October 11, 2010

Mitch Daniels? Not glamorous?

Via Instapundit, Michael Barone profiles Mitch Daniels and ends on a predictable downbeat:
You can almost see the green eyeshade as he speaks. It's been noted that Daniels is short, balding (with a combover), that he speaks with just a bit of a Southern country twang (he moved to Indiana from Tennessee and Georgia at age 10): hardly a glamorous candidate.
I say he defines the new glamour!

70 comments:

Meade said...

He's downright glamitcherous!

Sprezzatura said...

"I say he defines the new glamour!"

Aren't glamourous (of the 'new' or 'old' type ) men usually gay?

Sprezzatura said...

Not that there's anything wrong w/ that.

Scott M said...

Sorry. He's too white, too old, and too male. Plus, given all the just-mentioned three dings against him, he's still alive.

MadisonMan said...

I suspect someone who is in DC, immersed in the cesspool, would not be able to glamour if it was right in front of their grime covered face.

chickelit said...

I say he defines the new glamour!

Being your own lexicographer isn't fair.

Chennaul said...

I have the theme song for you, Meade, and Mitch:

Last Dance with Mary Jane,Tom Petty

ndspinelli said...

Gene Keady was a Hoosier w/ a comb over, and he was fat. But, he also had a personality, so I guess it's a push.

Triangle Man said...

Barone might just as well have said he's too Ross Perot.

Chennaul said...

I leave you with these Bob Dylan lyrics;


We live in a political world
Love don’t have any place
We’re living in times where men commit crimes
And crime don’t have a face

We live in a political world
Icicles hanging down
Wedding bells ring and angels sing
Clouds cover up the ground

We live in a political world
Wisdom is thrown into jail
It rots in a cell, is misguided as hell
Leaving no one to pick up a trail

We live in a political world
Where mercy walks the plank
Life is in mirrors, death disappears
Up the steps into the nearest bank

We live in a political world
Where courage is a thing of the past
Houses are haunted, children are unwanted
The next day could be your last

We live in a political world
The one we can see and can feel
But there’s no one to check, it’s all a stacked deck
We all know for sure that it’s real

We live in a political world
In the cities of lonesome fear
Little by little you turn in the middle
But you’re never sure why you’re here

We live in a political world
Under the microscope
You can travel anywhere and hang yourself there
You always got more than enough rope

We live in a political world
Turning and a-thrashing about
As soon as you’re awake, you’re trained to take
What looks like the easy way out

We live in a political world
Where peace is not welcome at all
It’s turned away from the door to wander some more
Or put up against the wall

We live in a political world
Everything is hers or his
Climb into the frame and shout God’s name
But you’re never sure what it is.

Steven said...

I think the fact that he isn't dreamy and cool will hurt him less if he's running against a dreamy, cool incumbent whom the public has soured on than it would normally.

DADvocate said...

It says something really sad about our country that Ashton Kutcher would make a better presidential candidate than a competent, experienced, intelligent man without the looks.

Sprezzatura said...

Dylan is not glamourous, but you know who is (or at least, was--in a cheap way)....


Living in a material world
And I am a material girl
You know that we are living
in a material world
And I am a material girl

ricpic said...

With the exception of James Madison, the shorter candidate for the presidency has always lost. I'm pretty sure that's true. Jimmy Carter beat Ford. So that's twice. But it's a tough rule to buck.

Unknown said...

Hey, Chris Christie is every Conservative's and many Republicans' wet dream these days, so what are looks?

The issue is that RINOs aren't hip anymore (if they ever were) and, as Dubya's OMB director, I don't think that gets him many points.

Also, wasn't he the one who wanted Conservatives to concede the social issues to the Lefties? That's a real turnoff.

My respects to Mr (Dr?) Barone, who I think is an incredibly astute man, but it's gonna have to be somebody with better Tea Party vibes than Daniels that gets the nod.

The Crack Emcee said...

Like, after Obama, I'm looking for "glamor" in a presidential candidate. These guys are clueless.

Joe said...

(The Crypto Jew)


Let’s go with George Bush ’43 OMB Director….What is it with everyone? Let’s let 2010 play out first. For me, to make HDHouse laugh, I can have Sarah Palin, who’s better looking, more charismatic, will lower my taxes, AND oppose abortion.

Why would I choose Mitch “Truce” Daniels again? What he’s “electable” wow my LAST candidate was the ONLY Republican who could be “elected,” too. He had a nice seat in the audience at the Inauguration, I believe. What he’s not “extreme?” He’ll bring in the “Independents?” Sure just like McCain, did, right? The SECOND Daniels get the nomination he’ll be the second incarnation of Achmadinejad, extreme outside the mainstream, anti-womon, anti-gay, beholden to the Religious Right. Anyone who disbelieves this has been asleep for the last 30 years…it’s the play book for the DNC and its allies.

So, vote for Daniels if you want, but please don’t try any of this “General Election” silliness, because by the time November 2012 rolls around, at least according to the NYT, LAT, NOW, DNC, OFA, and Obama are concerned you’ll be voting for Jerry Falwell/Pat Robertson…..You want “Quite Competence”/”Fiscal Conservatism”/”Truce in the Culture Wars” fine vote Mitch, but don’t fool yourself about what will be said of him.

Anonymous said...

Daniels may be a sensible and able administrator but he lacks a leadership persona. He's not shown himself to be the strong principled leader Christie is for example. I base this on his pre-emptive surrender on life issue. Contrast that with Christie's direct response to the Teachers Union and his veto of funding for Planned Parenthood.

It's not just looks. I have the same knock against Sarah Palin, but for different reasons. She's very charismatic, but not in my view, substantial enough to be a credible leader at the national level. Although in a choice between her and Daniels I'd pick Palin.

Daniels would be excellent in the Treasury role and Sarah in the role of head of the RNC. The President must be the clear thinking courageous leader if he or she is going attract an enthusiastic base and to be be more than merely the anti-Obama candidate.


Mitch is underwhelming.

Bob_R said...

The bald guy and the fat guy have my vote.

Jon said...

Daniels has no chance. The 2012 GOP nominee will be one of the following three persons: Romney, Palin, or Thune. If Palin doesn't run, it will be Thune.

In the miraculous event that Daniels actually won the nomination, he would suffer from the severe handicap of being short.

There have been 9 elections featuring televised presidential debates, in which one candidate was at least half an inch taller than the other, and the taller candidate won in 8 out of the 9 times (the lone exception was 1976).

Romney and Thune are both taller than Obama (Thune is 6'4). Palin of course is shorter, but perhaps the height factor doesn't work the same way in a male vs. female contest.

Phil 314 said...

But can he dance?

(Just looking out for his prospects post governorship and failed presidential bid.)

Anonymous said...

In fairness to Sarah, she did show courage and integrity when she went after corrupt lawmakers in Alaska from her own party. What I've not heard from her or Daniels is reference to principle or political philosophy that implies a thoughtful reasoned foundation for action. I read Sarah as sincere but not thoughtful. Maybe that's unfair, and I'd be happy to hear evidence to the contrary.

What's especially appealing about Christie is his reference to the Catholic social teaching principle of subsidiarity (the concept of local rule at the lowest level based on respect for the choices small communities and individuals make). He may yet disappoint, or another candidate may offer positive surprises but at this point I'm a Christie fan.

Phil 314 said...

Slogan for 2012:

Mitch is NOT a witch

Unknown said...

Jon said...

Daniels has no chance. The 2012 GOP nominee will be one of the following three persons: Romney, Palin, or Thune. If Palin doesn't run, it will be Thune.

No Romney (Romneycare), no Sarah (not enough time in grade yet), Thune, who knows?

As I say, it's gonna be somebody we haven't considered much.

traditionalguy said...

I suppose that you can say that Mitch is not an empty headed woman. That alone should be enough to win the GOP's establishment Nomination away from Palin. IMO Mitch is a well educated man (Princeton)and he is an expert at position taking who floats many intriguing good ideas about our government. It will be sad to see a man so loved by us lose to Obama only because he lacks the ability to communicate an inspiring vision needed to win the base and some independent voters. You see, the trial lawyer in me knows that people will always find a reason to chose the person they like most. We Mitch lovers should spare Mitch the humiliating job of losing only to further the GOP establishment's plans to stop Palin.

Meade said...

edutcher said...

"As I say, it's gonna be somebody we haven't considered much."

Perhaps from edutcher's own state... Ohio's next senator...

Meade said...

Sarah Palin? What's the hurry? In 2024 she'll be 60 and her youngest child 20. Perfect time for her to run for President.

Trooper York said...

I will never vote for anyone endorsed by the Beltway, mainstream media assholes. They praise Republicans the way I vote for the National League in the All Star game. They pick the sure losers.

That's why I always fill my ballot with Mets and Phillies.

Just sayn'

Trooper York said...

Reagan....mainstream media hated him.

Bob Dole...they loved him until he got the nomination.

George W Bush...they hated him.

John McCain... their favorite Repulbican until he got the nomination.

Sarah Palin...they really really hate her.

Mith Daniels....they are lifting their skirts and winking.

You see where I going with this?

Meade said...

"You see where I going with this?"

I think so.

Trooper York's 1976 All Star ballot:

The entire Cincinnati Reds roster.

Trooper York said...

Jeez Meade lets reach back in to history now for the last time the Reds won anything.

The Redstockings also used to beat up the Highlanders but we are
kinda talking about the current day.

Or are you really gonna write in William McKinley. I believe he was from Ohio?

Trooper York said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Trooper York said...

Trooper York said...
Beside what kind of Conservative can root for a team called the "Reds."

That's like AllenS being a Cowboy fan.

Bob From Ohio said...

The GOP nominee will be Jeb Bush.

Mitch can be Treasury Secretary. Sarah would be a great VP candidate but Jeb is too cautious for that.

(My evidence--New poll that says 45% think GWB was a better President as against 47% for Obama. The "toxic" Bush brand is getting less and less "toxic". Just like the "toxic" Bush brand in 1992.)

Gatordad said...

What about Jeb? Obviously saddled with the name and maybe the legacy, but he's probably the most intelligent of the entire Bush clan. Gubernatorial experience and all the necessary fiscally conservative bona fides.

But he'll have to deal with "not another Bush" whether in 2012 or beyond.

Scott M said...

(My evidence--New poll that says 45% think GWB was a better President as against 47% for Obama. The "toxic" Bush brand is getting less and less "toxic". Just like the "toxic" Bush brand in 1992.)

Nope.

Bush. Clinton. Bush. Obama. Bush.

Sorry, won't happen.

Trooper York said...

I don't know. People are coming around to really appreciate Bush.

Ironrailsironweights posts a couple of comments praising Bush every day.

Just sayn'

Sprezzatura said...

"Sorry, won't happen."


aka:

Not gonna do it! Wouldn't be prudent!

or (sans SNL):

There's an old saying in Tennessee — I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again.

Chip Ahoy said...

NOOOOoooo. I'm telling you it is not real. It is a projection of reality into your minds that appears real to you. I know how this is done. I saw it all on the pilot for the original Star Trek, The Cage. I showed you this before in the David Brooks thread, and here we are again. It's like that dèjá vu thing happening again.

Trooper York said...

I don't know.

Jeb Bush vs Hillary CLinton.

Now that's entertainment!

traditionalguy said...

So the secret is out. It's Bush leadership style versus the Palin leadership style. So nominate Jeb and I will vote for him. Because Jeb has a personality that has a chance to win. But stop slandering a very good candidate named Sarah Palin as if she is an untrained doofus from the backwoods not worthy of the Holy GOP . That is the MSM's job. I say, run, Jeb run. Beat Palin, and then you can easily beat Obama. But don't use my friend Mitch to be your patsy.

Jon said...

The GOP nominee will be Jeb Bush.

Fortunately, no. The day of pro-amnesty, Hispandering Republicans is over.

MadisonMan said...

My evidence--New poll that says 45% think GWB was a better President as against 47% for Obama. The "toxic" Bush brand is getting less and less "toxic".

An alternative -- more likely -- explanation is that Obama is becoming more toxic, up to Bush-like toxicity levels.

MadisonMan said...

Now that's entertainment!

If you like the Cincinnati Reds, maybe.

Salamandyr said...

How about Paul Ryan? He actually came up with the economic plan everyone's talking about.

Trooper York said...

So true.

Jeb Bush vs Hillary Clinton.

Highhanders vs the Orthopedic Stockings.

Cedarford said...

Meade said...
Sarah Palin? What's the hurry? In 2024 she'll be 60 and her youngest child 20. Perfect time for her to run for President.


By then, she might have actually had an important job she has held she didn't quit on within two years. 14 years also is a good amount of time to do that "book-larning" thing the Wasilla folk shunned.

Daniels might be an excellent theoretician for the 2012 run. The Boehner-orchestrated "Pledge" was 32 pages of gibberish of Republican business as usual, more taxcuts for Republican's special fiends, infused with a little "tea".
Whereas Daniels own "What we must fix" list was short, simple and covered 80% of what is wrong with the country. He'd make a great VP - so would Romney if Mitt continues to stuggle with the "charisma thing". Both guys would make good Presidents.
Put Jeb Bush on the shelf for another 4 years. That might be enough passage of time to make people foreget what a miserable experience his brother was for the country.
Christie or Romney, if he can find his mojo, would be my picks to run - and that all will be starting by next summer.

garage mahal said...

How about Paul Ryan? He actually came up with the economic plan everyone's talking about.

But he can only get 5 other congressmen to publicly sign on to it. Don't know why.

Unknown said...

Agree with Meade on Miss Sarah - she's young and has the time, unlike HRC, whose had her shot ('16? Get real).

Anybody with less than a full term, preferably two, as guv or Senator I can't see getting the nod. Same with Congressman/woman, around 4 terms, no more (we don't want any Barney Franks). We've had our fill of people with good looks and short resumes for a long time (I hope), but Portman, Christie, Brewer, etc., are the bench for down the road.

Trooper York said...

Jeez Meade lets reach back in to history now for the last time the Reds won anything.

The Redstockings also used to beat up the Highlanders but we are
kinda talking about the current day.

Or are you really gonna write in William McKinley. I believe he was from Ohio?


Don't know, Troop. Mac's got all the backbone of a chocolate eclair, but his running mate, ya know, the reformer, the one who was a rancher in Dakota, served in Cuba. He just might be worth it.

former law student said...

that he speaks with just a bit of a Southern country twang (he moved to Indiana from Tennessee and Georgia at age 10

I suspect that what Barone is detecting is not a Southern country twang but the South Midlands dialect -- Indianapolis is solidly within the South Midlands dialect belt. For an adult to retain a prepubescent accent would be highly unusual, as it is for speakers learning English as a second language. Further, kids imitate the sounds of their peers from the neighborhood and the playground.

But by geography, Daniels should sound a lot like Meade -- I wonder if this makes Daniels attractive to the professor.

http://www.ling.upenn.edu/phono_atlas/maps/MapsM/Map1M.html

Trooper York said...

Yeah but if Palin is the VP (but his running mate, ya know, the reformer), then we have to count on a disappointed orifice seeker.

And everyone knows that the disappointed orifice seeker is Andrew Sullivan and what orifice he is obsessed with. So I don't know if that will work.

former law student said...

John McCain... their favorite Repulbican until he got the nomination.

John McCain rev. 2000 was a lot more appealing than John McCain rev. 2008, i.e. before he started whoring himself out -- i.e. sacrificing his moderate principles, exemplified by his bipartisanship in the Senate; for personal gain, the votes of the Republican base.

Joe said...

(The Crypto Jew)
John McCain rev. 2000 was a lot more appealing than John McCain rev. 2008, i.e. before he started whoring himself out -- i.e. sacrificing his moderate principles, exemplified by his bipartisanship in the Senate; for personal gain, the votes of the Republican base.

The Leftist Narrative at work. McCain became LESS Conservative as time went on, his ACU rankings fell, later in his career…nice try, though. See what I’m on about, McCain, McCain-Feingold, McCain-Kennedy, McCain Terrorist Bill of Rights, McCain Gang of 14, is SUDDENLY McCain the Hostage of the “Base.”

As to McCain 2000, yes all hail “Mr. Let’s Keep the Money In DC to Pay Down the Debt, Trust Us, We Politicians Won’t Spend It Instead….” McCain then and now, believes that the Good and Wise of DC can run your life better than you can, and need the resources to do so.

former law student said...

Aren't glamourous (of the 'new' or 'old' type ) men usually gay?

George Hamilton, Tyrone Power, Errol Flynn vs. Paul Lynde and Charles Nelson Reilly -- I'm gonna say no.

traditionalguy said...

Edutcher...Starting two years ago and continuously since then,only one Republican has stated over and over that Barack Obama is in over his head since he has never accomplished anything except elections literally given to him. The rest of the GOP's 7 dwarfs have said nothing about the Obama disaster at all, except for Gingrich a month ago. So what is LEADERSHIP? By any rational standard this so called novice and mere woman, Palin, is the leader of the GOP and has been since they selected her two years ago. She has the hot hand and taking her out of the game now is not rational.

dbp said...

As a short, balding white guy, I highly endorse this "new" glamor.

former law student said...

McCain became LESS Conservative as time went on, his ACU rankings fell, later in his career

I'm talking about the blatant whorage from March (when he secured the nomination) to November, 2008.

Are you arguing that McCain ran to the right of GW Bush in 2000? I think W. had staked out the conservative turf among front runners.

Joe said...

(The Crypto Jew)
I'm talking about the blatant whorage from March (when he secured the nomination) to November, 2008.

Elaborate please.

As to 2000 you miss the point entirely…I didn’t like McCain in 2000 either, for just that reason I gave…Let’s Keep the Money In DC, Because We’ll Pay Down the Debt….Oh yeah, sure you will….McCain thinks he and his need your money more than you do. But no, McCain was NOT more Conservative in the end of his career than in the middle and beginning.

Unknown said...

traditionalguy said...

Edutcher...Starting two years ago and continuously since then,only one Republican has stated over and over that Barack Obama is in over his head since he has never accomplished anything except elections literally given to him. The rest of the GOP's 7 dwarfs have said nothing about the Obama disaster at all, except for Gingrich a month ago. So what is LEADERSHIP? By any rational standard this so called novice and mere woman, Palin, is the leader of the GOP and has been since they selected her two years ago. She has the hot hand and taking her out of the game now is not rational.

She won't get past the first round of primaries with only half a term as governor. She's been a trend-setter and one of the pleasant surprises during the Rs' time in the Wilderness, but, after being swept off its feet by The Zero, I don't see either party (for the Demos, it's '16, barring a surprise) going for her this round. Someone who has her Seal of Approval, given most of her picks get elected, like Bachmann, perhaps, but I don't want her pushed too soon and turned into Harold Stassen.

Besides, she just may enjoy being king/queenmaker. As I've said, I think her first instincts are as a reformer and her best destiny might be as RNC chairwoman.

I like her, too. I think she would make a great President when the time is right, but I don't see pushing her when it just means defeat.

Donna B. said...

On this height thing, y'all are forgetting that both Al Gore and John Kerry were several inches taller than George W. Bush.

Methadras said...

Is he an adult, unlike the retarded man baby we have in office now?

traditionalguy said...

Edutcher...If you are right, then let the primaries decide her fate. Right now she is getting the Boise State treatment...no one can come close to beating her, but she is still said not to be an actual competitor. The shame of the past 50 years has been weak anointed candidates who don't have to show any smarts by fighting for the Presidency. Intead the have been selected by the GOP movers and shakers....like Daniels has been selected as a favor to the Bushes.

Bob From Ohio said...

"An alternative -- more likely -- explanation is that Obama is becoming more toxic, up to Bush-like toxicity levels."

Maybe but either explanation works to Jeb's benefit. Assuming Obama runs, that is.

Jeb would have plenty of money, excellent ties to evangelicals, a proven record as an administrator, a good campaign organization, the ability to appeal to Latinos, a lock on Florida.

In addition, who is his opposition? Romney, Palin and Hukabee. Not exactly Reagan or Lincoln.

So, I stand by my prediction.

Jeb's son George P. will be governor of Texas within a decade, BTW. After that...

Cedarford said...

Tradguy - "By any rational standard this so called novice and mere woman, Palin, is the leader of the GOP and has been since they selected her two years ago. She has the hot hand and taking her out of the game now is not rational."

Funny, I must have missed your Goddess as she fought her way through the Presidential primaries and got selected "leader of the GOP".
As I remember it, the incoherent and raging McCain met her for one day, liked the "cut of her jib" and selected her himself against his campaign's advice as his running mate. Whereupon, she shortly thereafter "went rogue", when McCain's people signalled it would not be a co-Presidency.

Joe said...

(The Crypto Jew)
I must have missed your Goddess as she fought her way through the Presidential primaries and got selected "leader of the GOP".


She became leader of the GOP by her Facebook postings and Tweets, her endorsements and fund-raising.

As I remember it, the incoherent and raging McCain met her for one day, liked the "cut of her jib" and selected her himself against his campaign's advice as his running mate. Whereupon, she shortly thereafter "went rogue", when McCain's people signalled it would not be a co-Presidency.
And it was the ONLY time he led in the race, too.

Of course, you were busy being fooled that Obama was a “centrist” not a Lefty, INSPITE of his record and statements……….

traditionalguy said...

C4...Maybe you should join Journolist. Your talents will be better appreciated over there. Let me see here, you accuse Palin of being as popular as "my Goddess", but you deny that she has been the defacto leader of the GOP's 2010 off year electon efforts. So does that make Michael Steele "my God"? I don't know how well she will govern, but I do know that she campaigns like a seasoned heavyweight champion and she has won the hearts and minds of political allies all over the place.

MadisonMan said...

Right now she is getting the Boise State treatment...no one can come close to beating her, but she is still said not to be an actual competitor.

Sounds like Hillary!

MadisonMan said...

(Version 2008, that is)

Terrye said...

I live in Indiana. Daniels might not set the world on fire, but then again maybe we don't need the world set on fire. He is a plain spoken guy who does what he says he will do. Not a bad thing.

Roux said...

I think boring is the new black.