News and Commentary Archive for March, 2006

March 1, 2006: Bumper Stickers restocked!
Since CPAC, Feb. 9-11, our Condi Gear's been on the road to Memphis and California.  However, we are happy to report that we just received our new stock that will be shipped out by Saturday.  Do not be alarmed if your t-shirts and bumper stickers arrive separately.  It is likely that they are being shipped from different ends of the country!  Thanks for your patience.



March 2, 2006: Condi Workout Update:
The response to Barbara Harrison's series of reports this week where she works out with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been so great that she is now going to have an online "chat" with viewers this Friday at noon (EST) on the NBC Channel 4 website.  You can click on this link, just before noon tomorrow, to join in.  We predict a flood of Internet traffic and hope that their servers do not "crash."

March 2, 2006: Fit for Office!
Peter Dow, the group leader of the Yahoo Group, "Rice for President" (not affiliated with Americans for Dr. Rice) put together a short video set to music of an ITN (UK) network report by Robert Moore and Barbara Harrison's recent report about Condi's devotion to fitness.  Here's the link.

March 2, 2006: California IS "Condi Country"
Last weekend, at the California Republican Convention in San José, a poll was conducted that included GOP county chairmen, state GOP executive committee members, elected officials, and major party donors.  As reported by Hotline, a Washington insider subscription service, Condi came out on top!  Hats off to our California Condistas who were in the trenches at the convention making this happen!  (By the way, we're still waiting for those photos!)
RESULTS:
               Rice                  29%
               Allen                 26
               Giuliani             16
               McCain               8
               Gingrich              8
               Romney              7
               Pataki                 2
               Tancredo            2
               Undec/Other      2

Notice how few "undecided" there were.  Remember that the next time you hear one of those, "Isn't too soon to get organized for Condoleezza 2008?" comments.

March 3, 2006: Condi's workout draws attention of political cartoonist.
Condoleezza has been the subject, and

sometimes target, of political cartoons.  Today, J.D. Crowe of the Mobile Register, makes another contribution to the "Condi Cartoon Collection."  We are encouraged by the overall positive attention that Condi's televised workouts have received.  They are a testament to her charisma and ability to serve as a role model -- characteristics essential for a future President.
Although this cartoon is good for a chuckle (and isn't that what cartoons are supposed to accomplish?), we are concerned about the focus on Hillary.    Condi is not just the political "wooden stake" or "silver bullet," held in reserve, waiting to be driven into the heart of a potential Hillary candidacy.   Dr. Rice is THE candidate for the Republican Party.  We cannot allow the fringe elements of the Democratic party to dictate who'll be our nominee.


March 4, 2006: Another Condi Biography.
Elisabeth Bumiller of the New York Times is leaving her job for a year, starting in June, to write a biography (link to announcement) of Dr. Condoleezza Rice -- just in time for release in the "thick" of a potential 2008 candidacy.  Interestingly, Steven Weisman, her husband, a New York Times diplomatic reporter is going to have to switch his job assignment -- to avoid "conflict of interest" concerns.  Journalistic ethics and standards at the Times?  Are things really changing in those hallowed halls?  Or are they just overly sensitive to appearances in the post-Jayson ("All the news that's fit to invent.") Blair, post-Dan Rather era of reporting?
Rebecca Zeifman, a freelance writer, wrote an interesting profile of Ms. Bumiller, On the Bush Beat, in this summer's Northwestern alumni magazine.
Ms. Bumiller's writing career is rather varied, including everything from credits for a widely acclaimed women's sexual self-help book, For Women Only, co-authored by Drs. Jennifer and Laura Berman.  (Make sure you order the new, 2005, revised edition if you decide to put this book on your reading list.)  She also wrote, May You Be the Mother of a Hundred Sons : A Journey Among the Women of India and The Secrets of Mariko : A Year in the Life of a Japanese Woman and Her Family.  Recently, she's written the widely read White House Letter column.
If you want to get an idea of her point-of-view for a future Condi biography, you can pick-up (or download) the March 22, 2004, digital version of an article that appeared in the New York Times Upfront magazine, Bush's Right-hand Woman.
Another Condi biography is in the pipeline by Rodale who signed author Marcus Mabry, Newsweek Senior Editor and Chief of Correspondents.  The book, tentatively titled, Twice as Good, is scheduled for release the end of this summer, or early fall. ( Link )

March 6, 2006: We're "gearing up" for SRLC, but is Frist, "Geared up to fail?"  Stay tuned!
The Southern Republican Leadership Conference begins this week, on the 9th, and we'll be there.  Look for updates, photos (don't forget the digital camera!), perhaps some audio, and incisive reporting here on the website.  Tennessee Condista Jeffrey Jenkins, will be joined by national chair, Jessie Jane Duff and others on Memphis' Beale Street along the Mississippi River.  This year the conference is joined by the Midwestern states, making this one of the largest political gatherings of the year -- 26 states in all!  There will be a 2008 Presidential straw poll, and while we're hopeful for a positive result, rumor has it that Bill Frist is looking to make the most of his "home court advantage."  The American Spectator reports that he's "not out of the running just yet."  And the edgier "Ankle Biting Pundits" website reports:

My sources tell me Frist’s forces have engineered a “can’t-lose” straw poll at the (SRLC) this week in his hometown of Memphis. The Frist folks are busing people in from all over to vote for him in this, the first straw poll of the 2008 election (sheesh, we’re still three years out!). I have sources in New Hampshire, in fact, who tell me Frist has invited them down for a couple of days in Memphis during the SRLC and to vote for him in the straw poll (if only he ran the U.S. Senate with such organizational prowess, eh?)

This is not the behavior of a guy thinking of not running for president.

Of course, with the Senator's repeated rock bottom poll performances, a "Memphis Miracle" will be recognized for what it is -- a tribute to the well-paid political consultants that engineered it -- and not necessarily the candidate.  By "setting the bar too high" anything other than a total Frist "blow out" will be seen as a political failure.

March 6, 2006: Condi’s on Crack!  That is, if you believe film producer Spike Lee’s recent comments.  Of course, he's also been quoted about Hurricane Katrina, "I don't find it too far-fetched that they [the federal government] tried to displace all the black people out of New Orleans."  So we're pretty confident in predicting that Dr. Rice won't be checking in at the Betty Ford Center anytime soon.  Mr. Lee was interviewed in Stuff magazine, the type of periodical that adolescent boys try to convince their mothers that they "buy for the articles."

Normally, we wouldn’t mention this type of attack, but it will be the pattern for the future.  We must prepare ourselves to deal with these tactics.  Since the Left cannot intelligently and rationally debate their positions, they are going to resort to stunts that are sensational enough to land in the media, but lacking in any real substance.  Now is the time for us to begin learning to effectively respond to the absurd comment, the frivolous charge, the bogus claim, etc.   This is the equivalent of passing an after-dinner speaker a note that their zipper is open at the beginning of their presentation.  It is an attempt to take the speaker’s focus off of their message. 

By making outlandish “charges” and claims, the radical Left that would oppose Condi is trying to change the media focus to their “charges.”  And there will NEVER be any shortage of “charges.”  For example, had Dr. Rice gone immediately to visit Katrina victims after the storm, she would have been called a political opportunist.  By staying in New York, she is accused of being detached and unconcerned.   This is designed to diminish her role and performance as Secretary of State as it related to Katrina relief efforts.

Of course, Dr. Rice is an expert at handling these situations, but many of us are not.  When you hear, or read, attacks like these; stop and think how you would respond to short-circuit these media “sucker punches.”   All of us, when we identify ourselves as Condi supporters are subject to having a microphone stuck in our face, or an eager reporter with a notepad appear before us – especially at political events.  So, here’s a start: “That ridiculous comment only shows how desperate the radical Left is to avoid talking about Dr. Rice’s achievements, especially how she’s handled being Secretary of State, and the opportunity that she represents as a leader for our nation – now and in the future.”  Stay on "our message" and avoid "attacking the source."  From now on, when you find these “gems of journalism” don’t ignore them – learn from them.


March 7, 2006: Exactly what Harvard needs!
The Boston Herald editorial staff wrote a column this Sunday, Condi Rice ideal to helm Harvard.  While we appreciate the sentiment, and she's certainly qualified to lead an Ivy League institution, Harvard (pronounced Haaah-vud with a somewhat nasal intonation, or so we've been told) will have to wait until 2016!
there’s one truly ideal candidate....Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice....Rice has demonstrated political skills of high order.....Someone who has led the Foreign Service and dealt with Ariel Sharon and Mahmoud Abbas is not going to be fazed by a goldbrick professor on a left-wing faculty.

March 8, 2006: Condi's Vision of Triumph.
Today, Walter Williams of the Pittsburg Tribune wrote in his column, Pandering to blacks: 
If Condi Rice threw her hat into the presidential race, it would be Clinton's worst nightmare. Ms. Rice's vision represents triumph rather than grievance. Steele says that by growing up in the segregated South, Ms. Rice might have claimed title to a grievance identity but she's chosen the older black tradition where blacks neither deny injustice nor permit themselves to be defined by it.
To read the entire column click here.

March 9, 2006: UNICEF recognizes Condi.
Among yesterday's International Women's Day events, Dr. Rice was recognized by UNICEF yesterday for her public service, but you would hardly know it based on the press coverage.  The Associated Press didn't even give the Secretary of State an entire sentence in their report of the event where Laura Bush and actor Michael Douglas were also honored.
Condi's too classy to "blow her own horn" and no mention was made of the award on the State Department website, either.  "Hat's off!" to our modest Secretary of State.  (You can read her International Women's Day remarks here.)


Last week, Dr. Rice met with Belarusian women whose husbands disappeared as they pressed for democratic reforms in their country.

March 10, 2006: The Condistas have landed!
In Memphis, at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, SRLC , the Condistas have arrived, lead by former US Marine Jessie Jane Duff who's coming in from Washington, DC.  While in Memphis this weekend, those who listen to talk radio station, WREC-AM 600, will hear our latest radio spot.  Click here to listen.


 

 

 

 

"Making the rounds" at SRLC.  Arkansas Governor Huckabee, a "Gentleman Politician" (not many of those to be found) and our Nat'l Chairperson.  MSNBC's Chris Matthews, host of Hardball, was fond of calling our retired USMC leader "Gunny."  Shortly after this photo, she ordered him to "Drop and give me 10 !" (just kidding).  See the interview below.


Some of the Condista team at Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC).
L to R. Bryan & Christina Knepper, Chairperson Jessie Jane Duff, and West TN Chairperson Jeffrey Jenkins.

 

Wendy Rogers, seen here with National Chairperson Jessie Jane Duff.  Wendy is "on-board" in Austin, Texas.  She'll be coordinating Condista activity in North Central Texas.

"Congressman Ford, wouldn't you really rather be a Republican?" asked our Nat'l Chairperson  Rep. Harold Ford came by the SRLC.  Rumors that he was there to announce his party switch were not true.  Maybe next year.

March 11, 2006: SRLC Interviews.
We're in Memphis this weekend at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC) and have received a very warm welcome.  We're making the contacts and doing the fund-raising that will be necessary for the future.  There's been good press attention as well.  Watch the CNN and MSNBC interviews below.

March 11, 2006: SRLC Straw Poll Excludes Condi !!!
Despite assurances to the contrary to the Americans for Dr. Rice team by Chuck Todd, The Hotline editor in charge of the SRLC poll, Dr. Rice's name was no where to be found on this weekend's much ballyhooed straw poll.  Furthermore, her exclusion was not even mentioned until the poll was released, preventing the Condi supporters present from mounting an effective "write-in" effort.  This, on top of John McCain's stunt of asking delegates to write in President Bush -- so that no one would notice how little support he has -- is a crash course in real life politics.  This is not an honest "straw poll" -- its what straw turns into the day after it's been a horse's lunch.  We can only hope that the press recognizes this poll for what it is.  You'll have to excuse us now, we have to go have a knife removed from our back.

March 11, 2006: Update: Chuck Todd, The Hotline editor, tells AFR that it was the Tennessee Republican Party that took Condi off of the SRLC poll.  Jessie Jane Duff, our national chairperson, accompanied by other Condi supporters present at the conference have issued a statement to the press in Memphis and are awaiting an explanation from Tennessee GOP officials.  One of the Condistas attending SRLC commented, "The Mullahs in Iran take people off of ballots -- not Republicans."

March 12, 2006: Scared of something?
Regardless of who engineered the Frist victory in the SRLC 2008 Presidential straw poll, it is remarkable that Dr. Rice was excluded.  What were the pollsters afraid of?  We think we know.  She's an intelligent, highly educated, athletic, black woman from Alabama.

Frist's Tennessee cronies didn't want to be embarrassed by a poll where he didn't win.  Never mind that he only polled 2%, that's right, TWO PERCENT in the WNBC - Marist poll taken Feb. 13-15.  Never mind that CPAC 2006 (and 2005, remember?), the California State Convention, Human Events, etc. have all seen fit to include Dr. Rice since the first of the year.  And never mind that in the same WNBC - Marist poll where "the Frister" scored his whopping 2% that Condi was in a three-way tie for first place with Rudy Giuliani and John McCain.   So why was this poll, and it's results, so different?  Could it have been the busloads of "ballot stuffers" that arrived in full view of members of the press?  (A fine piece of political handiwork that would have made an old-time Chicago politician blush.)  Or could it have been who was picking up the tab?  (Money influence politics!?  Perish the thought!) Res Ipsa Loquitur

March 17, 2006: Condi Down-Under
Dr. Rice always draws a crowd wherever she goes, including Australia.  She is finishing up her three-day trip to our ally in the Southern Hemisphere.  Even the Aussie moonbats came out to protest (link).  (It's impressive when a foreign politician can provoke the local malcontents to parade around with their signs and funny costumes.  Do they get extra credit or moonbat frequent-flier miles, or something, if they burn someone in effigy?  Just wondering.)  You must be doing something right if these folks are upset about it!
During her trip, Dr. Rice has had a full diplomatic "dance card." She attended sports events (link),
addressed US troops in Australia on maneuvers, and expressed US appreciation to our ally (link).  Most interestingly for us, she picked up a presidential endorsement from the Australian Prime Minister.  In an article by Australian journalist Phillip Coorey, Howard gives Rice a presidential nod, the PM was quoted as saying,

"Whether she ever aspires to that office is a matter for her but do I think she would have the qualities? Yes."

Dr. Rice in Australia, ally in the War on Terror, comrade in arms in Afghanistan and Iraq, partner in responding to the Tsunami.
Dr. Rice at the Commonwealth Games while in Australia last week. (right)

Dr. Rice aboard the USS Port Royal on maneuvers in Australia, our ally in the War on Terror.

March 18, 2006: Will Southern Republicans Vote for Condi?
If you are publicly identified as a supporter of Dr. Rice, a Condista, it won't be long before you hear from your Democratic acquaintances, "Southern Republicans will NEVER vote for Condoleezza Rice."  The implication that Southern Republicans, especially rural Southern Republicans, are racists underlies these comments.

But the fact is that rural Southern Republicans support -- and will support -- Dr. Rice.  A clear demonstration of this recently was in Orangeburg, South Carolina, located approximately halfway between Charleston and Columbia (link).  At the county Republican convention, two candidates for Secretary of Agriculture (an important post in Southern States) came to spar in front of the local delegates on Feb. 16, 2006.  While they were there, a 2008 Presidential Straw poll was held.  The delegates voted overwhelmingly for Dr. Rice.

Delegates also indicated their presidential candidate preferences as follows: Condoleezza Rice, 8; George Allen, 3; John McCain, 2; Bill Frist, 1; Newt Gingrich, 1. Other choices were Sam Brownback, Rudy Guiliani, Chuck Hagel, Mike Huckabee, George Pataki and Mitt Romney.

While not a numerically large victory, it is typical of the support that Dr. Rice will enjoy in the rural South.  And unlike the Southern Republican Leadership Conference (SRLC), no delegates were bused in to "stuff the ballot box."

March 20, 2006: California -- a Red State!
We've been trying to drive this point home for a long time now, and it looks like it's finally gaining some traction.  With Condi in 2008, the Democrats will be playing defense in this traditionally blue state with its huge inventory of Electoral College votes.  Today, in the Washington Times, Greg Pierce (who recently ate dinner with our National Chairperson in DC) wrote that California could go Republican" with Condi on the ticket, even as veep." His Washington Insider column also mentioned that Dr. Rice won the recent California Convention straw poll.  (And we didn't bus in a single delegate to vote -- imagine that!)  Of course, we disagree with Condi in the #2 position -- she's the one that's been described by the press as having political "rock star" status, she's the one with personal relationships with leaders around the world, she's the one THAT CAN WIN.
Political races are often described as "horse races."  If the Republicans make the foolish mistake of putting Dr. Rice on the ticket as VP, it would be like substituting "Mr. Ed" for Seabiscuit at the Kentucky Derby.

March 20, 2006: The Iraq War -- Year 3.
Around the world and across the US there have been anti-Iraq war protests this past weekend.  If you listened to the protesters, almost nothing good has been accomplished after more than 2300 US war dead.  Of course, that's if you don't count the liberation of millions of Iraqis from a murderous genocidal regime and the birth of an Iraqi democracy. 

Now, thanks to the war and US military, Iraqi children are vaccinated and educated -- not exterminated.   (Over 300,000 bodies have been found in mass graves -- some of them children clutching their dolls and holding their parents -- and we're still counting.)  A fragile, infant democracy has been born and is being suckled with the blood of patriots from the US, Iraq, the UK, Poland, South Korea, Japan, and other nations as they protect new institutions of democracy in a region where such institutions previously have been unknown.  And despite daily casualties, the Iraqi volunteers keep coming -- risking their lives just by standing in line to enlist.

The systematic murder, rape and torture of political opponents and their families, while it may still occur at the hands of terrorists, is no longer the "law of the land" in Iraq.

The massive petroleum reserves of Iraq are now being used to improve the standard of living of all Iraqis -- not just Saddam Hussein and his cronies.  Iraqi petrodollars are no longer used to pay the families of suicide bombers.  Wounded Taliban no longer come to Baghdad for R&R as they wait to meet their 72 virgins as a reward for martyrdom. 

This weekend, one protest group placed over 2300 grave markers to represent the tragic loss, of each and every, US troop lost in the Iraq War.  We salute these protesters right to express themselves and their recognition of the sacrifice made by US servicemen and women.  Each of those casualties is a tragedy for the families of the fallen and our nation.  Unfortunately, these protesters didn't have another million, or more, grave markers to represent all of those slaughtered by Saddam Hussein, the man responsible for the deaths of more Iraqis, Iranians and Kuwaitis than any individual, government, or army in recorded history.  Unfortunately, they didn't display thousands of ribbons for each of the women raped as an instrument of political intimidation.  Unfortunately, they didn't have thousands of toys to display for each of the children killed, tortured, or incarcerated by Saddam Hussein and his henchmen who were "just following orders."  (Gee, where have we heard that before?)

The Iraq war, like all wars, includes tragedies of tactical errors, friendly fire, collateral damage, abuses, and just plain screw ups.  It is our sincere hope that those who protest the Iraq war, are just good people who have focused on these tragedies.  It is hard for us to blame those who are constantly exposed to the mass media's anti-war hysteria and the disinformation campaigns of our enemies in the War on Terror for arriving at their anti-war conclusions -- however misguided they may be.  Maybe one day, they will lay down their ideological glasses long enough to actually see the truth.

A US Soldier shares the painful bonds of war with an Iraqi patriot.  These will be the ties that bind together a Middle East peace in the future.

Until then, we will salute all US, Iraqi, UK, South Korean, Polish, Japanese, and other HEROES in the Iraq war and the War on Terror.  We recognize your accomplishments and the terribly high price you have paid, and will pay.

March 21, 2006: Fox News' Fred Barnes comes out of the closet!  He's a Condista!
Last year, Mr. Barnes, for whom we have great respect, e-mailed us regarding a potential Condi candidacy in 2008.  He wished us well, expressed his admiration for Dr. Rice, but closed by saying, "Good luck in persuading Condi to run. You'll need it." 

Something has changed.
Yesterday, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed column, Mr. Barnes brought up the possibility of Dr. Rice becoming Vice President in a rumored Bush Administration staff shake-up.  Later in the day, on Brit Hume's Special Report, Mara Liasson -- a liberal Fox News analyst -- asked if Condi did become VP would she then run.  His response caught us by surprise, given his previous pessimism, "She'll run." he responded.

In the past, we've dismissed most of these rumors, but coming from Fred Barnes, a journalist with major beltway connections, we may need to take a second look.  In the past, this pathway to the Oval Office in 2008 was known in Condista circles as "Plan A" and was discussed casually over beer and pretzels (or wine and cheese, if you prefer).  Now, we may need to rethink our strategy for this contingency.  There's never a dull moment when you're a Condista!

March 22, 2006: Condi says, "No!" to the NFL.
Being the NFL Football Commissioner was Dr. Rice's "dream job," but State Department spokesman Scott McCormick said yesterday that she "would have to decline."  Recently, the current commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, announced that he would retire -- opening up the job for Dr. Rice.  However, football will just have to wait for Dr. Rice to finish her eight year "date with destiny" beginning on Inauguration Day 2009.  CBS News reported (link):
She may also aspire to be president or vice president — at least there has been speculation that she might wind up on the Republican ticket in 2008.
In a vote of confidence about Dr. Rice's managerial skills, New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft was quoted saying:
"I think Condoleezza Rice would be great. I'd invest in any company she'd be running."

March 24, 2006: Talk Show Host Fired after Condi Comment!
Dave Lenihan, only two weeks on the job and still recovering from a life-threatening automobile accident, was fired from talk radio station KTRS 550 AM in St. Louis, MO, after making a slip of the tongue that sounded a lot like a racial slur.  Strangely, this on-the-air incident occurred while he was extolling Dr. Rice's qualifications and achievements.

In a Hannity & Colmes interview last night, the now unemployed Lenihan stated that he had sent a letter of apology to Secretary Rice.  Interesting to us was his comment:
"In fact, if she were to run for President, I would probably work on her campaign to the best of my ability."

It's no surprise that the left-wing race-baiting machine was quick to applaud Mr. Lenihan's firing.  CNN reported, "NAACP chapter president Harold Crumpton called Dorsey (KTRS manager) at the station for an explanation and learned Lenihan had been fired. He said he accepted Dorsey's apology and commended him for his swift action."  (link)

At Americans for Dr. Rice, it is clear to us, that no racial slur was intended after listening to a recording of the program, and that Mr. Crumpton, and other liberals, are blinded by a failing ideology of preconceived conclusions and knee-jerk reactions.  Above, you can watch the segment and listen to the "racial slur" for yourself -- then draw your own conclusions.  We wouldn't be surprised to find that most liberals are more offended, or perhaps "frightened" is a better word, by a 2008 Presidential bid by Dr. Rice than any supposed racial slur made on a Midwestern talk radio station to which most of them never listen.

March 25, 2006: Laura Bush tells Larry King:
"She'd make an excellent President."
Yesterday, on CNN's Larry King, First Lady Laura Bush was interviewed.  As she spoke about the future, Dr. Rice in 2008 came up, and once again the First Lady reiterated her support for Condi in 2008, but she was not optimistic that we could "talk her into running."  Condistas that's our cue!!!  It is time to get to work!  We've got to do whatever it takes to make this happen!

After working in three administrations and crisscrossing the globe as Secretary of State, we're sure that Dr. Rice could write a book about jet lag and would like nothing better than to return to her academic life, out of the crucible of Washington, DC.  When she's pressed about 2008, Dr. Rice's denials often include the hope that there will be "other candidates."  Surely, there will be other candidates, but none will have Dr. Rice's experience, intelligence and record of achievement.  No other candidate will have her wealth of personal relationships with world leaders -- relationships that will be crucial in the War on Terror.  And of course, no other candidate will have her ability to WIN in 2008.

So it's up to us, to clearly demonstrate that 2008 is Dr. Rice's year.  That she represents an opportunity for our nation that will not soon be repeated.  Dr. Rice has always answered the call to serve.  If we do our job, the American people will make that call -- and Dr. Rice will answer.

Bumper sticker that will be available soon.

March 25, 2006: Washington Whispers has eye on Dr. Rice.
US News & World Report's Washington Whispers was quick to report that the Secretary of State was "out of the running" for the NFL Commissioner's job after the retirement announcement of Paul Tagliabue.  This is fueling speculation about 2008 and the Republican Presidential ticket.  Earlier this month, Whispers also reported that Dr. Rice won the California Republican Convention straw poll in San Jose.

The Whispers column, edited by Paul Bedard, is probably the most respected political gossip and rumor mill in the beltway.  In keeping with his focus on 2008, it reported this month in Don't tell us she's not running, that Hillary's fund-raising efforts are gearing up for a presidential bid.  Mr. Bedard is also the source of the "leak" last May that Dr. Rice would accept a draft.  (Link)  Whether that leak came from Dr. Rice herself, or her staff, anxious about their jobs after 2008; Paul isn't telling.

March 26, 2006: Somebody send Fred Barnes a a Condi 2008 t-shirt!
While stuffing envelopes this weekend with bumper stickers, campaign buttons and other Condi Gear, we heard Fred Barnes, on the Beltway Boys suggest AGAIN that Dr. Rice take Dick Cheney's place as VP.  At first we thought it was a rerun of Brit Hume's Special Report program of March 20th, but it was Mr. Barnes again adamantly expressing his opinion that Dr. Rice become "anointed" for the Republican nomination in 2008.  Does he know something that we don't know?  As a conservative Fox journalist with unprecedented access to the Bush White House we suspect that maybe he does.  Unfortunately, we can't imagine a classy guy like Fred in a t-shirt -- except maybe at the gym.  So, if you see him with a Condi 2008 lapel pin on his suit in the not too distant future (one is in the mail) or if he's at some posh Washington health club "sweating to the oldies" in an aerobics class while wearing a Condi 2008 t-shirt, you won't need a crystal ball to foretell the future.

March 26, 2006: SASE Program is Big Success!
In fact, it is such a big success that we ran out of the current bumper stickers!  But don't worry, we have ordered 10,000 of our new bumper sticker design.  (See below.)

For those of you who have waited so long to show your support for Condi, we'll send a couple of extras for you to share with your friends.  The same goes for Condistas that ordered the magnetic bumper stickers in the last 3 weeks.  The initial supplies were depleted by large orders on the website and at conventions in California, DC and Memphis.  We're waiting to be restocked in the next 2-3 weeks and we'll send you some extra Condi gear to compensate you for your patience.  Please remember, we're an ALL volunteer organization -- no one gets a paycheck!  Your Condi gear is sent out by volunteers, who spend their free time stuffing envelopes.  We occasionally make a mistake, so if your Condi gear hasn't arrived after 30 days (We try to send everything out within two weeks, but sometimes it's just overwhelming.) let us know and we'll make it right.  Thanks again for your support.

March 27, 2006: Senator Cornyn embraces a Condista!


Our Central Texas chairperson, Wendy Rogers, in one of our Navy Blue polo shirts, is seen here with Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn.  She was able to speak briefly with the Senator while at the Travis County, District 14 Convention this past weekend.  Look for big news from the Lone Star State.  Wendy is a mother of 3, so drafting our next President ought to be a piece of cake!

March 28, 2006: Dr. Rice honing Golf Game!
In the surest sign yet that Dr. Rice is preparing for a presidential career contingency in 2008, she has been working on her Golf game.  The Secretary of State is a relative newcomer to the game, but she drew praise from the teenaged Korean-American golf star Michelle Wie with whom she played 9 holes recently.   The photogenic young golf star explained that she "looked up" to Secretary Rice "because she's a really strong woman."  As far as Dr. Rice's golf game, Ms. Wie was very diplomatic: "She was kind of a beginner, but she was pretty athletic. She actually hit her driver really well."
 

March 26, 2006: Dr. Rice denies interest in 2008! 
(For a Condista, "denial" is a river in Egypt!)
It was an almost Kafkaesque scene, several South Florida Condi supporters stuffing envelopes with "Condi 2008" bumper stickers, campaign buttons, and t-shirts while the object of their efforts, Dr. Rice, was on the large screen TV denying any interest in running.  There was no panic as they heard the faithfully repeated denials.  (CNN, FOX, NBC)  An almost "I told you so" atmosphere of self-satisfaction filled the air.  (Read our March 25th posting about the First Lady's latest  endorsement of Condi in 2008 and Dr. Rice's denials.)
A little history lesson reveals some remarkable parallels between Dr. Rice and previous presidential "draftees" Dwight Eisenhower and Barry Goldwater.  Their "pre-draft" denial statements are stunningly similar. (Hat tip to Josiah Schmidt, our Ohio Chairperson who dug up these quotations.)   It also helps to explain why the Condistas keep working and ignore these statements.  As a matter of fact, there are some Condi supporters that have a small wager going about which of the Sunday news shows will one day break the story that Dr. Rice has relented and accepted the call of the American people.  You can participate in our poll so that the odds can be set appropriately!

"I think I'll probably go back and teach at Stanford."
Dr. Rice. Interview on UCTV with Constanza Santa Maria. Santiago, Chile. April 29, 2005.



“I plan on staying here at Columbia University.”
Gen. Eisenhower. Galambos, Louis (Ed.), The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, volume XIII, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1989. See letter 634.
 
“I haven't ever run for anything. I don't think I ever ran for high school president.”

“I have no interest in being a candidate for anything.”
Dr. Rice. Interview on Meet The Press with Tim Russert. London, England. October 16, 2005.
 

“I have never sought or desired a place in the political world.”
Gen. Eisenhower. Galambos, Louis (Ed.), The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, volume XIII, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1989. See letter 634.

“I'm not a candidate. And I'm not going to be. I have no intention of running for the Presidency.”
Goldwater. Suite 3505: The Story of the Draft Goldwater Movement. F. Clifton White, William J. Gill. (p. 117).


“I do not want to run for President….I'm concentrating on being Secretary of State.”
Dr Rice. Interview on WBRC Fox-Birmingham with Steve Crocker. Birmingham, Alabama. October 23, 2005.

 

“I do not feel that I have any duty to seek a political nomination.”
Gen. Eisenhower. Galambos, Louis (Ed.), The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, volume XII, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, 1989. See letter 571.

“I'm flattered that people think of me in that way, but…...I'm not somebody who wants to run for office.”
Dr. Rice. Interview on Meet The Press with Tim Russert. London, England. October 16, 2005.

“Draft, nothin'—I told you I'm not going to run.”
Goldwater. Suite 3505: The Story of the Draft Goldwater Movement. F. Clifton White, William J. Gill. (p. 117).

 

The "Alabama Gang," Glenda, Penny and Sandra at the Sept. 2005 Nat'l Federation of Republican Women Convention in Nashville

March 30, 2006: "Alabama Gang" Condista Leader in Hospital!
We are sad to report that Sandra Schimmelpfennig was hospitalized Tuesday evening after collapsing at home from an apparent cardiac arrest.  Penny Melton, friend and fellow Condi supporter, reported that Sandra's husband and paramedics were able to successfully administer CPR, and she was admitted to the intensive care unit at a Huntsville area hospital.  Today, her condition had improved sufficiently to take her off of a  ventilator.  We hope that this is just the first step in her recovery.  In the coming days and weeks, please keep Sandra, her husband, and her family in your prayers.

March 31, 2006: Dr. Rice in the UK.
Amid extraordinary security measures, the Secretary of State arrived in England as part of her current European trip.  During her visit to Northwest England, outside the "normal" London-area destinations for foreign dignitaries, Dr. Rice will be hosted by British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw who visited Condi's home state, Alabama, last October.

The trip is expected to provide an opportunity for English lefties to behave badly, but damp, rainy weather is forecast for much of visit.  (A "divine water canon" so to speak?)  The normally left-leaning BBC published a generally positive, brief profile yesterday.  After being greeted at the airport, Mr. Straw and Dr. Rice went to a production facility
 for the Joint Strike Fighter, the F35, being built by an international consortium led by Lockheed-Martin.  Her arrival was covered by the British press. (Link)
Foreign Sec. Jack Straw and Sec. Rice outside the F35 BAE production facility.

Like the US mainstream media, there is a definite leftward tilt evident in reporting and op-ed pieces.  A back handedly negative column, Sorry Condimania stops here, by Gerard Baker in the The Times, criticizes Dr. Rice for lacking "consistency."   (That's a new one for us!)  While at times complimenting Dr. Rice, the conjunction "but" soon follows along with conclusions that are out of touch with reality, such as:

Dr Rice is without doubt one of humanity’s most multitalented souls – diplomatist, academic, concert pianist, ice-skater, sports buff. BUT while versatility is a compelling virtue in human character, a hint of intellectual consistency on the biggest issues would be more appealing still.  (emphasis ours)

Please sit down before reading the following!

It is hard to think of a single way in which US foreign policy would have been any different if John Kerry rather than George Bush had won the 2004 presidential election.

This is typical of the schizophrenic reaction that many in the media have towards Dr. Rice.  They're impressed with Dr. Rice and want to say nice things about her, but they have deep-seated fears that their other "friends" on the "media playground" won't like them anymore.   Maybe with a good therapist, these journalists could have a "breakthrough" and learn to just "let go" of their old ideologies -- just like they were painful childhood memories that now affect them as adults.  If only it were that simple.....

March 31, 2006: Poll Results: Fox News' Chris Wallace will break Condi 2008 story!
In conjunction with our March 26, 2006, posting, we ran an unscientific poll of website users to see who they thought would break "the story."  Here are the results.



March 31, 2006: Iran offered earthquake assistance.
While on her visit to the UK, Dr. Rice extended the offer of US assistance to Iran after an earthquake killed an estimated 50 people in the western portion of the country.  (Link)






Jack Straw and Dr. Rice were traveling companions while en route to Baghdad.