League City, Galveston County, Texas
June 4th, 2019
Nate returned to Texas buoyed by the Brookshire win, it was a win through the narrowest of margins. He spent 3 hours in League City meeting with faith leaders where he spoke about his commitment to faith, family, and religious freedom. It was important to win over tea party and evangelical voters from Cramp and over to Brookshire and by extension win them to his own campaign.
He then continued this tour in the outlying rural communities in the county, going door to door and talking to farmers working the land. He asked questions based on his extensive experience working with NC farmers and he had picked up some tricks, while not totally the same from one state to another having any knowledge was somewhat impressive. Going house to house and to the occasional farmers market or diner in rural America was not speedy, but he had time to commit and it was well worth committing to win Texas.
Nate Richardson
Colorado Springs, El Paso County, Colorado
June 5th, 2019
Nate had to travel to Colorado for an important cattle call for Republican Presidential candidates but decided to spend an extra day there in order to hold a rare rally.
“Hello!” Richardson said to the passionate crowd “It’s an absolute honor to see you all here” Richardson took his time giving a wave and a positive smile to the crowd and made sure the assembled cameras saw him. He dressed in a suit and dress shirt but opted to not wear a tie, sporting a professional but approachable look.
“Thank you all for joining me here today. We are all here because we are united in common cause, we all want to move this country forward! So who here is ready to get to work? Let me tell you about how we are going to make the American dream a bit more accessible, how we are going to build on the achievements we have made since 2016 and bring our country to new heights!”
Richardson let the cheers die down a bit before continuing
“I stand here today for the same reasons a lot of you are. Because of the sacrifices my parents made, because of the chances they took, all their kids went and got an education, we followed our own dreams we have our own children and that is the work ethic they instilled in us. There wasn’t a single day that it was easy, there wasn’t a single day my parents didn’t put everything they had into making their business a success. All that hard work gave them a beautiful life that could only happen in America, the greatest country in the world. That’s a dream I share, to give a better life to my daughter, for all our children. Now, their son is proud to be running for the Presidency of the United States! Let’s stand up for America and push the country forward!!!”
The cheers from the crowd were spirited, with a few campaign officials and activists scattered in the crowd to lead the chants and have the crowd applaud at appropriate moments.
“That’s really humbling thank you. Before I detail my plans for the country and how we move forward, I would like to take a few moments to pay tribute to President Wolf.”
The crowd applauded, some politely and some with great enthusiasm
“I make no excuses for the times I have disagreed with him, in policy or rhetoric. But I will say this, 4 million new jobs, more people employed than ever before in the country of which 400,000 are manufacturing jobs, the ones dems told us were never coming back… Hispanic, Asian and African American unemployment at the lowest rates ever recorded. Explosive economic growth, unemployment at a 49 year low, median household income at the highest level ever recorded, 3.9 million Americans off of food stamps. 95% of US manufacturers are optimistic about the future, highest level ever.”
“Wolf ended the ACA individual mandate, eliminated regulations, lowered taxes and delivered on his promises. Enacted tax cuts and reforms that put hundreds of billions back into the economy, back in the hands of taxpayers. Small businesses have the lowest tax rate in 80 years. The VA is more accountable and effective than ever before, our military has recovered from the cuts of the Baharia years. By every metric the economy is the strongest it’s ever been, our military is the strongest its been in decades and once again we can look to the future with hope. So thank you President Wolf”
“The flow of illegal immigrants has decreased sharply, for the first time in 65 years the United States has ceased to be a net oil importer. These are two areas specifically the last few administrations had promised action but failed to deliver… the latest information has shown that workers earning growth have grown at a rate of 3.4% a rate not seen since Reagan, the poverty rate is at the best rate since the 90s and unemployment the best since the 60s… This is not a trickle down economy, its a lifting up economy! Thank you President Wolf!”
“If you are a woman today, who is a single parent your income has jumped an average of 7.% in the last year… more than any other group. Poverty rates for women of color fell dramatically, and unemployment rates for African American and Hispanic women are now under 4.5%... thats unheard of. Thank you President Wolf.”
By the third “Thank you” the crowd had been applauding with enthusiasm, Richardson allowed it to crescendo, joining in the applause and letting it die before continuing his speech.
“The majority of our countries growth has been in the lower and middle income groups… That is the simple truth, its right in the numbers. Economic growth policies under Wolf did more to combat income inequality and poverty that the tax and spend policies of Baharia. The ENDLESS mantra coming from limousine liberals, is that the tax cuts and reform only benefited the rich… in truth it benefited the most needy. The numbers are in, and any way you swing it… the Republicans are just better for the economy.”
“Despite these successes every day I hear Democrats continue on about tax cuts for the rich and promoting 70% tax brackets, open borders, socialized medicine, and the Green New Deal.”
“Despite all the accomplishments we have made since 2016 in this country, unprecedented economic growth, a strong military and a protection of our rights and liberties, those who call themselves ‘Progressives’ want to roll back all our accomplishments, and then take more and more money out of the private sector, give it to unelected bureaucrats who couldn’t run a lemonade stand, and somehow hope it improves the economy. We have too much government, we need to shrink it.”
“Progressives are saying, ‘it's complicated, just trust us’... well I'm here to tell you it's simple. We either go forward together as a country or back, forward towards more freedom, lower taxes, regulation and fiscal responsibility, or back towards economic downturn, escalating deficits and the death of small businesses. Do you want to go forward or back?”
“Democrats tell us to trust Iran while it supports terrorism and continues its nuclear program unabated by the terrible Iran nuclear deal, they say just trust the news media when it produces hit jobs on conservatives while ignoring the worst of the left, they say just trust the socialists as they take away your healthcare. Voters trusted them when they said ‘if you like your plan, you can keep your plan, if you like your doctor, keep your doctor’ Why should we trust them again? Do you want to go forward or back?”
“I am a Republican, a Conservative because I trust the individual American citizen more than I trust someone in Washington. I am a Conservative because I trust that I know what is better for the education of my child, because I trust that I know how to best spend my own money, because I trust myself to make the best decisions for my own future. Democrats do not trust the American people! So let me ask again, do you want to go forward or back?”
Richardson’s emphasis on the “forward or back” phrase and the plants in the crowd had them repeating the line with him with force the third time, engaging them and making it appear as if they had one voice. It was an old effective rally tactic.
“I want to detail and tell you exactly how I plan to move our country forward, to greater heights than ever before… but first let me tell you a little about myself, my story and where I come from.”
“I have done all I can to devote my life to public service. I was born right here in Wilmington, NC... I am the oldest of three siblings born to Patrice and Robert Richarson who owned and ran the small business of Richardson Realtors.”
“I went to Duke University, and found my true calling working for the working men and women of this country. I worked with Conservatives around the country, advancing the cause of liberty as part of the movement, before returning home and working to do my part in making North Carolina better.”
“In 2008 I was first elected Congressman, representing North Carolina’s 7th district. I had a strong conservative record and as a Congressman I authored many bills which I am proud of, I reformed the tax code for farmers and small businesses, but I am perhaps most proud of authoring the DC Voucher pilot program which today serves over 10,000 families.”
Some scattered applause from the audience continued
“In 2012 became Governor, eager to do my part to help my state recover from recession. Together we united behind a common cause, and delivered. We have a flourishing economy, the 10th largest in the country, unemployment has been cut in half and our labor market is the strongest in the nation. North Carolina is the fastest growing economy in the country, no state even comes close. We did this through $4.4 billion dollars in tax relief, investing in small businesses, entrepreneurs and the power of American spirit to innovate and overcome. We did this while doing more than just balancing the budget, we have the 4th largest surplus per capita in the nation. It is a brand of fiscal responsibility and tax relief I plan on bringing to the nation as a whole. We do not have a revenue problem we have a SPENDING problem, we need to take a look at all our programs, if they don’t work we fix them and if we can’t fix them we take the money we are spending on them and give it to a program that works”
“”We can not only make our tax cuts permanent, we can give the middle class even more tax relief. Regulatory relief as well is vital especially for small businesses, arguably tax and regulatory relief is the biggest achievement of the Wolf administration and it is something my administration would continue.”
“As Governor I led the charge on Education Savings Accounts, on school choice and putting parents back in charge of their children's education. We have enacted transparency on college campuses for the job market, and encouraged trade schools so that those entering the workforce are trained for the most in demand jobs available. Together we have brought North Carolina from 30th in the nation in terms of education, to 25th, a trend I have every faith will continue. As President I would push for an ambitious national school choice program, creating education savings accounts and tax relief for education that will encourage school choice and help parents tailor their child’s education. Because it is an engaged parent that knows what is best for their own child, not some bureaucrat in Washington.”
“As Governor I took historic steps to protect the unborn, the most vulnerable among us. I signed a 20 week abortion ban into law. As President I will support measures such as the ‘Born Alive’ law which protects infants born alive after babies survive abortions. I will also push to restrict second & third trimester abortion except when it threatens the life of the mother.”
“Just in the past few years the legislature and we have created Carolina’s Choice Care, which emphasizes personal choice in healthcare, using the free market principles of competition and free exchange of ideas to provide the best healthcare possible to the most people at the lowest cost. We need to repeal and replace the ACA and institute a plan that works with the free market to lower costs and provide higher quality care.”
“What do I stand for? I stand for results, if something is broken I fix it, if it works I double down on it. I have balanced the budget, cut taxes, brought in jobs, lowered healthcare costs and improved education. North Carolina like every state struggles, we have our own challenges… Unemployment, quality of education, poverty, I have worked every day in and out to try and improve the lives of the American people, and by every metric we have made them better. That is why I am running for President, because its the best way I can serve, how I can make the biggest impact on the most people, I am first and foremost a grateful American just looking to give back.”
The applause line landed and the crowd responded with enthusiasm, he was playing the greatest hits for them.
“Not only am I a strong conservative that knows where we need to go as a nation, but how to get there. I will be constantly unveiling plans on how to reform our nation’s finances, healthcare and education. How to balance the budget and how to keep our military strong, how to fund schools choice and keep the cost of colleges low. I have done this in North Carolina and I will bring this to the country as a whole. All of my policy isn’t just based on labels, its based on what I have lived and what I know. I know first hand how easy it is for the government to take your hard earned money, under a Richardson administration it will get a whole lot harder.”
“I also have a not so secret weapon, my wife Amanda. She is a fighter, brilliant, bold and beautiful, a true mind at work. I could not do this without her support. She is a strong woman of faith, a mother, wife, an intellect, and a true patriot, every day I am reminded how lucky I am to have her as my partner.”
“But the first person I asked if I could run for President was another brilliant woman. My daughter Jessica. Jessica is a big reason why i’m doing this. This is a personal fight for the future my daughter will inherit from us. I want every parent to give their child what I have been able to give to mine, what my parents gave to me. Strong values of patriotism, faith and a personality driven for success, the ingredients that turn American Dreams into American Realities.”
“To do that we need a President that will balance our budget, that will reform and protect our retirement programs, that will repeal and replace the ACA, that fights for American businesses, that supports our military and our global alliances, that helps raise wages, that helps create better jobs and that provides policies that help not just our generation but generations to come.”
“I hope to be that President.”
Another applause line allowed Richardson to collect his breath and shift gears
“This election is about principles, principles held by working people and everyday Americans. Principles that you don’t need to get from the New York Times. These are principles enshrined in our Constitution, principles of faith and hard work.”
“Principles that affect our economy, our foreign policy, our healthcare policy, our border and the very way government works. Principles promised by our democracy, the promise of opportunity for all which is unfilled by too many.”
“We have seen what burdensome overregulation does to our small businesses, over taxation. From the time I was young and my parents ran a small business, to today when I have traveled all over the country speaking to small business owners, their number one concern and barrier to prosperity is always regulation. As I said before the Wolf administration has made great strides in fighting overregulation but we need to work to enshire protections into law that keep the unelected bureaucracy from strangling our small businesses in the future.”
“They want to raise the minimum wage… I admit I wanted the minimum wage raised once too… I was 15 and working a minimum wage job… I didn’t know any better so give me a break.”
The crowd laughs a bit
“Mandating an increase in the minimum wage not only leads to the closing of businesses who can’t afford it like we have seen in Seattle, not only leads to the laying off of countless workers, but stunts the ability to get new people into the workforce. It’s a job killer.”
“I am a Christian, I believe strongly in charity and the importance of helping those in need. If your neighbor is going through a tough time I believe in giving them a helping hand. But sometimes we can do more harm than good. Welfare eligibility needs reform, the kind of reform already started to programs like food stamps, creating basic work requirements for those who have the ability to work. 20 hours a week, if no jobs are available they can do charity work instead. Getting people working is the best way to get them off their feet and keeping them from dependency that can last generations. That doesn’t help anyone… as President I will measure the success of programs like food stamps by how many people we can get standing on their own two feet not by how many more people get covered by it.”
“We as a nation also need to be able to stand on our own two feet when it comes to the deficit. Contrary to the belief on the other side of the aisle, the remedy for spending too much money is not spending more money or raising taxes to 70%. They said ‘trust us’ they said passing the ACA and the Medicaid expansion would magically balance the budget… didn’t happen. Now they are saying taking away your private insurance and let them increase your taxes and somehow it will cost you less and the government less. Just Trust Them”
Richardson wasn’t a particularly mean politician, but throwing red meat to the base was necessary in the 2019 Republican party. The paragraph drew appropriate hisses from the conservative audience.
“Healthcare is the issue most on the minds of American’s today and I do not blame them. But unlike Progressives I don’t believe that putting the government in charge of anything makes it more efficient or improves its quality. We need a healthcare system that utilizes and works WITH the free market, the kind that I have established in North Carolina that has consistently reduced premiums and costs year after year. States need to be given more freedom to design health care systems and exchanges for themselves.”
“When we talk about healthcare I would be remiss if I did not discuss abortion. I never thought I would see the day when states were enshiring abortion to the point of birth in their state constitution. We have democrats who are supposedly part of the mainstream advocating for the killing of babies that have been delivered, infanticide. It is more clear than ever that we must reaffirm our values, that life is sacred and that we have the right and obligation to protect the unborn with our laws.”
“In the first 100 days of my Presidency I will ask Congress to send to my desk a ban on all abortions after 25 weeks except in cases of rape, incest or life of the mother. It is not as far as I want to go, but it’s something I believe we can get done. It will get challenged in court which is all the more reason that we need to elect conservatives not just to the Presidency but the Senate as well, so we can appoint judges who are not just social justice warriors using judicial fiat and essentially writing laws. We need judges that call balls and strikes based on the Constitution, protecting individual liberty for everyone including those unborn.”
The Evangelicals in the crowd enthusiastically cheered the proposal, a major specific commitment that lined up with where the majority of Americans were. Not as far as some wanted to go but it was a big win for a candidate.
“I believe in balancing the budget, like we have done here in North Carolina, reforming welfare to ensure its sustainable and available not just for us but for our children. Its a cliche but we can’t keep kicking the can down the road. We need to get tough on our budget. It is killing our nation slowly but with increasing speed, it will take hard choices that will piss off special interests but it is the only way to save our country and preserve the nation for future generations.”
“Democrats want to solve the budget crisis by raising taxes, heck that’s the first instinct of democrats… if it moves tax it. As President my first move will be cutting needless spending, my second will be reforming failing programs. I have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, no tax increases as your President.”
“As Governor I forged strong ties with Israel, and that is a friendship I want to continue as President, supporting the undeniable right of Israel to exist and defend itself. We need to strengthen relations with our allies, NATO, Israel and nations around the world united in common cause. Let me be completely clear, agreements like the Iran Nuclear Deal are a joke. The treaty, that’s what it is, was unenforceable lip service, immediately violated in letter and spirit, and sealed with secret cash bribes in the middle of the night. It did nothing to protect Israel, nothing to prevent a nuclear Iran. This is no way to conduct diplomacy, that is no way to keep our nation safe.”
“We must lead through the power of our example, negotiating from a position of strength, demanding respect and ensuring peace. We need to stand up to Russia in the Ukraine and the Baltic instead of letting Putin annex half the country like Baharia did, we need to stand up to nations like Syria that use chemical weapons on innocent people, and if we draw a red line we need make sure we enforce it with the righteous fury of the American Military.”
“Ukraine deserves our full backing, supplying them with weapons to defend themselves. In addition we need to work with NATO to expand our naval presence in the Black Sea and expand missile defenses to curb Russian aggression. I am not advocating a new Cold War, but we must act with moral clarity and show our resolute will in the face of tyranny and oppression. Whether radical Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, the rights of Israel to self defense, the nuclear threat of North Korea or an expansionist China we must show American mettle.”
“Let us never forget 9/11 or the lessons learned. Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies must work together to thwart terror at home and we must deny terrorists safe spaces abroad. There is no overnight solution to terrorism, Islamic or otherwise. It will require constant vigilance and a network of allies, over time we will win, we will overcome, but we must not accept a bad deal just for the sake of temporary peace. We must seek lasting peace, a true peace that secures our nation and our people, future generations.”
“China is perhaps our greatest long term threat, from the South China Sea to North Korea to the growing influence of the nation in the UN we are challenged by them. They steal our intellectual property and are making inroads in Africa and in our own hemisphere. We need to respond, doubling our efforts to defend on the cyber front, protecting against aggression in the South China Sea strengthening regional alliances, and finally organizing an international and organized economic response to China’s economic foul play.”
“Only by getting tough on China can we stop it dishonest trade practices, stop its aggression and intellectual property theft and stop it constant human rights abuses.”
Moderate applause, the foreign policy section isn’t what most voters cared about and it was probably a bit long and detailed HOWEVER his lack of foreign policy experience required him to show he still knew his stuff.
“We face another challenge on our Southern Border. To the challenge of illegal immigration I give you this simple principle… ‘keep the lawbreakers out’. Our current immigraiton system needs drastic reform and while I do support a path to citizenship for Dreamers we cannot turn a blind eye to those who have broken the law and continue to break the law.”
“Many who cross our border illegally are indeed looking for a better life, I understand that, I respect that. But a significant amount are coming over intent on committing crimes, bringing drugs and violence, the very thing so many crossing the border are fleeing. Without being able to control our border we have no way of seperate the good from the bad, real families with those smuggling children across the border to sell into sex slavery. 20,000 people are trafficked across the southern border every year to be sold into slavery, many of them are children. We need stronger border controls to stop this scourge.”
“Immigration is the foundation of our nation, I believe it is a strength and it always will be. But I also believe a nation without borders is not a nation and that we have every right to make sure people entering our country are good hardworking people and not criminals.”
“The Presidency is a sacred trust, a great honor and a greater responsibility. I want to show the country and the world the best of what America has to offer. American’s live optimistic, positive and confident in the future, a unique American optimism. A nation of immigrants, who came to this country for the same reason my parents started a small business, to create a better life for their family. Americans pursue not just material wealth but the richness of life, the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, religion, speech, self defense, the freedom to build a business with their own hands.”
“Our nation promises the opportunity for a better future. As President I want to help Americans put away just a little more, have a little more to save for college, a little more time to take care of sick loved ones, give a little more to charity. For small businesses, I want next year to be their best year, create an environment where they can hire more workers or give them a raise. I want to help create an environment where a college grad can get a good job and pay off their loans, build for the future instead of trying to dig themselves out of debt.”
“Americans don’t quit, when trouble hits you work harder, do more with less and try to stay optimistic. You deserve better, as President I want to make the good times better and the hard times easier. But in the end, I can’t do anything, the Government can’t do anything, not really… All we can do is set you on the right path, the right direction, THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES ARE GOING TO DO IT. The People! Are going to move us FORWARD!”
Roaring applause from the crowd, setting up an expectation and then coming back on an upswing is another classic rally tactic Richardson enjoyed employing
“Americans support each other, our communities, faiths and families unite us. And while today harsh rhetoric and anger are present on both sides of the aisle, I believe that tomorrow we can become more unified than ever before. “
“I intend to run hard, fight hard, to take a stand and to win. The campaign starts tonight. The Presidency is the most difficult job on earth, I will need all your help to get through it. I ask you all now to share my hopes and intentions, to go with me where I wish to lead. I want to lead the building of a better America, it’s a simple concept but a large one.”
“Our mission, our target. It is a mission the Republican Party has been pursuing since the 1850s, securing the blessings of liberty, protecting freedom and ensuring economic prosperity. I hear the democratic rhetoric today, they see an America in decline, an America founded on rotten principles. I say that America was founded on liberty and good principles, it acknowledged its flaws and gave future generations the tools to make a more perfect union and improve upon it. I say America was founded on idealism and principles that we as a nation have not always lived up to, but we can always do better.”
“I want an America where the only thing that can stop you is the limits you place on yourself.”
“That is my mission, to keep our country moving forward with those ideals in our heart. Thank you all, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
The crowd roared as Richardson left the stage. He would spend the next hour speaking with people in attendance, taking selfies and answering individual questions, shaking every hand he could.
Nate Richardson
AEI Bridging the Divide Summit, Denver County, Colorado
June 6th, 2019
The minor cattle call of AEI’s Bridging the Divide Summit was an action oriented and forward looking gathering of Conservative thought leaders. He was a big supporter of AEI and frequently relied on them for advice and policy ideas, additionally he frequently criticized the Republican Party for not being a more policy forward party and he had always been very enthusiastic in unveiling policy proposals and doing wonkish work.
At the summit he pow-wowed with Conservative thought leaders attending breakout sessions, listening to addresses and connecting with those crafting new conservative policies. He specifically focused on meeting with Robert Doar and JD Vance who were focused on fighting poverty and heavily supported the earned income tax credit. Nate’s strong and unique support for the measure won him points with them as he attended both breakout sessions.
Towards the end of the day he had a “keynote conversation”, a one on one interview and Q&A on stage. They spoke for an hour about policy innovations at the state level and how he worked with nonprofits and social groups on the ground to help achieve economic mobility and increase opportunity. This was streamed only which future advanced his exposure with policy wonks and young activist republicans.
Nate Richardson
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa
June 7th, 2019
The 7th was spent in Iowa doing mostly debate prep, but he did hold a rally in Des Moines to ensure some strength in Iowa before the debate.
“Hello!” Richardson said to the passionate crowd “It’s an absolute honor to see you all here” Richardson took his time giving a wave and a positive smile to the crowd and made sure the assembled cameras saw him. He dressed in a suit and dress shirt but opted to not wear a tie, sporting a professional but approachable look.
“Thank you all for joining me here today. We are all here because we are united in common cause, we all want to move this country forward! So who here is ready to get to work? Let me tell you about how we are going to make the American dream a bit more accessible, how we are going to build on the achievements we have made since 2016 and bring our country to new heights!”
Richardson let the cheers die down a bit before continuing
“I stand here today for the same reasons a lot of you are. Because of the sacrifices my parents made, because of the chances they took, all their kids went and got an education, we followed our own dreams we have our own children and that is the work ethic they instilled in us. There wasn’t a single day that it was easy, there wasn’t a single day my parents didn’t put everything they had into making their business a success. All that hard work gave them a beautiful life that could only happen in America, the greatest country in the world. That’s a dream I share, to give a better life to my daughter, for all our children. Now, their son is proud to be running for the Presidency of the United States! Let’s stand up for America and push the country forward!!!”
The cheers from the crowd were spirited, with a few campaign officials and activists scattered in the crowd to lead the chants and have the crowd applaud at appropriate moments.
“That’s really humbling thank you. Before I detail my plans for the country and how we move forward, I would like to take a few moments to pay tribute to President Wolf.”
The crowd applauded, some politely and some with great enthusiasm
“I make no excuses for the times I have disagreed with him, in policy or rhetoric. But I will say this, 4 million new jobs, more people employed than ever before in the country of which 400,000 are manufacturing jobs, the ones dems told us were never coming back… Hispanic, Asian and African American unemployment at the lowest rates ever recorded. Explosive economic growth, unemployment at a 49 year low, median household income at the highest level ever recorded, 3.9 million Americans off of food stamps. 95% of US manufacturers are optimistic about the future, highest level ever.”
“Wolf ended the ACA individual mandate, eliminated regulations, lowered taxes and delivered on his promises. Enacted tax cuts and reforms that put hundreds of billions back into the economy, back in the hands of taxpayers. Small businesses have the lowest tax rate in 80 years. The VA is more accountable and effective than ever before, our military has recovered from the cuts of the Baharia years. By every metric the economy is the strongest it’s ever been, our military is the strongest its been in decades and once again we can look to the future with hope. So thank you President Wolf”
“The flow of illegal immigrants has decreased sharply, for the first time in 65 years the United States has ceased to be a net oil importer. These are two areas specifically the last few administrations had promised action but failed to deliver… the latest information has shown that workers earning growth have grown at a rate of 3.4% a rate not seen since Reagan, the poverty rate is at the best rate since the 90s and unemployment the best since the 60s… This is not a trickle down economy, its a lifting up economy! Thank you President Wolf!”
“If you are a woman today, who is a single parent your income has jumped an average of 7.% in the last year… more than any other group. Poverty rates for women of color fell dramatically, and unemployment rates for African American and Hispanic women are now under 4.5%... thats unheard of. Thank you President Wolf.”
By the third “Thank you” the crowd had been applauding with enthusiasm, Richardson allowed it to crescendo, joining in the applause and letting it die before continuing his speech.
“The majority of our countries growth has been in the lower and middle income groups… That is the simple truth, its right in the numbers. Economic growth policies under Wolf did more to combat income inequality and poverty that the tax and spend policies of Baharia. The ENDLESS mantra coming from limousine liberals, is that the tax cuts and reform only benefited the rich… in truth it benefited the most needy. The numbers are in, and any way you swing it… the Republicans are just better for the economy.”
“Despite these successes every day I hear Democrats continue on about tax cuts for the rich and promoting 70% tax brackets, open borders, socialized medicine, and the Green New Deal.”
“Despite all the accomplishments we have made since 2016 in this country, unprecedented economic growth, a strong military and a protection of our rights and liberties, those who call themselves ‘Progressives’ want to roll back all our accomplishments, and then take more and more money out of the private sector, give it to unelected bureaucrats who couldn’t run a lemonade stand, and somehow hope it improves the economy. We have too much government, we need to shrink it.”
“Progressives are saying, ‘it's complicated, just trust us’... well I'm here to tell you it's simple. We either go forward together as a country or back, forward towards more freedom, lower taxes, regulation and fiscal responsibility, or back towards economic downturn, escalating deficits and the death of small businesses. Do you want to go forward or back?”
“Democrats tell us to trust Iran while it supports terrorism and continues its nuclear program unabated by the terrible Iran nuclear deal, they say just trust the news media when it produces hit jobs on conservatives while ignoring the worst of the left, they say just trust the socialists as they take away your healthcare. Voters trusted them when they said ‘if you like your plan, you can keep your plan, if you like your doctor, keep your doctor’ Why should we trust them again? Do you want to go forward or back?”
“I am a Republican, a Conservative because I trust the individual American citizen more than I trust someone in Washington. I am a Conservative because I trust that I know what is better for the education of my child, because I trust that I know how to best spend my own money, because I trust myself to make the best decisions for my own future. Democrats do not trust the American people! So let me ask again, do you want to go forward or back?”
Richardson’s emphasis on the “forward or back” phrase and the plants in the crowd had them repeating the line with him with force the third time, engaging them and making it appear as if they had one voice. It was an old effective rally tactic.
“I want to detail and tell you exactly how I plan to move our country forward, to greater heights than ever before… but first let me tell you a little about myself, my story and where I come from.”
“I have done all I can to devote my life to public service. I was born right here in Wilmington, NC... I am the oldest of three siblings born to Patrice and Robert Richarson who owned and ran the small business of Richardson Realtors.”
“I went to Duke University, and found my true calling working for the working men and women of this country. I worked with Conservatives around the country, advancing the cause of liberty as part of the movement, before returning home and working to do my part in making North Carolina better.”
“In 2008 I was first elected Congressman, representing North Carolina’s 7th district. I had a strong conservative record and as a Congressman I authored many bills which I am proud of, I reformed the tax code for farmers and small businesses, but I am perhaps most proud of authoring the DC Voucher pilot program which today serves over 10,000 families.”
Some scattered applause from the audience continued
“In 2012 became Governor, eager to do my part to help my state recover from recession. Together we united behind a common cause, and delivered. We have a flourishing economy, the 10th largest in the country, unemployment has been cut in half and our labor market is the strongest in the nation. North Carolina is the fastest growing economy in the country, no state even comes close. We did this through $4.4 billion dollars in tax relief, investing in small businesses, entrepreneurs and the power of American spirit to innovate and overcome. We did this while doing more than just balancing the budget, we have the 4th largest surplus per capita in the nation. It is a brand of fiscal responsibility and tax relief I plan on bringing to the nation as a whole. We do not have a revenue problem we have a SPENDING problem, we need to take a look at all our programs, if they don’t work we fix them and if we can’t fix them we take the money we are spending on them and give it to a program that works”
“”We can not only make our tax cuts permanent, we can give the middle class even more tax relief. Regulatory relief as well is vital especially for small businesses, arguably tax and regulatory relief is the biggest achievement of the Wolf administration and it is something my administration would continue.”
“As Governor I led the charge on Education Savings Accounts, on school choice and putting parents back in charge of their children's education. We have enacted transparency on college campuses for the job market, and encouraged trade schools so that those entering the workforce are trained for the most in demand jobs available. Together we have brought North Carolina from 30th in the nation in terms of education, to 25th, a trend I have every faith will continue. As President I would push for an ambitious national school choice program, creating education savings accounts and tax relief for education that will encourage school choice and help parents tailor their child’s education. Because it is an engaged parent that knows what is best for their own child, not some bureaucrat in Washington.”
“As Governor I took historic steps to protect the unborn, the most vulnerable among us. I signed a 20 week abortion ban into law. As President I will support measures such as the ‘Born Alive’ law which protects infants born alive after babies survive abortions. I will also push to restrict second & third trimester abortion except when it threatens the life of the mother.”
“Just in the past few years the legislature and we have created Carolina’s Choice Care, which emphasizes personal choice in healthcare, using the free market principles of competition and free exchange of ideas to provide the best healthcare possible to the most people at the lowest cost. We need to repeal and replace the ACA and institute a plan that works with the free market to lower costs and provide higher quality care.”
“What do I stand for? I stand for results, if something is broken I fix it, if it works I double down on it. I have balanced the budget, cut taxes, brought in jobs, lowered healthcare costs and improved education. North Carolina like every state struggles, we have our own challenges… Unemployment, quality of education, poverty, I have worked every day in and out to try and improve the lives of the American people, and by every metric we have made them better. That is why I am running for President, because its the best way I can serve, how I can make the biggest impact on the most people, I am first and foremost a grateful American just looking to give back.”
The applause line landed and the crowd responded with enthusiasm, he was playing the greatest hits for them.
“Not only am I a strong conservative that knows where we need to go as a nation, but how to get there. I will be constantly unveiling plans on how to reform our nation’s finances, healthcare and education. How to balance the budget and how to keep our military strong, how to fund schools choice and keep the cost of colleges low. I have done this in North Carolina and I will bring this to the country as a whole. All of my policy isn’t just based on labels, its based on what I have lived and what I know. I know first hand how easy it is for the government to take your hard earned money, under a Richardson administration it will get a whole lot harder.”
“I also have a not so secret weapon, my wife Amanda. She is a fighter, brilliant, bold and beautiful, a true mind at work. I could not do this without her support. She is a strong woman of faith, a mother, wife, an intellect, and a true patriot, every day I am reminded how lucky I am to have her as my partner.”
“But the first person I asked if I could run for President was another brilliant woman. My daughter Jessica. Jessica is a big reason why i’m doing this. This is a personal fight for the future my daughter will inherit from us. I want every parent to give their child what I have been able to give to mine, what my parents gave to me. Strong values of patriotism, faith and a personality driven for success, the ingredients that turn American Dreams into American Realities.”
“To do that we need a President that will balance our budget, that will reform and protect our retirement programs, that will repeal and replace the ACA, that fights for American businesses, that supports our military and our global alliances, that helps raise wages, that helps create better jobs and that provides policies that help not just our generation but generations to come.”
“I hope to be that President.”
Another applause line allowed Richardson to collect his breath and shift gears
“This election is about principles, principles held by working people and everyday Americans. Principles that you don’t need to get from the New York Times. These are principles enshrined in our Constitution, principles of faith and hard work.”
“Principles that affect our economy, our foreign policy, our healthcare policy, our border and the very way government works. Principles promised by our democracy, the promise of opportunity for all which is unfilled by too many.”
“We have seen what burdensome overregulation does to our small businesses, over taxation. From the time I was young and my parents ran a small business, to today when I have traveled all over the country speaking to small business owners, their number one concern and barrier to prosperity is always regulation. As I said before the Wolf administration has made great strides in fighting overregulation but we need to work to enshire protections into law that keep the unelected bureaucracy from strangling our small businesses in the future.”
“They want to raise the minimum wage… I admit I wanted the minimum wage raised once too… I was 15 and working a minimum wage job… I didn’t know any better so give me a break.”
The crowd laughs a bit
“Mandating an increase in the minimum wage not only leads to the closing of businesses who can’t afford it like we have seen in Seattle, not only leads to the laying off of countless workers, but stunts the ability to get new people into the workforce. It’s a job killer.”
“I am a Christian, I believe strongly in charity and the importance of helping those in need. If your neighbor is going through a tough time I believe in giving them a helping hand. But sometimes we can do more harm than good. Welfare eligibility needs reform, the kind of reform already started to programs like food stamps, creating basic work requirements for those who have the ability to work. 20 hours a week, if no jobs are available they can do charity work instead. Getting people working is the best way to get them off their feet and keeping them from dependency that can last generations. That doesn’t help anyone… as President I will measure the success of programs like food stamps by how many people we can get standing on their own two feet not by how many more people get covered by it.”
“We as a nation also need to be able to stand on our own two feet when it comes to the deficit. Contrary to the belief on the other side of the aisle, the remedy for spending too much money is not spending more money or raising taxes to 70%. They said ‘trust us’ they said passing the ACA and the Medicaid expansion would magically balance the budget… didn’t happen. Now they are saying taking away your private insurance and let them increase your taxes and somehow it will cost you less and the government less. Just Trust Them”
Richardson wasn’t a particularly mean politician, but throwing red meat to the base was necessary in the 2019 Republican party. The paragraph drew appropriate hisses from the conservative audience.
“Healthcare is the issue most on the minds of American’s today and I do not blame them. But unlike Progressives I don’t believe that putting the government in charge of anything makes it more efficient or improves its quality. We need a healthcare system that utilizes and works WITH the free market, the kind that I have established in North Carolina that has consistently reduced premiums and costs year after year. States need to be given more freedom to design health care systems and exchanges for themselves.”
“When we talk about healthcare I would be remiss if I did not discuss abortion. I never thought I would see the day when states were enshiring abortion to the point of birth in their state constitution. We have democrats who are supposedly part of the mainstream advocating for the killing of babies that have been delivered, infanticide. It is more clear than ever that we must reaffirm our values, that life is sacred and that we have the right and obligation to protect the unborn with our laws.”
“In the first 100 days of my Presidency I will ask Congress to send to my desk a ban on all abortions after 25 weeks except in cases of rape, incest or life of the mother. It is not as far as I want to go, but it’s something I believe we can get done. It will get challenged in court which is all the more reason that we need to elect conservatives not just to the Presidency but the Senate as well, so we can appoint judges who are not just social justice warriors using judicial fiat and essentially writing laws. We need judges that call balls and strikes based on the Constitution, protecting individual liberty for everyone including those unborn.”
The Evangelicals in the crowd enthusiastically cheered the proposal, a major specific commitment that lined up with where the majority of Americans were. Not as far as some wanted to go but it was a big win for a candidate.
“I believe in balancing the budget, like we have done here in North Carolina, reforming welfare to ensure its sustainable and available not just for us but for our children. Its a cliche but we can’t keep kicking the can down the road. We need to get tough on our budget. It is killing our nation slowly but with increasing speed, it will take hard choices that will piss off special interests but it is the only way to save our country and preserve the nation for future generations.”
“Democrats want to solve the budget crisis by raising taxes, heck that’s the first instinct of democrats… if it moves tax it. As President my first move will be cutting needless spending, my second will be reforming failing programs. I have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, no tax increases as your President.”
“As Governor I forged strong ties with Israel, and that is a friendship I want to continue as President, supporting the undeniable right of Israel to exist and defend itself. We need to strengthen relations with our allies, NATO, Israel and nations around the world united in common cause. Let me be completely clear, agreements like the Iran Nuclear Deal are a joke. The treaty, that’s what it is, was unenforceable lip service, immediately violated in letter and spirit, and sealed with secret cash bribes in the middle of the night. It did nothing to protect Israel, nothing to prevent a nuclear Iran. This is no way to conduct diplomacy, that is no way to keep our nation safe.”
“We must lead through the power of our example, negotiating from a position of strength, demanding respect and ensuring peace. We need to stand up to Russia in the Ukraine and the Baltic instead of letting Putin annex half the country like Baharia did, we need to stand up to nations like Syria that use chemical weapons on innocent people, and if we draw a red line we need make sure we enforce it with the righteous fury of the American Military.”
“Ukraine deserves our full backing, supplying them with weapons to defend themselves. In addition we need to work with NATO to expand our naval presence in the Black Sea and expand missile defenses to curb Russian aggression. I am not advocating a new Cold War, but we must act with moral clarity and show our resolute will in the face of tyranny and oppression. Whether radical Islamic terrorism in the Middle East, the rights of Israel to self defense, the nuclear threat of North Korea or an expansionist China we must show American mettle.”
“Let us never forget 9/11 or the lessons learned. Law Enforcement and Intelligence Agencies must work together to thwart terror at home and we must deny terrorists safe spaces abroad. There is no overnight solution to terrorism, Islamic or otherwise. It will require constant vigilance and a network of allies, over time we will win, we will overcome, but we must not accept a bad deal just for the sake of temporary peace. We must seek lasting peace, a true peace that secures our nation and our people, future generations.”
“China is perhaps our greatest long term threat, from the South China Sea to North Korea to the growing influence of the nation in the UN we are challenged by them. They steal our intellectual property and are making inroads in Africa and in our own hemisphere. We need to respond, doubling our efforts to defend on the cyber front, protecting against aggression in the South China Sea strengthening regional alliances, and finally organizing an international and organized economic response to China’s economic foul play.”
“Only by getting tough on China can we stop it dishonest trade practices, stop its aggression and intellectual property theft and stop it constant human rights abuses.”
Moderate applause, the foreign policy section isn’t what most voters cared about and it was probably a bit long and detailed HOWEVER his lack of foreign policy experience required him to show he still knew his stuff.
“We face another challenge on our Southern Border. To the challenge of illegal immigration I give you this simple principle… ‘keep the lawbreakers out’. Our current immigraiton system needs drastic reform and while I do support a path to citizenship for Dreamers we cannot turn a blind eye to those who have broken the law and continue to break the law.”
“Many who cross our border illegally are indeed looking for a better life, I understand that, I respect that. But a significant amount are coming over intent on committing crimes, bringing drugs and violence, the very thing so many crossing the border are fleeing. Without being able to control our border we have no way of seperate the good from the bad, real families with those smuggling children across the border to sell into sex slavery. 20,000 people are trafficked across the southern border every year to be sold into slavery, many of them are children. We need stronger border controls to stop this scourge.”
“Immigration is the foundation of our nation, I believe it is a strength and it always will be. But I also believe a nation without borders is not a nation and that we have every right to make sure people entering our country are good hardworking people and not criminals.”
“The Presidency is a sacred trust, a great honor and a greater responsibility. I want to show the country and the world the best of what America has to offer. American’s live optimistic, positive and confident in the future, a unique American optimism. A nation of immigrants, who came to this country for the same reason my parents started a small business, to create a better life for their family. Americans pursue not just material wealth but the richness of life, the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, religion, speech, self defense, the freedom to build a business with their own hands.”
“Our nation promises the opportunity for a better future. As President I want to help Americans put away just a little more, have a little more to save for college, a little more time to take care of sick loved ones, give a little more to charity. For small businesses, I want next year to be their best year, create an environment where they can hire more workers or give them a raise. I want to help create an environment where a college grad can get a good job and pay off their loans, build for the future instead of trying to dig themselves out of debt.”
“Americans don’t quit, when trouble hits you work harder, do more with less and try to stay optimistic. You deserve better, as President I want to make the good times better and the hard times easier. But in the end, I can’t do anything, the Government can’t do anything, not really… All we can do is set you on the right path, the right direction, THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES ARE GOING TO DO IT. The People! Are going to move us FORWARD!”
Roaring applause from the crowd, setting up an expectation and then coming back on an upswing is another classic rally tactic Richardson enjoyed employing
“Americans support each other, our communities, faiths and families unite us. And while today harsh rhetoric and anger are present on both sides of the aisle, I believe that tomorrow we can become more unified than ever before. “
“I intend to run hard, fight hard, to take a stand and to win. The campaign starts tonight. The Presidency is the most difficult job on earth, I will need all your help to get through it. I ask you all now to share my hopes and intentions, to go with me where I wish to lead. I want to lead the building of a better America, it’s a simple concept but a large one.”
“Our mission, our target. It is a mission the Republican Party has been pursuing since the 1850s, securing the blessings of liberty, protecting freedom and ensuring economic prosperity. I hear the democratic rhetoric today, they see an America in decline, an America founded on rotten principles. I say that America was founded on liberty and good principles, it acknowledged its flaws and gave future generations the tools to make a more perfect union and improve upon it. I say America was founded on idealism and principles that we as a nation have not always lived up to, but we can always do better.”
“I want an America where the only thing that can stop you is the limits you place on yourself.”
“That is my mission, to keep our country moving forward with those ideals in our heart. Thank you all, God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
The crowd roared as Richardson left the stage. He would spend the next hour speaking with people in attendance, taking selfies and answering individual questions, shaking every hand he could.
