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House Majority leader discusses the state of the 2012 race, his small business tax cut proposal and more
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But so where are you here and sit here watching Lee University but that -- I should say.
Well we want to -- -- -- today.
Because every four years the students said dug in now hold a mock political convention.
It's always -- convention -- for the party out of power.
So this year's is a Republican Convention.
They have -- well over 17100.
Student delegates up for dissipating.
And it's very much in the Washington -- tradition.
Of encouraging young leaders to speak out on issues facing the country and about the direction of leadership.
I understand his regret not for about a hundred years of -- universities to tell me they may have been enormously as successful in I'd done a fine that was ultimately the nominee.
And all over the course this time.
Who did they vote for -- what did they -- today.
Well they haven't yet taken the roll call and that will come tomorrow.
There were plenty of -- is made today.
Plenty of activities surrounding the actual convention.
Tomorrow will be the actual roll call just before the roll call takes place.
Former governor Haley Barbour will be keynote speaker and and then will be the roll call of the.
States what sort mention -- as a speaker Gingrich understand is not even -- you listen for.
Well he still be part of this process it as a possible nominee by this get -- Yes I think so that Tom the -- different state delegations have been doing a lot of restarts they've been talking to students.
That live in the fifty states.
And so -- territories that participate in the political conventions.
To come up with their suggested.
Votes and in terms of throwing their delegates behind a certain candidate and I do think that.
Former speaker Gingrich.
-- this wasn't our total academic exercise -- -- today you also unveiled a business tax cut is that correct.
Of that that is correct drug Greta when I spoke to the student delegates the -- -- convention.
What I said was this I mean we are going to have.
That very robust debate about the state of our economy in the direction in which we have is a country.
And -- talked a lot about the president's recent rhetoric you know oftentimes the president's talking about.
Fair play and what is fair in terms of our tax policy.
And who pays for the government.
And I also spoke a lot about the president's propose.
Buffett rule that is named after Warren Buffett.
And somehow he is complaining.
These small and medium -- business people with the likes of billionaire Warren Buffett.
And I said we don't need a buffer of Buffett rule we need a buffer rule we've really got to stop the intrusion now more and more government.
Washington's got enough money it's spending.
And we've got to get the fiscal house in order but aiming at number one reducing spending but number two trying to increase the economic activity in the private sector.
And what I said was the backbone of America are ours is our small business people.
And so what I proposed today is a 20% small business tax cut.
That goes right to the hearts of the economic engine in this country which are the men and women who are the entrepreneur -- Willing to go and take a risk if they just get some signal out of Washington that Washington will get out -- way and stop making it's so expensive and so difficult.
Speaking of Washington I'm sure even find this controversy.
Right today here over this contraception issue the president is now I creatively -- combination.
Will that satisfy your constituents in Virginia this accommodation he suggested.
You know I don't think so -- because what we have here is a role by this president and his administration.
That goes after -- really our first amendment rights to the practice of our religion.
As them member of a minority faith in this country.
Obviously the ability to practice my religion is very important to me as it is for everyone in this country.
What's it's what makes part of what makes America unique is the freedom.
For individuals.
And the religious establishments.
-- to do what it is that is consistent with their faith and within the law.
Unless it is saying is that somehow.
Well let me say just about today is president -- has gotten a pick up the -- that the insurance companies.
Will pay for it that they religious.
Institutions don't have to show that the insurance got -- Frank that I don't see the insurance -- -- had been so magnanimous but he does.
How -- how does that work I mean obviously.
You know an employer or let's say Catholic hospital there is forced to then provide access.
Not to contraceptives.
Are up for its employees.
How can not Catholic institution expected insurance company.
To pick up the cost of coverage I mean again it is Washington mandating.
That certain services being provided.
When those services are in contradiction.
To one's faith and that is anathema to who we are in America -- mean that is fundamental first amendment rights that's starting right here in Virginia with Thomas Jefferson's statute of religious freedom here which then translated into the bill of rights of First Amendment.
So I'm very upset about.
The direction this president's taking when it comes a religious liberties we are tolerant people we respect folks right to practice their religion.
March 6 Super Tuesday which includes a Virginia the real primary not to wanna read -- the university where you are.
You have not yet and -- do you intend to endorsed by Super Tuesday march 6 or not and if not why not.
Greta you know I haven't really made that decision not left open the opportunity that I may.
Endorse in the presidential nominations rice obvious this is a hugely important election.
-- this election really is about a choice of the direction our country's gonna take.
And it's important that I think that.
We as Republicans engaged in the debate of ideas as we see in our primaries right now.
But I'm looking forward to our -- and -- and nominate a candidate so that we can present the choice.
Of whether we are going to be.
More like our allies in Europe and become consumed.
With more spending higher occurrence of debt.
To provide.
The ultimate in terms of outcomes.
To people -- just -- the president suggests he wants everybody to have what he deems this fair.
Or are we going to be the country that continues to offer more opportunity based on.
Economic freedom free enterprise and ability part everyone in America no matter where you from to have a fair shot at earning their success.
So in other words some ask -- this this way if if any of the four -- are currently running for the nomination.
Is chosen -- -- -- was -- one of the four you could support any of the four.
Well you know -- obviously I have found some differences with Ron -- of foreign policy.
You know I don't support in American isolationism I believe that there is a reason why.
We've been able to secure ourselves because we believe in freedom.
We you know we commit -- -- men and women commit themselves in the fighting for freedom overseas so that we can be secured here at home.
And do not subscribe to the notion that someone tell me one day.
I'd rather be on the receiving end of a 911 call rather than that -- -- country which has to make the call.
And so I believe in a very strong national defense policies -- have an issue there.
But again I think all of our candidates from an economic standpoint as it relates to the jobs issue and how we can grow this country again.
I think -- -- are fairly.
A much on the same page.
So they are much for joining us some I'm looking for to see what the students do -- tomorrow because they've been that pretty much on the money over the last many decades thank you -- Thank you Greta.
