411 Politics Fact or Fiction 02.21.08: Week 79

Posted by Brandon Crow on 02.21.2008

Are the Republican candidates avoiding Bush because they view him as a failure? Is it time for Mike Huckabee to drop out? Was journalist David Schuster out of line for saying the Hillary campaign "pimped out" Chelsea? Would VA Senator Jack Webb make a good VP?

Welcome to Politics Fact or Fiction, Week 79. It's late this week, I know. But the old Crow has been completely under the weather. Like sitting in the middle of a hurricane kind of sick. I'm still not half way recovered, but since I'm back at work, I figured I ought to post the F or F along with it. So, without further ado, let's see what this week's participants, Tricia Bird (you might remember her son Max Bird, who participated here a few weeks ago), and long time Crowcaine addict Jeff Modzelewski have to say.

Ding, Ding!

1. The main reason that the 2008 Republican presidential candidates have all invoked the name of Ronald Reagan numerous times but have barely touched the name of George W. Bush with a ten foot pole is because they all know Bush's presidency is an unmitigated failure.

Jeff Modzelewski: FICTION. The reason that they're not using George W. Bush's name is that the public views Bush's presidency is a failure. I don't know that McCain thinks Bush's presidency is a failure. He enjoys war too much to think of Bush as a failure. I doubt that Romney viewed Bush's presidency as a failure. However, public opinion regarding Bush is extremely negative, and the candidates are smart enough to distance themselves from him.

Tricia Bird: FACT. My first presidential vote was for Reagan, still think he was right for the country at the time. Boy had his finger ready on the button waiting for a reason to push it, we loved that. Iraq, the sequel, didn't work out the same given the times and tactics. You gotta be able to pull off that maverick shit...W. didn't and neither did his father. George W. wanted to be like George H.W. who wanted to be like Reagan...they were both unsuccessful.

0 for 1. I hate to disagree with Jeff so openly, but I think even the Republicans feel Bush's presidency is a failure. Those running for president can't obviously come straight out and say it without overtly and publicly disavowing their party and their "leader," as well as highlight their own support for failed policies of a failed leader. Right now, it's all about the Republican hopefuls pathetically putting lipstick on the Bush pig.

2. Despite what he has already accomplished, and despite what he still hopes to do, it is time for Mike Huckabee to bow out of the Republican race and acknowledge that John McCain will be the Republicans' standard bearer for 2008.

Jeff Modzelewski: FICTION. Why? He does provide an alternative to McCain for conservatives. He's running on a shoestring budget. He's closing in on #2 in the Republican delegate count. He's going to parlay this presidential run into a cabinet position or a major position in the Republican party. He's doing what Mitt Romney wanted to do but couldn't. He's turning into the conservative face of the Republican party. He has no good reason to quit.

Tricia Bird: FACT. I think the whole religious thing has played out. Are there any primaries left south of the Mason-Dixon line? He's got a good record as governor granted and he's proved there is a moral something in this country, but saviors never win. I personally am extremely uncomfortable with religion ruling my country—I'm looking at you, guy with the pointy hat.

0 for 2. Guy with the pointy hat? The Pope? Huckabee has a very good reason to get out. Though I really like the guy and many of his ideas, when the writing's on the wall, the writing's on the wall.

Switch!

3. Recently, journalist David Schuster of MSNBC was suspended for making the "clever" comment that Hillary Clinton's campaign had "pimped out" her daughter Chelsea by getting her to make recruiting calls to super delegates and celebrities. Schuster's comment was horrible and he deserved to be suspended.

Tricia Bird: FICTION. This crap is getting pitiful. Perhaps the new leader of our country should just delete the First Amendment. Hillary can't decide if she promotes her balls or her hormones. Is she just upset someone called her out on yet another tactic?

Jeff Modzelewski: FICTION. According to my wife "That's the most retarded thing I've heard in my life." I don't necessarily agree that it's completely crazy, and it was a poor choice of words, but I don't think it was horrible. The fact is that Chelsea IS being "pimped out" by the campaign. She's campaigning and calling super delegates, but she's not allowed to talk to reporters? Please. She's either a political figure or she's not. If she is, then it's not unfair to say that she needs to talk to reporters. If she's not, she needs to stop campaigning full time.

1 for 3. Hmm…I think we're gonna have to suspend Jeff for calling Hillary a pimp and Chelsea a ho'…wink, wink.

4. Regardless of a victory by either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the Democratic nomination race, Senator Jim Webb of Virginia would make an excellent Vice Presidential running mate.

Tricia Bird: FICTION. I like the guy and voted for him but I don't see America embracing him. His "don't take shit attitude" might come off as Cheney-esque. Vets will love him, a good pull against McCain, but he's a love him or hate him kind of guy. He won Virginia by the narrowest of margins. Allen was ahead till his verbal debacle. (Webb had my vote from day one) Hey, put Webb with Hillary, he can bust her balls. If Edwards won't work then let me throw out another name here—Mark Warner, look him up.

Jeff Modzelewski: FACT. Though not the best, in my opinion. Bill Richardson has the foreign policy experience, the experience on energy and immigration issues, and the ability to win in red states. On top of that, he'll be a Latino on the ticket for a party that desperately needs to win the Latino vote. Jim Webb barely won his Senate seat in Virginia. Despite Webb's military experience, Richardson would bring more to the table.

1 for 4. I, too, believe that Webb would be a good choice, but there are certainly better ones at this juncture.

Week 79 came up, swung, and hit a homer! Tune in next week for more F or F. Send me an email if you want in!