Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Huckabee drops out?
For months, both Michael and I have been enjoying thoughts of a McCain/Huckabee ticket in 2008. As the race thinned down to these two, the idea we had cooked up during the long, drawn out flight between Seattle and Tampa seemed to grow some serious teeth. Until this evening, I was convinced that Huckabee was the most logical and most helpful choice McCain could make. While he may still prove to be a helpful choice, Huckabee is no longer the logical or likely choice.
By staying in the race beyond the point when he is mathematically able to win the nomination is selfish, egotistical, divisive and cowardly. It takes a real man to know the difference between a hard fight and an impossible one. Now that it is impossible for anyone other than McCain (or Romney, if this “suspended” business turns out to be a dirty trick), the fight has gone from hard to feudal. He is now running to hear himself talk; to divide the party and to, in his mind, secure running mate status. In doing this, however, he has angered McCain supporters and thusly seriously damaged his reputation and chances to accomplish his goal of becoming Vice President.
There is no good that can come out of this. There is no goal Mike Huckabee can have that is accomplished by him staying in this race. If his goal is to be McCain’s running mate, this action fights against it by angering McCain. If his goal is to promote conservative social values, this is fighting against it by keeping the party divided and thus making it harder for a lifelong social conservative to win the White House when fighting the general election against liberal abortion peddlers. So, unless Huckabee’s goal is to sit on his couch at home and watch Clinton or Obama take the oath of office, he is not helping himself.
Having said all of that, it is very important for McCain supporters to understand how dangerous it is to the party and its causes to be overly critical or disrespectful towards Huckabee and his supporters. He is a good and (generally) honorable man and his supporters are die-hards easily offended. We need to build the McCain Coalition, not alienate a key piece of the puzzle.
Governor, its time to follow the example of (I can’t believe I’m saying this) Mitt Romney and step aside for the betterment of the party, the nation and yourself.
By staying in the race beyond the point when he is mathematically able to win the nomination is selfish, egotistical, divisive and cowardly. It takes a real man to know the difference between a hard fight and an impossible one. Now that it is impossible for anyone other than McCain (or Romney, if this “suspended” business turns out to be a dirty trick), the fight has gone from hard to feudal. He is now running to hear himself talk; to divide the party and to, in his mind, secure running mate status. In doing this, however, he has angered McCain supporters and thusly seriously damaged his reputation and chances to accomplish his goal of becoming Vice President.
There is no good that can come out of this. There is no goal Mike Huckabee can have that is accomplished by him staying in this race. If his goal is to be McCain’s running mate, this action fights against it by angering McCain. If his goal is to promote conservative social values, this is fighting against it by keeping the party divided and thus making it harder for a lifelong social conservative to win the White House when fighting the general election against liberal abortion peddlers. So, unless Huckabee’s goal is to sit on his couch at home and watch Clinton or Obama take the oath of office, he is not helping himself.
Having said all of that, it is very important for McCain supporters to understand how dangerous it is to the party and its causes to be overly critical or disrespectful towards Huckabee and his supporters. He is a good and (generally) honorable man and his supporters are die-hards easily offended. We need to build the McCain Coalition, not alienate a key piece of the puzzle.
Governor, its time to follow the example of (I can’t believe I’m saying this) Mitt Romney and step aside for the betterment of the party, the nation and yourself.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Conservatives Unite!
The question for many of you is a simple one: Why should I support John McCain? Many of you feel betrayed by his refusal to adopt and fight for some of the causes you have undertaken. However, the bottom line is this: these are many very good reasons to support him. The fact that so many people have failed to get him to fall in line with ideologies he disagrees with is a surefire sign that what John McCain told you yesterday is what you can expect from him now and in the future. You can take comfort in knowing that John McCain says what he means and means what he says.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for an honest person. We have that chance this time.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for someone who isn’t afraid to stake their political future on principles. We have that chance this time.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for someone who can cross party lines to create common sense solutions, even when it is not a necessity of political survival. We have that chance this time.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for a genuine hero. We have that chance this time.
While I admire and respect the other serious Republican still in the race, and I hold the opinion that Governor Huckabee is a good (if not great) man, I strongly feel our nation needs a Republican president. Mike Huckabee simply cannot defeat the Democrats this go-around. He has a very devoted, yet homogenous base of support. This group will be exceedingly important to a successful McCain campaign, but at this time, it is simply not large enough for the governor to run on with any general election success. We need battle-hardened leadership. We need experience. We need untold amounts of courage. John McCain delivers to us all of these things.
Just as Ronald Reagan united the different types of conservatives into the Reagan Coalition, so to, we must allow Senator McCain to unite us into the McCain Coalition. If we hold out on him, if we don’t allow this to happen (and soon), we will be watching with tears in our eyes and worry in our hearts as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama takes the solemn Oath of the Office of President of the United States of America.
That is how I answer the question “Why should I support John McCain?”
Thank you for reading,
God Bless,
Andrew Jones
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for an honest person. We have that chance this time.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for someone who isn’t afraid to stake their political future on principles. We have that chance this time.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for someone who can cross party lines to create common sense solutions, even when it is not a necessity of political survival. We have that chance this time.
It is not often that we Americans get the chance to vote for a genuine hero. We have that chance this time.
While I admire and respect the other serious Republican still in the race, and I hold the opinion that Governor Huckabee is a good (if not great) man, I strongly feel our nation needs a Republican president. Mike Huckabee simply cannot defeat the Democrats this go-around. He has a very devoted, yet homogenous base of support. This group will be exceedingly important to a successful McCain campaign, but at this time, it is simply not large enough for the governor to run on with any general election success. We need battle-hardened leadership. We need experience. We need untold amounts of courage. John McCain delivers to us all of these things.
Just as Ronald Reagan united the different types of conservatives into the Reagan Coalition, so to, we must allow Senator McCain to unite us into the McCain Coalition. If we hold out on him, if we don’t allow this to happen (and soon), we will be watching with tears in our eyes and worry in our hearts as Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama takes the solemn Oath of the Office of President of the United States of America.
That is how I answer the question “Why should I support John McCain?”
Thank you for reading,
God Bless,
Andrew Jones
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Mitt Romney drops out
Mitt Romney has left the race. He “suspended” his campaign for the presidency today at the CPAC conference. Let’s have a read:
"If this were only about me, I'd go on. But it's never been only about me. I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in this time of war I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country."
I must say that I am very surprised by this. I will not lie and say I am even a little bit sad about it, but I am amazed by the timing and humble mood of the governor’s speech. He concluded his campaign with more dignity than he ran it and for that he should be applauded.
Let’s go Mac!
-Andrew Jones
"If this were only about me, I'd go on. But it's never been only about me. I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America, in this time of war I feel I have to now stand aside for our party and for our country."
I must say that I am very surprised by this. I will not lie and say I am even a little bit sad about it, but I am amazed by the timing and humble mood of the governor’s speech. He concluded his campaign with more dignity than he ran it and for that he should be applauded.
Let’s go Mac!
-Andrew Jones
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Washington State Caucus preview
With the election still very much undecided, I couldn’t be more excited for Saturday’s Washington State Caucus. I will be there and proudly supporting Senator John McCain and I hope to see a great deal of my fellow Washingtonians doing the same!
PLEASE BE ALERT: MY NEIGHBOR RECEIVED BAD CAUCUS DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION FROM SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN. PLEASE GO TO http://washington.johnmccain.com/ AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO FIND YOUR REAL CAUCUS LOCATION.
PLEASE BE ALERT: MY NEIGHBOR RECEIVED BAD CAUCUS DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION FROM SOMEONE CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN. PLEASE GO TO http://washington.johnmccain.com/ AND CLICK ON THE LINK TO FIND YOUR REAL CAUCUS LOCATION.
Super Tuesday Recap
Now that the dust has settled and Super Tuesday is behind us, its time for a recap.
I want to draw your attention to the prediction this blog/vlog made in November of last year: a McCain/Huckabee ticket. I hate to sound like a smarty-pants, but it looks like I am getting smarter by the day.
As it stands today, the delegate totals are as follows: McCain has 680, Romney has 270 and Huckabee, after his virtual southern sweep, now has 176 (all numbers from cnn.com).
What a great night last night was and now we can all agree with what I said after South Carolina; McCain is the frontrunner!
-Andrew Jones
I want to draw your attention to the prediction this blog/vlog made in November of last year: a McCain/Huckabee ticket. I hate to sound like a smarty-pants, but it looks like I am getting smarter by the day.
As it stands today, the delegate totals are as follows: McCain has 680, Romney has 270 and Huckabee, after his virtual southern sweep, now has 176 (all numbers from cnn.com).
What a great night last night was and now we can all agree with what I said after South Carolina; McCain is the frontrunner!
-Andrew Jones
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Almost over
Super Tuesday is almost in the rear view mirror and things are looking pretty good. This is the last BLOG of the night, stay tuned for a VLOG!
Go MAC!~
Go MAC!~
Governor Richardson
Well folks, Michael here live blogging from the Washington State McCain watch party.
We're watching MSNBC here and Gov. Bill Richardson came on to comment on the nights unfolding events. Just when I thought it wasn't possible for the Governor to let himself go, he proved me wrong.
Now THAT'S a man who wants to be Vice President!
Until Later,
Michael Hilburn
We're watching MSNBC here and Gov. Bill Richardson came on to comment on the nights unfolding events. Just when I thought it wasn't possible for the Governor to let himself go, he proved me wrong.
Now THAT'S a man who wants to be Vice President!
Until Later,
Michael Hilburn
For all Washingtonians
The McCain campaign has asked me to share with all of you some very important details regarding the Washington's State Caucus this Saturday, February 9th.
Find your precinct number by entering your name and/or address to the Sound Politics Voter Database at http://soundpolitics.com/voterlookup.html Your precinct number will appear on the right hand side of your voter record. Find your county in the list of counties which follows below. Click on the link for your county to be directed to your county Republican Party's website, where you will find your precinct caucus location. For those county parties without a website, we have provided contact info for your county party office, or a list of precinct caucus locations for that county. Find all neccessary Washington info on JohnMcCain.com
WHAT DO I DO AT THE PRECINCT CAUCUS ON FEBRUARY 9?
When you arrive at your caucus location, you will be required to present a valid ID, fill out a Registration Form, and sign your name on the List of Participants at the Precinct Caucus. On the far side of the sign-in sheet, you will be asked to fill in the name of the candidate you are supporting for President. Make sure you, your family members, and any other McCain supporters that attend the meeting write in "John McCain" when you sign-in! By doing so, you are casting your "vote" for Senator McCain.
Supporters of other candidates are hoping to show their strength during the meeting as well. If you are truly interested in the positive direction John McCain promises to take this country in the next four years; you, your family, and any other John McCain supporters you know who are registered to vote within your precinct must be willing to make the personal commitment to attend this short but all-important meeting and have your votes counted.
During the caucus, delegates and alternates to your district or county convention will be elected. The presidential candidate that has the greatest number of supporters elected as delegates will be considered the winner of the precinct caucuses in Washington State. When delegates and alternates are nominated, it is critical that you only vote for those who are supporting Senator McCain. Because you may not always know who is supporting John McCain, it is often best to nominate YOURSELF, a family member, or a neighbor you know who is a proclaimed McCain supporter. Caucus rules even allow you to nominate a John McCain supporter that you know lives in the precinct but could not attend the meeting on Saturday.
The number of delegates supporting John McCain elected statewide will be tallied and made public that evening. It is this number that will help determine how many of the seventeen Washington State delegates at stake will ultimately be sent to the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis this summer in support of Senator McCain.
Other issues such as platforms and resolutions may also be discussed during the meeting. In many cases, you will be asked to fill out a platform questionnaire before voting begins.
Do not be distracted by other meeting business or by supporters of other candidates hoping to change your personal decision to support John McCain for President. Remember, your mission first and foremost is to vote for John McCain during the sign-in process and elect John McCain supporters as delegates and alternates to the upcoming district or county convention. By pulling together, February 9 promises to be a fun and exciting day for the John McCain Campaign in the Evergreen State!
HOW DO I FIND MY CAUCUS LOCATION?More live blogging!
McCain has now won Delaware. He is also showing ahead in OK, MO, Alabama!
Things are subdued but confident here at the Washington State McCain party!
Things are subdued but confident here at the Washington State McCain party!
Super Tuesday
Andrew Jones here, love from Washington State McCain headquarters Liveblogging the results of Super Tuesday!
We have begin to see polls close and McCain has won Connecticut , Illinois, and New Jersey!
I just wanted to mention the victory of governor Huckabee in West Virginia. Better him than Romney. Keep checking in throughout the night for more updates.
We have begin to see polls close and McCain has won Connecticut , Illinois, and New Jersey!
I just wanted to mention the victory of governor Huckabee in West Virginia. Better him than Romney. Keep checking in throughout the night for more updates.
Check Back for live-blogging from a McCain supporter party!
Hell all,
I just wanted to let everyone know that Michael and I will be (hopefully) live blogging from the Washington State McCain Super Tuesday watchparty in Seattle tonight! I hope to see all of you Washington State people out enjoying Super Tuesday tonight!
Please check back later tonight for live-blogging Andrew Jones for America coverage of Super Tuesday.
GO MAC!
I just wanted to let everyone know that Michael and I will be (hopefully) live blogging from the Washington State McCain Super Tuesday watchparty in Seattle tonight! I hope to see all of you Washington State people out enjoying Super Tuesday tonight!
Please check back later tonight for live-blogging Andrew Jones for America coverage of Super Tuesday.
GO MAC!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Super Bowl foreshadowing Super Tuesday
Hello all,
Congratulations are due to Eli Manning and the New York Giants for their upset victory over the much favored New England Patriots. It was a close fight, but in the end the better man prevailed.
Interestingly enough, this is the perfect lead in to talking about John McCain. How is that, you ask. Well, much like the Super Bowl, come Super Tuesday, we can expect to see a man who was once counted out come back strong and win a close and valiant effort against an arrogant and plastic-like New England establishment.
Just as Super Bowl Sunday has shown America that the tall guy will the good hair and pundit support doesn’t always beat out the guy with grit and spirit, so too Super Tuesday promises to show the world that not everything in America can be sold to the highest bidder. There must be something in the water in Arizona.
While I am always the last person to make predictions or call elections, I feel very confident that the voters in the Super Tuesday states will use common sense and vote their hearts and minds, rather than vote like a sheep, following the beck and call of Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter and the rest of that lot.
I am sure I will have much more to say in the days to come, but for now, thanks for reading and LET’S GO MAC!
God Bless,
Andrew Jones
Congratulations are due to Eli Manning and the New York Giants for their upset victory over the much favored New England Patriots. It was a close fight, but in the end the better man prevailed.
Interestingly enough, this is the perfect lead in to talking about John McCain. How is that, you ask. Well, much like the Super Bowl, come Super Tuesday, we can expect to see a man who was once counted out come back strong and win a close and valiant effort against an arrogant and plastic-like New England establishment.
Just as Super Bowl Sunday has shown America that the tall guy will the good hair and pundit support doesn’t always beat out the guy with grit and spirit, so too Super Tuesday promises to show the world that not everything in America can be sold to the highest bidder. There must be something in the water in Arizona.
While I am always the last person to make predictions or call elections, I feel very confident that the voters in the Super Tuesday states will use common sense and vote their hearts and minds, rather than vote like a sheep, following the beck and call of Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter and the rest of that lot.
I am sure I will have much more to say in the days to come, but for now, thanks for reading and LET’S GO MAC!
God Bless,
Andrew Jones
Friday, February 1, 2008
The McCain Coalition
Despite the apocalyptic cries of Sean Hanity and Rush Limbaugh, the Republican Party is not coming to an end. The Reagan Coalition, despite the suggestion of the above and many others, is not coming to an end either.
In reality, the Reagan Coalition lives on, but is evolving before our eyes into what I believe historians will look back and call the McCain Coalition. It is still true that economic, social, and national security conservatives are voting together under the Republican Party, and, other than the small group of far-right conservatives, these conservatives have begun to support John McCain, who aligns with their beliefs in free trade, taxes, government scope and spending, abortion, gay marriage, gun rights, the war on terror, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. These voters are the same, mostly white, Christian, blue collar Americans the Reagan Coalition brought together in the 1980’s and are nothing new to the Republican Party.
The beauty of what McCain has begun to do however is to expand the party with individuals who were not Republicans before. Bringing in moderates and even some Democrats (who aren’t liberal enough for Clinton/Obama) is not just a tactic to get the nomination, but this coalition expands the party in an extremely positive way. The independent voter is key to not only victory in the presidential race, but virtually every partisan race throughout the country. Being able to bring these voters to the right and in support of the Republican Party is not something to be gawked at.
Also, McCain attracts Hispanics voters, due partly to his more humane response to the immigration crisis our nation faces. The Hispanic American population consists of large amount conservative individuals who have been previously turned off to the Republican Party. These voters not only share our conservative values, but are a rapidly growing demographic, and should be embraced and welcomed into the party.
This coalition of new Republicans, made up of independents, former liberals and Hispanics, doesn’t delude the party, but rather expands the base and increases Republican votes which will lead to defeating dangerous liberals, the creation of Republican majorities, and the ability to advance a conservative agenda.
The far-right cannot go in alone to achieve conservative goals and preserve a conservative America. A broader coalition than an exclusive club of Limbaugh and the like must be formed to create an expanded base and include independents and Hispanic voters. John McCain is the only candidate who can lead this movement and has already begun to bring these new Republicans together. The McCain Coalition is not the end of the Republican Party, but rather a positive movement evolving the party in a way which will allow it to continue a dominate presence in American politics, and further conservative ideals.
In reality, the Reagan Coalition lives on, but is evolving before our eyes into what I believe historians will look back and call the McCain Coalition. It is still true that economic, social, and national security conservatives are voting together under the Republican Party, and, other than the small group of far-right conservatives, these conservatives have begun to support John McCain, who aligns with their beliefs in free trade, taxes, government scope and spending, abortion, gay marriage, gun rights, the war on terror, and conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. These voters are the same, mostly white, Christian, blue collar Americans the Reagan Coalition brought together in the 1980’s and are nothing new to the Republican Party.
The beauty of what McCain has begun to do however is to expand the party with individuals who were not Republicans before. Bringing in moderates and even some Democrats (who aren’t liberal enough for Clinton/Obama) is not just a tactic to get the nomination, but this coalition expands the party in an extremely positive way. The independent voter is key to not only victory in the presidential race, but virtually every partisan race throughout the country. Being able to bring these voters to the right and in support of the Republican Party is not something to be gawked at.
Also, McCain attracts Hispanics voters, due partly to his more humane response to the immigration crisis our nation faces. The Hispanic American population consists of large amount conservative individuals who have been previously turned off to the Republican Party. These voters not only share our conservative values, but are a rapidly growing demographic, and should be embraced and welcomed into the party.
This coalition of new Republicans, made up of independents, former liberals and Hispanics, doesn’t delude the party, but rather expands the base and increases Republican votes which will lead to defeating dangerous liberals, the creation of Republican majorities, and the ability to advance a conservative agenda.
The far-right cannot go in alone to achieve conservative goals and preserve a conservative America. A broader coalition than an exclusive club of Limbaugh and the like must be formed to create an expanded base and include independents and Hispanic voters. John McCain is the only candidate who can lead this movement and has already begun to bring these new Republicans together. The McCain Coalition is not the end of the Republican Party, but rather a positive movement evolving the party in a way which will allow it to continue a dominate presence in American politics, and further conservative ideals.
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