Republicans: Bienvenidos a Miami!

After finding convenient "scheduling conflicts" for a planned Spanish-language debate in September, the GOP presidential frontrunners all have signed on for Version 2.0, at the University of Miami on December 9. Evidently they've gotten over their fear of brown people. Or, most of them have, anyway.

Three of the leading candidates -- Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney -- agreed Thursday to participate in the forum at the University of Miami, joining John McCain and lesser-known candidates Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter.

Only McCain and Hunter accepted a Sept. 16 invitation from Univisión, forcing the network to call the debate off and allowing the Democrats to lay claim the week before to a history-making opportunity to reach more than two million Hispanic voters.

Thompson wasn't an official candidate when the debate was proposed, giving him an opening to take the lead. With their candidate facing mixed reviews after two months in the race, the Thompson campaign said Thursday afternoon that he was in.

"Sen. Thompson is committed to sharing his vision for America's future with all Americans, and that is why he agreed to participate in this forum," said Carlos Curbelo, a Thompson advisor in South Florida.

Less than two hours later, Giuliani and Romney said they would be there, too.

[...]

The 2008 contenders are making unprecedented overtures to Hispanic voters, who make up the fastest growing part of the electorate. Romney, the only candidate to air campaign commercials in Florida so far, has run Spanish-language radio ads.

Thompson has been hotly pursuing an endorsement from state Rep. Marco Rubio of Miami, the first Cuban-American leader of the Florida House, and asked him to deliver his acceptance to Univisión. They are both scheduled to appear at the Florida Family Policy Council dinner in Holl[y]wood on Nov. 16.

Thompson and Rubio. What a combination. Remind me to be somewhere else on the 16th ...

There are still a couple of holdouts, one of whom is, um, rather notable:

The only two candidates who are not confirmed for the Dec. 9 debate are Mike Huckabee and Tom Tancredo. Tancredo has centered his campaign on assailing illegal immigration and has said he would never participate in a Spanish-language forum.

Nice American name, Tancredo, isn't it? I'm sure he doesn't have any immigrants in his family background ... of course, he's probably been warned to stay away from Miami. Remember what he said a year ago?

Tancredo responded Wednesday in a letter to Bush, saying he understood why the governor was trying to "create the illusion of Miami as a multiethnic 'All American' city."

But Tancredo said it was "neither naive nor insulting to call attention to a real problem that cannot be easily dismissed through politically correct happy talk."

He added, "Unfortunately, fewer and fewer Miamians think of themselves as Americans."

He cited an article in this week's Time magazine that described Miami as a "corrupt, exorbitant mess" that has lost 20,000 residents a year since 2000.

"Do you not worry that Miami's 'sanctuary city' rules serve as a magnet for illegal aliens and undercut the state's sound law enforcement policies?" Tancredo asked.

He added that he had "simply said something most people - even in Florida, if our calls and e-mails are a measure of sentiment - believe is true."

"I have no doubt that people of wealth can still lead a comfortable and pleasant life in Miami, but ask yourself why ordinary middle-class citizens are leaving in such high numbers."

Yeah, Tom, you might want to have other plans on Dec. 9.

Today's Daily Schadenfreude: Libertarians

This might be a little mean-spirited, but it's not like schadenfreude is terribly sympathetic as a rule ...

Saturday night I mentioned that Sinfonian Jr. and I were at the Marlins game, where I spotted a group of Libertarians sitting in the outfield.

Multiple-choice: how could I tell they were Libertarians?

1. They kept chanting "Ayn Rand Would Understand"
2. They wore "Anarchy in the U.S." T-shirts
3. Lots of tattoos saying "My Favorite Hayek is Friedrich"
4. Hand-lettered Ron Paul signs

The answer is "d," although "c" would have been interesting. Anyway, I really didn't think much of it, until I received an e-mail today.

I'll protect the writer's anonymity, but I have to share the text in its entirety:

FROM: [Libertarian]
TO: recoveringatty...
SUBJ: Thanks for noticing the signs at the Saturday Marlins vs Braves game
DATE: Monday, July 02, 2007 5:56:00 PM

So I got curious and ran a Google search. Your blog came up and you mentioned watching the Marlins' Game on a Libertarian Night because there were people holding up signs which read "Ron Paul '08." I was one of them but I assure you I have been a registered Republican since high school.

Anyway, thanks for noticing hope you look up Ron Paul and learn why I am so impressive by this guy's ideals that I am willing to hold a sign to promote his name and be bullied by stadium security.

Thanks again,
[Libertarian]

More multiple-choice: By writing "I assure you I have been a registered Republican since high school," the writer shows that:

1. he didn't graduate from high school
2. he has no brain
3. he has never had sex
4. he didn't read anything else on this blog

Again, the answer is "d," but I wouldn't be surprised if it's "e. All of the above." And he is "so impressive by [Ron Paul's] ideals" that he writes the same way Drunky McStagger talks. Frankly, I'm impressive by that myself.

For me, the schadenfreude is that these people are so deluded that they think our system really will support a third-party run [see update below]. If Ross Perot and Ralph Nader couldn't do it (or, for us old-timers, John Anderson), what makes them think Ron Paul can? Come on, gang: if you're going to waste your time and energy, you ought to do so for someone like Tom Tancredo. At least holding up pro-Tancredo signs at a baseball game in Miami would provide some much-needed comic relief.

So, congratulations, Libertarians -- today's Blast Off! Daily Schadenfreude is for you!

UPDATE (1:53 pm 7/3/07): In comments, College Progressive reminded me that Ron Paul actually is running for the Republican nomination, not as a third-party candidate. I was going to cross out the inaccurate reference, but I'd hate to lose a whole paragraph set up to slam Tom Tancredo. So in the interest of snark, this update will have to suffice.

Dueling headlines

I managed to avoid miss the GOP debate last night. I can't subject my brain to that much abject stupidity.

But it's interesting to see the divergent views from the MSM on what the debate meant.

From Agence France Presse (normally a decent source):

US Republicans hammer Democrats on Iraq

From the Associated Press (usually all the news that's fit to print with a rightward slant):

GOP candidates shy away from Bush

Either way, it's not their fault! (That goes double for the congressional enablers at the debate who gave Bush his way, including McCain, Tancredo, Hunter, and Brownback.)

An aside: speaking of Duncan Hunter, what the hell was he thinking when he said this (quoted in the AP article linked above)?

"If they get across my fence, we sign them up for the Olympics immediately," said Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, a vocal opponent of the bill and a proponent of building more fencing along the U.S border with Mexico.

Racist much, Duncan? Or just stupid?

Their word means nothing

Courtesy of Progressive Librarian on the other side of Teh Wang™ at TampaBay Democrat, we are reminded of promises that certain members of Congress made a few years ago ... including my former congresscritter, Dave Weldon (R-Lunatic) of FL-15.

But what's really interesting is PL's link through Smashed Frog ... looks like Dentist Dave isn't the only one whose word is worthless. Let's set the Way Back Machine to February 1999, Sherman:

Over the past two election cycles, U.S. Term Limits has shifted its strategy from promoting candidates solely because they believe in term-limit legislation. The group now is throwing its support behind candidates who are willing to sign a pledge, and is working against candidates who refuse.

A separate group, Americans for Limited Terms, spent millions of dollars in the 1998 cycle on issue ads designed to promote pledge signers and shed a negative light on those who refused to sign.

Five House Republicans signed that pledge in 1996, vowing to leave office by 2002. They are Bob Schaffer of Colorado, Ron Lewis of Kentucky, John Cooksey of Louisiana, Rick Hill of Montana and John Thune of South Dakota.

Nine members of this year's incoming freshman class [elected 1998] signed the six-year pledge. They are Doug Ose, R-Calif.; Grace F. Napolitano, D-Calif.; Tom Tancredo, R-Colo.; Judy Biggert, R-Ill.; Ken Lucas, D-Ky.; Lee Terry, R-Neb.; Pat Toomey, R-Pa.; Jim DeMint, R-S.C.; and Mark Green, R-Wis. Also signing was Lois Capps, D-Calif., who first won her seat in a March 1998 special election.

U.S. Term Limits also lists 18 other House members as having promised during their campaigns to limit themselves to a certain number of terms. These members have said they will not seek re-election in 2004: Ken Calvert, R-Calif.; James Maloney, D-Conn.; Porter Goss, R-Fla.; Dave Weldon, R-Fla.; Leonard Boswell, D-Iowa; Greg Ganske, R-Iowa; Donald Manzullo, R-Ill.; John Baldacci, D-Maine; Nick Smith, R-Mich.; James M. Talent, R-Mo.; David Minge, DMinn.; Richard M. Burr, RN.C.; Bob Franks, R-N.J.; Steve Chabot, R-Ohio; Ted Strickland, D-Ohio; Steven C. LaTourette, R-Ohio; Ralph Hall, D-Texas; and Richard "Doc" Hastings, R-Wash.

With that introduction, it's time for an exciting round of Where Are They Now?

Class of 1996 -- signed pledge
Bob Schaffer (R-Colo.) -- fulfilled his pledge, later failed in a bid for the U.S. Senate.
Ron Lewis (R-Ky.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
John Cooksey (R-La.) -- fulfilled his pledge, but failed in a bid for the U.S. Senate.
Rick Hill (R-Mont.) -- fulfilled his pledge but did so early because of health problems.
John Thune (R-S.D.) -- fulfilled his pledge, now in the U.S. Senate.

Class of 1998 -- signed pledge
Doug Ose (R-Calif.) -- fulfilled his pledge.
Grace F. Napolitano (D-Calif.) -- still in the House, so she reneged on her promise.
Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise (and he wants to be President!).
Judy Biggert (R-Ill.) -- still in the House, so she reneged on her promise.
Ken Lucas (D-Ky.) -- fulfilled his pledge.
Lee Terry (R-Neb.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) -- fulfilled his pledge, but failed in a bid for the U.S. Senate.
Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) -- fulfilled his pledge, now in the U.S. Senate.
Mark Green (R.-Wis.) -- reelected in 2004, so he reneged on his promise, but failed in a bid for governor of Wisconsin in 2006 and is not presently in Congress.

Limited to 2004 but did not sign pledge
Ken Calvert (R.-Calif.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
James Maloney (D-Conn.) -- was not reelected in 2002, so he fulfilled his promise (albeit perhaps involuntarily).
Porter Goss (R-Fla.) -- resigned in 2004 to become CIA director, so he fulfilled his promise.
Dave Weldon (R-Fla.) -- as noted above, he's running again, so he continues to renege on his promise.
Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
Greg Ganske (R-Iowa) -- fulfilled his promise early, but failed in a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2002.
Donald Manzullo (R-Ill.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
John Baldacci (D-Me.) -- fulfilled his promise early and now is governor of Maine.
Nick Smith (R-Mich.) -- fulfilled his promise.
James M. Talent (R-Mo.) -- fulfilled his promise early for an unsuccessful gubernatorial run in 2000; later served one term in the U.S. Senate.
David Minge (D-Minn.) -- was not reelected in 2000 so, like Maloney, he involuntarily fulfilled his promise early.
Richard M. Burr (R-N.C.) --fulfilled his promise, now in the U.S. Senate.
Bob Franks (R-N.J.) -- fulfilled his promise early, but failed in a bid for the U.S. Senate in 2000.
Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
Ted Strickland (D-Ohio) -- reelected in 2004, so he reneged on his promise, but he did not run in 2006 and now is governor of Ohio.
Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.
Ralph Hall (D/R-Tex.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise; I hardly think switching from Democrat to Republican in 2004 nullified his promise.
Richard "Doc" Hastings (R-Wash.) -- still in the House, so he reneged on his promise.

Whew! If you're keeping score at home, let's sum up:

Out of 32 House members who said they would leave by 2004, 17 did so.

Therefore, 15 of them didn't keep their word. Interestingly, that number is comprised of three Democrats and 12 Republicans. Are you as shocked as I am? I thought so. I mean, what is it about Republicans not being able to keep their word?

But wait ... as I type this, there are 13 current House members who promised to be out by 2004 and they're still there, two terms later: two Democrats and eleven Republicans. Thirteen members of Congress whose word is worth as much as the paper I'm writing on (yes, that means nada), including one presidential candidate.

Think about that the next time one of these folks promises to do anything.

---

Ed. note: I am not personally in favor of term limits, for I believe the best term limit is to vote the bastards out. This data is presented solely to draw attention to the rank hypocrisy of certain members of Congress, a disproportionate number of whom just happen to be Republicans.

Behind the politics

Did you see the article yesterday about the preznitshul candidates' hidden talents?

[DEMOCRATS]

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: "Designing homes."

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: "I love crossword puzzles."

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: "Speaking Spanish fluently — I picked it up while in the Dominican Republic as a Peace Corps volunteer."

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards: "Jump shot."

Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: "Hits just as well against right-handers as left-handers."

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama: "I'm a pretty good poker player."

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: "Boxing trivia."

___

REPUBLICANS:

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback: "Auctioneering. Bull riding (once in college.)"

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: "Listening."

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: "Voice impersonations of dozens of celebrities."

California Rep. Duncan Hunter: "Making rifle scabbards out of leather."

Arizona Sen. John McCain: "Barbecue grill chef."

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: "Singing."

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo: "After 30 years in politics, there is no talent that has not been exploited."

I love Kucinich's answer (one presumes that he means he can't hit either one), but compare the answers overall between the Democrats and Republicans. I can draw several conclusions:

1. Democrats have a sense of humor (although I reluctantly give kudos to Tancredo who, although he's an asshole, seems to have a good sense of the ironic).

2. Republicans like weapons (viz., Hunter).

3. It's just a matter of time until Romney has his "Let the Eagle Soar" moment.

4. Rudy Giuliani is even more deluded than I thought. I'd like to ask his ex-wives how well he listens. (For that matter, you could say the same about me ... but, then, I'm not running for president.)

5. Barack Obama smokes and plays poker, which is pretty cool.

Add your own (suggested) hidden talents (either for the candidates or yourself) in the comments. Here's one to get you started:

John McCain: Taking walks with his friends.

Republican follies, today featuring Rudy Giuliani

Too bad I already bestowed today's Daily Schadenfreude award on Newt Gingrich, because a fellow GOP presidential hopeful has more problems of his own.

One of the nation's largest firefighters' union has accused Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, of committing "egregious acts" against firefighters who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, in a draft letter, excoriated Giuliani for his November 2001 decision to cut back the number of firefighters searching the rubble of Ground Zero for the remains of some 300 fallen comrades.

The 280,000-member union accused him of expediting the clean-up process with a "scoop-and-dump" operation after the recovery of millions of dollars in gold, silver and other assets from the Bank of Nova Scotia that had been buried.

It's really quite humorous to watch the Repukes try to find a candidate that isn't an utter disaster. Let's see ...

there's Newt, and I've already given him more attention than he deserves today (plus he's not even a declared candidate) ...

... there's Mitt, whose campaign is a comedy of errors ...

... there's Crazy John McCain, the erstwhile maverick whose only unusual move to date is pushing for more, not fewer, troops in Iraq ...

... the longshots like Duncan "Ann Coulter's Crush" Hunter, Mike Huckabee, Sam Brownback, and Tom Tancredo ...

... and now Rudy's finding even ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

There's really nothing quite so satisfying as watching the Repukes shoot each other in the face foot for the privilege of losing in the general election.

Today's Daily Schadenfreude, Special Asshole Edition: Tom Tancredo

This guy has a problem. A serious problem.

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.), whose disparaging remarks about Miami were roundly criticized locally, including by Gov. Jeb! himself, was unceremoniously disinvited to speak to the Rotary Club of Miami today.

The stated reason was concern about a crush of protestors and media, in addition to the anticipated security risk. (Duh.)

It's probably just as well. He posted an audio statement on his website, and it's clear he still doesn't get it:

I am sorry and disappointed that radical groups were able to prevent my speech to the Miami Rotary.

I certainly understand the decision of those who felt it necessary to put public safety ahead of public discourse today. I know this kind of thing is not unusual in third world countries but it sad to see we are not immune to such tactics in America. Of course, this incident may, indeed prove the point I was coming to Miami to make.

I look forward to someday being able to speak in Miami about an issue, which, as
evidenced by events in the City, desperately needs to be part of the public dialogue. I want to wish everyone in Florida a very Merry Christmas

[punctuation as in original - Ed.]

But, what gets Rep. Tancredo special recognition today as Blast Off!'s first official "schadenfreude asshole" was his reaction to the snubbing:

Tancredo responded to the withdrawn invitation with scorn.

"I knew speaking your mind could be dangerous in Havana -- I guess it's equally dangerous to do so in Miami," Tancredo said in a statement. "Apparently, there isn't much of a difference between the two anymore.

"I hope to someday return to Miami when it has been able to extricate itself from the clutches of the radical multiculturalists."

Fire, meet gasoline. Seriously, there's something wrong with this guy. He's got the same social alienation issues as the preznit.

So, for his unrelenting boorish behavior, I'd like to congratulate Rep. Tancredo. This Blast Off! Daily Schadenfreude, Special Asshole Edition, is for you!

(Oh, one last question, Rep. Tancredo ... since you're becoming the poster child for xenophobia, I'd like to know: what nationality is the name "Tancredo?" Just curious ...)

Jeb! takes on Tancredo

Republicans in turmoil! Party in disarray!

These are pronouncements you won't hear from the SCLM.

Recently, Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colo.) compared Miami to "a third-world country." Jeb! responded in kind yesterday, calling Tancredo "a nut."

For once, I think Jeb! is right. As evidence, look at Tancredo's incredible reply:

Tancredo responded Wednesday in a letter to Bush, saying he understood why the governor was trying to "create the illusion of Miami as a multiethnic 'All American' city."

But Tancredo said it was "neither naive nor insulting to call attention to a real problem that cannot be easily dismissed through politically correct happy talk."

He added, "Unfortunately, fewer and fewer Miamians think of themselves as Americans."

He cited an article in this week's Time magazine that described Miami as a "corrupt, exorbitant mess" that has lost 20,000 residents a year since 2000.

"Do you not worry that Miami's 'sanctuary city' rules serve as a magnet for illegal aliens and undercut the state's sound law enforcement policies?" Tancredo asked.

He added that he had "simply said something most people - even in Florida, if our calls and e-mails are a measure of sentiment - believe is true."

"I have no doubt that people of wealth can still lead a comfortable and pleasant life in Miami, but ask yourself why ordinary middle-class citizens are leaving in such high numbers."

Naturally, the SCLM's double standard will continue, at least outside of south Florida. See, here's how it works: when Democrats have a competitive election for majority leader, and there is disagreement, they are polarized and ineffective. When Republicans battle in a war of words ... crickets.

Anyway, whatever one's opinions may be of Miami, Tancredo is courting political disaster by his stubbornness. Hasn't he learned anything yet? You can't fuck with a Bush.

Hmmm ... maybe I ought to rephrase that ...