Iowa Defense Alliance

An alliance of Iowans determined to defend traditional Iowa values.

Fong, Branstad, oh my!

So last week I listened to GOP gubenatorial candidate Christian Fong be interviewed by Steve Deace. I was pretty excited when I heard he was going to be on after hearing a lot of hype about him. By the end of the interview I was cringing because of his awkward performance. Right now I feel a lot of people are pushing Fong just because he is young and a minority. As I’ve written before, the GOP needs to move beyond being seen as the party of old, white men and use conservative values to attract younger and minority voters. But, we can’t be practicing identity politics where we promote someone JUST because they are young and a minority and overlook the fact that they have little public policy substance or not enough government experience and donate money to liberals. Let’s leave the identity politics to the Democrats. That’s not to say I don’t admire Fong’s life story. It is very admirable. For an interesting take on Fong, go here.

Speaking of old, white men in the GOP,  former Gov. Terry Branstad is rumored to be considering another run for the governorship. At first I was astonished and then I remembered back to a couple of weeks ago when he was speaking  at the Ames Conservative Breakfast. All the Story County GOP party insiders were drooling over the the former governor like tweens at a Jonas Brothers concert. And nothing surprises me any more about the GOP here in Iowa, so Branstad running again actually makes sense now. The GOP’s strategy and thought processes are still stuck in the 80s so  leave it to the Republicans to re-nominate a 4-term governor who was elected in 1982. And since 1982 was the year of my birth, I dedicate this top hit from that year to Gov. Branstad for a little motivation should he decide to throw his hat in the ring.


July 16, 2009 - Posted by palmofdeborah | Politics, palmofdeborah | , , , ,

6 Comments »

  1. I am a Republican despite the Republican Party.

    Comment by Iowans Rock | July 17, 2009 | Reply

    • I too am a Republican, despite the Republican Party (Loved that first response). I heard most of the interview and was glad to read your impression, as it was similar to mine.
      I hate to admitt it, but I’m an “old whie guy”; 54. Politically, I’m more Libertarian in my views of the Constitution & government the any othe “label”. However, I do believe that a government can be judged by how they treat the least. To quote Christopher Reed, “Integrity Trumps Everything”.

      My point – As I’ve become more vocal and politically active myself I am watching as people and groups like yours, Des Moines Tea Pary, ICC, etc are actually causing the Republican Party to change or choose what it really is…this is good. Interestingly, from observation only, the majority of the leaders and organizers of these groups are young adults; and they are doing a GREAT job of uniting all of us that are unsatisfied with the what has been happening for years…Keep doing what your doing, the Republican Party needs to get off the fence, and people and groups like yours are making that clear!

      Comment by Richard Auwerda | July 17, 2009 | Reply

  2. Nice post with an interesting spin, including the video. Branstad and I must be close to the same age, but NO, I think he had his chance and I do not want someone who makes the party insiders drool! I have had enough of party insiders. The Tea Party group are much more in touch with average, hardworking, and caring Iowans. As for Fong- no to supporting someone who donates to Democrats and other groups that do not reflect my views and the views of many other Iowans.

    Comment by Middle Aged - Middle Class | July 17, 2009 | Reply

  3. The Iowa Republican has a poll where Branstad cleans Culver’s clock – http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2009/07/17/former-governor-branstad-defeats-culver-53-to-37-in-head-to-head-matchup/

    I am not convinced that would be a good idea though. He has already said he wasn’t interested in running again – I mean why take the paycut from being President at Des Moines University (not to mention a lot less stress).

    I agree with you on Christian Fong, I’d encourage him to run for the Iowa House or Iowa Senate first… or even a local office first. I just don’t see why he thinks he’s qualified.

    Comment by Shane Vander Hart | July 17, 2009 | Reply

  4. Hey, good music, Deborah. I’d never heard that one before.

    Comment by Jerry | July 17, 2009 | Reply

  5. I sure don’t want to see a Branstad retread he had his 16 yrs. Times have changed so much since he got elected first in 1982

    Comment by iowanforabetteriowa | July 18, 2009 | Reply


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