting comments for you.

Pop question: what does a true political junkie put on their Christmas list?

Real Changes in the Real Clear Politics Poll

2007-12-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Last week Romney wasn't even in the top four spots... guess his Faith in America Speech was made at the right time.

Also this week the National Review endorsed Mitt for President. I'm guessing his national poll numbers will only continue to climb with that endorsement.

You can read the accompanying article here:

Romney for President

NATIONAL REVIEW

By the Editors

Grown-ups

2007-12-10T17:22:00.001-08:00

It's finals week. This cartoon sums up how I feel about looking for jobs while studying.

Cartoon found at www.xkcd.com/150

A 'Symphony of Faith'

2007-12-06T07:52:00.001-08:00

I have to be honest, I watched Gov. Romney's speech "Faith in America" the way I have watched most Michigan football games in the last three years: anxiously hoping for the best but fearing the worst. Today I was pleasantly surprised. The Governor did stumble over a few of his words - making him look less polished and more humble than usual (or perhaps it was the effect of the George Bush Presidential Library).

Romney also managed to assert his convictions without seeming overbearing. Connecting his plight with that of JFK's he built off of Kennedy's speech but did not rely solely on him. Romney spoke of the religious freedom the constitution grants each individual and mentioned traits from all religions that he admires. I am positive there will be criticism perhaps about how there were no questions asked of the Governor after the speech. However, I doubt this speech could have gone much better than it did.

Even Ron Paul had nice things to say about Gov. Romney's speech, releasing a statement shortly after that said, "The recent attacks and insinuations, both direct and subtle, that Gov. Romney may be less fit to serve as president of our United States because of his faith fly in the face of everything America stands for. Gov. Romney should be judged fairly, on his record and his character, not on the church he attends."

Quotes from the Speech:

"Let me assure you that no authorities of my church, or of any other church for that matter, will ever exert influence on presidential decisions. Their authority is theirs, within the province of church affairs, and it ends where the affairs of the nation begin."

"I will put no doctrine of any church above the plain duties of the office and the sovereign authority of the law."

"No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths."

"I believe that every faith I have encountered draws its adherents closer to God. And in every faith I have come to know, there are features I wish were in my own: I love the profound ceremony of the Catholic Mass, the approachability of God in the prayers of the Evangelicals, the tenderness of spirit among the Pentecostals, the confident independence of the Lutherans, the ancient traditions of the Jews, unchanged through the ages, and the commitment to frequent prayer of the Muslims."

"Any believer in religious freedom, any person who has knelt in prayer to the Almighty, has a friend and ally in me. And so it is for hundreds of millions of our countrymen: We do not insist on a single strain of religion — rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith."

"The diversity of our cultural expression, and the vibrancy of our religious dialogue, has kept America in the forefront of civilized nations even as others regard religious freedom as something to be destroyed."

"When I place my hand on the Bible and take the oath of office, that oath becomes my highest promise to God. If I am fortunate to become your president, I will serve no one religion, no one group, no one cause, and no one interest. A president must serve only the common cause of the people of the United States."

"It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions."

"Faith in America" Speech Tomorrow

2007-12-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow at 10:30 AM EST Governor Romney will give his "Faith in America" speech from the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, TX. You can watch the speech live on mittromney.com.

Breaking down the 2012 Primary Plan - You Try Explaining it to a Fourth Grader!

2007-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

In a press release today, Michigan Democratic National Committeewoman Debbie Dingell and Michigan Republican Party Chairman Saulius “Saul” Anuzis announced a bi-partisan approach to solve the current primary problem.

The plan splits states into six regions (designated by numbers) with six sub-regions (designated by letters A-F) set up within each region. The national parties would then set six distinct dates for when contests would be held. A lottery would determine the dates each designated sub-region could hold a presidential primary or caucus and no one region could be selected to go first for two consecutive presidential cycles, eliminating incentives for states to break the rules. (Below you see a map of the six regions the plan divides the country into. The colored-in states represent sub-regions that are part of the same letter-category and would all have contests on the same date.)

Right... This seems like an extremely (an unnecessarily) complicated way to avoid the 2008 primary schedule mess. Having a lottery to determine dates is a great idea - but there is no need to divide up the country into regions and sub-regions to decide order. Hold a 50-state-wide lottery for ten different primary dates ranging from late January to late March. That should be simple enough and easy enough to control any corruption, scandal, or claims of "unfairness." The lengths we go to to ensure each party's happiness and avoid corruption in this country is ridiculous! We should be basing these decisions on what is best for the people - not what is best for a failing 2-party system.

Hello World

2007-12-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

This is my first real step into the blogging world. Several months back I was invited to be a blogger for the site PoliReport.com. You may notice there are only a few posts from me on there. It was a busy time and I was unable to keep up with the demand for information. Now, I am attempting to make a fresh start – a leap into the blogging world if you will.

I would like to start out by describing my intentions with this blog. Unlike several, more well-known conservative blogs and bloggers in Michigan, this blog will not be used for slander or to attack fellow Republicans. I am not associated with the College Republicans (who will be denoted as the CRs from here on out) nor do I partake in their childish dramas over who does less to help the party. I may be so bold, however, to suggest ways in which they might unite and actually do something (which in my eyes seems to be their biggest problem).

Why am I in politics? Naively enough I want to help people. There. I said it. I won’t pretend to have made a huge impact or that I have tons of experience, but I do have passion and drive and I work very hard.

Ah yes, the elusive name of the blog. I love it when liberals ask how the "Kool-Aid" I'm drinking tastes. The title is a play on words using conservative, conservation, and of course aid. My implications should be clear that I believe the conservative message is to conserve traditional values and also to aid the people (by ensuring freedom, protection, and the ability to prosper).

With that in mind, I hope you enjoy your conserv-aid.