Mitt Romney

Ronald Reagan On Tariffs And Immigration Totally Diametrically Opposite From Donald Trump!

Ronald 44 Comments

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President (1981-1989), was the most conservative President of the 20th century, who most Republicans have modeled themselves on, regarding his beliefs and record in office.

But today, most Republicans are subservient to Donald Trump, the 45th (2017-2021) and 47th (2025- ) President, and it is very clear that the two men have very little in common, despite both technically being Republican Presidents.

Reagan, for all of his faults, and the criticisms that have been made of his record in office, and his beliefs, was diametrically opposite from Trump on two key issues that now dominate the Trump Presidency.

Reagan made clear his opposition to high protective tariffs, while Trump is promoting a national and world wide crisis with his “Tariff Wars” against all nations, with many nations being assessed a totally insane level of tariffs on their goods.

Reagan also signed immigration reform in 1986, legitimizing many undocumented immigrants, perceving their positive contributions to the American economy and society, while Trump is determined to deport, if he is successful in doing so, ten or more millions of immigrants, despite the dire need for their labor, and the contributions most of them have made to the nation!

Republican Presidential candidates since Reagan, including the two Bush Presidents, but also John McCain and Mitt Romney, supported further immigration reform, as did some Republicans in Congress, but now most Republicans remain silent as Trump declares war on immigration.

So it seems quite obvious that if Ronald Reagan were alive today, he would be a vehement opponent of Donald Trump!

Another Disastrous Republican Vice President In A Long Line!

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The Republican Party has had an amazing ability to find a group of horrendous, often unqualified, Vice Presidential nominees, many of them becoming Vice President of the United States, in the past six decades since 1964.

Barry Goldwater in 1964, himself a highly controversial Presidential nominee, selected New York Congressman William E. Miller, totally unqualified to be a heartbeat away, to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Thank goodness Goldwater lost to Lyndon B. Johnson and his highly qualified Vice President, Hubert Humphrey.

In 1968 and again in 1972, Richard Nixon had Spiro Agnew as his Vice President, until he was forced out due to scandal and resignation in October 1973. Agnew was a true nightmare, and the thought that had he not been forced out, that he would have been President in 1974, was a literal nightmare scenario!

Fortunately, Nixon appointed Gerald Ford as his Vice President to replace Agnew, a blessing, and Ford selected Nelson Rockefeller, former NY Governor and three time Republican Presidential contender as his Vice President, both appointed under the 25th Amendment.

When Ford selected Senator Bob Dole as his Vice Presidential running mate in 1976, while controversial for his utterances, Dole was at least qualified for the Vice Presidency, as was George H. W. Bush for the eight years of Ronald Reagan.

But then came Dan Quayle as Vice President under George H. W. Bush, a man who came across as not very bright and a bit terrifying to imagine him succeeding to the Presidency, when Bush had a heart issue, that thankfully was resolved successfully, and lived on to 2018.

In 1996, losing nominee Bob Dole had former Congressman and Housing Secretary Jack Kemp as his running mate, not horrible but not preferable to Al Gore, Bill Clinton’s two term Vice President.

Then, George W. Bush had Dick Cheney of Wyoming as his Vice President, certainly competent, and actually having a great impact in the first term of Bush, but seen as very arrogant, nasty, and corrupt, and having great responsibility for the Iraq War, based on false information.

Then, an all time low was Sarah Palin as John McCain’s Vice Presidential running mate in 2008, the most scary and incompetent running mate in modern history, making even Dan Quayle look better.

This was followed by Mitt Romney in 2012 having Paul Ryan, later Speaker of the House, but seen as similar in right wing extremism to Cheney.

And then we had Mike Pence under Donald Trump, dutiful and obedient, but seen by many as a religious extremist, and yet repudiated by Trump, who endangered him at the time of the January 6 Insurrection for failing to stop the Electoral College Vote Count, and by Trump not calling off the mob attack that was threatening Pence’s life.

And now, we have JD Vance, who quickly is demonstrating how right wing extremist and undiplomatic he is on his first involvement in international affairs, along with his divisive domestic comments. His connection with powerful technology executives, including Peter Thiel, and Elon Musk, is totally horrifying!

The thought that Vance, at age 40, is a heartbeat away from the Presidency is terrifying!

With Confirmation Of Pete Hegseth, Can Any Trump Nominee Be Defeated?

Ronald 24 Comments

With the reality that the US Senate confirmed, by a tie vote broken by Vice President JD Vance, the nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, one must wonder will there ever be FOUR Republican Senators who will stand in the way of any Donald Trump nominee?

One could argue that the defense of the nation, the protection of all Americans, is endangered by having a Secretary of Defense, who has zero qualifications for the position, and has a history of alcohol problems and sexual promiscuity, which could make him suspect of being compromised by foreign spies, in a worst possible scenario.

But with the reality that this nomination went through, is there any hope of any of the other objectionable nominees being stopped?

Tulsi Gabbard is a real security risk if she becomes Director of National Intelligence.

Kash Patel is a danger if he is made head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the next decade, the worst possible nominee since J. Edgar Hoover passed away in 1972.

And Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, a true loose cannon with drug and alcohol problems and delusional behavior and beliefs, is a massive threat to the health and safety of 340 million Americans, with his anti vaccine lunacy and denial of basic science.

So the question arises: Can four Republican Senators be counted upon to reject any or all of these controversial nominees?

One would hope Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins might follow through, but can they be expected to reject all three of these controversial nominees?

Can Mitch McConnell do so as well, considering his concerns about national security and foreign policy, and his having had polio as a child?

But will anyone else, such as Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who is a doctor and has expressed concern about RFK Jr’s crazy views on public health?

What about John Curtis, the new Utah Senator who replaced Mitt Romney, and was thought to be a likely vote to oppose Hegseth, but did not do so?

What about James Lankford of Oklahoma, who had been a co-sponsor of immigration legislation in 2024 that Trump convinced Republicans to refuse to support?

What about Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who wavered on Hegseth and ended up supporting him in the end?

And then, there are rumors that Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania might support one of more of these three controversial nominees, and even, crazily, that Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse might support RFK Jr, who was a college friend decades ago.

Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins And? Will Trump Nominees Be Stopped?

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Two Republican women Senators, considered the most “moderate” in the party caucus, have come out in committee against the nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense.

Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine have made clear that they are unhappy with Hegseth’s statements in the past against women in the military, although he has backed off on that idea recently.

Murkowski does not face an election until 2028, and already in the past, had kept her seat as an Independent in one election race. And Susan Collins has hinted she may not run for reelection in 2026, but even if she does, she is in a strong position in a state that is more “Blue”, but her ability to keep her seat has been strong in the past. She has served 28 years and is the longest serving female Republican Senator in American history.

The question is whether there are two more Republicans who will have the guts and courage to join Murkowski and Collins. Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, former Majority and Minority Leader, is a “free spirit” in his last two years in the upper chamber, who disagrees with Donald Trump on foreign and defense policy, so might rebel against Hegseth.

Joni Ernst of Iowa seemed a possible negative vote, but was pressured in her home state to support Hegseth, and therefore looks likely to vote for him despite some qualms.

As stated by this author and blogger in an earlier post on January 12, there are a few other Republican Senators who might, hopefully, join in opposition, particularly the new Utah Senator John Curtis, seen as similar in moderation as was Mitt Romney, plus Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina!

If not voting against Hegseth, there is greater possibility that some of this group will vote against other objectionable nominees, including Tulsi Gabbard, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, and Kash Patel.

Kamala Harris Has Much Republican Support, While Trump Has RFK Jr. And Tulsi Gabbard!

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Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has much Republican support from those who have served under Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and even Donald Trump, along with those who were involved in the John McCain and Mitt Romney Presidential campaigns.

Also, many former Republican Senators and Representatives have endorsed Harris, but sadly the vast majority of present office holders in Congress, and sitting Republican governors, have been unwilling to abandon Donald Trump.

At the same time, if one looks for Democrats who are supporting Donald Trump, the list is very short, including:

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who ran for President as an Independent, and then withdrew and endorsed Trump.

Tulsi Gabbard, former Hawaii Congresswoman who was a contender in Democratic Presidential primaries in 2020.

Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois Governor who served time in prison for trying to “sell” the appointment of a US Senator to replace Barack Obama, when he became President. Donald Trump pardoned him after he had served eight years in prison.

Peter Deutsch, former South Florida Congressman, but out of office for the past 20 years.

One Month To Election Day: Are Polls To Be Believed?

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With one month until Election Day, polls indicate Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has a slight edge over Donald Trump, but all the seven “Battleground” or “Swing” states are within the margin of error, so anything can happen in the next month to tip the result.

Allan Lichtman of American University has predicted Harris will defeat Trump, but no one can consider any prediction to be certain. Lichtman says the concept of an “October Surprise” is overrated as a factor, but certainly one cannot predict events that could sway voters who have not yet made up their minds.

So Harris is gaining the campaigning support of Barack Obama in particular, but also a host of other public celebrities, plus the support of hundreds of Republicans who worked under Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, and even in the Donald Trump Presidency, along with those who worked for John McCain and Mitt Romney.

Republicans Opposing Trump Grow Massively!

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The number of Republicans who oppose Donald Trump’s Presidential campaign has grown by leaps and bounds.

This includes staff who worked for Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney.

It also includes many who worked for Donald Trump, including Cabinet level officials and other White House officials.

It includes former Vice President Mike Pence and people who worked for him.

It includes former Vice President Dick Cheney, his daughter, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, and former Congressman Adam Kinzinger.

It includes Cabinet level officials under other Presidents.

It includes former Republican Senators and some sitting Republican Senators (Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins), and also includes two former Republican Speakers of the House (John Boehner, Paul Ryan), and numerous other past members of the House of Representatives.

It also includes many Republican Governors past and present; state and local officials; and many conservative commentators including SE Cupp, George Conway, David Frum, Jonah Goldberg, Bill Kristol, and George Will among others.

Of course, not all of the above are actually backing Kamala Harris, although many are, but they are vehement in opposition to Donald Trump returning to the White House!

JD Vance: Another Horrendous Republican Vice Presidential Nominee!

admin 39 Comments

The Republican Party, historically, has often selected horrendous Vice Presidential nominees, and unfortunately, some of them end up as Vice President, making one concerned even more than normally, about the health and safety of the Republican President.

JD Vance of Ohio adds to a list of such nominees, including:

William E. Miller, running mate of Barry Goldwater in 1964
Spiro Agnew, running mate of Richard Nixon in 1968 and 1972
Dan Quayle, running mate of George H. W. Bush in 1988 and 1992
Sarah Palin, running mate of John McCain in 2008

Also, others, such as Jack Kemp, running mate of Bob Dole in 1996; Dick Cheney, running mate of George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004; Paul Ryan, running mate of Mitt Romney in 2012; and Mike Pence, running mate of Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020, while all “qualified” and experienced, had many negative aspects to their candidacies.

The only exceptions one could claim were fully qualified and acceptable were Nelson Rockefeller as Vice President to Gerald Ford, and George H. W. Bush as Vice President to Ronald Reagan, and also Bob Dole as running mate of Gerald Ford in 1976.

And now we have JD Vance, who has only served 18 months as a Senator from Ohio, and who has completely changed his views on Donald Trump from what they were in 2016. And Vance comes across as a MAGA extremist who is unwilling to support Ukraine in its war with Russia; wants no exceptions for rape or incest with a total ban on abortion; and is clearly perceived as a “mini Trump”, who could carry on the Trump views in the future Republican Party.

And realize Vance called Trump a potential Adolf Hitler eight years ago, and now embraces him! If that is not a danger sign to voters, then such voters have no principles or conscience!

Republican Party Destroying Its Future

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While there are a small number of Republicans who are refusing to support Donald Trump in his Presidential campaign, the vast majority have decided to drink the Kool Aid and are sacrificing their principles, honor, and historical reputation in backing a convicted felon.

The hypocrisy is massive, and they have no sense of shame, ethics or morals.

The day will come when they will regret their decision to work against democracy and the rule of law, and they will go down as the villains who destroyed the party of Lincoln, TR, Ike, Reagan, the Bushes, Romney, McCain, and many moderate, mainstream Governors and Senators of recent decades.

A true, principled conservative party will rise from the ashes of the 170 years old party, now in its death knell!

Very Few Principled Republicans Who Put Nation Ahead Of Donald Trump

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Face the facts: The Republican Party of 170 years history is dead!

In its wake, we have a cult loyal to Donald Trump!

So there are only a handful of elected Republicans, or former elected Republicans at this point, who have put the nation ahead of Donald Trump, and will not support Donald Trump in the upcoming Presidential Election of 2024!

Among them are the following 24 Republicans:

Liz Cheney
Adam Kinzinger
Mitt Romney
Lisa Murkowski
Susan Collins
Bob Corker
Jeff Flake
Rob Portman
Pat Toomey
Bill Cassidy
Paul Ryan
John Boehner
Peter Meijer
Anthony Gonzalez
Will Hurd
Fred Upton
Joe Walsh
Charlie Baker
Phil Scott
Jeb Bush
Chris Christie
Larry Hogan
Asa Hutchinson
John Kasich