The Illinois primary is now in the books as a Romney win. This was a significant state; if Santorum had won it, he would have made a major stride toward his goal of reversing the delegate math. As it is, Santorum’s path to the nomination has become virtually . . . well, I was going to say “impossible,” but I don’t want to go quite that far. Nevertheless, the odds are now more against it than a week ago, even if he pulls out Louisiana later this week.

The media, aided by the Romney campaign, played up a comment by Santorum that made it appear he didn’t care about the unemployment rate. We all know how easy it is to pull a phrase out of an entire explanation and twist the intent. That’s what the Romney team did in this case. Santorum’s full statement was “My campaign doesn’t hinge on unemployment rates and growth rates. It’s something more foundational that’s going on.”

Romney should know how a statement can be taken out of context. Remember when he said he wasn’t concerned about the very poor, and the firestorm that created for a while? Well, I knew he meant that the very poor were already being taken care of by current policies, and that he wanted to help everyone. I didn’t criticize him for that. Neither should he and his team have taken a cheap shot at Santorum for his unemployment rate comment. It’s typical campaign dishonesty.

What did Santorum mean? His concern is more broad-based. He sees the overall trend in American society—the destruction of the traditional family, the loss of Judeo-Christian morality, the war for religious liberty, the over-extension of government power, etc.—and realizes these are the root causes of our economic woes. He also has made it clear that if Republicans hang their election hopes on bad economic numbers only, that they will be vulnerable if those numbers change for the better. It’s the difference between being principle-oriented vs. doing whatever is expedient to win a single election cycle.

I will always side with those who understand and promote the basic principles that serve as salt and light for a nation.

What Republicans are now poised to do, by choosing Romney, is to reenact the debacle of former nominees such as Bob Dole and John McCain. I’m also hearing the same refrain as I heard in 2008 when Huckabee continued the race against McCain when it seemed as if he couldn’t win. We were told he needed to withdraw so the party could coalesce around the inevitable nominee. Forgive me, but I still believe Huckabee would have been the better candidate. McCain’s campaign was dreadful; the only spark he ever got was when he added Palin to the ticket.

If Romney does pull this off, the only way he’ll gain any conservative enthusiasm for his campaign is if he makes a very solid and wise choice for his vice president. If he opts for another middle-of-the-roader, he will find it difficult to get the grassroots support he will need. There will still be a lot of us who will vote for him, but only because another Obama term is unthinkable. But that’s not the same as heartfelt support for the nominee.

I do believe Romney can defeat Obama, but then I worry that we will have Obama-light. Sometimes when you win in the short term, you lose overall. Will he really overturn Obamacare? Will he make good choices for the Supreme Court? I could go on. These remain large questions in my mind.

We’ve been treated to a media blitz about the presumed Republican war on women. All it took to set it off was for Rush Limbaugh to use derogatory terms to describe a Georgetown law student who was pushing for government-provided contraception, supposedly because it was too expensive for her and her ideological soulmates who apparently believe they should be free to have taxpayer-sponsored sex anytime, anywhere. As noted in a previous post, Limbaugh apologized for using those terms, but it does him no good on the Left to have done so.

Meanwhile, we have countless examples of Leftists using far more insulting and obscene words to describe conservative women. One of the most blatant is Bill Maher, whose word choice I refuse to print in this blog, particularly the vitriol he has used to describe Sarah Palin. He, and others like him on that side of the spectrum, show no remorse whatsoever for their verbal abuse.

There’s a Scriptural axiom that comes to mind when contemplating this episode:

But as I’ve said countless times before—what can we expect? Those who disparage Christian beliefs have little or no conscience anyway, and surely have no desire to change their stripes. We have to get used to the double standard. What makes it particularly disreputable in this case is that Maher has donated $1,000,000 to the Obama SuperPac. Calls for the Pac to return the money go unheeded.

Lost in this dispute is the real war on women that is being waged in this country. A couple of cartoonists were able to pierce the verbal fog and point to the real outrage:

The slaughter of innocent lives trumps any sleight the Left may perceive. This is the real war on women.

We’re still waiting for a vote in the House on the Boehner bill. It was supposed to be last evening, but it has been put off, I understand, to tweak it some more. Hopefully, the tweaking that is going on will give it more muscle so that the rest of the Republicans can feel comfortable voting for it. If you look at this whole episode without undue bias, one thing you have to admit, no matter which side you’re on, is that Republicans are certainly working hard on the debt issue. Can the same really be said of the Senate, which has not passed a budget for more than 820 days? Or for the president, who offers nothing concrete, but spends most of his time campaigning and attending fundraisers? I think his tactics are captured rather well here:

There have been some tense moments in the White House briefing room lately, with some reporters apparently growing a semblance of a spine, but overall, the media—otherwise known as Obama groupies—are still in love with their anointed one:

Anyone read the New York Times lately? Be sure you know where to go to find it:

And if you really want to see the true nature of this media, just wait. If Sarah Palin decides to run . . .

I watched every minute of Monday night’s Republican debate from New Hampshire. The seven candidates lined up on the stage, I believe, did a fine job for the most part. Yes, I can quibble with some of the answers, and those who are regular readers of this blog know I am not a fan of Mitt Romney, in particular. Yet all, Romney included, exuded a certain confidence in what they believe, and were able to communicate their own message.

Michele Bachmann used the debate as the opportunity to make it official that she indeed is a committed candidate, and I think she acquitted herself well, coming across as knowledgeable and experienced. That was probably a shock to some. Next to Sarah Palin, she has probably been the most maligned by the mainstream media. What is it about conservative women that throws them into a tizzy?

Newt Gingrich had a rough week, and I think it showed on his face and in the way he conducted himself. He seemed too forceful to me, as if he felt this might be his only chance to redeem his flagging campaign.

That Greek cruise wasn’t the brightest idea.

No one really tried to challenge Romneycare, but all focused instead on Obama. Fine for now, but someone needs to step up and make a real point about Romney’s endorsement of an individual mandate in Massachusetts. His criticism of Obamacare falls flat when you look at his history.

You can expect the big guns to come out soon even as the media continues its false appearance of impartiality.

Breaking News: I interrupt this blog post to announce that Sarah Palin’s e-mails have revealed a real scandal after all. It appears that she really wanted to be the vice-presidential nominee in 2008. This shocking revelation undoubtedly will doom her as a political player for at least the next three decades. How can we put up with such blatant ambition in a politician when no one else on the scene has ever displayed such an attitude?

We now return to the regular blog posting.

So what strategy will the media and the opposition party put into operation? Nothing new. In fact, they keep returning to a tried and true method:

That charge is going to be a little hard to level against Herman Cain, but never underestimate the ingenuity of the opposition: you see, he’s just a “tool” of the racist elite. That won’t work, right? The populace is too engaged in the political debate to fall for it, right? We’re so informed that we can’t be misled, right?

It’s going to be a very long primary season.

As members of the mainstream media dig through all those Palin e-mails, here’s a prime example of what they have found. It’s in the form of a letter from God when Palin learned she was having a Down Syndrome child. She wrote it in this way to help think through the proper attitude she should have as this child was brought into the world.

If you can read this and still hate her or believe she is an intellectually bereft individual, you might want to consider what is wrong with your perception of her.

Here are Palin’s words in full:

To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):

I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I’ve heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I’ve answered them because I only want the best for you!

I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn’t think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!

Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be “Trig”, because it’s so fitting, with two Norse meanings: “True” and “Brave Victory”. You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!

Then, I let Trig’s mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news – that way Piper wouldn’t have so long to wait and count down so many days – just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days… you all really like cake .) I know you, I knew you’d be better off with just a short time to wait!

Then, finally, I let Trig’s mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing . But I gave Trig’ s mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!

I’ve given Trig’s mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I’ll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig’s challenges, but I won’t impose on you…

I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig’s life a great one.

This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters . The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven’t experienced yet. He’ll show you what “true, brave victory” really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is “normal” or “perfect”. You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.

Trig will be his dad’s little buddy and he’ll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He’ll love to be read to, he’ll want to play goalie, and he’ll steal his mom’s heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for in fact Trig will – in some diagnostic ways – always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.

Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it “Down’s Syndrome”, and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!

Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!

Trig’s mom and dad don’t want people to focus on the baby’s extra chromosome. They’re human, so they haven’t known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I’m giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won’t understand… and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won’t be considered “perfect” in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider “perfect” or even “normal” anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as “perfect” on t.v.? Have you noticed I make `em all shapes and sizes? Believe me ,, there is no “perfect”!)

Many people will express sympathy, but you don’t want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.

I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: “My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts… for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!”

I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book ! Look it up! You claim that you believe me – now it’s time to live out that belief!

Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won’t give you anything you can’t handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can’t wait to meet you. I’m giving you ONLY THE BEST!

Love,

Trig’s Creator , Your Heavenly Father

Today is a day of national mourning. Not for everyone, mind you, but for a select group. The mainstream media are putting on their black arm bands as they grieve over the death of one of their dearest, most intimate beliefs: that Sarah Palin is nothing more than an empty-headed, incompetent, tundra-loving Barbie doll whose very presence on the planet is an insult to the intellectual and political elite who have a sort of divine right to rule over the rubes in flyover country.

You see, the media pushed and pushed for the release of all Palin e-mails pertaining to her governorship of Alaska, relishing the opportunity to expose her once and for all as the embodiment of all that is backward about America. Once they got their wish last Friday, they even sent out an appeal to all right-thinking citizens to help them wade through the 24,000 pages in their attempt to put her influence to rest forever.

But something went wrong.

All reports, no matter which news organization one chooses for getting the latest information, are indicating that Palin does not fit their stereotype. Those eagerly sought e-mails are revealing a governor who was intelligent, focused, hardworking, and concerned about integrity in government. How awful! How can any self-respecting mainstream media outlet cover its tracks now? How are they going to maintain any credibility at all after this unforeseen calamity?

Well, they could begin questioning why there are no records for Barack Obama’s years in the Illinois state senate. Or they could start wondering why he has never allowed anyone to see his college records or any of the papers he wrote as a university student. I’m sure there’s a treasure trove awaiting them out there, if they have the desire to be investigative journalists once more. In fact, I’m expecting an announcement any day now that they are going to pursue all those unanswered questions about our commander-in-chief because, you know, their primary aim is to get at the truth in all matters of public interest. Surely they will now redirect their attention to the One who was going to heal the planet and stop the rise of the oceans.

Right.

There was a very interesting caller to the Rush Limbaugh program the other day. The man identified himself as a liberal political science professor in Missouri; I believe he was legitimate. This professor said he couldn’t believe how fortunate liberals were in that Republicans were trashing the one potential candidate on their side who could pull it all together for them and beat Obama. He was referring to Palin. He said liberals fear her more than anyone else the Republicans might put forward as their candidate. That’s why they are so anxious to portray her as brainless and frivolous. It was an enlightening interchange.

Pundits like to point to the polls and to Palin’s high unfavorability numbers. They try to make the case that she is unelectable. I had been thinking that myself—there’s just too much negative publicity to overcome. But the more I ponder it, the more I believe that liberal professor might be correct. For one thing, why should any decisions be based on opinion polls this far out from an election? Public opinion is the most changeable feature in modern politics, primarily since so few of the electorate have any principles upon which they base their opinions. If Palin can come across as knowledgeable on the issues while maintaining the “everywoman” quality that drew people to her in the first place, there’s no reason why she can’t beat a failed president who presides over the worst economy since the Great Depression, and whose policies have been the primary reason for this prolonged recession.

She may not run, of course. The important pundits [self-proclaimed] have declared she won’t. That, by itself, is probably a reason she will run, if only to tweak them. If she does run, I’m not saying I’m committed to her candidacy; there are others with valid claims on the nomination as well. Yet I refuse to accept the phony argument that she cannot win. The future is open; anything can happen.

The presidential primaries are not until next year, but the contestants are lining up for the race already. On the Democrat side, there is no contest, although there should be. The last time a sitting Democrat president was seriously challenged for the nomination of his own party was in 1980 when Ted Kennedy tried to wrest it from Jimmy Carter. Kennedy failed miserably. Anyone who tries again this year will face the same fate, regardless how discredited President Obama may be in the public’s eye.

The real race is on the Republican side, and we haven’t yet seen the final list of those who will be part of it. Some in the media have concluded that Republicans cannot field a quality slate of contenders because Obama is unbeatable. The mantra of “invevitable reelection” was designed well before this date. The fawning portion of the media [which appears to be the majority] declared his 2008 victory well ahead of the actual election; they are doing the same now. This is no surprise; they share his radical agenda.

There are actually so many Republicans wanting to battle Obama and his policies that it’s almost breathtaking. Just because Mike Huckabee, Mitch Daniels, and Donald Trump have opted out doesn’t mean there is a dearth of real challengers. It seems as if everyone and his brother and sister think they have a shot.

The mainstream media has anointed Mitt Romney as the “frontrunner,” a title that is laughable at this time. I remember quite clearly they did the same for Rudy Guiliani in 2008. Anyone remember him winning the nomination? In fact, anyone remember him winning any caucus or primary? It’s absurd to anoint anyone right now. Besides, Romney has plenty of negatives, not the least of which is Romneycare:

He says he will overturn Obamacare. Why? He provided the model for it and refuses to acknowledge its liabilities. He’s not the Republican savior.

The real fun this week has been the Palin bus tour of America’s historic sites. The media are beside themselves trying to figure out if this is her unconventional way of declaring her candidacy. They are upset with her for not providing itineraries ahead of time; they don’t know for sure where she will be. In Gettysburg, she even slipped out of the hotel and went to the battlefield without them knowing, while they stayed glued to her bus.

They’re getting rather upset. This isn’t fair. She isn’t playing by the rules. And she seems to be enjoying every minute of their angst.

As grossly unfair as they have been to her ever since she was picked to be McCain’s running mate, why should they expect to be treated with any special respect? What are they—entitled? Palin has her own timetable and plans; she has no obligation to share them with a disreputable press.

Is she running? I have no idea. But whether she is or not, I will savor these moments just for the pure joy of seeing the media frothing at the mouth.