Mark Steyn On Pakistan And The Presidential Race

HH: You know, I have been making the argument, and into some pretty heavy wind today, that this also undermines Fred Thompson and John McCain, because Senators don't run anything, Mark Steyn, except their mouths and committees badly, that it's not about visiting a country, it's about managing a war, and that Giuliani and Romney have executive experience, and Hillary can actually be understood to have some executive experience, or at least being close to it for a while. What do you make of the idea that foreign crisis elevates John McCain's rather sad record of legislative screw-ups because he's traveled the globe? 

MS: Well, I would generally agree with you that Senators make bad, not just bad presidents, actually, but bad everything. I mean, John Kerry couldn't even run that donut stand in Boston, which is his only experience in the private sector, as far as one knows. You know, they are the classic examples of kind of rolodex politics, that they think it's about flying across the world and meeting other A-list names. And I think that is exactly what is not needed at this time. As you say, I think an executive ability, combined, I think, with a grasp of the underlying demographic reality, you know, Pakistan is a young country, it has one of the highest birth rates in the world, and although we can talk about this and that, and I've been talking, you know, it's only 60 years old, this country. But in a sense, to all those young men, 18, 19, 20, that it exports all over the planet, what Pakistan was like in 1947 is utterly foreign and utterly irrelevant to them. And so the sort of, these kind of people who think it's just about getting on the phone and speaking to some other A-list name in the rolodex on the other side of the world, I think that's about the least helpful way to approach this thing.  

 

http://hughhewitt.townhall.com/talkradio/transcripts/Transcript.aspx?ContentGuid=8cb3ba5e-403c-4578-8dc5-03bc8a848733

Twas the night before Christmas...

... and all through the house, not a child was crying, you could have
heard a mouse! With holiday cheer and a future New Year, brings on
needed change that is well in high gear. With Rudolph losing ground
while eyeing his past to McCain resurrecting his straight talk
express. With the new things each day and surprise by Huckabee,
awakened a term, like clemency. Now with days that evolve and come
unto us, spawns new words like "HuClemency theocraticus". With new
names that come like Ron, Tom and Fred, from off the wall lexis to
those that act dead. Now with Romney on track and leading the way,
receiving more votes day by day. So with Romney and Rudy to Mike and
McCain, Dash away Dash away- one way train. So off to the races, and
out the gate, "Who will be America's Pick in 2008?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and may the next year be as
exciting and challenging as this last year, but in regards to Mitt; it
will be a fun and enjoyable ride

Mcdav
Montanans For Mitt
www.montanansformitt.com
Jon McNiven-Founder

From Wolf

Although not the heavyweight that Judge Bork is, Joe Arpaio, America's toughest Sheriff, Maricopa County AZ, is reported in Iowa on Mitt's behalf. Arpaio is a real character and as conservative as any sheriff in the country. He's the sheriff of 'Tent City' and the same guy who makes prisoners wear pink jump suits! Bork and Arpaio, not a bad 1-2 punch for the last few days.

From Steve

I love how they call these negative adds, how are you going to differentiate the candidates without these adds, I guess the media wants us to pick the candidate with the best Christmas Commercial.

Ann Curry Dismisses Reagan's Foreign Policy Credentials

Ann Curry Dismisses Reagan's Foreign Policy Credentials

By Justin McCarthy | December 28, 2007 - 12:36 ET

NBC's Ann Curry interviewed Mitt Romney on Friday morning's Today on the impact of Benazir Bhutto's assassination, and in a tough interview, she dismissed Ronald Reagan's foreign policy credentials. When Curry questioned Romney's foreign policy experience, Romney noted that Reagan "was a governor, not a so-called foreign policy expert." Curry dismissively stated "Reagan was not elected at a time of war."

No, Reagan was just elected in an intense point in the Cold War. The Soviets had invaded Afghanistan and U.S. diplomats were still being held hostage in Iran. Romney did say that Reagan was "elected at a time of the Cold War. And the Cold War was the greatest challenge that was faced by this nation in the last half of the last century."

Curry, who pushed Chris Dodd to slam the Bush administration on alleged "torture" and Al Gore to run for president, offered Romney tough (if not unfair) questions, and continually interrupted Romney throughout the interview. The entire transcript is below.

ANN CURRY: Reaction to Bhutto's assassination was swift from the candidates running for president. So will her death prompt voters to reconsider who is qualified to lead this country especially when it comes to foreign policy? Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is running for the Republican nomination. Governor Romney, good morning.

FORMER MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: Good morning Ann.

CURRY: Governor, if you were president today and you could get President Pervez Musharraf on the phone, what would be your message to him this morning?

ROMNEY: Well, the message is to rebuild the kind of strength that he's previously had with the people and to move towards democracy. I think it is important for a reconciliation, particularly with Mr. Sharif and potentially with the remaining leadership in Madam Bhutto's party to try and reach a consensus, to move towards elections and to legitimize in the eyes of the people of Pakistan the government and be able to move forward with the kind of stability --

CURRY: You've heard the criticism- excuse me for interrupting. You've heard the criticism that in fact he was an impediment according to Benazir Bhutto to democracy and also the criticism he may not have done enough to help prevent, to protect her and prevent what happened yesterday. Are you at all concerned in making this phone call to him about the quality of his character?

ROMNEY: Well, I'm not concerned about the quality of his character but I am concerned about the quality of his judgment in a setting like this. I think his action for instance to declare martial law in the past was one that was destabilizing and weakened his position there. I think his resistance to having Madam Bhutto become part of the government over time was a mistake in his part. I think he misread the mood of the Pakistani people and he should have moved more aggressively towards democratization. But this is not your average Muslim nation. This is a nation which has had democracy and he should have moved more quickly to restore democracy.

 

CURRY: Well, given that, has the United States made a major mistake in having President Musharraf be a major ally in the War on Terror? Is he a good ally in this War on Terror and does his country still deserve this $10 billion in U.S. aid in your view? Would you continue it as president?

ROMNEY: Well, we of course take action to protect our interests. And the reason we send money to Pakistan is to protect our interests and try to root out terrorists in the northwest portion, particularly of Pakistan, so that they can't continue to make incursions into Afghanistan and of course spread terror throughout the region--

 

CURRY: So that's a yes, you would continue that aid?

ROMNEY: Oh yes, we continue that aid and we're going to continue to work with General Musharraf, but try and move him to a posture that actually has more potential for being a long --

CURRY: So if you try to move -- sorry to keep interrupting but we don't have a lot of time. So if you were to try and move him, what grade would you give him today, "A" to"F," in terms of where he is where you would want him to be as an ally on the War in Terror?

ROMNEY: I'd want him to project strength to show that we also have the, that he has the support of the United States behind him, that we're standing alongside him and that we're moving towards democracy, that he's meeting with the leadership in both parties, multiple parties, that he's willing to open up this process to fair and open elections and that he'll respond to the voice of the people and bring stability back to the country and democracy.

CURRY: Most analysts would say, governor, that the events of yesterday will help your chief opponents Rudy Giuliani and John McCain. Are you concerned, are you worried that your impact, that your campaign will be impacted negatively?

ROMNEY: Oh, I think we have to put the events of the world at a higher level than thinking about local politics. But I do believe as well that people recognize that what we want in a leader is a person who can actually guide America in a very challenging time. You look back to the -- one of the great foreign policy leaders of our nation was Ronald Reagan. He was a governor, not a so-called foreign policy expert. He was a person who knew how to make difficult decisions and how to lead in times of crisis. And I think if you look at my life's experience you'll recognize that's what I bring to the table.

CURRY: Ronald Reagan was not elected at a time of war. Why should voters embrace you without having -- they're not seeing you have had a lot of foreign policy credentials. Why should they embrace you as leading this nation in this very challenging time in our world's history?

ROMNEY: Well, certainly Ronald Reagan was elected at a time of the Cold War. And the Cold War was the greatest challenge that was faced by this nation in the last half of the last century. So it was a very critical time. Ronald Reagan took on the spread of Soviet style communism throughout the world and he was successful not because he was a general himself and thought he could mastermind our military strategy but instead because he had the skills of leadership that allowed him to bring together brilliant people, to chart a course that would overcome Soviet expansionism and it worked. And my life's experience is likewise, being a strategist in the private sector, in the Olympics and also in running a state. That kind of leadership skill I think is exactly what America needs right now.

—Justin McCarthy is a news analyst at Media Research Center.

Attack Ad?

Senator McCain complains that our issue-focused contrast ad is an attack, but he should know better.  After all, his campaign in 2000 ran a real attack ad, in which he accused then-Gov. George Bush of "twist[ing] the truth like Clinton."  You can watch the ad on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHoXkCprdL4

Make sure to check out the Republican reaction denouncing the ad from Bill Bennett, Sen. Strom Thurmond, Karl Rove, Oliver North, and Senator Fred Thompson.

http://www.mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Straight_Talk_Detour_12.28

Future

Today, Romney for President launched its newest television ad, "Future." 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E0G4xwDGCI

 

The ad highlights the choice Republicans will have to make when it comes to strengthening our country.  Senator McCain opposed strengthening our economy through lower taxes.  He has pushed legislation allowing every illegal immigrant to stay in the United States.  Governor Romney took a different course.  He cut taxes and spending in Massachusetts.  He has consistently opposed amnesty for illegal immigrants.  On election day, Republicans will have a choice between two very different records and visions for our future.

 

The ad will begin airing today as part of the campaign's rotation in New Hampshire.  The script and ad facts follow.

 

Script For "Future" (TV:30):

 

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."

 

ANNOUNCER: "John McCain, an honorable man.  But is he the right Republican for the future?

 

"McCain opposes repeal of the death tax, and voted against the Bush tax cuts twice.

 

"McCain pushed to let every illegal immigrant stay here permanently.

 

"Even voted to allow illegals to collect Social Security.

 

"And Mitt Romney?  Mitt Romney cut taxes and spending as Governor.

 

"He opposes amnesty for illegals.

 

"Mitt Romney.  John McCain.  There is a difference."

 

AD FACTS: Script For "Future" (TV:30):

 

GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: "I'm Mitt Romney and I approved this message."  ANNOUNCER: "John McCain, an honorable man.  But is he the right Republican for the future?  McCain opposes repeal of the death tax, and voted against the Bush tax cuts twice."

 

• In 2002, Senator McCain Was One Of Only Two Republicans To Twice Vote Against Permanent Repeal Of The Death Tax. (S. 1731, CQ Vote #28: Adopted 56-42: R 45-2; D 11-39; I 0-1, 2/13/02, McCain Voted Nay, H.R. 8, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 54-44: R 45-2; D 9-41; I 0-1, 6/12/02, McCain Voted Nay)

 

• In 2001, Senator McCain Was One Of Only Two Republicans To Vote Against The $1.35 Trillion Tax Cut. The bill lowered marginal rates, eliminated the marriage penalty, and doubled the child tax credit. (H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31; I 0-0, 5/26/01, McCain Voted Nay)

 

• In 2003, Senator McCain Was One Of Only Three Republicans To Vote Against The $350 Billion Tax Cut. The comprehensive bill lowered taxes by $350 billion over 11 years – including increasing the child tax credit and eliminated the marriage penalty. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, McCain Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Adopted 50-50: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, McCain Voted Nay)

 

ANNOUNCER:  "McCain pushed to let every illegal immigrant stay here permanently.  Even voted to allow illegals to collect Social Security."

 

• Senator McCain's 2006 Immigration Plan Would Allow 11 Million Illegals To Remain In The U.S. "The McCain plan – which is being put forward in the U.S. House by Arizona GOP Congressmen Jeff Flake and Jim Kolbe – allows the 11 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S. to stay in the country if they apply for legal status and pay a $2,000 fine." (Mike Sunnucks, "Napolitano, Hayworth Criticize Bush On Illegal Immigration," The Phoenix Business Journal, 2/1/06)

 

• Senator McCain Voted To Allow Illegals To Collect Retroactive Social Security Benefits.  "Specter, R-Pa., motion to table (kill) the Ensign, R-Nev., amendment no. 3985 that would bar illegal immigrants currently in the country from claiming Social Security credits for work done in years before they are assigned a valid Social Security number." (S. 2611, CQ Vote #130: Motion Agreed To 50-49: R 11-44; D 38-5; I 1-0, 5/18/06, Clinton, Kennedy, And McCain Voted Yea)

 

• "The Senate Voted Yesterday To Allow Illegal Aliens To Collect Social Security Benefits Based On Past Illegal Employment - Even If The Job Was Obtained Through Forged Or Stolen Documents." (Charles Hurt, "Illegals Granted Social Security," The Washington Times, 5/19/06)

 

• The Washington Times Editorial: Senator McCain Moved Social Security Closer To Insolvency By Offering Benefits To Illegals. "On its way to bankruptcy, Social Security will get there a bit sooner if President Bush, Republican senators (and prospective presidential candidates) John McCain, Chuck Hagel and Sam Brownback and the overwhelming majority of Democratic senators get their way. … During the Senate debate on immigration reform in May, Mr. Ensign proposed that no illegal alien whose status would be adjusted by the Senate bill be permitted to receive Social Security benefits as a result of unlawful activity. … In addition to Messrs. McCain, Hagel and Brownback, other still-serving Republicans who opposed the Ensign amendment, which lost by a 50-49 vote, included Sens. Lindsey Graham, Richard Lugar, Mel Martinez, Arlen Specter, Ted Stevens and George Voinovich." (Editorial, "Social Security Siphon," The Washington Times, 1/5/07)

 

ANNOUNCER:  "And Mitt Romney?  Mitt Romney cut taxes and spending as Governor."

 

• Governor Romney Turned The Legislature's Proposed Capital Gains Tax Hike Into A Tax Refund Instead. "Romney was more successful when he took on the State Legislature for imposing a retroactive tax on capital gains earnings. After a bloody fight, Romney succeeded in passing a bill preventing the capital gains tax from being applied retroactively, resulting in a rebate of $275 million for capital gains taxes collected in 2002. Governor Romney also signed legislation that provided property tax relief to seniors and legislation establishing a two-day tax-free shopping holiday in 2005." (The Club For Growth, "Mitt Romney's Record On Economic Issues," Press Release, 8/21/07)

 

• Club For Growth: Governor Romney "Imposed Some Much-Needed Fiscal Discipline On A Very Liberal Massachusetts Legislature." "[O]n balance, he imposed some much-needed fiscal discipline on a very liberal Massachusetts Legislature." (The Club For Growth, "Mitt Romney's Record On Economic Issues," Press Release, 8/21/07) 

 

• Governor Romney "Attempted To Cut Down On Government Spending By Streamlining Many Duplicative And Wasteful Elements On Beacon Hill." "To his credit, Romney attempted to cut down on government spending by streamlining many duplicative and wasteful elements of Beacon Hill. ... Governor Romney successfully consolidated the social service and public health bureaucracy and restructured the Metropolitan District Commission. Romney even eliminated half of the executive branch's press positions, saving $1.2 million." (The Club For Growth, "Mitt Romney's Record On Economic Issues," Press Release, 8/21/07)

 

ANNOUNCER:  "He opposes amnesty for illegals.  Mitt Romney.  John McCain.  There is a difference."

 

·        Governor Romney's Strategy For A Stronger America Calls For Ending Illegal Immigration Without Amnesty. "Reject Amnesty. Do not give amnesty or any special pathway to those who have come to this country illegally." (Romney For President, "Strategy For A Stronger America," www.mittromney.com, Posted 9/18/07)

 

·        Read Governor Romney's Immigration Plan Here:  http://mittromney.com/News/Press-Releases/Romney_Agenda_12.14.07