"America's Mayor" Gives GOP Address on 9/11 Anniversary

Former New York City Mayor gives this week's Republican address on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Who can forget his remarkable courage, leadership and calm in the midst of that chaos and destruction?  Like Washington at Valley Forge, it was providential. As I listened to his words, I was filled with gratitude -- and worried that this administration cannot comprehend the nature of the enemy who attacked us. 

Here's the video, and here's his text:

“Everyone can remember exactly where they were when they first learned that our country had been attacked.  As with Pearl Harbor and the John F. Kennedy assassination, these defining events have a big impact on a nation because they're not just a shared experience, they're a shared memory.

“On the 10th anniversary of the attacks, we must take stock of what we've learned.

“The attacks had two purposes.  The first was to kill as many Americans as possible.  The second was to destroy America's spirit.

“As we remember the thousands of lives lost on that day, there’s no doubt that the terrorists achieved their first goal and will leave us with a deep wound forever.

“When it comes to destroying our spirit, however…as we consider the rescue and recovery effort we witnessed at the time of and in the aftermath of the attacks, it’s clear that the terrorists failed.

“The country was not broken, but rather, it was more united in the days after September 11 than at any time in my lifetime.  We displayed heroic spirit in many ways, but perhaps the most heroic was the unity of spirit that we shared as Americans.  The American people demonstrated one of the most basic values that we share - our love of freedom and the value we place on individual human life.

“People often ask me, ‘Is America safer now than it was before September 11?’  The answer is:  ‘Yes, but not as safe as we should be.’  We're safer because we faced a difficult truth.  A danger that we allowed to fester and grow without confronting properly, was suddenly staring us in the face.

“The engagement of Islamic extremist terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan is an important part of our having prevented additional large-scale attacks.  We’ve made significant improvements in intelligence gathering and in airport security.  But much work remains.  We have not significantly improved port security and our state and local governments range from very well prepared to not prepared at all.  We’ve even seen some massive breakdowns in security, as demonstrated by the near attack on Christmas morning in 2009, as well as the inappropriate decision-making and irrational application of political correctness in the attack at Fort Hood.

“Perhaps the most dangerous impulse we've developed since September 11 is impatience demonstrated by the calls to put our armed forces on timetables.  It's a re-emergence of a dangerous historical pattern that sometimes afflicts America --  a desire to demilitarize by minimizing the dangers we face and that’s led to catastrophes in the past, including the ‘peace dividend’ taken in the 90's as Islamic extremist terrorists were attacking us regularly.

“American security requires a long-term military presence in the part of the world where people and organizations are plotting to kill us.  The timetable should not be based on a politically expedient calendar, but on when we've eliminated the threat of domestic attacks being generated in that particular part of the world. We must not allow impatience to prevent our military from achieving its objective in Iraq and Afghanistan and the objective is the elimination of the threat to our nation. 

“Finally, America must take care of those who were harmed during the difficult and dangerous recovery effort.  We must not forget what it meant to the country to watch these brave men and women work toward recovery and they shouldn't be abandoned now.  If they become ill, we are responsible for taking care of them.  After all, they took care of us.

“The lesson of September 11 is that America is truly exceptional.  We withstood the worst attack in our history, intended by our enemies to destroy us.  Instead, it drew us closer and it made us more united.  Our love for freedom and for one another had given us a strength that surprised even ourselves.  At the same time, it's a strength that must be guarded and nurtured.  We must rediscover our unity.  We must never forget what we witnessed on that day, both the incomprehensible face of pure evil and the depth of love and compassion.  Today, ten years later, the fight continues and the memories remain etched into our national character.”

Shameless Presidential Gossip

A golf buddy of Rudy Giuliani, asked recently about Giuliani's intentions for the Republican presidential primary, piped up "you never know!"

Giuliani was libertarian before it was cool to be libertarian. Yet unlike the Pauls, he understands the War on Terror in a way that they do not. That is, he has both the baggage of being laissez-faire on social issues and the baggage of the establishment. I see his presidential aspirations as the pipe-dreams of a friend.

But there you have it.

Giuliani Endorses Trey

Rudy Giuliani just endorsed Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Note the part about Rand Paul being part of the "blame America first crowd." Here's the release:

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani announced today that he is endorsing Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

“Trey Grayson is the candidate in this race who will make the right decisions necessary to keep America safe and prevent more attacks on our homeland. He is not part of the ‘blame America first’ crowd that wants to bestow the rights of U.S. citizens on terrorists and point fingers at America for somehow causing 9/11,” Giuliani said.

He continued, “Kentucky needs a Senator who understands the threat posed by our enemies abroad. I witnessed firsthand the destruction and loss of life our enemies can cause. Like me, Trey Grayson knows we must stay on offense against terrorism, and he supports using all the essential tools we have in that fight, including monitoring the conversations and activities of suspected foreign terrorists as allowed by the Patriot Act. He is a fresh face that Republicans can trust to best represent their values – both on national security and fiscal responsibility – in Washington. Kentuckians could not elect a better Senator than Trey Grayson.”

Grayson commented, “Mayor Giuliani’s endorsement shows the growing momentum we have in this campaign. More and more Kentuckians are siding with me in the fight to preserve the Patriot Act and our ability to monitor the activities of suspected terrorists overseas and are rejecting the Blame America First mentality of my opponent. I’m proud to have Rudy Giuliani’s support, and I pledge to live up to that support in the U.S. Senate by fighting for strong anti-terrorism policies that will help prevent more attacks on our country.”

Grayson launched a web ad detailing Rand Paul’s statements that blame America for the 9/11 attacks.

Rudy Delivers

Rudy Giuliani says we need the national leader John McCain, not the "community organizer" Barack Obama.

Rudy Rocks St. Paul to Help McCain

America's Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, will address the Convention shortly. Here are excerpts from his prepared remarks:


"This is a time for choosing - and to those Americans who still feel torn in this election, I'd like to suggest one way to think about the choice you have to make in 2008: You're hiring someone to do a job - an important job that involves the safety and security of your family." On the importance of this election: "This is a time for choosing - and to those Americans who still feel torn in this election, I'd like to suggest one way to think about the choice you have to make in 2008: You're hiring someone to do a job - an important job that involves the safety and security of your family."


On Gov. Sarah Palin: "Governor Palin represents a new generation. She's already one of the most successful governors in America - and the most popular. And she already has more executive experience than the entire Democratic ticket. She's led a city and a state. She's reduced taxes and government spending. And she's actually done something about moving America toward energy independence - taking on the oil companies while encouraging more energy exploration here at home. Taxpayers have an advocate in Sarah Palin - she even sold the former governor's private plane on E-Bay."

On the GOP vision for a stronger America - and a freer world: "And as we look to the future never let us forget that - when we are at our best - we are the Party that expands Freedom. We began as a party dedicated to freeing people from slavery... And we are still the party that is willing to fight for freedom at home and around the world. We are the party that wants to expand individual freedom and economic freedom... because we believe that the secret of America's success is not central government, it is self-government. ...And we are the party that believes unapologetically in America's essential greatness - that we are a shining city on the hill, a a beacon of freedom that inspires people everywhere to reach for a better world."

Horse Analogies (Cont.)

Former Solicitor General Ted Olson, a Rudy Guiliani supporter, has recently "likened the nomination process to a horse race," reports MSNBC.com's Vick Zast -- an analogy that was already noted by this blogger last November. Zast continues:

Olson, of course, has suggested that the former mayor of New York City is mimetic of a talented 3-year-old colt that hasn’t yet competed in a race that suits his running style. Scarborough and many other political observers believe the race goes to the candidates fastest from the starting gate. Recent history, both in politics and horse racing, illustrates that they both can be right.

Zast also explains the similarities of the upcoming primaries to the Derby prep races:

For all practical purposes, the late March/early April stakes races for Kentucky Derby candidates are the same as Super Tuesday is for presidential aspirants. Win or do well in one of them and running in the Derby is a foregone conclusion. Flop at the end, without benefit of a fast start, and you’ll find yourself sitting on the sidelines.

This last set of preps, not the preps we are watching now, determines the Kentucky Derby field. It includes the Florida Derby (Gr.1) on March 29, the Santa Anita Derby (Gr.1) and Wood Memorial (Gr.1) on April 5, and the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (Gr.1) and Arkansas Derby (Gr.2) on April 12.

So, in other words, all we have seen thus far are caucuses and primaries that don't qualify as real races. What counts are the upcoming contests, such as the Florida Derby (where Giuliani will finally emerge from the starting gate), the California race (where John McCain, Mitt Romney and Giuliani will likely run neck-and-neck), the Arkansas Derby (which is Mike Huckabee's race to lose) . . . okay, the analogy breaks down eventually, but one gets the point.

Speaking of Huckabee (and also as predicted by this blogger last November), he remains well positioned to place at the Republican Convention -- that is, be named the Republican vice presidential nominee ("winning the silver", as Romney might say, but that would be mixing sports metaphors).

Doug Mead, writing at Newsmax.com, touts a potential Romney-Huckabee ticket as "a great team." Mead argues that "[t]here is no way either one will win in a general election without having the other one on the ticket. . . . Neither one can win without the other. They are joined at the hip. " Think of two horses that are both needed to pull the GOP wagon.

It might be worth placing an exacta bet on Romney-Huckabee, who may be ready to reconcile in order to win. But I'm not so confident in that prediction so as to rule out other exotic bets before the Republican nomination is decided.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Rudy Visits Louisville

Here's Jefferson Poole's take on Rudy Giuliani's visit to Louisville today. I'm not endorsing anyone, and will back whomever the Republicans nominate. But I will say that when Rudy addressed the Federalist Society National Convention in Washington before Thanksgiving, he made a convincing case that he turned around New York City by lowering taxes at the outset.

"Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose"

"The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers." So said Shakespeare's King Henry VI, who never had to run for political office to rule his country. But for those who must be elected head of state, it can be a source of pride to tout the lawyers in your camp -- unless you're Hillary Clinton.

The magazine published by the American Bar Association, the ABA Journal, reports on rafts of high-powered attorneys and law school professors signed up to assist Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney, John Edwards and Barack Obama. All of these candidates also happen to be lawyers themselves, as is Hillary.

Hillary, however, "didn't get back to" the Slate.com reporter who compiled the lawyer information. Maybe she is still putting it together. Bill doesn't count, given that the Supreme Court unanimously revoked his bar license -- even his own nominees voted to disbar him.

But we don't need her list to make this safe prediction: If Hillary is elected, count on her being the only attorney with a regular view of the White House garden with any Rose Law Firm experience.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Are Giuliani's Friends Attacking The Wrong Man?

The Log Cabin Republicans and Republican Majority for Choice are taking one-two punches at Mitt Romney in new advertisements to be aired in New Hampshire. Giuliani's allies apparently believe they will help their candidate by going negative. Perhaps so, but by softening up Romney, they may be unwittingly aiding a potentially more formidable foe -- Mike Huckabee.

In radio ads the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay rights advocacy group, don't criticize Romney for what is their real beef -- his opposition to same-sex marriage -- but rather what they call "Mitt flops" on tax issues. In contrast, the Republican Majority for Choice does not hide its agenda. The pro-choice group criticizes Romney for changing his position on abortion -- which he again acknowledged in last Wednesday's CNN YouTube GOP debate -- thus continuing with the flip-flop theme.

The Log Cabin Republicans should consider what Huckabee had to say about them at the debate. When Anderson Cooper asked Huckabee whether he "would . . . allow support from the Log Cabin Republicans," Huckabee answered: "You know, in my position in this entire election, I need the support of anybody and everybody I can get. . . I disagree with them [i.e., the gay rights advocates], strongly disagree with them on the idea of same-sex marriage, but in a democracy we can have disagreements over some policies and still agree on the greater things that make us Republicans. So would I accept their support? Of course. Would I change my position on same-sex marriage? No, I wouldn't. But if they're willing to support me, I'll be their president. I'll be anybody's president, but I'll be true to my convictions, and I think that's what Americans look for -- not someone they're going to agree with on everything, but somebody who at least has some convictions, sticks with them, and explains them, and can at least have respect for people who have different ones."

As for his stand on abortion, Huckabee's commercial during the debate said it all: "Fair doesn't just influence me. It really defines me. I don't have to wake up every day wondering what do I need to believe? Let us never sacrifice our principles for anybody's politics. Not now, not ever. I believe life begins at conception. We believe in some things. We stand by those things. We live or die by those things."

Those are no-compromise yet adroitly articulated positions coming from a candidate who, according to John McIntyre of RealClearPolitics.com, "has a real shot to be the Republican nominee." Giuliani's friends may need to rethink their media buys.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Huckabee Answers Gore's Question

Some may recall that when Al Gore ran for President he wore one of those wristbands inscribed with the initials "WWJD", which stood for "What Would Jesus Do?" Tonight, at the CNN YouTube GOP debate, Mike Huckabee gave an answer to Gore.

When pressed by Anderson Cooper to say whether Jesus would have supported the death penalty, Huckabee responded, "Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office, Anderson. That's what Jesus would do."

By the way, of all the candidates on stage, Rudy Giuliani laughed and clapped the most upon hearing Huckabee's answer.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

More On Huckabee's Vice Presidential Prospects

An earlier post on this blog predicted that Mike Huckabee will be number two on the ticket if either Giuliani or Romney wins the Republican presidential nomination. Today, the New York Sun supports this prediction, at least with respect to a Giuliani-Huckabee pairing.

According the Sun, Giuliani and Huckabee have "avoided direct conflict, exchanging more compliments than criticism." The Sun reports certain political analysts' view that "[a]s an affable Southerner with a solidly conservative record on social issues, Mr. Huckabee could provide precisely the kind of geographic and political balance needed for a ticket topped by an occasionally abrasive New Yorker who supports abortion rights."

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Bet On Mike Huckabee To Place

With the Iowa Republican presidential caucus a little over a month away (January 3, 2008), the remaining campaign period resembles Derby week: a crowded field of entries; jockeying for the best post position; and fear and loathing of the favorite.

Here's a betting tip, based on the latest Iowa poll numbers: Mike Huckabee to place, and not just in Iowa. Look for Huckabee to be the Republican vice presidential nominee.

In the ABC/Washington Post poll of the Iowa Republican caucus, conducted November 14-18, Mitt Romney held onto first place with 28% -- virtually unchanged from the last poll. But the real news is that Huckabee has surged into second place, with an astounding 24%. Next was Fred Thompson, with 15%, followed by Rudy Giuliani, who remains in fourth with 13%.

These numbers suggest Huckabee's dark horse candidacy remains viable, but a more likely outcome would be for him to be picked as second on the Republican ticket.
Despite their recent campaign attacks, Romney and Huckabee remain on good terms. Though they may seem an unlikely exacta, these candidates became friends while Governors of Massachusetts and Arkansas, respectively, and worked together closely as members of the Republican Governors Association. They have more in common than their respective campaigns may let on, and at the end of the day, a Baptist Southerner would bring nice balance to a ticket headed by a Mormon Northeasterner.
A similar argument could be made for the pairing of Huckabee with Giuliani, a Roman Catholic New Yorker.
And what if Thompson, the Tennessee Presbyterian, were to win the Republican nomination? Though having a Protestant Arkansan and Tennessean on the same presidential ticket may seem redundant, recall that this combination worked well for the Democrats in 1992 and 1996.
But don't count on that scenario happening because Thompson, with sinking poll numbers, has faded even before the stretch. The same can be said for John McCain, who polled only 6% in the latest Iowa count.
The only Republican presidential candidate making a move is Huckabee, and though he remains a long shot for the presidential nomination, Huckabee may be best horse to ride if one wants to support a Republican presidential candidate with the best chance of being somewhere on the ballot in November 2008.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Giuliani Leads Clinton In The Bluegrass

Lost in the Democrats' ballyhoos of last week's election were some poll numbers that show Kentucky is likely to remain Republican in the '08 presidential election, at least if Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton are the nominees. The latest Rasmussen poll in the Bluegrass, conducted November 1, shows Giuliani defeating Clinton 47% to 41%. His lead was outside the margin of error (+/- 4.5 %).

The percentage of surveyed voters who viewed Hillary unfavorably was an even worse number for her -- 47%, compared to Rudy's 38%. His favorable rating was 54%; hers, 48%.

The same survey found Fred Thompson in a statistical dead heat with Clinton, 44% versus 43%. The poll apparently did not study the match-up between Mitt Romney and Clinton or between a Republican and any of the other Democratic contenders.

Hillary Clinton's latest poll numbers in Kentucky are less than the highest percentage that Bill Clinton achieved in the Commonwealth -- 45.84%, in the 1996 election. (In 1992, Clinton received 44.55%.) For Democrats who are still spinning Steve Beshear's victory last week, the sober fact remains that not a single Democratic presidential nominee has garnered more than 50% of Kentucky voters in a general election since the days of Jimmy Carter.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.