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
Though he's articulate, attractive and smart, I don't think Frist would make a good candidate, either, for the same reasons as Kerry--comes across as a cold fish.
You've got a great memory. I haven't been following him too closely lately, but I sure liked him back then.
Regarding his stance on guns. I'm a big fan of Senator Allen, but one thing that bothered me was that he was initially in favor of renewing the AWB. He changed his position, but I don't know why he supported it in the first place. I'm certainly glad he did change his mind, but I'd feel better if it hadn't needed any changing.
That said, I'd love to see Allen make a run in 08.
I'm all for that ticket, but the problem is Senators have a hard time winning Presidential elections - Kerry, Dole, etc.
Ah, yes, but how many senators who have run for president and lost were governors before that? None.....
For anyone who isn't familiar with George Allen, I have resided in Virginia ever since he ran for Governor and I can assure you that you can line up all the front-runners for 2008 - McCain, Guiliani, Romney, Frist, etc, and there is no one who can match up with Allen in cross-over appeal. I live in a heavily democratic/blue collar area of Virginia and he has carried this area against the formidable incumbent Chuck Robb and his come-from-behind trouncing of Mary Sue Terry for Governor. He is the closest thing to Ronald Reagan we Republicans have. He is a rock-solid Conservative who appeals to Reagan Democrats due to his good ol' boy personality and his sincerity of convictions. He has a way of winning over people who don't necessarily agree with every position he has on the issues. He is an excellent debater, with the ability to disagree with a smile and he uses humor very effectively.
Allen put together a great team to win South Dakota for Thune. I worked on the ground with them and found that they really know how to run a campaign.
What would be really cool would be a 2008 ticket of George Allen and Condoleeza Rice. They could be an unstoppable team.
Apparently Allen liked so much of what he saw that he tapped Thune's top campaign man for himself from what I read.
I have noticed Allen appearing on the following programs which I hadn't seen him on much before (except for his appearances as Senate Republican Campaign Chair)
1. Laura Ingraham - promoting death benefit increase for soldiers killed in combat
2. Sean Hannity - regarding the interpretation of the Presidential Inaguration (in fact Hannity asked him at the end about '08 and he gave the "focused on '06 answer" but did say many had encouraged him to look at '08)
Hi. I know that this thread is old, but would you add me to your George Allen '08 and Jerry Kilgore ping lists? Thanks. :-)
The thread is old, but the campaigns are young. I'll add you to both lists.
Welcome.
Add me to both ping lists as well.
I would like to be on the Allen ping list. Thanks!
So if George Allen wins, who does Governor Kilgore appoint to fill the seat? Gilmore? Jo Ann Davis? Tom Davis?
Any thoughts? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller... Bueller...
Go Senator Allen!
As a Virginian, I can tell you George Allen will bend over quicker than Barney Frank when it comes to illegal immigration.
Allen is ok if you like moderation.My choice is Indiana Congressman Mike Pence,A true Reagan Conservative!
(Just a reminder of where groupthought has gotten us before on FR).
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