Indianapolis -- A former chief executive of National Lampoon and two co-conspirators face possible life sentences Friday after being convicted of swindling investors out of about $200 million.
U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson is set to sentence Timothy Durham, James Cochran and Rick Snow following their June convictions on fraud and conspiracy charges.
A jury found each man guilty of securities fraud and conspiracy. It also convicted Durham, a major Indiana Republican Party donor who resigned his National Lampoon post in January, of 10 counts of wire fraud, while Cochran and Snow were convicted on some of those counts.
Prosecutors have said the three stripped Akron, Ohio-based Fair Finance of its assets and used the money to buy mansions, classic cars and other luxury items and to keep another Durham company afloat. The men were convicted of operating an elaborate Ponzi scheme to hide the company's depleted condition from regulators and investors,...
U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson is set to sentence Timothy Durham, James Cochran and Rick Snow following their June convictions on fraud and conspiracy charges.
A jury found each man guilty of securities fraud and conspiracy. It also convicted Durham, a major Indiana Republican Party donor who resigned his National Lampoon post in January, of 10 counts of wire fraud, while Cochran and Snow were convicted on some of those counts.
Prosecutors have said the three stripped Akron, Ohio-based Fair Finance of its assets and used the money to buy mansions, classic cars and other luxury items and to keep another Durham company afloat. The men were convicted of operating an elaborate Ponzi scheme to hide the company's depleted condition from regulators and investors,...
- 11/30/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Indianapolis -- Former reality TV star Rupert Boneham said he thinks he has a real shot at becoming Indiana's next governor after being nominated as a third-party choice Saturday.
The fan favorite from 2004's "Survivor: All-Stars" was unopposed for the Libertarian Party's nomination, which came during the party's state convention in Indianapolis.
"My aim, honestly, is to win governor," Boneham said in a phone interview afterward. "I really feel I have a strong chance of pulling not just the Libertarian vote, but the independent vote, the undecided vote, and maybe even some votes from Democrats and Republicans."
He will face Republican Mike Pence and Democrat John Gregg in November's gubernatorial election. Current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is limited to two terms and cannot run again.
"We have a governor's candidate in Rupert Boneham that can reach out to the 70 percent of the population that does not vote, and bring them into the process,...
The fan favorite from 2004's "Survivor: All-Stars" was unopposed for the Libertarian Party's nomination, which came during the party's state convention in Indianapolis.
"My aim, honestly, is to win governor," Boneham said in a phone interview afterward. "I really feel I have a strong chance of pulling not just the Libertarian vote, but the independent vote, the undecided vote, and maybe even some votes from Democrats and Republicans."
He will face Republican Mike Pence and Democrat John Gregg in November's gubernatorial election. Current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is limited to two terms and cannot run again.
"We have a governor's candidate in Rupert Boneham that can reach out to the 70 percent of the population that does not vote, and bring them into the process,...
- 3/25/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Indianapolis -- Former reality TV star Rupert Boneham said he thinks he has a real shot at becoming Indiana's next governor after being nominated as a third-party choice Saturday.
The fan favorite from 2004's "Survivor: All-Stars" was unopposed for the Libertarian Party's nomination, which came during the party's state convention in Indianapolis.
"My aim, honestly, is to win governor," Boneham said in a phone interview afterward. "I really feel I have a strong chance of pulling not just the Libertarian vote, but the independent vote, the undecided vote, and maybe even some votes from Democrats and Republicans."
He will face Republican Mike Pence and Democrat John Gregg in November's gubernatorial election. Current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is limited to two terms and cannot run again.
"We have a governor's candidate in Rupert Boneham that can reach out to the 70 percent of the population that does not vote, and bring them into the process,...
The fan favorite from 2004's "Survivor: All-Stars" was unopposed for the Libertarian Party's nomination, which came during the party's state convention in Indianapolis.
"My aim, honestly, is to win governor," Boneham said in a phone interview afterward. "I really feel I have a strong chance of pulling not just the Libertarian vote, but the independent vote, the undecided vote, and maybe even some votes from Democrats and Republicans."
He will face Republican Mike Pence and Democrat John Gregg in November's gubernatorial election. Current Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is limited to two terms and cannot run again.
"We have a governor's candidate in Rupert Boneham that can reach out to the 70 percent of the population that does not vote, and bring them into the process,...
- 3/25/2012
- by AP
- Aol TV.
Rupert Boneham knows something about backstabbing and alliance building from his multiple turns on the reality series "Survivor." Well, he'll have to use those skills and more in his next effort, running for Indiana governor.
The 47-year-old Boneham announced Saturday (Oct. 22) that he's vying for the Libertarian Party nomination. He started an exploratory committee for the run in late August.
"I have only one interest: Empowering Hoosiers to give back to their communities. If the government puts up roadblocks, then they should be repealed," Boneham says in a statement.
He continues, "Hoosiers have consistently voted in professional politicians and look at the results. Hoosiers should have a different choice in 2012."
Boneham joins a crowded field of contenders looking to replace outgoing Governor Mitch Daniels who has to leave due to term limits. Other candidates include Republican Rep. Mike Pence and former Democratic Indiana House Speaker John Gregg.
As for Boneham's prospects,...
The 47-year-old Boneham announced Saturday (Oct. 22) that he's vying for the Libertarian Party nomination. He started an exploratory committee for the run in late August.
"I have only one interest: Empowering Hoosiers to give back to their communities. If the government puts up roadblocks, then they should be repealed," Boneham says in a statement.
He continues, "Hoosiers have consistently voted in professional politicians and look at the results. Hoosiers should have a different choice in 2012."
Boneham joins a crowded field of contenders looking to replace outgoing Governor Mitch Daniels who has to leave due to term limits. Other candidates include Republican Rep. Mike Pence and former Democratic Indiana House Speaker John Gregg.
As for Boneham's prospects,...
- 10/23/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Band sends out prayers for 'peace and healing' families of five killed and dozens injured in Saturday's stage collapse.
By Jocelyn Vena
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles (file)
Photo: Rick Diamond/ Getty Images
Following last Saturday's stage collapse before their scheduled concert at the Indiana State Fair, Sugarland have announced they will hold a memorial to honor the five killed and dozens injured in the accident.
The band announced on their website that they are working on a memorial. "We are in the process of planning a private memorial in Indiana to honor those fans who died. We would first like to hold space so that their families can have time to go through their own services and memorials. Until that time we are holding vigil for them," they wrote. "We join them on their mourning benches. And we stand in the gap asking God to offer them peace and healing. For...
By Jocelyn Vena
Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles (file)
Photo: Rick Diamond/ Getty Images
Following last Saturday's stage collapse before their scheduled concert at the Indiana State Fair, Sugarland have announced they will hold a memorial to honor the five killed and dozens injured in the accident.
The band announced on their website that they are working on a memorial. "We are in the process of planning a private memorial in Indiana to honor those fans who died. We would first like to hold space so that their families can have time to go through their own services and memorials. Until that time we are holding vigil for them," they wrote. "We join them on their mourning benches. And we stand in the gap asking God to offer them peace and healing. For...
- 8/16/2011
- MTV Music News
Memorial is planned for five people killed at concert at Indiana State Fair.
By Jocelyn Vena
A collapsed stage at the Indiana State Fair August 13, 2011
Photo: WireImage
A memorial is planned on Monday (August 15) for the five people who were killed on Saturday night when a stage collapsed at a Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. According to the event's official website, the fair will reopen on Monday with Governor Mitch Daniels in attendance at the memorial service.
The memorial is set to take place at the Free Stage; the website also laid out plans for the remainder of events during the Indiana State Fair. The Chicago Tribune reports strong wind gusts may have contributed to the stage's collapse at the show, which was attended by upwards of 12,000 people. USA Today reports that a severe thunderstorm warning had been issued in the hours leading up to the concert.
By Jocelyn Vena
A collapsed stage at the Indiana State Fair August 13, 2011
Photo: WireImage
A memorial is planned on Monday (August 15) for the five people who were killed on Saturday night when a stage collapsed at a Sugarland concert at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. According to the event's official website, the fair will reopen on Monday with Governor Mitch Daniels in attendance at the memorial service.
The memorial is set to take place at the Free Stage; the website also laid out plans for the remainder of events during the Indiana State Fair. The Chicago Tribune reports strong wind gusts may have contributed to the stage's collapse at the show, which was attended by upwards of 12,000 people. USA Today reports that a severe thunderstorm warning had been issued in the hours leading up to the concert.
- 8/15/2011
- MTV Music News
Nobody asked me for it, but here’s my take on the ongoing debt ceiling crisis (which is, believe it or not, far more urgent than anything going on in the world of show business)…
As I see it, a large portion of the Gop today is certifiably off the wall, as demonstrated by their willingness to gamble with the future of the already shaky economy — I’m referring to people like Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Gov. Sarah Palin, who are on the record arguing that the nation’s debt ceiling should not be raised no matter how much spending on entitlement programs the Gop can force Dems to cut. At the end of the day, though, I just don’t believe that the Gop’s leadership — Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — will allow the party to commit political suicide for a...
As I see it, a large portion of the Gop today is certifiably off the wall, as demonstrated by their willingness to gamble with the future of the already shaky economy — I’m referring to people like Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Gov. Sarah Palin, who are on the record arguing that the nation’s debt ceiling should not be raised no matter how much spending on entitlement programs the Gop can force Dems to cut. At the end of the day, though, I just don’t believe that the Gop’s leadership — Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — will allow the party to commit political suicide for a...
- 7/12/2011
- by Scott Feinberg
- Scott Feinberg
Commentators continue to guess at whether Gop candidates at the June 13 debate in New Hampshire will live up to their promises. But their faces never lie. Sensory Logic's Dan Hill analyzes their expressions for Fast Company to reveal what traditional pundits can't.
For those following the cycle of punditry, the June 13th Gop presidential debate from New Hampshire is all tucked in and sealed with a yawn. The consensus: Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney strengthened his frontrunner standing; Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty blew it; Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann broke through to gain the most.
But facial coding expert Dan Hill saw a different story unfold. He performed an analysis on the debaters’ mugs Monday night exclusively for Fast Company and says: Romney did not enhance his status; Pawlenty performed admirably on an emotional front; and Bachmann exposed her weakness.
Hill, who's been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, The Today Show,...
For those following the cycle of punditry, the June 13th Gop presidential debate from New Hampshire is all tucked in and sealed with a yawn. The consensus: Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney strengthened his frontrunner standing; Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty blew it; Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann broke through to gain the most.
But facial coding expert Dan Hill saw a different story unfold. He performed an analysis on the debaters’ mugs Monday night exclusively for Fast Company and says: Romney did not enhance his status; Pawlenty performed admirably on an emotional front; and Bachmann exposed her weakness.
Hill, who's been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, The Today Show,...
- 6/17/2011
- by Kevin Randall
- Fast Company
So Callista Gingrich forced Newt's campaign implosion by dragging him on an Aegean cruise? Hardly-she's just joined Marsha Barbour and Cheri Daniels as the latest victim of the Gop's ugly new fad: Blame the wife.
The more I think about it, I'm starting to get a little disappointed in Richard Nixon. Why didn't his team ever figure out that all of his problems, from Watergate to pesky reporters to, well, the Jews, could so easily be dumped on his wife? "It's Pat-she drove us to these reckless decisions. We all tried to stop her." But those were the days when Republican wives were quiet homemakers in their "respectable cloth coats," not all uppity like Jackie Kennedy.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Bin Laden Jitters
Those days, apparently, are gone. The latest ugly fad in Gop circles is to blame everything on the Mrs. "The problem was the wife,...
The more I think about it, I'm starting to get a little disappointed in Richard Nixon. Why didn't his team ever figure out that all of his problems, from Watergate to pesky reporters to, well, the Jews, could so easily be dumped on his wife? "It's Pat-she drove us to these reckless decisions. We all tried to stop her." But those were the days when Republican wives were quiet homemakers in their "respectable cloth coats," not all uppity like Jackie Kennedy.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Bin Laden Jitters
Those days, apparently, are gone. The latest ugly fad in Gop circles is to blame everything on the Mrs. "The problem was the wife,...
- 6/11/2011
- by Matt Latimer
- The Daily Beast
Mitch Daniels.The latest unbecoming trend in politics? Declining to run and issuing a statement that you would have won. The genre was perfected, naturally, by bored television star Donald Trump. “This decision does not come easily or without regret; especially when my potential candidacy continues to be validated by ranking at the top of the Republican contenders in polls across the country,” Trump wrote in an arrogantly worded statement about his unsurprising decision. “I maintain the strong conviction that if I were to run, I would be able to win the primary and ultimately, the general election.”...
- 5/31/2011
- Vanity Fair
While Republicans carp about the current 2012 field, The Daily Beast and Newsweek helped likely primary voters build their dream president, one trait at a time. Plus, What Characteristics Would Your Ideal Gop Candidate Have?
It's been a tough month to be a Republican. First-tier candidates for the 2012 presidential nomination dropped out on a weekly basis-Haley Barbour, Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump, Mitch Daniels-leaving a field that even the most generous assessment would dub disappointing, and voters pining for a white knight.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
So as a public service, The Daily Beast and Newsweek decided to get them one. Specifically, we had Douglas E. Schoen Associates poll 300 Republicans and Republican-leaning independents on about 30 traits they might look for in an ideal presidential candidate.
To make matters easy for our survey-takers, we divided those traits into three buckets of 10. First, the way...
It's been a tough month to be a Republican. First-tier candidates for the 2012 presidential nomination dropped out on a weekly basis-Haley Barbour, Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump, Mitch Daniels-leaving a field that even the most generous assessment would dub disappointing, and voters pining for a white knight.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
So as a public service, The Daily Beast and Newsweek decided to get them one. Specifically, we had Douglas E. Schoen Associates poll 300 Republicans and Republican-leaning independents on about 30 traits they might look for in an ideal presidential candidate.
To make matters easy for our survey-takers, we divided those traits into three buckets of 10. First, the way...
- 5/31/2011
- by The Daily Beast
- The Daily Beast
Why are so many candidates-and their wives-scared of running? From the current issue of Newsweek, Howard Kurtz on the new Hamlet culture in presidential politics.
It is, more politicians are saying, an exercise in craziness that appeals only to the unbalanced. As Mitch Daniels, the latest to recoil at the prospect of running for president, put it: "What sane person would like to?"
Related story on The Daily Beast: How Palin's Winning the Media War
Increasingly, we are told, White House aspirants are horrified by the grueling pace, the relentless attacks, the withering scrutiny, the notion of dragging their families into a slimy swamp that will taint them forever. My response: stop the whining.
First, the presidency is a pretty cool job. You get a nice mansion with backyard, a bowling alley, a chef, your own helicopter, and an impressive pile of nuclear weapons. No one forced these folks to stir up presidential speculation.
It is, more politicians are saying, an exercise in craziness that appeals only to the unbalanced. As Mitch Daniels, the latest to recoil at the prospect of running for president, put it: "What sane person would like to?"
Related story on The Daily Beast: How Palin's Winning the Media War
Increasingly, we are told, White House aspirants are horrified by the grueling pace, the relentless attacks, the withering scrutiny, the notion of dragging their families into a slimy swamp that will taint them forever. My response: stop the whining.
First, the presidency is a pretty cool job. You get a nice mansion with backyard, a bowling alley, a chef, your own helicopter, and an impressive pile of nuclear weapons. No one forced these folks to stir up presidential speculation.
- 5/30/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
Republican voters are fired up and ready to take on President Obama-but with no Daniels, Huckabee, or Barbour in the race, they're in need of a true champion. On their wish list: Christie, Ryan, Perry. Jill Lawrence reports. Plus, Jack W. Germond on candidates' insane path to the presidency.
Help Wanted: Civil, thoughtful social conservative more interested in red ink than red meat, with potential to win over independents and moderates in a general election. Must have enthusiastic family.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Osama Eulogies: Ayman Zawahiri and al Qaeda Vow Revenge
It's hard to overstate the void left by Mitch Daniels' exit from the Republican presidential race. There's nobody quite like the Indiana governor in the field or in the wings, though Jeb Bush comes close and Tim Pawlenty, an official candidate at last, is trying to claim Daniels' fiscal mantle with his "time for truth" slogan.
Help Wanted: Civil, thoughtful social conservative more interested in red ink than red meat, with potential to win over independents and moderates in a general election. Must have enthusiastic family.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Osama Eulogies: Ayman Zawahiri and al Qaeda Vow Revenge
It's hard to overstate the void left by Mitch Daniels' exit from the Republican presidential race. There's nobody quite like the Indiana governor in the field or in the wings, though Jeb Bush comes close and Tim Pawlenty, an official candidate at last, is trying to claim Daniels' fiscal mantle with his "time for truth" slogan.
- 5/24/2011
- by Jill Lawrence
- The Daily Beast
In deciding not to run in 2012, Mitch Daniels took the sane route when confronted with a crazy presidential campaign process. Jack Germond on why candidates no longer are willing to subject their families to sometimes vicious intrusions by political enemies and the media.
Mitch Daniels' decision against seeking the Republican nomination for president speaks volumes about the sorry state of American politics today. It is a de facto judgment by a serious politician that the game may no longer be worth the personal cost.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
The Indiana governor never made any secret of his interest in running. The rule about those things has always been that anyone who has a chance to be president ends up running for it, or at least flirting with the idea.
But Daniels said "the interests and wishes of my family" -meaning his wife...
Mitch Daniels' decision against seeking the Republican nomination for president speaks volumes about the sorry state of American politics today. It is a de facto judgment by a serious politician that the game may no longer be worth the personal cost.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
The Indiana governor never made any secret of his interest in running. The rule about those things has always been that anyone who has a chance to be president ends up running for it, or at least flirting with the idea.
But Daniels said "the interests and wishes of my family" -meaning his wife...
- 5/24/2011
- by Jack W. Germond
- The Daily Beast
CNN has just released the results of its latest CNN/Wmur-tv poll of New Hampshire voters ahead of the state's First in the Nation presidential primary, and among Republicans, Mitt Romney's far and away the favorite with 32 percent. No opinion was second, with 17 percent, followed by Ron Paul (9%), Newt Gingrich (6%) and Rudy Giuliani (6%). Tim Pawlenty, who got into the race today, polled at four percent, as did Mitch Daniels, who said he would not run.
- 5/23/2011
- by Mark Joyella
- Mediaite - TV
Mitch DanielsTwo moderately interesting developments in the Republican primary race over the weekend: Daniels is out! Pawlenty is in! No—no he wasn’t already in! Well, no not technically! You’re thinking of Santorum! But back to, for just a minute, Mitch Daniels. Despite a protracted public flirtation a 2012 candidacy, the Indiana governor will sit out this election. “What could have been a complicated decision was in the end very simple: on matters affecting us all, our family constitution gives a veto to the women’s caucus, and there is no override provision,” Daniels told the Indianapolis Star, referring to his wife and daughters. “Simply put, I find myself caught between two duties. I love my country; I love my family more.” The New York Times suggests that Daniels’s complicated family life—his wife, Cheri, left him, remarried, and returned—likely contributed to his family’s reluctance. However,...
- 5/23/2011
- Vanity Fair
Mitch Daniels, Mike Huckabee, Haley Barbour-we hardly knew ye! With the Republican presidential field shrinking daily, Shushannah Walshe tallies the stars who are staying home in 2012, from the flirts (The Donald) to the door-slammers (Jeb Bush).
When Gov. Mitch Daniels announced this weekend his decision not to run for president in 2012, Republican discontent with the less-than-inspiring Gop field blew up into full-blown panic. The list of would-be presidential hopefuls who have opted not to take on President Obama just keeps getting longer, and the declared candidates haven't been encouraging.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Democrats' Negotiator in Chief
Gallery: Republican Candidates Who Got Away
Newt Gingrich has been heckled and even covered with glitter on the campaign trail. Mitt Romney is being attacked on all sides for defending his health-care plan in Massachusetts. Jon Huntsman is an Obama-appointed former ambassador and has praised the president. Tim Pawlenty is lacking that crowd-igniting passion.
When Gov. Mitch Daniels announced this weekend his decision not to run for president in 2012, Republican discontent with the less-than-inspiring Gop field blew up into full-blown panic. The list of would-be presidential hopefuls who have opted not to take on President Obama just keeps getting longer, and the declared candidates haven't been encouraging.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Democrats' Negotiator in Chief
Gallery: Republican Candidates Who Got Away
Newt Gingrich has been heckled and even covered with glitter on the campaign trail. Mitt Romney is being attacked on all sides for defending his health-care plan in Massachusetts. Jon Huntsman is an Obama-appointed former ambassador and has praised the president. Tim Pawlenty is lacking that crowd-igniting passion.
- 5/23/2011
- by Shushannah Walshe
- The Daily Beast
Mitch Daniels is just the latest would-be 2012 presidential candidate to bow out citing family matters, following in the path of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, whose wife drove him away from a run earlier this year. Michelle Cottle on the rise of the political spouse.
Plus, more hopefuls who decided not to run.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
The first lady of Indiana has spoken.
For months, the political world watched Gov. Mitch Daniels play Hamlet with a presidential run. The final sticking point, we were told, was his wife Cheri's lack of enthusiasm for having the family's private life picked apart by blood-thirsty opponents and media jackals.
Late Saturday, Daniels gave up trying to unstick things. In an email to supporters, the governor announced that he would not be joining the Republican primary. That same evening, two of his advisers hand-delivered a related statement...
Plus, more hopefuls who decided not to run.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
The first lady of Indiana has spoken.
For months, the political world watched Gov. Mitch Daniels play Hamlet with a presidential run. The final sticking point, we were told, was his wife Cheri's lack of enthusiasm for having the family's private life picked apart by blood-thirsty opponents and media jackals.
Late Saturday, Daniels gave up trying to unstick things. In an email to supporters, the governor announced that he would not be joining the Republican primary. That same evening, two of his advisers hand-delivered a related statement...
- 5/23/2011
- by Michelle Cottle
- The Daily Beast
Given Mitch Daniels' and Mike Huckabee's decisions not to run, and Newt Gingrich's shaky campaign launch, the fiercely partisan Texas governor could be a top presidential contender among social conservatives and Tea Party types, writes Mark McKinnon. Plus, more hopefuls who declined to run.
Ready or not, America, get ready for another Republican presidential candidate from Texas. Meet Ricky Perry. You're likely to be hearing a lot about him real soon.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels' announcement this weekend that he will not be a candidate for president-coupled with Mike Huckabee's decision not to run, and Newt Gingrich's disastrous 2012 launch-is going to create a Texas tornado-size draft for Rick Perry.
By spurning any interest in presidential politics and committing himself to legislative duty in his own backyard, Perry has, by design or by luck,...
Ready or not, America, get ready for another Republican presidential candidate from Texas. Meet Ricky Perry. You're likely to be hearing a lot about him real soon.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels' announcement this weekend that he will not be a candidate for president-coupled with Mike Huckabee's decision not to run, and Newt Gingrich's disastrous 2012 launch-is going to create a Texas tornado-size draft for Rick Perry.
By spurning any interest in presidential politics and committing himself to legislative duty in his own backyard, Perry has, by design or by luck,...
- 5/23/2011
- by Mark McKinnon
- The Daily Beast
We were bored just trying to remember who this is.All the interesting Republican presidential nominees are dropping like flies: large-headed Atlantic City casino boss Donald Trump ended his fake campaign, star of Fox News’s Huckabee Mike Huckabee declined to run, and celebrated hypocrite Newt Gingrich is on the path to an inevitable concession. If a bright new star doesn’t emerge soon, voters and journalists may have to start paying attention to the likes of Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman, and Mitch Daniels. Below, we’ve suggested a few viable G.O.P. candidates whom we hope will consider presidential bids and save us from the monotonous, gaffe-free 2012 election we so dread.
- 5/20/2011
- Vanity Fair
Donald Trump is the latest Republican to bail out of the 2012 presidential race, joining Mike Huckabee and Haley Barbour. Doesn't anybody want the Gop nomination? Eleanor Clift on why the contest can't draw a crowd.
Running for president is not for the faint-hearted. The level of personal scrutiny is intense, the financial demands daunting, and the chance of winning iffy against a well-funded incumbent.
Related story on The Daily Beast: How Palin's Winning the Media War
Maybe Donald Trump thought he could pull it off. But his reality-show campaign ran smack into reality. The larger plotline is that Gop candidates are dropping like flies-three of them bailing out in the last month, others barely dipping a toe in the political waters.
For any Republican eyeing the primaries, the man to beat is Mitt Romney, who for all his flaws is still the frontrunner with lots of money in a party...
Running for president is not for the faint-hearted. The level of personal scrutiny is intense, the financial demands daunting, and the chance of winning iffy against a well-funded incumbent.
Related story on The Daily Beast: How Palin's Winning the Media War
Maybe Donald Trump thought he could pull it off. But his reality-show campaign ran smack into reality. The larger plotline is that Gop candidates are dropping like flies-three of them bailing out in the last month, others barely dipping a toe in the political waters.
For any Republican eyeing the primaries, the man to beat is Mitt Romney, who for all his flaws is still the frontrunner with lots of money in a party...
- 5/17/2011
- by Eleanor Clift
- The Daily Beast
What candidates' wives want. What we demand of them. In this week's Newsweek, Michelle Cottle on the state of the political spouse. Plus, Cindy McCain says "spouses get a bad rap."
On May 12, some 1,000 Republicans and a truckload of local and national journalists descended on the Jw Marriott in downtown Indianapolis for the state Gop spring dinner. The draw? Keynote speaker Cheri Daniels, wife of governor-and possible presidential candidate-Mitch Daniels.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Does Pawlenty Have a Prayer?
It didn't matter what Cheri had to say so much as that she had agreed to speak at all. Up to now, Indiana's first lady has declined to take part in her husband's political quest. In fact, the final hurdle to Mitch's joining the White House race is said to be Cheri's anxiety about their personal life getting shredded like a chunk of ripe Parmesan.
It is not an unreasonable fear.
On May 12, some 1,000 Republicans and a truckload of local and national journalists descended on the Jw Marriott in downtown Indianapolis for the state Gop spring dinner. The draw? Keynote speaker Cheri Daniels, wife of governor-and possible presidential candidate-Mitch Daniels.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Does Pawlenty Have a Prayer?
It didn't matter what Cheri had to say so much as that she had agreed to speak at all. Up to now, Indiana's first lady has declined to take part in her husband's political quest. In fact, the final hurdle to Mitch's joining the White House race is said to be Cheri's anxiety about their personal life getting shredded like a chunk of ripe Parmesan.
It is not an unreasonable fear.
- 5/16/2011
- by Michelle Cottle
- The Daily Beast
Now that Mike Huckabee has bowed out of 2012, the Gop field is likely to shift wildly-with Ron Paul becoming the ideal pick for voters who want to buck the status quo, says Mark McKinnon. Plus, Howard Kurtz on why Huckabee chose Fox.
Give credit to Mike Huckabee for a surprisingly reasonable decision. "All the factors say go, but my heart says no," former Gov. Huckabee said, announcing his decision to not seek the 2012 Gop presidential nomination.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Britain's Crush on Obama
It's awfully hard for someone who lives in the world of politics to resist the physics of the presidential tug. And there are a few fairly strong arguments that Huckabee could have gained the Gop nomination. The former Arkansas governor was the winner of the 2008 Iowa caucuses and finished second in the Gop delegate count. But he is still considered an outsider to the...
Give credit to Mike Huckabee for a surprisingly reasonable decision. "All the factors say go, but my heart says no," former Gov. Huckabee said, announcing his decision to not seek the 2012 Gop presidential nomination.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Britain's Crush on Obama
It's awfully hard for someone who lives in the world of politics to resist the physics of the presidential tug. And there are a few fairly strong arguments that Huckabee could have gained the Gop nomination. The former Arkansas governor was the winner of the 2008 Iowa caucuses and finished second in the Gop delegate count. But he is still considered an outsider to the...
- 5/15/2011
- by Mark McKinnon
- The Daily Beast
Being president is a great job-if you have a serious shot at winning. Howard Kurtz on why the ex-governor picked well-paying punditry.
I never thought Mike Huckabee would run for president again, largely because he was so open about his doubts.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
Besides, how likely was it that he would make a move at the end of his low-rated Fox show late on a Saturday night? And put the network in the position of having made an in-kind contribution? And that his political advisers would be clueless that he was about to launch a national campaign?
Huckabee seemed to want to keep the guessing game going at least until June, but Fox executives were pressing him to get in or get out, rather than using the cable channel to keep hope alive.
The decision was ultimately "a spiritual one," Huckabee told viewers,...
I never thought Mike Huckabee would run for president again, largely because he was so open about his doubts.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Why Obama's Still Untouchable in 2012
Besides, how likely was it that he would make a move at the end of his low-rated Fox show late on a Saturday night? And put the network in the position of having made an in-kind contribution? And that his political advisers would be clueless that he was about to launch a national campaign?
Huckabee seemed to want to keep the guessing game going at least until June, but Fox executives were pressing him to get in or get out, rather than using the cable channel to keep hope alive.
The decision was ultimately "a spiritual one," Huckabee told viewers,...
- 5/15/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
Newt Gingrich will add substance to the Republican field when he declares his candidacy for president, but we already have a professor as president-and the country is looking for something new, says Mark McKinnon.
Out with The Donald, in with The Newt.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Democrats' Negotiator in Chief
Newt Gingrich is unlikely to woo enough voters to win the Gop presidential nomination, but he is certain to make it more interesting. Gingrich is an idea factory, an organizational genius, and a prodigious fundraiser. His issues-oriented American Solutions "citizen action network" reports more than 2.4 million members. And according to The Wall Street Journal, Gingrich has "raised $32 million between 2009 and 2010-more than all his potential 2012 rivals combined."
But Gingrich also has the whiff of "been there, done that." And while he can produce an avalanche of substance and process and impress with his intellect, he rarely excites. Gingrich...
Out with The Donald, in with The Newt.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Democrats' Negotiator in Chief
Newt Gingrich is unlikely to woo enough voters to win the Gop presidential nomination, but he is certain to make it more interesting. Gingrich is an idea factory, an organizational genius, and a prodigious fundraiser. His issues-oriented American Solutions "citizen action network" reports more than 2.4 million members. And according to The Wall Street Journal, Gingrich has "raised $32 million between 2009 and 2010-more than all his potential 2012 rivals combined."
But Gingrich also has the whiff of "been there, done that." And while he can produce an avalanche of substance and process and impress with his intellect, he rarely excites. Gingrich...
- 5/10/2011
- by Mark McKinnon
- The Daily Beast
The Indiana governor needs to jump into the 2012 race-or stop ruminating about it. Jill Lawrence on why playing the reluctant candidate is more likely to turn Daniels into a Fred Thompson than a George Washington.
One week of making the rounds as a possible presidential candidate, and Mitch Daniels is already digging himself out of a hole. Memo to Mitch: Get in or out, but do it soon. There's such a thing as playing too hard to get, and it can be risky.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Should We Hit Gaddafi Next?
The Indiana governor's high-profile speech last week in Washington about his education accomplishments, and his wife's upcoming keynote address Thursday at a state Republican Party dinner, are among the strong signs that he is serious about jumping into the 2012 Gop race. The former federal budget director, a fiscal Paul Revere raising alarms about the $14.3 trillion national debt,...
One week of making the rounds as a possible presidential candidate, and Mitch Daniels is already digging himself out of a hole. Memo to Mitch: Get in or out, but do it soon. There's such a thing as playing too hard to get, and it can be risky.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Should We Hit Gaddafi Next?
The Indiana governor's high-profile speech last week in Washington about his education accomplishments, and his wife's upcoming keynote address Thursday at a state Republican Party dinner, are among the strong signs that he is serious about jumping into the 2012 Gop race. The former federal budget director, a fiscal Paul Revere raising alarms about the $14.3 trillion national debt,...
- 5/10/2011
- by Jill Lawrence
- The Daily Beast
Former restaurant magnate Herman Cain stole the show at the first Gop debate. Michael Medved on how his long-shot candidacy could breathe new life into a struggling party.
The most intriguing question raised by the first presidential debate in Greenville, S.C., involves the way Republicans will characterize the surprising showing of Herman Cain.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Bin Laden Jitters
Does the business leader and talk radio host represent the next Ronald Reagan-or the second coming of Alan Keyes?
Cain's fans and supporters cite the reaction to Thursday night's encounter to stress the Reaganesque qualities of their champion. According to a focus group conducted by Fox News analyst Frank Luntz, Cain gained more support from his self-assured and capable performance than any other candidate in the 35 debates the pollster has covered. Among 29 participants, only one favored Cain prior to the telecast; afterwards, a clear...
The most intriguing question raised by the first presidential debate in Greenville, S.C., involves the way Republicans will characterize the surprising showing of Herman Cain.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Bin Laden Jitters
Does the business leader and talk radio host represent the next Ronald Reagan-or the second coming of Alan Keyes?
Cain's fans and supporters cite the reaction to Thursday night's encounter to stress the Reaganesque qualities of their champion. According to a focus group conducted by Fox News analyst Frank Luntz, Cain gained more support from his self-assured and capable performance than any other candidate in the 35 debates the pollster has covered. Among 29 participants, only one favored Cain prior to the telecast; afterwards, a clear...
- 5/7/2011
- by Michael Medved
- The Daily Beast
The likely Republican candidates might not be saying much about their candidacies just yet. But, as the saying goes, the medium is the message. Facial decoding firm Sensory Logic has figured out ways to interpret their messages.
Although President Barack Obama is substantially boosted by the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and a relatively unknown few Republicans debated last night in Greenville, South Carolina, Campaign 2012 nevertheless is starting to take shape. During the campagign, many Americans will meet Gop contenders for the first time. But what the presidential hopefuls say may not matter that much. Their faces may be doing the heavy lifting. A scientific, emotional “facial coding” of the candidates and their expressions may determine who gains traction and who gets the nomination.
Campaigns and the public will soon be inundated with information on how candidates are tracking and their odds for success ("the horse race"). Politicians and the...
Although President Barack Obama is substantially boosted by the killing of Osama Bin Laden, and a relatively unknown few Republicans debated last night in Greenville, South Carolina, Campaign 2012 nevertheless is starting to take shape. During the campagign, many Americans will meet Gop contenders for the first time. But what the presidential hopefuls say may not matter that much. Their faces may be doing the heavy lifting. A scientific, emotional “facial coding” of the candidates and their expressions may determine who gains traction and who gets the nomination.
Campaigns and the public will soon be inundated with information on how candidates are tracking and their odds for success ("the horse race"). Politicians and the...
- 5/6/2011
- by Kevin Randall
- Fast Company
Obama just took out the world's top terrorist-providing a burst of momentum just as the 2012 race begins. Howard Kurtz on the Gop dilemma-and why the Dems' advantage may be short-lived.
When Republican candidates face off in their first presidential debate this week, the shadow of Osama bin Laden will hang over the event.
The president they have been attacking as a dithering commander-in-chief has, after all, just presided over a military operation that killed America's foremost enemy nearly a decade after he masterminded the 9/11 attacks.
"They've got to be careful how they handle the president," says former Gop congressman Vin Weber, who is backing fellow Minnesotan Tim Pawlenty. "The country is feeling good about itself for the first time in years, and he is the embodiment of that. The Republicans cannot put that at risk. You don't want to be the one who pops the bubble."
"It could certainly have...
When Republican candidates face off in their first presidential debate this week, the shadow of Osama bin Laden will hang over the event.
The president they have been attacking as a dithering commander-in-chief has, after all, just presided over a military operation that killed America's foremost enemy nearly a decade after he masterminded the 9/11 attacks.
"They've got to be careful how they handle the president," says former Gop congressman Vin Weber, who is backing fellow Minnesotan Tim Pawlenty. "The country is feeling good about itself for the first time in years, and he is the embodiment of that. The Republicans cannot put that at risk. You don't want to be the one who pops the bubble."
"It could certainly have...
- 5/2/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
Sure, Newt Gingrich has got lots of personal baggage and fundraising woes. But Howard Kurtz says the ex-House speaker, who says he's announcing his candidacy by next week, could still shake up the 2012 race.
Newt Gingrich rarely fails to rouse a partisan crowd, as he demonstrated again over the weekend.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Democrats' Negotiator in Chief
There is "virtually no left-wing politician left who believes that they can pass legislation that significantly restricts the right to bear arms," he told the National Rifle Association's convention in Pittsburgh. But opponents have adopted a stealth strategy, he warned, which "is why we need an American president who insists upon our rights."
Someone very much like the former speaker of the House, perhaps. He may have a U-Haul full of baggage, but let's face it, this is not an intimidating field.
Gingrich has suddenly stopped playing coy, telling Hotline...
Newt Gingrich rarely fails to rouse a partisan crowd, as he demonstrated again over the weekend.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Democrats' Negotiator in Chief
There is "virtually no left-wing politician left who believes that they can pass legislation that significantly restricts the right to bear arms," he told the National Rifle Association's convention in Pittsburgh. But opponents have adopted a stealth strategy, he warned, which "is why we need an American president who insists upon our rights."
Someone very much like the former speaker of the House, perhaps. He may have a U-Haul full of baggage, but let's face it, this is not an intimidating field.
Gingrich has suddenly stopped playing coy, telling Hotline...
- 5/2/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
Once a trademark of the fringe right, Obama birth conspiracies are dominating the Gop's discourse-and now, Amazon's bestseller list. Michelle Goldberg on why that's good news for Democrats.
There probably are some politicians who are very nervous about the fact that Jerome Corsi's new book, Where's the Birth Certificate? The Case that Barack Obama is not Eligible to be President has already rocketed to the top spot on Amazon weeks before its publication date. None of them are Democrats. Throughout the last two years, the conservative movement has mainstreamed once-fringe elements, encouraging ever more outré speculation about our president and his origins. Now the Republican Party has a birther problem it can't control.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Should We Hit Gaddafi Next?
The list of prominent conservatives who have winked at birtherism is long. Earlier this month, Rush Limbaugh said, "We've got somebody about whom there are legitimate citizenship questions here,...
There probably are some politicians who are very nervous about the fact that Jerome Corsi's new book, Where's the Birth Certificate? The Case that Barack Obama is not Eligible to be President has already rocketed to the top spot on Amazon weeks before its publication date. None of them are Democrats. Throughout the last two years, the conservative movement has mainstreamed once-fringe elements, encouraging ever more outré speculation about our president and his origins. Now the Republican Party has a birther problem it can't control.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Should We Hit Gaddafi Next?
The list of prominent conservatives who have winked at birtherism is long. Earlier this month, Rush Limbaugh said, "We've got somebody about whom there are legitimate citizenship questions here,...
- 4/22/2011
- by Michelle Goldberg
- The Daily Beast
Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Mike Huckabee, and other top Republican presidential contenders denounce Democrats as immoral tax hikers-but they oversaw dozens of tax hikes as governors facing deficits, writes Andrew Romano.
The Gop's most promising 2012 presidential contenders-Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, Mitch Daniels, and Mike Huckabee-have a lot in common. They are all white. They are all middle-aged. They were all governors at one point. And despite a shared tendency to denounce Democrats as inveterate, immoral tax hikers, they all have the exact same skeleton in their closet: a rather inconvenient history of raising taxes themselves.
Related story on The Daily Beast: It's the Economy, Stupid
Surprised? It's no wonder. Until now, Romney & Co. have done a good job of hiding their tax-raising records from the rest of the Republican Party-with good reason. In a perfect world, according to Gop orthodoxy, taxes would always be lower than they are right now,...
The Gop's most promising 2012 presidential contenders-Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, Mitch Daniels, and Mike Huckabee-have a lot in common. They are all white. They are all middle-aged. They were all governors at one point. And despite a shared tendency to denounce Democrats as inveterate, immoral tax hikers, they all have the exact same skeleton in their closet: a rather inconvenient history of raising taxes themselves.
Related story on The Daily Beast: It's the Economy, Stupid
Surprised? It's no wonder. Until now, Romney & Co. have done a good job of hiding their tax-raising records from the rest of the Republican Party-with good reason. In a perfect world, according to Gop orthodoxy, taxes would always be lower than they are right now,...
- 4/19/2011
- by Andrew Romano
- The Daily Beast
On Tuesday night's O'Reilly Factor, Bill O'Reilly and Charles Krauthammer weighed in on George Will's recent column contending that there are only five real Gop candidates for President in 2012: Haley Barbour, Mitch Daniels, Jon Huntsman, Tim Pawlenty, and Mitt Romney. Will omitted Mike Huckabee and Newt Gingrich from his list of worthies, citing their deleterious "vibrations of weirdness." Sarah Palin is not believed to be running, or at least she's subtly being pressured not to by certain right-wing operatives and commentators who may see her as a potential distraction from more viable candidates. Krauthammer thought Gingrich was "undisciplined" and "has a lot of tread marks on him, unfortunately." O'Reilly noted that Romney was the only one with real name recognition among the five, and said "If I'm President Obama, I'm not quakin' over there,&[...]...
- 3/9/2011
- Nerve
Bill O'Reilly and Charles Krauthammer discussed a recent column by George Will claiming there are really only five serious Republican candidates for President in 2012: Mitch Daniels, Haley Barbour, Tim Pawlenty, Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney. Krauthammer agreed with that field of candidates, prompting O'Reilly to conclude with a list like that, "if I'm President Obama, I'm not quaking over there."...
- 3/9/2011
- by Matt Schneider
- Mediaite - TV
The New Jersey governor claims he knows he "could win" the White House in 2012, but he's not "ready to be president." Andrew Romano on why Christie isn't insane-though he shouldn't read much into early polls.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie isn't known for being demure. Since defeating incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine in 2009, he's blustered, bellowed, and bullied his way into the hearts of conservatives nationwide, berating every schoolteacher or union boss who has had the temerity to cross him-especially if his staff is filming the encounter for YouTube.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Obama's Last Chance on Libya
So when National Review's Rich Lowry asked Christie whether "he knew that, given the moment, there is a serious chance he could win the Republican nomination if he ran," the governor responded in typically bombastic fashion.
"I see the opportunity," said the New Jersey governor, who at this point has been...
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie isn't known for being demure. Since defeating incumbent Democrat Jon Corzine in 2009, he's blustered, bellowed, and bullied his way into the hearts of conservatives nationwide, berating every schoolteacher or union boss who has had the temerity to cross him-especially if his staff is filming the encounter for YouTube.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Obama's Last Chance on Libya
So when National Review's Rich Lowry asked Christie whether "he knew that, given the moment, there is a serious chance he could win the Republican nomination if he ran," the governor responded in typically bombastic fashion.
"I see the opportunity," said the New Jersey governor, who at this point has been...
- 3/3/2011
- by Andrew Romano
- The Daily Beast
Update: Wisconsin Senate Republicans voted to strip state workers of their collective bargaining rights on Wednesday. The Democratic senators' presence was not required after the Gop separated the measure from a spending package so that it no longer required a quorum. The final vote was 18-1, with Republican Dale Schultz casting the only vote against the bill. The move could come back to bite Republicans: Polling showed citizens of Wisconsin, by a two-to-one majority, were expecting a compromise.
Last week, John Avlon reported on how Walker's "nuclear option."
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Left's New Powerhouse
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has an un-played ace up his sleeve in the budget fights that have made Madison the focus of a national struggle between fiscal conservatives and public sector unions.
A little-noticed provision in the Wisconsin State Constitution-Article 8, Section 8-allows non-fiscal bills to be passed by a simple majority of state legislators,...
Last week, John Avlon reported on how Walker's "nuclear option."
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Left's New Powerhouse
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has an un-played ace up his sleeve in the budget fights that have made Madison the focus of a national struggle between fiscal conservatives and public sector unions.
A little-noticed provision in the Wisconsin State Constitution-Article 8, Section 8-allows non-fiscal bills to be passed by a simple majority of state legislators,...
- 3/2/2011
- by John Avlon
- The Daily Beast
Filed under: Reality-Free, TV Replay
On 'The Daily Show With Jon Stewart' (Weeknights, 11Pm Et on Comedy Central), host Jon Stewart pointed out that no major Gop candidate has yet declared they are running for President, whereas at the same time in the 2008 cycle, 12 had already staked their claim.
Then Stewart discussed all the Republicans who might eventually toss their hat into the ring. When he got to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who stands a generous 5'7" tall and has a comb-over style haircut, Stewart played a clip of Daniels acknowledging he doesn't look like the typical President.
"Sure, if it comes down to height and hair, I probably wouldn't do very well," Daniels said of his presidential chances in the clip.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
On 'The Daily Show With Jon Stewart' (Weeknights, 11Pm Et on Comedy Central), host Jon Stewart pointed out that no major Gop candidate has yet declared they are running for President, whereas at the same time in the 2008 cycle, 12 had already staked their claim.
Then Stewart discussed all the Republicans who might eventually toss their hat into the ring. When he got to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who stands a generous 5'7" tall and has a comb-over style haircut, Stewart played a clip of Daniels acknowledging he doesn't look like the typical President.
"Sure, if it comes down to height and hair, I probably wouldn't do very well," Daniels said of his presidential chances in the clip.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments...
- 3/2/2011
- by Jeremy Taylor
- Aol TV.
Instead of striving for party purity, Gop elephants and grizzlies must accept moderates and RINOs if they're going to have a prayer against Obama in 2012. Mark McKinnon on why Mitch Daniels and Haley Barbour are on the right track.
If the Gop is going to win the presidency back, we have to put more animals on the ark, not fewer. And that includes RINOs.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Race Backslide
President Obama's proposed budget cuts offer little to thwart the deluge of debt that threatens the nation-with "endless deficit spending" and an unsustainable interest burden. While House Republicans are working furiously to stem the coming entitlement tsunami, potential Gop presidential candidates Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-in) and Gov. Haley Barbour (R-ms) are working to expand the size of the lifeboat. Having been at the helm of the ship of state, they recognize more hands on board can change the course faster.
If the Gop is going to win the presidency back, we have to put more animals on the ark, not fewer. And that includes RINOs.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Race Backslide
President Obama's proposed budget cuts offer little to thwart the deluge of debt that threatens the nation-with "endless deficit spending" and an unsustainable interest burden. While House Republicans are working furiously to stem the coming entitlement tsunami, potential Gop presidential candidates Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-in) and Gov. Haley Barbour (R-ms) are working to expand the size of the lifeboat. Having been at the helm of the ship of state, they recognize more hands on board can change the course faster.
- 2/23/2011
- by Mark McKinnon
- The Daily Beast
Why can't the Republicans find a 2012 frontrunner? In this week's Newsweek, Howard Kurtz writes on the sorry state of the Gop field-and why nobody's emerged as a credible threat to Obama.
Newt Gingrich moved slowly through the halls as excited onlookers kept stopping him for photos and thrusting paper at him for autographs, each trying to briefly bask in his celebrity.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Race Backslide
He had spent the day whacking President Obama on everything from energy to Egypt, but when I asked about his real agenda at the popular Conservative Political Action Conference-floating an actual candidacy-he turned cautious. "You have to decide whether it's something you feel compelled to do," the former House speaker said, "and if it's absolutely your duty to do it." In short, he wants to be wanted by a party that isn't sure who or what it wants.
As all manner of pols,...
Newt Gingrich moved slowly through the halls as excited onlookers kept stopping him for photos and thrusting paper at him for autographs, each trying to briefly bask in his celebrity.
Related story on The Daily Beast: The Gop's Race Backslide
He had spent the day whacking President Obama on everything from energy to Egypt, but when I asked about his real agenda at the popular Conservative Political Action Conference-floating an actual candidacy-he turned cautious. "You have to decide whether it's something you feel compelled to do," the former House speaker said, "and if it's absolutely your duty to do it." In short, he wants to be wanted by a party that isn't sure who or what it wants.
As all manner of pols,...
- 2/21/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
Fighting off a boycott and scrambling for a headliner, the biggest annual conservative gathering takes place this week. Eight things to watch at Cpac.
The right descends on Washington this week, as thousands of activists pour into the nation's capital to attend the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. It's a heady time-with Republicans having seized control of the House, closed the gap with Democrats in the Senate, and now gearing up for a chance to reclaim the White House in 2012. But all is not well at the old-line American Conservative Union, which throws the annual party.
Related story on The Daily Beast: America's Proud Egypt Moment
The organization is embroiled in an embezzlement scandal. Fellow travelers are boycotting the whole affair because Cpac's big tent allowed a gay Republican group inside. With one day left before kickoff, no headliner had been chosen. And longtime leader David Keene is said to...
The right descends on Washington this week, as thousands of activists pour into the nation's capital to attend the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. It's a heady time-with Republicans having seized control of the House, closed the gap with Democrats in the Senate, and now gearing up for a chance to reclaim the White House in 2012. But all is not well at the old-line American Conservative Union, which throws the annual party.
Related story on The Daily Beast: America's Proud Egypt Moment
The organization is embroiled in an embezzlement scandal. Fellow travelers are boycotting the whole affair because Cpac's big tent allowed a gay Republican group inside. With one day left before kickoff, no headliner had been chosen. And longtime leader David Keene is said to...
- 2/9/2011
- by Samuel P. Jacobs & Shushannah Walshe
- The Daily Beast
With Pence out, Huckabee wavering and Palin problematic, conservatives are looking for a heartthrob. Howard Kurtz on the 2012 vacuum that could help Obama.
It wasn't exactly a full-fledged draft, but for a few, brief shining moments, Mike Pence was in demand as a presidential candidate.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Will Carney's Voice Carry?
The Indiana congressman would have faced a huge fundraising challenge, but when a group of Republican hotshots, including Dick Armey, began trying to persuade Pence to make a run, the effort warranted a big headline in Politico.
Well, that didn't last long. Pence told the Indiana press last night that he may run for governor instead.
The curious mating dance unfolding these days suggests an unmistakable void in the amorphous Republican field.
With everyone from Donald Trump to pizza mogul Herman Cain to wrong-camera maverick Michele Bachmann eyeing the race, we have Bill Kristol...
It wasn't exactly a full-fledged draft, but for a few, brief shining moments, Mike Pence was in demand as a presidential candidate.
Related story on The Daily Beast: Will Carney's Voice Carry?
The Indiana congressman would have faced a huge fundraising challenge, but when a group of Republican hotshots, including Dick Armey, began trying to persuade Pence to make a run, the effort warranted a big headline in Politico.
Well, that didn't last long. Pence told the Indiana press last night that he may run for governor instead.
The curious mating dance unfolding these days suggests an unmistakable void in the amorphous Republican field.
With everyone from Donald Trump to pizza mogul Herman Cain to wrong-camera maverick Michele Bachmann eyeing the race, we have Bill Kristol...
- 1/28/2011
- by Howard Kurtz
- The Daily Beast
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