The Rivett Report 05.14.07
Posted by Joe Rivett on 05.14.2007
With Cheney gone, Republican moderates do an "intervention" with Bush, plus find out why Rudy is emphasizing his pro-choice views, why Mitt Romney is in more trouble, and why fellow columnist Enrique rules!
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to another edition of the Rivett Report!
Republican Moderates Storm the White House
With Cheney in Iraq, 11 moderate Republicans spoke with President Bush about how Bush cannot expect Republicans to continue to support him if things don't get better soon. Apparently, they are worried about Congressional elections in 08 and it is looking like the Dems will continue to gain seats and take these seats from moderates. There isn't much more to say other than a lot of Republicans are waiting until September because that is when the generals will be evaluating the "surge."
Rudy Chooses Choice
In a speech at Houston Baptist University, Rudy stated that "I believe you have to respect their viewpoint and give them a level of choice." The Houston Chronicle reports:
His remarks are part of an effort by Giuliani's campaign to clarify his support for abortion rights in the coming weeks, despite the political risks of alienating conservative voters. Giuliani has been criticized for what some have called confusing, sometimes contradictory statements on the topic.
In a stump speech outlining his plans to battle terrorism and tackle economic and social issues, Giuliani urged listeners to find common ground with him even though they may disagree with him. Tolerating differences makes the country what it is, he said.
"We understand how to respect each other's difference," he said. "It's in our DNA."
I have always believed that Giuliani's abortion approach is a positive more than a negative, but it was difficult for me to convey my feelings why. I then read an article in Time Magazine explaining the real reason why Rudy is clarifying his position as pro-choice…
From Time: Rudy Giuliani's decision to be more forthright about his pro-choice stance on abortion may be the boldest step of the Presidential campaign so far. And while it's certainly a gamble, because it will likely inflame the social-issue conservatives who form a key minority in the Republican party, it's far from reckless. On the contrary, it is the first tangible sign that a candidate has done some hard thinking about the radically changed nature of this year's primary schedule and, in Giuliani's case, decided that the reign of social conservatives is coming to an end.
While his opinion may not be the most popular in the bible belt, New York, California, and New Jersey could give him a lot of momentum after the super primary day. In addition, those states have large populations. I also believe Rudy is doing this because he is really the only pro choice candidate which sets him apart from the field. The Social Conservatives can divide their vote among nine others and he thinks he can still win some of them plus other Republicans.
Mitt and His Wife Did More Than Just Support Planned Parenthood
From the AP: Conservative activists criticized Mitt Romney over his abortion record Thursday as the Republican presidential contender received an award from an anti-abortion group that also used to complain about his support for abortion rights.
A coalition including the leaders of the Pro-Life Federation, the Michigan Conservative Union and Massachusetts Resistance was especially critical of the revelation that Romney's wife, Ann, had donated $150 to Planned Parenthood during her husband's 1994 U.S. Senate campaign.
The group also complained because a universal health care bill Romney signed into law while Massachusetts governor includes a seat for Planned Parenthood - which includes abortion among its family planning services - on a payment policy board.
This is what I call a double whammy. Not only did he include a seat for Planned Parenthood, but it also was a seat on a Universal Health Care Policy Board. Every time Mitt gains momentum, his past is brought up. What's next? Are they going to find out his perfect hair is fake?
Sam Brownback Uses a Peyton Analogy in Favre Country
From CNN: The GOP presidential hopeful drew boos and groans Friday at the Wisconsin Republican Party convention when he used a football analogy to talk about the need to focus on families.
"This is fundamental blocking and tackling," he said. "This is your line in football. If you don't have a line, how many passes can Peyton Manning complete? Greatest quarterback, maybe, in NFL history."
Oops, wrong team to mention in Wisconsin, once described by Gov. Tommy Thompson as the place "where eagles soar, Harleys roar and Packers score."
Realizing what he had said, the Kansas Republican slumped at the podium and put his head in his hands.
"That's really bad," he said. "That will go down in history. I apologize."
Mr. Brownback, we don't need you to save our families. At the end of this gaffe, Brownback stated that we got to rebuild the family. Screw you! My family is fine and I don't need the president to fix it. If you want to fix anything, allow me to have the ability to bear more than one child because it is a financially daunting task.
Headlines
Fans hope Gore will change his mind and go for it in '08 - CNN
I am sort of a fan of Gore and I don't want him to run. I guess I am a believer in once a loser, always a loser. Is it me or would it be weird to see Hillary debate Al? Gore claims he won't run and I hope he is a man of his word. Plus, I think he can do more as an environmental advocate than he can as a candidate.
Preview of the Individualist
This week I will be writing further about the NRA protesting that terrorist suspects are being denied access to guns.
A Good Column to Read
For the second week in a row, Enrique writes another fascinating article. I enjoyed the way he blasted Obama on who are America's allies. Canada is our number 1 trade partner and a damn great country to border.
STAY CURRENT