Former Minnesota Governor Rick Pawlenty is OUT After Taking 3rd Place in Iowa Straw Poll

Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty announced Sunday he is ending his bid president. (AP) 

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty dropped out of the race for the GOP presidential nomination on Sunday, hours after finishing a disappointing third in the Iowa straw poll.

“I wish it would have been different, but obviously the pathway forward for me doesn’t exist so we are going to end the campaign,” Pawlenty said on ABC’s “This Week” from Iowa.

The low-key Midwesterner, who had struggled to gain traction in a state he had said he must win, had told supporters on a conference call shortly before the broadcast interview that he was ending his White House bid.

“I thought I would have made a great president, but obviously that pathway isn’t there,” Pawlenty said. “I do believe we’re going to have a very good candidate who is going to beat Barack Obama.”

The two-term ex-governor of a Democratic-leaning state was on Arizona Sen. John McCain’s short list for the vice presidential spot in 2008. He had spent roughly two years laying the groundwork for his 2012 campaign and had hoped to become the alternative to the national front-runner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

But this summer he unexpectedly found himself in a grudge match with Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, who shot to the top of polls in Iowa after getting into the race. Pawlenty struggled to raise money and connect with voters.

He poured most of his money and time into Iowa in the run up to Saturday’s straw poll, a test of organizational strength and popularity in the state whose caucuses lead off the GOP nomination fight.

Pawlenty had acknowledged that he needed a strong finish in the straw poll to show momentum and quiet concerns that his campaign was faltering. He put it all on the line, spending the bulk of his campaign account on TV ads ahead of the contest and on a statewide tour of Iowa.

But Bachmann won and got two times as many votes as Pawlenty, who came in well behind the second-place finisher, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.

Despite that, Pawlenty suggested to supporters late Saturday night that he wasn’t dropping out. He called the test vote here “an important first step on the road to the Republican nomination and, ultimately, the White House.

“As I’ve said all along, we needed to show progress to do well, and we did just that,” Pawlenty said. “This is a long process to restore America – we are just beginning, and I’m eager for the campaign.”

Still, he said in a statement after the results were announced: “We have a lot more work to do.”

Hours later, he reversed course in the face of a daunting challenge: convincing donors who were slow to give in the months leading up to the straw poll that he was still a viable candidate.

Had he stayed in the race, he would have been competing for money in an expanded field. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a prolific fundraiser with deep ties to the party’s biggest donors, became a candidate Saturday.

At first blush, Pawlenty, 50, seemed to have all the right ingredients as a candidate.

His blue-collar upbringing offered him a natural rapport with middle-class America. He governed as a fiscal hard-liner in a left-leaning state, winning his second term in a year when Republicans elsewhere got drubbed. He made inroads with the right crowds and assembled an all-star cast of advisers with loads of presidential campaign experience.

Pawlenty ran a traditional operation. In the lead-up to his campaign, he spread checks around to local politicians in key states through a political action committee while putting a heavy focus on small-scale events in places such as Iowa and New Hampshire.

But Pawlenty struggled to connect. He came off as bland and rehearsed next to more dynamic contenders. He languished in the polls. Perry’s candidacy shoved Pawlenty further to the side.

His inability to stoke the passions of voters the way other candidates and even non-candidates have was evident.

“He said the right things, that we’re going to limit the size of government and hold down spending,” Sam Buck, a retired veteran from Winterset, said last week after hearing Pawlenty speak. “I like him … but let’s see what Perry of Texas does.”

Pawlenty had been building momentum after a May campaign launch in which he framed himself as the one in the race willing to deliver the hard truths and confront public policy sacred cows. The climb screeched to a halt in a New Hampshire debate in early June, when he shirked the chance to back up prior tough talk about Romney when they were face to face. It reinforced worries among some Republicans that he wouldn’t be willing to take the fight to Obama as the nominee.

In that same debate, Bachmann declared herself a candidate and immediately cast a long shadow Pawlenty had trouble escaping. When he went on the attack against Bachmann in an Iowa debate this week, some wondered if he came on too strong.

His ability to raise money paled compared with Romney and others. The straw poll showing threatened to discourage possible donors.

Source:  the Blaze

Predictions:  Jon Huntsman Jr. and Newt Gingrich won’t be far behind!!

Get all the info on last week’s Iowa debate and the Ames’ Iowa Straw Poll:  HERE

Related:

Bachmann Wins Iowa Straw Poll, Paul Second Followed by Pawlenty

Ron Paul Emphasizes Social Issues as the Veteran Congressman Finishes 2nd in Ames

Pawlenty Campaign Moves Forward After Third Place Straw Poll Finish

Is Palin Definitely Out of the 2012 Race?

Texas Governor Rick Perry Announces Bid for President

See Romney’s Heated Exchange With Angry, Heckling Crowd In Iowa

Santorum After Ames Boost ‘Voters Rallied Around Our Message’

Herman Cain Touted Business Experience at Straw Poll: ‘The Engine of Economic Growth Is the Business Sector’  -  But Cain He Do It?

Obama: New Low Jobs Approval Rating Sinks Below 40% For the First Time - But not to worry, he is heading out on a jobs bus tour this week on the taxpayer’s nickel to fire us up… before leaving on his Martha’s Vineyard vacation….

It Begins: Bachmann and Perry at Same Event

Allen West: Ron Paul ‘Not the Kind of Guy You Want to be Sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave’

1st Official Casualty of Straw Poll: Pawlenty Out

Herman Cain won the best line award in the straw poll speeches… “People say I don’t have much foreign policy experience….(pause), Like the guy that’s in the White House now does?”

Iowa GOP Debate and Straw Poll…

Updates: Straw Poll Winner Results and More Updates below: 

1st Official Casualty of Straw Poll: Pawlenty Out

Who won the Republican Presidential Debate?

Who won the Iowa GOP debate?  That would depend on who you talk to and which poll you are looking at.  Fox’s online National poll showed Ron Paul as the winner.  Several polls showed Mitt Romney as the winner and I even heard that one showed Newt Gingrich, who was pretty much counted out before last Thursday’s debate, as the winner.

Below is my ‘Quick Take’ on Thursday night’s debate written Immediately after the debate and wrap up:

Romney appeared and sounded the most presidential.  He didn't allow himself to be pulled into the weeds like Pawlenty and Bachmann, and he gave his 7 point plan simply and right up front without being asked directly for it.  He is not my first choice but he did well in this debate!

I generally agreed with Frank Luntz and Joe Trippi's analysis given on Hannity's special right after the debate.  I thought the same before Hannity had them on.

Gingrich won the battle (against the media) and helped himself. (Shame on Chris Wallace, who I generally like, for the ‘gotcha’ questions’).  Romney won this round of the war.  Huntsman is out  (sounded unprepared and like he was a Democrat part of the time). Bachmann held her own and came out looking like a fighter. Pawlenty, although he has a good plan hurt himself, at least somewhat, in this debate. Santorum, Cain and Paul did fine.  Santorum and Paul got into a back and forth but made it about their points and issues, so it didn't come across as petty as Pawlenty and Bachmann's back and forth.  Cain stood strong and seemed more informed on his weaker areas.

After watching the debate, there is definitely room for Palin, Perry and a few others who are still debating their entry into this field.  Their entering the race would change the dynamics and probably knock out a few of the present weaker contenders.... sooner.  M~

More on the debate below…

Saturday 8.13.11 is the Ames Iowa Straw Poll…

So, what is the Ames Iowa Straw Poll?

This is actually a bit more complicated than you would think, but the short answer is that it is a straw poll, held by the Iowa Republican Party as a part of a fundraising dinner, in Ames, Iowa. Ames -- the home of Iowa State University (go Cyclones!) -- is located in Story County, which sits in the dead center of the state. This marks it as a symbolic location, the ideal place to officially kick off six months of state-wide political festivities. It will be held Saturday, August 13th.  Part of the festivities of this Iowa State Fair are the candidates coming to meet, greet and eat with you up close and personal!  And that includes Sarah Palin, who has not yet thrown her hat in the ring, but rolled into Ames in her bus on Friday and took part in the festivities with her family. She also appeared on Hannity’s special from Ames on Friday night along with several of the GOP candidates from Thursday’s debate, Rep Steve King and political analyst Joe Trippi.  

The Ames Straw Poll has been conducted every year there hasn't been an incumbent GOP president since 1979. That makes it sound like a more impressive tradition than it actually is -- there have only ever been five Ames Straw Polls.

In a larger sense, the Ames Straw Poll serves a heroic purpose in our American lives. It gives the media something to fixate on in the critical month of August, when reporters often bellyache about there being "nothing to write about" because all the powerful men and women they have access to have left Washington, leaving everyone with a slow news month. Left to their own devices, the media can mess things up royally.

This year they should be covering the town halls that most of the Congressmen and Senators have been holding back in their home areas and hopefully they will have Boehner to cover as he calls, at least the republicans, back to Washington to deal with the problems and debt. Who knows… some Dems might return and Harry Reid might even be shamed into calling the Senate back. (Actually according to New Gingrich, 15 blue-dog democrats have signed a letter saying they feel Congress should reconvene to deal with the problems at hand.) That way when Obama returns from his Martha’s Vineyard vacation he might have some bills to sign??? or veto??? And then there is Glenn Beck’s Restoring Courage Event in Israel later in the month to cover… but I guess I am dreaming?!?

800 reporters will be credentialed to cover this straw poll, a new record.

Who is participating in this year's poll?

1. Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann
2. Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain
3. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich -  Not formally at event.
4. Former Utah Governor/Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman – Will not be at event
5. Michigan Representative Thad McCotter -  Was not asked to join the debate
6. Texas Representative Ron Paul
7. Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty
8. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney -  Will not be at event
9. Former Pennsylvania Senator/Jelly enthusiast Rick Santorum

So, the non-participants are Gary Johnson, Fred Karger, Buddy Roemer, and future primary candidate Rick Perry.  As well as Sarah Palin, who will be in Ames, but not participating as a candidate… yet.

Perry's presence, however, will be felt this weekend, as he's decided that he will be "making his intentions clear" and announcing his candidacy to run for President on Saturday… what timing!?! But not in Iowa.

How exactly does the Ames Straw Poll work?

It's useful to think of it like this: it's sort of an extension of the county fair, held outside the Iowa State University's Hilton Coliseum, at which the participants in the poll are your hosts for the day. The candidates, with the help of their campaign staffs, are throwing the people of Iowa a big party, with food and entertainment and candidate pitches.

To that end, on June 24, the Iowa Republicans held an auction in which portions of the space for this "county fair" were sectioned off and sold to the highest bidder. The general consensus is that the portioned-off areas near the front of the space are the best locations. We have no idea why that is. Maybe Iowans just like making up their minds quickly, or they hate walking around. Either way, they are coveted.

Bidding for the spaces starts at $15,000. (Remember, every aspect of this is actually a fundraiser for the Iowa GOP.) The highest bid was submitted by Ron Paul. That's not that surprising: Ron Paul is a shrewd winner-of-straw-polls and timed his preseason "money-bombs" so he'd have plenty of scratch on hand to get the best possible spot. In this case, his $31,000 bid topped the field.

This year's auction featured a little bit of mystery in the form of an anonymous bidder, who showed up in Ames and refused to declare whose candidacy he was supporting. This caused the rest of the campaign operatives on hand to threaten a walkout. As it turns out, the secret operative was from the McCotter campaign, who ended up putting down $18,000 on a spot on the fairgrounds. (The Wall Street Journal described the bid as "a sum that suggests he wants to be taken seriously," which is difficult to square with the pointless cloak-and-dagger act that went on before the bid was made.)

After that, Bachmann, Cain, Pawlenty and Santorum all took spots. Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, though on the ballot, (whether they are officially on the ballot or just write-ins is somewhat unclear as we near the vote and reports vary) are skipping the event. Newt Gingrich had a representative at the auction who declined to make a bid on a space. A Gingrich spokesperson said, "We will work to turn people out, not because we have an air-conditioned tent, but because we have good ideas." But you know what? Having an air-conditioned tent in Iowa in August is a pretty good idea!

At any rate, it's better to put it like that then it is to say, "Oh, yeah, the entire campaign staff in Iowa recently quit, and we're up to our noses in campaign debt."

What happens once they've bought a space?

From there, the candidates each do their level best to show attendees a good time. They'll be serving food and providing a diverse array of fit-to-be-consumed-by-social-conservatives musical acts. (That means you probably shouldn't expect sets from Slipknot or Destrophy or hometown heroes The Envy Corps.) Ames' own The Nadas, however, will be among the performers. The HuffPost's Alex Becker has the complete guide to all the musical acts that will be performing.

Also, Mike Huckabee will be hauling his bass guitar all around the grounds, slapping it for whoever wants to hear. Originally, people thought that he was providing musical accompaniment exclusively to Herman Cain, but he'll actually be jamming with Santorum and Pawlenty as well. No favoritism! The guy just likes playing bass!  (Herman Cain gave Hannity’s audience a little sampling of his vocal talent on Friday night’s special coverage from the fair.)

Eventually, all of the candidates present at the event will get to address the throngs in a fifteen minute speech. The candidates get to choose their speaking slot, with the highest bidder in the Ames "land auction" getting first dibs. This year, the order will go like this: Rick Santorum, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, Michele Bachmann, Thad McCotter, and Herman Cain. The monotony will be broken up with speeches from Iowa GOP luminaries like Terry Branstad, Chuck Grassley, and Steve King.

So, after all is said and done, how does the voting work?

Voters cast ballots for their favorite candidates, and they are totaled up and a winner is declared. Any attendee from the state of Iowa is eligible to cast a vote. You don't even need to be a Republican.

The candidates however, spend money to sign up supporters in advance. It's commonplace for campaigns to turn out support by buying tickets for people, and either providing transportation or paying for parking. Yes, that means that the Straw Poll is more of a test of a campaign's organizational strength than of the value of a candidate's ideas. It can be argued that all you've demonstrated, with an Ames win, is that you're good at busing people across Iowa. This sort of criticism is blunted somewhat by the fact that a bus ride does not constitute a binding contract to cast a vote, but let's get real: these campaigns wouldn't be buying free parking and food for people if they weren't more or less certain that it was going to translate into votes.

People can also write in a candidate, so Sarah Palin’s name will certainly show up and perhaps Rick Perry’s as well.

Some unusual voting shenanigan facts about the straw poll:

Up until 1995, anyone from anywhere could vote in the Ames Straw Poll. But after 1995, when the practice of busing out-of-state supporters in to Ames got out of hand, officials instituted the Iowa-only policy.

Also, in 1999, officials started using indelible ink to stamp the hands of people who had already voted, after widespread rumors of cheating surfaced in 1995 ("voters would have their hands stamped, run into the bathroom to wash the ink off, and go vote again").  This is exactly what we need to do to stop the double voting corruption in the all our elections!!

In 2007, voters actually had to dip their thumbs in ink, just like in the Iraqi elections! They were also required to present their tickets and I.D. Because, you know, ACORN.

In 2007, supporters of Ron Paul raised a bit of hue and cry over the Ames Straw Poll's use of "easily rigged Diebold computers" to tally up the votes.

More generally, people complain about how better funded campaigns have all the advantages in the Ames Straw Poll, if they're not already complaining about how better funded campaigns can actually skip the event altogether, without consequence.

The conventional wisdom is that the Ames Straw Poll is a key test for the viability of a campaign. But does that stand up under scrutiny?  Perhaps less these days than in days gone by?

So, who has something on the line in the Ames Straw Poll?

Frankly, nobody should really feel they have anything on the line, in Ames. Obviously, Bachmann, Paul, and Cain are three candidates who'll make great hay of an Ames win -- or even a strong showing -- should those results come to pass. Romney wouldn't sniff at a win, either, but he's got nothing invested in the process and will ride it out in any event. McCotter and Huntsman don't seem poised to bail if Ames doesn't go their way -- and neither should be expecting to do well. Santorum announced today that after spending 3 weeks straight in Iowa and visiting 68 counties that needs to place 5th of better in the poll to stay in? And Newt Gingrich seems to be wiling to stay in the process on his terms no matter how he fares.  The only person who has something legitimately on the line at Ames is Tim Pawlenty, and he hurt himself in the debate on Thursday night allowing Chris Wallace to pull him into an ‘Minnesota Nice’ match with Bachmann.  (Both Bachmann and Pawlenty need to show well in their neighboring state, but Bachmann seems to have little, or at least less, to worry about.

Back to the debate:

I actually watched the debate live and twice more in replays and took copious notes. For this is the GOP’s race to win or lose. The person who wins the GOP nomination, by many economist’s and political analyst’s views, could be the person who saves America or will be the last president to serve as head of the American nation as we know it, because unless they can turn it around, China is expected to take our place as the economic super power of the world in 2016. If Obama is reelected there are few who think we can survive as much more than just a shell of the nation we used to be.

As ‘President Downgrade’ proceeded with his fundraising, Ramadan Dinner, fiestas, vacation planning and blame game the GOP candidates, at least the major contenders in the race at this time, met in Ames Iowa for another debate.

After sleeping on my notes and reading up and listening to polls and reviews, this seems to be the consensus:

Jon Huntsman.  The word(s) most frequently used in social media about Jon Huntsman last night was “creepy” and “slimy”   From almost every point of view, Huntsman is a man who would clearly be more comfortable in the Democratic Party than the Republican Party.  So why is he here?  Who knows?  He also seemed very unprepared. If anything, he turned more voters off last night who had not previously seen him.

Herman Cain. Herman Cain is probably the guy who would be the most fun to sit down and have a beer or  an iced tea with and he is very knowledgeable about business and finances. He did well in South Carolina, but his last two performances have been less than stellar, although he is getting better in the areas that are his weak points. In politics, unfortunately if you are not going up, you are going down. Herman kinda seems to be standing still.

Rick Santorum.  An hour into the debate, Santorum held up his hand and said, “I haven’t gotten a lot to say.”  Santorum was mostly ignored until the end which is unfortunate because he holds the values of fiscal conservatives and social conservatives and he had to fight to get his message out.  He did get into the fray somewhat, particularly clashing with Ron Paul.  Although he did a lot of campaigning in Iowa he is relatively unknown outside the Pennsylvania area and to some Fox News watchers.

Ron Paul.  It is hard to lump Ron Paul in as a winner or a loser.  Ron Paul is Ron Paul, kinda like the crazy, yet knowledgeable, old uncle that every has somewhere. He is a true Libertarian, through and through, and did his usual ranting about militarism and war mongering.  He is an expert and right on about the dangers of the Federal Reserve but he is way off on his underestimation of the dangers of Iran.  His opinion on social issues would be great if we lived in a perfect world, but alas…

Minor winners (because he was the frontrunner going in and still is):

Mitt Romney. Mitts strategy right now seems to be simply not to screw up.   He had his pat answers for Obamneycare and amazingly was again not really challenged, considering he is and remains the frontrunner, but the tougher debates will come.  He did look and act presidential , stayed out of the bickering and put his 7 point plan out on the table. As it was, he probably picked up a small margin overall.  He was the overall winner of the war, so to speak, by most estimates.

Big Winners:

Newt Gingrich. But the biggest winner of the night had to be Newt Gingrich.  Gingrich needed both a stellar performance in the debate and needs a good showing in the straw poll to keep his campaign alive.   Gingrich also looked Presidential and dominated a lot of the serious talk.  His comeback to Chris Wallace was spectacular.  The problem with Newt is he is a big government conservative.  If he were committed to the dismantling of socialism, he would be a great candidate.  If he were committed to absolutely destroying liberalism the way Reagan, who Newt often quotes, was committed to destroying Soviet Communism, he would be the guy we could all rally around. Unfortunately, he is not.

Michele Bachmann.  Memo to anyone who wants to take Michele Bachmann on:  Wear your body armor!  Whether you win or lose a fight with her, you are going to come away bloodied and bruised.  Bachmann was hit from all sides during the debate and held her own.  She took the tough questions from the panel and then fought back against the other candidates on the stage.  Michele Bachmann is a ‘Girl Scout with a sniper rifle’ (stole that line from Judson Phillips of TPN) and anyone who calls her out can expect to get hit. Michele showed the strength needed to be President.  She proved she could stand and take it, and then dish out better than she got.

The Biggest Loser:

Tim Pawlenty.  The only good news is Pawlenty’s performance was so bad he should soon be out of our misery.  Pawlenty, did not have the courage to attack Romney last time and barely did this time, but showed no compunction about attacking Michele Bachmann.  A bad chess move for him.

Pawlenty’s attacks against the only female candidate on the stage backfired.  He ended up looking like that creepy guy in the neighborhood who you expect any day will be arrested for stalking instead of presidential material.  Frank Luntz credited him with the funniest line of the night, but it wasn’t enough to save him.  Bachmann nailed Pawlenty for being the most like Obama of anyone on the stage, based on his past record. At the end, Pawlenty said we need conservative leadership.  Being neither conservative, nor a leader, he’s 0 for 2 in that department.

All of this leads us back to the straw poll on Saturday.

Romney is not participating, or at least just half way.  Ron Paul will probably win the straw poll.  His followers are enthusiastic and come out for him.  Paul winning the straw poll, however, may pretty much invalidate it.

Michele Bachmann will come in second but the real fight is for third and fourth place.  Those are actually the most important positions in this straw poll.

For the second tier candidates, third and fourth place means they can continue.   For any candidate who does not place at least fourth, with the exception of possible write in candidates Rick Perry and Sarah Palin, money will begin to dry up.  Some of those campaigns are already in death spirals.   Rick Santorum said today that he ‘had’ to place at least 5th, but in reality his campaign is over.  And, Tim Pawlenty’s will be after the straw poll.  His only purpose in continuing at this point will be to run for a cabinet position.  The same is probably true of Cain, who may get fourth place.  Gingrich may have pulled enough out of the debate to hit third or fourth place, although he may hang in no matter where he places, at least for awhile.

Perry will throw his hat in the ring on Saturday and if Sarah is jumping in, it will be by mid-September. By the time we get to New Hampshire the true fun and seriousness of the campaign will be upon us.  For those like Giuliani and Bolton, I’d say back and help someone else.  As of Chris Christy… he would add some spice to the race.  And for Trump… please don’t screw this up and run as a third party candidate.

When you look at the line-up the two toughest candidates are the gals, if Palin gets in and of course Christy if he jumps in.  It looks like it really is still early in this race!!  And as Newt Gingrich said, “We are 15-months from the election, the Super Congress is a horrible idea and we have done nothing to attack our debt problems.  We cannot wait until the election.  He told Boehner on air that he needs to call he House back to Washington on Monday!”

But in reality, the more research you do, the more you realize that the true winner of the Ames Straw Poll is Ames itself, because it stimulates the local economy and brings a lot of attention to Iowa.  But at least for now, people seem to watch the activities there with a lot of interest, if not complete seriousness.

You can watch the full debate here in these Videos if you missed it:

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate in Iowa Part 1

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate in Iowa Part 2

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate in Iowa Part 3

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate In Iowa pt.4

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate In Iowa  pt.5

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate in Iowa pt.6

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate In Iowa pt.7

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate In Iowa pt.8

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate In Iowa pt.9

2012 Presidential Republican Primary Debate In Iowa pt.10

Michele Bachmann "I've Been The Lone Voice In Washington Saying We Can't Raise The Debt Ceiling!"

"I Just Don't Believe These Wars Are Necessary" Ron Paul Post Debate Interview

h/t to Jean Stoner, the Huffington Post, and TPN

Related:

GB:  GOP Hopefuls Debate

Update:  8/13/2011 12:10A.M. ET

I just watched the replay of Hannity’s earlier live show from the Des Moines State Fair.  He had several people on including Gov Sarah Palin, GOP Candidate Herman Cain, Rep Steve King and Joe Trippi, is a long-time Democratic campaign consultant and political analyst.

For Sarah Palin’s interview with Hannity, the fair grounds around them were packed and the crowd was engaged.  All I can say is that Sarah is a phenomenon.  She lights up a room, captures a crowd at an event and has a down-home type of charisma that is relatable. I think she will run, do does Hannity. You can see the passion and love for this country in her eyes. 

Joe Trippi who is a Democratic political analyst and worked for crazy ass Howard Dean said tonight that he thinks if Sarah Palin were in the Iowa straw poll that she would walk away with it hands down.   That is quite a statement coming from him. And Rep Steve King said he has seen her in action and she can ‘work a room’ like nobody he has ever seen. I saw her speak live to an audience in an outdoor stadium. She is pretty amazing, Live!  She can make a crowd light up… which is tough in an outdoor arena.

I also think the notion that she can’t win is only true if we allow the media to convince us of that.  Sarah has a Libertarian streak that give her an edge over Bachmann.  She is also more down to earth. Don’t get me wrong… I like Bachmann, but there is something about Palin that is magic! 

Update: 8.13.2011 6:39PM ET

Bachmann Wins the Ames Iowa Straw Poll

I just watched the replay of Hannity’s earlier live show from the Des Moines State Fair. He had several people on including Gov Sarah Palin, GOP Candidate Herman Cain, Rep Steve King and Joe Trippi, is a long-time Democratic campaign consultant and political analyst.

For Sarah Palin’s interview with Hannity, the fair grounds around them were packed and the crowd was engaged. All I can say is that Sarah is a phenomenon. She lights up a room, captures a crowd at an event and has a down-home type of charisma that is relatable. I think she will run, do does Hannity. You can see the passion and love for this country in her eyes.

Joe Trippi who is a Democratic political analyst and worked for crazy ass Howard Dean said tonight that he thinks if Sarah Palin were in the Iowa straw poll that she would walk away with it hands down. That is quite a statement coming from him. And Rep Steve King said he has seen her in action and she can ‘work a room’ like nobody he has ever seen. I saw her speak live to an audience in an outdoor stadium. She is pretty amazing, Live! She can make a crowd light up… which is tough in an outdoor arena.

I also think the notion that she can’t win is only true if we allow the media to convince us of that. Sarah has a Libertarian streak that give her an edge over Bachmann. She is also more down to earth. Don’t get me wrong… I like Bachmann, but there is something about Palin that is magic!

Update: 8.13.2011 6:39PM ET

No real surprises in Ames as Rep. Michele Bachmann came in first with 4,823 votes, narrowly edging Ron Paul out of the top spot and finishing far ahead of third place finisher Tim Pawlenty:

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty secured 2,293 votes. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum earned 1,657. Former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain locked-up 1,456 votes. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, who did not actively campaign in the event, captured 567 votes. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who also did not aggressively look to secure support in the straw poll, got 385 votes. U.S. Rep Thad McCotter, a longshot contender, received 35 votes. And Jon Huntsman Jr. received 69 votes.

The Minnesota congresswoman narrowly outpaced libertarian Rep. Ron Paul, who had 4,671 votes, and whose red t-shirt-wearing supporters flooded the campus of Iowa State University, and packed the arena when Paul spoke. Paul gave a strong anti-abortion speech. Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty finished third with 2,293, a showing that keeps him in the game for next year's Iowa caucuses, but had to come off as slightly disappointing. He spent in $1 million dollars in Iowa. (Santorum and Cain spent little and did it the old fashioned way by meeting people and shaking hands).

The hope in his camp was that his organization muscle in Iowa would propel him to the top, but he was no match for the charismatic Bachmann, whose political star continues its dizzying ascent. Where Pawlenty relied on traditional, on-the-ground campaigning, Bachmann rode a wave of media-fueled enthusiasm that, right now, shows no sign of abating.
Still, in spite of Bachmann's victory, the poll came on the day that Texas Gov. Rick Perry declared that he, too, will mount a presidential run, setting up a showdown in Iowa over the social and fiscal conservatives that dominate the caucuses here. Perry had mounted an on the ground write-in campaign for the Straw Poll with a representative and staff even though he did not appear there and garnered 712 write-in votes.

Bachmann planned to appear on the five major network Sunday morning talk shows Sunday as part of a blitz to capitalize on the win--and perhaps a tactic to thwart Perry's momentum. Both candidates will speak at a dinner in Waterloo, Iowa Sunday evening.

The result is the first indication of what Iowans think of the field of Republicans competing for the chance to challenge President Barack Obama next fall. But it's hardly predictive of who will win the winter Iowa contest, much less the party nod or the White House.

We may see a one or two dropouts as a result of the straw poll. Rick Santorum hinted yesterday that he might call it quits if he didn't do well. He finished a distant fourth, but said he needed to finish 5th to stay in. Herman Cain is expected to continue his campaign despite finishing 5th, but his polls show that him at 3rd across the state of Iowa.

Bachmann Wins Iowa Straw Poll, Paul Second Followed by Pawlenty

Ron Paul Emphasizes Social Issues as the Veteran Congressman Finishes 2nd in Ames

Pawlenty Campaign Moves Forward After Third Place Straw Poll Finish

Is Palin Definitely Out of the 2012 Race?

Texas Governor Rick Perry Announces Bid for President

See Romney’s Heated Exchange With Angry, Heckling Crowd In Iowa

Santorum After Ames Boost: ‘Voters Rallied Around Our Message’

Herman Cain Touted Business Experience at Straw Poll: ‘The Engine of Economic Growth Is the Business Sector’  -  But Cain He Do It?

Obama: New Low Jobs Approval Rating Sinks Below 40% For the First Time - But not to worry, he is heading out on a jobs bus tour this week on the taxpayer’s nickel to fire us up… before leaving on his Martha’s Vineyard vacation….

It Begins: Bachmann and Perry at Same Event

Allen West: Ron Paul ‘Not the Kind of Guy You Want to be Sitting at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave’

1st Official Casualty of Straw Poll: Pawlenty Out

Herman Cain won the best line award in the straw poll speeches… “People say I don’t have much foreign policy experience….(pause), Like the guy that’s in the White House now does?”

The 2012 Election is the GOP’s To Lose

Why do we allow ourselves to believe that these gals can’t win?  Or that a West-Cain ticket wouldn’t fly?  Some combination of those 4 is a winning ticket for the GOP in 2012 if we stop allowing the leftist mainstream media to convince us to go against our convictions, against our gut feelings, and against the honest polls and what we know is true and right.  I also heard someone suggest Ron Paul for head of the Fed with the power to dismantle it and John Bolton for Secretary of State.  Why not?

The Battleground Poll just published, confirmed that conservatives are the overwhelming majority in America, a stat that has been consistent for over a decade.  When asked to define their own ideological position, 57% called themselves "very conservative" or "somewhat conservative," while only 37% called themselves "very liberal" or "somewhat liberal."  The tiny smidgen of Americans who were either "unsure" or "moderate" or "refused to answer" was 5%.   And this polling holds across the board.

An Associated Press-Ipsos Poll in early 2007 asked respondents to identify themselves ideologically.  Conservatives were, by far, the largest group with 41% of respondents calling themselves "conservative," while only 21% of respondents called themselves "liberal" and 34% called themselves "moderates."  And even more amazing is the fact that even polling organizations which try to make conservatives appear as small a number as possible fail when the ideological preference question is asked directly. It only changes when the polls are manipulated or the question is purposely confusing.

So why have we allowed ourselves to be silent… silenced… and intimidated or even brainwashed into believing that our thoughts and our preferred candidates can’t prevail?  We are being led by the nose to believe the perverse illusion of the left (like from this Jackass:  Maher) that is being peddled to us and our children by a leftist co-opted educational system and  puppet media which includes the mainstream news cycle, movies, TV, and much of the print world. Talk radio and the Internet are our best chance for the truth and the left is actively working to control and limit freedom from those sources.

This past week was a busy week for the GOP: Huck’s out?  Trump’s out? Newt’s in but has already shot himself in the foot? Pawlenty is in, announced on YouTube! Cain’s in with a message of ‘Yes We Can"’! Bachmann seems near announcing even though she originally said she’ll decide by June and Romney had a great fund raiser.  Huntsman seems more serious by the day and Palin told Greta that she feels the call in her belly, plus we are hearing that she has bought a new home in Arizona, putting her down in the lower 48 for the campaign.  And now we hear that there are rumblings from Perry in Texas.  Ron Paul is already in and we are also waiting on a definite Yeah or Nay from Rick Santorum.

According to Dick Morris now that two of the top three candidates. according to his survey, for the Republican nomination have pulled out of the race, the big winner is the one candidate left standing: Mitt Romney.  By his analysis and polling before Huckabee and Trump pulled out, the stats were Romney-22, Huckabee-20, Trump-15, Gingrich-11, Palin-9, Bachmann-6, Pawlenty-3, and Daniels-2… who just announced (Sun 05.22) he was not running via email to his supporters.

This writer questions the Morris numbers and Hot Air has been running an ongoing poll since November of 2010 (see graphs below), which consistently shows Palin ahead even though she hasn’t committed to running and in spite of the media having tried to crucify her for 3-years now. And Cain has just made a major jump.  I can tell you that in my circle, Palin is the top choice as well;  Cain, West who is not on their chart and still says he won’t run, and Bachmann come next and then Romney and Huntsman… now that Huckabee and Trump are out.

Suffolk University Poll, which just came in, shows Romney and Palin Both Getting a Boost after the Trump and Huckabee News.

There are also some draft movements underway for several possible candidates including: Gen Petraeus, Chris Christy, Jeb Bush, Rick Perry, and Allen West plus the wait for the final Yeah or Nay from Sarah Palin.  And there are rumblings about Marco Rubio for VP.

The biggest thing Conservatives, moderates and independents need to remember and focus on is that the end goal is defeating Obama and his progressive cronies.  The Dems will do what they can to discredit, smear and distort information about the GOP candidates and take the focus off the issues, or distort the truth about them.  It has already begun like in this video about the GOP and Medicare.   Look at the lies they have spread about Palin and her family and the unsavory tactics that they have resorted to.  As Palin says on the 'Lamestream Media: It's Gotcha Trip-Up Questions and You Have to Be Prepared'.  The Dems are already using Newt against the Republicans.  We and the candidates need to stop ripping each other apart, giving the Dems more to work with, because in the end we need to be able to stand together and with whomever ends up being the GOP’s candidate to defeat Obama in 2012… otherwise there just not be anything left in 2016 t0 fight for!

We need to educate ourselves and then pass along the information and the truth.  We need to demand that the conversation and focus stay on the issues and what is relative about the candidates, but leave their families alone.  And we must not allow the media to fill us and less educated voters with distortions and lies.  We must also be willing to do the work to help with the campaigns and to monitor the elections and demand recounts if necessary… until it is right.  Voter fraud and intimidation and campaign fraud will be an issue in this election from the left, starting from the top!  We had in preview in the last two elections. One of the greatest questions about this election is: Will Ignorance and Laziness Lead to a Second Obama Term?? 

Obama can be defeated and ‘his list of negatives’ beginning with his record on the economy, is long.  2012 and the future of America as we know it is the GOP’s… a coalition of conservatives, moderates, independents, Tea Party members, patriots, traditional Republicans, Libertarians and disillusioned Democrats to win or lose.

The race and fight is on… don’t be an observer and wonder what happened!

Hot Air Candidate Survey - May Edition: Next month’s full-sized survey should be very, very interesting, and that’s assuming no other candidates leave or join the field.  Keep in mind this graph was a Friday vote, so the volume’s a good deal lower than usual. That said, the results:

For the most part the candidates’ approval levels have remained fairly stable when compared to last month.

Different story on the overall vote front, though. The biggest pop in support? Herman Cain, whose support had remained mostly unchanged at Hot Air over the last few months.

Questions? Comments? I haven’t laid out all the data here since, amazingly, some of it’s already out-dated, so if you’re interested in a cross-tab,  tweet me.

This post was promoted from GreenRoom to HotAir.com.  To see the comments on the original post, look here.

The Real Conservative Majority

Newsweek: 2012 is the GOP Election to Lose

Palin’s Rumored New Home In Arizona Revives 2012 Speculation

Republican 2012 hopefuls blast President Obama on Israel

Gary Johnson Loses Willie Nelson Endorsement

Huntsman Affirms Mormon Heritage  -  After Obama’s questionable record on religion and the ever growing question in the minds of an increasing number of American’s wondering whether Obama is essentially an atheist, an opportunist, a follower of Rev Wright’s Black Liberation Theology or Christian Socialism (based in Marxism, racism against the “White oppressor” and social justice seeing Jesus as a liberator rather than a redeemer of all) or in the minds of an ever growing number of Americans… a Muslim, it seems that being a Mormon should be a non-issue and less of a problem for Huntsman than his stand on global warming or for Romney than his need to justify his stance against ObamaCare in the light of RomneyCare.

Huckabee: Romney Is 'Inauthentic'  - But he's still willing to support Romney if he becomes the Republican presidential nominee in 2012.

Fighting for, supporting and working for the nominee and team we want is every American who does not want 4-more years or Obama’s job and responsibility, but like Huckabee, supporting whomever the final Republican presidential candidate for 2012 turns out to be is essential for America!

Related:

White House Insider:  Trump Was Threatened  Seems it is the same insider who leaked info on the Blago Trial?!?

College Student Diving Into Deep End of Political Pool

Important: Do You Support Pres. Obama's Re-Election? Vote Here Now!

By Marion Algier – Ask Marion

Tax Day Tea Party Rallies…

Tax Day Tea Party Rallies were held all across America yesterday and today and regardless of what the mainstream media is reporting the numbers of attendees are the same if not higher than last year.  There were rallies from California to New Hampshire, Texas to Florida, the Carolinas to Oregon, Virginia to Kansas and they they featured speakers including:  Donald Trump, Rep Alan West, Herman Cain, Gov Sarah Palin, Marco Rubio, Sharron Angle, Gov Tim Pawlenty, Rep Tom McClintok, Phyllis Schlafly, Rep. Steve King, ACORN Whisleblower Anita MonCrief, Barry Goldwater Jr, JD Hayworth, Andrew Breitbart and the list goes on…

Did you know that our debt is now increasing by 2 Billion Dollars every 12 hours? That is 4 Billion Dollars a day!

Did you know that the U.S. overpaid the United Nations last year by $286 Million Dollars?

And did you know that the GAO accidentally found $125 Billion in improper payments made by our government?

Yet… the Dems were incensed by having to reduce $38.1 Billion in Budget Cuts and by Paul Ryan’s Plan

Sarah Palin Steps Into Wisconsin, Points to Left Field, and Hits a Grand Slam by John Nolte

If Sarah Palin’s not running for president, what a terrible waste that would be of the single best stump speech I’ve heard since, well, Palin’s ’08 convention speech, which just happened to be the single most electrifying political moment of my adult life. A thrill didn’t just run up my leg that night, it ran up everything in me that’s American, and today in Madison, WI, it happened again. Surrounded by an obnoxiously hostile, astro-turfed, pro-union crowd that tried and failed to drown out her message with obnoxiously hostile astro-turfed noise, the former Alaskan Governor took the fight directly to the growing pile of Obama’s failures in the most effective way we’ve heard yet from a potential GOP challenger.

If you want to know why Obama’s Palace Guards in the MSM are determined to destroy this woman and all of popular culture has risen up to help, press PLAY. If you want to know why the GOP Establishment had better start looking over their collective shoulders, press PLAY.

Read full article and see video HERE

**  One of my favorite posters was give us a ticket of Reagan-Style patriotic Constitutionalists… How about:  Sarah Palin and Alan West?  **

'Run, Herman, Run!'

Herman Cain laughs at being described as "Steve Forbes with charisma," but finds the comparison flattering. "That's quite a compliment.… I have the greatest amount of respect for him."

The former CEO of Godfather's Pizza and Atlanta talk-radio host notes that he supported Forbes during the publishing executive's unsuccessful 2000 Republican presidential primary campaign, and Forbes endorsed Cain's 2004 Senate bid in the Georgia GOP primary.  Read full article Here

And then there is the destructive left…  This video speaks for itself!!

Video:  “I Wipe My A** With the American Flag”:  The New Civility of the Left on Display”

(Viewer Discretion Advised) Socialist Counter Protest to Tax Day TEA Party.  This is the world that your children will inherit if these people get control!!

Video:  BREITBART TO TRUMKAOBAMA LEFTIST AGITATORS IN MADISON: ‘GO TO HELL!’

Cut Back America!!!

The President ordered the cabinet to cut a $100 million from the $3.5 trillion federal budget.

I'm so impressed by this sacrifice that I have decided to do the same thing with my personal budget. I spend about $2000 a month on groceries, household expenses, medicine, utilities, etc, but it's time to get out the budget cutting ax, go line by line through my expenses, and cut back!

I'm going to cut my spending at exactly the same ratio - 1/35,000 of my total budget.  After doing the math, it looks like instead of spending $2000 a month; I'm going to have to cut that number by six cents!

Yes, I'm going to have to get by with $1999.94, but that's what sacrifice is all about.  I'll just have to do without some things, that are, frankly, luxuries. (Did Obama actually think no one would do the math?)

  John Q. Taxpayer

O'Leary: NRA, Evangelical Uprising Will Win in 2012

The GOP has a clear shot at retaking the White House in 2012, but winning will require strong support from core groups such as the National Rifle Association, Christian conservatives, and the ever-expanding tea party movement, veteran political consultant and best-selling author Brad O’Leary tells Newsmax.

“How can Obama be beaten? You have to talk to the people about what he really believes.” says O’Leary, publisher of The O’Leary Report and co-author of a book in process titled “How Obama Can Be Defeated in 2012.”

“You’re not going to be able to fight this election and win unless you have the support of the NRA. That’s a truism we can start with,” says O’Leary, who adds that the current administration’s poor record on gun rights has cost the Democrats dearly in recent elections.

Video:  O’Leary :  NRA, Evangelical Uprising Will Win in 2012

“In his heart, President [Barack] Obama would love to take on the NRA. He believes that restrictions on owning a gun can be put in place by the states. Hardly anyone in America would be able to own a gun,” O’Leary says. “Will the Democratic Party, who suffered such a calamity in the last election, have the guts to take on the NRA? I think they’ll choose to be hypocrites all the way.”

The NRA's power will be on display next month at its annual members' meeting in Pittsburgh. Attendance hit a record of 71,000 last year, and this year's event could draw an all-time high of 75,000.

In a wide-ranging interview with Newsmax.TV, O’Leary also expounded on:

• The solid cadre of national conservative candidates and how that field is likely to shake out this election cycle
• The administration’s efforts to appoint activist judges to rewrite the Constitution and impinge on American freedoms
• Obama’s brand of Christianity and how it fuels his strong belief in the redistribution of wealth.

Like NRA members, O’Leary says Christian conservatives are likely to be driven to the polls in record numbers in 2012 to hold the line on issues and positions they feel the Obama administration is threatening.

“Religious conservatives … weren’t out in massive number last election but they’re there,” O’Leary tells Newsmax. “Anyone who thinks we solved gay marriage, and solved many other issues that would turn people out doesn’t know anything about America.

“Since the Civil War, churches have played an important part in turning out their people to vote in elections,” he says.
Even with the NRA and the Christian vote secured, however, GOP candidates need to be mindful of the burgeoning power of the tea party, O’Leary adds.

“Any successful candidate . . . is going to have to have the support of groups like the tea party,” he insists. “They are not going away. They didn’t come to the table and elect so many people, especially electing 700 new state representatives, [to] then fade into the darkness of politics.

“They are going to have more time to organize, more time to turn people out, and they’re going to get you focusing on the issues.”

O’Leary says he thinks all of the candidates being mentioned in the 2012 GOP presidential mix will be willing to take the gloves off and challenge Obama on the issues in a way they didn’t in 2008.

Most of the candidates and potential candidates now aren’t getting a lot of attention from voters because they aren’t as “flashingly politically famous as we’ve had in previous elections.”

O’Leary’s take on some of the top GOP contenders:

Mitt Romney: “Tested. Good organization and business background. Hasn’t quite learned the terms that are going to sell his vision yet.”

Mike Huckabee: “Has a certain warmth that gets through to his audience and will get through to America.”

Sarah Palin: “She loves her family so much and owes so much to them. Running for president is very difficult, but if she decides to run, she has the right priorities!”

Tim Pawlenty: “Started slow. Picked up momentum. He could be the last guy standing.”

Haley Barbour: “Successful at everything he’s done. The more you see Haley, the more you like him.”

Rick Santorum: “Been silent politically for years. Just allowing himself to get re-known by the American public.”

Donald Trump: “Hard time believing someone as successful as Trump is going to take the time necessary to run for president.  But he is beholden to no one and speaks his mind.”

On the subject of activist judges, O’Leary calls Supreme Court justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor “total examples” of the administration’s desire to effect liberal legislative changes from the bench.

Source: Newsmax

Related:

NRA Boss Unveils Shocking News On Radio

Michele Bachmann Steals the Show in Iowa

Is Romney Really a Tea Party Favorite?

Bolton: Obama Still Not Qualified to be President

The (Created) Hate for Sarah Palin 

Huckabee Has Slight Edge, Palin Down, in GOP '12 Preferences

Monica Crowley Refutes Eleanor Clift’s Claim Tea Party Candidate Can’t Win National Election

VIDEO:  NOW...Is It Time To IMPEACH Barack Obama? [HQ]

Rep Joe Wilson – Let’s Move On!!

Joe Wilson got carried away because he knows what is in the bills and what the Republicans have tried to fight for that has summarily been ignored or voted down. Didn't we all see dozens of Republicans and Moderates with bills and amendments in their hands that they waved at the Prez when he said he'd take all suggestions? Definitely something to remind the the President about.

I am not defending Joe Wilson's choice of venue, but isn't this just typical of the left to shift the focus onto a Republican that knows his stuff and got carried away... and said something that lots of people think? I have heard several people talk about Rep Wilson today explain that he is pretty savy on this bill and the numbers.

And if you read the bill (HR 3200) and understand it ((or can extrapolate) you know that the president's speech was filled with untruths, whether stated directly or implied in he bill(s).

The math doesn't add up; they are going to use 'the don't ask don't tell' method to cover illegals with the public option (there is provision for free translation services into English in the bill... Hello who would need this if we aren't covering illegals?); there is a provision for required 5-year (duty to die) lectures in H.R. 3200 and additional ones if you health changes... and let's get real when we see how far off the White was on their debt figures (2 trillion) does anybody for a minute believe they are going to get this right. And all the Medicare 'waste' money? If that were the case, someone would have already done or at least started it if the real focus was healthcare reform and not a power grab. Every Country that has some type of government-run healthcare has tons of fraud and waste and they virtually all have rationing and doctor shortages. Why, with our pathetic record of success with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Veterans' Benefits, Indian Affairs, the Post Office, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the list goes on would we even consider the notion that they could do this right. Come on... we all weren't born yesterday!! And the list of Obama's untruths (lies) goes on!! Common Sense would dictate... let them fix all those things first and then we'll talk. Competition is always the best avenue... and then add some serious tort reform that they all all afraid to touch.

According to Judge Napolitano if there is a Federally funded public option where we cover everybody, by law, illegals must be covered. It was tested last year in California. If we don't want that we need to focus on immigration reform! So in reality.... You Were Right, Joe! Also did you notice that the uninsured number changed last night in Obama’s speech? 30 million instead of 46 million? HMMM?

When thinker and writer Thomas Sowell gets to the point that he writes an article like: Listening To A Liar or Ben Stein writes We've Figured Him Out we need to at least think about it. It isn't Glenn Beck or David Horowitz that the left loves to ignore.

This whole Rep Wilson thing is another diversion that the media and other lefties have jumped on to move the focus. But what about when Nancy Pelosi called the CIA liars or Harry Reed called the president a liar??? Joe Wilson got carried away with his feelings and said what many have thought or wanted to, as the Green Cosmic Rabbit said. He then immediately apologized and the White House accepted it. Done, Over, Finished except to send the guy an ‘atta boy’ for really caring!! I for one respect someone with some guts and deep feelings... even if it wasn't the proper time and place.

Come on just watching Queen Nancy wishing for another Prozac, or the like, as she was jumping out of he skin (the women that called concerned Americans angry mobs and Nazis and lied about swastikas) and Biden shuffling his his notebook as the plugs stood up on his head was worth it... Wasn't it? She certainly never apologized for her public attack on the CIA!?! And neither did Harry Reid! And did I hear President Obama call Sarah Palin a liar as well as denouncing radio and cable TV talk show hosts and prominent politicians in his speech last night… because they disagree with him or are pointing out some things he doesn’t want noticed?

This entire exercise is riddled with deals with same old entities... Big Pharma, the AMA, Lawyers,as always and a huge bigger agenda from the White House. All this propaganda and there isn't even a bill... Hello???

It is time to dump this entire mess and start over. There should be no public option, government-run co-op or trigger... PERIOD! The solution should not cost the American People anything additional if we do it right. And it should be bipartisan!

The word is that no Republican has been asked to the White House Today for their input. Tim Pawlenty and a group of GOP Governors will be holding a teleconference tonight… something we should all listen to!

Ask Marion~

Related Resources:

• Wilson Apologises But Still Thinks Obama Wasn't Honest

Posted: Knowledge Creates Power – Cross Posted: Daily Thought Pad

In 2012 Preview, Pawlenty Takes Aim at RomneyCare

In today's Washington Post, Tim Pawlenty has an op-ed urging Washington to learn from health care reform experiences at the state level. Not surprisingly, he touts reform efforts in Minnesota, but it's also noteworthy that he takes aim at the Massachusetts overhaul that was led by Mitt Romney (though he doesn't mention Romney by name). Not that Pawlenty is a free market puritan on health care -- he supported SCHIP, for example -- but the disastrous results of Romney's health care plan in Massachusetts could prove a big obstacle for him during the 2012 Republican primaries in which at the moment, he's viewed as the very early frontrunner.

Romney has tried to have it both ways on health care. On the one hand, he points to health care as an example of his ability as an executive to get things done, yet at the same time he blames the Democratic legislature for changing his original plan (even though he signed it with changes, knowing that he wouldn't be around to oversee its implementation and that his successor would likely be a Democrat). He wants to take credit for the fact that his plan expanded coverage, but doesn't want to accept blame for the endless wait times for doctors, skyrocketing costs and the fiscal crisis that went along with that expanded coverage. He claims that his plan is a free market alternative to a government takeover of health care, and yet it's a plan that expanded Medicaid rolls, forced individuals to purchase insurance or pay a tax, and had government provide subsidies to people to purchase a government-run insurance on a government-run exchange. Anybody worried about life under ObamaCare should not be a fan of RomneyCare -- other than the absence of a government plan in the exchange, both plans are structurally very similar.

By Philip Klein on 8.3.09 @ 10:20AM

Replicating Massachusetts’ Health Reform on a National Level

Massachusetts’ innovative approach to health care reform, adopted in 2006, has become the focus of substantial national attention as Congress and the Administration in Washington focus intense attention on health reform. Many federal proposals build on elements that have been implemented in Massachusetts. Two questions are of interest in this regard: can the federal government adopt the Massachusetts approach, and, failing federal reform, can Massachusetts serve as a model for other States?

For background, the key elements of the Massachusetts program can be summarized very generally as follows: An individual mandate requiring most residents to have insurance; assessments on certain employers who do not make adequate insurance available to their employees; a “health care connector” that links individuals and small businesses to insurance products; and State-subsidized insurance for persons who are not eligible for Medicaid with incomes up to 300% of the Federal poverty level (the “CommonwealthCare” program).

The individual mandate is key to achieving near universal coverage, and other components of the reform facilitate access to “affordable” coverage. The reform’s approach is to move uninsured people into insured status, and to reduce reliance by safety net hospitals on disproportionate share and supplemental Medicaid payments by providing them an insured population in lieu of uninsured individuals.

Many of these elements appear in the various federal proposals, including the individual mandate, the connector and imposing some form of assessment on employers. As to other elements of federal proposals, Massachusetts does not include a public plan option, although CommonwealthCare could be viewed as a workable alternative.

However, in creating the coalition that secured passage of the reform, political and policy leaders deliberately chose to address access first and defer dealing with how the program would be paid for. This of course is not an option for the federal government, which is struggling with how reform will be funded.

Massachusetts could defer the cost issue because the amount of new State dollars needed at the outset was relatively small. This was so because of: (a) CMS’ willingness to grant a waiver allowing federal Medicaid matching funds for the CommonwealthCare subsidies; (b) the generous level of State dollars that was already flowing into the health care system through Medicaid and the State’s uncompensated care pool; and (c) the relatively larger number of large and small business that already provided some coverage for their employees.

Of course, the economy and serious budget problems are now affecting CommonwealthCare’s financing. This year for the first time there will be some restrictions on who can enroll, and some adjustments to available benefits. Massachusetts did try to address health care cost through legislation in 2008, but the focus was more on long-term structural changes, such as incentives to promote more primary care physicians (one of the downsides of improving access in Massachusetts was to make worse an already bad situation of too few primary care physicians), supporting the greater use of nurse practitioners and effectively mandating that hospitals and physicians move toward adoption of electronic medical records and CPOE systems. The legislation, however, is not generating immediate cost savings.

In summary, Massachusetts’ program has many elements that could work at the federal level and could be adapted for use in other States. Two critical points need to be kept in mind, however: First, the creation of a coalition that included Government (including a Republican Governor and an overwhelmingly Democratic legislature), consumer advocates, employers and insurers and the willingness of each of the groups to compromise (an individual mandate balanced against some employer assessments, for example) got the reform enacted but is not easy to replicate.

Second, as noted above, financing could be deferred because the marginal dollars needed to fund the reform initially were not so great. (Shortly after enactment of Massachusetts’ reform, a California study concluded that implementing the same program there would cost that State an additional $12 billion.) The key issue for the federal government is how to fund reforms. Massachusetts may be a good model but the particular financial circumstances that existed when its reform was enacted may make the model difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Stephen M. Weiner, Esq serves as President of the national nonprofit HealthWell Foundation (www.healthwellfoundation.org), which provides financial assistance to underinsured patients coping with serious and chronic conditions. He is also Chair of the Health Law practice for Mintz Levin and has over thirty years of health care experience as a policy maker, educator and attorney.

Source: Physician News Digest

There are many better options out there that do not include:

• a public option that will lead to a single payer socialized medicine
• rationing
• duty to die aspects for seniors
• forced mandates for all physicians to perform abortions
• government being involved in what should be doctor-patient decisions
• a national database giving government access to everyone’s health records

What we need is

• regulation and over-sight by the government… of Insurance Companies, Big Pharma, the AMA and no more
• overhaul of Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran’s Health, Indian Reservation Health (government has done a terrible job with these programs… and that should speak for itself)
• tort reform
• allow companies and individuals to go across state lines to purchase insurance
• allow individuals and and small business to form co-ops to purchase insurance.
• portable health insurance
• attention and a stop to fraud in all the government-run programs and by the insurance companies and Big Pharma
• no more exclusion by insurance companies of people who have pre-existing conditions.

Source: True Health Is True Wealth

Related Resources:

• Safeway’s Health Care Program Gets Attention
• Kristol: Kill It, And Start Over

Posted: Knowledge Creates Power

The 2012 GOP Presidential Race Has Begun

During this week leading up to America’s 233rd Birthday Weekend, two Republican candidates appear to have dropped their gauntlets into the ring… however indirectly. The 2012 Race has begun~

Publically Mitt Romney has been saying he’s not considering another presidential campaign, even as recently as last Sunday during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” But many of his loyal followers expect one. Mitt did admit that he would consider using some of his own money to partially fund his campaign again, if he had to, should he decided to enter the race. In the opinion of many, Mitt may be the right man for the race and the job in 2012 with his strong economic background and successes as Governor of Massachusetts and savior ot the Salt Lake Olympics.

Then later this week Romney said in a Fox News interview that he ‘had the fire to run for president again’ he just had to see if the people would be warmed by it. And although he has not officially opened his campaign his Team and followers are ready and waiting for the announcement. Many of Mitt Romney's loyalists have expected another presidential bid and have remained at the ready for 2012, since the day Obama was elected.

Then today Sarah Palin shocked everyone by announcing that she was not running for a 2nd term as Governor of Alaska and rather than staying on as a lame duck and finishing her term, she washanding over the reigns to her Lieutenant Governor.

Of course the immediate speculation after the surprise Palin announcement has been that Governor Palin has quit to focus on a bid for the 2012 Republican nomination for president. Others have speculated that she might have decided to put her political career on hold to spend some time with her family or even to turn her back on politics altogether. Still others are speculating that Palin will be starting a think tank, expanding Sarah Pac, or working directly with the GOP to further her beliefs and improve her resume for a run in the future... after 2012.

There are of course many others who will toss their hats into the ring as the race gets closer and as Obama and his policies continue to drop in popularity.

In recent polls Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney occupy the top spots for possible 2012 GOP candidates… other possibles include Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich, Bobby Jindal, Mike Huckabee, and who knows who else; even Jeb Bush has been mentioned. But we should remember, whoever thought of Barack Obama as a presidential candidate for 2008 back in July of 2005, let alone of Sarah Palin for VP?

As for the field of GOP candidates, it narrowed again just last week. News of Senator John Ensign's affair broke and Governor Sanford admitted to an affair with a woman in Argentina, taking them both out of the race.

The GOP troubles seem to have left two prominent 2012 prospects, for now, 2008 presidential hopeful and former Governor Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, unscathed, however it is early. And if anyone can make an unconventional comeback, against the conventional rules and odds, it would be Sarah Palin. There had already been speculation of the possibility of an eventual Romney-Palin ticket. Whatever the future holds for the GOP… it will be interesting!

By Marion Algier/ Ask Marion

Posted: Knowledge Creates Power

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