So, now that a respected conservative, Alan Keyes has formally announced his candidacy?

Question

Alan Keyes announces for President!
Will appear in Values Voter Debate Sept. 17

September 14, 2007
RenewAmerica staff
On Friday, Sept. 14, Alan Keyes filed a Statement of Candidacy (Form 2) with the Federal Election Commission--thus officially announcing as a Republican candidate for President of the United States.

Keyes told Janet Parshall, host of a nationally syndicated radio show, that he's "unmoved" by the lack of moral courage shown by the other candidates, among whom he sees no standout who articulates the "key kernel of truth that must, with courage, be presented to our people."

He added, "The one thing I've always been called to do is to raise the standard . . . of our allegiance to God and His authority that has been the foundation stone of our nation's life"--and he decried the lack of "forthright, clear, and clarion declaration" from the other candidates concerning this issue.

As a result, Keyes said, "We're putting together an effort that's not going to be like anything before, because it's going to be entirely based on citizen action. We're going to be challenging people to take a pledge for America's revival," and elevate them from spectators in the political arena to participants.

The former Reagan diplomat ran previously for president in 1996 and 2000. During the 1996 race, he was widely credited with forcing abortion to the center of public policy debate. In 2000, he was acknowledged by commentators at Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN as the winner of the Republican presidential primary debates. In that election, he continued his prior focus on America's moral crisis, and also made abolishing the income tax a serious question for policy-makers.

This election cycle, Keyes has already significantly influenced the debate, according to some observers, who note that at least a few of the GOP candidates appear intent on imitating some of Keyes' well-known positions, in an effort to woo moral conservatives--without which no Republican is likely to win in the general election.

As a prelude to running, prior to making up his mind to announce, Keyes has been writing a series of essays on the 2008 election titled "The Crisis of the Republic"--published at RenewAmerica and disseminated by several other outlets. A common theme of the articles is the need to restore personal sovereignty that is based in religious premises and self-discipline, if American society is to survive in liberty.

Keyes said he plans to join the Values Voter Presidential Debate Sept. 17 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

To hear the entire Keyes announcement, click here:
http://www.renewamerica.us/archives/play.php?mp3=115

To read a transcript, click here:
http://www.renewamerica.us/archives/transcript.php?id=426

To visit Keyes' campaign website, AlanKeyes.com, click here:
http://www.alankeyes.com

http://www.renewamerica.us/news/070914keyes.htm

How many plan on catching the debate that he plans on being a part of tomorrow? Also, will this place an end to the endless liberal rant that’s been on this forum with regards to the Republicans not having a person of color in the race for the Presidency?

I’m excited that he’s become a candidate and am looking forward hearing to what he has to say. Are you?

Answer 1

I had read a few months ago that he was thinking about it.
What most people don't realize that he is a brilliant man, he can articulate his positions and connect with the average voter,I think he lost some political clout when he ran in Illinois, but he can overcome this.
Some on the Conservative side think hes a bit loony, but their wrong and our friends on the Democratic side are just plain scared of him because he is such a great debater
I did vote for him in 1996

Answer 2

Keyes has a keen intellect and is brilliantly logical in his policy formation, but he doesn't stand a chance of being elected. While he has no lack of moral clarity - he does lack the ability to communicate to, and connect with voters on a person level.

His campaign in Illinois several years ago was an unmitigated disaster. Yes he entered the campaign late - but he made so many mistakes that even a full campaign season would not have allowed him to catch up. I voted for him because he was right - but few others did.

Keyes would be a dynamic addition to any policy team and any cabinet, but sadly, he is not presidential material.

Answer 3

Although I'm familiar with the position he has taken on many issues, I feel it is still much too early to declare allegiance to any one candidate. (I followed him during his Illinois bid in '04 - for the open senate seat.)

I am just hopeful he will provide the spark needed to re-ignite these debates. I feel the air around many of the leading candidates has become stagnant, and they (both dem & repub) need someone to shake things up.

If nothing else, you have to respect him for taking on hot button topics. Regardless of popularity he sticks to his guns. (Well except for that carpetbagging thing, but I'm willing to overlook that. There are far more pressing issues that need addressing.)

Overall, I feel Dr. Keyes will be a welcomed addition to the republican ballot. (aside from Ron Paul, I think a majority of the republican candidates are marching to the same off-beat drum)

Answer 4

I'm not really excited but do see his candidacy as positive.He's a serious person who has totally different idea's than me but he's serious.
I think the GOP needs a serious candidate.This is not an endorsement.I simply think he can make the debate in the GOP more realistic and intellectual.I believe that's always good for everyone,supporters and opponents.
He has experience and is qualified far beyond the other Republican candidates IMO.If I had to pick a Republican he would be it.Mostly because I'm not American so his domestic policies wouldn't effect me, my family or loved ones

Answer 5

Keyes brings a fresh approach to the R party. I am very happy that he has gotten into the race. He is a true conservative. He does not cave to special interests or to the neocon agenda and that is why he probably does not get enough support to get the nomination. Anyone who wants the nomination will have to cowtow to the neocons and the religious right at some point. Maybe we will at least get some good talking points, hopefully he will bring up the NAU. The "frontrunners" have never even uttered those letters together.

Answer 6

I would like to hear his fiscal policies and ideals for the role of the govt.


Edit: I just looked at his site and he endorses a tax system like the fair tax. Impressive. But so does Fred. This a very underrated GOP field. I think there are several good choices here.

Answer 7

The Republican field gets more and more interesting. Now we have three well qualified candidates to choose from - Giuliani, Thompson and Keyes. Now all we need is for Condi Rice to step up to the plate and we'll have all the demographic bases covered.

Answer 8

Not sure I want a president who doesn't recognize the issues that america faces. If he plans to spend his time trying to unilaterally take down established law of the land, I don't see how that can benefit america. It hasn't in the past, in fact, many have wasted their votes on issues that a president simply cannot solve. And the religious right has been alienated (not to mention, decreasing in size). Being black has nothing to do with it.

Answer 9

Thank you for the info !

I,too, am looking forward to hearing his views and thoughts.

I don't know much about him, but I will definately read the essays and see what happens in the debate.

GOD BLESS THE USA !

Answer 10

When he ran against Obama for the Senate, he said Obama wasn't black enough because Obama wasn't descended from slaves. That's just what America needs, more ignorant rhetoric. Oh, but of course, what really matters is what the Republican party needs -- a black face at the debates, so white moderates can delude themselves into thinking they're not voting for a racist party.