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Rove believes GOP can win in the fall
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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
KETTERING — Democrats are betting they can win in November because of voter dissatisfaction about the war in Iraq and the nation's economic troubles. But the man who earned his stripes getting President Bush elected believes Republicans can take those very issues to victory this fall.
Karl Rove, 57, former deputy chief of staff and senior adviser to Bush, spoke Tuesday, April 15, at a Montgomery County Republican Party fundraiser. The event at Kettering Fairmont High School's Trent Arena attracted about 600 people.
Extras
About two dozen protesters gathered outside. They criticized the war in Iraq and said Rove represented the Bush administration's failures.
"The war has bankrupted the country," said David Little, southern Ohio representative for rally organizer Progress Ohio.
Rove, now a Fox New political contributor, said he wished the war was over. He said some people may question whether the U.S. should have gone there in the first place. But he accused Democrats of wanting to "throw in the towel" and argued that the American troop surge is working.
"We're at war, whether we like it or not," Rove said. "People hate us and they hate our way of life."
He also acknowledged the nation's economic problems.
"People made bad loans and bad business decisions. Because people got greedy," Rove said.
He said Democrats want to spend billions on the problem, and raise taxes to cover it. He urged the audience to vote for Sen. John McCain for president.
Both Democratic presidential candidates, Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, support ending tax breaks for the richest Americans and closing tax loopholes that benefit oil companies and other major corporations. They say their economic plans would help middle class Americans.
In remarks to a reporter prior to Rove's comments, former U.S. Rep. John Kasich, an Ohio Republican, said the cure for Ohio's ills is a mixture of tax cuts, deregulation and improving the work force.
"We can begin to see the state turn. But we are in a ditch," he said.
Kasich called for dramatic changes but would not place blame on Republicans for the state's problems, even though the party controls the Legislature and dominated top statewide offices through 2006.
"I don't want to spend my time based on what happened," said Kasich, who is considering a run for governor.
He said he won't decide until mid- to late 2009. He did say he's uninterested in being McCain's running mate.
Today, April 16, Rove will attend a private county party fundraiser, a $500-a-head breakfast, county party Chairman Greg Gantt said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Chuck B
April 23, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Reggie98ud, show me the link to any reputable news source saying we found any chemical weapons of significance, in Iraq. I can’t find it and think you are wrong. However, show me and I will agree. btw, I am a conservative too.
By Human
April 17, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Okay! Here is one for all of you out there. In this Republic of which we live in, it takes time to get programs up and running. How Long is it taking to just get the border fence up and running? And everyone wants the Iraqies to jump on the snap of their fingers? It Doesn’t work that way “People”. A house is not built over night, much less a Country.
By DG
April 16, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Reggie98ud: continued…Who cares about Clinton lobbying…is he the current president who tried to sidestep congress and hide the deal to hand the ports over?HMMM, don’t think so. Wait, guess that falls under EXECUTIVE PRIVILEDGE right? What a crock. I’ll still save your seat at the kiddie table and turn the T.V to FOX NOISE for you too.
By DG
April 16, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Reggie98ud: You sure about all your facts?…or are you relying solely on information obtained by CURVEBALL like the administration. Funny you think Bush should be honored…outting CIA opertatives b/c they call out the lies and illegal wire taps (HE DID NOT HAVE WARRANTS!!!) just to start. Very honorable. So we are going to fight the war there so we don’t have to fight here…interesting again. The boarders are still open and the millions of illegal immigrants are not just hispanic my friend.
By JO
April 16, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Obama and HIllary will increase taxes. It is scary to think there is a population of people who do not get this. Increased taxes = less income = poorer society. Do we really want Uncle Sam controlling every step of our life.
Without question—these two liberals will increase taxes. Do not kid your self.
By OakwoodTucky
April 16, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
reggie98ud, I see you are incapable of an original though. I see you felt the need to steal my LSD comment about and and turn it on me. Very original for a punk. And as to the WMD you claim to be worth over 4,000 American soldier lives, you @sswipe, the “mustard and ricin (not sure on spelling) gas” was Bush senior and Reagan’s gift to Saddam Hussein when he was their b!tch. Read some history, you mental midget. Sad how your mental limits don’t stop you from proving your ignorance.
By andygoutman
April 16, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
What the hell happened to my post. Thanks a lot.
By andygoutman
April 16, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Karl Rove is a coward…a classic “chickenhawk” who never fought but was itching to invade a sovereign country that was no threat to the security of the U.S. He’s a typical Republican coward who blames the victims for our economic troubles. I heard his buddy Dick Cheney, a “chickenhawk” who had “other priorities” during Vietnam, say that if we leave Iraq, all of its oil will go to al-Queda…as if the majority Shi’ites or the Kurds would ever let that happen. Don’t you see? They are all LIARS.
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Yes we did find WMD in Iraq. There were mustard and ricin (not sure on spelling) gas weapons stockpiles. True they were old and not very big, but they are WMD’s and capable of causing a lot of problems if released in New York, DC, Washington or even here in Dayton! Maybe if you stopped trippin’ on the LSD you could actually have a coherent thought of your own (and proper English while you’re at it). Again as I said, go get some facts, then come see me. Until then, stay at the kiddie table!
By JKH5199
April 16, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Stephen Bickford: Republicans have no Christian Morals? If you are a democrat, which it’s obvious you are, than aren’t you pro-choice? Do me a favor, and tell me how that’s a Christian Moral? Second, If Haliburton and Blackwater are in Iraq to get rich, why is it there hasn’t been a terrorist attach on our soil since 9/11? That’s because we’re fighting the terrorists over there and not here. Also, our bridges and highways are the states responsability, but I guess you didn’t know that. (cont.)
By OakwoodTucky
April 16, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
reggie98ud , where the heck did you find such good LSD? But be care now, you seem to have take WAAYYYYY too much! You are seriously hallucinating and seeing things (we found WMD?) Hahahahaha!
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
So which of the issues you mentioned is one for which Bush should be blamed? I think it is more like honored. He has taken the fight to the terrorists instead of fighting here. I will admit he has not been the fiscal Conservative he should have been, but we are at war! Go get some facts then step up to the big table , until then DG, DO NOT MESS WITH THE BIG BOYS!!
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
So which of the issues you mentioned is one for which Bush should be blamed? I think it is more like honored. He has taken the fight to the terrorists instead of fighting here. I will admit he has not bee the fiscal Conservative he should have been, but we are at war! Go get some facts then stup up to the big table , until then DG, DO NOT MESS WITH THE BIG BOYS!!
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
cont’d next point, we DID find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq as well as evidence that suggests the majority of the stockpiles had been transfered to Syria prior to the invasion while we waited to get permission from the corrupt liberals in the UN. Saddam was a threat, he had used WMD’s in the past, invaded a soverign nation (Kuwait), supported terrorists, & evidence (agreed to by several intelligence agancies across the globe)suggested that he was attempting to build a WMD stockpile cont’d
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
(cont’d) the wire taps and surveillence were on suspected terrorists, and perfectly legal when instituted, however the legislation has since been allowed to expire(Democrats making us safer!). I agree with you in illegal aliens and Bush’s stance, but the Democrats want full amnesty, at least McCain has admitted his mistake and called for tightened border security before anything else. Last I checked Bill Clinton was hired by Dubai Ports to lobby on their behalf. (cont’d)
By bush is pitiful
April 16, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Our country has the worst deficit ever in recorded history. The housing market is crumbling. Our unemployment rate is skyrocketing. Our road systems are in great disrepair. Our educational system is shameful(many children left behind). But, please. Oh, please. Give me eight more years of the same!
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
DG: Unfortunately, I ran out of room before going on about the Iraq War and the rest of the Democrat talking points you listed. Can you even think for yourself or do you just believe what the Dayton Daily Democrat and the Clinton News Network (CNN) tell you? If you actually took the time to do some research, you would find out that all of your talking points are wrong! There are more children covered by health insurance now than at any time in the Clinton administration. (cont’d)
By OakwoodTucky
April 16, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Patrick, could you be any more stupid, blind, ignorant or boneheaded? That the state we’re in is due to the dems elected 1-1/2 years ago? Can you REALLY be THAT stupid to actually believe what you wrote? If so, you are truly an ignorant fool. You’re one of those dolts who next will blame it all on Bill Clinton. Come on, we’re waiting for your next inane comment from the mental ward. Take your Lithium, shut up and go to sleep.
By HuberTucky
April 16, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Really, who cares what this Pillsbury Dough Boy with the bloated ego and overblown sense of self-importance thinks? John McBush? Yeah, he is nothing but Bush Lite and equals a 3rd term for the failed Bush/Cheney regime. Rove is the architect of failure. Why listen to this fool at all? He blames greed? Yeah, greed of the rich and corporate elite and the politicians they own. Fat pig Rove ought to be hanged this noon at Courthouse Square.
By DG
April 16, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
For Reggie98ud: Interesting you want to attack Stephen for his comment about the bridges but you don’t want to seem to address Halliburton or Blackwater issues.?. Here’s ome more childish points you may want to address as well…Childrens insurance program, illegal surveillance/wire taps, outting of CIA operatives, illegal immigration (amnesty), contracting ARAB companies to run our ports, weapons of mass destruction, Saddam as an IMMINENT THREAT. Your seat will be saved at the kiddie table.
By Patrick
April 16, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I was fortunate to be able to attend Mr. Rove’s speech last night, and was intrigued at DDN’s count of a couple dozen protesters. There were five. I counted them. Mr. Rove talked about the real Mr. McCain, the real Hussain Oboma, and the real Billary.
America was not in this shape 1 1/2 years ago until we got a Demacratic Congress. Billary wants to raise your taxes, and take control of your Health Care. Hussain Oboma wants to do the same thing.
Please Dems: Stay out of my pockets.
By female
April 16, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Steven Bickford: One of the few sensible Male responses..the R’s have raped our Country, anyone still wanting them in office must have been a part of it all. Everyone else has been hurt by it. I am watching my retirement disappear because of their greed. McCain voted in 05 NOT to regulate the Predatory Lenders….If he had voted to regulate, would we be in this mess? If John McBush gets elected, this Country deserves the crap we will get. I say, you must pass an IQ test before you can vote
By reggie98ud
April 16, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
to Stephen Bickford: Please grow up before posting with the rest of the adults. I’m sure your liberal public school teacher has filled your head with that garbage, but it is amazing how inaccurate you are. Bridges and highways are partially funded by the federal government but the allocation is handled by the states. This is exactly how levies that had been allocated millions by the federal gov’t did not get repaired before Katrina. It is corrupt state politicians not George Bush. Get a clue!
By Tired
April 16, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!
By Alice
April 16, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
I value my economic freedom and our national security which is why I can’t support someone who wishes to continue Bush policies. Rove says it doesn’t matter how we got into war or how we became bankrupt as a nation in many ways, not just financially, so I should support someone who wants to continue the policies that got us here? Our country can’t afford it…
By Joanie
April 16, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
I admire that John McCain has stood up to his party in the past for things he believes in, but it’s clear he won’t do that now. McCain seems like a decent guy for a really, really, old war mongering adulterer, but I can never vote Republican again after the evil and corruption this administration has shown.
By Roger
April 16, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
I don’t think Rove’s statements offer any definitive prediction for the outcome of the election. But I agree with his optimism and I am hopeful that John McCain will be elected based on that fact that he wants to decrease government spending and that he stands behind our military. I am confident that American citizens value both their economic freedom and national security. John McCain promotes both of these ideals.
By Stephen Bickford
April 16, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
I’m trying to figure out what the President and Congress have to gain by destroying the United States’ economy and infrastructure. We have lost our Democracy. Congress represents the big money in the country and not the people. Why vote? The politicians don’t represent the people and elections are corrupt. Our representatives need to be chosen by lottery. Then they would be “of the people” and have a chance of representing the people. Get the money out of the political system.
By andy
April 16, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Rove’s right. It looks like the Democrats have once again figured out a way to screw up what SHOULD be an easy win with STUPID SELFISH INFIGHTING.
By cowalker
April 16, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
October 18, 2006. Rove: “I’m confident we’re going to keep the Senate; I’m confident we’re going to keep the House.”
Democrats won 30 House seats and six Senate seats, regaining control of both chambers of Congress.
He knows he’s lying about Republican chances in 2008. But why would Rove turn down a chance to get attention and money for telling lies? He was always ready to lie to anybody, anytime to achieve his ends.
By Aaron
April 16, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Of course the DDN shows photos of the HALF dozen protestors. It was a honor to have a former Presidential staff member here in the Miami Valley. Wake up Daily Daily, just because you don’t like the President, and Republican politics doesn’t mean that we don’t.
By Joe
April 16, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Typical Dayton Daily News showing the majority of the photos of the protestors. Rove and Kasich are good men who want the best for America.
By Joe
April 16, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Typical Dayton Daily News showing the majority of the photos of the protestors. Rove and Kasich are good men who want the best for America.
By Jim 5
April 16, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Yes, we are at war - whether we like it or not. Sadly, radical islamists have pickled several generations in the brine of their hateful, violent, education. Unstable regimes in the Middle East are unable or unwilling to stem the export of violence. Sure, we have to defend our country — and McCain is the only candidate with a good grasp of the facts on this issue. Also, I think McCain’s proposal to suspend taxes on gasoline would help everyone.
By cowalker
April 16, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Rove: “We’re at war, whether we like it or not.” Are we supposed to ignore the fact that he was the political strategist behind the person who dragged us into this disaster of a war? And by the way, it’s not a war anymore. We’re occupying Iraq. We can choose to end the occupation.
Kasich: “We can begin to see the state turn. But we are in a ditch.” Who’s up for hiring the same clowns who drove the car into the ditch to take charge of towing it out, repairing it and driving it again? Not me.
By Stephen Bickford
April 16, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
The Republicans take no responsibility for the country’s problems. They have no Christian values. They believe in the poor starving and decreasing the surplus population. They cannot do anything except start wars and they are incompetent at that. Their values include torture and endless prison terms starvinig children and the death penalty. What about “Thou Shalt Not Kill?” They increase the costs of government and cut the taxes on the rich which means that everyone else gets the bill.
By Stephen Bickford
April 16, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
The Republicans have shown themselves to be the most corrupt party imagineable. They have worked consistantly to screw the American people. Why anyone would vote for a Republican is a mystery to me. They have managed to steal about every penny the government has and we get nothing in return. We have a war in Iraq so that Haliburton and Blackwater can get rich. Our bridges and highways are falling apart. Our water and sewer systems are breaking down. More children are going without food.