Tom Tancredo: A positive force
Tom Tancredo’s retiring from the House at the end of the year, but not from public and political life. He was pressing for border security and immigration enforcement long before many of the fairweather GOP proponents and TV talking heads made it their ratings-friendly cause. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with him and beside him at many grass-roots events and forums on the issue. His passion and his commitment to preserving American sovereignty are genuine and principled. Plus, he has sent the open borders zealots at the Wall Street Journal editorial board into innumerable snit fits, for which he deserves eternal thanks and praise.
John O’ Sullivan has a nice tribute:
I’m sorry that Tom Tancredo is retiring from Congress. He’s never been a favorite of the Corner, but I know him quite well and think very highly of his bravery, decency, and devotion to principle. Tom is an NR conservative of long standing—one of those people like Jim Talent who learned their conservatism at the feet of WFB. He is also one of the main reasons why immigration is now at the center of public debate. When he arrived in Congress, it was an issue that had been left fallow. He promptly established and built up a bipartisan immigration caucus that, first, forced the issue onto the main political agenda, and then blocked the White House and the two party leaderships from pushing through a misbegotten “comprehensive” reform that was really open borders in drag. (To be fair, he couldn’t have done this without the assistance of George W. Bush.)
But immigration is not the sole issue of concern to Tom. He is a conservative across the board. And conservatives who differ with him on immigration can still rest assured that his voice and vote will support their general issues. When the immigration debate took off for the second time two years ago, some on the “open borders” side quietly dismissed Tom as one of the Yahoos who were supposedly the main opponents of the legislation. Tom may occasionally have misspoken, as we all do. But the barnstorming talk he gave to the “values voters” showed that there was real political talent in this modest American. So does his command of his constituency. With almost the entire national, state, and media establishment against him, he still racks up overwhelming victories at home. If he had not decided to retire Congress of his own accord, he could have held the seat until death supervened.
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Categories: Tom Tancredo
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He gets my vote in the primary election. All others are saying whatever works in the moment.
Spoken like an “original framer.”
Why can’t liberals in Congress ever do the same?
Does this mean he will be running for the Senate Seat in 08? I know he doesn’t have a chance in the primary, so I am hoping that he can still be a force for immigration in the future.
Yes, a true conservative: Tom Tancredo.
The article seems to say the ‘10 Senate race is up in the air.
I think he should try to get a national radio deal to do 3 minute spots during drive home time and talk about immigration issues until then. Kind of like a previous conservative before he ran.
I’d love to see Senator Tancredo, he’ll never make President, but his anti-amnesty zeal would be gratefully welcome in the Senate!
The man who would bomb Mecca? Good riddance.
Rusty#6 - you can bet that if Tancredo found himself on any high ranking committee - they’d cool their heels in Mecca. Doubtful we’d see the number of threats of another 9/11 on U.S. soil. Why, they just might believe him and that is a deterrent.
FDR nuked two cities, Rusty. So are you happy he shook off his earthly coil when he did - or should FDR have departed sooner before he could attack?
Tancredo would make a great President. Would be great to see a dark horse break out of the pack.
(To me he looks a bit like “Mr.Roper” from “Three’s Company”)
Hey, Rusty ever heard of Operation Rolling thunder?
I’d like to boom Mecca.
Hmm. Wonder who’s the target of that jab. Obviously not Michael Deadcred, he still thinks Tancredo is a racist loon because he once openly longed for the day when he won’t have to push 1 for English, or 2 for Espanol. I guess Deadcred figures such statements put you one step from burning crosses or something. Oh well, put me down as one more racist loon who’ll be voting for T-squared in the primary while praying that whoever we get can grow enough cajones to stand up to Hitlery and slap her back down to the gulag type status of “junior Senator from New York”.
The one thing that Mrs. Clinton has right on target with being a Yankee fan is: Anything less than total victory amounts to total failure, so look out folks we’re about to see, in political terms, what an all out scorched earth policy looks like. Too bad too, Tancredo’s probably the only guy with a relatively skeleton free closet. Not counting his anti-PCism that is. But he doesn’t seem ashamed of it the way all of our “compassionate conservative” frontrunners are whenever confronted with their own “white guilt”.
Yep, Congressman Tancredo is a positive force, unfortunately we aren’t ready for him yet. Maybe the wave of the next 75 mil “undocumented Americans”, as dems are want to call them, will stir the average citizen to care. Or maybe “we’ll” be in the minority by then and it won’t matter.
Truman, not FDR.
Not right now, but the option certainly should be “on the table” if/when it’s needed.
Yup. Thanks. But of course it was FDRs ”
baby”. So Rusty must wish that Ol’ Harry had left office before Harry did his nukings.
A cabinet post in the next administration (thinking positive here) would be ideal. Possibly Secdef or Homeland Security? He’d be a refreshing change to Chertoff.
Actually, I think he said we should THREATEN to bomb Mecca if we were attacked with an atomic weapon by Muslim fanatics, just as several American presidents have routinely THREATENED to bomb Moscow, etc., if the Soviet Union bombed us.
If I’m not mistaken, I believe this policy is still in effect today - with Russia and China, to mention just two countries.
Yeah, but then doesn’t fit in the Rusty emotionilist template.
I wouldn’t trust a President who took any strategic-based options off the table.
Senator Tancredo sounds good to me.
Rusty, act your age, not your shoe size.
Jose, yes I have heard of Rolling Thunder. I believe there was I, II, and IIII. All very effective. There should have been no pauses in between.
Tancredo has little to no chance of being elected to the Senate from here in Colorado, and he has absolutely no prayer of beating Ken Salazar. Really kind of viewed locally as a one trick poney.
My brother in law that lives in Arvada thinks he’s (Tancredo) an idiot. But then again, he thinks I’m right wing jackbooted thug, so take it with a grain of salt.
I’m strictly a right wing cowboy booted thug, in a non-violent way of course (as he ejects another completed round from his RCBS Progressive).
Tancredo as a Congressman;
100% “Best and Brightest” Rating from American Conservative Union (one of only 38 other Congressmen)
100% Rating from National Right to Life Committee
100% Rating from Conservative Index (Spring ‘05 - 75% lifetime, tied for second highest rating)
100% Rating from Concerned Women for America
100% Rating from Christian Coalition
100% Rating from Campaign for Working Families
100% Rating from FreedomWorks
98% Rating from National Tax Limitation Committee (average since 1999)
95% “Taxpayer Hero” Rating from Citizens Against Government Waste
95% Rating from Americans for Tax Reform
95% Rating from Christian Action Network
93% Rating from Eagle Forum (tied for second highest rating)
0% Rating from National Education Association
0% Rating from National Organization for Women
0% Rating from Brady Campaign
0% Rating from People for the American Way
0% Rating from Planned Parenthood
0% Rating from Pro-Choice America
Rated 84% by NTU, indicating a “Taxpayer’s Friend” on tax votes.
Rated B+ by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record.
Given how far left dakine is, I think that means Tanc has a shot.
Tancredo one of the few in DC who has a backbone and is working for the common man.
I am a conservative republican who tends to side with the Wall Street Journal on immigration issues.
Tom Tancredo said he wanted to bomb Mecca and Medina…not smart.
Also, he and Rupaul were the only 2 nominees who said they might not support the republican nominee. That was the last straw.
Once somebody violates Ronald Reagan’s 11th commandment, I am done with them. We are all good republicans, and how dare Tancredo run as a republican unless he will support the eventual nominee.
He should run as an independent, but he is no republican.
It is not because I disagree with him. It is because he has an all or nothing approach.
Respectfully,
eric
http://www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com
Well then that means you are all for comprehensive immigration reform…right?
You are not a conservative but a Rockefeller republican if you agree with the WSJ open borders advocates.
I like many others will not vote for any of the front runners who are members of the CFR and support a One World Government. They will be as bad or worse than GWB.
I will be voting for either Tom Tancredo or Duncan Hunter. I refuse to vote for another phony Republican that is Liberal in RNC clothing.
Absolutely he does.
.
He’s well liked by most of us here in Colorado….the folks here legally that is.
So, as long as Salazar doesn’t give out drivers licenses like NY, or allow too many ‘dead’ people to vote, Tanc would win.
Allard and Tanc?
Too much to hope for, but I can dream.
“Given how far left dakine is, I think that means Tanc has a shot.”
The only time I’ve seen/heard him speak was in a GOP prez debate. He seemed a bit tongue-tangled. But I don’t him well enough to tell if that was an aberration or what.
I love his mantra…..
This is our culture; fight for it.
This is our flag; pick it up.
This is our country; take it back.
That is what is known as a “contradiction in terms”.
Tom Tancredo is a true Patriot.
He fights for his country every day.
flenser, you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
shooter, no shot whatsoever against Salazar, and would likely lose in the Republican primary anyway.
Please fo not loose heart……
These are the words of Tom Tancredo himself (on my personally signed copy of ‘In Mortal Danger’). Funny that his words apply here as well. What I mean is…… If all of us, who really believe in Tom Tancredo, so our part of supporting Tom any way we can,, anything is possible.
Please do not loose heart….
Is there is a patriotic statesman in USA today, it is not Hillary or Romney or Rudy…… it is Tom Tancredo. With Rom Rancredo, America cannot go wrong.
On October 29th, 2007 at 10:45 pm, maisy said:
I love his mantra…..
This is our culture; fight for it.
This is our flag; pick it up.
This is our country; take it back.
.. and Tom Tancredo means it.
On October 29th, 2007 at 9:38 pm, shooter said:
Too much to hope for, but I can dream.
Tom Tancredo gets my vote, no matter what. Why? Cause he cares for America, from his heart. With all his limitations as a speaker, Tom Tancredo’s heart beats for America and that is enough for me.
Rep. Tancredo as Presidential Candidate:
According to FOX News Poll Oct. 23/24. MoE +/- 6
Rudy Giuliani 31
Fred Thompson 17
John McCain 12
Mitt Romney 7
Mike Huckabee 5
Duncan Hunter 3
Tom Tancredo 2
Ron Paul 1
Other (vol.) 2
Unsure 16
Wouldn’t vote (vol.) 4
John McCain (who Ms. Malkin thinks his campaign is on a “death watch“) has SIX TIMES the percentage as Rep. Tancredo.
Does that mean his campaign was DOA?
So is that not the case for the front runners of the GOP? If Rep. Tancredo is such a great candidate, why does his campaign have only twice as much as… Ron Paul?
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Rep. Tancredo is known as the Immigration Candidate and… well… that’s about it.
Well, looks like someone took the words right out of my mouth.
Which leads me to a question that I’m curious who will have the courage to answer. Why isn’t the GOP supporting Rep. Tancredo? Is all of the other candidates are just saying what “works for the moment,” what does that say about the candidates?
Or worse, what are you trying to say about the other GOP primary voters who aren’t supporting Rep. Tancredo?
I’m very much interested in any responses I get because I believe that his candidacy was a great way for the GOP to show how much they wish to practice what they preach regarding immigration, “values,” etc… and Rep. Tancredo was left out in the cold.
I will say, however much I disagree with Rep. Tancredo’s politics, I salute the man for being the only presidential candidate at the NAACP forum.
I tip my hat to him. I maintain that I believe it is a mistake for the GOP to ignore minority voters regarding important political issues. Give Rep. Tancredo credit that it did not matter who is the audience, he stuck to his opinions.
Anybody who thinks I am a Rockefeller republican needs to have their head examined.
Tom Tancredo is a one trick pony who prefers provocative rhetoric to actual realistic solutions. 98% of the republican electorate is good enough for me.
As for the NAALCP debate (thank you Rush), of course it should be boycotted. If Thomas Sowell, Armstrong Williams and Roy Innis want to sponsor a debate, that would be different.
I am Jewish, and was delighted candidates addressed the RJC. They do not need to visit a GBLT Synagogue (yes they exist) to prove they care.
Respectfully,
eric
http://www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com
I’ll certainly miss a conservative in Congress who actually stands for something.
On Mecca: don’t bomb it; move it to San Francisco. That should be interesting.
There’s nobody on the Repub ticket that impresses me.
I’m considering, and have been for some time, to write in Tancredo in the 08 election.
blacktygrrrr:
So, basically you are Republican, right or wrong. That kind of thinking means that you will stand for nothing, unless it has Republican attached to it. In ‘06 Republican meant “we stand for nothing, we’ve lost our way and we are ‘me too’”. You and your ilk, like Rudy McRomney have destroyed the GOP.
blacktygrrrr:
If you agree with the WSJ on immigration, then you have an “all or nothing” approach: all open borders, all the time.
I don’t give a rip about polls or the MSM constant drumbeat about RudyMcRomneySonAbee or the whiners searching for that “real conservative” - Tancredo is. My hope is he will “darken the doorstep of the White House” and tell Rove to pound sand on his way in. http://teamtancredo.org/
http://strata-sphere.com/blog/index.php/archives/4579
I defended Michelle here.
I would think you would place your labeling of “Far Right”, not on actual conservatives, but on the Ron Paul’s and David Duke’s of the world.
You even label Michelle Malkin as “Far Right”. Well, she is actually conservative and gutsy.
Lets Compare, shall we?
Michelle- goes to anti war demonstrations and posts pictures.
AJ- ???
Michelle- Geos to a war zone for 7-10 days to see Iraq for herself. And pays for it with her money, and any she got from her supporters.
AJ-????
Actually reads books, and writes reviews for them on the back jacket. Examples: America Alone, The Truth About Muhammad, In Mortal Danger, Whatever it Takes, etc.
AJ-????
Michelle- Actually interviews victims of Illegal Aliens, and goes thru reems of Government data to write a Best Seller.
AJ-???
Michelle- Goes to Illegal Alien Rallies.
AJ-???
It would seem that those who actually have the belief in their convictions are not affraid to DEMONSTRATE them.
Some are leaders in movements, other stay at home, close to their computers.
Some have guts, some have just keyboards.
Some have false names, some with guts, let their names be known.
Take care folks
I did not say I am 100% in favor of open borders. I am closer to the WSJ position than the National Review position. I also respect those who disagree with me because I obey Reagan’s 11th commandment.
Some who disagree with me on immigration would attack my conservative credentials. That is called intolerance.
Tom Tancredo ran as a republican. Therefore, if he loses, he should support the nominee. Otherwise, do not run as a republican. He should respect the 98% of the party that does not support him.
eric aka The Tygrrrr Express
No Tancredo should not necessarily support the nominee. As a Republican he is not obligated to support a RINO of which there are far too many milling around in Washington as it is!
RINO is a term that benefits liberals.
It is one thing to be a liberal republican. It is another to say that a republican who votes with the party 90% of the time is a RINO because they are not 100% pure.
Some people learned from the debacle of 1992. I would rather a republican over a liberal any day, and refuse to cut off my schnozzola to spite my gorgeous face.
Party loyalty should not be blind, but it does matter. I would rather govern and get some of what I want than be pure and in the minority.
eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
What I learned is that GWB is more liberal than Bill Clinton.
He has out spent Clinton in every category.
He has left the borders open to support the SPP/NAU.
I could go on and on but…
I voted for lesser of two evils, GWB and what that got me was another Jimmy Carter.
I will not vote for the lesser of two evils again. The top tier candidates that the RNC is pushing are all RHINOS or worse.
Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo are the only two candidates that have not sold out to the CFR Global Government elite also known as the Rockefellar Republicans despite your protest.
The top two do not even believe in the 2nd Amendment and McCain would like to abolish private gun ownership.
Sorry, I do not believe the phony polls that the MSM touts, I am voting my conscience.
Tancredo or Hunter would be the best thing that could happen to the country.
People that say Tancredo has no chance in getting elected in Colorado need to explain how he has been elected in a landslide every time he has run. The naysayers all said he had no chance.