What Did You Say?

Will Republican Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn run for President in 2016? That is the question that has been mulled around in the minds of many. According to an article at Real Clear Politics, Blackburn is not ruling out a possible run for president if she sees an opportunity.

If there’s a door to kick down, she’s willing to kick it down,” the aide, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said. “These are the kinds of events you go to — test the waters, and see what the reaction is.”  

Blackburn is a staunch social and fiscal conservative who was first elected to Congress in 2002, and a presidential run by her would be a long shot by any measure.  

But with no women known to be plotting a 2016 bid on the Republican side, she has the potential to stir up the pot in a wide-open race for the nomination. 

“There is kind of a void to fill there,” the Blackburn aide said of the likely GOP presidential field. “Whenever there’s been a need for leadership or someone to get out there and fight the fight, she’s always been the first in line and she’s not afraid of it. She’s not afraid to go toe to toe with anybody.” 

Blackburn tested the waters of her message over the weekend when she spoke at the New Hampshire Freedom Summit. Her words were powerful. The audience showed a positive reaction to things Blackburn said, points that many in the Republican party have seemingly been afraid to say.

She opened up her remarks with an almost immediate attack on Democrat Senator Harry Reid. But, she did so in almost “bless your heart” Southern style.  

Oh, Poor Harry!  He’s not happy. But, I tell you what, I think Harry Reid knows the exact same thing that you and I know– two hundred and six days from today, we are going take back the U.S. Senate!

Blackburn then shared with a crowd just how much of a direct threat to freedom that President Obama is stating how he treats the office as if he is an imperial President. In regards to his executive fiats to circumvent Congress and the Constitution, she said, “Mr. President, Congress doesn’t pass suggestions. We pass laws. And it’s about time you start following them!” The crowd loved her strong message.

She laid out the stark contrast between democrats and republicans in relation to what each side fights for. Democrats, according to Blackburn, fight for government. Republicans, on the other hand, fight for people, opportunity, and freedom.

The story of Gibson guitars speaks volumes as to big government attack on freedom. The company, based in Tennessee, was targeted and harassed by the feds long before the IRS scandal against the Tea Party. Gibson took the raiding of their facilities and the seizing of the wood used for their guitar heads and used it to their advantage. After paying unnecessary fines and getting the wood back, Gibson made special edition “Government Series” guitar. Blackburn said, “Every one of these guitars features an eagle painted on the neck with their talons around the neck of that guitar.” She then used the analogy and said, to resounding crowd approval, “It is time for the federal government to get its talons off the necks of American entrepreneurs! 

The resounding message in Blackburn’s speech was freedom and opportunity. She relayed that message by retelling the story of Reagan and how his words brought real hope and change and his policies unleashed opportunity for all. She addressed the issue of poverty not by touting big government entitlement programs, but the expansion of freedom and free markets.

From the Democrats use of women in their focus on free contraception rather than freedom to the importance of school choice; from the importance of commanding fear and respect around the world to strengthening our military, Blackburn covered a variety of areas and said that words with power and strength that so many have longed to hear.

One resounding message that all in attendance left with after Blackburn’s speech can be wrapped up in a quote that she delivered, ““Steel is strong because it knew the hammer and white heat.” 

“That’s America,” Blackburn said, “A country is like a metal that gets stronger under pressure.” With those words, Blackburn let everyone know that she is ready for the battle against big government progressivism and, if we all stand together on principle, we can defeat it.

Click HERE to watch Rep. Blackburn’s speech, beginning at the 19:03 mark, at the New Hampshire Freedom Summit in its entirety.