Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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McCain Camp Shuts Down VP Questions |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
3:35 PM |
This afternoon, I participated in a call with former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani and McCain adviser Randy Scheunemann. The purpose was to discuss reports that an Obama campaign Middle East adviser was recently in Damascus for meetings with Syrian officials.
After Rudy's opening statement about Obama negotiating without pre-conditions -- and being inexperienced -- the Q&A session began. Obviously, everybody is interested in the VP story right now, so it's not surprising that after Giuliani and Scheunemann's opening statements -- and the first question -- talk eventually turned to VP speculation.
Kelly O'Donnell of NBC asked Giuliani about the prospects of a pro-choice VP. Giuliani said McCain would have to "weigh the pros and the cons," and that the Republican Party is not "a one issue party." He said he believed the Republican Party would support McCain's choice, regardless. And he said McCain's main criteria would be selecting someone who could take over the job of president of the United States at a moment's notice.
I was the next questioner, and based on Giuliani's answer to Kelly's question, I noted yesterday's Fox story which said reported the RNC had announced McCain would no longer consider a pro-choice candidate. After all, Giuliani's response made me wonder if McCain was, in fact, still open to a pro-choice veep ...
Michael Goldfarb, who earlier this year shed his journalist hat in favor of a McCain hat, abruptly cut me off, saying: "Frankly, we're not talking about Senator McCain's VP choice until he makes a VP choice." (This, of course, is provably false, as Giuliani had just answered a VP question from Kelly). Nevertheless, I attempted to follow-up by asking whether or not the Fox story was even true to begin with (because Rudy was acting as if McCain still might choose Ridge or Lieberman). I'm not sure if I was cut off before or after I got that out, but they quickly moved on. I believe they took one more call and then abruptly ended the call.
(You can listen to the call here at the 14.09 minute mark. Upon listening to the recording, it is clear I was cut-off before I had the chance to ask my follow-up question ...).
In any event, I was surprised at how aggressive the McCain folks were in regards to not commenting on the VP question. My guess is that they want to avoid any appearance that conservatives were able to influence McCain's VP pick. Clearly, this is a touchy subject that they would prefer not to talk about right now ...
Update: Via CNN, Ron Kampeas -- who asked the first question, which was prior to Kelly O'Donnell's -- is alleging that (on this very call) he was intentionally cut off in the middle of asking a question. From CNN:
"McCain foreign policy advisor Randy Scheunemann, asked about his lobbying work on behalf of the nation of Georgia, responded that his actions were different because they were not “covert.” The reporter who asked the question, Ron Kampeas of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, abruptly dropped off the call. He later alleged that the campaign had cut him off."
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones in Critical Condition |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
2:04 PM |
Despite the Cleveland Plain Dealer's earlier reports that she had passed away, it now appears she is alive but in critical condition.
Update: Fox is now reporting that this rumor was wrong. As they say, the reports of her death are greatly exaggerated. She is apparently in critical condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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Thank God for Rush Limbaugh! |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
2:01 PM |
Last month, in my Conservative Guide to VP Picks™, I described a possible Tom Ridge veep selection as follows: "Unacceptable. Deal-breaker." A few days later, I appeared on Fox News' The Live Desk with Martha MacCallum, and made essentially the same point -- adding that I would be much more comfortable with a Mitt Romney selection. As veep speculation intensified this week, I wrote Heartbreak Ridge to help squash the predictable argument that McCain/Ridge would be analagous to Reagan/Bush.
While I am happy to have been at the forefront of this effort, it is once again clear that, when it comes to making things happen, blogs are important, but Rush Limbaugh is still the king. Within hours of Rush putting the "kibosh" on Ridge or Lieberman, the RNC announced that McCain will not choose a pro-abortion running mate.
Coincidence? I don't think so...
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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Fun With Photoshop |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
1:34 PM |
... This image is making the rounds. The line at the bottom is, of course, in reference to the 2005 energy bill, which Obama voted for -- and McCain voted against.
As Opensecrets.org recently reported, the “Center for Responsible Politics was surprised to notice that it's actually Obama who has received more from the pockets of employees at several of Big Oil's biggest and most recognizable companies." So who is in the pocket of big oil?
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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Townhall's Republican Convention Coverage |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
1:14 PM |
As you might expect, Townhall will be aggressively covering the GOP convention. Stay tuned for details on that. In the meantime, here is the latest schedule of speakers ...
The program of events is as follows:
Monday, Sept. 1
Service
"Love of country, my friends, is another way of saying love of your fellow countryman."
--Sen. John McCain
John McCain’s commitment to his fellow Americans, a commitment forged in service to his country, is one of the defining hallmarks of his life. Monday’s events will highlight John McCain’s record of service and sacrifice and reflect his commitment to serving a cause greater than one’s own self-interest.
Speakers will include:
- U.S. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Conn.)
- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (Calif.)
- Vice President Richard B. Cheney
- First Lady Laura Bush
- President George W. Bush
Tuesday, Sept. 2
Reform
"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you are disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and correct them."
--Sen. John McCain
John McCain’s life is a testament to the fundamental truth that every American can be a force for change. A restless reformer who has dedicated his career to taking on special interests and the status quo, John McCain will deliver the right kind of change and reform to meet the great challenges of our time. On Tuesday, the convention program will underscore his vision of a government that is transparent, principled and worthy of the American people it serves.
Speakers will include:
- Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani
- Former Gov. Mike Huckabee (Ark.)
- Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)
- Gov. Sarah Palin (Alaska)
- Gov. Jon Huntsman (Utah)
- Rosario Marin, California Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency and former Treasurer of the United States
- Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.)
- Gov. Linda Lingle (Hawaii)
- Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele (Md.)
Read More... |
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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Charting McCain's Comeback ... |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
11:28 AM |
If John McCain goes on to win the general election, there will likely be key moments along the way that we could point to as significant turning points. For example, it is predictable that the VP selections, national conventions, and the debates -- will all be significant.
However, I believe we have already witnessed at least four important moments along the way. Following are the four five events that I believe have been the most significant for McCain, heretofore...
1). July 2 -- Campaign Shake-up -- McCain loyalist Rick Davis is demoted and Steve Schmidt takes control of the "day-to-day operations" of the McCain campaign. As a result, McCain begins to develop a consistent message and to paint Obama as "out-of-touch."
2.) July 17-25 -- Obama's Audacious Trip -- Obama prepares for an international trip which will be covered by media stars. It is observed his plane has the 'President' label on it. After touring the Middle East, Obama gives a speech in Berlin, where he talks about America's imperfection. On his way to Paris, it is revealed that Obama skipped a meeting with injured U.S. troops. Each of these events helps underscore McCain's message about Obama.
3.) July 30 -- Celebrity Ad -- McCain unveils "Celebrity ad," which features Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. The ad is mocked by some, but reinforces Obama's image as a "celebrity." It also garners a ton of free media attention.
4.) August 8, 2008 -- Georgia -- Russian tanks enter Georgia's breakaway provice of South Ossetia. McCain quickly condemned Russia, while Obama was "characteristically circumspect."
5). August 16 -- Saddleback -- After Obama returns from vacation, McCain and Obama appear at a forum with Pastor Rick Warren at his Saddleback Church. McCain appears relaxed and in control, while Obama criticizes Justice Clarence Thomas and says abortion is "above his pay grade."
In this business, there is a tendency to focus solely on what is happening today. This allows little time for analysis of past events. But it is only through introspection that we can step back and get a big-picture view -- and assess what is working (or not working) over time. Clearly, McCain's momentum began with a staff change which resulted in developing and driving a consistent message about Barack Obama.
Update: Due to popular demand, I've added Russia's invasion of Georgia as number 4...
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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Rumors on the Internets ... |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
7:57 AM |
For what it's worth ...
1). I'm hearing that tensions were high recently when veteran actor Robert Duvall was taping a voice-over for a video to be played during the Republican National Convention. Apparently, the veteran actor objected to the direction he was receiving from Republican media guru Fred Davis. According to my sources, Duvall said something along the lines of: "F-you Fred! If Scorsese couldn't give me direction, what the hell makes you think you can?" Though this blow-up is actually recorded on tape, my guess is it's in everyone's best interest for this to not leak out ...
2). A source tells me Secret Service agents were all over the Minnesota State House yesterday. Is this a hint that Tim Pawlenty will get the veep nod? Maybe, or maybe not ...
3). As MSNBC continues to cast itself as the "anti-Fox," the NYT is reporting that liberal Rachel Maddow will replace Dan Abrams.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008 |
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A Heartbeat Away |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
5:14 PM |
Family Research Council just sent out this in their daily email:
"Last night, we received disturbing reports that McCain's campaign manager Rick Davis had been making phone calls to state leaders to gauge their reactions to the selection of a pro-abortion running mate. Most signs pointed to former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. Big problem! Governor Ridge is not only aggressively pro-abortion, supporting measures like the Freedom of Choice Act, which would have overturned most state laws on abortion, while serving as a U.S. Congressman, he was well known for publicly opposing many of President Reagan's policies relating to national defense and siding instead with liberal Democrats. This afternoon Fox News is reporting that officials at the Republican National Committee are knocking down the reports of a pro-abortion running mate for McCain. If so, the Arizona Senator has averted a misstep that would not only have cost him the ground he gained over the past week but probably assured him of defeat this November."
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008 |
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Tom Ridge is Out? |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
4:30 PM |
According to Fox News:
"As speculation grows around who John McCain will select as his vice presidential running mate next week, Republican National Committee officials said Tuesday that McCain is no longer considering former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge."
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008 |
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McCain up by 5 in Zogby Poll |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
12:56 PM |
I'm hearing that a new Reuters/Zogby National poll (that has not yet been released) has McCain up by 5 points. McCain leads Obama by 8 points among likely voters in terms of who can best manage the economy.
Update: This poll is scheduled to be officially released tomorrow morning.
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008 |
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Hobson's Choice: Lieberman or Ridge? |
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Posted by:
Matt Lewis at
11:51 AM |
As he moves toward making a veep selection, John McCain's head will do battle with his heart. And, by most accounts, his heart appears to be with Joe Lieberman and Tom Ridge. Mind you, neither selection makes sense to me strategically, but anything is possible.
In fact, I just got off the phone with one prominent conservative leader who tells me, "I do think all signs point to Ridge." My source's rationale is that he believes the McCain folks put Ridge on the Sunday Morning talk shows this week specifically to say he would support McCain's positions as vice president. He also notes that Pennsylvania pro-life groups have begun putting out word that Ridge was a fine governor. And he says (as we all know), McCain personally likes Ridge.
Joe Lieberman has three attributes conservatives ought to like: He's a strong supporter of the war on terror, a defender of the culture, and was a vocal critic of Bill Clinton's peccadillos. You could also argue that, unlike Ridge, Lieberman is a safer pick for conservatives because he has zero chance of ever becoming a future GOP nominee. Conversely, Ridge would become the successor. By this logic, given a Hobson's Choice between the two, you might assume conservatives would favor a Lieberman selection.
... But I've found very few conservatives who would make this argument. In fact, I have been astonished to find that most conservatives I talk to do not strongly oppose Tom Ridge. For example, even Tony Perkins -- a prominent social conservaitve who heads the Family Research Council -- has vocally opposed Ridge -- but not in an overly-forceful manner.
The bottom line is that the vast majority of conservatives I've talked to are not overly concerned about a Ridge selection. Some don't believe he is a realistic pick, but the ones who believe he is likely say he will follow the George H.W. Bush model of a loyal VP.
So why do most conservatives favor Ridge over Lieberman? One argument is that modern-day "conservatives" are really more partisan than they are ideological. But a better argument is that most modern-day conservatives are not going to be hung up on a single hot-button issue, even though I would argue it is perhaps the fundamental issue. When looking at their overall records, Ridge would be more likely to lead as a conservative, and I think that's why most of the folks I talked to were somewhat surprisingly favorable to him...
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