Where are we in the GOP primary?

After watching the debate last night, I found myself asking if we could kick the current candidates out and start all over again. Jeez that was awful. Romney finally stepped up, but not really forceful enough to matter. McCain seemed small and petty. Huckabee I have to say is a great orator, but you can tell he is slick talking (its a Southern thang). If Huckabee is acting as a spoiler, then I have lost what respect I had left for him. It has simply been a war of attrition with the field yielding the scraps – my opinion.

Fred Steered us right

Please take the time to read this article over at FredThompsonConservative.com. I think it does a great job of pointing out what Sen. Thompson did for the primary by forcing the focus on issues and not the candidates themselves. Earlier debates were dull, boring and non-substantive. He changed that by showing the non-conservative flaws in the other candidates. This has already had the effect of candidates changing their policies for the better and exposing those that are too liberal. It also made the candidates prove they were conservative and did not allow them to just “wear the mantle”.

Sen. Thompson still in the news

That is great! Even though he dropped out over 14 days ago, he still is making news – good and bad. I see many articles by those disinterested in the current GOP candidates (include me in that estimate), and others still trying to hammer him down out of fear. Nice. Go Sen. Thompson.

2008 State of the Union Address

Last night was the last SOTU for President Bush. Did we hear anything new? Not really, but all-in-all it was a decent speech. There were some zingers thrown in though. So here is what I heard that was cool and not cool.

Can the Giants beat the Pats?

After watching the first encounter between the two, I would say yes it is possible. The biggest threat to the Giants – their defensive secondary. I will have to admit that the secondary did exceptionally well against the Packers, but then that was a different circumstance. I think the cold wreaked havoc on Favre as it did in the Chicago game. If the Giants can keep their heads and not get greedy, then they have a shot.

What is happening to the GOP and Conservatism?

Republicans – party of the Big Tent. Being Big Tent provides the party with a way of including others with varying views on issues such as abortion, taxes, 2nd Amendment, and the military. This supposedly allows the party to be more inclusive and grow. Not from what I have seen. There are three legs to the conservative philosophy – Fiscal, Social, and Security.

For most, the split is usually along fiscal and social lines although some have been squabbling lately over security issues like the Iraq War. Although I am for bringing more folks into the “tent”, having such a broad array of views on issues is starting to strain the party. Government spending cost the Republican party several seats in the 2006 election and it may cost us even more.

MTF: Republicans acting like Democrats?

Just when you thought the guys you voted for, and supposedly in your party, grew a backbone, they pull a fast one and back down to the very party they are working against. This action has earned the House Republicans the first Milquetoast Award. Congradulations! Earlier, Republicans in the House started to present a letter to the Democratic leadership asking to suspend earmarks for a years period of time as reported by RedState.com. Rep. Boehner, and other leading Republicans drafted the following letter:

UPDATE: Looks like Roy Blunt is responsible for killing the deal. How about calling Rep. Blunt and letting him know he was wrong.