How Early Is Too Early for "Jingle Bells"?

Roanoke's primary easy-listening station has been playing Christmas music almost 24/7 for at least the past two weeks. I love Chirstmas music (and Christmas in general), but even I think it's a little early to be dreaming of a white Christmas or singing about how grandma got run over by a reindeer. It's just hard to get into the Christmas spirit when I still have a bag of Halloween candy in the closet and it's 70 degrees outside. That being said, even I will be pulling out my favorite Christmas albums next week when my grandma hosts her annual tree-decorating party after Thanksgiving.

As an aside, I wonder if this year's rush to celebrate the holiday season is related to the tough economic times and public restlessness over the direction this country is headed in. Perhaps we're all anxious for a reason to feel joy and happiness--and think about something else other than the economy.

Hope and Change!

2009 Gubernatorial Election Results in Virginia


2008 Presidential Election Results in Virginia


As you no doubt heard, Republicans won impressive victories in New Jersey and Virginia last Tuesday. The only defeat for conservatives was in a special election for New York's 23rd Congressional District.

It's hard to overstate the impressive magnitude of Virginia Governor-elect Bob McDonnell's 18-point victory over Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds. As you may recall, I stated several weeks ago that a McDonnell win by a margin greater than 10% would constitute a political earthquake, and I predicted he would win by 8%. Not only did I underestimate voter discontent with the current Democratic leadership, but last Tuesday's election results in Virginia were even greater than an earthquake. They were the Big Bang.

To put things in perspective, Obama carried Virginia by 7% last fall. Only one year later, a Republican gubernatorial candidate won the state by 18%!

As the maps below indicate, McDonnell performed well across the state, including many Democratic-leaning areas in Northern Virginia, Southside Virginia, and Hampton Roads. For example, McDonnell won Fairfax County, Fairfax City, City of Chesapeake, City of Suffolk, Henrico County, Albemarle County, and Montgomery County--all of which voted for Obama in 2008. These were only a few of the localities that switched from blue to red this year. In addition, McDonnell increased the Republican share of the vote significantly in Democratic and Republican areas alike, including by 14% in Newport News and 13% in York County.

The only areas in Virginia that flipped from Republican to Democratic in 2009 were in the western part of the state--i.e., Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds' home county of Bath and its neighbors Alleghany County and Highland County. Believe it or not, I admire these localities for supporting one of their own--even if it meant voting for a candidate from a different party.

Last Tuesday's wins for conservative Republicans were a good start. The GOP needs to continue to support good candidates, and these candidates, if elected, need to govern well.

Don't Be Snookered By Media Spin: GOP Is Increasing its Mainstream Appeal by Advocating Conservative Principles

The mainstream media and the Obama White House have been scrambling to downplay the signficance of possible strong conservative showings in today's elections. Don't be fooled by their propaganda that today's elections are not a referendum on Obama's leadership. While it is certainly true that politics is local, what goes on in Washington impacts Main Street U.S.A. This is how Obama got elected. He rode a wave of discontent straight into the White House.

As a result, when voters cast their ballots in state and local elections, they are voicing their opinions as to what they see going on in Washington. What they are likely to say today is that they are unhappy with bailouts, big government spending, high taxes, unemployment, ObamaCare, and a weak foreign policy.

Also do not be fooled by the media's suggestions that the increased support for conservative candidates within the GOP is a sign that Republicans are trying to purge moderates from the party. The exact opposite is happening. Conservatives are trying to rally around the principles that brought the GOP to power in the 1990s and early 2000s: limited government, low taxes, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, prudent foreign policy, gun rights, and individual liberty. These issues and values are actually in the maintream, which is why GOP candidates are once again enjoying success.

The GOP suffered under President George W. Bush because the party did not govern according to its platform. Even worse, the party ridiculed and dismissed those who dared to protest. (Look at what happened to Ron Paul.) The GOP changed from representing mainstream America to representing and protecting the ideas of a few misguided neoconservatives. As a result, independents and moderate Republicans left, the GOP tent shrunk, and the GOP lost power.

To be clear, the renewed emphasis on conservative values is actually a sign that the GOP is welcoming back the voters it alienated during the last ten years. This is a positive development. Republicans need to be a party that puts principles above politics. Republicans need to espouse the values that unite Main Street and Wall Street.

It's just a shame that some GOP stalwarts like Newt Gingrich and others continue to think that politics and party loyalty should trump good ideas and good leadership--as evidenced by Gingrich's initial backing of "Republican" Dierdre Scozzafava in New York's 23rd Congressional District.

As you likely heard, when Scozzafava began trailing the Democrat and a conservative independent, she withdrew and endorsed the Democrat--thereby proving her critics correct. There is no disputing that Scozzafava was a RINO--a Republican in Name Only--just like many neoconservatives.

As the saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Scozzafava was that weakest link. If conservative independent Doug Hoffman wins tomorrow, it will be a victory for democracy, good politics, and the future of this country. It will also reinforce the growing belief in the GOP that fiscal conservatives and non-interventionists need a place in the GOP.

In short, by advocating conservative ideas, the GOP will actually grow not shrink in size. Therefore, please ignore the pundits tomorrow night when they describe the GOP as a party of extremists. The truth is that the GOP is actually becoming more mainstream.

Sad Story of the Day: Former Nebraska Star Auctions Rings, Outland Trophy

This story simply breaks your heart. Former Husker star-lineman Aaron Taylor was forced to auction the awards and rings he earned while playing for Nebraska's championship football teams during the 1990s.

What makes this story particularly sad is that Taylor's financial difficulties arose not because of wrongdoing or lavish expenditures but because Taylor and some of his former teammates were entrepreneurs whose restaurant failed.

There is something wrong when young, honest men like Aaron Taylor are forced to sell their most treasured possessions when they fail, but corrupt CEOs and companies are bailed out. I don't recall anyone asking AIG's or GMAC's executives to sell their million-dollar homes or luxury cars. In fact, not only have the executives at these failed corporations not been asked to make any sacrifices, but they continue to receive absurdly high compensation and bonuses.

The difference in treatment shows that it pays to have friends in high places.

Looking for a Mate? Head to Panera Bread

If you're looking for that signficant other, forget Match.com, blind dates, the classified ads, ladies night at your local club, or any of the other common ways adults attempt to find love. Instead, head to your nearest Panera Bread, where good food and good company are offered at one unique location.

Over the years I have noticed that Panera Bread customers look they just came from a photo shoot for People Magazine's most beautiful people. Of course, physical attractiveness is only part of the equation. Good taste is also important, and Panera Bread customers clearly know how to eat well. In addition, Panera Bread patrons also know how to have a good conversation--an assumption I make based on the length of time people stay and talk.

The only potential downside of looking for love at Panera Bread is the cost of the food. While you might find a wealthy baron or baroness to cover your tab and support you for the rest of your life, it is equally probable that the object of your affection will be broke as a result of eating in Panera Bread too often.

Nevertheless, if you're struggling to find that special someone, treat yourself to a meal at Panera Bread. You may find the person of your dreams sitting at the next table. If not, at least you'll have a good meal.

Note: This is not a paid advertisement for Panera Bread. It is merely a public service announcement based on my observations at Panera Bread locations across the country. That being said, I would not object if Panera Bread wanted to sponsor this blog.

Red State Rising: Bob McDonnell and Fellow Republicans Preparing for Big Win in Virginia

The past two weeks I have been traveling throughout the Commonwealth for my job. The one thing that has become very apparent is that Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell is headed for a sizeable victory over Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds in November's election.

The enthusiasm across the state for McDonnell has been encouraging and surprising. McDonnell bumper stickers and yard signs are everywhere; from Roanoke to Hampton Roads, from Charlottesville to Southside, support for the Republican ticket can be found on main streets and back roads alike. Although yard signs and bumper stickers are an unscientific measure, they indicate widespread support and enthusiasm for McDonnell and his fellow nominees for state office. In fact, there seems to be much greater excitement for McDonnell than there was for McCain/Palin one year ago.

The apparent support for McDonnell is even more striking given the lack of similar support for his Democratic opponent. In two days of driving I think I saw maybe half a dozen bumper stickers for Deeds. There were a fair number of yard signs for Deeds but nothing like the overwhelming support for President Obama and his fellow Democrats last fall. Furthermore, there seemed to be much more visible enthusiasm for Governors Warner and Kaine when they were elected to office in 2001 and 2005, respectively.

Although yard signs and bumper stickers are only anectodal evidence, recent polls have consistently shown McDonnell with a healthy lead. The RealClearPolitics average has McDonnell ahead by 10.9 points.

What is driving the McDonnell campaign? Two things: opposition to Obama's policies (e.g., healthcare reform and unsustainable spending) and Virginia's history of voting for gubernatorial candidates whose party does not hold the White House.

Given Democratic Governor Kaine's sizeable five-point victory in 2005 and President Obama's seven-point victory in 2008, a McDonnell victory in two weeks would be noteworthy in and of itself. A McDonnell victory of five points or more would put President Obama and the rest of Washington on notice that the American people are not happy with the current direction of the country. A McDonnell victory of ten points or more would send shockwaves.

My prediction: McDonnell defeats Deeds by 8%--i.e., 54% to 46%--and Republicans Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli ride his coattails to capture the Offices of Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.

Old Age Cometh?

Last weekend I attended an undergraduate/alumni event sponsored by my fraternity. You can imagine my shock when one of my brothers from my graduating class congratulated me on being the sixth-oldest person at the dinner. My initial disbelief was quickly replaced with horror when I glanced at the program sitting on the table and realized that I was indeed one of the oldest.

This sad reality became even more apparent when a current undergraduate later remarked that he wasn't sure how things were "back when I was a student." This same undergraduate attempted to soften his comment by remarking that it hadn't been that long ago. Unfortunately, this undergraduate then only made things worse by attempting to covertly glance at the placard on the table that had our names and graduation year--a blatant sign that he wasn't sure how long ago we had graduated. Ouch!

Perhaps the most vivid reminder of our age was when we later saw a bar in Charlottesville hosting a 90s dance party--as if trying to introduce today's college students to old pop stars like Britney Spears, N'Sync, Christina Aguilera, etc. As one of my friends remarked, 90s music is this generation's version of 80s music (without the big hair and baggy pants).

It seems that even though I am not a college student anymore, I still learn something every time I am there.