Posted on 01/05/2005 11:26:57 AM PST by WoodstockCat
PREMATURE 2008 PUNDITRY [Rich Lowry ] Here is how one GOP insider sees the state of play (in other words, not necessarily my take on things). Rudy Guiliani wasn't fundamentally hurt by the Kerik flap. Its ultimately Kerik's problem, not Giuliani's. The former mayor is loved by GOP crowds and has great all-around political skills. He has something of George W. Bush's ability to connect with individuals in a crowded room. He was a wonderful surrogate for Bush last year. But his problem on gays, guns, and abortion is probably insurmountable. It is likely he can't fix it short of totally revising his positions, and that will be difficult given his tough-guy, straight-shooter image. Bill Frist is in perhaps the strongest position. He will soak up publicity as Senate Majority Leader, leading on issues like judges. He headed the senatorial committee when the GOP took back the Senate. He is close to the White House, has a good relationship with Dick Cheney, and is loyal to Bush. He is pro life and knows how to talk to socially conservative audiences. He will be able to raise a ton of money. Jeb Bush won't run. He is arguably the most talented GOP officeholder in the country. He would probably be the strongest GOP candidate. But he considers the dynastic issue too serious to overcome. Because of his family and faith, he doesn't lust after the job like most politicians. And he is 52 in February, so is young enough to wait, eight years if neccessary (he probably wouldn't take the VP slot if offered). The theory is that he has to skip at least one cycle the way W did to have some distance from his dad and the way Hillary did to have some distance from Bill. George Allen is a politician to watch. He wears cowboy boots, he is tall and handsome, he doesn't take himself too seriously, he's a solid conservative, and he's putting together a tip-notch team. It will be hard for any senator to get traction, however, when the Senate Majority Leader is running. Mitt Romney is going to have a hard time connecting with the social sonservative base of the party given his Mormon faith--just a fact of life. For what it's worth... Posted at 02:08 PM
I don't get that.
My problem with Romney isn't that he's a Mormon. It's that he is, as I recall, a liberal.
Dan
Now I have heard of George Allen before....
Unlike Trancedo (sp?) or there was another one the other day that I cannot remember who it was.....I couldnt tell them from Jobe and I think I am a pretty informed voter.....
Rudy is too liberal
Pataki ha
I don't think Frist will win it for the same reasons that Kerry didnt. Senators have a hard time getting elected for some reason, although I think that Frist would stand a much better chance than Senator flip flop....
George Allen ping.
I gotta start makin' me some phone calls...
You beat me to the ping. :)
put me on that ping list please.
For what it's worth: I was a delegate to the Convention in NYC. Watching George Allen work the Iowa crowd on the floor of the convention was a thing to behold.
Pataki had a party, Rudy was everywhere, but it was George Allen who got down to their level and really glad handed the Iowa Delegates.
It will be interesting to watch, that's for sure.
Did the crowd like him? What was the reaction?
done
I loved george's dad. He was THE coach when the Rams were great. Let's hope jr. has the same stuff.
Allen '08? Works for me. Cantor can run for his Senate seat.
My wife and both worked for him when he was Governor.
I can assure you, what you see is genuine.
Hope so...the former Gov. of VA and current Senator, George Allen, is a good man.
I learn something new every day..........
What? You thought I was making all this stuff up???
;-)
Please add me to the Allen ping list.
Of course not..........Now I have a more knowlegeable perpective of why I tend to rely on you for information regarding VA politics!!!!!
I obviously made the correct assumptions when I started lurking around and following the posts of the 3 of you when preparing to move here!!!!
I met his father on an airplane ride from Washington D.C. when I was 7. It was rather odd, I was a Dolphins fan and it was just after the Super Bowl when the Dolphins beat the 'Skins. He was gracious and a gentleman and I still have that autograph.
glad that everyone is catching up to me. I said this two years ago.
If Allen runs, he wins.
The dude is a straight shooter, family man, conservative, and all round nice guy.
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