At the 2008 Republican Convention in Minnesota, I had the pleasure of meeting Jim Nicholson. From 1996 through 2000, Mr. Nicholson was the Chairman of the Republican National Committee.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Nicholson_(U.S._politician)
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/nicholson-bio.html
While conditions on the ground are often beyond the control of the RNC Chairman, in the end they are judged by wins and losses. Jim Nicholson went out a winner as the Republican Party retook the White House.
Yet the pendulum that swung to us swung back to the other side in 2006. Yet Mr. Nicholson was in good spirits when I met him, and was very generous with his time.
With that, I bring the wisdom from a fine strategist that the Republican Party is lucky to have, Chairman Jim Nicholson.
1) What are the most important issues of 2008, and where has the Republican Party gone astray?
JN: “We have wandered off of the track. We need to lower taxes, lower spending and government, increase freedom, and increase our national security. We have wandered off track on spending and government. Those are two defining principles of the Republican party, and we have violated them.”
2) Who are your 3 favorite political heroes?
JN: “My 3 political heroes are Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, and George W. Bush.”
3) What do you think of the Vice Presidential selection of Governor Sarah Palin?
JN: “It was great. It was a bright, bold move. She is not well known by the national media, so they are in a frenzy. She projects strength and leadership. She adheres to conservative principles. There is phenomenal excitement with her nomination, and you can feel the palpable excitement at this convention.”
4) How would you like to be remembered 100 years from now? What would you want people to say about Jim Nicholson the person?
JN: “I was a West Point Graduate. I believe in Duty, Honor, Country. On the political front, we won everything in 2000 during my four years at the helm of the RNC.”
5) What is the story coming out of this convention?
JN: “John McCain has the authenticity. His story is compelling. He is a maverick. He has at some point in his career stood up to everybody, and made them mad.”
While Jim Nicholson did not have the astonishing publicized success of Haley Barbour or the groundbreaking celebrity of Ken Mehlman, Jim Nicholson is what conservatism at its best is all about. Jim Nicholson was a workhorse, not a show horse. His job was to help take back the WHite House, and hequietly and effectively did his job. Based on what has happened in recent years, we could sure use a man like Jim Nicholson at the helm.
Several people are vying to be the current RNC leader. Michael Steele was one name that inspires universal praise. Yet before settling on the top dog for the party of the elephant, I would be wise to talk to the wise man himself.
After all, the Republican Party did well when we listened to Jim Nicholson. We should continue to do so.
eric
Boy, he sure got stuck with that VA appointment. What a mess that was. I wouldn’t expect him to return to professional politics. I think he’s done with that forever.
JMJ
I have to admit that other than what you wrote here, Eric, I don’t really know much about him. Looks like I need to do some research!
From what I understand, he’s supposed to be a really good guy, even though he’s a dreaded republican. ;) That VA appointment was a blind-side. He had no idea what he was stepping into. I could be wrong, but that’s what I’ve read and heard.
JMJ
Yea, republicans with dreadlocks are usually not too convincing.
My wife braids my hair and weaves beads into it all the way down to my butt.
When I go out in public I seem to attract conversation with more moonbats than anything. The assumption on their part is usually that the conversation they’re striking up is on a subject I’ll agree with.