I am disappointed that Christie has decided not to run. This disappointment is not a guarantee that I would have voted for Christie, or even support him. I believe Christie would have added substance and spice to the debate and fire to a Republican base that is increasingly losing interest in its bland choices. Christie seems to be the first, and likely only, victim to the ridiculous war for the first in the nation primary.

In theory, it was a good idea. New Hampshire is an Electoral College lightweight, with only four electoral votes. A Presidential candidate requires 270 votes to win the Presidency. Four measly votes are unlikely to garner much attention in the grand scheme of a Presidential political campaign. Unless, of course, that state’s voters pass first judgment over the Presidential field. New Hampshire has had this distinction and privilege since 1952. For forty years, from 1952-1992, the person elected President had always won the New Hampshire primary. Then, in 1992, Paul Tsongas won the New Hampshire primary. Who the hell is that? Exactly! In 2000, John McCain won. How did that work out for him? In 2008, Hillary Clinton beat Barack Obama. Unfortunately, we all know who eventually won the general election.

My beef is not with New Hampshire citizens losing their ability to pick the winner. It is primarily with Bill Gardner and the New Hampshire legislature. Bill Gardner, New Hampshire’s Secretary of State since the Stone Age (not really, but you get the point), has been a staunch steward of the New Hampshire primary during his almost forty-year tenure. Every election year he seems to fight other states who try to usurp New Hampshire’s first in the nation status. I appreciate that. However, this year, the silliness has reached astronomical levels. Since Florida and other states have adjusted their primary calendar, it is now possible that New Hampshire residents are going to have to schedule their Christmas dinner around going to the polls. And for what? Tradition? To tell other states, “Nanny, nanny, poo, poo, we vote first!”?

The madness has to stop. We are beginning to lose the forest for the trees. The idea behind the Presidential primary is to properly assess, vet, and decide who is the best candidate to lead the free world. It is possible that the Republicans have lost a valuable and experienced candidate because the states want to fight over the first in the nation primary. Yes, I am referring to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. He should have gotten in the race earlier, you say? The election is a YEAR away. Believe it or not, this four-year campaign cycle is relatively new in U.S. politics. I am not going to teach you, but I suggest cracking open an American history book.

Look, I love having the Presidential candidates coming to New Hampshire. As a New Hampshire citizen, I feel blessed to have this opportunity. I also love the fact that campaigns come and spend money in the New Hampshire economy. But does having a Presidential candidate hold ten town hall meetings in the Berlin, N.H. VFW hall in the course of a three-month period really add value to the political process? I think not.

At the time of the primary, I was a senior at the University of New Hampshire in the Political Science program. That fall I enrolled in renowned political pollster Andy Smith’s “New Hampshire Primary” course. Yes, that was an actual class. Yes, it was taken for credit. Yes, I paid money for it. All kidding aside, this class was unique among all American universities because of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary status. Almost every candidate either personally spoke or sent a representative to speak to our class. We also received free tickets to the Republican debates that were held at the University’s Whittemore Center. For a political junkie like me, this was pure political “heroin” in my veins.

At the end of the course, Professor Smith held an ad hoc vote asking us who would win both the Republican and Democratic primaries. Hillary Clinton won the Democratic nod, while John McCain won his party’s endorsement. On January 3, 2008, three weeks after this informal vote was held, Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama, neither of whom won our class vote, won the Iowa caucuses. I was sure “the Huckster” would carry this momentum into New Hampshire. It was not to be.

The moral to this story is not an idle recitation of primaries gone by. It’s about knowing when to hold them, and knowing when to fold them. But seriously, I’m about to make a bold prediction that may upset some of our readers: Barack Obama will win the 2012 Presidency. As of today, the Presidency is Barack Obama’s to lose. To be frank, the Republican Party does not have any candidates currently in the race, or any on the horizon even, that could oust the “Osama Killer” from the White House.

Yes, it is true. Mike Huckabee has led in most of the recent Republican primary polls, particularly those in Iowa. But as we saw in 2008, this does not mean that he will win in New Hampshire. The point that is lost on most, if not all, of the current and potential GOP candidates, is that just because you CAN run, does not mean you SHOULD run. Huckabee recognized this, and I give him all the respect in the world for his decision.

Now the mad scramble for Huckabee’s endorsement among the pathetic Presidential hopefuls begins. If the GOP’s mystery savior candidate exists, he or she better throw his or her hat in the ring soon. As we all know, the race for the 2012 Presidency began the day after Obama’s election – and there is some major catching up to do.

Growing up it was sometimes difficult to pronounce words correctly. I look back fondly when I used to pronounce ‘water,’ ‘warter,’ and ‘Massachusetts,’ ‘Massa-TU-setts.’ Even today, I speak in a quasi-southern, quasi-New England, quasi-Mark Wahlberg Boston accent. My poor mother is sometimes the subject of intra-family teasing when all of the boys are back together at the house. This article will serve two purposes. First, it will defend the southern accent as “the” American accent. Second, it will answer the question if the southern accent is electable in twenty-first century America.

In places north of the Mason-Dixon Line, the southern accent is the subject of ridicule. Many think that those with southern accents are unintelligent, ignorant, and racist. Let’s explore the facts, shall we? Fifteen Presidents hail from south of the Mason-Dixon. Names like Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe, who founded our great nation, are from Virginia alone. These men who risked their lives and fortunes for our independence formed the tongue now known as the Southern accent. The Southern accent is unique throughout the entire world. When you hear English spoken in far corners of Earth, one cannot be for sure if the speaker is American. With a southern accent, all doubt is erased. It is the AMERICAN accent.

Let’s look at the South today. Many think of Southerners as beer-drinking, pick-up truck driving, NASCAR racing fans. This is probably a fair assessment for some Southerners, but have you ever seen the opening of a NASCAR event? The National Anthem is sung, while everyone is singing. A Christian prayer is said, while everyone is praying. Flags are waving everywhere… American flags that is. In the Southern states, there is an unapologetic, blind love for the United States that is so sorely lacking from most parts of the country – particularly the Northeast. Shockingly, it is this love and patriotism that the South exudes for the United States that angers the rest of the country! Does anyone else see a problem here?

This brings us to the ultimate question – is a southern accent electable? This question first entered my mind when Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour stopped by the Granite State last week to feel out a possible 2012 Presidential run. The 63-year-old Barbour toured various gun shops in southern New Hampshire to shake hands with a typical Republican demographic. Barbour is already drawing anti-Southern hatred with many calling him Haley “Strom” Barbour, after the late U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina. Thurmond was a well-known segregationist. I tried to determine how Barbour could be compared to Thurmond and his segregationist policies. Then I figured it out. Both have a southern accent. So does this mean all Americans with a Southern accent are racists? Does this mean all Southern politicians are segregationists? Hardly! In actuality, the southern United States is far more diverse than the northern states. Is this the pot calling the kettle black?

The last three of six U.S. Presidents had southern accents. Can you remember them? Time’s up. George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and James Carter all had southern accents. Bill Clinton, unofficially known as the “first black president,” is one of the most popular Presidents in United States history. Carter was a virtual unknown before winning the 1976 Democratic primary in New Hampshire with 28% of the vote.

If Barbour is seriously considering a Presidential run, he needs to take a page from both Clinton and Carter’s playbook. If he campaigns early like Carter, and uses the southern charm of “Comeback Kid” Clinton, there may be a chance that the southern accent rises again in New Hampshire.

Trying to show a diverse Republican field, the GOP nominated and elected Michael Steele as its party chairman in 2009. I think everyone can agree that was an utter failure. I watched in pain Steele’s latest “media” appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher.” In defense of Steele, he was a lamb in a lion’s den. He definitely was no Daniel of biblical times. Flanked by Maher and MSNBC’s Ed O’Neil, Steele was torn limb from limb over every issue under the sun. Nervously chuckling at jokes made on his behalf, Steele looked helpless. I admit, I laughed at Steele’s expense, too.

So, now, here we are – partying like it’s 1996. There is no clear face to lead our party against the Obama war machine. Who can we call on? Let’s look in our bag of Republican tricks. Do we have a shot-up war veteran from World War II, Korea, or Vietnam? Nope. OK, let’s see. Do we have a trust fund baby (also a war hero) who made himself rich off oil and owned a baseball team? Nope. Hmm, let me dig further. Is another one of his sons in there? Yep, but that doesn’t work. Is Reagan still dead? Yep. Damn!

At last, I reach the bottom of the trick bag. Blowing off dust and picking off the lint, I find Newt Gingrich, Haley Barbour, and yes, even Mitt Romney. Haley will be the subject of my next article, so I’ll abstain from commenting until then. Newt Gingrich – ha – isn’t this the Speaker who led the charge against Clinton’s infidelities while he himself was getting oral sex from someone other than his wife? Need I go on? Lastly, Mitt Romney. While I do believe the Dems are afraid of him, and he is the best winnable candidate (notice I didn’t say overall best candidate), evangelical Christians distrust Mormons. Also remember RomneyCare? Sounds similar to ObamaCare to me.

Who do I have left in this bag? A toupee? Hmm…this must belong to someone. Oh, no way – it’s Donald Trump in here. How did he get in here? Oh, he was searching for Obama’s birth certificate and got lost. Look, do I believe Obama was born here? Can’t say for sure, I wasn’t there. I’m not even 100% sure if Obama’s own father was there. But the fact is the majority of Americans (and independents) believe he WAS born in Hawaii. Case closed. You’re fired! You now must be thinking, what about that other reality TV star, Sarah Palin? You betcha I won’t be voting for her.

The Grand Old Party will soon live up to its name -old – if it doesn’t find its face soon. As for me, I encourage my followers to research Rand Paul, the younger, more even-headed, son of Representative Ron Paul. One term Senator you say? Hmm…sounds like someone we know.

Elections are over, the people have spoken with their votes, results are in and it was an overwhelming Republican victory. The political pendulum has swung in the other direction. While the Republicans gained seats in the Senate it was not quite enough to gain a majority. The House was a different story and the Republicans will now take control. We have no choice but to be satisfied with this balance of power.

This is not the time for Republican gloating, back-slapping, high-fives or fist-bumps. There is much work to be done and difficult legislation lies ahead. A clear message has been sent to Washington and the nation. No longer will it be acceptable to ignore the American majority and push personal agendas through Congress. When you thwart the will of the people your political career and aspirations will be cut short. The political “norm” will no longer be tolerated. Out-of-control spending, pork-laden bills, and government restrictions on freedoms will be quickly rebuked by the people.

When the new Congress convenes in January all politicians will be expected to immediately start taking action on the myriad of problems that confront this country, not February or March or when they get around to it. All representatives are expected to be present and accounted for on all legislative votes. We will be watching and taking notes, legislators can no longer shirk their responsibilites.

Should this current crop of politicians veer off the path of fiscal responsibility and common sense legislation and not follow the will of the people there will be no need for term limits, the people will ensure they only have one. It’s a short two years until the next election.

Those that do not vote forfeit their privilege to enter into a political discussion or voice their political displeasure. Voting earns bragging rights to any political conversation. The first question in a political exchange should be,”Did you vote?” If the answer is “no”, the individual or individuals should be shunned and relegated to insignificant because they are in fact completely irrelevant. They made a choice to either participate in democracy or not. Those non-voters that stand on the sidelines and complain have no legitimate grievance. Their disdain shall be meaningless.

Regardless of the myriad of political campaign ads that are heaped upon us from every media outlet it is the people that will shape this country through their vote. Lest we forget the great words of President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysberg Address that states “that government of the people, by the people, for the people.” It was never meant to be “of the politicians, by the politicians, for the politicians.”

Make a difference. Be relevant. Get out and vote!

My cousin’s message did not fall on deaf ears. It is a prevailing theme that is poisoning the Republican well…and we are all drinking from it. This loss that my cousin was referring to was the victory of “Tea Party” candidate Christine O’Donnell, who beat seasoned Republican Mike Castle in Delaware’s U.S. Senate primary. Castle had the national and state Republican Party’s political and monetary support. O’Donnell had the support of former Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Not only did O’Donnell win, but she took Castle to the wood shed. Only a week earlier, Delaware’s Republican Party state chair said, and I paraphrase, “in the extreme unlikelihood that O’Donnell wins, she will not receive the party’s support.” These sentiments were echoed by the national party then, and stand true today. The state chair continued by saying O’Donnell was not a viable candidate for any political position in Delaware, including dog catcher! Even Karl Rove joined in this discourse! Have you no pride, Mr. Rove? Unlikely, since you sent thousands of Americans to their deaths based upon a lie.

I want to warn you (the Republicans) that I’m about to use some bad words. You’re not going to like it. But you’re going to listen. If not, do so at your peril.
As much as I detest the Democratic Party and their positions, I admire them. Why? They stand up for their own. No matter how wacky, far-left, or even moderate, the individual Democrat’s position is, they support each other. They would walk through fire or fall on a grenade to protect their own. It’s called leadership, and the Republican Party is sorely lacking it. The Democrats are laughing at us this morning. Why? Not because O’Donnell is a “Tea Party” candidate and beat the establishment’s pick. It’s because the Republican Party is feeding into it by destroying our candidate. By the way, only two short years ago Sarah Palin received the nod as our Vice Presidential pick! Remember that Michael Steele? Now the party is shying away from candidates who receive Palin’s support. Do you really expect a positive response from the Independent voters with this wishey-washey behavior? It is NOT the national committee’s mission to choose one individual candidate over another. That is the PEOPLE’S choice. After the PEOPLE choose the candidate, the PARTY supports that candidate to insure victory. Why does the Republican Party not understand this? We have enough opposition with the Democrats without attacking our own.

The establishment’s pick of Castle is no friend to Republicans. Just look at his record, I am sure it is on Wikipedia. I am not going to regurgitate it in this article. However, supposedly, he was the most electable. Is that how we pick our candidates now? Electability? This is the same party that said O’Donnell couldn’t beat Castle…and she did. For my denser Republican colleagues out there, which is everyone at the national committee, the Tea Party is now a four-letter word. The media is using this blanket statement on any Republican candidate not picked by the establishment…even if they have NO affiliation with the Tea Party. The example that comes to mind is Ovide Lamontage. The national liberal media machine, who can’t even pronounce Ayotte nor Lamontagne’s last names, calls Lamontagne the “Tea Party candidate.” Every time I hear this, I want to scream. So, here goes…LAMONTAGNE IS NOT THE TEA PARTY CANDIDATE! He is the people’s candidate. No, he is not the establishment, but does this mean he automatically comes under the Tea Party fringe? In order to win in November, the Republicans must answer in a resounding “no”! It was sickening to see O’Donnell defend herself on early morning talk shows against liberal pinheads like George Stephanopoulos, who views O’Donnell as a laughingstock only because her party does not support her. If the Republican Party did, there would be no controversy, and we could focus on the real issue…beating the Democrats in November. By the way, the “pinhead” comment was not a shout-out to Bill O’Reilly. That man makes me want to vomit. Cultural Warrior, my arse! He is a chickenhawk, at best!

The solution is simple. The Republican Party needs to support all of their candidates as REPUBLICAN candidates. If we cut off our nose to spite our face, the early leads Republicans had throughout the summer of ’10 will be a footnote in history come November.

In his latest campaign swing through Ohio Obama proposed raising the economy by plucking another $350 billion off the money tree and pruning an additional $50 billion for infrastructure investment. He talks about hundreds of billions of dollars like it’s chump change.

The President is quick to promise his minions that he will punish those mean, terrible wealthy people with a tax hike. Let’s not forget that these are the same rich people that give millions of Americans their jobs. It’s also worth noting that these successful Americans did not accumulate wealth by making bad decisions and squandering their money away, like our government does.

Latest poll numbers strongly favor the GOP in November despite Joe Biden’s predictions. With Obama’s approval sliding down the Democrats are in desperation mode. This Fall is shaping up to be the season of blame.