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Mayor Rudy Giuliani has dropped out of the race on the Republican side and is expected to endorse Sen. John McCain. This leaves Gov. Mitt Romney, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Rep. Ron Paul and Sen John McCain left in the race.
Sen. John Edwards has dropped out of the race on the Democrat side. He has yet to mention who he will be supporting. This leaves only Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton left in the race.
The Florida Primary has come and gone. Sen. John McCain came out on top on the Republican side. Gov. Mitt Romney was next in second place and Mayor Rudy Giuliani came in a distant third. Giuliani's dissappointing third place finish has forced him to drop out of the race.
The Democrats were involved in a race that didn't have any delegates at stake. Florida chose to hold it's primary before Feb. 5th which the DNC did not approve of. Because of this, Florida was stripped of all of it's delegates. So once again, Sen. Hillary Clinton has a hollow victory. Sen. Barack Obama took second and John Edwards once again finished way down in third.
Up next for the remaining candidates is the Maine Caucuses on Feb. 2nd for the Republicans and Super Tuesday on Feb. 5th.
Here are the final results for the Republicans:
McCain: 36%
Romney: 31%
Giuliani: 15%
Huckabee: 14%
Paul: 3%
Thompson: 1%
Hunter: 0%
Here are the final results for the Democrats:
Clinton: 50%
Obama: 33%
Edwards: 14%
Kucinich: 1%
As most of you know by now, I was a Duncan Hunter supporter. Unfortunately his campaign never took off. Almost immediately after Hunter dropped out, Fred Thompson dropped out. This leaves me with five candidates to vote for OR to vote my conscience and still cast a vote for Hunter knowing it was a wasted vote.
I contemplated doing that to show the Republicans I will support a strong conservative candidate. However, I did some thinking on the issue. Sen. John McCain has been picking up momentum. It is my opinion that he has to be stopped.
Why on Earth are Republicans voting for a guy who teams up with liberal Democrats on policy more often than he teams up with Republicans? McCain/Feingold, McCain/Lieberman, McCain/Kennedy, McCain/Edwards....ALL bad bills....All proposed by McCain and a liberal Democrat. Remember the Gang of 14? The idiots who blocked good originalist judges from making it to the higher courts....another liberal move brought to you by John McCain. He must be stopped.
So who's left that I can vote for? There's Giuliani, who most likely will be dropping out of the race now that he has come in a distant third in Florida. There's Huckabee, who says all the right things but has a record that goes against most of what he is saying now. There's Ron Paul, who is 100% right on half the issues and 100% wrong on the other half. And then there's Mitt Romney.
I looked back at the editorial/blog I wrote in May of last year. My opinion of Romney then was that he had potential, but he seemed too polished. I said, "He looks Presidential. He sounds Presidential. But so did Bill Clinton. Now, I'm not saying Mitt's politics are that of Bill Clinton. I am saying his style is." Now remember this was very early on in the campaign. However, to some extent I still agree with this assessment. He does look presidential. He does sound presidential. Comparing him to Bill Clinton had absolutely NOTHING to do with policy issues as I stated. Love him or hate him, Bill Clinton was great with people. He was good at answering questions. He was smooth. He had an answer for anything you could throw at him. He wasn't at a loss for words very often. It was in this sense that I compared Romney to Clinton. Thinking on it, I wonder if that is such a bad thing that Romney has some of these characteristics as well. I don't think it is. He is obviously well versed in the issues and therefore can speak on them articulately. He has tremendous experience in the private sector. His record, while not 100% conservative, is much more conservative than that of the other candidates. His grasp of the economy is second to none of any of the candidates. I believe that his leadership skills are such that he will bring highly skilled and intelligent people into his administration to work with him on issues he's already strong on as well as issues that he needs a little work with.
For these reasons, I will be voting for Gov. Mitt Romney on Super Tuesday.
-Trent
Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens:
Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens.
These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered the call.
(LAUGHTER)
Yet history will record that amid our differences we acted with purpose, and together we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.
All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people's business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. It remains our charge to keep.
The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them.
Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.
(APPLAUSE)
From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.
In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens.
And so, in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.
To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America's added jobs for a record 52 straight months.
But jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined.
At kitchen tables across our country, there is a concern about our economic future. In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth, but in the short run, we can all see that that growth is slowing.
So, last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment.
The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable.
(APPLAUSE)
This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.
(APPLAUSE)
We have other work to do on taxes. Unless Congress acts, most of the tax relief we've delivered over the past seven years will be taken away.
Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase.
Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who will see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm. I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.
(LAUGHTER)
(APPLAUSE)
Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about the federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There is only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: Make the tax relief permanent.
Members of the Congress should know, if any bill -- raises taxes reach -- reaches my desk, I will veto it.
(APPLAUSE)
Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely.
(APPLAUSE)
Next week, I'll send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs, totaling more than $18 billion. The budget that I'll submit will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012.
American families have to balance their budgets; so should their government.
The people's trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks, special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. committee reports that never even come to a vote.
Unfortunately, neither goal was met.
So, this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I'll send it back to you with my veto.
(APPLAUSE)
And tomorrow I will issue an executive order that directs federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by Congress.
If these items are truly worth funding, Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote.
(APPLAUSE)
Our shared responsibilities extend beyond matters of taxes and spending. On housing, we must trust Americans with the responsibility of home ownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the housing market.
My administration brought together the Hope Now alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure.
And Congress can help even more.
Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages.
(APPLAUSE)
It's been a difficult time for many American families and, by taking these steps, we can help more of them keep their homes.
To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options.
We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans.
(APPLAUSE)
The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control.
(APPLAUSE)
So I propose ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year.
(APPLAUSE)
Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create association health plans for small businesses, promote health information technology and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits.
(APPLAUSE)
With all these steps, we will ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor's office, not in the halls of Congress.
(APPLAUSE)
On education, we must trust students to learn, if given the chance, and empower parents to demand results from our schools.
In neighborhoods across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams. And a decent education is their only hope of achieving them.
Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results.
Last year, 4th and 8th graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. African-American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs. Now we must...
(APPLAUSE)
Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibilities for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, provide extra help for struggling schools.
Members of Congress, the No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America's children, their parents and their teachers to strengthen this good law.
(APPLAUSE)
We must also do more to help children when their schools do not measure up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you approved, more than 2,600 of the poorest children in our nation's capital have found new hope at a faith-based or other nonpublic schools.
Sadly, these schools are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America's inner cities. So I will convene a White House summit aimed at strengthening these lifelines of learning.
And to open the doors of these schools to more children, I ask you to support a new $300 million program called Pell Grants for Kids. We have seen how Pell Grants help low-income college students realize their full potential.
Together, we've expanded the size and reach of these grants. Now let us apply the same spirit to help liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools.
(APPLAUSE)
On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas.
Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American goods and crops and services all over the world.
So we're working to break down barriers to trade and investment, wherever we can.
We're working for a successful Doha round of trade talks. And we must complete a good agreement this year.
At the same time, we're pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements.
I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. And now I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia and Panama and South Korea.
(APPLAUSE)
Many products from these nations now enter America duty-free.
Yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They will give us better access to nearly 100 million customers.
They will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world, those whose products say, "Made in the USA."
(APPLAUSE)
These agreements also promote America's strategic interests. The first agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror and fighting drug traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere.
So we must come together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life.
(APPLAUSE)
Trade brings better jobs and better choices and better prices. Yet, for some Americans, trade can mean losing a job. And the federal government has a responsibility to help.
(APPLAUSE)
I ask Congress to reauthorize and reform Trade Adjustment Assistance, so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs.
(APPLAUSE)
And I ask Congress to reauthorize the Reform Trade Adjustment Assistance so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs.
(APPLAUSE)
To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology.
(APPLAUSE)
Our security, our prosperity and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together, we should take the next steps. Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions.
Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions- free nuclear power.
(APPLAUSE)
Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future.
(APPLAUSE)
Let us create a new international clean technology fund which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources.
And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases.
(APPLAUSE)
This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.
The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change, and the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy-efficient technology.
(APPLAUSE)
To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Last year, Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge.
So I ask Congress to double federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on earth.
(APPLAUSE)
On matters of life and science, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries.
In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells.
This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life.
(APPLAUSE)
So we're expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And, as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life treated with the dignity it deserves.
And so I call on Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting or cloning of human life.
(APPLAUSE)
On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says.
(APPLAUSE)
I've submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.
(APPLAUSE)
In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need.
Over the past seven years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair with newfound support from the federal government.
And, to help guarantee equal treatment of faith-based organizations when they compete for federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend Charitable Choice.
(APPLAUSE)
Tonight, the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before.
And tonight I'm pleased to announce that, in April, we will host this year's North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans.
(APPLAUSE)
There are two other pressing challenges that I've raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration.
Every member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs -- like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid -- is growing faster than we can afford.
We all know the painful choices ahead if American stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, and crippling deficits.
I've laid out proposals to reform these programs. Now I ask members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and our grandchildren.
(APPLAUSE)
The other pressing challenge is immigration. America needs to secure our borders. And, with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We're increasing work site enforcement, deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings.
We've effectively ended the policy of "catch and release" at the border. And by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents.
Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy.
(APPLAUSE)
This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm.
We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved, and it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals.
(APPLAUSE)
This is the business of our nation here at home. Yet building a prosperous future for our citizens also depends on confronting enemies abroad and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the world.
Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace.
In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty. We've seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand up for their right to free and fair elections. We've seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We've seen Afghans emerge from the tyranny of the Taliban and choose a new president and a new parliament.
We've seen jubilant Iraqis holding up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom.
These images of liberty have inspired us.
(APPLAUSE)
In the past seven years, we've also seen the images that have sobered us. We've watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassins' hands.
We've seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs.
On a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant.
These horrific images serve as a grim reminder. The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists -- evil men who despise freedom, despise America and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.
Since 9/11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense. We will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to our enemies.
We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear.
Yet, in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on. In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny.
And that is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to the people in Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the Palestinian territories.
And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom.
Let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.
(APPLAUSE)
From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we've made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.
In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens.
And so, in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free peoples to make wise decisions and empower them to improve their lives for their futures.
(APPLAUSE)
In Afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country.
Thanks to the courage of these military and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al Qaeda is now a young democracy where boys and girls are going to school. New roads and hospitals are being built. And people are looking to the future with new hope.
These successes must continue. So we're adding 3,200 Marines to our forces in Afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and train the Afghan army and police.
Defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda is critical to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America's vital mission in Afghanistan.
(APPLAUSE)
In Iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty and fighting to establish safe havens for attacks across the world.
One year ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos, so we reviewed our strategy and changed course.
We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. We gave our troops a new mission: Work with the Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in his strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the country.
The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened.
Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return. And they saw our troops, along with provincial reconstruction teams that include Foreign Service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life.
Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with courage and distinction, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation.
(APPLAUSE)
The Iraqis launched a surge of their own.
In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda's brutality and started a popular uprising called the Anbar Awakening. Over the past year, similar movements have spread across the country.
Today, the grassroots surge includes more than 80,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists.
The government in Baghdad has stepped forward as well, adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year.
While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just one year ago.
(APPLAUSE)
When we met last year, many said that containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high-profile terrorist attacks are down; civilian deaths are down; sectarian killings are down.
When we met last year, militia extremists, some armed and trained by Iran, were wreaking havoc in large areas of Iraq.
(APPLAUSE)
When we met last year our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of return on success, and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.
This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders.
This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the front lines, soldiers and sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast you and more.
Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments.
And tonight, in this hallowed chamber with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our nation.
(APPLAUSE)
And I ask Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops.
(APPLAUSE)
Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated and we can still expect tough fighting ahead.
Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations to partnering with Iraqi forces and eventually to a protective over-watch mission.
As part of this transition, one Army Brigade Combat team and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit.
Taken together, this means more than 20,000 of our troops are coming home.
(APPLAUSE)
Any further drawdown of U.S. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders.
General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in, quote, "the disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al Qaeda- Iraq regaining lost ground, and a marked increase in violence."
Members of Congress, having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen.
(APPLAUSE)
In the coming year, we will work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they're making toward political reconciliation.
At the local levels, Sunnis, Shiite and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad.
(APPLAUSE)
We're seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Baathification reform. They're now debating a provincial powers law.
The Iraqis still have a distance to travel. But, after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future.
(APPLAUSE)
The mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation, but it is in the vital interest of the United States that we succeed.
A free Iraq will deny al Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty is possible. A free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror and a source of stability in a dangerous part of the world.
By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden the extremists, strengthen Iran and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies and our homeland.
The enemy has made its intentions clear.
At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al Qaeda's top commander in Iraq declared that they will not rest until they have attacked us here in Washington.
My fellow Americans, we will not rest either. We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated.
(APPLAUSE)
We must do the difficult work today so that, years from now, people will look back and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight and left behind a more hopeful region and a safer America.
(APPLAUSE)
We're also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel.
Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security.
This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do and I will do everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year.
The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side by side in peace.
(APPLAUSE)
We're also standing against the forces of extremism embodied by the regime in Tehran.
Iran's rulers oppress a good and talented people. And wherever freedom advances in the Middle East, it seems the Iranian regime is there to oppose it.
Iran is funding and training militia groups in Iraq, supporting Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, and backing Hamas' efforts to undermine peace in the Holy Land.
Tehran is also developing ballistic missiles of increasing range and continues to develop its capability to enrich uranium, which could be used to create a nuclear weapon.
Our message to the people of Iran is clear. We have no quarrel with you. We have respect your traditions and your history. We look forward to the day when you have your freedom.
Our message to the leaders of Iran is also clear. Verifiably suspend your nuclear enrichment so negotiations can begin. And to rejoin the community of nations, come clean about your nuclear intentions and past actions. Stop your oppression at home. Cease your support for terror abroad.
But above all, know this: America will confront those who threaten our troops; we will stand by our allies; and we will defend our vital interests in the Persian Gulf.
(APPLAUSE)
On the homefront, we will continue to take every lawful and effective measure to protect our country. This is our most solemn duty.
We are grateful that there has not been another attack on our soil since 9/11. But this is not for the lack of desire or effort on the part of the enemy.
In the past six years, we've stopped numerous attacks, including a plot to fly a plane into the tallest building in Los Angeles, and another to blow up passenger jets bound for America over the Atlantic.
Dedicated men and women in our government toil day and night to stop the terrorists from carrying out their plans. These good citizens are saving American lives, and everyone in this chamber owes them our thanks.
(APPLAUSE)
And we owe them something more. We owe them the tools they need to keep our people safe. And one of the most important tools we can give them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications.
To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying and what they're planning.
Last year, Congress passed legislation to help us do that.
Unfortunately, Congress set the legislation to expire on February 1st. That means, if you don't act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger.
Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. We've had ample time for debate. The time to act is now.
(APPLAUSE)
Protecting our nation from the dangers of a new century requires more than good intelligence and a strong military. It also requires changing the conditions that breed resentment and allow extremists to prey on despair. So America is using its influence to build a freer, more hopeful and more compassionate world.
This is a reflection of our national interests. It is the calling of our conscience. America opposes genocide in Sudan.
(APPLAUSE)
We support freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma.
(APPLAUSE)
America's leading the fight against global poverty with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We've also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account.
This program strengthens democracy, transparency and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative.
(APPLAUSE)
America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world's food aid comes from the United States.
(APPLAUSE)
And tonight, I ask Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine.
(APPLAUSE)
America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we're working to cut, by half, the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our emergency plan for AIDS relief is treating 1.4 million people.
We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years.
(APPLAUSE)
America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people. And some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us. we might live in freedom and peace.
Over the past seven years, we've increased funding for veterans by more than 95 percent. And as we increase funding...
(APPLAUSE)
And as we increase funding, we must also reform our veterans' system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation.
And, as we increase funding, we must also reform our veterans system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation.
(APPLAUSE)
I call on Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala so we can improve the system of care for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of hope and promise and dignity.
(APPLAUSE)
Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home.
We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask you to join me in expanding their access to child care, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children.
Our military families serve our nation. They inspire our nation, and tonight our nation honors them.
(APPLAUSE)
The secret of our strength, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies not in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people. When the federal convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, our nation was bound by the Articles of Confederation which began with the words, "We the undersigned delegates." Constitution, he offered an important revision, and opened with words that changed the course of our nation and the history of the world: "We the people."
By trusting the people, our founders wagered that a great and noble nation could be built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on earth and a beacon of hope for millions.
And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure and the state of our union will remain strong.
(APPLAUSE)
So tonight, with confidence in freedom's power and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business. God bless America.
Sen. Ted Kennedy along with his son Patrick and his niece Caroline, daughter of President John F. Kennedy, have endorsed the presidential aspirations of Sen. Barack Obama. This marks a high profile endorsement for Obama and a blow to Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign.
"Every time I've been asked over the past year who I would support in the Democratic primary, my answer has always been the same: I'll support the candidate who inspires me, who inspires all of us," said Kennedy.
Sen. Barack Obama had an overwhelming victory in South Carolina's primary. He received 55% of the vote while Sen. Hillary Clinton could only manage to obtain 27%. Sen. John Edwards once again finished in third place garnering 18% of the vote. Rep. Dennis Kucinich was the only other candidate on the ballot and he received less than 1% of the vote.
Sen. Fred Thompson has officially dropped out of the race to obtain the Republican nomination for President. "Today, I have withdrawn my candidacy for president of the United States. I hope that my country and my party have benefited from our having made this effort," Thompson said in a statement. The remaining candidates in the race include Gov. Mitt Romney, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Rep. Ron Paul, Gov. Mike Huckabee and Sen. John McCain.
Rep. Duncan Hunter has officially dropped his bid to become the nominee on the Republican side for President of the United States. It was my opinion that Rep. Hunter was, by far, the strongest conservative in the race. Unfortunately, the press paid little attention to him and even the majority of the conservative pundits and talk show hosts seemed to ignore his campaign. As you all know, I endorsed Rep. Hunter, so I am especially saddened to see him exit the race. However, I am proud to have endorsed him. I was not going to endorse someone with lesser conservative credentials simply because "they could win." The whole point of my site is being a Proud Conservative. I was proud to endorse the best conservative in the race. I was not going to put my integrity to the side just so that I could say, "Hey, I endorsed the winner." What good is endorsing the eventual winner, if you don't believe they represent conservatism the best of any of the candidates? So yes, I backed a candidate who didn't win and I would proudly do so again. The rest of the candidates left in the race are Republicans. Duncan Hunter is a Conservative. And as I've said many, many times....the name of this site is ProudConservative.com and not ProudRepublican.com.
-Trent
The Caucuses in Nevada have been completed. On the Republican side, Gov. Mitt Romney had a commanding win. Rep. Ron Paul took a distant second place and Sen. John McCain finished third.
The Democrat results are interesting. Sen. Hillary Clinton took the top spot. Sen. Barack Obama was second and Sen. John Edwards barely registered a third place finish. The interesting aspect of this contest is that while Sen. Clinton technically won Nevada, Sen. Obama will actually receive more delegates from Nevada than Sen. Clinton. So you can decide who atually won.
Here are the final results for the Republicans:
Romney: 51%
Paul: 14%
McCain: 13%
Huckabee: 8%
Thompson: 8%
Giuliani: 4%
Hunter: 2%
Here are the final results for the Democrats:
Clinton: 51%
Obama: 45%
Edwards: 4%
The South Carolina voters have spoken and they have chosen Sen. John McCain as the winner in their primary. Gov. Mike Huckabee received the silver and Sen. Fred Thompson took home the bronze. This was the primary that Sen. Thompson was really hoping to do well in and was dissapointed with a third place finish.
Here are the final results:
McCain: 33%
Huckabee: 30%
Thompson: 16%
Romney: 15%
Paul: 4%
Giuliani: 2%
Hunter: 0%
The voters of Michigan have voted and the results are in. On the republican side, Gov. Mitt Romney comes out on top with his second win. Sen John McCain came in second and Gov. Mike Huckabee took third place.
The Democrat side was a little different. There were only 5 choices for the Democrats to vote for and only one of the 3 main candidates was on the ballot. The Democrats stripped Michigan of all it's delegates for changing their primary date without consent of the DNC. So calling it a win for Sen. Hillary Clinton is a bit of an exaggeration. "Uncommited" received second place and Rep. Dennis Kucinich placed third.
Here are the final results for the Republicans:
Romney: 39%
McCain: 30%
Huckabee: 16%
Paul: 6%
Thompson: 4%
Giuliani: 3%
Uncommitted: 2%
Hunter: 0%
Here are the final results for the Democrats:
Clinton: 55%
Uncommitted: 40%
Kucinich: 4%
Dodd: 1%
Gravel: 0%
Next on the schedule are the Republican Primary in South Carolina and the Nevada Caucuses.
In what some are considering a "slap in the face" to Sen. John Edwards, Sen John Kerry has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama in his fight to win the Democratic Presidential nomination. Just four short years ago, Kerry tapped Edwards to be his running mate in the 2004 Presidential election. This time around, however, he will be supporting Obama. "He has a superb talent … to communicate the best of our hopes and aspirations for America and the world, and that is why Barack Obama has the greatest potential to lead a transformation, not just a transition,” Kerry said.
Gov. Bill Richardson has officially dropped his bid to obtain the Democratic Presidential nomination. Truth is, there isn't much else to say.
- Trent
The first in the nation, New Hampshire Primary has ended. In a state which allows independents to vote in either the Democrat or Republican primary, Sen. John McCain took the win garnering the most votes. Gov. Mitt Romney came in second while Gov. Mike Huckabee received enough votes to take third place.
On the Democrat side, in a somewhat surprise win, Sen. Hillary Clinton was the winner. Sen. Barack Obama came in a close second place and former Sen. John Edwards came in a distant third place. The polls and pundits were all expecting another Obama victory and so the results surprised quite a few people.
Even though, there is a lot of media attention given to the New Hampshire Primary, it isn't always the best indicator of who will receive the nominations. New Hampshire tends to lean toward candidates that are not always the rest of the nation's choice. Only time will tell how these two candidates fair. Michigan is next on the Primary Schedule.
Here are the final results for the Republicans:
McCain: 37%
Romney: 32%
Huckabee: 11%
Giuliani: 9%
Paul: 8%
Thompson: 1%
Hunter: 0%
Here are the final results for the Democrats:
Clinton: 39%
Obama: 37%
Edwards: 17%
Richardson: 5%
Kucinich: 1%
Biden: 0%
Gravel: 0%
Dodd: 0%
The reports coming in from New Hampshire is of a huge turnout by Democratic voters. There are reports of polling stations running out of ballots.
Duncan Hunter announced that despite the efforts of the executives at ABC and Fox News to exclude him from the Republican debates, he will remain in the race. Watch the video of the announcement by clicking the link below. Listen to the commentary afterwards. Bill Schneider says exactly what I said in yesterday's blog...."Let the voter's decide."
On Sunday, January 6, 2008, Fox News Channel held a Republican Presidential Forum. However, they made the decision to only invite 5 of the candidates running, leaving Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter on the sidelines. Chris Wallace said at the beginning of the forum, "One of the five men sitting at this table tonight will be the Republican presidential nominee."
That may be true and it may not be true. It is not up to Fox News to decide. It is up to the citizens of this country to decide. That is why we have primaries and caucuses. Rep. Ron Paul and Rep. Duncan Hunter are both running serious campaigns. At this point Ron Paul has more delegates than Rudy Giuliani and Duncan Hunter has the same number of delegates as Rudy Giuliani. Ron Paul received more votes than Giuliani in the Iowa Caucus. Duncan Hunter received more votes than Giuliani in the Wyoming Caucus. Yet, these two candidates were excluded and Rudy Giuliani was invited?
Fox News Channel dropped the ball on this issue. The New Hampshire Republican party agrees. They were set to sponsor the Fox News forum. When they were informed that Rep. Paul and Rep. Hunter were not invited, they pulled their sponsorship from the event. So my advice to Fox News...Let the voters decide who is and who isn't a viable candidate.
-Trent
The Republican Wyoming Caucus quietly occured on Saturday January, 5th. Gov. Mitt Romney won the caucus with an overwhelming percentage of the vote. Former Sen. Fred Thompson took second place. Duncan Hunter, my personal choice for President, came in third ahead of many of the so-called top tier candidates.
Democrats caucus in Wyoming on March 8, 2008. The next stop for both parties is Tuesday, January 8th, 2008 for the New Hampshire primaries.
Here are the final results for the Republicans:
Romney: 67%
Thompson: 25%
Hunter: 8%
Giuliani: 0%
Huckabee: 0%
McCain: 0%
Paul: 0%
The Iowa Caucuses have come and gone and the nomination season has officially begun. Gov. Mike Huckabee was the big winner on the Republican side. Gov. Mitt Romney took second and former Sen. Fred Thompson took third.
On the Democrat side, Sen. Barrack Obama was the winner. Former Sen. John Edwards rallied enough support to take second leaving Sen. Hillary Clinton in the disappointing (for her anyway) position of third place.
Sen. Chris Dodd and Sen Joe Biden, both Democrats, have both thrown in the towel on their presidential bids. The candidates, who choose to remain in the race, now have their eyes set on the New Hampshire primaries which will be taking place in a few days.
Here are the final results for the Republicans:
Huckabee: 34%
Romney: 25%
Thompson: 13%
McCain: 13%
Paul: 10%
Giuliani: 4%
Hunter: 1%
Here are the final results for the Democrats:
Obama: 38%
Edwards: 30%
Clinton: 29%
Richardson: 2%
Biden: 1%
Uncommitted: 0%
Dodd: 0%
Gravel: 0%
Kucinich: 0%
As most of you know, I have endorsed Duncan Hunter for President. In my opinion, he is the one true conservative with the record to back it up. While other candidates may be TALKING about being a conservative, Rep. Hunter IS a conservative with a consistent conservative voting record. He has not become a conservative in order to run for the Republican nomination. He is running for the Republican nomination because he is a conservative.
It is our duty to vote for the best conservative in the race in the primaries. Don't just listen to what the candidates are saying. Look at what they have done. Research their voting record. Research what stands they have taken on the issues in the past. The last time people voted for the Republican that "could win" versus the better conservative, California got the liberal Arnold Schwarzenegger for Governor instead of the true conservative Tom McClintock. So as we officially move into the caucus and primary season, think about that as you decide who to vote for. Here are Duncan Hunter's ratings from various organizations:
ACLU: 7% (indicates very conservative)
American Conservative Union: 92%
Americans for Better Immigration: A+
Americans for Tax Reform: 88.5%
Campaign for Working Families: 100%
Christian Coalition: 100%
Concerned Women for America: 100%
Eagle Forum: 100%
Family Research Council: 100%
Federation for American Immigration Reform: 100%
GodVoters.org: A ** NEW RATING (the ONLY A)
Gun Owners of America: A
NARAL: 0% (indicates a pro-life record)
National Federation of Independent Business: 100%
National Rifle Association: A+
National Right to Life Committee: 100%
National Tax Limitation Committee: A
National Taxpayers Union: B
-Trent
It's 2008! I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported ProudConservative.com over the past couple of years. Every year, the site is gaining more and more business. I still have a long way to go before I can consider it a successful business, but it is headed in the right direction. The emails I get offering words of encouragement mean more to me than you know. Of course, those of you who have ordered T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts are the main growth of the site. Many of you have visited the sites that advertise on ProudConservative.com and that is another form of support. And once again, anyone who shops at Amazon.com can help by entering Amazon through any of their ads on my site. Amazon pays me a finder's fee commission on each item purchased, so it is a great help and doesn't cost anything extra to you. So once again, to everyone who has helped in so many ways....my sincere Thank you.
I also want to make special mention of a person who has gone above and beyond in helping people become aware of ProudConservative.com. His name is Andrew Wilkow and he hosts his own radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio. His show can be heard from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. E.S.T. on Sirius Patriot Channel 144. I met him briefly in 2006 and in 2007 we have become friends. His support and on air mentions of ProudConservative.com have helped his listeners find my site. It has made a noticeable impact on the site. I know that I have been able to steer quite a few people to become Sirius subscribers mainly to listen to his show. I once again encourage everyone to get a Sirius subscription in order to listen to his show. You will not be sorry. He does more research than anyone I have heard on the air. He has a way of making the complex issues understandable. I can't explain how great his show is. You'll just have to listen to it for yourself. Thank you Andrew!
Of course, 2008 is a Presidential Election year. It's gonna be a huge year in politics. It is also a critical year. This election will decide whether we drift off into socialism or take the better path. It is time we let the government know that America is great not because of what the government does for us. The United States is great because of what we do for ourselves because of the freedoms we have. Do we want to continue enjoying the freedoms we have? Do we want to feel that sense of pride and accomplishment in a job well done? Or do we want to let the government come in and make our choices for us? Every election is important. However, look at the promised socialism being offered by the Democrat candidates. Look at the opportunities to control your own destiny being offered by the Republican candidates. We as a nation, will decide this year. Are we independent, hard working, intelligent, proud people capable of making our own life better by the choices we make? Or are we leeches living off the hard work of others and letting the government make the important decisions for us? I know which America I want to live in. Do you?
-Trent
O.K. O.K. I never claimed to be the best blogger or have the most knowledge on technical issues concerning blogs. Truth is....when it comes to some of the technical issues....I am clueless. The rest of the ProudConservative.com website is a completely different program. I have gotten pretty adept at using that program. So when I tried to change some of the technical settings on the blog....well let's just say I messed things up. I tried and tried to figure out what I did. I couldn't, for the life of me, figure it out. I made some phone calls to people who have a deeper understanding of these things. That didn't help. I kept searching for the settings or the code that I inadvertently changed. No luck. I actually gave up for a bit. I was frustrated. I didn't know what I should be looking for.
Then finally about 2 weeks ago, I tried again and BINGO....there it was! "But Trent, if you fixed the issue 2 weeks ago, why are you just posting again now?" you may be asking. Time is the answer. I simply did not have the time in the past 2 weeks to devote to it. Obviously, there was the lead up to and Christmas itself. And then this past week has been non-stop hockey basically. By the way, my son's team swept the tournament they entered, winning every game. I figured it would be one of my New Year's resolutions to get back on the ball and get the blog portion up and running again.
This should be a HUGE year in politics. I look forward to posting in here as often as I can. I can almost guarantee that some days there will be several posts and then there may be several days with no posts. Unfortunately, that is what my schedule allows.
So to all of you that have sent me emails about the blog, once again I appologize. But it's back and hopefully will be better than ever.
Trent
