Know When to Fold ‘Em
February 7th, 2008 by JonUPDATE: Bear has video and still shots from Mitt’s CPAC address.
**********
Kenny Rogers put those famous words to music many years ago. Bob Seger more aptly advised that the trick was “never play the game too long”.
Mitt took to the CPAC stage tonight and put an end to his 2008 run for the Oval. I was sitting in the very back of the room during his speech – surrounded by fellow Mitt-backers. We listened to a few speeches which were more like book reports until about 1:30 when Laura Ingraham introduced Mitt.
If I ever run for elected office, I want Laura Ingraham to be my Press Secretary. But I digress.
With the possible exception of his Religion in American speech, Mitt gave the best speech of the campaign – all other candidates included. He hit all the high conservative notes. He spoke of America being the best ally Peace can or ever will know. He spoke of the importance of the family, and most importantly about the value of fathers in the home.
He warned about the dangers of dependency and how it can kill initiative and destroy the American culture and how it (dependency on government) must be fought like the poison it is.
Now, dear reader, I must admit that I had my suspicions about how this speech would end. Living in Virginia and being exposed to the mass media market the way I am, I did not see a single campaign ad for Mitt last night or the night before. I saw plenty for Obama and McCain – none for Hillary surprisingly. In the back of my mind I had prepared for the fact that this just might be the end.
Mitt spoke about his desire to fight this campaign all the way to the convention much like Reagan did in 1976. I felt he really wanted to do this – to fight to the last day and give it his very best shot. He said that today is different from 1976 in the fact that America today finds herself at war – a war which she cannot afford to lose or show weakness in the face of her enemies.
He said that while he and Senator McCain differ in many areas, there is one subject where there is no daylight between them. Both Mitt Romney and John McCain have the same desire to win the Global War on Terror. About that there is no negotiation.
That same desire is shared by neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama. They want to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan, bring the troops home and triumphantly wave the white flag of surrender as the Islamofacists start a slaughter which will make the aftermath of Vietnam and Cambodia look like a walk in the park.
What Mitt Romney did today was in the best interest of the Republican Party and the United States of America. He has run a fine campaign and can be proud of his personal efforts, those of his wife and all the members of his family. His decision to step aside is one born of selflessness and will – in Mitt’s own words – allow a national campaign to begin.
Like Mitt, I hate to lose. Having said that, I hate the thought of waking up on November 5th to the sounds of President-elect Hillary or Obama.
That’s the view from my chair.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted in 2008 presidential campaign, mitt romney |
February 7th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I was inspired by his message! Wish I could have been there to cheer him on. I’ve heard the gasps of surprise on NPR, CNN, and other news stations. It’s always so much better in person. Thanks for the information.
February 8th, 2008 at 2:02 am
I was in shock when I heard that Mitt was leaving the presidential campaign but what I keep saying to myself is Campaign “2012″- there will be another place and another time for Mitt. After 4 years of McCain (perhaps) we’ll need someone like Mitt to come in and fix the Republican party as did Reagan so many years ago.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:09 am
The greatest thing for America is the fact that Mitt Romney dropped out of the race for the White House. I am a fellow Mormon and I never believed one word Romney said. Now finally we can get a real president who can fix the country from the last 8 years of mistakes. Finally Romney quits….
February 8th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Joseph,
How sad for you that you are even on this web. Don’t tear down a fellow member of the church. Thats not what were about. Thank you Mitt Romney for sacrificing your money, time and family for the purpose of leading our country. Many members tear you down, but shame on them. Everyone has done things in there life that people could attack. I did not feel that with you, I know you were the best one for our country. Our family supports you and will continue to until you make it, and thats not if but when. You are a class act, as well as your family.Your character, experience, and presence were just what we needed for our country.I am saddened by your suspending the race, but still support you with pride. Anyone with knowledge of the other candidates will see for themselves the character alone, that you could have questioned and bashed the others on, especially McCain, but you were fair and non controversial.Always pointing out issues, not personal attacks, unlike the other Republicans ganging up on you. Wikipedia on the internet showed me all I needed to know about him. Am I judging him, no, just making sure I know the background of someone who might run our country. Sad more Americans did’nt read up on him. Sincerely, Cheryl
February 8th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Cheryl:
Well said. Thanks much!
February 8th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Sorry to hear your candidate dropped out; I can imagine your disappointment. I was shocked to learn that he had quit his bid for the presidency since he was second in the delegate count. I would encourage you all to think about supporting Ron Paul. Please don’t quit reading here. I know you probably might not like Ron Paul’s view on the Iraq war. Let’s put that aside for now. Ron Paul is the only candidate left in the GOP with a clear view of the sad state of our economy. He is the only candidate left who has spoken consistently and intelligently of cutting government spending, the looming recession, and the falling value of the dollar. His economic stimulus package is listed on his website at ronpaul2008.com Romney was my second choice because I could see he was the only other candidate that had a clue about the economy. I know there are differences in their economic opinions, but I think there are points of agreement also. I saw that someone else had encouraged Romney supporters to now support Huckabee. Please consider before doing this. Huckabee is a puppet. Sorry, but he is. He is big buddy to McCain now who is nothing more than a liberal democrat in conservative republican clothing. Most conservatives know this. The Huckster is his big buddy, and possibly primed to be his VP. I know the news media says that John McCain has many conservative friends and endorsements. Check out Ron Paul’s endorsements if you want to see real conservatism. You need only to look at John McCain’s record to know he is not one of us. If Huckabee supports him, neither is he.
The good of this nation is at stake and McCain/Huckabee is not the solution. Please google Ron Paul and check him out on YouTube. Decide for yourself, don’t let someone else tell you who to lend your support to now.