It looks like it is official, former Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore has thrown his hat into the ring and is running for President. I have been involved in partisan politics and public policy debates for over 20 years, and I can honestly say that I have never met anyone as smart and as politically savvy as Gilmore. His background and experience makes him one of the most qualified of candidates.[read_more] Gilmore has executive experience, experience in military intelligence, and he served his country overseas. In addition he was a prosecutor and a veteran, a former Attorney General of Virginia, and a former Governor.
Gilmore has won two statewide elections in the purple state of Virginia. He was elected in all regions and with broad support. Based on his working class background and economic message I am confident that Gilmore can broaden the Republican vote against Hillary in 2016.
We live in a very dangerous world. I would say the threats facing our country today are greater than at any other time in history. We have a hostile Russia bent on expansion, a middle east which is in flames, and Islamic terrorism on the rise. Making matters worse we have a commander and chief who is seemingly unaware of all these threats. For example, writing off a terror group (ISIS) that now controls much of Iraq as a “JV Team.” He also is unsure of whose side we should be on in the case of Syria.
Our nominee will need to be well versed in foreign policy and security issues to lead our country. Our next President will have to be tough and have an understanding of the world we face today, not a silly politically correct worldview that believes blaming America first, convincing Putin that we will be more flexible, and reminding everyone that Islam is the religion of peace will solve every problem. Our next President will need to have the intellectual firepower to deal with this chaotic and hostile world we find ourselves in.
By that criteria I think Jim Gilmore will be our strongest nominee. Gilmore has a strong foreign policy and military resume. The credentials the next President needs. After college Gilmore enlisted in the United States Army, where he was trained for service in Military Intelligence. Gilmore also received rigorous foreign language education at the United States Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, California. Gilmore then worked for three years in the early 1970’s in the 650th Military Intelligence Group.
Wouldn’t it be great to have a President who understands intelligence? And how our intelligence services work?
After 911 Gilmore was asked to head a commission to assess domestic response capabilities for terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. The commission is often referred to as the Gilmore Commission. The Gilmore Commission’s made 164 recommendations to Congress and the President. Of those recommendations the federal government has adopted 146 in whole or in part.
Gilmore cares deeply about foreign policy issues as evidenced by his blog American Opportunity. He writes extensively on the issues facing our country including vital foreign policy discussions.
In 2016 the American people will be looking for a presidential candidate who has experience with foreign policy and national security. On these issues Gilmore is one of the strongest possible candidates the GOP can nominate.
As President of the Free Congress Foundation Gilmore has focused on the need to adopt pro growth economic policies.
Gilmore may be the dark horse, but it is a crowded field and Gilmore’s resume is as strong as any of the other candidates in the field. So he has a decent shot.
Virginia has produced 8 US Presidents. I say make it one more with Gilmore!
Originally posted on The Virginia Gentleman by guest poster David Shephard
Contribute to Governor Gilmore’s campaign here.
