Free Republic

A founding father of the conservative movement who is now a star among Tea Party activists is urging the GOP to choose a governor to duel Washington “insider” Hillary Clinton for the White House, saying that 2016 isn't the best time for Sen. Ted Cruz to run. Often called the “funding father” of conservatism for pioneering direct mail fundraising, Richard A. Viguerie believes that the Texas senator is a “game changer” for the movement but that the best way to beat Clinton is with a candidate from outside the beltway. “I don't think it would be best for the conservative...

‘Morning Joe’ Scarborough’s scathing piece on Sarah Palin in Politico, rather than discouraging a run by Palin for President in 2012, may have convinced more conservatives she should run.Joe Scarborough’s stated concerns include how Palin drew a comparison between the disparagement of her and Ronald Reagan, which is a fair assessment by Palin, and her polite but firm retort to former First Lady Barbara Bush’s comment that Palin should stay in Alaska.Sarah Palin is the Republican “it” girl right now because she yields no ground to establishment types, bluebloods, political consultants, media elites and all those who contributed to the...

(Manassas, Virginia) Longtime conservative Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, provided training to about 120 Tea Party leaders at a seminar he held in conjunction with the group's march on Washington, D.C. The seminar covered the following key topics: How to use new and alternative media ('under-the-radar' media) to challenge blue dog Democrats in primaries; How to get money, volunteers and members for your Tea Party; How to challenge big-government Republicans in primaries; How to challenge Massachusetts legislators who support changing their election law regarding Ted Kennedy's replacement; and How to bypass the mainstream media, and go directly into voters'...

Republicans are making a huge mistake by turning away from the principle of small government. Is it time for conservatives to give up our fight against Big Government? Some people think so. Mike Huckabee, the Baptist preacher and former Arkansas governor and presidential candidate, complained in May to the Huffington Post that the greatest threat to the GOP is "this new brand of libertarianism" that says "look, we want to cut taxes and eliminate government." That, Huckabee said, is "not an American message. It doesn't fly. People aren't going to buy that, because that's not the way we are as...

He disappointed conservatives during his eight years in the Senate. Is there any reason to think this Washington insider and veteran trial lawyer would be any better as President? The frustration of conservatives is understandable. Faced with the prospects of Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, or Mitt Romney as the next Republican presidential candidate, many are pinning their hopes on former Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee. Could this actor-politician be the new Ronald Reagan? Mainstream media types assure us that he is. His record suggests otherwise. This is the second time conservatives have pinned their hopes on Thompson. When he was...