Yet another denial.
The combination of Dick Morris’ recent focus on Al Gore as the only person standing in the way of Hillary in 2008 and the Sean Hannity interview last night has again resulted in e-mails of despair. Snap out of it and let’s review:
Dick Morris: Only Gore can Stop Hillary (link)
“Condoleezza Rice, long the object of our affections, has not moved any closer to running despite our ceaseless prodding.”
At the risk of repeating ourselves, here’s the evolution of denials for Dr. Rice when compared to previous Republican “draftees.” 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, who dug up most of these quotations.)
“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 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 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.
QUESTION: 2008 — absolutely ruled it out? RICE: I can’t do it, Campbell. Can’t do it. I have to work on this Iran, Middle East. I have things to do.
Interview with NBC editorial board May 8, 2006
“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.
QUESTION: So here’s the question I have for you. If at some other point, maybe you’re a reluctant person, if people want you to serve in a higher capacity, Vice President or President, do you feel you would have an obligation, would any person have an obligation, to really give that serious consideration? Because there are a lot of people, whether you like this notion or not, there are a lot of people out there that would like to see Condoleezza Rice be the President or the Vice President of the United States.
SECRETARY RICE: Well, first of all, I’m really honored and — and flattery — you know, flattered sounds frivolous and I don’t want to say I’m flattered. I’m really honored by the thought that some people believe this.
You actually can’t do that as a reluctant person. I think that the United States of America will have another President who I think will have the best interests of the country at heart and a Vice President who will do so, but it has to be somebody who wants to do that. And my life is just different. I see my strengths as different. I see my desires as different. I fully believe that I’ll find other ways to serve. I don’t believe that public service is just in government. I’m an academic. I love to teach. I’ve had the opportunity to, I think, have an impact on the lives of young people who I’ve taught. I’ve always been involved in civic service and with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and a nonprofit for education that friends of us started in Palo Alto. And so I’ll find ways to serve. I’m not going to leave that —
QUESTION: I’m going to take that as you are reluctant.
SECRETARY RICE: (Laughter.) I have said no in as many ways as I know, Sean.
QUESTION: I know, I know. I’ve tried very hard. It’s been a mission to try and get that answer out of you.
Interview with Sean Hannity, May 24, 2006
“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 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 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 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).
“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).
Now, honestly, what did any of you “doubting Condistas” expect last night? Until the 2006 election is over, no serious potential candidate is going to state their intentions — be it Hillary, Gore, Allen, Giuliani, etc. Why is Condi being held to a “higher standard” — especially by us? Second, could you imagine the press pandimonium had she just blithely said, “Well, under those circumstances, I’d have to say that I, reluctantly, would consider it.” EVERY press conference around the world would be overshadowed with questions about 2008 from now until she would have to resign because she’d no longer be an effective Secretary of State. Every decision, every phrase she utters would then be dissected by Washington’s “talking heads” as to how it will affect her in 2008, if she’s distancing herself from Bush, or remaining a loyal soldier, etc. And let’s face it, she’s in the best place she can be right now — traveling the world, looking very “pre-Presidential.” Third, if Dr. Rice indicates ANY interest in the Presidency, she may as well have her staff tie her to a barbeque spit because the press will start slowly roasting her over the flames of constantly biased reporting that has been so effective at bringing down Bush 43’s approval ratings.
This is not the time for “sunshine Condistas.” Soon, our efforts are going to be overshadowed by the 2006 elections. So, we have from now until July 4th and a short window of opportunity from the November elections until CPAC 2007 in February. It’s not a lot of time, and there is a lot to do. If you need some encouragement, go back and look at the Hannity interview excerpt. Do you see the word, “no,” anywhere? OK, she’s reluctant NOW for all the reasons above. But believe me; when she won the California Republican Convention straw poll, straight up, hands down, with no bussed in delegates (a la Frist at SRLC); when she’s included in the polls like the Quad City Iowa poll and trounces McCain and Giuliani, when she’s got the only positive poll numbers of anybody in the administration, when Party insiders wake up and realize that the Democrats would have to defend key states, long considered, “blue” if, and only if, Condi were the candidate; when party insiders realize that they are going to be UNEMPLOYED (Sorry, Fox already has all of the conservative “analysts” it needs.) unless they can field a winning candidate; the call to Condi will be made. Would the Party rather field a candidate that’s in their pocket from past elections, that owes favors all over Washington, that would have to stuff his administration full of party cronies — sure. But when faced with being out of power, and did I mention UNEMPLOYED; you will be surprised how quickly they start telling anybody who’ll listen that they were Condistas “all along.” (In fact, it’s a running Condista joke about “Closet Condistas” and predicting when they’re going to “come out of the closet.”) So, take heart Condistas, we have to play the hand that we were dealt because there is no alternative.
May 25th, 2006 at 10:37 am
Absolutely. My belief exactly.
With enough write in support and the realization that she is the best candidate in the Country, Condi will most likely run.
Those who that saw her with Hannity last night and on previous interviews, realize that she is one of the most inteligent and articulate people in the country. She is head and shoulders above any candidates of both parties.
Go Condi
May 25th, 2006 at 2:37 pm
In France, there is a way to be the probable winner to the Presidency. Need to be the latest to declare you run.
Pompidou, Giscard d’Estaing, Mitterand, Chirac, used this technique.
The latest to declare and run is the winner of the election.
Same a sprint race in cycling. The latest who start the sprint have more than 70% chances to win.
Condi is really a very very clever woman. I am sad to don’t be American to vote for her. Intelligence is the most beautiful thing in a woman.
May 25th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
I’m ALL IN.
May 25th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
If I gave up, or got down every time a CANDIDATE, Condoleezza Rice in particular waivered alittle or declared “i have no interest in running.” or “I do not see my self seeking that office” I would not be involved in politics. I do not look for these responses to this constant question posed to the Secretary, rather I look at the ground swell of support, I look to the powerful local, state, and federal leaders beginning to show some support for Condi Rice being the next President. I look at the work I do each month, week and day of my life to ensure this country the best leadership possible after January 19th 2008. It is because I truly believe in the leader, and in the cause, that this draft embodies and because I believe in my fellow workers in this draft, ala Wendy Rogers, Bill Wine, Jessie Duff, Richard Mason and many others. We must not delve so far into what small things are said, but rather remember the cause and remember what a President Rice will mean to the United States of America.
May 26th, 2006 at 1:14 am
Nick,
I feel that I need to address this to you and whoever authored the original article above entitled “Yet Another Denial”. (Maybe I’m overlooking something here but I failed to see the screen name of the one who posted the article.) The reason I’m replying is because phrases like “doubting Condistas” and “sunshine Condistas” is a “red flag indicator” of aggravation at best or a nurtured offense at worst.
I can certainly understand how others expressing a little “discouragement” would cause you to have to work at not “getting down”. When one puts his whole heart and soul into something, to feel that others are so non-committed to the cause that the slightest discouragement could POSSIBLY cause them to abandon ship, is somewhat disconcerting. Please note that I said “possibly”.
I hope that I’m not putting words in your mouth, but I sense what you (or the author of the article) are feeling because I’ve been there more times than I like to remember. If I could encourage you; I just want to say that politics, like life, is an emotional roller coaster. It’s still early. Anyone who would bail out this early in the game would not last for the long haul anyhow; so don’t let them get to you. Better to weed out the faint of heart now than later.
Take a deep breath and relax. This too shall pass. The sun will come up in the morning and we’ll all still be on the same team. But, please don’t stifle people who need to vent a little bit; it’s healthy for their own emotional well-being and it’s healthy for the process.
Thank you so very much for you dedication and your hard work; it is appreciated.
May 26th, 2006 at 7:40 am
“Sunshine Condista” actually comes from Thomas Paine and was directed at nobody in particular. It first appeared after a previous denial:
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
In Politics, as in sports, it’s always good to “get back to basics.” We are going to be asked the question, “Yes, but will she run?” (or some variant thereof) from now until next year. Having rapid sound bite answers is the essential.
May 27th, 2006 at 12:22 am
She does not want to run (few sane people who don’t relish power would). The task will be to convince her it’s her duty to run. No other potential candidates out there has the necessary grasp of what the War on Terror is all about; that it could turn into a generational war- such as the Cold War- if not handled carefully.
I would love for some of our military people to challenge her to do the same kind of duty that they have been expected to do, even when it’s not something desirable. They’ve been called to duty; she needs to be, too.
May 27th, 2006 at 3:19 am
I don’t agree with you Mike.
The decision is something who remain an individual choice.
We just can say: We wishes for you Condi as President in 2008.
But we cann’t say to her, you have to run.
This story look same Agamemnon games in Iliad of Homere.
The King always tested the motivation of his army before a battle.
My personal answer is: Condi is the best of America.
But Run or not , this is a personal choice.
We love you in France Condi,
We know the nice job you do for a more freedom world.
Here a parsi music for your week end
http://www.3tareha.com/audio/goleyakh.php
May 27th, 2006 at 9:31 am
Please Run!
May 28th, 2006 at 3:01 pm
While on a business trip to DC, I found this column today on the Washington Times for May 28.
It is by Daniel Gallington, “American Idol” for President?
He writes about the performance of stiff and pompous candidates like John Kerry…… mentions Dean, Al Gore, and in the last paragraphs, starts talking about Condi and Hillary in 2008. Daniel writes,
“And wouldn’t that be a dooze? A Condi-Hillary race would be a huge TV hit, because everyone would tune in for the catfights. And however ‘un-PC’ that characterization would be in a PC Washington DC, it would be great for ratings–bigger than the “Idol” and “Survivor” combined”
Fox News was talking about Condi watching the “American Idol” show, and that since Taylor Hicks is from Alabama, she would be sending him a letter of congratulations. My question is would that letter be as a fan, or as supportive for a fellow Alabamaian, or as the most powerful woman in the world at the State Department? Whatever the motive or the words, you can bet Hicks will cherish that letter from Condi.
Also on Fox News, May 26, an interviewer was discussing Condi for 2008 with Prof. Paul Brace, political science department from Rice University (no, it was not founded by Condi or her family). Anyway, he stated that in recent polls, Condi is ranked higher than McCain.
So have you all heard that bit of news or seen any polling data like this? This blog site provides us all with a freedom to express our support for Condi as our president. We all have to pay attention to news items and bring them to the website to share positive support for Condi. There is data out there for us to gather to bring for discussion.
May 29th, 2006 at 11:22 am
The Draft Condi movement is being debated by Chuck Todd of Hotline.
He is reporting the efforts are dying out. It would seem that this guy from National Journal is not doing his job, he must not be noticing the efforts of the Americans for Dr. Rice group and their website. He must not be noticing the organized effort to have a delegation in Texas for the Republican convention in June, nor has he noticed the new radio ads promoting Condi for president.
On this Memorial Day, Chuck Todd was on C-span this morning talking a draft movement, only it was for Al Gore. A female reporter knocked out the idea by saying Gore likes his freedom, and wants to have a voice but she doubted that he would want to go through this again. The subject of drafting Al Gore never came up again during the 2 hour discussion on the panel of reporters about the subject of 2006/2008 politics.
The other subject discussed was the Hillary marriage and what about Bill Clinton helping her for 2008. The 18 minute video about Hillary will air at the New York convention soon, but the ironic point is that there is zero mention of her years as First Lady or about the future race for the White House.
The people of New York hired her for the Senate, and the polls show she is not winning support to elevate herself to the White House in her own state. This lack of support by the people from her own state will have far more impact on her decision to run for president than whether Bill Clinton overshadows her. But Steve Scully did say she needs to come out as her own person.
So the subject of a woman running for president with a husband or not is an issue for discussion as well regarding Condi, and I think she is a self-made success story, from humble beginnings into using her own brain and hard work to rise into the State Department today.
May 29th, 2006 at 11:47 am
Chuck Todd is for sale to the highest bidder as his performance at SRLC so clearly demonstrated when he ran the straw poll that excluded Condi. After that I pay no attention to anything that he, the Hotline or National Journal has to say.
May 29th, 2006 at 5:22 pm
I agree completely with JT. Chuck Todd is also probably still mad at us that Jessie Jane Duff had the cajones to confront him about the SRLC straw poll issue right there in the parking lot of the Peabody Hotel and turned him into a snivelling girly-man. Not that I fault him for that…if Jessie Jane was mad at me, I’d probably get in touch with my inner snivelling girly-man myself quick, fast, and in a hurry.
May 29th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
People like Chuck Todd will regret the decisions they are making after the 08 primaries.
May 30th, 2006 at 10:46 am
The reality of public support for Condi Rice to run for president can not be ignored, and I present as evidence the Siena Research poll released in March 2006:
60% of the registered voters think the country is ready for a woman president and 80% said they would vote for her.
51% said Hillary should run
48% said Condi should run
Then add to this mix the May 2006 CNN poll showing 57% of the respondents express a positive opinion of Condi while only 22% had a negative view.
Whenever Condi’s name is included in a poll, she comes out on top. There is no “establishment” candidate or “heir apparent” for 2008, so over the next year, the media will be watching to see what is buzzing and who is getting a groundswell of support. The Draft Condi effort will continue to march forward, working to build support in state after state.
The Texas state convention will make an impact in June. While some of us can only watch, we can all celebrate the efforts of the volunteers who will fly and drive to Texas to meet with Republican delegates. Wendy Rodgers has my highest respect for all of her work to organize ads and build momentum for the event. Hats off to Wendy!
a CNN poll for May 2006:
May 31st, 2006 at 1:35 am
Debbie,
I’m driving over to San Antonio tomorrow for the Texas State GOP Convention Thursday through Saturday. I’ll be working with Wendy and some others at the booth for Condi. I’m a long-time political activist and some of my GOP friends from around the State are going to be surprised to see me there. It’s gonna be fun.
Wendy has this thing organized to a “T” and I am really excited about it. You guys root for us and a few prayers for a successful weekend certainly won’t hurt.
June 5th, 2006 at 8:48 pm
I just want everyone to know that the outpouring of support for Condi at the Texas State GOP Convention this week was beyond description. We had the busiest booth at the convention; people were lined up to sign-up and donate for buttons, bumper stickers, T-shirts, ball caps, etc.
It was great. I truly feel that the nomination is hers if she wants it.
June 11th, 2006 at 12:07 pm
[…] Recent polls at other state conventions show Condi among the top 3 choices of Republicans — despite her denials of an interest in running. (See our post, Yet another denial) The Conservative newsmagazine and website, NewsMax, picked up on this and mentioned it, and us, in their Insider Report e-mail today. “The organization Americans for Dr. Rice is actively drumming up support for drafting Condi in 2008….”Condi for president in 08′ isn’t a wacky Web site anymore, it’s a strong possibility,” a senior diplomatic source in Washington told the (Sunday) Herald (of Scotland)” […]