Tancredo
Rep. Tom Tancredo was terrific in his speech at CPAC this afternoon. He has much improved as a speaker over the years; he is personally engaging, likable, and genuine; and he has moral passion on the most important issue facing the country, the loss of our nation through mass legal and illegal immigration. Every time I see or read Tancredo I sense a person who is morally and intellectually sound—a balanced conservative. I proudly cast a write-in ballot for him in 2004. Since he was not registered as a write-in candidate, my vote for him was not even recorded by name beyond the county level, and so was legally meaningless; but it was politically and spiritually meaningful to me. He is my candidate for the 2008 GOP nomination.
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Vincent C. writes:
Members representing local organizations dedicated to dealing with the baleful effects on U.S. society created by illegal immigration attended the CPAC Conference in Washington’s Shoreham Hotel on March 2, specifically to hear the talk by GOP presidential hopeful, Congressman Tom Tancredo. As a Board Member of the American National Council for Immigration Reform (ANCIR), I also attended, and pass along these observations.
From what I could see, the Romney people had brought along the greatest number of workers, mainly young people, to work for their candidate; Giuliani’s contingent was slightly smaller, but large. Brownback’s group was noticeably smaller in numbers, but they may have been assigned to other duties. The room in which the speeches were delivered is cavernous, and groups from different organizations listened to the GOP hopefuls simultaneously. While I was there, there were no catcalls or interruptions; all proceeded smoothly. The 75-100 people who carried “Tancredo for President” signs left shortly after Tancredo’s talk, so I did not hear Romney or Brownback deliver their speeches. I mention this because Lawrence Auster was impressed with Romney’s oratorical skills, but was Tancredo’s address carried by C-SPAN? If not, the network must have decided that Tancredo is a (very) dark horse in this race, something that Tancredo readily admits. During his introductory remarks, he also professed to smoking cigars.
After meeting with Tancredo, my impression is that most people generally leave with a sense that he is a genuinely decent and honest person, not, as someone described Romney, “an empty suit.” Those virtues will not get Tancredo elected, or nominated, for that matter, but one does come away from a meeting with Tancredo believing that he will attempt to fulfill the promises he makes. He readily admits that his candidacy will largely depend on spontaneous populist support, for he and his campaign strategists recognize that the White House and the Party will not be supportive. Still, during his 25 minute address, he drew the applause of many, including those who were obviously not there as members of “Team Tancredo.”
Tancredo is not a skilled orator; his speaking style is a combination of habits probably acquired while speaking on the floor of the House. Especially telling is his absence of cadence in pressing points; nonetheless, what was delivered impressively was the admonition that unless the GOP adopts a “conservative” agenda, the party is doomed to defeat. Now at a CPAC, this emphasis should not surprise anyone, but in one area it very much did. Tancredo spoke movingly and directly to the question that he is staunchly pro-life, and is proud of his stance. In what may have been the best line of the speech, he cautioned about those candidates who are religiously converted to a pro-life stance, “Not on the road to Damascus, but on the road to Des Moines.” He also briefly emphasized his belief in a strong defense against “an enemy who wishes to kill us.” Last, but not least, he drew his greatest applause by reiterating his policy that would effectively deal with illegal immigration, as well as reconsidering the numbers admitted legally into the U.S. each year.
Tancredo ended his talk, as he had started it, by telling his followers that a long road lies ahead. That is neither new nor original, for at this stage, no one can predict the outcome of future primary elections. Tancredo pointed out that, metaphorically at least, his is a David vs. Goliath struggle. “But you know, David won.”
Maureen C. writes:
I, too, voted for Tancredo. He is the only principled and all-American candidate.
Jason F. writes:
I also saw the Tancredo speech and I thought it was right on. I will be working hard to try and get him nominated even though I have been told by many insiders he is a real long shot. I think the party is screaming for a real conservative and I think Tom Tancredo is that person.
Trying to be a bit more realistic. Let us say that the unthinkable happens and Rudy Guliani is the nominee. He will need to bring in a real conservative to balance out the ticket. Why not Congressman Tancredo. Better yet, maybe he gets to pick Rudy as his running mate, just a small dream.
Russell W. writes:
Wow!
After your comments about Tancredo, I went and started looking for video to watch a speech of his. I admit, embarrassed, that I had never sought out any information him, and I supposed I had taken to heart somewhat the scurrilous charges leveled by the repectable Republicans (he’s racist, he’s crazy, he’s fringe).
After watching some clips on YouTube, and especially this speech he gave about his book, I am amazed by how intelligent, clear and substantive he is. He doesn’t speak in platitudes. There’s real content to what he says. And his tone and manner of presentation is pleasing to boot! Just on style points alone, he makes you want to like him a lot more than any of the current crop of candidates. I’d even go so far as to call him mellifluous. In light of this, it makes me so angry to think of all slurs he’s endured.
Paul Henri writes:
He is my man also. I was thrilled to hear your positive take on his speaking ability that I had previously thought to be poor. Thanks for staying wired.
Posted by Lawrence Auster at March 02, 2007 10:39 PM | Send