theNogblog.com

Huckabee provides a name for the Stimulus Bill.

In retrospect it is always easy to see what went wrong. The popular fad since the Presidential election is to blame McCain’s failures on Sarah Palin. Other people are blaming the liberal media. A few people are claiming that Obama is the Antichrist and there is nothing we could have done anyway. Well I will throw my theory into the mix—McCain lost to Bush…Again.

In the 2000 Republican primaries George Bush trash-faced John McCain. Senator McCain could do very little to squelch the lies about his character. Eight years later—Bush destroys McCain without saying a word.

• McCain used the typical Bush heebie-jeebies strategy. ‘Democrats will raise taxes, Obama has really bad friends, liberals will over-run America’ and the list goes on. Americans are familiar with this tactic and were tired of it. People were looking for a message of hope so badly that they were willing to overlook flaws.
• McCain used the Bush form of communication (or lack thereof). He gave uninspiring speeches, refused to answer tough questions, and blamed the media for his unpopularity. Rather than wooing the media he let them become an enemy.
• McCain hit the Bush panic button. From the beginning McCain never had a clear plan or message. He consistently reacted to problems rather than offering creative solutions. People did not want another four years of snap decision making. People needed a consistent message that gave them some hope of stability. ‘Just staying the course’ or ’sticking with it’ is not the best solution for tough times. American needs more than that.

Perhaps McCain should have done more to reveal his character. Rather than sticking with party lines and President Bush he should have been a true Maverick. Finding a better solution to Iraq, coming up with an alternative to the bailout, acknowledging Republican/Presidential wrongs, and offering positive solutions to get American back on track would have lent credibility to McCain the Maverick. Anything else sounds too much like Bush.

I have a bill that I would like to submit to Congress. It is a bill that helps Congress learn to be servants. Here is the gist of the bill.

(1) Members of Congress take a pay cut. They learn to live with very little like the rest of America. They can earn up to $20,000 annually.

(2) Members of Congress go on deputation (just like I have to do). They are allowed to take up to $1 in contributions from each constituent. This money goes towards their salary and their ability to listen to the people.

(3) Members of Congress may not take contributions from corporations or industires. Again, only $1 from individuals. Their election/re-election is dependent on their motivation of large numbers of voters to campaign for them.

(4) Members of Congress learn something worthwhile. Members must have a college degree or equivalent that has an emphasis in science or math. Enough with lawyers who are only good for subtracting money from hard-working people and adding to our national debt.

Congress should immediately pass this bill in order to get our country back on track. Leave your vote (Aye/Nay) or add your thoughts to the bill in the comments! You may also contact your Representatives and Senators to request their support for this bill.

On Sunday, September 28, 2008 The Alliance Defense Fund sponsored Pulpit Freedom Sunday . This was a Sunday in which Pastors stood up for their 1st Amendment rights by endorsing their Presidential Candidate. According to the IRS this is against the law. What was my response to all this? (more…)

I think this is my first political post that is not about Mike Huckabee. I am still whining that he is not the Republican nominee. My whining is not as much as other Republicans. I listen to and read a lot of political content. Lately, it has been Republicans whining about how the media is treating Palin. This is just another thing for them to blame the liberal media about. I agree that the media is being unfair. But has the media ever been fair? We need more Republicans who move beyond the media. They need to be comfortable with unfair questions and turn those questions around to prove their point. Here are some tactics that might help:

• "Yes, and" or "no, and" technique – Yes, and here is why I believe that. Answer questions with yes and no and then clarify yourself. Most people love straight up answers even if they disagree with you. If you use "yes, and" very quickly it will make if difficult for them to edit out just the yes.
• Tell a Story – Sure journalists today are very intimidating. They are trying to create stories rather than tell stories. Instead of letting them create the story, you can take control. For example, "I saw a child die in the arms a person who could help them. It was the most horrific thing I’ve seen in my life. From that point on I decided that I’m going to do everything in my power to give everyone a chance at life."
• Know Some Obscure Facts -  Journalists like to act like they know it all. Simply throw out some facts that you’re sure they will not know about. Be confident and act like you are an expert on the topic.
• Remember Your Fans: Your strongest supporters track down everything you say. Watering down your beliefs does not encourage anyone. If your supporters see that your are taking a stand they will take a stand for you. Stop being politically correct and rally your troops!
• Be Constructive -  Objectively criticize your own party and address the issue. Talk about how you are going to be different from your party in order to find common ground. Getting things done in politics should be about negotiation. Find solutions to everything.
• Lighten Up – Liberals are people too. Most of them love to laugh. Connect with them on a human level and find ways to relate to them. Do not be afraid to laugh at yourself or at your party.
• Be Nice – Even though they are breathing fire you can take the higher ground. Treat them with polite professionalism. Do what you can to make them look good as a reporter. If they can come up with a great story they will look good. Again, be the one that creates the story and make them look good delivering your story.

Republicans need to start out-thinking their opponents.  They need to become solution oriented and they need to take responsibility for their mistakes. Liberals will always make things as difficult as possible, but that is just a part of politics. If Republicans stop complaining and start communicating they will begin to regain the confidence of voters.

I finally hit the big time. I’m famous. I will give out autographs for the right price. I am so tight with the next POTUS. I, I, I, me, me, me, it is now all about me. I made it onto the blogger list at mikehuckabee.com. I am now officially cool and famous. Just do a search for “thenogblog” when you head on over!

In order to help with the Huckabee’s November fundraising goal, I donated more moola last night. We did successfully reach our goal. Don’t stop donating now. Mike is on a roll. Keep donating, keep informing people, and keep the momentum going!

Mike Huckabee for President 2008