Want To Win an Election?

In light of the closed door session Immigration/border security bill, one would be wise to think seriously about their comments. Here is a good stance if your base is conservative, rule of law sort. Fred Thompson:

"With this bill, the American people are going to think they are being sold the same bill of goods as before on border security. We should scrap this bill and the whole debate until we can convince the American people that we have secured the borders or at least have made great headway."

Here is a good approach if you are targeting a business minded base concerned with border security while at the same time looking at prosperity and sensible employment options. Mitt Romney:

"I strongly oppose today's bill going through the Senate. It is the wrong approach. Any legislation that allows illegal immigrants to stay in the country indefinitely, as the new 'Z-Visa' does, is a form of amnesty. That is unfair to the millions of people who have applied to legally immigrate to the U.S.

"Today's Senate agreement falls short of the actions needed to both solve our country's illegal immigration problem and also strengthen our legal immigration system. Border security and a reliable employment verification system must be our first priority."

Here is a good approach if you are planing not only to lose the POTUS nomination with zeal, but to throw under the bus 5 or so US Senate seats and 10-12 more US House seats in the process. It's an excellent approach to help solidify a once-dying image of country club, elitist, "We're in charge so don't worry and let us  take care of everything" GOP. John McCain:

"A comprehensive plan for immigration reform is long overdue. I am proud to join this distinguished bipartisan group in announcing an historic overhaul of our immigration system," McCain said. "The legislation we announce today represents weeks, months -- and in some cases -- years of work and bipartisan negotiations.  I'm proud of our work, our process, and our product."

I've yet t osee anything from Rudy Giuliaini, I would guess he is either in bed wit hthe deal or making a very bad calculation on timing a simple press release. Because the time is now, actually the time was yesterday. We're listening Mayor.

Now to the other side, let's say you're a clever liberal who can see blood in the water and an opportunity easier that a trip down the water slide. You might take this opportunity to both use the weasel words to not totally support it but be sure and say how important that border security is.

Senator Barack Obama, Democrat of Illinois, said he "did not want to prejudge the deal" before he had an opportunity to study the legislation. Mr. Obama said that he favored strengthening border security and creating a pathway to citizenship, but that he was troubled by the temporary-worker system and the proposed point system. "Those two things represent significant changes," Mr. Obama said. "Whether they work to stabilize the immigration system and whether they are just and human is something that I'm still concerned about."

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Democrat of New York, said she had not had an opportunity to review the proposal. Mrs. Clinton said she would examine the proposal "to see if it honors our nation's principles and proud immigrant heritage while also respecting the rule of law."

Is it too late? Is this a done deal? With Bush at the helm, I would guess so, but there is still time to get to the house. Finally, let's say you're a wonkish guy who doesn't want to commit to a POTUS run but has serious things t osay about plans south of the border. Newt Gingrich offers this last from year (hint ZERO tolerance for amnesty):

A detailed set of policy recommendations can be found in a working paper that I released today at the American Enterprise Institute. I have also recently recorded several radio commentaries on aspects of the immigration challenge. But let me provide here an overview.