MIKE DUNCAN INTERVIEW
I think the most interesting information that Mike Duncan, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, shared with me is his fascination with elections and history. Because of his love of history he has a different perspective on this whole doom and gloom pall that seems to be covering the GOP blogsphere right about now. Last night the turnout ratio between the Dems and the GOP was something like 2:1. It is enough to make a good Republican want to hit the dirty martinis early, and it’s Ash Wednesday no less. (I have no idea what I’m giving up for Lent – btw). For the past 9 primary seasons, the party that is out of power (White House) has a larger turnout than the one in power, “but there is no correlation in the November turnout. It doesn’t translate into success in the fall.”
Duncan went on to say, “The press is making a bigger deal out of this than it actually is.”
He also said that we need to go back to 1928 since we had an election where we have a completely new cast of characters running for President. “1952 does not count because Harry Truman allowed them to float his name,” to see what would happen. In many ways, then we are in uncharted territory. Evidently, from the enthusiasm in his voice. The Chairman of the RNC is having a quite a ride. As someone fascinated with history, he is well aware of the fact that he is literally living history.
“Last night was truly historic. Over 25 million people voted in primaries.”
One of the reasons for the large turn out is the fact that once again we must go back to 1928 for the historic perspective of so many different kinds of candidates. Duncan was referring to the election between GOP Herbert Hoover and Democrat Al Smith, a Catholic, who struggled against anti-Catholic prejudices ad the fact that he had a history of corruption. Smith was the first Catholic to be nominated, and his presence on the ticket brought out the curiosity voter (my term, not Duncan’s).
We are seeing the same thing here. This election is historic. The Democrats will be running either a woman or an African American on their ticket. This one aspect alone is enough to bring out the crowds to vote. But – Duncan cautions, don’t let the turnout numbers discourage you.
He also reports that the much heralded end is near reporting on the departure of 28 Republicans in the House, due to retirement. “ We’re still in the normal range for that.” The RNC Chair went on to say that “President Bush won 61 House seats that are now being held by Democrats.” He sees them as potential targets for GOP gain.
It is hard not to catch Mike Duncan’s optimism. A life long Republican, we discovered a Lee Atwater connection. While Atwater was working with the District 5 College Republicans, Duncan had the same job in Kentucky with District 3. I was in high school at the time and Atwater came in to help us. A true Republican, Duncan has worked his way from the bottom to the top, starting as a local precinct president, county chair, state chair, RNC member, and now he is the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. In 1982 he was one of the youngest delegates at the national convention.
He said yesterday was a bit ‘busy’. He was up late crunching numbers and watching the returns come in, then arrived back at the office early today for meetings and press interviews. He said his typical day includes asking for money; talking to the media; administrative tasks; meeting with department heads; party leadership meetings; and also might include meetings with various GOP elected officials.
“I have a front row seat for history. I enjoy it every day.”
“There are 270 days until the election.”
Duncan thinks the GOP has a positive future. One of the primary reasons is the fact that the Democrats have been hijacked by MoveOn.org, that is pushing them farther and farther to the Left. He said the Democrats think MoveOn is helping them, but instead it is doing quite a bit of damage.
“We were disappointed with what happened in 2006.” He thinks though, the GOP is back on track. “If we can hold true for our philosophy we can have a bright future for the party.”
“The question the American people have about Barack Obama is he ready to be Commander-in-Chief. He has only been in the US Senate for 4 years, and has spent two of those four years campaigning for President. That is his experience level. “ Duncan mentioned Obama’s speeches, which have captured the “public imagination”. He asks, “At the end of the speech, where is the conclusion?”
In other words, it is going to be an interesting process “vetting Obama” the way other candidates have been. He thinks when the American voter realizes that while in the Illinois Legislature, Obama voted “Present” over 130 times. When Obama actually votes now that he is in the US Senate, he has the most liberal of all voting records, such as voting against funding for our troops. “We must peel the layers of rhetoric” on Barack Obama to get to the actual person.
I think Mike Duncan would relish the idea of a Hillary Clinton candidacy. When we compare out candidates with either Clinton or Obama, the GOP looks strong. With “Hillary (it) is the trust factor”. She won’t tell us how she plans to play for health care. Her social security reform ideas are very expensive. And she has proposed something like $810 billion in new spending!
“Both candidates believe in bigger government taking more out of people’s pockets.” The differences between the two parties is a “philosophical question.”
“I’m optimistic about the future of the party. “
After last night’s numbers, I don’t mind admitting I’ve been rather worried about voter turnout and how bleak it looks for the GOP. Then when I thought about number of House members retiring it did not help matters. The brief interview with Mike Duncan, arranged by Liz Mair made me feel much more positive about our party’s future. I think with all the "doom and gloom" we've been hearing these past few days, it was nice to speak to someone who was optimistic.
Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Rosemary's Thoughts, A Newt One- BIG THURSDAY GUEST!, Big Dog's Weblog, Cao's Blog, Dumb Ox Daily News, A Newt One, Conservative Cat, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.
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