Posted on 12/09/2010 3:10:57 PM PST by pissant
George Will today aptly details why Mike Pence, a stalwart on fiscal issues and an articulate proponent of conservative social values, would be an attractive 2012 presidential candidate. I'll go a step further than George and predict that Pence will announce early next year.
A close friend and confidante of Pence's has been telling me for several weeks that Pence is "serious." This friend makes the case that Pence is a solid conservative on the range of issues conservatives care about and is the only candidate who can "seamlessly meld" the sometimes adversarial Tea Party and establishment wings of the GOP "without too much friction." He also points to Pence's demeanor, citing a favorite phrase of the congressman's: "Just because I'm a conservative doesn't mean I have to be a bad mood about it."
Even more telling, Gary Bauer, the influential social conservative leader who heads the group American Values and is on the boards of Christians United for Israel and the Emergency Committee for Israel, gave me his take this morning: "There is no doubt that Rep. Pence has solid support among values voters. They like his unapologetic and confident defense of the Judeo- Christian world view." But Bauer says Pence's appeal goes beyond social conservatives, vouching for Pence's "Reagan-like ability to bring economic, national security and social conservatives together in a winning coalition."
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
So he’s competing with John Bolton to be Sarah Palin’s running mate? May the best man win, as they say!
Good to see this. I like Pence a lot.
I would vote for Pence over Palin for President....and I have supported her BEFORE McCain picked her
As a Palin supporter, I do like Pence, but I have to really wonder, is this guy another Alan Keyes to siphon votes away from SP so Mitt cann get through? That’s what I really worry about here, that Pence is being played.
Pence is really weak on the border.
Thats a black mark. I want friction. I want adversarial.
Aside from that, Pence is a good man. I'd vote for him.
Good man, but I think he needs more grooming. A stint as governor would help. Like Duncan Hunter, he is an excellent guy who needs more name recognition. I wouldn’t want to see him spoil his future chances.
Also, look at who is doing the recommending here. George Will and Jennifer Rubin?
Pence is really weak on the border.
Bet his tune will be a lot tougher when he jumps in. That said, he is a very acceptable candidate. I Prefer Palin and Demint. But I could take Pence without heart burn.
My fear is that Romney will get it when the conservatives get done beating each other up.
Pence is a good guy. I would vote for him.
“Pence is really weak on the border.”
The only one who is really strong on the border is Duncan Hunter but I doubt he’d run again. Then again who knows? Gov Jan Brewer for president?
Pence/Bachmann - this is the ticket.
Flashback: Obama Pulls Up a Chair at George Will’s House
By Michael D. Shear
Where does one dine a week before becoming the leader of the free world?
At the Chevy Chase, Md., house of conservative columnist George Will.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/01/obama-pulls-up-a-chair-at-geor.html
Damn! Let’s hope we get that kind of VP selection.
That pales in comparison to his ability to split conservative votes so Romney can win with a plurality.
DeMint is also strong on illegal immigration.
Pence is much more articulate than Palin. Now, if he can come up with the great ideas....he would be VERY electable.
Pence is stronger on immigration than anyone talking about running except DeMint.
Is he willing to take Obama head on? That is the million dollar question. Having the right stance on the issues is meaningless if he wilts from criticism.
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