Allen West of Florida, a freshman member of the House of Representatives, is still settling into his new role in Congress and finding his way around Washington, but already one influential commentator wants the Republican to seek a higher office — the presidency.
Glenn Beck, the Fox News commentator, also has a popular radio show, and it was on the radio Monday that Beck declared, “I want to start a draft Allen West movement.”
Beck cited West’s military background and said he was a man of character. “He’s not afraid to pull the trigger,” Beck said. “He’s not afraid, and he takes responsibility. … The No. 1 thing we need is a man of honor, who will say, ‘You know what? This is what’s happening, this is what I did, this is what I believe in, and damn the torpedoes.’ It is time to restore honor, and I think Allen West, I think he’s got it.”
Michele Bachmann, the Republican representative from Minnesota, would make a good running mate for West, Beck said. “She won’t compromise her values.”
And what about Sarah Palin? Palin was a “great governor,” Beck said, but said she hasn’t done what she needed to do to “shore herself up” against criticism.
West’s chief of staff, Jonathan Blyth, said the congressman from Broward County was flattered by the praise but was not a candidate for the presidency. “The congressman is very humbled by individuals who aspire [to have him run] for higher office,” Blyth told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, “but Congressman West is focused on the constituents of the 22nd Congressional District who have given him the distinguished honor of representing their voices on Capitol Hill.”
Contributing Editor Bill Edmonds is a consultant in communications in Tallahassee, Florida. A native of Virginia, he has worked in the Florida capital for three decades in journalism, in public affairs and in communications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s in American Studies from Florida State University.
With an endorsement from the likes of Beck, West doesn't need opponents.
Allen West possesses the qualities of leadership: courage, commitment, competence and character. He stands firm on his Conservative principles and will not bow to political correctness. He would make an outstanding Commander in Chief in the future. I hope I will see it in my lifetime.
He's an interesting guy and could become a good representative for Florida. I hope he learns to distance himself from the radical true-believers and carve out a place to stand that is his own. So far, he hasn't shown that desire.
If I were him, I would do my best to discourage talk of running for president. Just sounds presumptuous — like he's some kind of political bounder (same goes for Senator Marco Rubio).
In that sense, Beck did not do him any favors.
[...] Fox News, Glenn Beck has received plenty of kicks on his way out the door. He's also aired his presidential dream list, which includes Florida congressman Allen West and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, and [...]
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Allen West will be another puppet for Israel…..gosh we don't need another one of those in office
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[...] Florida Congressman Allen West was endorsed for president by none other than Glenn Beck, which in itself should lead any reasonable individual [...]