“A Think on Cleve Tidwell”
by Captain Arapahoe | 6:30 am, April 22, 2009 | 15 Comments
Cleve Tidwell at the RNC Chairman Michael Steele dinner.
I’ve been observing with somewhat detached amusement the various “astroturfing” attempts (here, here, here, and even here) by supporters of presumed (as yet officially unannounced, although quite active) Senate candidate Cleve Tidwell. I had seem him speak at the GOP State Central Committee and at the previous night’s dinner with RNC Chairman Michael Steele and came away unimpressed with his speaking ability (as noted by another PPC contributor, “inspirational” is not a word that immediately comes to mind in association with Mr. Tidwell) but otherwise not with any significantly negative (or positive) opinions on the man or his candidacy.
I recently had the opportunity to observe Mr. Tidwell at some greater length (quite a bit greater length, as it turns out) at his recent appearance at a “townhall” meeting jointly sponsored by DU College Republicans and the Colorado HD3 Republicans.
The somewhat sparsely attended meeting (there were some two dozen in attendance, including 4 DU students from Tidwell’s campaign team – which “started out” at DU – several DU College Republicans, a number of HD3 Republicans, and a few attendees of various other provenance). The meeting kicked off with a nod to the historical significance of the weekend date (April 19th being the anniversary of the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”), discussion of the recent Denver (and national) Tax Day Tea Party events, and a discussion of the basic tenets of the GOP: “freedom – with responsibility” and an emphasis on the need to defend the U.S. and Colorado Constitutions.
Matthew Arnold, Director of Clear The Bench Colorado, then gave a brief presentation on the movement to restore accountability to Colorado’s judiciary – reining in the “out-of-control” Colorado Supreme Court by voting “NO” to retain the four justices who must face the voters in 2010 – which was enthusiastically received by those in attendance.
Mr. Tidwell was then introduced by one of the DU College Republicans on his campaign team. He emphasized Mr. Tidwell’s international business experience, stated that Tidwell had built “an unconventional support team” of mostly students, and stated that Tidwell believed that “a strong America is good for the entire world.”
Mr. Tidwell then addressed the audience, starting out by saying “Forgive me if I don’t sound like a politician – ’cause I’m not… we’re all in business in some way.” He exhorted those in attendance to “get involved” while acknowledging that “there will be days it’s boring – that’s politics” but that to participate, “you don’t have to be old like me – we need your energy.”
Mr. Tidwell characterized the state of his campaign as currently in a “grassroots organization” – “getting ready to announce as a candidate” while meeting with various groups, “concentrating on meeting and signing up delegates.”
After reflecting on his background (emphasizing both his experience in international business and as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps – Force Recon) and noting that he moved to Colorado after spending much of his life in Atlanta, GA (yes, he still has the accent) “because it was where I went fishing” he addressed the reason for his desire to get involved in politics. ”I’m 62, and I’ve had it.” “Government can’t run our lives (although they’re trying to) and there’s a real threat of a movement towards Socialism succeeding in this country.”
He then began touting his core message: Strong Values (patriotism, morality, spritual life) for a strong GOP. Mr. Tidwell characterized a “moderate” stance as a “recipe for failure”, noting that Unaffiliated voters are NOT necessarily midway between the GOP and Democrats, but are in actuality “all over the place politically.” He stressed that many voters had left the GOP because the GOP “didn’t stick to it’s principles” (an assessment that has merit, in my view – although one can argue about which principles are critical) and that attempts to triangulate or tack “leftward” would not necessarily attract more votes.
Mr. Tidwell then addressed several policy areas or topics. His comments on the recent Department of Homeland Security report labeling political dissenters and opposition to President Obama as “Right-Wing Extremists” (“I take offense to that – it’s absurd”) drew the biggest applause of his presentation. He posited an ongoing assault on “Spritualism” nationally, citing the recent covering up of religious symbols/imagery at Georgetown during a recent Obama appearance. Addressing education issues, he characterized the state of textbooks in current use as “frightening” – noting that educational institutions are a “venue for attack” on American values, history, and even science (witness the “global warming” hysteria). He attacked proposals for single-payer healthcare as “Socialized Medicine” (again, correctly, in my view) noting that such a system does not work in several countries (specifically citing Britain, Canada, even Guatemala) – as people “stand in line for hours” to see a doctor, only to get an appointment for several days later to actually receive treatment. “I’ve lived in Socialist countries,” he declared, “and I’ll tell you it’s not good.” On economic policy, he asserted “if they’d stop printing money, and imposing all sorts of regulations, we’d get ourselves out of this mess.” He stated that “we MUST stop increasing the debt and spending” – or inflict a massive burden on people, in this and following generations.
“Government was set up to protect us – NOT interfere with our lives.” (A sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse – in all areas).
Some concluding impressions: Mr. Tidwell spoke for a long time (well over half an hour, NOT counting almost as much time for Q&A – for a townhall that was supposed to consume not much more than that time in its entirety). His delivery was largely lacking in inflection or excitement – with some exceptions (he became moderately animated on a few occasions) his delivery seemed to drone on… and on. Also, he sounded some discordant notes when talking (at length) about his “international business experience” and “extensive connections” with national and foreign ‘power players.’ Although it’s not technically correct to accuse him of ‘name-dropping’ when he failed to mention any names, his frequent references to his ‘connections’ were gratuitous and jarring:
“I’ve worked with Kings in 3 countries – negotiated deals, I know them well”; “I can play ball in the Senate; I’m already playing, they know me – I’ve been invited to DC as the guest of a committee chair from Texas”; “I’m used to the tough stuff, I’ve testified in the Senate”; “Deals are not made in the halls of the Senate – they’re made in other places – who you know somewhere else who can bring pressure” helps make things happen.
As a military veteran, one statement by Tidwell (well, two – his attempt to claim kinship with the recent Navy SEAL snipers who dispatched the Somali pirates in rescuing the Captain of the Maersk Alabama by suggesting that they were really Force Recon Marines might have impressed the college kids, but not this guy who knows a few ‘operators’) seemed particularly “off” – his assertion that “I’ve still got a clearance – and can get into classified briefings” didn’t ring true. Security Clearances have an “expiration date” - 5 or at most 10 years, depending on the level of clearance – so it’s unlikely, at best, that Mr. Tidwell continues to maintain a clearance. It’s possible – and I’ll retract this statement if shown proof to the contrary – but this wholly unnecessary assertion, given the topics and the audience, reflects poorly on Mr. Tidwell’s judgment (and possibly character as well).
In summation: although Mr. Tidwell did make some statements and take some positions with which I agree, I was not left with the impression that he would make a strong (or even realistically viable) candidate for U.S. Senate in Colorado in 2010.
And that about wraps up my “Think on Cleve Tidwell.”
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April 22nd, 2009 @ 7:33 am
Thanks for the enlightening “think”, Captain Arapahoe …
April 22nd, 2009 @ 9:49 am
[...] Face The State also has an online poll to see your preference for a Republican opponent for Bennet: Bob Beauprez, Ken Buck, Dan Caplis, Ryan Frazier, or (the write-in campaign for) Cleve Tidwell. [...]
April 22nd, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
Cleve said he testified in the Senate? Did he mean his appearance before the state senate recently? Because there is a bit of a difference there and it is a little dishonest for him to pass it off as otherwise.
April 22nd, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Captain Arapahoe,
Thank you for your constructive feedback. We will need constant, constructive feedback from sharp individuals like you in order to run a successful campaign in a field full of great contenders.
No one person has the exact right message or means of presenting the exact right message. But if we all work together, we can unseat Bennet and get a good Republican to represent Colorado in the U.S. Senate.
We appreciate that you took the time to attend the HD 3 GOP meeting. Thanks for listening to Cleve speak, and thanks for helping to improve the campaign with your comments.
As you know, we have not yet announced. Up until that time and long after, the process will very much so be a work in progress. We invite your future constructive feedback as you continue to observe us along the way.
April 22nd, 2009 @ 9:50 pm
It sounds like Cleve Tidwell has the right stance on the issues, but may be lacking in presentation and polish. It’s still early and those are pretty cosmetic issues. I think he’s got a passion to truly take those ideas that you, for the most part agree with, and represent them vigorously.
Consider me jaded, but I think that of the field of candidates, Mr. Tidwell is the only one that seems to be interested in doing it because it’s important work and needs to be done. Not because he’s ‘polling’ well or his name has been bandied about by the same people that lose election after election for the GOP in Colorado.
April 23rd, 2009 @ 12:57 am
Good remarks from the author, however, it’s clear to me that with Tidwell we aren’t getting “another politician” to run for senate, rather a man, that has a lot of practical business experience as well as knowledge of how to run things. What we need is a message and a person willing to bring that message to people who truly don’t understand what being conservative means. Mr. Tidwell will do that, and that I support!
April 23rd, 2009 @ 7:18 am
I think we’ve seen the results of a politician with polish and presentation as their first and foremost qualifications. What we need is a real conservative, both fiscally and socially. After the Dems get through with their overreaching America will be ready for the return of conservatism. Cleve Tidwell is that conservative, and sets himself apart from the rest in that regard.
April 23rd, 2009 @ 8:26 am
you’ve got my vote Cleve!
April 23rd, 2009 @ 9:09 am
It really doesn’t matter to me WHERE he came from. Cleve is the real deal and not just another politician. Talk to him for just a bit and you’ll realize the same. My vote is still for Tidwell!
April 23rd, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
everyone else in the crowd seemed to enjoy Tidwell’s speech and were listening intently. Including the students.
Students for Tidwell
April 23rd, 2009 @ 8:34 pm
Who are you people really? Don’t you have a Jonas Brothers concert to go to or something?
April 24th, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
When Mr. Tidwell stated that he had an “unconventional support team” he apparently wasn’t kidding. Folks, spamming a commentary post with astroturfing declarations of support is unlikely to sway anyone to your side – you just end up making yourselves obnoxious. (Not to say that all of the comments in favor of Tidwell belong to that category, but the flood of one-liners and “rah-rah” blurbs comes across as rather pathetic, IMNSHO).
To the substantive comments on my post:
My reservations about Tidwell are not solely a matter of “presentation” or “polish” – although those are important attributes in a candidate on the stump. Nor is it solely a matter of his lack of deeper Colorado roots (although I can just hear the snarky “carpetbagger vs. carpetbagger” taglines piling up).
Some of his positioning on policy (particularly his emphasis on “social” or “moral” issues) won’t fly in Colorado, particularly in the general election (might work in Georgia, but Colorado has a much more ‘libertarian’ attitude on government meddling in social issues).
Most importantly, I’m disturbed by potential character issues that seemed to be hinted at in his presentations. His emphasis on his “insider” status and his “connections” that he can leverage are indicative of the kind of “pull” politics increasingly rejected by voters. In an electoral season that is increasingly shaping up to be a tidal wave of momentum for real, principled reform-minded candidates, that “insider-business-as-usual” approach would doom his candidacy – and rightly so, IMNSHO.
CPT A
April 24th, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
So last night we had this raging party at the frat house, bro. I couldn’t make it cause I was on campus in the computer lab spamming blogs and news articles for Cleve Tidwell (peace be upon him). Anyway, my little bro said the keg went dry at like 10pm and just as the party was looking to be a total bust, Cleave Tidwell (peace be upon him) stopped by and waved his hands over the kitchen sink and then Coors Light poured from the faucet. They partied all night. True story, bro. My roommate told me.
—Frat Boys for Tidwell, Yo!—
April 24th, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
Tidwell is not a real candidate. Why is anyone even wasting their energy talking about him?
April 26th, 2009 @ 2:20 am
You need to shut up about Tidwell, Chester R. You remind me of this guy I work with who was talking trash about Tidwell one day. He said that Tidwell wasn’t a serious candidate but I told him that he was. Anyway, we started arguing and after a while I blacked out. When I woke up, I was in the parking lot and my knuckles were bloody. I didn’t see my co-worker for a few days after that but when he came back to work he never said ANYTHING bad about Cleve Tidwell again!!