Letterman – Last of the Late Night Retirement’s - for now

From the New York Times David Letterman is set to retire – according to the New York Times, he will retire after his contract expires in 2015. That will bring him through the mid-terms, but one has to wonder, to what effect will this “icon” have on anything future? Jimmy Fallon appears to have swung squarely to the middle, with guests that are both ideologically right and left, pleasing both halves of the nation – Smart move. This is where Lettermen’s relentless and often tactless attacks with those whom he politically disagreed, may have led to faltering ratings.

In some respects one might be sorry to see him go, along with Jay Leno, mostly due the age of the viewer and nostalgia more than any real desire to tune-in nightly. On the other hand, with these types of venues and political figures from both sides, patronizing the platform in order to reach the late night crowd, perhaps not – it just always struck this individual as somewhat – demeaning to the office they held, or the office they hoped to hold.

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.

Rand Paul – Network in 50 States - Message – Take Me Seriously – and We All Should

The Washington Post’s article yesterday outlined Rand Paul’s networking operations, which are extensive, in an article titled “Rand Paul Building National Network Courting Mainstream support for Presidential Bid” (Washington Post). The article outlines Paul’s efforts at building a 50-state support group focused on fundraising, and goes on to suggest that there are others with the same plans – yet no one has ever move so quickly in any recent election memory. The fact that Paul is becoming a successful fundraiser, through all channels, should send a clear message to the national GOP and other detractors that he is capable of running as a national candidate. What is not mentioned is his enormous appeal to those millennial, who have been waiting for an icon – and they have found one in the Kentucky Senator. That enthusiasm puts boots on the ground in every state of the union. Include members of both political parties, and include Libertarian and Tea Party supporters and one can well imagine what Paul can accomplish by the time 2014 comes to a close (or the official start of the 2016 Presidential Sweepstakes.

What might be most appealing to those who despise the political dynasty bids, and those bids by both parties for the “came in second last time, will be the frontrunner this time”, is that Paul is, in a word, fresh. He does have a family political name, but from his Libertarian father, who ran unsuccessfully as both a Libertarian and a Republican for the highest office. That, in a nutshell, does not compare to the Clinton or Bush Dynasties – in any way, shape or form. His appeal extends beyond the millennial, as his message appeals to women (wait, he’s against women if one is on the left, but, it now rings similar to a boy who cried wolf – women are concerned about their pocketbooks.)

It will be interesting as it unfolds and the inside bickering develops – as Paul is a take no prisoners legislature, expect the same in a campaign. This lends to the appeal, rather than the usual nonsense seen in both parties general election process.

Therefore, as he becomes more mainstream, and as he positions himself to appeal to the base – pick a base – his positions transcend – his demeanor is sincere. That is why he will be the frontrunner, for now, and depending on how the right reacts (and the standard bearer for the National GOP), he may well be the frontrunner through the end. It may happen regardless of any support or sabotage from the National Party – perhaps, just perhaps, the people will surprise them, and their chosen candidates and for once, those of us who have been holding our noses to pull a lever for someone who just might do the nation some good, will finally get the chance.