Archive for August 25th, 2007

By: Brian Sikma

One topic that presidential candidates at the Midwest Republican Leadership Conference had to address was the subject of the War on Terror. Although America is facing important domestic policy decisions, the War on Terror is an event that is not only defining our time, but is also defining us as a country. Thus, every presidential candidate no matter what their domestic policy ideas are, must address the subject of the War and articulate their views on how important this conflict is.

Although I’m not a fan of Mitt Romney, one thing that I really like about him is his use of the word “jihadist” when speaking of the deadly, hate-filled enemy we are fighting against in this long war on Islamofacists terrorists. The term jihadist conjures up images of a foe who is seeking to wage an unceasing and unmerciful fight against out civilization. So far, Romney has been one of the toughest candidates when it comes to the war.

The Politico’s Jonathan Martin (who was present at the MRLC) thought that Gov. Mike Huckabee’s performance at the press conference was very weak on foreign policy. Martin went so far as to say that if Giuliani is the 9/12 candidate (meaning that his candidacy was created out of the ashes of 9 /11) then Huckabee was the 9/10 candidate. A candidate who is too focused on domestic issues and doesn’t care enough, or doesn’t understand, the importance of the Global War on Terror.

I see Mr. Martin’s point, but I have to say that there is a side of Huckabee that he didn’t seem to cover. When speaking to the crowded hall at lunchtime, Huckabee used a phrase and drew a comparison that I have yet to hear any presidential candidate use. According to Huckabee, this war against radical Islamic terrorists is not a normal geopolitical war (we all knew that I hope), but at its root is a war between two faiths. The implications of this statement are huge. One faith wants to take the world down into a bondage, the other faith wants to liberate men not so they can do whatever they want, but so that they can do what is right.

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When Thompson entered the room before the dinner began, he started to work the tables shaking hands and taking pictures. He was quickly mobbed by excited dinner attendees wanting pictures, handshakes, and autographs (I myself got a number of pictures that I will post shortly, and I got Thompson to sign my lanyard badge).

None of the other presidential candidates (Romney, Huckabee) were greeted like this, and none seem to have generated this level of interest and excitement. I have lost track of how many people throughout this weekend that told me that they were looking forward to seeing him.

The rock star is here; more after the leap.

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A forum being hosted by Ari Fleischer with Abdul, Jonathan Martin of Politico, and Fred Barnes of Fox News and the Weekly Standard.

Fred Barnes: Maybe.

Martin: History is against it.

Abdul: People vote for who they like, regardless of anything else. There is hope; Luke Skywalker blew up the Death Star, but don’t rely on it. Likens Hillary to Darth Vader.

And on that happy thought, more after the leap.

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Things have been very busy today with interviews and other events. but enjoy this interview we had with Indianapolis Mayoral candidate Greg Ballard.

By: Brian Sikma 

Day One of the Midwest Republican Leadership Conference was quite an exciting day. With hundreds of Republican activists on hand, it was a cross section of the party faithful from across the Midwest. Everyone from faithful campaign volunteers and donors all the way up to presidential candidates seem to be having a good time.

As I spoke with people who had been to this event before, they said that the turnout for this year’s event was much smaller than previous presidential campaign years. Some thought that the smaller turnout was an indication of how dissatisfied the grassroots of the party is right now. These people are solid Republicans who have always voted Republican, but right now they’re not happy about the lackluster performance of the top presidential contenders. From immigration and border security to missed opportunities to wisely use the Congressional majority that we had before the 2006 election, these people see their party and their party’s candidates all under performing.

One candidate, however, didn’t pass up this chance to take his message to the potentially key supporters gathered there in Indianapolis.  This candidate’s tactic was simple: Talk about what you believe in and listen to the voter’s ideas.

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Greg Garrison
Told a great anecdote about interviewing former RNC Chairman Ken Melman before the 2006 election. Told him a simple three point campaign to win the election, an easy billboard:

Cut taxes.
Win the war.
Secure the border.
Vote Republican.

Great turn of phrase. Things like, “the 22 square miles of land surrounded by reality that we call the nation’s capital.”

Mike Sodrel and Mike Pence after the leap.

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It’s day two for the MRLC.  There are some interesting events that are going on today including an immigration panel moderated by Greg Garrison of WIBC with the panelists being Congressman Mike Pence and former Congressman Mike Sodrel.  Also former Bush press secretary Ari Fleicher will be talking about the media’s impact on politics.  Obviously, were interested in what he says about blogs and the internet in general.

Then tonight is the Fred Thompson dinner.  Hopefully, we’ll get some time with him….hopefully.