View Full Version : Now HE Would be a Great VP candidate
The Reaper
04-28-2008, 11:32
Anyone else here for J.C.?
TR
http://www.lvrj.com/opinion/18312754.html
Apr. 27, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
J.C. WATTS: Social conservatives still a political force
I started focusing on the political process in the mid-to-late '80s. For as long as I've been involved, it has been generally accepted that Ronald Reagan's success was keyed to his ability to bring the three legs of the conservative movement to stand together -- the foreign policy, economic and social conservatives.
Today, I believe the Republican and Democrat establishments would love nothing more than for the social conservatives to sit down and shut up, but they know this demographic can still really impact an election.
It is harder for social conservatives to win elections by themselves these days. They have become so disillusioned and so misunderstood by the establishment of both parties that they tend not to get energized for elections anymore.
But when they are energized and they turn out across the country on Election Day, they are still one of the few demographics that can turn an election. Because they are Republican, Democrat, red, brown, yellow, black and white. You will find them everywhere.
They are young, old, rich and poor, from the north, south, east and west. This group of Republican and Democrat voters determined where they stood on various issues before polling told them the politically correct crowd despised them. They will not change their ideology for the sake of political correctness.
There are two primary issues that cut to the heart of social conservatives -- God and guns -- and not necessarily in that order.
As hard as it may be for some on the left to understand, law-abiding citizens don't own guns to rob banks and people, nor to look for someone to shoot. Those who do are bad people, and they would use knives, pitchforks, cars or any other object to carry out their evil intentions. That's why trying to blame guns for crime is like trying to blame chains for slavery.
Bad people will use whatever inanimate object they can get their hands on -- including their hands -- to do harm to other people. Contrary to the clumsy assertion of Sen. Barack Obama, law-abiding citizens own guns in spite of poor government, not because of poor government.
A second issue that the establishment can't get its arms around is the matter of one's personal faith, and its role in the public square.
As I have said before regarding people of faith: Faith navigates their politics. Politics doesn't navigate their faith.
People of faith are naturally concerned about taxes, health care, national defense and so many other issues beyond abortion or the family. They'll fight for better health care. They'll debate tax rates. If a candidate is on the "wrong" side of one of those issues, they can be forgiving. However, if a candidate is hostile to their faith, he or she will almost surely lose the faith voter. I remind you that people of faith cling to their faith in spite of poor government, not because of poor government.
Many refer to faith voters as "one issue" voters. But they are no different than the black community that will be hostile to parties or candidates who appear hostile to race issues.
Nine years ago this week, a couple of bad kids went on a shooting spree inside the walls of Columbine High School in suburban Denver.
Few care to recall that they used much more than guns to accomplish their evil intentions. Indeed, they compiled an arsenal of deadly contraband, much of it home-made. Guns were highlighted in this case.
In Columbine's aftermath, Rep. Patrick Kennedy -- who was the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at the time -- acknowledged that his party had written off rural America due to the gun issue.
Not many years later, a Democratic presidential hopeful named Howard Dean inartfully reached out to this demographic by claiming the person with the gun rack in the rear window of his truck should be voting Democratic. As of this writing, the party of Howard Dean, who is now Democratic National Committee chairman, is still trying to figure out how to reach gun owners.
Contrary to the wishes of leaders such as Dean, Obama, Sen. Hillary Clinton and some in my own party, these values voters -- which include men and women of faith who rightfully and lawfully own guns -- will not go away quietly. Any candidate who wants to win elections needs to resolve himself or herself to that reality.
x-factor
04-28-2008, 11:51
I saw him speak at the Orange Bowl prayer breakfast in the late 90s sometime (I forget when exactly). He was very compelling. I remember coming home and telling my mom that I'd just seen the guy who would be the first black President speak.
I wonder though if he doesn't have some skeleton in his closet that might keep him from running because it never made sense to me that he dropped out of elected politics to be a commentator when his star was still on the rise.
We'll see though. I agree it would be a great choice for McCain: team player, social conservative, minority, etc.
mumbleypeg
04-28-2008, 11:51
Well, that's a remarkably level headed bit of thinking.
I would think that McCain/Watts would be a strong pairing.
I've been waiting for him too; SPEAK OUT out!!!!:D
Stay safe!
I wonder though if he doesn't have some skeleton in his closet that might keep him from running because it never made sense to me that he dropped out of elected politics to be a commentator when his star was still on the rise.:confused:
Stay safe.
x-factor
04-28-2008, 12:09
Thats just pure unprejudiced speculation on my part. I don't mean to slander the guy. :munchin
Thats just pure unprejudiced speculation on my part. I don't mean to slander the guy. :munchinLike your theory and speculation in that Islam thread? :D :munchin
Stay safe.
x-factor
04-28-2008, 12:23
Yes, but minus the years of cultural study! :D ;)
Didn't he recently rip the 2008 GOP candidates for failing to reach out to the black community?
If so, it would be hard for him to now jump on board with McCain.
I am not a real fan of social conservatism (I am more of a libertarian on social issues), but I really like J.C.
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I wonder though if he doesn't have some skeleton in his closet that might keep him from running because it never made sense to me that he dropped out of elected politics to be a commentator when his star was still on the rise.
While I don't disagree that it seems strange that he bowed out as the going got good - it doesn't seem like there are many skeletons that are trouble anymore. Look at today's field - we've got a guy who fully admits to a troubled youth and wandering eye complete with divorce, one who has done illegal drugs - inhaled and admits it with abandon, and a very shady lawyer whose business associates are doing hard time who has a TON of other baggage.
What on earth could he be running from?
Maybe his bowing out was nothing more than he stated when he left politics, a self-imposed term limit and more time with family.
Yes, but minus the years of cultural study! :D ;)I guess TUPAC is part of American culture since you can take a course at UC Berkerley?:eek:
Stay safe.
Didn't he recently rip the 2008 GOP candidates for failing to reach out to the black community?That's a MSM topic that some ya'll believe in...look for that Chris Rock video! Most blacks agree with that video yet; MSM will interview some illeterate fuck that's suppose to speak for blacks.
If so, it would be hard for him to now jump on board with McCain.Why so? Bill Clinton is our 1st "black" POTUS according too MSM...:D:munchin
I am not a real fan of social conservatism (I am more of a libertarian on social issues), but I really like J.C.
Hopefully McCain does also!
Stay safe.
While I don't disagree that it seems strange that he bowed out as the going got good - it doesn't seem like there are many skeletons that are trouble anymore. Look at today's field - we've got a guy who fully admits to a troubled youth and wandering eye complete with divorce, one who has done illegal drugs - inhaled and admits it with abandon, and a very shady lawyer whose business associates are doing hard time who has a TON of other baggage.
What on earth could he be running from?
Maybe his bowing out was nothing more than he stated when he left politics, a self-imposed term limit and more time with family.It was time for him to move on????:confused:
People get tired of dealing with shit! Dealing with the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus)
would have drove me NUTS!:D
Stay safe.
Why so? Bill Clinton is our 1st "black" POTUS according too MSM...:D:munchin
It would make him look two faced.
He cant on one hand say that all of the current GOP candidates suck, and then turn around and join one of their campaigns. It would hurt his credibility. Not in all circles, but in some.
It would make him look two faced.
He cant on one hand say that all of the current GOP candidates suck, and then turn around and join one of their campaigns. It would hurt his credibility. Not in all circles, but in some.I disagree with some of things you write!
Does that mean...I can't go along on a ride-a-long????;)
STay safe.
x-factor
04-28-2008, 14:29
While I don't disagree that it seems strange that he bowed out as the going got good - it doesn't seem like there are many skeletons that are trouble anymore. Look at today's field - we've got a guy who fully admits to a troubled youth and wandering eye complete with divorce, one who has done illegal drugs - inhaled and admits it with abandon, and a very shady lawyer whose business associates are doing hard time who has a TON of other baggage.
What on earth could he be running from?
Maybe his bowing out was nothing more than he stated when he left politics, a self-imposed term limit and more time with family.
Good points. Like I said, I like the guy, I think he's got a lot to contribute to the public debate, and I don't know anything. The timing just makes me wonder.
JC Watts was a hell of a player at a major college program. Not to put too fine a point on it, but that usually gets you a lot of tail and not always the wholesome, monogamous relationship kind. How many of those groupies would come out of the woodwork seeking their 15 minutes and claiming things (true or not) that I'll just leave to the imagination?
As for your other points. For better or worse, the American public is pretty tolerant of "drug experimentation" as long as it never became a habit (or in Bush's case, so long as you kick the habit before entering public life). As for McCain's liaisons, I'd offer the counterargument that America is probably apt to be less forgiving of sexual proclivities in a younger, black candidate than they are with McCain, who is decades past his wild oats days.
JC Watts was a hell of a player at a major college program. Not to put too fine a point on it, but that usually gets you a lot of tail and not always the wholesome, monogamous relationship kind. How many of those groupies would come out of the woodwork seeking their 15 minutes and claiming things (true or not) that I'll just leave to the imagination?
As for your other points. For better or worse, the American public is pretty tolerant of "drug experimentation" as long as it never became a habit (or in Bush's case, so long as you kick the habit before entering public life). As for McCain's liaisons, I'd offer the counterargument that America is probably apt to be less forgiving of sexual proclivities in a younger, black candidate than they are with McCain, who is decades past his wild oats days.Bill Clinton gets tail in the White House...JC Watts does it in college yet; the MSM will see it as the same?:confused:
Stay safe.
I disagree with some of things you write!
Does that mean...I can't go along on a ride-a-long????;)
STay safe.
You are always welcome. It wouldn't hurt his credibility with me at all..... like I said, I can just see how it might hurt him in certain circles. I hope he does get the nod from McCain.
J.C. Watts was one of the greats for OU, and for Oklahoma Rebulicans.
"Born November 18, 1957, in Eufaula, Oklahoma.
Watts was elected to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in 1990, and to the U.S. Congress in 1994 when he became the first black Republican elected in a Southern state to a federal office in 120 years.
Committee
Assignments:
Armed Services
Military Personnel
Subcommittee,
Military Procurement
Subcommittee
Prior to his entrance into public service, Watts was best known to many Oklahomans as the University of Oklahoma quarterback who led the Sooners to consecutive Big Eight titles and Orange Bowl championships.
Watts has been a spokesman for numerous groups, including the YMCA and Big Brothers-Big Sisters.
He is also president of Watts Energy Corporation in Norman. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1981, earning a B.S. in Journalism.
He and his wife, Frankie, have four children. They live in Norman."
It was time for him to move on????:confused:
People get tired of dealing with shit! Dealing with the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus)
would have drove me NUTS!:D
Stay safe.
I don't think my post came across right. What I was saying was that there couldn't possibly be anything to run from. I really think he left because of the reasons he stated. He put a self-imposed limit on himself and he wanted to spend more time with his family. End of story.
Oh and what you said. :D
JC Watts was a hell of a player at a major college program. Not to put too fine a point on it, but that usually gets you a lot of tail and not always the wholesome, monogamous relationship kind. How many of those groupies would come out of the woodwork seeking their 15 minutes and claiming things (true or not) that I'll just leave to the imagination?
Assuming he wasn't married at the time, I honestly can't believe that any of this would be an issue in the slightest. If he was married, someone would have dredged it up long ago when he ran for Congress.
However - implying that he's got a scandalous past when there is no evidence to point to that is really untoward and exactly how rumors get started.
x-factor
04-28-2008, 17:16
I'm not implying anything. I like the guy. I'm just saying its a possibility for why he's been out of politics that happens to fit the known facts.
I'm not implying anything. I like the guy. I'm just saying its a possibility for why he's been out of politics that happens to fit the known facts.Point them out...:lifter
Stay safe.
Having been involved in college athletics, I can asure you that sometimes the story fits the hype...but sometimes, it is just hype.
Legends are made for future generations, as in all college activites. The fact that certain athletics are singled out, just adds to the lore for future generations, IMHO. ;) (Football players, Cheerleaders, Baseball etc...)
Speaking from an Oklahoman point-of-view, J.C. Watts is an outstanding individual, and am proud to call him a fellow Sooner College Athlete.
Holly
I really like JC Watts. He was one hell of a football player. He proved his courage on and off the field. Even if he is pure as the driven snow, somebody will drag up some garbage, real or made up. I think that is why he left politics. A lot of honorable men refuse to get into politics for that very reason. If McCain were to pick him it would seem to show he heard JC's comments and wants to rectify them. McCain is campaigning in traditional Democrat neighborhoods to show he respects them and wants their votes. And finally, damn, is he that old? It seems like just yesterday he was playing
I really like JC Watts. He was one hell of a football player. He proved his courage on and off the field. Even if he is pure as the driven snow, somebody will drag up some garbage, real or made up. I think that is why he left politics. A lot of honorable men refuse to get into politics for that very reason. If McCain were to pick him it would seem to show he heard JC's comments and wants to rectify them. McCain is campaigning in traditional Democrat neighborhoods to show he respects them and wants their votes. And finally, damn, is he that old? It seems like just yesterday he was playingBut he ain't one of us...:munchin
Stay safe.
Grateful1
04-28-2008, 18:26
Just a comment from an observer of this site.
Read What Color is a Conservative by J.C. Watts Jr. and you'll find out a lot about the character of this man. He left congress because he promised his family he would only serve, I believe, 4 terms. One of the many things he's done that demonstrate he is a man of character and a man of his word. I'm a fan.:)
uboat509
04-28-2008, 19:24
I really like J.C. Watts but he has been out the public eye for some time now and suspect that the Democrats will just accuse McCain of pandering to the black vote. Having said that, I certainly wouldn't complain if he did get nod.
SFC W
82ndtrooper
04-28-2008, 19:54
I believe that Alan Keyes for VP would really make the Republican apple cart fairly ripe. :D
x-factor
04-28-2008, 22:19
Point them out...:lifter
Stay safe.
Since you asked.
The facts are just what we discussed:
- He left politics at a relatively strange time relative to his rising success.
- He left politics after already breaking his pledge to limit himself to two terms (he served four).
- He has expressed no intent to re-enter politics (except as a commentator) despite interest from others.
- He was a high profile athlete at a big school as well as a professional athlete in Canada.
Possible theories as to why he stopped seeking elected office:
- Genuine loss of interest in elected office
- Feels he has more influence as a commentator and charity worker
- Skeleton from his college days prevents campaigning for higher office
- Family pressure not to seek further office
- Believes that the conflict with black democrats and civil rights leaders over his 1997 charge that they are "race-hustling poverty pimps" burned too many bridges with the black community
Again, I'm not knocking the guy. (Truthfully, for me a couple of trysts as a 20 year old college student doesn't disqualify him from electability at all.) Just examining possibilities in a situation I think is a little suspicious.
BoyScout
05-26-2008, 20:58
Personally, from the few times I've met him, I had a hard time liking him and I avoided his kids growing up. His kids had a reputation of being stuck up and he never seemed that approachable when he was going around town. I'd let him be anyways, the man was shopping or eating, when someone would come up to him, he'd listen and be polite but he was a bit off putting.
Politically, I like the idea of him being a running mate a lot more than say Frank Keating on a strictly Okie point of view. He was more conservative and had the back bone to say some not so nice things about Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. The only Oklahoman I'd like better would be Tom Coburn.