Politics

CPAC: 2012 Picture Still Fuzzy — ‘No One Is Like Ronald Reagan’

WASHINGTON (AP) — Conservatives are fired up to defeat President Barack Obama. Now the hard part: finding their candidate.

A year until the Iowa caucuses, this important part of the GOP base hasn‘t rallied around any one person and it doesn’t seem all that enthusiastic about its options — even though more than a dozen Republicans, and counting, are considering candidacies.

The polite — but hardly overwhelming — receptions for auditioning Republican hopefuls and the wary voices in the audience at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference this week underscored the challenge facing those weighing bids and the predicament facing a GOP searching for a nominee strong enough to overtake an incumbent president.

Such restiveness among conservatives also portends a volatile and unpredictable nomination race as Republicans with similar policy positions try to convince skeptics they alone can unite a cultural, economic and security-focused right — and win.

“I know what I’m looking for, but I haven’t found the whole package yet,” says CeCe Heil, an attorney in Virginia Beach, Va. “My candidate would be a mixture of what we’ve got. If you took a little bit of each one, that would be my candidate.”

So, what does the GOP base want?

Ask anyone attending the gathering, and you’d hear something like this: a dynamic conservative with a backbone who can win.

“That’s it. But there’s nobody who meets that criteria,” added Bill Hemrick, a Nashville, Tenn., businessman who founded Tea Party HD, a conservative media company. He said the only two who even come close — former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann — “aren’t electable.”

In short, no one is like Ronald Reagan.

“There may not be a next Ronald Reagan among you, but we sure as heck are going to make you act like him,” Ryan Hecker of the Houston Tea Party Society warned, giving hopefuls a road map for winning over conservatives like him.

Stated or not, there‘s a concern among GOP insiders that it may take someone of Reagan’s caliber to beat Obama, who remains personally popular despite stubbornly high unemployment and a series of divisive legislative accomplishments.

It says a lot about the likely field, for instance, that conservative pundits and right-leaning activists keep encouraging Republicans who have ruled out 2012 bids to get in the race, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Also telling: Billionaire reality show star Donald Trump and Texas Rep. Ron Paul, a once failed presidential candidate who is leaving the door open to a reprisal and is a hero to libertarians, were the biggest hits at the conservative confab among Republicans trying out for the chance to take on Obama.

“I don’t see anybody really starting strong with conservatives, corralling them and leaving the rest of the field in the dust,” said Al Cardenas, the new head of the American Conservative Union, which sponsored the gathering. “This time, they are being very cautious because of the stakes. No one wants to make a mistake. People will be shopping for a longer time.”

He dismissed the notion that the prudence among conservatives had to do with the quality of the would-be candidates and rightly noted that all were well-received at the year’s first major gathering of likely Republican candidates.

It’s no wonder. All went after Obama and filled their speeches with zingers tailor-made for their conservative audiences. The responses varied.

A veteran on the national stage, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who lost in 2008 but is gearing up for a second bid, robustly delivered a general election-like speech that was almost exclusively an indictment against Obama. “If I decide to run for president, it won’t take me two years to wake up to the job crisis threatening America,” Romney said, earning standing ovations and hearty applause from a capacity crowd.

He ignored what conservatives consider arguably his biggest black mark — the Massachusetts health care law that Obama partly modeled the national one after.

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who also is likely to announce a run soon, delivered a speech equal parts assailing Obama’s policies and promoting his own positions. He drew cheers throughout from the standing-room-only audience, including when saying: “We need more common sense and less Obama nonsense.”

He also emphasized his efforts to keep taxes low, seeking to subtlety counter a blemish on his record that he didn’t mention — backing increases on cigarettes.

A packed hotel ballroom also gave a warm reception to South Dakota Sen. John Thune, who is said to be less certain than others about running. The lone senator among the crop, Thune said he’d continue to be “on the front lines voting no” when Democrats try to push a liberal agenda; it’s a pitch that could either serve as his argument for or against a candidacy.

He didn’t address a top problem for conservatives — his support of the Wall Street bailout.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels clearly entertained a dinnertime audience, with a policy-heavy address that was peppered with lighter moments as it drew on lessons learned in his state.

He didn’t back down from his remark maligned by conservatives that the next president facing economic crisis “would have to call a truce on the so-called social issues.” Rather, he encouraged conservatives to broaden their reach, saying: “Purity in martyrdom is for suicide bombers.”

Others fell flatter.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s professorial side came out when he spoke to a filled ballroom. It was a third empty for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum’s address.

Still, for all the hand-wringing a year before the contests, conservatives are certain to rally around someone. They always do — eventually.

___

EDITOR’S NOTE — Liz Sidoti has covered national politics for The Associated Press since 2003.

Comments (211)

  • wethepeoplepress
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:35am

    How sad,

    TheBlaze does not even mention how Ron Paul 2008′s straw poll winner won big again this year, hell, he is not even in the video they are pushing. I like RP accept when he speaks of military and foriegn affairs. Imagine if he had won instead of McAmnesty. What a better world we would be in today.

    TheBlaze should do a better job at exposing GOP media hypocrisy even if they approves of it ultimately.

    I think a Ron Paul/Michelle Bachmann or Allen West (even though he is untested) fits the ticket.
    Huckabee, Palin, Romeny are not presidential material for one reason or another.

    Report Post » wethepeoplepress  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:34am

      Actually, if we’d had a Paul/Palin ticket in ‘08, the chances of winning would have been much better because the message that both would be sending would have reverberated better with the voters…plus Palin probably wouldn’t have been muzzled by her “handlers” as she was with McCain.

      Report Post »  
  • streetrodder
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:28am

    It’s still early. One thing we all have to do is get behind the Conservitive that gets the nomination. The Bamster has to go. Also we must get control of the Senate. No more Rino’s.

    Report Post »  
  • agro21
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:26am

    LTC Allen West, congressman from the state of Florida—he has what it takes to beat the O.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:38am

      He’s a good man no doubt. He needs more time in office than he has. When was the last time a House member jumped to The White House? Ford? That was an unusual ascent to power, to say the least.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Gonzo……..a bit of trivia. When was the last time we had both a president and vice president,in same administration,neither of which was elected to their offices by the vote of the people?

      Report Post »  
  • Katayno
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:24am

    NONE of them are worth beans if they don’t run on changing the tax codes!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • crazytalk
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:20am

    Any turd ‘ll knock of the dingle-barry.

    Report Post »  
  • Dandylyon
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:19am

    Another good example of how fragmented and inept the GOP is.Are you telling me there is not “ONE” good American that can stand up agenst a clown like Obama?

    Are you getting it yet?……………….this is the way it is supposed to be,2008 all over again in 2012.

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:15am

    Get used to it folks, the Gipper is gone and he’s not coming back. Let’s look to the future and there are people out there who know how to run a government in a fiscaly responsible manner. Mitch Daniels with an 8 year track record of doing it comes to mind.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • ronmorgen
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:07am

    What is more important to you, finding someone who can win or finding somone who will represent your wishes.

    Report Post » ronmorgen  
    • Dandylyon
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:23am

      I would think they would be one in the same unless you are implying that conservative‘s are a minority in America now and if that’s your case then I understand your point.

      Report Post »  
    • Gary_K
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:40am

      That is the trap we have fallen into for generations. Then whoever is elected turns out to be as bad as the next guy.

      It is time to change politics.

      Report Post »  
  • KEA
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:01am

    We should be looking for a George Washington not Ronal Reagan!

    Report Post »  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:57am

    You people calling for Ron Paul are fooling yourselves if you think he can be elected. The man is a kook and so is Donald Trump, Glenn Beck would make a better candidate than those two. At least Beck could get my vote if he won the nomination (which we know he won’t.)

    Report Post » Marylou7  
    • cykonas
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:05pm

      MaryLou,

      Which of Rep. Paul’s positions qualify him as a kook?

      Report Post » cykonas  
  • Gary_K
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:56am

    No one like the Gipper, however there were many RINOS.

    Report Post »  
  • Jeff Jefferson
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:53am

    People have to stop looking for a saviour. I like Reagan, but he has become idealized. All we need in order to win is a candidate that has a strong, unwavering, conservative message and an understanding of the perils that America is facing. Bachmann all the way.

    Report Post »  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:41am

      I‘m starting to agree with that idea more and more as the time get’s closer to choosing. Hell, I may even come back to the repub part in order to vote in the primaries!

      Report Post »  
  • PA PATRIOT
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:48am

    United States Army Lt. Colonel Allen West (Ret.)
    Will give CPAC closing speech at 5:30 EST.

    C-SPAN does not mention his name in their schedule
    however C-SPAN will be broadcasting live from CPAC until 6pm

    Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
  • chickenlittle
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:48am

    Come on people… Reagan was a wonderful President and a fantastic patriot (and I voted for him), but this isn‘t the 1980’s (far from it). There was a lot of dissent and dislike of “Mr. Raygun” as he was disrespectfully called by many. The progressives had not corrupted government to the point where over 50% of the population was beholden to government for their jobs and/or their entitlements. Terrorism was not on the scale it is today, and the Cold War was about a nation-state ideology, not a “political religion.” This country right now is battling the resulting complacency and greed and violence and debt on a level from within our own borders, let alone not having any more “western allies” with a will to fight. PC diversity is the current rallying cry in this country… nothing about “unity.” Try preaching self-reliance to a couple generations of people that don’t have a clue what it means. Maybe we’d be better off looking for another George Washington or Jefferson? Look for another Hamilton? The point is, it’s going to take a COMPLETE team of advisers that has the same fortitude and beliefs to even make a dent in the entrenched ideology. This is a very divided country right now and when we voted long ago, most of us still had the country’s best wishes in mind. I’d vote for somebody also that would stop financing and kick out the UN.

    Report Post » chickenlittle  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:40am

      Definitely NOT another Hamilton! Remember that Hamilton was for a strong, centralized government with a central bank! HAMILTON WOULD LOVE WHAT WE’VE DONE WITH HIS COUNTRY! A Jefferson would be good, an Andrew Jackson (without the racism, of course) would be even better. Jackson was the last President to pay off the national debt completely! Hed didn’t believe in operating with a constant debt, and in that respect he was a great President!

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:32pm

      He was called Raygun because he spent like crazy on the military industrial complex developing the boondoggle Strategic Defense Initiative (Star Wars) which has to be in the billions if not trillions of dollars.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 4:12pm

      President Reagan, did many things, but two come immediately to mind. When air traffic controllers(union) went out on strike, after being warned of the consequences,by the President, they did and the president did what he said he would…………..he fired them all! [This did not go unnoticed by the Soviets, by the way]
      Secondly, when President Reagan was in Berlin,at the wall, he gave a masterful speech,during which he ordered Gorbachev to,”tear down this wall!” and thus it began.

      Report Post »  
  • Angeld
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:38am

    Donald Trump

    Report Post »  
    • ClaytonDM
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:43pm

      I like Trump’s attitude, but I can’t get over the fact that he went bankrupt twice. I also don’t know where he stands on anything other than fiscal matters. Truth be told, I don‘t really think he’s going to run anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:54pm

      Well there it is, Paul trumps Trump, Trump went bankrupt twice, Paul lost the Presidency twice, but Rasmussen didn’t include Trump in their latest poll!

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • JohnFourteenSix
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:36am

    Herman Cain….the REAL deal!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9ZDkacOveF0
    http://www.breitbart.tv/exclusive-cpac-interview-herman-cain/
    http://www.hermancain.com/

    Report Post » JohnFourteenSix  
  • S_Malc13
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:31am

    Reagan was effective against the Cold War. Besides, there is no Reagan over the horizon. If we can’t agree that we need a true Constitutionalist who can convey its message efficiently to run this country, then we will not get anywhere. There are RINOs in the wings that’ll pervert what Reagan stood for (like 0bama does). We will only hasten the left’s cause….to riot…like Egypt, and elsewhere….becasue their propensity to damage will override any rationality.

    Report Post » S_Malc13  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:33pm

      Nuclear weapons have been obsolete since the advent of weather modification weapons and scalar technology.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • Smitty1969
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:25am

    @Sinista Mace
    Wasn’t it Reagan who said government was the problem, then proceeded to triple the debt held by the public? Mostly right. But it seems people forget about the House and Senate they preside over. The only reason Clinton had a balanced budget is because of the conservative base in the house and senate. Reagan had democrat based one that worked hard on spending. We the people always seem to get the poop end of the stick because our politicians never have the Ba**s to cut down on the handouts .

    Report Post » Smitty1969  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:08pm

      You’re missing the point, Reagan cut taxes while spending like a madman on defense.

      Just like Bush.

      We aren’t talking about Clinton. We know the prosperity of his administration was all the dot.com bubble. Having a balanced budget is not the pressing matter when you’re already 4-5 trillion dollars in debt. Clinton put us in debt further by 1.63 trillion dollars.

      We’re 14 trillion dollars in debt. All of these presidents did deficit spending. Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, and now Obama.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • brntout
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:12am

    Instead of looking for another Reagan,how about finding one of the same integrity and honor!

    Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:22am

      .
      That’s just it Burnt, Who can we trust?

      Once whoever it is seems like the Power of their office goes to their head. From your local City Council, School Board(don;t get me started), State & Fedral, the power of the office corupts them.

      Look at that fool from NY post a half naked pic on Craigs list. Got into office thought he was invisible, power went stright to his little head (no pun intended) and corupted him.

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • C. Schwehr
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:36am

      Agreed. We don’t need another Reagan. He was perfect for him time and role in history (and I remind the Mace that Reagan didn’t pass a single budget that he submitted. The PROGRESSIVES had the purse strings back then, and he wasn’t going to get anything accomplished if all he did was fight Congress about the budget…He managed to get HALF of what he wanted (tax rate decreases and a re-built military) when he also wanted to cut spending drastically too. Congress would never give him that. So enough with the lies about Reagan!

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:08pm

      YOU can stop lying about Reagan, because REAGAN was the one who agreed to those tax cuts so he could blow the debt on the billion-trillion dollar SDI.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Juan Gault
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 4:05pm

      Someone like a Barry Goldwater,conservative?? Google da man, if you are too young to remember.

      Report Post »  
    • brntout
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 6:05pm

      @ SINISTA MACE yes SDI crippled russia didn’t it? @ jaun gone obviously you can’t leave that era.The person who defines himself by his actions will never have to be compared to Jimmy Carter as this one undoubtably wiil be as his second term.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 6:24pm

      Russia was crippled by total corruption.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • brntout
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 6:38pm

      @ SISTA MACE Reagan bluffed and the Russians raced to build to defend against it and ultimately folded because their corruption left them with no money to do so>That is how you should remember it>Iwas into my third year with the usaf so i can speak on it.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 6:48pm

      Russia was corrupt before your little “scheme” about Reagan bluffing the Russians.

      You still didn’t answer where the money went, and you still didn’t answer why Reagan tripled the debt.

      Your participation in the USAF doesn’t lend any credence to your story.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • simple_man
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:11am

    Jim DeMint

    Report Post »  
  • ofallon
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:59am

    Mitch Daniels is the one. His plan for America is just what we need to pull ourselves out of the jaws of death. My husband and I would vote for him in a heartbeat. He speaks the truth.

    His speech last night was remarkable. I hope it launches his path to the White House.

    Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:09am

      Here we go…don’t be going and getting yourself all bent out of shape over some glorious speeches…

      Details are important.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • ofallon
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:08am

      Sinista, haven’t you noticed what he is doing in Indiana? He saved Indiana and his speech last night laid out the plan for bringing our country back from the precipice. He used cold hard facts..many unpleasant. He will look you in the eye and tell you the truth. He isn’t afraid of anybody or anything.

      Did you hear what he actually said last night?

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:18am

      Actually I haven’t heard much about Mitch Daniels, after reading a few of his quotes from CPAC, he sounds like he’s on the right track, nevertheless he doesn’t cut to the bone, Ron Paul has always cut to the bone.

      Ron Paul has introduced Audit the Fed bill to congress every year for I can’t count how long.

      I don‘t know why people can’t get behind Ron Paul.

      It seems like oppositional defiance, or perhaps people aren’t really ready to tackle the problem. It isn’t the debt. It’s the Federal Reserve itself. It must be abolished, and only Ron Paul has been selling that.

      V-MAN MACE  
    • ofallon
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:05am

      I love Ron Paul but like you said people aren’t getting behind him. The election is not about the Federal Reserve. It goes much deeper than that and Mitch Daniels is the answer. I don’t even live in Indiana but I know a winner when I see one.

      Report Post »  
    • wodiej
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:52am

      “I don‘t know why people can’t get behind Ron Paul.”

      Because he’s 150 years old. Please, he’s already run twice and lost. And you don’t help your candidate by trashing the other ones. If all of his supporters are like you, I would never support him anyway.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:53pm

      ofallon

      This election IS about the Federal Reserve, all of our problems have to do with the Federal Reserve, and until you understand that, you will continue to be manipulated by the left-right paradigm.

      wodiej

      He’s NOT 150 years old. He’s already run twice and lost because idiots voted for the last two idiots who’ve destroyed our country, pretty much because they can’t think for themselves and they allow the mainstream media to replace their brains. Such as what’s happening ONCE AGAIN with Ron Paul being trashed by the mainstream media and idiots like Donald Trump who have LESS of a chance of winning than Ron Paul!

      Rasmussen didn’t even HAVE Trump in the last Poll!

      Why? Because Trump hasn‘t even announced he’d run! Ron Paul hasn’t announced either, and their putting him in the poll, why not Trump? Because NOBODY takes Trump serious.

      Ron Paul has a better chance of beating Obama than Palin!

      I haven’t trashed any of your precious candidates, but there’s really only ONE person bold enough to attack the financial problems at the neck (the Fed) and that’s Ron Paul.

      What personal problems you have with me and Ron Paul’s supporters is exactly that, a personal problem.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • cykonas
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:01pm

      @Ofallon
      I love Ron Paul but like you said people aren’t getting behind him.
      ___________________________________________________________________________________

      I am confused by your statement. If I admire Rep. Paul’s long record in the House, and his steadfast adherence to our Constitution should I still wait to see if others get behind him before I decide to vote for him? It seems to me that if I admire his record and think he is the best candidate I should try to persuade others to that point of view rather than change mine. Unless, of course, someone can show me another candidate with a record that is vastly superior to Rep. Paul’s in both length and quality. Your thoughts?

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • ofallon
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 5:15pm

      Cykonas, I love Ron Paul but I love Mitch Daniels more. If Ron Paul is so great why doesn’t he subpoena the Fed right now and audit them? Why does he have to become President to do that? And why does he keep failing to get anything done? His House happens to be in power right now. Do something now. Why wait to get elected?

      Report Post »  
    • cykonas
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:09pm

      I love Ron Paul but like you said people aren’t getting behind him. This was your original statement that confused me. Here was your “answer”: Cykonas, I love Ron Paul but I love Mitch Daniels more. That is a completely different statement than the first one. It clears up the confusion. You prefer Mitch because you think he’s better, not because people aren’t getting behind Ron Paul and that is a very valid position.

      Report Post » cykonas  
  • 912828Buckeye
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:58am

    Hopefully we the people and time will sort it all out
    and we will send a good conservative christen with backbone
    to the white house.

    Report Post » 912828Buckeye  
  • ares338
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:57am

    I’ve been saying all along, the Republicans don’t have anyone charismatic enough to defeat Obama. I wish there were but it looks slim. At least it would help to gain control of the Senate.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:08am

      We don’t need charisma.

      We see where charisma got us thus far.

      We need sound policy.

      Ron Paul is the answer.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:49am

      Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

      It’s the American way.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • ozz
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Ron Paul and Bachmann ticket. They are both quite electable, thats why the media tries to say he is nuts and attacks her mercilessly.

      Report Post » ozz  
    • CatB
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:14pm

      Charisma be d*mned .. we have seen what that gets you … disaster! I want to vote for someone with a BACKBONE.

      Report Post »  
    • barbaraw62
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:38pm

      Ron Paul doesn’t have a chance in hell….. Damn we need someone who’s electable, not an idealogue! Get your head up and look, who’s the next George Washington? Get out there and find him!

      Report Post » barbaraw62  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:44pm

      Why, barbaraw62, because YOU AND TRUMP SAID SO?!?!

      WHAT A JOKE!

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 3:46pm

      @SINISTA MACE You’ll come to realize most of these Blazervatives (I just made that up!) are a joke. They only want freedom that falls in line with their precious religion. They can’t grasp that a Muslim, Budhist, Atheist, Deist, Agnostic deserve as much freedom as they do. They just automatically assume if you’re Gay or an Atheist, you must be a Liberal pawn. Freedom? Who needs freedom unless you want the freedom to read the Bible.

      Atleast when I post on HuffPo, I know what to expect from a Liberal. It’s disappointing to see the hypocrisy coming from so called liberty loving Conservatives.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • JD Matthew
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 4:12pm

      No Siniata, Paul is not electable because of his Stick Your Head in the Sand Foreign Policy. Like it or not we DO live in a world economy. We can not simply dismiss the rest of the world and think only of the U.S. WE need to have a strong and active foreign policy, and that is something that Ron Paul is admittedly opposed to. I like Paul and I would not only vote for him but I would work for his campaign if it were not for this 1 simple but most important issue.

      Report Post » JD Matthew  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 6:04pm

      American Soldier

      We want financial, religious, AND personal freedom, and don’t wish to compromise on either for anything!

      JD matthew, he doesn’t have an ostrich-head foreign policy, he, like most Americans, are tired of our money being wasted on wars based on false-pretense, false-flag terror attacks perpetrated by our own government, the destruction of foreign countries and subsequent taxing of Americans to rebuild them, and our general “lets police the world” attitude getting involved in other countries domestic issues that don’t concern us.

      We aren‘t supposed to be nation building unless we’re building our own nation, and our foreign policy is and foreign aid is aiding other problems in BANKRUPTING US.

      I don’t like it and we need to spit ourself OUT of this ties to world economies like Glenn Beck said we ought to. I don’t want mutually assured ECONOMIC destruction, perpetrated by the globalist elites.

      So Abolish the Fed and break our ties to the UN, World Bank and IMF.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:54am

    They won’t find another Ronald Reagin but they can take the attributes of two people and perhaps come close. There is time to observe and assess, not only the candidate, but who they surround themselves with. As we have seen with Obama, that is a tell tale sign.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:40am

      Morning Grandmaof5, hope all is warming soon in florida, will be in the upper 70s here today. Good and warm, yet very dry unlike florida can be. Wish you the best today.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:29pm

      SNOWLEOPARD, afternoon, it is a bit warmer when the wind isn’t blowing. We were 29 degrees at 7:00am. and will probably be that cold tomorrow morning. So glad you are warm and also that you can stay put to “Blaze”. Lots going on to read about. Have a great afternoon.

      Report Post »  
  • HighKick
    Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:43am

    Palin – West 2012

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:53am

      One thing the Conservatives will have to understand is the Reagan of the past is an ideal model to be looked for, and yet we also have to have the candidate who will be able to envision the future, and to also be clear and dynamic enough to sell the vision to the people; to make it happen, and have the guts and spine to stand up against the opposition from within and without to do what needs to be done across the board.

      Reagan is “THE MODEL” all will be compared to, and we need to make sure that when comparing any candidate to the perfect model people want, not to overlook any other traits the candidates will bring that make them able to deal with the problems and opportunities for the nation of today and the problems and opportunities for the nation of tommorow.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:54am

      ROFL @ Palin anything.

      Ron Paul has a better chance of beating Barry than Palin.

      Ron Paul/Chris Christie 2012.

      That’s right, nobody is like Ronnie Raygun, nobody can triple the debt like he did.

      711 billion to 2.1 trillion.

      Obama hasn’t even doubled it.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 8:55am

      Forgot to add this part to my original post as well:

      Also, the chosen candidate needs to understand that they work for the people of the nation, and in all manner represent the people of the nation. They need to keep their promises to the best possible, and be ready to be fired for failing to do their best in all regards.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:05am

      Roflmfao @ “Reagan is the Model”.

      AHAHAH!!

      What Tea Party movement did Reagan start?

      Wasn’t it Reagan who said government was the problem, then proceeded to triple the debt held by the public?

      I was a baby when Reagan was president, and it doesn’t take me 5 seconds to google to find out how Reagan started the trillion-dollar debt game and tripled our debt, by lowering taxes while simultaneously spending like a madman on military industrial complex….just Like BUSH did!

      RON PAUL is the model.
      His son is a spitting image.

      Ron Paul started the Tea Party movement of our day.

      Only Ron Paul has the cajones to take down the Federal Reserve foreign-owned bank.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:07am

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJDhS4oUm0M

      This is the real Reagan, in case nobody was paying attention…rofl!

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Ironmaan
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:16am

      Isn’t Obama like Reagan? Hes trying real hard to co-opt his legacy.
      http://bioterrorsurvival.com

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 9:48am

      Ron Paul surpasses Reagan in his pursuit of freedom and fiscal responsibility. Those in here can‘t get over that he’s not charismatic enough or pretty enough or that he’s too blunt. Well you know what? We need someone blunt and to the point, who won‘t sugar coat the situation we’re in. He‘s the most to the point and honest politician I’ve ever seen, well beyond what Reagan was. His 30 year track record says it all. He will vote for liberty and he will fight for our freedoms.

      Unelectable. If he’s unelectable there is NO hope for America. You honestly think pretty face Palin who repeats what she hears like a friggin’ Parrot, who QUIT at being a Governor is going to save this country? Good friggin’ luck!

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:10am

      Given the financial state country will be in by 2010 (if we haven’t already collapsed into anarchy) if Obama is still at the head of the Democrat ticket, a Pee Wee Herman could beat him.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
    • cnsrvtvj
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:50am

      Palin-West would be a very interesting ticket indeed. I still think someone will come out late into the year that nobody is talking about right now. We’ll have to see how this all plays out. We certainly have a good list of potential candidates.

      http://www.donsmithshow.com – conservative news and poilitical humor

      Report Post » cnsrvtvj  
    • spvz29
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:58am

      Sinista Mace:

      I get so tired of libs saying that Reagan increased the deficit. Annual revenues nearly doubled while Reagan was in office. How can deficits increase if revenues are rising? — by having spending increase even faster. Why did that happen? Because the Dems controlled the House. Reagan’s greatest failure was in not saying “No” to the budgets that were sent to him. Why aren’t you angry with the Dems for their profligate spending?

      Report Post »  
    • hifi74
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:00am

      Sinista, what you aren’t taking into account is that Congress is who administers the budget. They are the one who control the spending and under Reagan the Dems had the control of the Senate and House and were the biggest proponents of that tripled budget. Hell, look at the subsequent budgets and spending patterns under republican and democrat controlled congress‘ for the last 50 years and you’ll see the pattern.

      http://dshort.com/charts/federal-debt-to-gdp.html?federal-debt-to-gdp-politics-update

      You‘ll notice that the largest debt increases are under the Dem controlled Congress’. There is some time in the 50‘s and 60’s where it levels out a bit but then it all ramps up again and then at unprecedented levels by Dem Congress; as we get closer to today. So yes under Reagans admin the debt increased but it was primarily under the Dems majority in Congress (the ones who authorize the spending)

      Report Post » hifi74  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:21am

      .
      We should be able to shave a dogs butt, teach him to walk backwards and beat Obama. This lot has much to be desired………

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:27am

      One name they have forgotten….WEST

      Report Post »  
    • mcfinch
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:18pm

      They would get my vote!

      http://politicalbowl.com – Conservative Political Video Website

      Report Post » mcfinch  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:21pm

      spvz29

      First of all, I’m a Conservative Libertarian.

      Second of all, Reagan tripled the debt held by the public from 711 billion to 2.1 trillion.

      It wasn‘t democrats who jammed those budgets down Reagan’s throat, but republicans embraced the idea that deficits don’t matter if they result from tax cuts.

      http://crooksandliars.com/jon-perr/reagans-triple-legacy#one

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • cykonas
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:49pm

      @Sinista Mace
      I’m asking this respectfully, as a favor to a fellow Ron Paul supporter. Rep. Paul is the only potential candidate with a 100%, gold plated, very long record of voting for the liberties of all Americans. Please try to base your future arguments for him on that basis as opposed to attacking the records of others.

      Attack is a great strategy if all you want to do is win and destroy an opponent. Most of the people in here are not your opponents. They share many of your values and views. Our strategy, as Paul supporters, should be to win and PERSUADE. Some will never be persuaded and that’s OK. They have to vote their conscience, not yours or mine.

      I can promise you this though. You won’t persuade anyone by trying to destroy them. Other than the hollow feeling of “being right” nothing is gained for Rep. Paul’s candidacy. Again, this is simply a request. You are obviously free to proceed as you see fit. I would only ask that you consider my suggestion. Peace.

      (By the way, if I could have done this in private I would have but this forum does not allow that)

      Report Post » cykonas  
    • Opiesrants
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Palin would best serve as head of the Tea Party. I vote for Herman Cain for Pres.

      Report Post » Opiesrants  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:05pm

      What?!?!

      I’m gonna attack whatever the hell I want to attack when it comes to the records of public servants.

      I don‘t care who doesn’t like it.

      Reagan sucked.

      Ron Paul’s record speaks for itself. I don’t have to directly promote his voting record, only he has the cajones to introduce legislation Auditing and Abolishing the Non-Federal Reserve EVERY congressional session, whoever doesn’t recognize that, well, they’re living under a rock.

      If I feel the need to address some ridiculous comments about Paul not being able to win, I will. My prerogative.

      If I feel the need to address some ridiculous statements about any public representative’s legacy, I will, my prerogative.

      I don’t have to persuade them of anything. Nor do I want to. They can vote however their pitiful minds delight. I‘m don’t work for Ron Paul.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:06pm

      Palin worked with progressives and didn’t start the Tea Party of our day.

      Ron Paul did.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:10pm

      ‘No One Is Like Ronald Reagan’ Well if someone were like Regan they too would be DEAD…

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • Opiesrants
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:17pm

      As for who started the Tea Party that’s up for debate. I just believe Palin would best serve as a spokesperson on Conservative values and positions. She isn’t Presidential material. She’s a great lady, don’t get me wrong. I just believe she could serve better in another capacity.

      Report Post » Opiesrants  
    • Steverino
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:34pm

      SINSTA-
      You seem to be an intelligent, well informed person. Ron Paul is fantastic. No argument.
      I think the simple point CYKONAS was trying to make is that you can attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.
      People can be easily “turned off”, even if there is some common ground, if you begin by attacking. I worked with a brilliant man in my youth whose philosophy was to always put people on defense, and see how they react. We had a great working relationship, because I was not easily cowed.
      Unfortunately, many people of my coworkers “tuned out”, and his brilliance was lost to them. That was sad.
      “Your prerogative” is exactly that, and nothing more. Perhaps you may not work for Ron Paul, but perhaps you can, in essence, do just that.
      Instead of them voting however “their pitiful minds delight”, you may be able to cast light on him as a solid candidate.
      If you represent Ron Paul’s supporters, I think it comes clear why he may be “unelectable”.
      My two cents,
      Steve

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:38pm

      Opiesrants,

      Ron Paul indeed did start the Tea Party movement of our day.

      If you could come up with someone else who did, I would love the laugh.

      If Palin was anything like Paul, she would’ve run with Paul.

      She ran with Progressive McCain, because she’s a progressive. She has essentially co-opted the Tea Party from Paul thanks to the media fascination with her and the freezout of Ron Paul. The mainstream media has helped her popularity tremendously when she hasn’t done ANYTHING.

      You basically just said Palin would be better for….nothing, other than the fact that she’s a hot brunette milfy, and you like her. Thanks for paying attention to the chick in the red dress, Neo. Now pay attention to Morpheus.

      Palin and her daughter better stick to reality TV shows.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 1:42pm

      Steverino, what you and Cykonias doesn’t understand is, I’m not trying to attract bees at all.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Anarcho Capitalist
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 2:18pm

      I want someone like Jefferson. Thats why I will once again be supporting Ron Paul. If he runs that is. If not I guess i’ll just have to vote Libertarian.

      Report Post » Anarcho Capitalist  
    • Steverino
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 2:21pm

      SINISTA-
      Fair enough. You are not truly interested in seeing Ron Paul as President.
      Steve

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 2:27pm

      Steve,

      I could be simply expressing my opinion without ANY ulterior motive….

      Ever think of that?

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • G L
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 6:05pm

      ALLEN WEST!!!! Please get this man in the White House. He is the answer.

      Report Post »  
    • Clive
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 7:19pm

      ““There may not be a next Ronald Reagan among you, but we sure as heck are going to make you act like him,” Ryan Hecker of the Houston Tea Party Society warned”

      how do you want him to be like reagan, by tripling the national debt like he did? cutting taxes, but increasing spending? we know how that pans out. seriously, these people need to crack a damn book. get your idols in check.

      Report Post »  
    • patriotnurse
      Posted on February 12, 2011 at 10:38pm

      Alan West is a clear choice. We need a strong American black man (from America) to show the world we still have a strong resolve!

      Report Post » patriotnurse  
    • Jefferson
      Posted on February 13, 2011 at 12:00am

      Ron Paul is the LAST chance to get it right. If he runs, I hope that you look for someone that has the INTEGRITY to “RESTORE HONOR” to the White House. Not someone with the flashiest speeches, or the nicest hair, but someone who UNDERSTANDS economics, the disastrous Federal Reserve, and our flawed foreign policy, and how it has made us LESS safe. We DON’T need troops in countries that can pay for their own defense. We DON‘T need to be sending money we don’t have, to prop up dictators around the world. We can STILL have a strong national defense, and do these things. Glenn beck sounds more and more like Ron Paul every day. He has admitted it himself. He was right in 1976, 2008, and he is right today. Don’t make another mistake in 2012. Ron Paul to RESTORE HONOR!!

      Report Post »  
    • jnobfan
      Posted on February 13, 2011 at 8:28am

      We have a real problem here. Do not underestimate Obama. His personel polls are amazingly high considering the horrible job he has done. The economy IS getting better slowly despite his efforts to muck it up and we don’t have a candidate. We have 3 or 4 Bob Doles and a couple of women who women don’t like.Cristie is not running and he’s anti-gun. RP is my guy but he has the crazy uncle tag. IMO Alan West will have to be on the ticket with somebody. Will DeMint run? I can‘t believe how bad this situation is with the worst president in my lifetime ripe for the picking and we don’t have a picker.

      Report Post »  

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