McDonnell Touts His Conservatism

Author | jacob | Posted on | November 9, 2009 | 10 Comments

McDonnell conducted an excellent interview with Chris Wallace this Sunday.  During the course of this interview McDonnell was unapologetic about how his campaign was conservative across the spectrum, in both the fiscal and cultural arenas.  It was surprising to see an elected  Republican this conservative in public.

The campaigns that McDonnell and Cuccinelli conducted here in VA should be a blue print for the Republicans in 2010.  These Virginia Republican campaigns focused on jobs, economic development, and transportation.  The campaigns also avoided making negative personal attacks on their opponents, unlike their Democrat opponents, who focused on such negative ads.  Instead, the Republican message focused on a positive outlook based on what were detailed solutions for a campaign.  While this was not mentioned in the interview, the Republican campaigns also effectively answered the attack ads of their intellectually bankrupt opponents.

McDonnell also acknowledged how national events played into the Republicans’ favor:  card check, out-of-control spending in Washington, unfunded mandates, and cap-and-trade, a.k.a the energy tax.  These issues energized the the Republican base across the nation.  It reminded small and large businesses why socialist solutions lead to economic ruin.

McDonnell’s running mate on the ticket, Ken Cuccinelli, never flinches from his conservative views and is often the spear tip of conservative legislation. Ken not only is a conservative, he sponsors conservative legislation. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear McDonnell answer questions in a similar vein with regard to his conservatism.  McDonnell was direct, honest and unapologetic.  When asked by Wallace what is the bigger message in order for the party as a whole to get healthy again, McDonnell replied, “Stick to your conservative principals but focus on quality of life issues.”  Kudos!

McDonnell’s message targeted fiscal conservatism.  This was an abandoned ideal, and I have not heard many Republicans explain it well in the past few years.  Listening to some Republicans discuss fiscal responsibility is akin to Democrats misapplying bible quotes or bungling economic theory.    When someone does not understand the underlying principles, they mangle the message.  McDonnell was sure footed in this area; hopefully he will govern as well as he campaigned.

McDonnell stated recently that he will govern as he campaigned. When asked what this meant, he said that the dominant campaign themes will be the priorities of his governance of Virginia.  The economic state of VA demands this.  However, without Wallace’s prodding, McDonnell went on to announce that he is pro-life and pro-family, and he will defend both.  When pointedly asked how he will manage the needs social conservatives in the party, he returned to the list of economic issues as his first concern; but, he also added that protection of families, fatherhood, and educational choices were also part of his platform.   He clearly claimed his message was conservative throughout.  How nice not to hear that smarmy refrain, “BUT, I am a moderate on <pick an issue>.”

McDonnell said he wants to cuts spending.  When asked about cutting Planned Parenthood off from state funds, McDonnell stated point blank that people do not want tax payer funding going to abortion services, and that should be the state policy.  McDonnell stated that the death penalty should be expanded to all those involved in the murder of someone during the commission of a crime; and, unlike his Democrat predecessor, he would sign, not veto, this legislation.  McDonnell is against Obamacare.  McDonnell said point blank that he would finish his term as governor and not get distracted by other pursuits, unlike our current governor.

This is one of the better interviews by a politician I have heard in many years. It was impressive because the Governor was frank and touted his conservatism.  Wallace was able to cover a lot of ground because McDonnell answered the question as it was posed, not veering into some smarmy talking point.  McDonnell and Cuccinelli deserve the support of conservatives, until they demonstrate they deserve otherwise.  If McDonnell continues in this conservative vein, it will bode well for our great State.

Comments