April 05, 2007

4/5: At Least He Bought Them Drinks First

While opposition to gay marriage is not a big issue for conservative bloggers, the right to life certainly is for many of them, which makes ex-NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani's (R) blog popularity all the more fascinating. While even his supporters admit Giuliani's statement to CNN that he still supports tax payer funded abortions is "not Rudy's finest moment," many still remind readers that Giuliani's new statements still fit into his larger position, since joining the race, that he supports abortion as NY mayor, but supports the Hyde Amndt. banning federal funding for abortions as President. This distinction is wearing thin for many though, perhaps best summed up by Ramesh Ponnuru's frustration with his fellow NRO-Rudy-supporters: "I don't mind that some of my conservative friends are for Giuliani, but I do wish they weren't such cheap dates."

GIULIANI: You Lost Them At Tax Payer Funded

Townhall's Matt Lewis tracks past statements from Rudy Giuliani adviser Bill Simon assuring pro-lifers "that Giuliani now supports the Hyde Amendment, banning public funding of abortion" and then links to video of Giuliani telling CNN he supports tax payer funding for abortion. Lewis comments: "It's one thing to support a candidate who used to be pro-choice. But I'm having a hard time imagining a scenario in which I would vote for a candidate who not only favors the practice of abortion - but also favors taking my money to pay for it." Similar reactions include:

• The Corner's Ramesh Ponnuru: "I don't mind that some of my conservative friends are for Giuliani, but I do wish they weren't such cheap dates."
• The Corner's Kathryn Jean Lopez I've gotten the most anti-Rudy e-mail this afternoon than I've gotten since he got in the race.
• The Brody File: "Rudy better hope he doesn' flame out before Super-Duper Tuesday on February 5th when pro-Giuliani states like California and New Jersey come into the mix."
• AmSpec Blog's Phil Klein: "The problem with supporting--or at least being open to--public funding is that it not only rankles social conservatives, but it hurts him among more libertarian-minded voters who may even favor abortion rights, but abhor government subsidies."
• Captain's Quarters: "It's hard to see where conservatives of any stripe -- social or fiscal -- can support Giuliani after this assertion. He won't do anything to reverse abortion, and he wants to use tax money to fund them. If someone can find the conservative in there, as Giuliani argues, they must have to stare very hard into that abyss."
• RedState's Erick Erickson: "At some point, you just have to ask yourself if selling out your core conservative principles because Rudy makes you feel safe is really a smart thing to do or is some version of Stockholm syndrome setting in."

While no one was particularly impressed with Giuliani's statements, many still want to give Rudy a chance on the issue:

• Race 4 '08s Billy Valentine: "Does Rudy, a former lawyer, believe in the constitutional right in abortion so firmly that he believes that it is a fundamental right that the government should pay for this right - and that it should be a right that is even held above a citizen's right to property?"
• Ankle Biting Pundit's Bull Dog Pundit: "I'm pro-life and I'm a tentative Rudy supporter. So long as he puts strict constructionist judges on the bench I don't care if he's pro-abortion. ... However, the issue of public funding, to me ... is entirely different than how a person would vote in a state referendum on abortion, and it may cost him votes. But give Rudy credit - he's not backing away from his position even though he has to know it's going to make it tougher for him to win."
• AmSpec Blog's John Tabin: "Careful parsing suggests that he means only that it's a constitutional right according to the courts -- he throws some ifs in there, and Ted Olson's role as a Rudy advisor certainly calms some nerves. Still, not Rudy's finest moment."

GIULIANI II: Katrina Wasn't Handled Well?

In non-abortion Rudy blogging, reports from the trail remain positive. GraniteGrok's Doug Lambert has video from a Hampton Falls, NH, house party and reports "the level of enthusiasm and the general upbeat, party-like atmosphere was remarkably different from most recent Republican events I have attended since this past November. Rudy is most definitely the Republican "rock-star" of the moment."

Later, Lambert recaps Rudy's conservative pitch, including: "Rudy offered 3 main thrusts for the war in Iraq: Clear, hold, and build. This is the new strategy being implemented by the military as supported by President Bush. ... The other main point repeated several times throughout the event was his desire and ability to make government work. He acknowledged the post-Katrina fiasco and pledged to fix what's broken, much like he did when assuming office as Mayor and then in the aftermath of September 11th."

Also making a case for Giuliani, ex-MD Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R) sat down with RedState's Rob Bluey: "Ehrlich told me Giuliani's record on taxes and other fiscal matters and his strong national security credentials would continue to be his greatest strengths. It was on that note that I asked Ehrlich about Giuliani's performance as mayor. Unlike most people who talk about Giuliani's tenure, Ehrlich deliberately avoided mentioning 9/11, noting the accomplishments the mayor achieved before terrorists struck the World Trade Center."

GOP FIELD: The Meltdown Continues

Conservative bloggers definitely noticed the wide margin Dem '08ers out paced the GOPers in campaign cash. The Corner's John Podhoretz speculates: "It indicates that those inclined to give to Democrats are opening their wallets bigtime while Republican donors are profoundly wary. It's an indication of an intensity gap between committed Dems and committed Republicans. ... this is yet another data point to suggest there has been a GOP meltdown since 2004 and only a really vibrant GOP campaign leading to a very formidable and stimulating nominee can turn things around."

Fellow CorneriteByron York took the opportunity to post a reader email knocking John McCain: "McCain got what he wanted, didn't he? Less money in politics? He just didn't figure it'd all come from him." J-Pod also used news Dems outraised GOPers by $27 mil. to deflect from Rudy Giuliani's bad day: "So by all means, conservatives and Republicans should spend 18 months arguing about the Hyde Amendment. Because that's really going to help."

GINGRICH: Language Skills Hindering Candidate's Progress

Many conservative bloggers are helping Newt Gingrich redeem his "Spanish as a 'ghetto' language" comments by posting video of Gingrich offering a clarification. RedState's Erick Erickson explains: "What he meant was that, in order to get ahead in this country, English is necessary and a lack of English will hinder any immigrant's progress. He recognizes that this was a poor choice of words and has reached out to the Spanish speaking community to clarify what he meant."

Bi-lingual lefty bloggers were notimpressed with Gingrich's Spanish language skills. Talk Left's Big Tent Democrat writes: "I Demand An Apology From Newt Gingrich For issuing this apology. He murdered my first language."

MCCAIN: Baghdad Or Bust

Reacting to Politico coverage of John McCain's plan to mirror Pres. Bush's Pioneers, Rangers and Mavericks fundraising gimmicks, Townhall's Hugh Hewitt offers some advise: "Someone had better talk optics with those folks. The best way for Senator McCain to get any momentum back would be to talk to conservatives about having made enormous mistakes on McCain-Feingold, the Gang of 14, and McCain-Kennedy as well as last September. He's a man of extraordinary qualities, but refusing to talk bluntly about his mistakes --or at least defend his positions at length in a full and fair interview with a serious critic-- is the anchor on the campaign, not the naming scheme for contributors."

Also at Townhall, Dean Barnett chafes at suggestions John McCain's fundraising trouble from his support of the war in Iraq: "You've got to be kidding me. Team McCain has actually concluded that he's "under fire" for his steadfastness on Iraq? How could they be so obtuse? McCain's reliability on Iraq is quite frankly the only thing that's keeping him afloat in conservative Republican circles. Or let's put it this way - McCain's not considered viable because of McCain/Feingold, McCain/Kennedy or his reputation as a loyal Republican."

Speaking of McCain and Iraq, RedState's Hunter Baker highlights a Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN) blog entry touting McCain's strength on the war: "We have had our differences on issues but never on the object of this journey. ... He has never wavered in his belief in the justice of our cause in Iraq. He was the first leader in Congress to call for a surge of U.S. forces in Iraq. He commands the respect of our generals on the ground and the Iraqi leaders who recognize him as a national leader in America. I think his personal story of heroism and his lineage also give him real currency in the Arab world."

Back in IA Krusty Konservative comments on a McCain release touting his support from 23 IA mayors: "This is obviously a shot at Rudy and his honorary title of 'America's Mayor'. ... This was a smart move on McCain's part because Iowa newspapers will definitely pick up a story about their mayor backing a presidential kandidate. Also, the local angle will attract more passive readers who don't hang on every word that comes out of the beltway media. Right now I don't think the McCain folks care nearly as much about what Chuck Todd thinks as what Chuck City, IA residents think."

MCCAIN II: They Say 'Cheap Date' Like It's A Bad Thing

Ramesh Ponnuru's 'cheap date' line set off a spirited discussion in The Corner over McCain's conservative credentials. Andy McCarthypointed Ponnuru (dubbed by McCarthy as "the conservative movement's chief apologist for Senator McCain") to McCain's law suit against WI Right to Life for their funding of a television ad supporting the appointment of "originalist judges." McCarthy writes: "The Senator - who was instrumental in preventing a parliamentary reform to end Democratic filibusters against the Bush judicial nominees back when the Republicans had a sizable senate majority - apparently thinks it's a violation of law if an interest group advocates in favor of originalist judicial nominees merely getting an up-or-down confirmation vote ... at least if such advocacy would make it harder for pro-abortion incumbents like Senator Russ Feingold to be re-elected."

Ponnuru responded: "Andy, I'm not sure "apologist" is quite the right term here. The points you raise about it seem like real strikes against McCain (although they have to be balanced against the support for McCain-Feingold of Romney, Giuliani, and Fred Thompson)." Back to McCarthy: "'Cheap date' -v- 'apologist' - yeah, I can see why you'd be upset."

ROMNEY: Like Howard Dean?

The Corner has plenty of fresh reports from Mitt Romney on the trail including:

• Rich Lowry from Derry, NH: "Romney emphasizes how he's not in Washington, he has lots of private-sector experience and his specialty has been turning organizations around and getting results. Thus, he positions himself as an outsider and reformer. ... He couples that message with a version of Howard Dean-circa 2003 populism, talking about empowering and strengthening people. ... But Romney's populism has a business-like, technocratic cast."
• A K-Lo emailer from IA: "Attended Romney's visit to Pioneer Hi-Bred (seed/biotech branch of DuPont) ... It was very well attended. About 150 filled the room he was in, and they had overflow rooms I'm told had another 90 in (they piped it in via video feed). I have some non-poliitical, but level headed friends who attended. I've talked to 4 so far and they were very impressed. They did not know much about him at all prior to this event.
• K-Lo herself on a tele-town hall with IAns: "Supports surge. Doesn't want a growing regional conflict, brings up Iran again. Safely talks "stability ... stabilize." No high-minded democracy or freedom talk. "Early" to know how surge is working."

TANCREDO: CO 06 Up For Grabs!

Townhall's Hugh Hewitt is calling either Tom Tancredo or whoever updates his official website a liar after the site accused Hewitt of educating "Tancredo about the merits of supporting an illegal alien amnesty bill" while on Hewitt's radio show 4/2.

Hewitt writes: "I am hearing that some folks will be entering Colorado's 6th District GOP primary, and that Tom's protest campaign could well cost him his very safe seat. If he's serious, he should do what Congressman Hunter has done: Renounce his seat and let the district pick a successor rather than keep a chair warm for him." Captain's Quarters says Tancredo "Is Not A Serious Candidate."

EDWARDS: No Saint

David Sirota makes his most developed plea yet for John Edwards, labeling him the "People Party's" candidate in the same vein as William Jennings Bryan, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Robert F. Kennedy, and Howard Dean.Making his case Sirota examines each of the big threes campaign themes, who they have surrounded themselves with, and who their enemies are:

• On themes: "To date, it's fair to say Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama's campaigns have been about themselves. ... Edwards, by contrast, has been extremely disciplined in making economic class issues the central focus of his race (he has also taken a strong, consistent stand on the war first by apologizing for his initial vote, and then unequivocally supporting aggressive efforts to end it).
• On staff: "It's no secret that Clinton and Obama have opted to surround themselves with Wall Street and Washington insiders ... Edwards ... is no saint ... but there's also little doubt that he's surrounded himself with people who have focused on working class issues.
• On enemies: "Frankly, other than Republican partisans, Clinton doesn't seem to have many ideological enemies. Same thing for Obama, and not just because he has a magnetic personality. Obama's Senate M.O. has been to avoid confrontation at all costs - and in my interview with him, he insinuated that such a posture is a deliberate goal. Edwards, by contrast, has real ideological enemies - not a surprise considering that before entering politics, his entire career was based on challenging power."

Sirota concludes: "Edwards has undeniably become the People Party candidate. He is the one who represents the clearest chance for change - real change for the entire country on issues that matter, rather than just a change of parking spots for the circle of former Clinton administration officials, lobbyists and well-heeled professional political hacks who control the Democratic Party in Washington, D.C."

OBAMA: Suddenly, 'A Real Candidate'

Netrooters were uniformly more impressed by the number of Barack Obama's contributors, but they also took joy in noting his overall money victory. Reactions include:

• DailyKos' founder Markos Moulitsas
: "Kudos to the Obama campaign for stressing the number of individuals who are engaging with the campaign, more so than the overall haul of cash. Ultimately, the campaigns that last are the ones that build a movement, not the ones that just squeeze cash from supporters."
• AMERICAblog's John Aravosis: "As we like to say here at AMERICAblog, this is huge. All of a sudden, this makes Obama a real candidate."
• The Left Coaster's Steve Soto: "We can cease with any notion that Hillary's nomination is somehow inevitable. With the news this morning that Obama raised the same level of funding as she did, there no longer is any doubt that a significant part of the party wants someone other than her, and wants someone who is clean from the Beltway and the Iraq decision in 2002."
• A TPM reader: "There needs to be some attention paid to the fact Hillary Clinton didn't actually compete head-to-head on a level playing field with Barack Obama. Does any one honestly think Hillary would have raised $26 million without the help of her husband Bill?"
• The Huffington Post's Adam Hanft: "In two months, Barack Obama has been able to accomplish something that Hillary Clinton was unable to do after years of painstakingly constructing a national campaign structure and team: raise money from 100,000 individual donors. In fact, that's roughly twice as many donors than Senator Clinton was able to motivate."
• Jack and Jill Politics' Jill Tubman: "What this tells me is that ordinary people are responding to Obama. I wonder actually how many of them are black folks. "
• TAPPED's Ezra Klein: "A world where a brand new candidate can attract 100,000 donors is a world in which small donor democracy actually can flourish, and the current corporate hammerlock can be weakened, or even rendered obsolete."

Kos also shares these numbers with readers from the Obama camp: "More than 50,000 donors gave $6.9 million online; Over 90% of online donations were in increments of $100 or less; About 50% of online donations were in increments of $25 or less; Over 4,000 grassroots volunteer groups founded on My.BarackObama.com; Over 9,000 blogs started, where people are chronicling their campaign experience; Over 50,000 profiles created by My.BarackObama.com members."

IRAQ: Hope And Accountability

Terry McCarthy's ABC News report on the Iraq surge including: "The locals told us that things are getting better," is being posted widely in conservative blogging circles. Captain's Quarters asks "Was McCain Right?" and RedState's Erick Erickson hopes: "There's no way of predicting the future, but let's hope this ABC News piece on Iraq is the first of many good-news broadcasts we'll be seeing in the coming months."

On the left, Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) posts his "Response to the President's Veto Threat" at The Huffington Post: "I have just been informed that the 4th Infantry Division is preparing to deploy to Iraq with only eight months at home and without the appropriate training. This is unacceptable. ... The Constitution expressly places the power 'to raise and support Armies,' and 'to provide and maintain a Navy' with Congress. It is, therefore, Congress' responsibility to raise the revenues for our military and to determine in what manner and by what means they shall be spent. ... For four years, the president has been waging a war without end and without accountability. The Iraq Accountability Act expresses the sentiment of the Congress and the majority of the American people who say it's time for a plan to safely and responsibly end the war."

THOUGHT OF THE DAY: Everybody Seems To Love Watching The Lakers With Their Dog In Front Of The Fire

For the first time since Daily Kos enabled diarists to post their own blog rolls, Markos ranks the top linked to blogs including the % of users linking to each site: Firedoglake 15.79%; TPM 15.29%; Crooks and Liars 14.93%; My Left Wing 14.00%; Hullabaloo 12.85%; Eschaton 11.20%; Booman Tribune 9.91%; MyDD 9.76%; The Huffington Post 9.33%; Glenn Greenwald 7.39%

LEST WE FORGET: Dates Aren't Debate Clubs?

MSN Match's Robert Harris lists five things men hate to hear on a first date including:

• "My last boyfriend..." - All we can say is, why? ... Whatever you say, all we will hear is, "I'm out with you, but I'm still thinking a lot about another man."
• "Do you mind if I take this call?" - Of course we mind. We won't say we do, but we do.
• "So how do you feel about abortion?" - This type of question is known among men as a litmus test-a touchy topic that women raise to gauge whether we're politically, morally, or spiritually on the same page as them (the death penalty, gay marriage, and the war in Iraq also fit the bill). ... this is a date, not debate club. Let's have fun and save more heated back-and-forths for later.
• "And then I found this cute pair of sandals..." - You're not out with your girlfriends. You're out with a guy, remember? And same as how we wouldn't subject you to talk about stocks or our favorite sports teams, please, do us the same favor.
• "How do you feel about having a family?" - It's not that we don't want families, many of us do-it's just that we like to get to know a woman first. And we like to know you like us as more than just as a potential baby-making machine. After all, where's the romance in that?

Posted by Conn Carroll at April 5, 2007 12:40 PM