A Genuine Look at the GOP Candidates: My Endorsement Below
What qualities should a Presidential candidate have that sets them apart from others? That is the general question Republicans in South Carolina will have to answer before voting in Saturday’s primary for President. But the real question is that of leadership. What qualities must an effective leader have that will cause followers to be excited and ready to listen?
There are very strong candidates in this race for President. There is no denying the credibility Mitt Romney brings to the table. His strong business sense, morals, and natural, statesman-like charisma make him a very attractive choice for President. But if Mitt is to win the nomination, he will have to explain a lot of his positions, release his income tax returns soon, and ensure the electorate that he is stable in his beliefs. Another question is that of “Obamacare.” 
Will he repeal it or will he just reform it? Unfortunately, his inconsistent record and his position on “Obamacare” will haunt him until he gains the confidence of the GOP Conservative base. I find Romney to be a capable leader and if he wins this nomination, I will certainly back him against President Obama. However, for the South Carolina primary, I cannot, with good conscience, vote for Mitt Romney.
There is a fantastic opportunity to gain ground on Romney and possibly even sever his momentum so that a true conservative choice can be nominated. South Carolina has a fantastic record for picking the eventual nominee. I still believe South Carolina will continue this tradition. That is why I find it to be of upmost importance for South Carolinians to look past the establishment and the media, and to focus on a Conservative alternative.
While I think Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich are both fine Conservatives, passionate leaders, and would make a much better choice atop the GOP Ticket, I do not feel Rick Santorum has the confidence or the presence a leader needs to defeat an incumbent President. While I agree with Santorum on a majority of issues, he also has an occasional indiscretion has been brought up. Supporting Arlen Specter was not a jewel in his crown.
Neither was heading a powerful program on the Hill to instill Republican staffers in lobbyist positions. However, Santorum is a strong conservative unlike Romney. After having breakfast with Santorum, sitting with him, talking with him for an extending period of time, I have to be honest. Rick Santorum is not the guy that can head this ticket in November. It pains me to say it for all of the wonderful people that support him. I nearly did myself, but he is not the guy and I doubt he can beat President Obama, if even Mitt Romney.
There is only one person that can defeat Mitt Romney and Barack Obama. He has been given a lot of grief about his personal life and for even sitting with Nancy Pelosi in a pro-green movement commercial. However, a man should be judged for who is he and not what he was. A great majority of Christians are also Conservatives and I urge those reading this, forgive Newt for his indiscretions because God has already forgiven him.
Newt Gingrich brings years of experience and an abundance of intelligence to the table. He knows, believes in, and recites history so that we will not repeat our past mistakes. His brainpower will destroy President Obama in a debate. His ideas will transform this country as we compete to remain the top world power.
The change Newt brings is Conservative and not radical left. He reminds me of another calm, intelligent debater. A man who led by principles and was a conservative warrior. Newt Gingrich reminds me of Ronald Reagan. His presence is that of a man who requires respect, just as Reagan did. Have you seen him in the debates? Newt Gingrich knows how to work with Congress and knows how to get things done for the American people. While some may disagree with the work he has done before, the good in his record, like welfare reform, cannot be overlooked.
Sure, they may call him undisciplined and unfocused, but I would rather have someone that occasionally gets off course, that is brilliant, and overwhelmingly intelligent rather than someone who flip flops, is generated, and doesn’t have the ideas that take America above and beyond the status quo.
Newt Gingrich is not a perfect man, but no one is perfect. Are you perfect? Have you ever made a mistake before? We all make mistakes, he just happened to be in Congress when he did.
Gingrich is the man that can make the GOP a more perfect party. He can show Conservative superiority to Liberals inferiority every time he debates the President. On a global stage, Gingrich will outmatch and outlast other foreign leaders and will put us at the top of the map again.
Under Gingrich, we have a fighting chance. Under Romney, we don’t know what we have. I urge each and every one of you to vote for someone who is clear and decisive. If you are supporting Romney or Santorum, reconsider that vote. A vote for Santorum is a vote for Romney. But a vote for Gingrich is a vote against Romney. Vote with me as I vote for Newt Gingrich for President on Saturday. This is the only way we can ensure we have conservative, dependable change this November.
Unchain My Heart, Trouble, Ain’t No Sunshine
These are three of my favorite songs…watch it and see what you all think! Have a great valentines!
Also, go to www.myspace.com/mitchbaroodymusic and listen to RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW
My Not So New, but Latest Venture
It has been a while since I have posted but there is a reason. I have become a little disenchanted with politics. My love has always been music, playing and writing it. This is a video of one of the latest covers that I have been working on, “Aint No Sunshine When She’s Gone” with a little Bling…Enjoy!
The Top 10 Reasons Alvin Greene Ran for U.S. Senate”
DISCLAIMER: The following does not reflect the personal views of Mitch Baroody. The content of the following top 10 list is meant for entertainment purposes only and does not present factual information, merely a fictional account, besides what is already known via public news media (CNN, FOXNEWS, ABC, CBS, NBC, The State). The purpose of this content is to bring humor to a very confusing situation and is not meant to be racist, a personal attack, or a stump for or against any particular candidate. Please keep this in mind when reading.
It has been a busy week for South Carolina. Nikki Haley and Gresham Barrett are set for the run off along with many others. This should be an interesting race and I urge each and every Republican to unify behind the winner. Even if we have certain established beliefs about the winner, certain ideas they don’t agree with, and even if they weren’t the first or second person we would support, the Republican Party must have little divisiveness and lots of unity to be successful this November.
The most interesting happening over the past week is the victory, from little known, of Alvin Greene in the Democrat U.S. Senate Primary. This has been the topic of many big news stories the past severals days. It has enraged Rep. Jim Clyburn and there has been a call for a full investigation as to who provided Greene with the 10,000 dollars he used for the filing fee.
The biggest question is, how a nominee was elected with a pending felony for obscenity on his resume. The story is, this guy showed pornographic photos to a young lady at USC and then asked to go to her dorm room. He was arrested as a result. The guy isn’t polished, gives a very poor interview, and is really quite funny to follow. I urge everyone to read more about this story if you don’t understand what is below.
To make light of this situation, I figured his candidacy needed a top ten list of explanations. Without further ado, here they are:
The Top 10 Reasons Alvin Green Ran for U.S. Senate
10. Because USC wouldn’t hire him as head of Public Safety.
9. He wants to have a wider audience, including 99 other Senators, to show his favorite “Computer Photos” to.
8. He is tired of Lt. Governor Andre Bauer referring to him as a “stray animal” because he received reduced lunch as a kid. He wants to become a Senator and have “Bauer ruled out of order for once.”
7. Tom Hanks told him he couldn’t grow up to be like “Bubba” because “Forrest Gump is just a movie. ” Greene abruptly “resigned’ from the military, ran for Senate, and plans to make a Resolution that will recognize Forrest Gump as a true story and not fictional entertainment.
6. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton broke into S.C. NAACP headquarters and destroyed his membership card. They told him he would have to find another club to join.
5. He saw that Mark Sanford, just a Governor, got an Argentinian mistress with South Carolinian’s tax payer dollars. He hopes to win a more powerful position, Senator, so that he can use tax payer dollars to get an even more “luxurious” mistress; he’s thinking Oprah.
4. He felt left out when Rep. Joe Wilson shouted “You Lie” at Barry-O. He wants the Congressman to pay him some attention and provide a shout out.
3. He wants to make a law that will allow felons to vote in elections so that he can vote for himself when he becomes Obama’s Vice-Presidential nominee in 2012.
2. Larry Craig told him how much fun it was to show pictures under Senate bathroom stalls…this seemed like a better plan than a USC computer lab.
1. He wants to be more credible than Will Folks and Larry Marchant so that Nikki Haley won’t turn him down again!
This is my list, tell me why you think he ran for U.S. Senate?
The Little Rascals: Spanky and the Gang
Tomorrow is the big day. The day everything changes or…..just begins again.
We will be electing more little rascals to follow a new Governor, their Spanky.
There are a lot of people asking me about this candidate and that candidate and who to vote for. So, I am going to give you my recommendations for the overall, BEST CANDIDATE for each job.
Governor:
Andre Bauer: Andre, the next Spanky, has the most common sense approach to fixing our problems. It starts with common sense, it ends with more jobs, economic growth, and South Carolinians that are a lot less government dependent. 
Andre walks the walk and he talks the talk. He’s one of the most transparent people in S.C. Politics. He has the experience to do the job right and you won’t be sorry if you vote for him.
Side note: Any of the candidates are better than train wreck in the waiting, Nikki Haley. Please do South Carolina a favor and avoid voting for her. She preaches transparency but she isn’t transparent, missed 70% of the House votes for transparency related bills, and she doesn’t know how to work with people (sounds eerily familiar to Mark Sanford) which is why she was reduced in leadership in the House.
Update: 8:09 PM Larry Marchant has passed a lie detector test confirming his physical relationship with the married Nikki Haley. This is the second lie detector test that has been released today. Lt. Gov Andre Bauer passed his test to confirm he had nothing to do with the spinning of the Haley affair. Looks like the wall is coming down on Haley guys!
Lieutenant Governor:
Ken Ard or Bill Connor: I worked for Ken and he is a smart businessman and he will do a great job for South Carolina. Ken knows business, he knows jobs, and he knows how to work with people. I have a lot of admiration for him and think he would do a good job.
Bill Connor is a fellow Citadel Alumni and he is a solid Conservative. Lately, he has taken a lot of heat from Larry Richter. The heat he has taken was not deserved and was WRONG. Larry has been disrespectful and anyone that has served in the military of any service or academy should be extremely upset. Bill was brave and served our country well and wants to be the same kind of leader in our State Senate. He would definitely shake things up. I urge you to read Ken and Bill’s websites to learn more about them. This is truly a preference position.
Side Note: DO NOT vote for LARRY RICHTER. His past of underhanded dealings, bribery accusations, removal from his judgeship, and accused drug use makes him a poor candidate. But his recent disrespect to Bill Connor makes him even worse. He has no respect for our military men and women. DO NOT give him your vote.
Attorney General:
Alan Wilson is hands down the best choice (read my article below for more details). His personality, military service, prosecuting experience, and burning desire to keep us all safe is just a few reasons that make him an incredible candidate.
His two opponents are great lawyers and would do a fine job as well. The difference in this race is that Alan Wilson won’t do a fine job, he will do a FANTASTIC job. South Carolina is better than fine. This state deserves FANTASTIC.
Superintendent of Education:
If you are looking for someone with more executive experience and a track record of success in fixing education problems, Gen. Mick Zais is your best bet. If you want a new type of candidate, a school teacher and conservative, Kelly Payne is a great choice.
Treasurer’s Race:
Curtis Loftis is the most conservative and responsible choice. Converse Chellis has wasted tax payer dollars for far too long, definitely isn’t a Conservative, and he was also sued for fraud, sexual harassment, and a poor work ethic by his former business partner (reportedly settled for over 250,000). However, Chellis is a pretty nice guy. Unfortunately, being a nice guy isn’t enough. Loftis is the Conservative and responsible choice S.C. needs.
SC 1st Congressional District:
Carroll Campbell III is the best choice for this position. He has the business leadership that will bring jobs and I-73 to Myrtle beach.
He is a solid Conservative, believes in his father’s philosophy of “Building Relationships” to get business done for his district.
Unlike other people running this election cycle, Carroll IS NOT a career politician. A great guy and he will be a great congressman.
SC 6th Congressional District
Jim Pratt: I shouldn’t be giving this race any credibility at all by posting it on here but I have been asked about it. There is no chance a Republican will EVER win this district. It hasn’t happened, it won’t happen this time, and it won’t happen in the future. It doesn’t matter who you are, how famous you might be, or how much money you have…it cannot be won! With all this in mind, if you have to pick someone, Jim Pratt is about as sane as it gets. Another positive note, he doesn’t refer to himself as “The Clint Eastwood of Marion.” Vote Pratt if you don’t abstain.
This is the rundown as I see it. I tried to be as fair as possible. Tomorrow, your vote is power. Exercise it wisely and remember, the choices you make have the potential to improve or cripple the Republican party. No longer can we afford to take steps back or continue doing the same failed policies of our current Governor. We need to move forward, reform our government, and get things working right for once. Most importantly, don’t believe someone’s lies just because you don’t want negative stuff about them to be true. In the end, the wall a lie rests on will not only crumple itself but those that stand near it.
By MEB
The Race for S.C. Attorney General: Who Will Put the Joker Away?
While the feet of gubernatorial candidates are shuffling as controversy rises like smoke from a burning Rome, another race is a lot quieter but just as important. This race is for Attorney General of South Carolina. There are three candidates as many of you know: Alan Wilson, Leighton Lord, and Robert Bolchoz. All three of these guys are great people. They all know law like they know their wives. They would all do a great job at putting bad guys behind bars. The problem is, South Carolina needs one Attorney General, not three. Let’s get down to business.
I will immediately knock Bolchoz out of the race. He doesn’t have the name recognition or the likability factor to garner the votes this Tuesday. His polling hasn’t been very good and his message has come across as extreme to many. While many agree with him on most issues, his positions would be better suited towards a run for Congress.
I can confidently say this race is between two people: Wilson and “The” Lord. Following in the footsteps of two incredible Attorney Generals, Henry McMaster and Charlie Condon, is going to be quite difficult. What many thought would be hard for McMaster became quite simple. His impressive and almost legendary work against sex offenders has put his predecessor, Charlie Condon, in Columbia’s shadows. The question is: who can take over this office and make McMaster look “average”? Is that even possible?
Leighton Lord touts his experience running triathlons. He uses this as an outreach to kids. When he talked about this experience and his outreach, his hopes were to show how much effort he has put into caring about South Carolina children. Isn’t that nice? However, while “The” Lord has been running triathlons and reaching out to underprivileged kids, Alan Wilson has had his own outreach program.
See, Alan Wilson knows a thing or two about running. He ran as bullets were shot his way in Iraq. He protected Iraqi children from the harsh dictatorship they were used to. He protected kids in Iraq who, compared to America’s underprivileged, were much worse off. Alan put his life on the line as he ran and deflected bullets for children. He doesn’t have to run a triathlon to prove he would protect children in South Carolina, he just puts on his camouflage and shows his medals.
The next experience factor is with prosecuting. Leighton Lord worked in Washington and did a great job putting away “Asian” gangs. He hopes to put “Asian” gangs away in South Carolina too since there is such a problem with them (news to many of us). Leighton was a hard fighter against organized crime and he is a brilliant attorney. There is no question as to his incredible skills, he is truly brilliant. He touts his experience working with prosecutors and telling them what to do while in Washington.
Alan Wilson, on the other hand, knows what the role of a prosecutor is because he was one. Leighton has never prosecuted a case to put a bad guy away. Alan has been assistant attorney general and has helped a “GREAT” attorney General put sex offenders behind bars. Alan didn’t have to work for a Senate Committee, even though he could have, to know about being a prosecutor. He has seen the worst of violence whether in Iraq or on our dangerous streets. Alan has gotten his hands dirty for the people of our state and our World. He knows the only effective way to stop crime is to cut it at crime’s throat. If you don’t believe me, believe the sixty prosecutors around the state that have endorsed him with open arms. Sixty!
Leighton Lord often talks about knowing the proper roles people should play and directing them to do so. He knows what but Alan Wilson knows what and how. Leighton may be a great lawyer who can negotiate a questionable deal with Boeing, but Alan Wilson is a worker than won’t always delegate, he will do. .
Finally, no offense to veterans, Leighton Lord reminds me a lot of the war in Vietnam. It was fought with a bunch of people in Washington that were far away from the battle. They said what to do, but they didn’t know how. This turned out to be a terrible disaster as you may remember. Alan Wilson is an example of the brave men that fought that war, not the bureaucrats that tried to run it. He knows what and he knows how to win no matter the situation. We do not need any more quagmires now do we? Whether he is under fire or is putting a sex offender behind bars, Alan knows how to make us safer.
Many say Alan is “too young and inexperienced.” I have also heard, “this isn’t Alan’s time yet; it’s Leighton’s turn.” But I ask a simple question. Had MANY Republicans not said, “It isn’t ______’s (fill in 2008 Presidential Candidate other than McCain) time yet; it’s McCain’s turn,” our country would be freer and a lot safer right now.
Let’s not make the same mistake many made back in 2008. Even if Alan is young, he has the experience to protect each and every South Carolinian. He has done it on the battlefield and in the court room. His opponent knows how to direct and be a lawyer. But South Carolina doesn’t need another bureaucrat and just another lawyer. South Carolina needs a leader and a fighter too. I hate to say it, but this is something “The” Lord knows little about when it comes to working outside of his law practice.
After knowing, working with, and walking with Alan’s father, Congressman Joe Wilson, I know the set of values and integrity Alan has. He comes from a father that has fought for his country and stood up for his people, even when it was unpopular, against a corrupt President. Alan isn’t his father. Alan has a different drive. He has different goals.
But he has the same personal bravery, integrity, and call to duty for the people of South Carolina. I have no doubt that Alan will stand out and will stand up for South Carolinians. He is a leader and a fighter. He is the stand up guy our state and our family’s need. Alan is the “Batman” to put every “Joker” away. He will be getting my vote on Tuesday, I hope he gets yours.
By Mitchell E. Baroody
John C. Calhoun: Still Serving, Fighting for State’s Rights, Making the Federal Government Take Blood Pressure Pills
By Mitch Baroody
Nero was ecstatic while watching Rome burn. He arrogantly played his fiddle while inhaling the smoke of the burning city. King George III scoffed at peasant farmers advocating for their freedom. He arrogantly mocked them, fought a war he thought would be easy, and lost everything as a result. Franklin Roosevelt began a campaign that would bring the early stages of government dependency to America. He set a harmful and dangerous precedent of big government policies that would eventually allow future leaders to completely wipe away the original American government in exchange for a welfare state.
Finally, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe’s welfare state now has the world’s highest inflation rate, an 80 percent employment rate and, since 1988, the life expectancy has dropped from age 62 to 38. In 2005, Mugabe launched Operation Murambatsvina (“clean the filth”), which forced the eviction of 700,000 people to “restore order and sanity.”
Then there is Barack Obama who smiles big, prances up to the stage like a squirrel hopping out of a tree, and exclaims, “This is what Change looks like.” In American history, arrogance and ego-driven government has only led to one thing: Failure. As for the last leader, Barack the Change-Maker, the blood may fill the oceans and the deepest part of American soil more than any other world leader ever did to their country.
Not only will his healthcare plan kill people, his disregard for the constitution will destroy everything good America ever had going. He is worse than Nero, worse than King George III, makes FDR look like Santa, and has probably become Mugabe’s pick for American idol. Take these four leaders and you get one Obama.
There is one simple truth found in the healthcare plan this disastrous leader has just signed: The plan is not about healthcare at all. For all intents and purposes, Barack Obama is a pretty honest guy. He is staying true to his campaign promise: Change. The problem with the unfortunate Americans that voted for him was their lack of questions about what this “Change” meant. See, his change means the changing of the guard. Our guard has been a Constitutional Republic since inception.
However, this healthcare plan is the precedent that will move our great country away from the constitution that has held it together with such fluidity.
This is the first strike of change this President will push through. Our lives, our laws, our freedoms are falling down a dangerous cliff and what we have always known is close to death. Many say our President is not a citizen; many call him various names that may or may not be true. Personally, I do not need to look at any evidence or any assumptions. Just look at the bill he signed and what it does. A government mandate that imposes a penalty endangers every freedom we enjoy.
How then do we fight and tackle this attack on America? The better question is, how do you fight terrorism if the terrorists are not foreigners? What if they are not hidden at all? What if they are visible and law enforcement doesn’t do anything to stop them? What if they are the President of the United States, Speaker of the U.S. House, and Leader of the U.S. Senate? Why continue searching for Osama Bin Laden when you have someone of equal magnitude being paid to destroy America in the White House?
Many attorney generals have filed lawsuits to tackle this issue. At first, I found this to be quite an honorable and even noble move. The South Carolina Attorney General, Henry “General Lee” McMaster,
has done a great job at showing his support for state sovereignty.
However, his fight is certainly not the most sensible. However, in an election year, a legal battle that will not hold up in court is still going to be pushed by any candidate for higher office that has an ESQ after their name.
With the Governor’s race completely put aside, I still leave the question open, “How do we fight Obamacare?” I received a very interesting phone call several days ago that left me with my jaw opened. My exact words were, “This is bold and it will not only work. It will change our country. Wow.” The crazy thing is it wasn’t unbelievable considering who it came from.
There is one man that never fears the impossible. He never backs away from a challenge. When you least expect it, he will creep up behind you, surprise you, and make you feel lost in translation. He should make every South Carolinian feel the way the insurgents in Iraq felt when a bunker bomb ruined their midnight poker party: In a state of Shock and Awe. He is perhaps the most underrated elected official in South Carolina, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. Sure, I think he’s a great candidate for Governor.
But this is not about the Governor’s race and is not about me giving talking points about why he may or may not be the best candidate for this office. This is about the preservation of our freedom and our future and his obvious 20/20 vision to see the necessary steps to ensure we have a future.
Lt. Governor Bauer has made a bold move that is outside the box and is bigger than anything other states have begun to think of. On March 25, the Lt. Governor called on the South Carolina legislature to back a resolution that calls for a constitutional convention. The convention’s purpose is to create an amendment protecting every American citizen from this horrendous, socialist legislation. It will require the ratification of 38 states to be adopted.
I have said in the past, “Where are the John C. Calhouns hiding at?” I have often wondered, “When are the statesmen going to quit burrowing in their hibernation chambers and buy a .25 cent can of initiative?”
Andre standing under Calhoun in the State Senate
Then, one leader creeps out of the bushes where he actually had never been hibernating, just thinking long and hard about feasible, common sense solutions.
The Lt. Governor realized that these lawsuits will not hold up and that a constitutional convention is the only thing that will stand in between radical socialism with a delicious dessert of communism to follow and the American people’s freedom.
See, our federal government has it all wrong. The union is nothing without the states. The states have the power in the grand scheme of things. If the states aren’t happy, there cannot be a union. Andre Bauer sees this and has taken this bold move to show state sovereignty and superiority to socialism.
Will it work? Once people get over the initial shock of such a bold move, it has a high feasibility of becoming a REAL and working solution. This is more than a lawsuit presented by a few attorney generals. This is throwing the constitution at the democrats and specifically President Happy Feet. The constitution is what keeps us together and if we neglect it now, our union cannot stand.
Americans are lucky there is someone like Andre Bauer, willing to stand up and fight using feasible, common sense solutions to preserve our freedoms. He deserves a great thanks for his efforts and for putting his political livelihood on the line to fight such an incredible atrocity.
I implore you to contact your state legislators and ask them to stand with Andre to fight this encroachment in the most sensible way possible, a constitutional convention.
The spirit of John C. Calhoun and his strict opposition to the encroachment on state power, still lives on. If there were such a thing as reincarnation, I am quite certain John C. Calhoun is still in politics.
He is still very bold. He still hates the federal government. He still loves the people. He still loves a bold fight.
He works at the capitol and has a great title, Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. He even adopted a French name, Andre!
March Update
Dear Readers,
It has been a good while since I have written. Honestly, I am a little burnt out with the political system and partisanship. I will be getting back to writing consistently here soon. Until then, my good friend Brad Turner will be writing some articles that will definitely spur your interest. So give him your attention! Let’s pray to God this healthcare bill doesn’t pass.
Mitch
Evening Joe: A Heated Debate with One Clear Winner
This past month has been dogged with the Late Night crisis between Jay Leno and Conan O’brien. But apparently, the winds from NBC blew crisis to Charleston on Thursday night. Boy, was the beginning of the Gubernatorial debate interesting.
I sat down in my lazy boy, put my popcorn in my elephant container, and began munching down to Joe Scarborough’s sarcasm. Then a bunch of screeching, scratching, hair pulling, and silence took place. Not to mention, all of Nikki Haley’s speech was silenced. The TV then went blank. I thought of a few reasons this could have happened.
1. CBS affiliate executives have cut down power to preserve it for the upcoming “winter storm disaster” that is expected to hit South Carolina with ice and snow this weekend…we all know the dangers of 1-3 inches.
2. Maria Chapur became angry that she was not invited to be Mark Sanford’s female companion at the SCGOP luncheon in Charleston on Thursday. So, she made her presence known by knocking out the sound guy and hijacking the debate.
3. President Obama’s renewed hope and change from the state of the union was just to divert our attention from the 100% regulations he would now be having over TV stations. That means no more Republican debates and especially no more long narratives from Attorney General Henry McMaster.
4. The only other reason would be that they just had poor sound quality and they didn’t have it all together at first.
So, I stuck with the fourth reason, and it came back on at 8:30. All four of them ready to lead our state into the next decade or were they? So let’s go through each candidate and analyze their performance tonight.
First, I will start from the bottom with Gresham Barrett. As a Citadel colleague, I was really disappointed in his performance. Not that I was even supporting him, but you wish each other the best. Congressman Barrett was less than confident, and sometimes seemed more like a Southern Baptist preacher rather than someone ready to lead our state…amen?
What bothered me most was the defense of his vote for Socialism in the bailout/tarp saga. He consistently defended this vote and refused to back down. I am in disbelief that anyone claiming to be “The 4th most Conservative Congressman” could stand behind a vote like this.
Many in South Carolina’s conservative circles spoke with him the night before he voted and warned him…but he apparently knew best. Barrett went on to not answer questions, beat around the bush, and really did not establish himself as a credible candidate.
He seemed just like acurrent U.S. Congressman should: Uninformed and Out of touch. I am sure that is how many South Carolinians see him as well.
Next, let’s talk about General Robert E. Lee. Excuse me, I mean Attorney General Henry McMaster. Where do I begin…. the other candidates seemed to get tickled every time McMaster would speak. This in return, made things interesting. The only statement that stands out in my mind about him is that he has “the most executive experience” out of all of the candidates. I hear him say that in the midstof his Southern charmed, rambling. While he comes across like a Southern Gentleman, not even waving but bowing at the audience, he too seemed out of touch.
While I appreciate and respect his Conservatism and think he has been one of the best AG’s in S.C. History, I do not believe he showed he could effectively win against Vince Sheheen or Jim Rex tonight.
Often, he didn’t answer the questions, he went on random tangents, and he couldn’t break out of the box and be real with the people. He seemed too much like a polished politician and not a personable statesman that the people will need to move forward with the state’s problems.
Yes, the state should be open for business, but I have a feeling General Henry may open it for business by delegating a lot of the responsibility the way he does in the AG office. While it works as Attorney General, as Governor, we have seen the Department of Commerce’s unimpressive performance. We can’t afford another four years of relying on them.
He finally went on to talk about how he did a great job as Chairman of the Party to bring Republicans to victory. While this may have been true, he failed to mention the financial mess he left when he ran for Attorney General. After his performance tonight, I know one thing…I’m not lovin’ it. So, I don’t think I can “back that Mac” because it may look good, but the intentions it has for each and every one of us may not be so beneficial.
The biggest surprise of the night was Nikki Haley. The “daughter of immigrants” was on top of her game. She did very well. However, I will bring up a few shortcomings. She should have never answered the question about censuring Lindsey Graham. She said she would have! This makes her seem like she is not a compromising figure, something our state greatly needs in the Governor’s office. This is the one thing I will agree on with Senator Robert Ford, yes a democrat.
This also shows the lack of distance between her and Mark Sanford. She continues to keep herself close to “Sanfordesque” positions such as not accepting stimulus funds. The Nikki Haley Campaign analysis is pretty simple. Let’s look at the election between McCain and Obama. People were tired of Bush and tired of anyone similar and too close to Bush. McCain was not different enough. People voted for change because they were sick and tired of the same ole, same ole.
The same principle will apply to South Carolina this election cycle. The non-Sanford candidate is going to be the only hope for Republicans. Nikki Haley is too much like Sanford and will most certainly fail come primaries as a result of it. I see her poll numbers improving a little but she will never make it to the top when the general election comes around in November. Her message will resonate with tea party people and could surprise us come June, but she will never beat Sheheen if he wins the primary (which it looks like he will). However, her performance tonight should be admired. It was something to be proud of.
Finally, tonight’s winner……..Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, a true non-Sanford candidate. His confidence, clear and direct answers, and composure show his maturity from the last few years. Tonight, he was in his element and proved victorious. First, the bad. The hosts ganged up on the poor guy and pulled out all of the bad about him. They mentioned his recent “Animal-kid” comment and his driving record. Andre displayed a bit of arrogance to the female co-host when she lambasted him about the animal comment. He stated that a minority preacher asked him to speak at his congregation.
In response to the female co-hosts continued bullying, he replied, “I’ll give you his number if you want.” Even with this comment, he showed something special…”Straight Talk.” While John McCain often said he was all about straight talk, he hardly showed it. Tonight, a new bearer of this title is Andre Bauer.
When asked which Senator shared his ideology, he quickly stated “Jim DeMint.” He had an answer for everything. They were concise and easy to understand. No elaborate stories, no monologues from “God’s and Generals,” no over-doing religiosity, but just Andre speaking his convictions.
This is the type of Governor South Carolina has been itching for. Tonight, Andre Bauer showed his seriousness about the race. For a while, I had my doubts, but tonight I know he is ready to become Governor of South Carolina. There is no doubt.
If Republicans want to win in November, there must be a lot of thought to who that candidate will be on the other side. If it is Vince Sheheen, which I feel it will be, it will be a tough fight.
All jokes aside, these four candidates are great people. They all have excellent qualities with great intentions. However, when it comes to the difficult opposition this November, in the aftermath of Mark Sanford, the field will be extremely difficult. Too tough for the likes of Nikki Haley and Gresham Barrett. I believe the Attorney General and Lt. Governor are the only two that will stand a chance. While the Attorney General showed he is a good candidate to beat Sheehen, Andre Bauer showed he is the best candidate to not only beat the democrats, but lead our state with honor, integrity, and great vision for the next decade…for this…I salute the Lieutenant Governor.
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The Adventures of Jack Bauer and His Brother Andre: No More Shenanigans
South Carolina: Smiling Faces, Beautiful places…as it used to be known. Then, we tried to change the motto to “I Believe.”
Now, South Carolina is quickly garnering a reputation and motto as the “home of America’s most controversial politicians.” 
First, the Governor decides to investigate 2012 rumors and go to South America…instead of finding out the truth behind 2012 and the ancient Indian customs that dominate South America, he found himself a lover, “beautiful Maria.” He may have a promising career as a romance novelist. At least that is a positive aspect from the “expedition.”
Then there is my old friend Rep. Joe Wilson of the beautiful 2nd district of South Carolina. President Obama apparently bumped into Joe in the bathroom before his address to Congress. Joe was washing his hands from South Carolina controversy and of the upcoming healthcare bill that would cripple his constituents.
Obama told Joe in the bathroom that he would 
“mention his name” or give him a “shout out” in the state of the union as a means of “reaching across the aisle for Change.” Joe was upset he didn’t get a “Shout Out” as the President says. So, Joe screamed “YOU LIE!” Okay, maybe this wasn’t the story, but it sounds a heck of a lot better than a random “You Lie” being shouted at the President. Still, you got to love Joe Wilson.
Now a new scandal is on the horizon and has been spun by the National Media. The brother of famed action hero Jack Bauer, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer, tried to continue his honorable efforts at defending taxpayers from government waste. In many ways, he is like Jack Bauer off of 24, except Jack Bauer has never compared poor kids to animals.
He only kills the occasional animal and the occasional terrorist kid who gets in the way of national security. If you take out that metaphor, they are virtually the same person: both trying to save the American people from disaster.
In an article from POLITCO Andre Bauer is quoted as saying:
“my grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed. You’re facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. “They will reproduce, especially ones that don’t think too much further than that.”
Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0110/31996.html#ixzz0dhSry6J7
Okay so let’s get this straight. Just like one of the most honorable Judges in South Carolina history, Judge Segars-Andrews, Andre Bauer has never been the favorite of the political elite in South Carolina either. He isn’t beloved by Most activists. No political scientist will even predict him to win an election. In fact, he is the candidate that many love to hate.
At the end of the day, he outworks the competition and ends up winning even if it is a slim margin. I find it to be no surprise that some in South Carolina would jump at the opportunity to eliminate his credibility.
After all, most do not give him credit, but he is tied for first in a hotly contested election for Governor. Get this: He hasn’t even announced! What better way to destroy the integrity of a frontrunner for Governor who hasn’t announced yet, than to take his comments out of context and make something out of them that isn’t true?
Andre said “Government has bred a culture of dependency, and there’s absolutely no one in government with the courage to stand up and say, ‘We need to break that cycle of generational poverty and dependence.’ Well, now there IS someone saying it.” He suggests children on reduced lunch have their parents come into school every now and then for a visit. If we are going to pay for their lunch, the least the parents can do is come to school and support their kids.
After all, Andre knows what it is like to be on reduced lunch. That’s right, he was on this program while growing up. He has the right to talk about it. Unlike many of the political elite, he slaved as a kid and worked his way up to the position he has.
People are getting sick and tired of the same political stories. For instance, I heard a story that kind of went like this. “I’m tired of being in Washington, that makes me the best candidate for Governor.” Then you look at why they are leaving Washington. They leave because they already voted to socialize the federal government, so they want to come back to the state and get it into sync too. Makes sense.
Then there is the story where the narrator paints a picture of a “good hallmark movie themed plot with lots of cannons and horses to tackle the federal government.” Some candidates feel that telling a story makes them most qualified for governor.
Then, there is the person, nice as they can be, who feels left out because of their idealism and inability to work with anyone in their party. They decide to mount a run in order to usher their idealism back into the state picture.
But I tell you what folks, I like the guy that puts aside his fancy political rhetoric, puts aside his idealism accompanied by elaborate stories, and talks about the really difficult issues that burden the taxpayer with solid solutions.
I like a conservative that says what isn’t popular but what is true. Someone who isn’t a common man but sees it as his right to be uncommon and stands up to show it. To be fair, I also owe Attorney General Henry McMaster a high five for standing up against the healthcare bill. He too has recently taken an unpopular stand and spoken with a loud voice against socialist Washington.
While every candidate in the race for South Carolina Governor has a lot to bring to the table and is probably qualified to fill the seat, today I choose to commend the uncommon man, Lt. Governor Andre Bauer. I appreciate the point he was trying to make and not the way in which he said it.
At least he is honest. Furthermore, I think we should all condemn those South Carolinians or “a rival campaign” that took it out of context and spun it. I especially question their integrity and their underlying motives. Finally, someone steps up to the plate and sees the issues for what they are and talks about them. Unfortunately, he is getting unfair lip service for it.
This is the type of Governor South Carolina is going to need to overcome the extreme barriers of the past. In fact, this is an example of the type of leadership Republicans need to groom into all seats across the nation. There wasn’t a political presence from the S.C. delegation helping to elect Scott Brown, spreading the message of new Conservative Republican ideals across the nation. But there was one member that was faithfully campaigning for victory. Lt. Governor Bauer was there, standing beside Brown, ushering in the victorious win over socialized healthcare. Did everyone else in South Carolina get the memo?
While I’m not endorsing Andre, I do find it interesting that he tells the truth, no matter how painful it may appear. He somehow remains in first place, despite not even announcing, for a heated race towards the Governor’s mansion. There is a reason for the Lt. Governor’s high polling…South Carolinians are tired of shenanigans. With that in mind, Andre is no shenanigan.
Santa’s Clause: Invading our Civil Liberties?
With Contributions by Carissa Fazio
I was getting into the Christmas spirit this morning but also staying depressed with our government continually growing with no restraint. It is hard to be merry right now. Anyway, I happened to have a conversation with Carissa Fazio, who made some very interesting observations about one of Christmas time’s most legendary figures. Then we realized, this figure is actually pretty creepy. In fact, he isn’t so jolly after all. Santa Claus has ulterior motives and they aren’t good. Below are some of the observations we made….take a read for yourself and draw your own conclusions.
Santa Claus:
He knows your identity: For starters, Santa knows who you are. When constructing his list of good and bad children, he obviously has to know your name. He would have to know how old you are so he can deliver an age appropriate gift, and also where you live. Does he have access to some magical database? This brings up another thought provoking scenario. Does the U.N. have a database of all world citizens and then hand this over to Santa? How terrifying!
He knows what you do: Santa delivers gifts based on how good you are throughout the year. He is always watching you. Do not think you can hide what you do from Santa, he is going to find out. He knows when you hit your brother, steal a pack of gum, or color on the wall. He keeps track of everything you do on his list [next to your name]. This brings up the question, how? My assumption is in the past decade, the Bush Administration started giving him the ability to wiretap anyone and everyone. This made his operations easier. Where is Lou Dobbs to stand up for our rights? Furthermore, does Santa bug our houses? For him to know these things, he would have to know exactly what we do in our homes. Finally, he must have access to traffic lights and security cameras at every store in America at least. This is a SEVERE breach of our Civil Liberties, yet, No One has stood up. Democrats, you worry about the public option but your very rights to make one are in jeopardy! Republicans, put down your expensive presents and fight for your rights!
He knows your sleeping patterns: He sees you when you are sleeping. He knows when you are awake. This goes hand in hand with knowing what you do, but on a creepier level. He knows if you are sound asleep in your bed, or sitting up with insomnia. Maybe he sends elves out to keep track of your consciousness status, aka the CIA, but still. Ultimately, Santa knows your sleep patterns. If this is true, why hasn’t “Santa” given up Osama’s sleeping patterns over to U.S. special forces? Apparently, President Bush nor President Obama have been very good boys. But for every day citizens, the greater question is, does Santa monitor our dreams? I sure hope not! But if he does, this is such a violation of our rights….Santa the Fasicst is slowly bribing us with gifts, by seeing our greatest desires in dreamworld, to eventually take over our world as the leader de-facto.
He sneaks into your house: This particular stalkerish act that Santa partakes in makes me thankful for a gas fireplace. We do not have a chimney for him to get down. But, what do parents tell their children who have gas fireplaces? Do they tell them Santa can still get in? Because that would honestly creep me out if I was a kid. “Don’t worry Junior, Santa will find a way to get in the house. He will check your bed to make sure you are asleep, and then leave your presents under the tree.” Even the government can’t get into our house physically…how can a man like Santa? I bet he gave the “White House State Dinner Crashers” some crazy tips at getting in the white house!
He likes kids: Maybe this is taking the whole stalker thing a bit far, but letting kids sit on Santa’s lap seems like a pretty weird tradition for him to start. Has the FBI not looked into this yet? Sure, his white beard makes him look very innocent. However, South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster should probably take Santa’s laptop and check it for “Kitty” material just in case. Not saying Santa is guilty, but something is up.
So basically, Santa Claus is the ultimate stalker. But more than that, he is the ultimate idea of “Big Government” and “Big Brother.” Most people look at Santa Claus as a harmless figure to represent the joy of Christmas. But is Santa really government propaganda? Perhaps Santa is used by the government to get into the lives of every American. If Santa can know when we are sleeping, know when we are awake, and know if we’ve been bad or good, why can’t the government? The government’s role is to promote the general welfare after-all right? In many ways, they are on the same team.
Maybe the first line in the song Santa Claus is Coming to Town says it all…. “You better watch out.” Big government intrusion is coming into our lives this Christmas, next Christmas, and every Christmas after. Santa is merely blackmailing every American and every citizen of the World. He buys our allegiance and what do we give back? More civil liberties….GONE! Enough about Obama, what about Santa? This Christmas, think long and hard before you put out the fire in your chimney or gas fireplace…..you may want to burn the real reason our rights are being taken away!
Have a Merry Christmas even if your merriness is being watched and over-analyzed by a man in Red.
My Apologies
I have not posted in a while, not because I have gotten tired of bringing you Conservative bias, but because I am working on a very “Special” project right now. I apologize to the daily readers for this, but more details to come later. Please keep checking back for more updates!
Thank,
Mitch
The Nobel Peace Fraud
Last night, before I went to bed, I happened to watch an episode of the Twilight Zone. Little did I know, I would wake up and somehow be mixed up into one of Rod Sterling’s masterpieces. Boy was this a masterpiece! President Barack Obama: lecturer, community activist, state senator, U.S. Senator, President, and now, Nobel Peace Prize Winner. This is truly amazing. It is actually extraordinary for the President. What a great example for our country’s children. Wait….how do we explain to young people the way to get the Nobel Prize? I am trying really hard to figure out what the President did to deserve it but……..well I’m having a lot of trouble.
When my cousin, in the 7th grade, asks me how someone can get one, I am clueless as to the criteria. I guess I will tell him you just have to be President of the United States…wait….Reagan didn’t get it. The people that chose this must be out of their mind. Seriously, they need a shot of epinephrine to be woken back up apparently. So, in the midst of my world apparently spiraling out of control in the Twilight Zone, I have compiled a top ten list of reasons President Obama doesn’t deserve the Peace prize.
- Putting American generations in debt by pushing a corrupt stimulus package through Congress. A package that gave millions of our hard earned dollars to programs that the great majority of Americans will never see the benefit of. Furthermore, leaving the GOP out of the debate. Peaceful? Nope.
- Tried to pass a Health Care plan by bullying Congress, leaving the GOP out of the debate, and possibly still using a very un-peaceful nuclear option to ruin Health Care for the 85% that are insured. Also, alienating the poor in his country by passing this plan because of under the table payouts, which will become common place in medicine. Peaceful? Nope
- Pushing an Employee Free Choice Act that will alienate freedom of choice and the right to privacy in union elections. Is this making peace with the American people? Nope
- He is soley responsible for bringing the troops out of Iraq. Oh wait! That’s right. President Bush, John McCain, General David Petraeus (most notably), and others are responsible for allowing us to withdraw so many troops. President Obama voted against it in the Senate. So the surge that brought a little peace to Iraq because of its overwhelming effectiveness was actually the work of President Bush and co. Obama said it would FAIL! Does this make him a man of peace? A big NOPE
- If he brought peace to Afghanistan it would be one thing, but he can’t make a decision. The Taliban is reforming and the President wants to work with them to restore order. Working with a group that alienated their people, brought strict Shira law on them, killed many, and made the entire country live in fear? Our President wants to let some of them come back into power. But wait, he doesn’t even have a plan for Afghanistan because he can’t listen to the very men that are over there. Is he bringing peace to this growingly bad situation? NOPE
- Did President Obama spend his entire life fighting poverty, going into the trenches and helping the helpless, bringing peace to the hearts and minds of men and women that had none, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, and doctoring the sick? Mother Theresa did and she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. President Obama is no Mother Theresa. His reforms will alienate the poor, hungry, and sick even more..read my piece about Universal Healthcare. So, does he do these things and as a result, become a man of peace? NOPE
- Did President Obama ever get put in prison for his efforts to fight racism, dictatorship, and the fight for freedom? Nelson Mandela did and he won the prize. President Obama jokes about racism on late night tv, is quickly moving America towards a socialist state, and can’t decide whether he wants to fight for freedom in Afghanistan while he takes freedom away from Americans with his socialist policies. To his credit, he did drugs and would have been put in Jail had he been caught. For the question, I say NOPE.
- Martin Luther King was one of the most eloquent speakers in history. Not to mention eloquent, he was a man of principal, a man of conviction, a true man of courage, and one who officially broke down the racial barriers in the US. He was one of the greatest leaders in World History and is an example for all cultures to follow. He won the Nobel Peace Prize. Is Obama anything like him? He bows to Saudi Kings and gives good speeches in Prague. He talks about his experiences with racism growing up and gives good speeches but they haven’t had much of an effect. Back to the question, is he anything like Martin Luther King Jr.? NOPE.
- Anwar Sadat won the Nobel Peace prize for his efforts to bring peace between Egypt and Israel. He was a true peacemaker and martyr. Obama only alienates Israel, and doesn’t do very much to protect our staunch ally. Last time he got between Israel and Palestine, it didn’t go so well. There is no peace there and as far as I know, they are still blowing each other up. Is he anything like Anwar Sadat, heck, even a flower child that walked around promoting peace getting people to drop everything, smile and be happy? NOPE.
- The biggest snub ever was President Ronald Reagan. He should have been given the Nobel Prize along with his friend, Gorbachev. Reagan promoted peace, a non-nuclear USSR, and ensured the safety of his country in an era of uncertainty, THE COLD WAR. He is responsible for the free Russia and Germany we know today. He didn’t get a prize, WHY should Obama? Is Obama anything like Reagan? NOPE
Argue with me if you may. These are just ten of many reasons President Obama SHOULD NOT GET THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE. I am now going to go back to sleep and hopefully wake back up into reality. If this is reality, then I plan to sleep for the rest of the day. I am still in disbelief. Today, when my young cousin asks me about how to win the prize, my answer will be simple. Be President, alienate the people in your country, don’t’ bring any peace at all overseas, make good speeches with a teleprompter, and don’t be like anyone else that won the prize, especially Mother Theresa, Martin Luther King, and Anwar Sadat.
The First Post
I am starting this blog to discuss my thoughts on anything and everything political with the occasional deviance. Most of the time you will find my thoughts on political ideas with an obvious Conservative bias. It is nothing fancy and I do not claim to be a computer nerd. Feel free to debate me, ask me questions, even tell me where I am wrong. It is an open forum for all to discuss our future as a country, and of course, the growing Conservative movement.
