I’m honored by the influx of endorsement requests. But let’s be honest, most endorsements are meaningless, so here’s what we’re doing: any candidate whom I endorse in this cycle will make a *hard commitment* to the following principles.
 
1.    The people we elect to run…

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 13, 2024

How can you not like that? Who cares if you're a Republican if you can't concretely commit to things that any Republican should support. Reductions in federal government, elimination of bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, a simple commitment to America's interests first, etc.

It certainly would clear a lot of headache to simply support those that commit to these principles.

Quickrete

Highly recommended

Disappointing thread. Expected more of this:

Quote:

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How can you not like that? Who cares if you're a Republican if you can't concretely commit to things that any Republican should support. Reductions in federal government, elimination of bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, a simple commitment to America's interests first, etc.

It certainly would clear a lot of headache to simply support those that commit to these principles.

---

This is the most important of all of them. If there is no agreement that it needs to be smaller, then the problems both Republicans and Democrats have entrenched will never go away, and we will always just argue over how to slow our eventual demise.

Bingo

Makes me happy to see a candidate that recognizes our government has stopped serving us. It's all about party and minority.

If it's state action in disguise, the Constitution still applies: The U.S. government cannot use private companies to do through the back door what government could not get done through the front door under the law.

End foreign aid to any country whose national debt per citizen is less than ours & defund international institutions hostile to U.S. sovereignty.

Require disclosure of dual citizenship for all public officials to expose any conflicts of interest.

10-year ban on lobbying for politicians and bureaucrats. Ban corporate board memberships for entities they regulated.

Every high school senior should be able to pass the same civics test that every immigrant must pass to become a voting citizen in this country.


I really like these ideas. Ramaswamy is a fantastic communicator of big ideas, kind of like Newt Gingrich was in his prime.

Tibbers said:

---

I’m honored by the influx of endorsement requests. But let’s be honest, most endorsements are meaningless, so here’s what we’re doing: any candidate whom I endorse in this cycle will make a *hard commitment* to the following principles.
 
1.    The people we elect to run…

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 13, 2024

How can you not like that? Who cares if you're a Republican if you can't concretely commit to things that any Republican should support. Reductions in federal government, elimination of bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, a simple commitment to America's interests first, etc.

It certainly would clear a lot of headache to simply support those that commit to these principles.

---

Andrew Schulz (comedian, not political commentator) had him on and he lays out deep state/entrenched class/permanent government/etc. quite well.

vivek seems untrustworthy because he always knows the right thing to say.

that said i have to agree with him on most everything.

he at the bare minimum has the pulse of conservatives the real question has been can he be trusted with his WEF connections?

Quote:

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vivek seems untrustworthy because he always knows the right thing to say.

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We've grown so accustomed to ambiguity and platitudes that conviction seems disingenuous.

He seems that way, because he is that way!

This is the guy who rightfully called out TikTok as being a Chinese tool, and then, a few weeks later was on TikTok!

He does say a lot of the right things, but he's also a complete flake!

Funky Winkerbean said:

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Quote:

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vivek seems untrustworthy because he always knows the right thing to say.

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We've grown so accustomed to ambiguity and platitudes that conviction seems disingenuous.

---

Given the flip-flops on just about every issue, not sure how you can claim Vivek has any convictions!

Even though Trump has zero actual interest (with proven experience) in reducing federal government or eliminating bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, Vivek will absolutely be telling everyone in September and October on the campaign trail that he's supporting Trump because he's the one candidate who has committed to it!

And this time Trump really means it! Just give him another chance to not care about it the moment he gets into office again!

And there it is..

To his credit, Trump never claimed to be someone that was going to reduce spending. He campaign on major infrastructure spending.

I did not particularly care for that part of his campaign, he was upfront about it.

Funky Winkerbean said:

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And there it is..

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Actually took longer than I thought.

one safe place said:

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Funky Winkerbean said:

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And there it is..

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Actually took longer than I thought.

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Yep, it's usually one page of sycophantic bull**** before the truth gets posted. Some of your usual suspect friends must be asleep at the wheel today.

Bunk Moreland said:

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one safe place said:

---

Funky Winkerbean said:

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And there it is..

---

Actually took longer than I thought.

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Yep, it's usually one page of sycophantic bull**** before the truth gets posted. Some of your usual suspect friends must be asleep at the wheel today.

---

Except this thread is about Vivek, not a referendum on Trump.

I am becoming increasingly convinced that Vivek is closely tied to a group of counter-elites that are making a play to ascend to power. Guys like Thiel, Musk, Vivek, etc all seem to be moving in the same direction and very well may be using Trump as a vehicle to seize power over the administrative state.

Vivek's campaign stumps are the typical boomer bait but from his long form interviews it is clear that he has a firm grasp of right wing political theory.

Trump's VP pick will be very very telling.

ETA: In case it's not clear, I am a big big fan of this idea.

The man sues the WEF and wins and all he asks is them to not slander his name by pairing the two and still this yokel brings that up. Jesus guys. And now he's part of some cabal of billionaires who are championing free speech as some means of a hostile takeover. Wooo lass. But then yall will vote for Crenshaw and be surprised when he isn't really a conservative. Yall are silly.

Anyway, endorsements don't mean anything unless they have some sort of minimum requirement like you know, to represent the party fairly.

And still y'all find fault…you can lead a fella to water but you can't make him think.

Tibbers said:

---

I’m honored by the influx of endorsement requests. But let’s be honest, most endorsements are meaningless, so here’s what we’re doing: any candidate whom I endorse in this cycle will make a *hard commitment* to the following principles.
 
1.    The people we elect to run…

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 13, 2024

How can you not like that? Who cares if you're a Republican if you can't concretely commit to things that any Republican should support. Reductions in federal government, elimination of bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, a simple commitment to America's interests first, etc.

It certainly would clear a lot of headache to simply support those that commit to these principles.

---

Great ideas. Doubt most current congressman are going to champion lobbying and term limits. But we should push in that direction.

Will be interesting to see how important these items are to those Vivek endorses. I assume these apply to Trump as well (except for congressional specific ones).

I have no idea what you're talking about.

I am a huge fan of the idea that a group of counter elites whose values more closely align with mine are making a move to take power away from the degenerate and decrepit boomer regime that has ruled us for decades longer than they should have.

Funky Winkerbean said:

---

Bunk Moreland said:

---

one safe place said:

---

Funky Winkerbean said:

---

And there it is..

---

Actually took longer than I thought.

---

Yep, it's usually one page of sycophantic bull**** before the truth gets posted. Some of your usual suspect friends must be asleep at the wheel today.

---

Except this thread is about Vivek, not a referendum on Trump.

---

And my post was a prediction about Vivek's future tweets/speeches once we get closer to the general.

Ah, I see, well when you put it that way.

Bunk Moreland said:

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Even though Trump has zero actual interest (with proven experience) in reducing federal government or eliminating bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, Vivek will absolutely be telling everyone in September and October on the campaign trail that he's supporting Trump because he's the one candidate who has committed to it!

And this time Trump really means it! Just give him another chance to not care about it the moment he gets into office again!

---

LMAO. A quick search found the following. There is much more out there.

2017 - CBPP

Quote:

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Trump Budget Continues Multi-Year Assault on IRS Funding Despite Mnuchin's Call for More Resources

---

2017 - NPR

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Reduces Education Spending, Raises Funding For School Choice

---

2017 - Maritime Executive

Quote:

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Trump's Budget Reduces Coast Guard Funding by $1.3 Billion

---

2018 - AP News

Quote:

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Trump ask Cabinet to cut next year's budgets by 5 percent

---

2020 - The Hill

Quote:

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President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal 2021 calls for significant reductions to environmental programs at federal agencies, including a 26 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

---

The appeal of Vivek to me is because he can spouse the ideology of conservatism so well. I think Rush would have had quite a lot of love for Vivek because of this. It's like I tell my kids, stop focusing on the people and focus on the ideology because idea are far bigger than people.

The political fight we have isn't about Trump or Biden it's about collectivism versus individual liberty. Arguing about the people in this political context is the lowest common denominator. Trump unfortunately is so wrapped around the axle when it comes to personalities and celebrity, he can't help himself but talk about people. Vivek is quite the opposite. He spends far more time talking about ideas.

Yes, it's the old adage:

Great Minds Discuss Ideas; Average Minds Discuss Events; Small Minds Discuss People.

Quit being small minded when it comes to Trump. Focus on the policies. I get that Trump will say things you guys won't agree with, but that's not the larger issue. Hardwood is right. It's about individual liberty vs. collectivism.

Science Denier said:

---

Bunk Moreland said:

---

Even though Trump has zero actual interest (with proven experience) in reducing federal government or eliminating bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, Vivek will absolutely be telling everyone in September and October on the campaign trail that he's supporting Trump because he's the one candidate who has committed to it!

And this time Trump really means it! Just give him another chance to not care about it the moment he gets into office again!

---

LMAO. A quick search found the following. There is much more out there.

2017 - CBPP

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Continues Multi-Year Assault on IRS Funding Despite Mnuchin's Call for More Resources

---

2017 - NPR

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Reduces Education Spending, Raises Funding For School Choice

---

2017 - Maritime Executive

Quote:

---

Trump's Budget Reduces Coast Guard Funding by $1.3 Billion

---

2018 - AP News

Quote:

---

Trump ask Cabinet to cut next year's budgets by 5 percent

---

2020 - The Hill

Quote:

---

President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal 2021 calls for significant reductions to environmental programs at federal agencies, including a 26 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

---

---

But he's a big spending NY liberal....

/"conservatives" with principles but no awareness.

Who also fawned over Bush and his acolytes who saw massive increases in government spending and the federal government itself with additional departments created whole cloth. Oh and the erosion of our individual liberty via the Patriot Act.

Let's continue discussing the ideas.

Science Denier said:

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Bunk Moreland said:

---

Even though Trump has zero actual interest (with proven experience) in reducing federal government or eliminating bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, Vivek will absolutely be telling everyone in September and October on the campaign trail that he's supporting Trump because he's the one candidate who has committed to it!

And this time Trump really means it! Just give him another chance to not care about it the moment he gets into office again!

---

LMAO. A quick search found the following. There is much more out there.

2017 - CBPP

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Continues Multi-Year Assault on IRS Funding Despite Mnuchin's Call for More Resources

---

2017 - NPR

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Reduces Education Spending, Raises Funding For School Choice

---

2017 - Maritime Executive

Quote:

---

Trump's Budget Reduces Coast Guard Funding by $1.3 Billion

---

2018 - AP News

Quote:

---

Trump ask Cabinet to cut next year's budgets by 5 percent

---

2020 - The Hill

Quote:

---

President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal 2021 calls for significant reductions to environmental programs at federal agencies, including a 26 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

---

---

Yes, he cut some programs. He still grew the size of government under his watch. And he spent in record fashion. Here's a quick search for you:

Quote:

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Overall, the federal workforce increased by an average of 0.9% per year between December 2016, just before the start of the Trump administration, and December 2020, just before the president left office. This increase compares with a 0.3% average increase during the second term of the Obama administration.

---

Link

He simply rearranged departments where he decided the government should be spending more of our dollars.

Quote:

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The national debt on Jan. 19, 2017, the day before Donald Trump was inaugurated president, was $19,944,429,217,107.

On Jan. 19, 2021, the day before Joe Biden was inaugurated, the debt was: $27,752,835,868,445 about $7.8 trillion higher.

---

Link

That's our man! Draining the swamp, shrinking government and cutting spending!

Bunk Moreland said:

---

Science Denier said:

---

Bunk Moreland said:

---

Even though Trump has zero actual interest (with proven experience) in reducing federal government or eliminating bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, Vivek will absolutely be telling everyone in September and October on the campaign trail that he's supporting Trump because he's the one candidate who has committed to it!

And this time Trump really means it! Just give him another chance to not care about it the moment he gets into office again!

---

LMAO. A quick search found the following. There is much more out there.

2017 - CBPP

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Continues Multi-Year Assault on IRS Funding Despite Mnuchin's Call for More Resources

---

2017 - NPR

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Reduces Education Spending, Raises Funding For School Choice

---

2017 - Maritime Executive

Quote:

---

Trump's Budget Reduces Coast Guard Funding by $1.3 Billion

---

2018 - AP News

Quote:

---

Trump ask Cabinet to cut next year's budgets by 5 percent

---

2020 - The Hill

Quote:

---

President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal 2021 calls for significant reductions to environmental programs at federal agencies, including a 26 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

---

---

Yes, he cut some programs. He still grew the size of government under his watch. And he spent in record fashion. Here's a quick search for you:

Quote:

---

Overall, the federal workforce increased by an average of 0.9% per year between December 2016, just before the start of the Trump administration, and December 2020, just before the president left office. This increase compares with a 0.3% average increase during the second term of the Obama administration.

---

Link

He simply rearranged departments where he decided the government should be spending more of our dollars.

Quote:

---

The national debt on Jan. 19, 2017, the day before Donald Trump was inaugurated president, was $19,944,429,217,107.

On Jan. 19, 2021, the day before Joe Biden was inaugurated, the debt was: $27,752,835,868,445 about $7.8 trillion higher.

---

Link

That's our man! Draining the swamp, shrinking government and cutting spending!

---

He spent alot of necessary money during COVID when local governors shut down most of the work force. Spent on both businesses and workers.

He was continually trying to reduce the agencies you specifically *****ed about.

Trump was a massive spender even before COVID and local governors shut down most of the work force with his blessing and support.

Again, Trump never really claimed to be a hawk on spending.

Before the usual TDS nonsense, I voted Trump before and will run to vote for him again!

Quote:

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He spent alot of necessary money during COVID when local governors shut down most of the work force. Spent on both businesses and workers.

He was continually trying to reduce the agencies you specifically *****ed about.

---

No, he spent like crazy before COVID was ever a thing. He also mentioned on more than one occasion he would spend in order to cut deals with Dems.

It's ok to support Trump and also acknowledge the very basic facts that he grew government and spent as bad or worse than Dem presidents because he doesn't care about the debt/deficit.

But watching the sycophants lie to themselves and everyone else around them in service of dear leader sure is entertaining.

Science Denier said:

---

Bunk Moreland said:

---

Science Denier said:

---

Bunk Moreland said:

---

Even though Trump has zero actual interest (with proven experience) in reducing federal government or eliminating bloated and useless bureaucracy and departments, Vivek will absolutely be telling everyone in September and October on the campaign trail that he's supporting Trump because he's the one candidate who has committed to it!

And this time Trump really means it! Just give him another chance to not care about it the moment he gets into office again!

---

LMAO. A quick search found the following. There is much more out there.

2017 - CBPP

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Continues Multi-Year Assault on IRS Funding Despite Mnuchin's Call for More Resources

---

2017 - NPR

Quote:

---

Trump Budget Reduces Education Spending, Raises Funding For School Choice

---

2017 - Maritime Executive

Quote:

---

Trump's Budget Reduces Coast Guard Funding by $1.3 Billion

---

2018 - AP News

Quote:

---

Trump ask Cabinet to cut next year's budgets by 5 percent

---

2020 - The Hill

Quote:

---

President Trump's proposed budget for fiscal 2021 calls for significant reductions to environmental programs at federal agencies, including a 26 percent cut to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

---

---

Yes, he cut some programs. He still grew the size of government under his watch. And he spent in record fashion. Here's a quick search for you:

Quote:

---

Overall, the federal workforce increased by an average of 0.9% per year between December 2016, just before the start of the Trump administration, and December 2020, just before the president left office. This increase compares with a 0.3% average increase during the second term of the Obama administration.

---

Link

He simply rearranged departments where he decided the government should be spending more of our dollars.

Quote:

---

The national debt on Jan. 19, 2017, the day before Donald Trump was inaugurated president, was $19,944,429,217,107.

On Jan. 19, 2021, the day before Joe Biden was inaugurated, the debt was: $27,752,835,868,445 about $7.8 trillion higher.

---

Link

That's our man! Draining the swamp, shrinking government and cutting spending!

---

He spent alot of necessary money during COVID when local governors shut down most of the work force. Spent on both businesses and workers.

He was continually trying to reduce the agencies you specifically *****ed about.

---

Well, at least he tried. Was a bummer that his tariffs had the short term effect of negatively effecting GDP., Hopefully the new increased tariffs he'll impose won't end up just being passed the U.S. consumer who's already struggling with high inflation. I'll admit this assumes that U.S. business importing from other countries pass along the added cost to the consumer.

End dual citizenship! You cant ride 2 horses with one ass