On August 18 and 19, nationally syndicated radio host Erick Erickson held a gathering of conservative politicians and thinkers for a series of conversations leading into the presidential debates on August 23. Six presidential candidates answered questions from Erickson, many of them sent in by his listeners and attendees. The candidates shared the program with Brent Buchanan of Primary Poll, Senators Tom Cotten, Joni Ernst, and Kelli Loeffler. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli both informed and entertained. Representatives from conservative think tanks shared their key foci, and the Ruthless Podcast kept the audience laughing during Friday's lunch. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appeared twice, once on his own, and once with Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin.
The most refreshing aspect of the gathering was the explicit exclusion of Trump. He wasn't invited, partly because he would have likely refused to share the spotlight and partly because he dominates the legacy media reporting already. This conference was an opportunity for presidential candidates to speak on issues of importance to them without the distraction of a blowhard bully who is only running for his ego (and to avoid prison.) **
The Gathering was live-streamed on YouTube. Day one is here, and day two here. You can also find the individual interviews of each participant here. What follows are my observations as I watched, listened, and took pages of notes. I will leave my overall impressions of each candidate at the end so my opinions don't interfere with the summaries.
**The description isn't very journalistic, I know. However, it does meet the standard of accuracy I was taught in undergrad at Cal Poly SLO. Where is the grace for the former president? I toned down my actual thoughts! To be fair, I agreed with many of his policies, especially regarding the need for a strong military, but his character is beyond flawed. Yes, Jesus loves him, but I don't have to like him.
MILITARY READINESS
Every candidate noted the same four external threats to the U.S.: China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The inroads China has made into both Africa and South America should be of concern to both leadership and citizens. Military readiness is currently rated as weak in every branch except the Marine Corps. Add the threat of cyber-threats, and the increasing spying that we know about (not to mention the things that we don't know about), and the U.S. is in danger of being unable to protect itself, much less come to the aid of our allies.
TIM SCOTT:
"The country is experimenting on our military. We need to focus on lethality, not socio-cultural issues."
"We must be able to act on three continents at once, focusing on readiness for Russian and China."
"We can't defend what we can't see" (e.g. supersonic weapons).
He also called for degrading Russian military by supporting Ukraine as in the national interest. However, there must be accountability for every nickel.
MIKE PENCE:
"Peace comes through strength."
"The Afghanistan withdrawal emboldened China and Russia."
"Weakness arouses evil."
I don't have the exact quote, but he also said that the U.S. needs to rebuild the military in both honor and force.
RON DESANTIS:
I missed direct quotes, but can summarize his position as dismay at the low level of military recruiting (the lowest level since the end of the Vietnam War), conviction that the Mission Before All Else must become the priority over political ideologies and social programs, and the need to address the lack of materials (e.g. ammunition, technology, and hardware) suffered by our defensive industrial base. Supply chain issues and COVID disruptions are no excuse for running out of bullets.
NIKKI HALEY:
"China has the largest Navy in the world. They also lead in military AI, information, nuclear technology, bio-weapons, and cyber disruptors."
"A strong military doesn't end wars. A strong military prevents them."
"Respect in the world comes through strength and moral clarity."
Haley was the only candidate to address what happens to our veterans after they serve. She wants to scrub the VA and allow veterans to take advantage of tele-health, choice in medical providers, and care for their families long term. She noted that the current system policy is to schedule an appointment withing 29 days of the request. Often, however, mid way through the waiting period, the VA will call to check-in and the 29-day wait starts over. She calls the policies unacceptable.
CHRIS CHRISTIE:
"The Navy is desperately under prepared, especially the submarine force."
"The Air Force needs to be modernized and Boeing must be held accountable for being behind on existing orders."
VIVEK RAMASWAMY:
Besides noting that the U.S. is not strong enough to challenge Russia or China, he didn't have a lot to say about military readiness. He does, however, call to militarize the Southern Border and end the war in Ukraine.
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
TIM SCOTT:
"We should be exporting energy resources, not importing them."
"China and Russia are heavily invested in South America and Africa" where natural resources (e.g. cobalt and oil) are plentiful.
MIKE PENCE:
Energy independence is an important goal for the future.
RON DESANTIS:
Energy independence is linked to economic independence.
NIKKI HALEY:
No specific notes on this issue.
CHRIS CHRISTIE:
No specific notes on this issue
VIVEK RAMASWAMY:
Energy independence and economic independence are key to rebuilding the American Dream that his parents sought when they immigrated.
THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Controlling the Southern border is a complex issue. Each candidate had a slightly different perspective on both how and why the border should be better protected. Several noted that non-border cities run by an elite wealthy (and mostly white) class ignored the problems of border security until the immigrant who crossed entered their enclaves.
TIM SCOTT:
No specific notes on this issue
MIKE PENCE:
No specific notes on this issue
RON DESANTIS:
We must return to a policy of stop, interdict, and return.
"Fentanyl is not a border issue; it is national."
In Florida illegal immigrants come by boat, and includes Chinese CCP members who have gone on to infiltrate U.S. institutions. He noted there is a difference between people who need amnesty and illegal immigration, which is why interdiction policy matters.
NIKKI HALEY:
"China uses the border to smuggle fentanyl into the U.S.; cartels use the border to traffic children."
Chinese CCP members come to the U.S. through Florida and infiltrate both universities (Confucius Institutes, theft of intellectual property) and rural towns, where they buy land, often near military bases.
Haley wants to streamline legal immigration practices like those her parents went through when they immigrated. Her father is incensed by the current numbers of people entering the U.S. illegally and then disappearing into the country, never showing up for court dates months or years in the future.
Legal immigration should be merit-based.
CHRIS CHRISTIE:
No specific notes on this issue
VIVEK RAMASWAMY:
Ramaswamy will militarize the southern border.
KEN CUCCINELLI:
Although not a presidential candidate, he had some strong words about the border and the cartels who operate the Mexican side.
"If they know they can't get in, they don't come."
Cartels may make more money in human trafficking than in drug running. They contain "the most evil people on the planet." "They kill children if parents don't pay," often while parents are forced to watch.
Cartels control a sixth of Mexico, with another sixth being fought over between rival groups and the elected government.
EDUCATION
TIM SCOTT:
"Human dignity means reaching as high and as far as our abilities, talent, and character allow."
"Identity politics falls apart when we realize that the quality of education is more powerful than the color of a person's skin."
"ABC is more important than CRT."
MIKE PENCE:
No notes on this issue
RON DESANTIS:
"Keep porn out of schools. If you want to consume it, be my guest. Read Hunter Biden's laptop for all I care, but keep it away from children."
"Parental rights in education are more important than political agendas."
DeSantis supports universal school choice where the money follows the student.
NIKKI HALEY:
"We are distracted by woke ideology."
CHRIS CHRISTIE:
"An uneducated populace can't be functional in a democracy."
Christie promotes merit pay for teachers and a reduction in the teachers union's power.
VIVEK RAMASWAMY:
Education should help students maximize their God-given potential.
Ramaswamy noted that 60% of Gen Z students would rather give up their U.S. citizenship than TikTok. He wants to make faith, family, patriotism, and hard work "cool again."
Transparency in the classroom and parental rights are essential to improving education.
ECONOMY
TIM SCOTT:
"If you're able, get to work."
"Having a job is good; creating jobs for others is better."
Cut Federal costs by breaking down bureaucracy and relocating agencies around the country.
The wealthiest counties in the U.S. are in a band from Northern Virginia to Boston.
There's a reason why "Rich Men North of Richmond" has struck a nerve.
MIKE PENCE:
We must deal with the National debt, starting by reducing bureaucracy. Most departments should be sent back to the states for control and innovation.
RON DESANTIS:
"We are a country with an economy, not the other way around."
"COVID economic policies did not work."
Federal agencies increased by 50% during COVID and most have been locked in. DeSantis would require the DC bureaucratic footprint to reduce by 50% through attrition, reduction, and return to the states.
"The administrative class is not the fourth branch of government."
Regulations benefit large corporations and harm small businesses.
The current level of inflation is not sustainable. It harms the middle class the most. Mortgages rates alone are driving would-be home buyers out of the market.
"China is the first 'peer' economy with the U.S. in 100 years." We need to refocus on rebuilding our economy and regain independence. Our economies are not synergistic.
NIKKI HALEY:
Inflation is a critical issue. Haley had the best answer to the question of why she would be a better president on the economy than her competitors: "I am an accountant, not a lawyer."
CHRIS CHRISTIE:
Spending is out of control. He balanced the budget in NJ without raising taxes by cutting and gutting more than 800 programs.
"The U.S. debt is a bipartisan problem that can't be solved in four or eight years."
Christie would phase out social security by changing the rules on eligibility, age, and taxes. No one over 40 would be affected. Anyone under 40 has time to plan and save for retirement. The wealthiest Americans (e.g. Buffett, Zuckerberg, Musk, Gates) don't need social security and should not be eligible.
VIVEK RAMASWAMY:
No notes on this issue.
KELLY LOEFFLER:
Again, not a candidate, but noted that "Rural and middle Americans are excluded from D.C. conversations and are hardest hit by inflation, regulations, and ESG/DEI ideologies."
RANDOM NOTABLE QUOTES AND CONCEPTS
TIM SCOTT:
"The weakness of the American president causes consternation around the world and allows dictators to grow stronger."
MIKE PENCE:
"Using the power of government to push an agenda is wrong. Let the marketplace function."
RON DESANTIS:
"The left has an orthodoxy by which they want to govern."
"Faith and family are the cornerstone of this republic."
"Who governs? If it is 'we the people' then there is accountability. If it is a nameless bureaucracy, there is no accountability. The president needs to fire those who overstep their bounds (e.g. treating parents concerned about schools or Catholics like potential terrorists.)
NIKKI HALEY:
"The president must protect American lives, sovereignty, and freedom."
"No one's going to outwork me. No one's going to outsmart me."
CHRIS CHRISTIE:
"Barak Obama didn't know how to run a government. Joe Biden doesn't remember."
"China's one-child policy is coming by to bite them. They do not have the next generation."
"China is on the precipice of a massive economic downturn." They have overspent and over-developed.
In talking about four versus eight years: "I already got the portrait. I'm not going to sell my soul for the little plaque." (In context it was hilarious.)
"I answer what I'm asked."
"The truth matters. It is not negotiable and character matters."
VIVEK RAMASWAMY:
"To believe in God you first have to know that you are not god."
"Woke smoke"
"We need to embrace the radical ideas of the founders."
"The managerial state is running the country."
"The role of the Commander-in-Chief is to advance American ideals, end wars, and protect American interests."
"We forget all the ways we are the same."
"Common ideals still exist."
"Capitalism is not mercantilism." (My term is corporatism, but I get it.)
MARK WALLER (running for Governor of North Carolina)
"Does character and integrity matter to our party?"
KEN CUCCINELLI (former AG)
"I have yet to find a human being I can't find something to agree on."
"China exploits every system of our country, both legal and illegal."
COLE MEYER (Front Line)
"School choice is a moral issue."
"Christianity is not a soft religion."
BRIAN KEMP (Governor of Georgia)
"It should be an easy path to the White House, but we have to be focused on the future and not distracted by the circus."
RICK MCCORMICK
"Instead of trying to win an argument, try to win a friend. That's how you have an influence."
TOM COTTON (Senator from Arkansas)
"Biden is wracked by anxiety over Ukraine. It makes him wishy-washy and weak."
"Fentanyl is made in Mexico from imported Chinese chemicals. The Southern border is the primary channel to the U.S."
"Russia has more nationals in Mexico than any other country in the world.
"Preserving peace must be done from a place of strength."
"Joe Biden is definitely in charge of things. No one else could mess things up so badly."
"Afghanistan was 100% Joe Biden's decision."
JONI ERNST (Senator from Iowa)
"Our systems are at risk of falling to nefarious disruptions by China, Iran, Russia" (referring to the electric grid, technology, computing, and EMPs as warfare).
"Biden's military priority is addressing climate change." In a recent document about military readiness, China was mentioned eight times Green energy/climate change, 63.
MY THOUGHTS
With the exception of Pence, any of these candidates could be a better President than the septuagenarians and octogenarians currently in power. Mike Pence appears to be a genuinely nice person, but it's time for him to retire and write a book about the Constitution, the three branches of government, or American history through a theological lens. Tim Scott is a breath of fresh optimistic air. His story alone, as the direct descendent of slaves is compelling. His focus on looking to the future instead of litigating the past is exactly what conservatives want and the GOP needs. I don't know why he isn't getting better traction. Ron DeSantis is far more engaging in person than the mainstream media would have you think. Nikki Haley is smart, confident, and driven. She is not afraid to stand up to bullies (she was the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. and she shook things up.) That bodes well for dealing with Congress. At the very least, she should be Secretary of State. Chris Christie is controversial for a lot of good reasons, but he has a sense of humor that is disarming, even when talking about important issues. He was a very popular governor in New Jersey, even as he was cutting programs, so that says something. Vivek Ramaswamy exudes electricity and energy. His focus on restoring a revolution mindset, returning to the radical values of the Founders, and re-engaging free speech and open debate in the public square strikes the hearts of many. Interestingly, as I reviewed my notes, I found he didn't say much of substance that I agreed with. I don't think he has enough policy experience in either foreign or domestic matters. I appreciate his enthusiasm for returning to the core ideals of the U.S., but I think he needs a few more years of maturing and serving in municipal and state governments.
I am grateful that Erick Erickson pulled this gathering together and that I was able to attend. I encourage anyone who has an interest in politics, leadership, or the future of the United States to watch the YouTube recordings.
Resources
Conclusion: U.S. Military Power | The Heritage Foundation
The Tragedy of the American Military - The Atlantic
Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Threat to American Universities | House Foreign Affairs Committee
China is buying up more U.S. farmland. Some lawmakers consider that a security threat
S.4380 - Military Vehicle Fleet Electrification Act 117th Congress (2021-2022)
Thank you Stephanie for sharing an in-depth, yet easy to follow re-cap (esp. with the 1-liner quotes/summaries) of this important gathering. Those talking points include REAL world-view issues we should be on top of that have serious implications now and for generations to come. It's past time to resurrect and perpetuate those original, RADICAL Constitutional tenets that our Founders instituted to protect our nation and our American rights and freedoms.
Though not perfect, our country has been worth giving up everything to legally immigrate to...and even dying in battle to protect for 247 years and counting! We cannot just lay down and allow the American Dream to be swept through our fingers. These gatherings are helping folks get that fire going again in our bellies and more importantly, in our hearts and minds!
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“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”