Former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford and Curtis Bostic did battle Thursday night in Charleston, S.C. over whether it’s better to say “yes” or “no” in Washington, D.C.
Sanford argued strenuously on behalf of “no.” In fact the scandal-scarred politician quoted Barry Goldwater word-for-word in his closing statement (from memory, no less) …
I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size. I do not undertake to promote welfare, for I propose to extend freedom. My aim is not to pass laws, but to repeal them. It is not to inaugurate new programs, but to cancel old ones that do violence to the Constitution, or that have failed their purpose, or that impose on the people an unwarranted financial burden. I will not attempt to discover whether legislation is “needed” before I have first determined whether it is constitutionally permissible. And if I should later be attacked for neglecting my constituents’ “interests,” I shall reply that I was informed that their main interest is liberty and that in that cause I am doing the very best I can.
The Goldwater line was an effective coda to a surprisingly effective night for Sanford, who hasn’t always been the strongest debater.
The governor was relaxed, substantive and even managed to handle “the question” about his 2009 sex scandal with a nice balance of humor and humility.
Quoting a pastor he heard the previous Sunday, Sanford said one’s mistakes “define or refine” them – and argued that a year on his family’s farm in Beaufort, S.C. after leaving the governor’s office in 2011 had “refined” him.
We’re not necessarily sure if that’s the case, but Sanford sure looked convincing.
Sanford also knew when to be brief. For example, after Bostic told the crowd he would be a “proud participant” in South Carolina’s fiscally conservative congressional delegation, Sanford answered the same question by simply saying “ditto.”
Bostic had a strong start to the debate, coming off as informed and articulate on early questions about the Port of Charleston and the issue of foreign aid. However as the debate wore on his over-reliance on talking points began to manifest itself.
For example, Bostic kept repeating the same phrase – “bringing conservatives together around conservative ideas” – as the main reason he should be elected.
Of course Bostic rarely revealed any of these “conservative ideas,” although he did offer up a handful of federal agencies and programs he wanted to eliminate – the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to name a few.
Sadly Bostic didn’t propose returning these funds to taxpayers – or even paying down the deficit with them. Instead, he proposed taking the money “saved” from these cuts and spending it on “more essential” items. He also refused to eliminate foreign aid funding, saying instead that America’s investment overseas should be “measured by our national security interest.”
Bostic was effective early on in the debate in branding Sanford as “Mr. No” during his time in Congress – repeatedly telling the crowd “we have to do more than just saying ‘no.'”
Of course midway through the debate Sanford received a rousing ovation when he fired back “we also need to do more than say ‘yes.'”
Bostic’s strongest point of the night came when he addressed Sanford’s vulnerability in a general election match-up against Democrat Elizabeth Colbert-Busch.
“This seat needs to be red,” he said. “It needs to be held for the conservative cause.”
Overall, though, the night belonged to Sanford – who needed a strong performance after internal polls provided to FITS the day of the debate showed the gap between the two candidates narrowing from the 13 percent lead Sanford held over Bostic in a recent Public Policy Polling survey.
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60 comments
One day, if we are fortunate, there will be a candidate that can be trusted. I don’t believe either of these two, nor the democratic challenger, are trustworthy for representing the constituents of district 1. Unfortunately, these are the candidates we are given to choose from. I think Sanford’s Washington(and global) ties give him the inside track for the position. Question is, how many terms will he claim to limit himself to THIS time?
Depends. Will the Heritage Foundation give him a free cushy position when DeMint retires?
One day, if we are fortunate, there will be a candidate that can be trusted. I don’t believe either of these two, nor the democratic challenger, are trustworthy for representing the constituents of district 1. Unfortunately, these are the candidates we are given to choose from. I think Sanford’s Washington(and global) ties give him the inside track for the position. Question is, how many terms will he claim to limit himself to THIS time?
Depends. Will the Heritage Foundation give him a free cushy position when DeMint retires?
Will Sanford please get a haircut or something? He looks like a fucking homeless person. And Bostic looks like he is ready and able to handle some snakes while speaking in tongues. What in the hell is wrong with you Charleston people to put these two losers up for election? They make Grooms or Limehouse look like Abrahan Lincoln.
It’s his dashing redemption tour look. Regrettably both come across as dipshits, but at least BoStick has eyebrows.
Curtis told me that he only handles snakes to amuse the children.
Will Sanford please get a haircut or something? He looks like a fucking homeless person. And Bostic looks like he is ready and able to handle some snakes while speaking in tongues. What in the hell is wrong with you Charleston people to put these two losers up for election? They make Grooms or Limehouse look like Abrahan Lincoln.
It’s his dashing redemption tour look. Regrettably both come across as dipshits, but at least BoStick has eyebrows.
Curtis told me that he only handles snakes to amuse the children.
Sanford/Goldwater=Oxymoron.Neither Sanford or Bostic have the substance of a Barry Goldwater,and if you found ,Sanford,’impressive’, that’s really fucking sad-
“There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God’s name on one’s behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I’m frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and ‘D.’ Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of ‘conservatism.’ ”
Barry Goldwater
Sanford/Goldwater=Oxymoron.Neither Sanford or Bostic have the substance of a Barry Goldwater,and if you found ,Sanford,’impressive’, that’s really fucking sad-
“There is no position on which people are so immovable as their religious beliefs. There is no more powerful ally one can claim in a debate than Jesus Christ, or God, or Allah, or whatever one calls this supreme being. But like any powerful weapon, the use of God’s name on one’s behalf should be used sparingly. The religious factions that are growing throughout our land are not using their religious clout with wisdom. They are trying to force government leaders into following their position 100 percent. If you disagree with these religious groups on a particular moral issue, they complain, they threaten you with a loss of money or votes or both. I’m frankly sick and tired of the political preachers across this country telling me as a citizen that if I want to be a moral person, I must believe in ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C,’ and ‘D.’ Just who do they think they are? And from where do they presume to claim the right to dictate their moral beliefs to me? And I am even more angry as a legislator who must endure the threats of every religious group who thinks it has some God-granted right to control my vote on every roll call in the Senate. I am warning them today: I will fight them every step of the way if they try to dictate their moral convictions to all Americans in the name of ‘conservatism.’ ”
Barry Goldwater
This video is just awkward. What a cute little potential abortee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvLxt05_aU&feature=player_embedded
This video is just awkward. What a cute little potential abortee.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuvLxt05_aU&feature=player_embedded
Sanford is a morally reprehensible hypocrite whose rule as governor was as bad as his ability to keep his marriage vows. Now that his chosen candidate is following in his footsteps further poisoning this state to an even larger degree than he did, Sanford seeks to return to DC on the backs of the very people he lied to. The guy couldn’t give two shits about the people he is elected to serve other than the fact that he needs their vote to once again have a seat of power.
Those that vote for him deserve him.
He also looks forward to that congressional pension spigot. What else is he gonna do — real estate? Bob Faith wouldn’t touch that piece of damaged goods. Go farming? No…
Maybe start an historic (one-man) walking tour service in downtown Charleston. He can make up history as he walks down Meeting Street & the Battery. Tourists don’t know the difference. Mark’s got the requisite skills of creating stories, drama … we call it “value.”
We would welcome such a famous tall-tale-teller into our association.
Smirks Nailed It that time…
I just liked a comment from BigT!
Amen Brother!!!
Couldn’t have said it better.
Hope we remember this when Eckstrom runs for re-election.
DITTO
100% with Smirks! Sanford subjugates people and principle to POWER.
His apologies are a sham-
His abandonment of State and Family a symptom-
His self attempted political resurrection a diagnostic confirmation!!!!
He plays the Reds in First District for fools, they will pay with a BLUE Victory in May!
Exactly! He is the ultimate cynic, playing up to the kindhearted people he kicked in the teeth, with a tearful, self-serving apology and the hackneyed ideology they want to hear, though he has never significantly delivered on it in the past.
But never fear, he knows how to put the peoples house in order, once he latches on to the government teat for another suckle. Rich and creamy, not like the skim you get in the private sector. After 15+ years he has quite a taste for it!
You left out CARPETBAGGER!
Can’t wait for the general election to vote for Colbert.
You must be from Washington, DC if you really believe that is a possibility. I can tell you for certain that the next congressman is to be between Bostic and Sanford. She’s wasting her money.
Sanford is a morally reprehensible hypocrite whose rule as governor was as bad as his ability to keep his marriage vows. Now that his chosen candidate is following in his footsteps further poisoning this state to an even larger degree than he did, Sanford seeks to return to DC on the backs of the very people he lied to. The guy couldn’t give two shits about the people he is elected to serve other than the fact that he needs their vote to once again have a seat of power.
Those that vote for him deserve him.
He also looks forward to that congressional pension spigot. What else is he gonna do — real estate? Bob Faith wouldn’t touch that piece of damaged goods. Go farming? No…
Maybe start an historic (one-man) walking tour service in downtown Charleston. He can make up history as he walks down Meeting Street & the Battery. Tourists don’t know the difference. Mark’s got the requisite skills of creating stories, drama … we call it “value.”
We would welcome such a famous tall-tale-teller into our association.
Smirks Nailed It that time…
I just liked a comment from BigT!
Amen Brother!!!
Couldn’t have said it better.
Hope we remember this when Eckstrom runs for re-election.
DITTO
100% with Smirks! Sanford subjugates people and principle to POWER.
His apologies are a sham-
His abandonment of State and Family a symptom-
His self attempted political resurrection a diagnostic confirmation!!!!
He plays the Reds in First District for fools, they will pay with a BLUE Victory in May!
Exactly! He is the ultimate cynic, playing up to the kindhearted people he kicked in the teeth, with a tearful, self-serving apology and the hackneyed ideology they want to hear, though he has never significantly delivered on it in the past.
But never fear, he knows how to put the peoples house in order, once he latches on to the government teat for another suckle. Rich and creamy, not like the skim you get in the private sector. After 15+ years he has quite a taste for it!
You left out CARPETBAGGER!
Can’t wait for the general election to vote for Colbert.
You must be from Washington, DC if you really believe that is a possibility. I can tell you for certain that the next congressman is to be between Bostic and Sanford. She’s wasting her money.
Yes get rid of those agencies that educate the masses or protect their drinking water, or demand fair wages and working practices. Jesus will handle that for us.
Yes get rid of those agencies that educate the masses or protect their drinking water, or demand fair wages and working practices. Jesus will handle that for us.
Is FITS on the staff for Goldwater or Sanford…???
A true sign of a politician who has nothing to say, is when he has to mimic the voice of a man who is long gone….
You have to ask: Is Sanford running for SC-1…or his own ego and selfish desire???
I think FITS answered that….If Sanford has nothing to say: his election will be about as effective as his last one..
We need to give the other guy a shot. Don’t go backward…
Is FITS on the staff for Goldwater or Sanford…???
A true sign of a politician who has nothing to say, is when he has to mimic the voice of a man who is long gone….
You have to ask: Is Sanford running for SC-1…or his own ego and selfish desire???
I think FITS answered that….If Sanford has nothing to say: his election will be about as effective as his last one..
We need to give the other guy a shot. Don’t go backward…
“Now so there will not be any misunderstanding… it’s not my intention to do away with government. It is rather, to make it work. Work with us, not over us. To stand by our side, not on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it. Foster productivity, not stifle it.” – Ronald Reagan
Very disappointing to hear Sanford quote Goldwater on that. Perhaps he is so jaded from his failed attempts to overhaul our own state government’s inefficiencies that he’d rather just get rid of agencies and departments without care.
“Now so there will not be any misunderstanding… it’s not my intention to do away with government. It is rather, to make it work. Work with us, not over us. To stand by our side, not on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it. Foster productivity, not stifle it.” – Ronald Reagan
Very disappointing to hear Sanford quote Goldwater on that. Perhaps he is so jaded from his failed attempts to overhaul our own state government’s inefficiencies that he’d rather just get rid of agencies and departments without care.
Is Bostic in ministry? Just wondered why he did not want to reveal his financial status. He probably does not have to pay taxes like an average SC citizen and is able to keep most of his money. It is sad that his wife has cancer and of course he wants to spend time with her.
How is Bostic going to be able to spend weeks in Wash DC fighting for his constituets when his wife needs him to be close by? .
Is Bostic in ministry? Just wondered why he did not want to reveal his financial status. He probably does not have to pay taxes like an average SC citizen and is able to keep most of his money. It is sad that his wife has cancer and of course he wants to spend time with her.
How is Bostic going to be able to spend weeks in Wash DC fighting for his constituets when his wife needs him to be close by? .
Were it not for past Presidents and the Bible, Sanford would have nothing to say.
bogart Neither do we.
When was Goldwater president?
Were it not for past Presidents and the Bible, Sanford would have nothing to say.
bogart Neither do we.
When was Goldwater president?
Can we not get ANY decent, honest, honorable, moral, and ethical people to run for public office?
Sanford
Metts
Halfacre
Haley
the Peelers
Eckstrom
Ard
Ravenel
Frazier
Owens
James
Myers
Harrell
This list could go on indefinately!!!!
Can we not get ANY decent, honest, honorable, moral, and ethical people to run for public office?
Sanford
Metts
Halfacre
Haley
the Peelers
Eckstrom
Ard
Ravenel
Frazier
Owens
James
Myers
Harrell
This list could go on indefinately!!!!
My top priority is a candidate who will stand up to the Israeli lobby and
say no to starting another proxy UNCONSTITUTIONAL war for Israel. We have all witnessed the horrible mistake made when this country invaded Iraq. The disastrous
results still plague this country and Iraq as well. 5000 US soldiers killed in Iraq and another 35,000 grotesquely wounded for life. Almost half of the soldiers who served in Iraq are now receiving some sort of disability payments.
In Afghanistan, which is little more than a wag the dog war, designed
to make billions for war profiteers, we have seen another 3500 soldiers
killed and several thousand more wounded. Can anyone tell me why we are
fighting in Afghanistan? For what purpose soldiers lost their lives?
What politicians will not tell you is what happens the day after our bought and paid for politicians give the green light to bomb Iran. Experts predict the price of oil will double and gasoline will hit $8 a gallon, sending the economies of most world governments
into a depression, even though there is no credible evidence Iran is a
threat to this country, or anyone.
But there is plenty of money to be made from war, especially If you
know in advance when the bombs will start dropping on Tehran. A savvy investor
will purchase oil futures, or short airline stocks, as was done before
9-11. Meanwhile the rest of us suffer from an oil shortage and continue
to live in an oblivious state of befuddlement as to why our politicians
didn’t opt for peace rather than war.
I am no Sanford fan, but right now the strongest anti-war voices in the U.S. are on the Libertarian right. Bostic, as an evangelical fundamentalist, would probably be standing side by side with Lindsey and Tim Scott slurping Netanyahu and the rest of Likud. Colbert-Busch strikes me as an AIPAC Democrat, whose progressivism extends to everyone save the Palestinians and enemies of Israel.
The closest thing to an anit-war voice in this state would be the Sanford-Davis type libertarians, and of course Brett Bursey.
You ain’t talking about Dick Cheney, Halliburton, The Carlyle Group, and Bush da First are ya?
My top priority is a candidate who will stand up to the Israeli lobby and
say no to starting another proxy UNCONSTITUTIONAL war for Israel. We have all witnessed the horrible mistake made when this country invaded Iraq. The disastrous
results still plague this country and Iraq as well. 5000 US soldiers killed in Iraq and another 35,000 grotesquely wounded for life. Almost half of the soldiers who served in Iraq are now receiving some sort of disability payments.
In Afghanistan, which is little more than a wag the dog war, designed
to make billions for war profiteers, we have seen another 3500 soldiers
killed and several thousand more wounded. Can anyone tell me why we are
fighting in Afghanistan? For what purpose soldiers lost their lives?
What politicians will not tell you is what happens the day after our bought and paid for politicians give the green light to bomb Iran. Experts predict the price of oil will double and gasoline will hit $8 a gallon, sending the economies of most world governments
into a depression, even though there is no credible evidence Iran is a
threat to this country, or anyone.
But there is plenty of money to be made from war, especially If you
know in advance when the bombs will start dropping on Tehran. A savvy investor
will purchase oil futures, or short airline stocks, as was done before
9-11. Meanwhile the rest of us suffer from an oil shortage and continue
to live in an oblivious state of befuddlement as to why our politicians
didn’t opt for peace rather than war.
I am no Sanford fan, but right now the strongest anti-war voices in the U.S. are on the Libertarian right. Bostic, as an evangelical fundamentalist, would probably be standing side by side with Lindsey and Tim Scott slurping Netanyahu and the rest of Likud. Colbert-Busch strikes me as an AIPAC Democrat, whose progressivism extends to everyone save the Palestinians and enemies of Israel.
The closest thing to an anit-war voice in this state would be the Sanford-Davis type libertarians, and of course Brett Bursey.
You ain’t talking about Dick Cheney, Halliburton, The Carlyle Group, and Bush da First are ya?
The bottom line is this; Mark Sanford will be the US congressman from SC. It’s over, get used to Sanford-(R) SC
He is not a saint but I think we need to put it in perspective. If Sanford got the taxpayer for 74K in 8 years in office, we are way ahead of the game! That’s chump change in the big picture.
The bottom line is this; Mark Sanford will be the US congressman from SC. It’s over, get used to Sanford-(R) SC
He is not a saint but I think we need to put it in perspective. If Sanford got the taxpayer for 74K in 8 years in office, we are way ahead of the game! That’s chump change in the big picture.