What do Ted Cruz, Barack Obama and John McCain have in common?

Barack Obama, John McCain and Ted Cruz have all come under scrutiny over their right to be or become the President of the United States under the Constitution vis a vis where they were born. Under the Constitution it states one must be a natural born citizen, however, that clause includes the roles of one’s parents. Therefore if one’s mother or father is a citizen, they are considered natural born.

When Ted Cruz recently released his mother’s birth certificate the document clearly states his mother was a citizen of the United States, therefore Cruz is indeed a natural born citizen. (CBS News)

John McCain, who ran the unsuccessful campaign in 2008 against then Senator Barack Obama, had his birth origins challenged, being born in Panama, but having parents that were U.S. citizens. McCain, has forgotten that jab, however, as he is now questioning Senator Cruz’s eligibility (Daily Kos)

Finally, unless on has been living under a rock, our President, Barack Obama had his citizenship questioned, as his father was not a US citizen and he spent some of his childhood outside of the US – however his mother was clearly a US Citizen. . (Politico).

It is the season of campaigns, and of course, if one is chasing a front runner or is not liked by those who live in glass houses, one has to prove themselves.

All three men, and there were others, have been questioned on their ability to run for the highest office in the land based solely on their birth.

Big Winner of the 1st 2016 GOP Primary Debate Marathon – Fox News – All Candidates – Too Early to Determine

The large field of 2016 GOP Candidates - split for two debates by tiers - image insider fox news

Last night’s back to back GOP 2016 Primary debate hosted by Fox News is Cleveland, OH, with 17 candidates vying for the spotlight, appears to have had, at first glimpse of the headlines, a net zero effect on the candidates, however, the most positive or negative reactions go to the network itself, with the majority of commentators either praising or debasing the network. That leads to the theory that this debate may have been the largest audience for a primary debate in the history of televised debates. Obviously time will tell, as the ratings are not yet available, however with the hype surrounding many of the key players, such as Donald Trump, but all news organizations, and the number of people watching just for Trump, makes that scenario likely. See: CNN Opinions on who won the GOP Debate

New York’s CBS

Time

Tucson News Now (one of my local where to watch to GOP Debate

On the Candidates there are a variety of opinions as to who won or lost in the debate, and front a general consensus of the 13,200,000 available on Google News as of 5:32 AM EST 8/7/15 it could be any one of the seventeen GOP Candidates who were either in the first or second debate.

Donald Trump was the prime draw for the majority of viewers, based on comments either positive or negative and possibly of the plurality of coverage of the debate itself. In this humble opinion, there were no clear winners or losers, with only personal preference needles moved slightly. The Drudgereport poll results indicate that Trump was the clear winner, with Cruz in second place and Carson in third, however, as with all internet polls, there are opportunities for campaign operatives to help on a large scale to get their candidate over the top in, what is the largest news aggregator on the net(Drudge Report)

The only candidate to truly stand out as lackluster from the perspective of this Libertarian leaning independent from MA was Gov. Jeb Bush. The balance delivered as expected, with the time constraints and the unusually large field. What might be missing in all of the hype is the huge service Donald Trump has performed for the GOP in general – without his presence causing such a national firestorm (and international given the coverage by the BBC and other world outlets – viewers tuning in to watch Trump only may have learned about the other candidates and conservative viewpoints, counting as new votes cast in the primaries and caucuses let alone the general election, regardless of who the nominee may be. Personal favorites, Cruz, Fiorina, Carson and yes, Rand Paul and Donald Trump – go figure.

GOP Field - Separating the Wheat from the Chaff – Media Skewers Trump, Along with 99% of the Republican Candidates

Dem’s Oddly Silent over McCain Brouhaha – What if more than half of Trump’s Statement was left off the page?



Two from this group did not jump on the Media-GOP bash Trump bandwagon - the Smart Guy in the bunch - image Kansas City Star.

Donald Trump, bombastic and rascally 2016 GOP Candidate has been criticized by fellow Republican contenders for the 2016 nomination and the gleeful press, continues to ask the same questions: Do you agree with Donald Trump – to a man and woman – they all swiftly denounced Trump as he allegedly said:” John McCain is no war hero” . The only one who refused to take the bait – one smart candidate, Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas, who has said he values John McCain’s service but would not “jump in the gutter” to malign a fellow contender in the race by charactering what he or she said. (Bloomberg)

Apparently, The Washington Post’s Sharly Attkisson’s “Fact Check”, shows that with every snip of a clip, the context can change dramatically. From the article on Donald Trump and John McCain:

1. The Post did not provide context at the outset disclosing that McCain and Trump have been feuding, with McCain characterizing some Trump supporters as “crazies” and Trump stating that McCain graduated last in his class in Annapolis. The charged rhetoric continued at the conservative Family Leadership Summit in Ames, Iowa this weekend.

2. When a panelist characterized McCain as a “war hero,” the Post is accurate in reporting that Trump initially said McCain is “not a war hero.” But then, Trump immediately modified his statement saying– four times– that McCain is a war hero: “He is a war hero.”

“He’s a war hero because he was captured.” “He’s a war hero, because he was captured.” “I believe, perhaps, he’s a war hero. But right now, he’s said some very bad things about a lot of people.”

2. Did Trump say McCain is not a war hero because he was captured? No, not in the exchanges represented in the Post.

(Washington Post Fact Check

The question remains, who in the GOP hierarchy were thrilled to send the Post, CBS, NBC, Bloomberg, whoever, part of a quote, and why are our journalist not able to fact check on their own? – Apparently they cannot find C-Span, or any number of sites, where the video is found and one can get the gist straight from the horse’s mouth.

Of course what Trump said may have been better put by say, a fifth grader, but it’s his style, and once again, instead of watching the man nosedive in the polls (methinks it may have been the intent) the opposite will happen, supporters will now understand that he is right about that media!!!

Therefore as the primaries are coming up around the bend, and the debates are schedule and Trump, despite the BS, should be on that stage if he holds onto a top position through August, it makes one think – those who would jump on the press bandwagon without checking for themselves if a certain fact was true (have a staff member watch what a video, the event was videotaped), were quick to criticize. Except one, and what does that tell us? The rash rush to judgment may not be the quality one wants in a Presidential Candidate.

That leaves, 2 in the field of Republican’s and the Democrats who said zip.

New York Times is the New Rolling Stone –Fabricating Stories for Personal or Political Purposes – Ted Cruz, A Time for Truth, #1 in Biographies at Amazon.com

In another case of creative reporting, the New York Times has kept Ted Cruz’s book, “A Time for Truth” off their Best Seller list due to the fact that they had evidence the book did not qualify due to “bulk purchases”, except for one problem, there is no particular proof, and that includes the reports from, perhaps the largest book seller period, Amazon.com(Politico). Unfortunately, the Times has allowed itself to become akin to Rolling Stone Magazine, still reeling from the Major Failure in their article on a rape – the story was, basically fabricated in order to make it more salacious (CNN). In other words, the author of the Rolling Stone article fictionalized a rape in order to a) make a name for themselves, or b) drive an agenda or c) both. Either way, if one person within an organization makes national headlines for abject lying, it taints the entire organization.

The New York Times, having been the source for books and best seller lists for eons, apparently felt the need to keep Cruz’s tomb off the chart – perhaps because the book decimates those rich and famous politicians from both sides of the aisle. Or perhaps it’s just personal political angst of this one editor. Regardless of the cause, it says a lot about journalism in this nation as a whole, when there is no check on what might or might not be considered a report rather than an opinion. Perhaps if the story had read, Cruz’s book did not make the list because of a personal distaste for his political leanings, it would have been truthful.

In order to keep the ball rolling, one might want to order a copy at Amazon, or Barnes and Nobles, or wherever one purchases an actual book anymore – this bloggers preference is Amazon.com – due to speedy delivery and time-savings. The book can be found at amazon.com –where it currently is #1 in biographiesamazon.com, “A Time for Truth” by Ted Cruz.

It sounds like such a minor petty offense, but the suppression of books by what is considered (by some) a national trust, should not happen. One wonders if the political or personal tastes changes at the Times, which book would be next?

DNC – Top GOP Targets – Today – Cruz hauls in 51 Million – Tops Charts – Sanders Advancing – Pragmatic Progressive

The Hill Blog provided a list of the top targets for the DNC based on negative mentions – topping the chart consistently is Kentucky Senator, Rand Paul, who is perceived as the greatest threat with 203 mentions– he is followed by Christie and Bush – others fall through the cracks – with a few more exceptions at the top: Walker, Cruz who has 95. (The Hill)

Cruz may not be staying at 95 mentions for long – his campaign announced he has amassed a 51 Million dollar war chest between individual donations and PAC’s. Clinton the front runner has raised for than $45 million.(yahoo news).

Clinton, no longer the front-runner in the minds of progressives, has a bigger problem in one Bernie Sanders, the senator from Vermont – the Wall Street Journal reports Sanders is outpacing both Clinton and the lesser known Martin O’Malley (WSJ) Perhaps it’s what may be coined as pragmatic progressive think – Sanders who tells it like it is – notes that he is a socialist (which is rare for a politician to attach a label that might alienate 50% of the voters – but he is who he is, which is appealing to many. Pragmatic – in a manner of speaking – Bloomberg’s article notes that Sanders would let groups against gay marriage stay tax exempt”, allowing for the Constitution (in some respects) to stand – as they are entitled to their opinion.(Bloomberg). One might suggest the various churches, mosques and synagogues around the nation breathed a sigh of relief. If they are paying attention.

Bernie, from this p.o.v. stands the best chance at this point of grabbing the nomination on the DNC side of the aisle for the same reason certain members of the GOP 20 something would do the same - – It’s who votes in primaries, given that on the Dem side, it’s progressives in droves, and on the GOP side, dedicated mixture of conservatives – one can narrow that bunch down to a handful – Cruz, Paul, Perry or Walker from this take. Of course it’s early, and fortunes rise and fall. This maybe the most interesting race in a lifetime, given the sudden change and additional candidates on the Democrat side, and the double digit number of candidates on the Republican side – a true exchange of ideas for the public.

Cruz and the Simpson Audition – Having a Sense of Humor Trumps!

Ted Cruz, 2016 GOP Presidential candidate has auditioned for the Simpsons the LA times has the video here in case you missed it. In this clip, Cruz shows his humble side – able to poke fun at himself and be contemporary at the same time – smart and actually quite funny.

It is a different side of Cruz, one that makes him more likable than not (unless one is a party progressive purist, then Ted Cruz could walk on water, and it would not be worth their time). In the 24/7 news cycle, with Isis possibly attacking on the 4th of July, Greece about to collapse the Euro, and Puerto Rico also going bankrupt, the horror stories one here’s, murder, etc. every day, regardless of where one lives, it is as if the entire world has gone insane, and yet, for a minute at least, a man who one knows is the smartest guy in the room, takes time out to be entertaining.

For a take no prisoners Cruz, look to his interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper (here) where he is comfortable in any setting and runs the interview rather well, considering that Tapper tries, and fails to get a rise out of Cruz. He stands up for who he is, and that is refreshing.

GOP – Can’t Catch a Break – From Cruz to the Confederate Flag

It appears that negative is the key word of the day for what is sometimes referred to as the “drive by media” when it comes to 2016 GOP candidates. For starters (there are so many so one must choose two for brevity) there is the AP Photograph of one Ted Cruz – the photo with Cruz standing next to a poster of a gun, was taken, most likely by someone who was not particularly skilled, to appear as if the gun on the poster was directly pointed at the Senator/candidates head. The photographer apparently missed that lesson where one is never to take a photo whereby there are objects that might detract from the main theme, a tree, for example might appear to be growing from someone’s head. Unfortunately, this particular photo has shocked some, and they are conservative, yet, instead of having a sense of humor, or giving a critique on the lack of skills employed by AP photographers, yelling from the rafters that this was intentional! (Yahoo News). It may or may not have been, and in all cases of the media, with few exceptions, one might suggest that it was intentional, but there are so many pertinent issues at hand that it seems rather small. Give the left a pass on this one.

That said, there is no excuse for the ridiculous assertion by a Politico piece that the GOP 2016 candidates played it “safe” on the confederate flag issue. The flag, a battle flag which historically stood for southern pride, (if one lived in the South), is now the cry of racisms (or has been since the carpetbaggers decided to get religion). Being the flag under discussion was in South Carolina and the removal or non-removal would be up to the state government, one would think it would be a 10th amendment issue. One would also think that smart and savvy candidates who profess to be lovers of the Constitution would not immediately weigh in, since, unless they lived in the State itself, it would be non-Constitutional for them to do so. Furthermore, what made this an issue was the usual hue and cry of the professional rabble-rousers, rather than any true passion, one the shooting at the church took place, and the pathetic individual appeared with a Confederate flag, among other items which stood for apartheid, was apprehended and photographs appeared. Instantly one had a guns issue (take them away!!) and a race issue (remove the flag!!) and perhaps the sky was falling. Meanwhile, families of victims of the shooting were espousing forgiveness and trying to grieve, while the aforementioned rabble-rousers descended upon the state. (The background). Frankly, one might have given the families some time, one might think to digest the fact that some who was on the face of it racist, but also taking medications known to cause suicide and or murder in hundreds of cases, might have been a little over the ledge, making this less of a shooter of hateful racism and more of a crazy person off or on their medication. Not a peep in that regard. Yet, according to Politico, many of those who weighed in after pressure from the media, or out of good conscious have most likely blown an election because they did a) too little to late) and b) most likely pissed off their base. (In simple language).

The situation is “caught between a rock and a hard place” – leaving those candidates (all who have weighed in which is an opinion on the GOP side), prey to those who will be producing opposition videos for Bernie Sanders or Martin O’Malley or least likely to achieve the nomination, Hillary Clinton. It was never about the families or the flag, it was about politics and a pre-election year where any event can turn into a massive protest, and one might bet their bottom dollar this will continue to happen. What is so sad is that a mental health issue and multiple families’ grief were thrown to the side in the name of the Holy Gail of politics. Addressing racism is one thing, in a proper context, as in this young man was a racist, who when on or off his meds, could not control himself. See Sandy Hook and other recent shootings where race may not have played a factor, yet another person who was on these medications or off went over the ledge in a picture perfect moment for some politicians and the true issue was swept under the bed – again in the name of politics. – Yet all is silent when murder after murder is being committed in major us cities, black on black, white on white, regardless of race, the youth of the nation are literally wasting their lives – yet no action, no outcry, no marches. No articles of disgust and dismay!

How Cuban is Ted Cruz? - That’s the Question

Not Cuban enough, Not Black Enough, Not Italian Enough....

Fromthe Mercury New, comes an article describing an interview between Ted Cruz (2016 GOP Candidate) and Mark Halperin’s (Bloomberg News), in which, Halperin tested Cruz’s authenticity as a Cuban The author, Ruben Navarrette, took offence, as he knows Cruz, as well as other prominent Hispanic’s. Apparently, if one of a Republican, then one might not be Hispanic enough, Black enough, Female Enough, and so on.

I took umbrage at this particular article as having once been in a position as a child, having a parent who as not quite “white” enough – being Spanish – Moorish Spanish, and having epitaphs yelled as my father held me – “what is that Brown man doing holding a white baby”, it occurred to me that having thought all of this behind us, that it was truly not the individuals flaming the fires of racial, ethnic hate, it was those who have a political agenda, from the left, of continuing the nonsensical dogma that if one if black they belong to the Democrats, if one is Hispanic, they belong to the Democrats.

If someone is a decent public service, or trying to become one, then it is not the color of one’s skin, or the authenticity that should be established but the character of the individual, nothing more, nothing less.

Shame on this nation for allowing the political bickering on the left determining who not enough of any one flavor is.

There are Democrats of all stripes who are perfectly worthy public servants, and there are the same people on the Republican side, or the Libertarian side, or the Green Party side. Shut up already.

2016 Primaries – Ted Cruz at $2 Million First Quarter, O’Malley comes out Swinging

Ted Cruz (R-TX), the first to officially announce his candidacy for the republican nomination, has reached a $2 Million fundraising first quarter goal according to USA Today. Cruz did this, in the main, through social media. One would anticipate this will give him good standing going into the primary.

On the other slide, O’Malley, the first from the Democrat side to actively campaign for the DNC nomination has finally spoke out against the dynastic option of a Bush-Clinton rematch in 2016. The former Governor from Maryland is in a good spot to go forward with his campaign to lead the Democrats. (New York Times)

Not yet announced: Rand Paul, Scott Walker and Rick Perry, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

Although one might think that it may be late to announce a candidacy – there is, historically a 1 year out November rule which was established in the 20th century – Both Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton announced in October and November the year before. That said, Barrack Obama announced in 2007. In light of the trend towered earlier announcement, which appear to give an edge of sort, especially when there is no sitting president running, to those with the earliest ground games established.

What if – Court Strikes Down ObamaCare – Ted Cruz has the Answer

There is a big what-if involving the unconstitutional subsidies that are coming from the Federal government to help enroll individuals into the federal health care plan – the case is now in the Supreme Court and may be struck down in June . (See in brief State Lawmakers Keep busy While Supreme court Weighs Obamacare (NPR)

The what if, apparently has no backup plan, save for one written by Ted Cruz, (R-TX), and it is receiving scathing reviews based on partisanship. The Daily Beast article: “Ted Cruz’s Obamcare Substitute He Cares Really” is fraught with vitriol – from jabs at Cruz for being born in Canada, to the short length of his legislation – written as an Act- apparently few pages than the original..

What is wrong with the Beast, and those other publications that picked up on both points in order to jab at Cruz is twofold: one, his birthplace is of little consequence, as he was an American Citizen (or had dual citizenship), as his parent was an American and this disclosed not one individual from becoming President. (See John McCain). Secondly, although the first bill had too many pages to be read even a tenth of the way through before being voted upon, and was fraught with errors, including no separation clause, a huge gaffe which made the entire act stand or fall on any mistakes. There were mistakes, obviously. With Cruz’s bill (here in PDF), it is a 31 page, easily read, and smart option for the government to adopt. (Cruz.Senate.gov).

While those at the Beast cannot fathom purchasing insurance across state lines, it has been proven to drive down the costs of premiums, the lack of mandates on the proposed bill, will also allow individuals to buy coverage at their comfort or needs level. The Bill contains adequate language to cover what the insurers cannot do, which protects the individual rights of the consumer. It is not just a better than nothing piece of work, it is a beginning blueprint for bring back choice to the consumer, with the odd effect of allowing more individuals and businesses to afford insurance in the first place. Ultimately, this would lead to more individuals being covered under private insurers than those currently covered under the new Affordable Obamacare Health Law (a bit of an oxymoron, give the rising premiums due to the current law).

As the 2016 race heats up and the Democrats have little in the way of a bench for the primary, while the Republican bench is plentiful, with a variety of individuals who have a variety of options, there will be, of course, jabs from the right and the left as the winnowing process heading into the primaries for the 2016 general progress. That said, Cruz get’s points for putting together a fairly decent proposal, with protections in place for the consumer, driving down the cost of health care and increasing those covered.

Good for him.

Irrelevant side note:

As the snow is still 3 to 4 feet deep in my yard, and when one more flake falls, or one more record breaking cold temperature is recorded, it is becoming increasingly difficult to become enthused over anything other than board games and avoiding looking out the window, either at the office or at my personal desk. Spring is allegedly rising, and when summer breaks over 2015, one might hope for return of warmth and interest in life in general, and the sport of the political arena.

The Long Cold Winter - Massachusetts

The Long Cold Winter - Massachusetts

It has been one of those winters, winters that are so cold, dark and snowy that one is inclined to do little except plow out and rake the roof, bake in the oven (to further warm the house) eat soups and stews and play online video games, catch up on reading and basically hibernate.

With all of the atrocities taking place in the world – too many to count, it further weighs on a mind already besieged by yet another round of snow , while politics, which generally appeals, is at the point of where to being. It is not writer’s block per se; it is winter block in all its unfathomable glory.

How does one get out of this rut? Perhaps wait it out, there’s little to be done to grab winter by the horns at minus 7 in the morning.

Yes, complaining, and waiting for a thaw of sorts, even an even 32 would be a heat wave comparably.

Therefore, a few links of interest are in order:

Sunshine News ”Six Questions for Rand Paul” worth the read as that is usually a conservative leaning area of the Fl State and they have, apparently embraced Paul.

On the changing faces of politics - From Newark: Bookers BBF’s in Washington, Rand Paul, Newt Gingrich and Ted Cruz” offers a glimpse into what can happen and how the government body elect should communicate. Although reading the comments are rather disheartening What is most interesting is those on the left will give no quarter, while those on the right are inclined to move an inch. (Unless one of those mentioned is a primary opposition opponent.

2016 – Rand Paul Ready

Rand Paul has been everywhere as of late, lending a hand in GOP races at all levels across the US. What is most interesting is his continual investment in urban areas such as Detroit where Republican’s don’t’ look like the “white-bread-branded-old-men-only”, and where Paul speaks to parity in sentencing, urban growth and listens to concerns and then fires up a crowd(WEMU) – Outreach which drew criticism from the Standard Brand DC Republicans (otherwise known as the RNC), when he suggested that they were not unlike the first Domino’s Pizza crusts – they suck – the RNC took umbrage at that remark, they most resemble as of late.

Paul’s approach is winning hearts and minds, and is time well spent, despite the party heads who are busying praying for a Chris Christie or Jeb Bush – or, any Democrat to run against the firebrand Paul.

Not unlike Reagan who came in with new ideas that were like chalk on a blackboard to the same type of RNC elitist, Paul get’s under their skin by calling them out. The truth hurts, and as he is, according President Obama’s former campaign turnout director, the best position to win 2016 battleground states. Go figure, he has an origination in all 50 states, and yet, DC remains doubtful.

There are very few other potential candidates of note going into the general at this point. Cruz, who has won praise from, of all people, Barney Frank, for suggesting that the States decide Gay Marriage but Barney may not be aware that Cruz is a constitutional lawyer with all that implies, someone who is able to place the job of the states, with the states! (Brietbart), regardless of the issue.

Also, Governor Rick Perry is poised to take the national stage, more so than in the 2012 cycle.

As always too early to tell who else might enter the race for the nomination, but consider who may run on the side of the Democrats, and who the DNC will or won’t field. There is absolutely no contest going into 2016 –unless the National GOP gets in the way of it’s nominating contest.

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!

Ted Cruz (R-TX) Campaigns in New Hampshire for 2nd Congressional District Candidate, Melinda Garcia Tuesday Primary Results May Show Cruz Direction

Senator Ted Cruz was up in New Hampshire this past weekend, campaigning hard for Hispanic 2nd congressional district hopeful Melinda Garcia, a NH State representative from Salem. (WMUR). There are two things to take away from this particular primary: 1. That Cruz believes that Garcia stands a better than snowballs chance at the ballot box, thus upping his value on the campaign trail through November, and going into 2016 and 2. That the NH Republican field in the 2nd District is diverse and plays against the angry old white man theme that is consistent in the DNC. What we may have is one slightly angry middle aged white man, one 30 something angry African-American or one 30 something angry Hispanic come Tuesday evening. (WMUR)

Otherwise it appears to be business as usual slightly north of Massachusetts and much more interesting to who political junkies hoping to see where the first state of the nation trending.

Oh Nebraska – Sasse Win Credited by Drudge, National Review and one Ted Cruz

The article at Politico: ”Drudge, National Review spur Sasse win”, suggests that the Senatorial Candidate for the GOP win was brought about solely by the “Conservative” site Drudge Report, as well as the National Review Magazine. That in part is true, given the exposure that both publications brought to bear. That national exposure most likely fueled funds to Sasse, giving him an edge financially. They also partly mention Senator Ted Cruz, and the Tea Party, among other more “liberty” minded folk.

The Drudge Report is noted here as “Conservative” in quotes taken from the Politico article, which said moniker based on Drudge personal reporting is a positive, but overall headlines on the Drudge appear more often than not to be – mainstream. Headlines cover every aspect of the world’s news, including amusing articles that are so sadly lacking elsewhere.

The National Reviewhowever is a definitive conservative viewpoint magazine/site, that has been consistently right of center.

The fact that Cruz and company were on the ground in Nebraska, one might suggest, played a larger part in getting out the vote for Sasse – without the ground troops and the Headliners, one might make do with cash, however, perhaps not.

How important is Sasse? Slate Magazine Asks if he might not be the next Ted Cruz? – Perhaps given the gist of the article, it appears so, and would the U.S. not be better off with one more Constitutionally minded Senator in the recently not so august body? Definitely.

As the 2014 midterm “season” continues, one might find more “Ted Cruz’s” in the mix going into the final stretch. As the nation’s voters go to the poll, with more angst than normal, and according to a recent Gallup poll, less enthusiasm than usual, those candidates are sitting pretty. The GOP may indeed, win the Senate as well as the house, but one senses that there will be a continued shakeup in the ranks, as the more “liberty minded” join the herd.

Scott Brown – Compared to Daniel Webster – Ted Cruz – Heads to Liberty – The Natural Order of Politics and the U.S. Constitution

There is much ado about Scott Brown, former Senator from Massachusetts now living in New Hampshire and potentially seeking the Senate Seat in the Granite State. A piece in the Concord Monitor suggests that this maybe the natural order of all things political in the states that made up the beginnings of the United States – the article entitled “Daniel Webster Scott Brown - Can you tell them apart”? is chock full of Brown’s quotes – and one sees the resemblance in the thought process of a thoughtful Senator . (Concord Monitor) The problem with Brown is the lack of support for anyone in politics who happens to run contrary to the standard Political Party dogma, the left-media dogma, and happens to have a bit of Constitutionalism in mind. Darn, someone is seeking a seat, who believes in doing the will of the people!

Similarly, Ted Cruz, the much maligned by his party, the media, the other party, also a Constitutionalist, is headed for Liberty University – shocking to some who believe that Liberty U, the Christian University in the U.S., is a right-wing bastion of all things socially-morally acceptable to the status quo(Washington Post). With a long history of conservatives of all strips giving speeches, commencement addresses and the like, Liberty is yet another spot on the college trail for politicians doing outreach to the youth vote. In today’s society, however, anything that isn’t secular is obviously odd. This given the interpretation of the 1st amendment as meaning “no religion allowed” rather than its intent, giving citizens freedom to choose any religion they please, without fear of a state religion overruling their religious beliefs. Therefore, the media can now brand Senator Cruz as both a “Tea Party” and Religious Right” individual, who is in no-way qualified (due to the aforementioned) to hold public office.

The problem both of these very different individuals have is that they share a common denominator – a belief in the constitution and the role given to the Citizenry and governing – as it was written, rather than how it is interpreted for convenience of one political school of thought. The same may be said of Rand Paul, the 2016 Presidential front-runner (according to polling at the moment), who is wedded as well to the Constitution but from a Libertarian point of view. In this Commonwealth, those holding the Constitution in the same regard, are considered “Jeffersonian Republican’s” a growing segment of the Party, none too pleasing to those who would prefer – a more moderate approach, let’s say.

Good for these men, and good for anyone holding the same core ideologies and good for the country, overall, were we fortunate enough to have more leaders of the same ilk.

The Resurgence of Liberty – CPAC - a Winning Message

In the years that one may or may not have paid a great deal of attention to the annual CPAC Convention, it has appeared mainly centric GOP – something has changed and that change is an overwhelming rejection of the status quo by those speakers who may or may not have Presidential aspirations.

The speeches by Paul, Palin, Cruz, Perry and several other keynote’s were impressive and inspiring to those who have always been to the side of Libertarian, one heard the word Constitutionalist quite a bit.

The individual who appears to have won most of the hearts and minds is one Senator Rand Paul, winning the straw poll handily. (Boston Globe) One thing is certain, he is a stronger candidate for 2016 than his father – appealing to a wide range of liberty minded individuals, from Jeffersonian Republicans to those on the left of center who appreciate someone who is not a fan of Government overreach – especially into one’s private life.

Further indication of Paul’s intention was the recent defection of the Iowa State GOP chair to run his PAC while noting that there has been a shift in the Iowa GOP – away from the mainstream GOP(WFMZ – CNN Article)

Should one think that these Liberty minded individuals have not caught the rank and file GOP of the Washington elite, one might pick up the WaPost, Jennifer Rubin’s musing on CPAC , although she does not, obviously, suggest Cruz, Paul or Palin, she does not wail about a disconnect, and notes that the three she does mention (Christie, Rubio and Perry) were speaking to a more liberty minded group and, in her opinion, had done very well. Oddly the Washington elite favor Christie, most likely for his ability to be more Democrat at times than Republican, that said, the model, will no longer “fly”.

Suffice it to say, that as the mid-terms near, and as Palin reminded the establishment of which party brought them the majority (Tea versus GOP), the same fervor of 2010 is alive and kicking, with apparently little allegiance to the standard Washington elite. She was brilliant in her speech, as was Perry, Cruz and especially Paul.

Although it is too early in the political process, and straw polls, being paid participant polls are not exactly bellwethers, it is a first where the appeal of the players is more broad than in the past – to those disenfranchised Democrats and especially Republican’s who lean towards Libertarian roots.

About time.

Cruz & Paul - The Original Intent – Non-intervention in times where growth is required – Self-Defense only

One may say what they like about “political parties” and ideology, either Democrat or Republican, right or left, however, to break ranks on occasion, in the vein of George Washington seems proper. Referring to the brouhaha surrounding certain Libertarian and/or Tea Party Senators preferring to stay out of foreign frays, running against the grain of the commonly held belief of what has become known as either Republican aggression or Democrat aversion to intervention, both Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have come under fire for their views on foreign policy issues. It is the wrong approach to pigeon hole either as self-serving and or off the holy grail of current events and political party lines – they are merely asserting the original and very smart foreign policy recalling the first President, George Washington.

The founders put little stock in political parties, as they felt that the focal point would be taken away from the business of a limited government and put upon a bureaucracy of the few. In this point of view, taking away of the common United States allegiance and placing it squarely in one political camp or the other, doing the good of the Party before doing the good of the nation.

Politicospeaks to Cruz walking a Reaganesque line when it comes to the Ukraine – strength through peace, and he comes under not a little criticism (view the political party comments). One might recall that peace through strength was also one of the tenants of Washington. Build up the defense, when the treasury was on the low side.

As to the piece by the Washington Post’s , Rubin, on Rand Paul being the “odd man out” in the GOP on foreign policy, she may have a point, as far as the body politic is concerned, however, again, in the vein of what is proper, Paul is doing what is right for the nation, not the GOP in all instances.

Or perhaps both articles are reflecting a concern by those who like the status quo, and the rising appeal of both Senators to a fairly wide range of independent minded individuals. There comes a time when one should look back at the history of the nation, rather than hold fast to the popular stance, and should one agree with a member of another political party, for the good of the nation, then so be it. The fact that there is much mud-slinging and finger pointing as to which Party is correct is somewhat bothersome, when the individual who is standing alone makes more common sense. The nation is buried in debt, cutting the armed forces, and investing (or attempting to invest) in major social programs, which may make this the perfect time to sit back, build a nest egg and enhance the military while using diplomacy. This allows for time to build back the treasury and the military and further prosperity the outcome of which would, indeed be one similar to Reagan’s. Which, recalling, a nation building from within both financially and militarily, is one which enjoys a bit of peace and prosperity, and the ability (which is key) of protecting itself should the need arise.

Ted Cruz – In Florida – Crowds Exceed Expectations – Center Right GOP throngs to Cruz Message

Ted Cruz speaking in Sarasota, image from the Bradenton Herald

There’s just is something about Ted Cruz, the Senator from Texas – he rails against the GOP leadership, he is not concerned so much about his place in the party, rather in following what he believes to be right for his state and the U.S. overall – by the book – which is the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, as the left media (Mainstream) throws bomb after bomb, and are joined by the likes of John McCain and Mitch McConnell (the Establishment GOP), one wonders where on earth the appeal would be for Cruz by center, rather than hard-right Republicans?

In a word, he is forthright and as far as one can tell, speaks to what he believes in, not necessarily what is politically correct – he is refreshing.

When a rally was held in Sarasota for the Senator who was receiving a Statesman of the Year Award by the Sarasota GOP, they expected 200 people, 2,000 showed up. The gathering in Sarasota contained those people most likely to vote for a standard center right Republican Candidate, say a Mitt Romney; yet, they came to see Cruz, and gave, significantly, to do so. According to the article on Breitbart, it was noted by a FL GOP spokesperson that Cruz did well with those in FL most capable of donating large sums to the GOP.

This astounding Cruz popularity makes for a conundrum of sorts, since one thinks of Cruz, given the national media, as a Tea Party only Senator or a “wacko bird” in McCainian speak. Yet, he is more an everyman, which is the appeal, and why, when seen engaged in speaking (not in sound bites) he is instantly liked, even by those whose party is more progressive!

Although the media in Florida had different accounts of the crowd size (Palm Beach Post, suggests 1000,, while the ABC Affiliate in Bradenton suggests 1500, and the Sarasota Herald Tribune admits to “more than a 1000” ) it is apparent that the event was noteworthy for two reasons: one Cruz generates media, and thereby attention, and two, it was more than the anticipated 200 attendees – bearing mention.

One may hypothesize that Senator Cruz will be running for President in 2016, or perhaps, he feels so strongly about the many things that are wrong with the status quo in Washington D.C., regardless of political affiliation, that he is just out there on the stump spreading the message of standing up for what you believe in regardless of party. The bonus is that in and by doing so he is also raising money for state GOP’s. 2016 sounds more likely – and those pundits in D.C. and elsewhere that will be looking for the right meld of moderate again, will be wasting their time. Regardless of the intent of Cruz, he has a growing base of admirers – including Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where grassroots will be flooding to Manchester to hear him speak in April, 2014 and the event it sold out, with a waiting list only in case a larger venue is found or seats open up (unlikely).

Maybe, just maybe, the nation is looking for someone sincere, who doesn’t sound like Washington, and who is – simply put, unafraid and smart. The addition to the 2016 potential candidates of Senator Cruz, would make for an interesting primary, specifically if the choices include Rand Paul, and then the “old guard” – Santorum, Gingrich (no kidding), and Jeb Bush (even his mother is against that move). A more constitutionally based, Jeffersonian GOP is certainly possible, and that terrifies the left media, as well as the major political parties, who would hold less sway with a Libertarian leaning President who would not cow-tow to the right nor the left.

2014 Foreseeable Shift In Senate Power – Rand Paul – 2016 – Ted Cruz – Majority Speaker – Opinion

2014 should see a shift in power in both the House and the Senate, given 2013 local races and the anti-incumbency that drove incumbents out of office. Politico lists the 12 most vulnerable Democrat Seats here, and they are not far off the mark, figure 8 of the 12 are in any serious jeopardy. On both sides, the Progressive and Tea Party Factions will be pushing candidates that will in based on the aforementioned angst of the voter against anything Washington – throwing the baby out with the bathwater in some cases.

Although 2014 options are on the table – one who is suggested to run for the Presidency – but does not seem to be avidly pushing that front – is one Ted Cruz – he’s fighting in the trenches, and appears more concerned about being the point man for the base – against the Democrats – specifically the President and Harry Reid. CBS’s Bob Schieffer attempted to corner him this weekend, and failed – the transcript here is telling, in that Cruz shifts from a Presidential run to his usual for the people – which given the shift in power that is likely, Cruz would be a perfect replacement for Harry Reid. – One would have to have the support of one’s peers, however, once the primary dust settles, that may not be a problem on the GOP side.

As to 2016, Rand Paul (R-KY) is the most probable candidate to run at this point, and has been telling it like it is –most notably pointing out some disturbing facts about the alleged War on Women – going so far, The Daily News reports, as to suggest Bill Clinton’s relationship with a young intern was – predatory. He’s a favorite among those who are, again, looking for a different flavor other than – Republican and/or Democrat – he’s not seen as a strict Republican.

The chess board is open, there are few pawns and knights on the board as of yet, but there is plenty of time to speculate and look to the disillusioned low information voter to lead the charge.