Jakubczyk on Life

Media Misrepresents Santorum - and what else is new?

I suppose if you really want to see the so called mainstream (or is it mean-stream) media go into apoplexy, Republican voters ought to really make sure Rick Santorum wins on Tuesday. Not that Romney supporters would want that, but think about it. The media asks Santorum about speeches he made years ago at a Catholic college and then complains that all he talks about is contraception.  And they are the ones complaining that all the Republican candidates are incompetent. Well perhaps the media is the incompetent character in this year's political battle.

As you all know I support Rick. I have known him for many years and of all the candidates, I think he is the best match up against Obama. Here are my reasons - and not necessarily in any particular order.

1. Rick can attack Obama on ObamaCare. Lets be blunt. Romney has this one hanging on his neck. And he won't admit that he was wrong. Rick can pummel Obama on the 2000 pages of regulations, exemptions, mandates, etc. Poll after poll reminds us that this is a winning issue for Republicans.

2.Rick is a staunch friend of Israel and hte current crisis is expected to escalate over the summer. In fact watch for a contrived "crisis" to give the president 'stature" and for the media to blow it out of proportion.  But Rick Santorum has the knowledge and experience while senator to neutralize to a great extent the president's incumbent advantage.

3. The economy. Rick's background and his Midwestern steel town roots give him credibility and connect him with Middle America. He won election in a purple/blue state many times and when people get to know him, they like him. If America can get to know this father of seven who has a daughter with special needs, they will better understand his loving embrace of his Catholic faith. Most people will respect that he actually lives what he believes.

4. His faith will attract Catholics and in the end they will support him over a person who is attacking their Church. It is one thing for Catholics to complain about their church, but it is another thing for someone outside the tribe to stick their nose into family matters and to dictate compliance when it violates rights of conscience and religious liberty. Obama did this with the HHS mandate. an here is the thing - while many have heard about it, most do not know how onerous it truly is to people of conscience. Religious liberty - in the face of the Obama threat ought to galvanize Catholic and evangelical voters.  And a further note: because of Rick's leadership in the pro-life movement, many evangelicals are very comfortable with him - He could actually unite evangelicals and Catholics - something McCain could not do in 08. Again he will have something in common with Latino voters as well.  and he would do well to remind Hispanic voters that in Mexico's history, there have been dictators who attacked the church and the people who were believers.

5. His economic ideas resonate with people becsue there is an awful lot of common sense involved. His discussion about creating wealth by making things is something that working people understand. His budget proposals show real cuts in spending not just illusory one. That cost cutting approach will attract Independents and Ron Paul supporters.

6. His wife and family. Never under-estimate the value of a good wife and family to give any politician a human side. Rick has this in spades. I have noticed a tremendous humility when discussing his daughter's situation. If he can get that message out, any so-called gender gap will disappear. Women are looking for someone who will protect and defend them. At the same time thy want someone who has values and respects women. Clearing up the distortions is important - though not as important as gas prices and general inflation. Women want someone who understands their every day issues, whether it be work, school or home related.

7. His views on school choice and returning school control to local communities plays well among Latinos especially those who want to see better opportunities in poor neighborhoods.

More later.

posted by Jakubczyk on Life @ 2:45 AM