Rand Paul and the Hungry Press

The New York Times complains that Candidate for the GOP Nomination, Rand Paul, has become “testy” in interviews. Apparently, over the past several years, the press has been wearing a leash, and suddenly turned aggressive, when Paul took center stage. In a few interviews, the earnest journalist spluttered furiously at the Senator with a barrage of questions – and was surprised when he has the unmitigated gall to appear somewhat authoritarian..

Can one blame the press? After all, they haven’t had a real interview in years with a political figure of merit, so, they are somewhat unchained for what seems like the first time, and never being pushed back, are aghast that someone might do so. To the press: “welcome to the real world”.

In the instance where the media is full of tomes on the Senator’s sexist demeanor to two female reporters, they must have failed to listen to the painful manner in which they phrased (using that word politely) what should have been a question, but came across as a litany of nagging, shrill and senseless jargon. Regardless of the fact that they should have used the opportunity for a “gotcha moment”, they were either wasting both their time and the Senators for one of two reason, the first, being incompetence due to the inability to reign in a desire to get the man, and the second, by design, so that the mighty female demo might just buy into the “mean and cranky towards an idiot equals sexist angle.

Difficult to tell.

Either way, the words “unfair” have been uttered by those women who don’t normally follow Politics other than the evening news. This bodes well for Paul, as those who are furiously condemning him for having a “short temper” may be missing the bigger picture. Paul, who is no dummy, merely points to the press the majority either ignore or despise, with a few tolerating and fewer applauding the very same.

It would be refreshing to see this same journalist treating say, a political opposition candidate in the same manner. But that would endanger one or even both of the following: their ideology or their job.

As a feminist, it galls me to hear something that should be called out as ridiculous on the part of the screamer, what it is, she lost control, instead of pointing the “sexist” finger at the target, girls, get a grip. Had a man been in the same seat, and acted in the same manner, perhaps he’d get the same push back from the Senator. Merely look at the difference in the mannerisms of Sean Hannity, who in the Times article was said to receive a ‘testy” answer, but, apparently the author did not watch the interview, Hannity moved on and the interview was “cordial. Compare to Savannah Guthrie, who asked not one, but a never take a breath, barrage of questions – unprofessional, and sadly lacking. She deserved what was dished out.

They may call the Senator Cranky – but the base, and one might suggest the general public is not buying it. It appears, after watching years of a benign and shackled press, that they are the ones being the bully. Go figure.

As the next announcement is made, be in from a Democrat, or yet another GOP candidate (and there will be plenty) Savannah will have the opportunity to either barrage them both in a bi-partisan manner or make it extremely plain that she favors one party over the other, losing credibility. Perhaps when she has the next opportunity – she might review some tapes of Barbara Walter.

Media Readies for Inevitable – GOP control of Both Houses of Congress – the back end of Lack of Trust in Government.

A recent AP/GFKpoll suggests that American’s, in general, do not trust the government to keep them “safe”, and or help them out in a crisis. (AP). In reading the polling data, it crosses all party lines, and is pretty damming to the theory that Big Government is better government.

Which leads one to the mid-terms and beyond – the Washington Post (not unlike the New York Times and other media outlets this morning, is suggesting that the Republicans will surely take both Houses of Congress – citing 2006 as an example – the year when the Democrats took control of both house due to Bush unfavorability. (Washington Post)

Yet, somehow that does not cover the magnitude of what may take place this November, even with a lower turnout than expected, one might see what the word Tsunami cannot convey. Noting that the President’s policies are on the board in this election (paraphrasing form one of the many articles on the latest gift from the President to the GOP), the most unimaginable has taken place – the rank and file of the party has gone missing, leaving only the 27-29% of diehard Progressives to carry the banner forward.

Somehow, the two short years between 2014 and 2016 are looking more and more interesting, in that perhaps, for the first time in recent history, the GPO might put forth a candidate that has some actual credibility with their multifaceted base – and should that happen, and it is quite possible given those named (with glaring exceptions – Bush, Romney, and Christie), this would bring the planets of the Congress into alignment for decades. According to Gallup Polling a shocking 76% of the nation believes we are on the wrong track. Given the mix of polling data and reality, the time has come for a revival – especially with the newer, younger GOP who are more concerned with the Constitutional Liberties of all citizens, than the usual Party Lines. One sees a Phoenix rising from the ashes of the past few general elections and the propensity of Candidates trying to blend in with - not differentiate from the other party.

Grab the popcorn, and pop the Champaign should the House gain seats on the GOP side, and the Senate bring in more than the 6 measly seats predicted. That said, should the President start to play ball with the Senate and the House, one might see a different sort of 2016 – one in which both parties become competitive. A man who is not without common sense, would see that a legacy is on the table, and possibly move to the center – in order to get things moving. However, that’s a stretch at this point.

Rand in San Fran – the Buzz – the Audacity!

The “Wire” asks can Rand Paul’s Brand play in San Fran?” in an article suggesting that he is stepping into territory not normally claimed by any GOP candidate – therefore, it’s about money. The Washington Post suggests much the same thing, while intoning “Why Rand Paul is opening an office in Northern California – obviously the money and the libertarians that live there.

They may be partly right, given that no-one knows the real reasons behind what the man does, except for – Rand Paul, however, maybe, just maybe, he’s onto something. Yes, California is not one of the first states to vote in any primary in the general elections, and yes, they do have Silicon Valley which has both the cash and liberty minded folk. However, it may also be true that one might go where no-one goes, simply to cash in on more fans, to find common ground and dialog with those thought to be totally closed minded and unable to communicate across an aisle. He is building bridges rather than putting up fences and regardless of the level of successes in this “blue” state, at least he is trying.

How many voters in state not New Hampshire or Iowa or South Carolina ever see an actual live candidate or potential candidate? – Very few. Heck, over here in Massachusetts, it’s like sighting a duck-billed moose. They fly over, drive through, but do not necessarily stop and actually talk to the people. One party believes it owns the Commonwealth, the other party, well; they wait until the tide turns and the Governor’s office is up for grabs (GOP and Democrats hold that office equally). That said the last candidate for a presidential primary that came to the Bay State was Hillary Clinton – good for her.

Hopefully Rand Paul inspires others to take a side road and visit those who live in entrenched areas, they may be surprised. Most “blue “states have one thing in common, an unequal amount of Democrats to Republicans and an overwhelming amount of “unenrolled, other party, independents” – those who will change minds or hearts. So, take the 3 electoral votes from New Hampshire and drive down the road, and possibly snag 9 or 10 from Massachusetts, it may make the difference. Logic dictates otherwise, and besides closed door, high ticket, campaign diner parties, the likelihood of any of the not yet and potential candidates of stopping in the Bay State to visit is admittedly slim. However, it is still admirable to treat California as if it were, say, any other state where the ordinary guy on the street gets to say hello to a possible future president.

2014 MA Primary - NH Primary – Results - As anticipated with a few interesting exceptions – 2016 starting to Loom Larger

The last state primaries for 2014 were held yesterday, with elections to follow this November. In Massachusetts the results were somewhat as expected: WWLP, Springfield reports that Baker won the Republican Governors race handily, while on the Democrat side, Martha Coakley bested Steve Grossman by 5 points, while the balance of the vote tallies were mostly Democrats, with entrenched Democrat John Tierney losing to Seth Moulton.(WWLP). What was most intriguing in the MA primary may have been the manner in which unenrolled or independent voters cast ballots – most often against, rather than for a particular candidate – be it Republican or Democrat. Listening to the New England radio’s, Howie Carr on the drive home, one was treated to a barrage of callers suggesting who they were targeting – which may explain why Coakley only pulled a 5 point margin, while Baker was over 70% on the GOP side (along with the fact that Baker’s competition was less well known, and slightly fringe). Suffice it to say, that on the Governor’s race, one might be tempted to suggest that the next Governor would be Baker.

In New Hampshire, Scott Brown won the GOP contest handily and will go on to face Jean Sheheen, the Democrat Incumbant, while Marilinda Garcia, won the 2nd district by a wide margin.(WMUR)

The New Hampshire races may be more interesting in the wealth of ammunition that the GOP has against the incumbents, especially the Health Care issue in that state, more than most, is dire. With one insurance carrier, and over a thousand doctors, and fewer hospitals participating, New Hampshire will be voting with its pocketbook. Scott Brown looks likely to take this Live Free or Die State should he get some help from his former ultra conservative friends. Marilinda Garcia, with a little help from Ted Cruz, looks likely to upset as well. Cruz’s stock rose yesterday in New Hampshire, for those looking ahead to 2016.

Speaking of which: On Friday Rand Paul will be the host of the NH GOP Unity Breakfast (Politico), where he currently leads in in polling. While Hillary Clinton < a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/08/18/hillary-clinton-to-return-to-iowa-for-harkins-steak-fry/">will be heading for Iowa. Clinton has suggested that she will make a decision after the first of the year(Coast1009.com), while Rand Paul is suggesting early spring ((Brietbart News) Now that would be a divine match-up!

Rank Paul to San Francisco!

From SF Gate: Kentucky Senator and, as of yet, unannounced 2016 Presidential Candidate, will be attending a “conservatarian” conference as the “star speaker”. Paul, who also was received with open arms at Berkley of all places, will be in Nancy Pelosi’s, much gerrymandered district, of one City, speaking with individuals who are like-minded.

San Francisco is also the home to John Dennis, Libertarian, and GOP candidate for Ms. Pelosi’s long-held seat. Paul has endorsed Dennis. Two remarkable events are occurring: one where a GOP potential candidate sets foot on Democrat hallowed ground, and two that there are like minded-individuals there to greet him. Consider the possibility of having someone who a)is a leader and b) talks to and works with all sides of the aisle, and sides within their own party – one would have a working government!

Learn More Links:

Lincolnlabs.com

Johndennisforcongress – against Nancy Pelosi

randpac.com