About Rod D. Martin
Praise for Rod D. Martin
Book Rod to Speak
Politics & Economics
Technology & Markets
Faith & Cultureby Charles Gordon
January 16, 2008
To: Republican Candidates for President
From: Your Friendly Republican Base (most of us, at least)
Date: Now
Re: How to Win our Support
(1) To John McCain: We like your courage and prescience on foreign policy, particularly Iraq. You’re acceptable on the social and moral issues. You repented on McCain-Kennedy (immigration bill); it’s time for a change of heart on McCain-Feingold (campaign finance non-reform). And it’s time to learn Supply Side 101 so you can advocate tax cuts with greater conviction.
(2) To Mitt Romney: You’re saying the right things, from war on terror to tax cuts to pro-family matters. You (sadly) have a “Mormon problem”, but you did a credible job addressing it in that big speech of yours. Your far bigger problem is that many people think you’re a flip-flopper because your opinions have changed. Your answer is to present your life as a series of missions accomplished — first in business, then in turning the Salt Lake City Olympics around, then doing a decent job in governing liberal Massachusetts from the right (more or less).
(3) To Rudy Giuliani: You’re fine on taxes and rock-solid against our foes abroad, but…..well, you know the rest. As your poll numbers showed for months, we cut you plenty of slack. Your turn to reciprocate…… Meet with your friend, Pat (Robertson) and make a list of things you’re prepared to support. Let’s see: Judges, retaining Reagan/Bush Mexico City policy banning federal funding of abortion groups abroad…..And about your marital past: It doesn’t help you with us, but how about talking about moral leadership in the areas where you truly displayed it in New York — keeping your promises and putting the public good ahead of the politically expedient? Don’t say we didn’t try to help you, lad.
(4) To Mike Huckabee: You, sir, exasperate us. You’re smart, articulate, eloquent, folksy, and all the rest. Shades of Reagan. You articulate a moral vision with reassuring ease. We want to like you. Yes, you spent too much in Arkansas, but so did most governors — including well-known conservatives. We believe you might be different if you get to Washington. Maybe…..But what’s with the seemingly Carteresque utterances on foreign policy? Get real, man — you actually have a chance with us if you get your head together on how to fight the bad guys abroad. But honestly — we’re not holding our breath. You’ve got until February to get this right.
(5) To Fred Thompson: So you finally arose from your slumber in that last debate. You’re great on the issues. But you can’t win if you’re asleep. It’s very very very late in the game, so no more snoozing.
All of you are immensely preferrable to the Hillary and Obama Show. And barring the unforeseen, we’re probably going to select one of you……But you’re certainly not making it easy for us.
Rod is one of our nation’s leading minds. He’s smart, original, and very committed—a combination that one rarely finds.
Rod Martin and [former Howard Dean campaign manager] Joe Trippi are America’s two foremost experts on online politics.
Rod Martin is a Reaganite-Thatcherite conservative…[and] a man who has spent much of his life ministering to and working for the benefit of others. I know Rod as an advocate for freedom, a leader who understands the real changes we need in Washington, and who has the drive and ability to make those changes happen.
Rod Martin is the kind of dynamic leader who has the knowledge, ability and experience to lead us successfully into the 21st Century. His vision for America is compelling.
Rod Martin literally wrote the book on excellence. Humble yet brilliant, a man of love and compassion, with penetrating clarity he illuminates the world around us, and we are both stirred and enlightened.
Rod Martin is a born leader and an outstanding political mind. Anyone who takes him on is going to have a serious fight on their hands.
Rod Martin is a man of uncommon vision and character. Ever since I first worked alongside Rod in the early days of PayPal, I’ve been struck by his powerful vision for the future. Rod understands the intersection of technology, politics and culture in a way that few others do.
Rod Martin wears with uncommon grace an uncanny ability to link his vigorous faith to the practical challenges of both the business world and the political arena. Yet the respect he shows for others carries a warmth and modesty that are both too rare among those who are strong advocates of feisty positions.
America badly needs more leaders who really get the future. We need more Rod Martins.
Rod Martin is a modern day philosopher-statesman. He is a capitalist intellectual, a conservative iconoclast, a gentle adversary and a kind prophet. He inspires us towards a fresh national vision built upon the original founding principles.
Rod Martin is not only effective and efficient, but he is also perceptive, wise and gracious. He gets things done. He is a great friend and a great ally.
Rod is one of the sharpest, most gracious men I know, and one of the most gifted political thinkers today. His ability to analyze issues and communicate thoughtful insights on them have earned him the respect of people across the political spectrum.
I am proud to have been Rod Martin’s friend for a quarter century, and I can tell you that he is one of the finest men and most outstanding leaders in our church and in our country today. He has a knack for turning everything he touches to success.
Rod Martin is a cornucopian entrepreneur and eutropic thinker whose influence radiates through an array of companies, institutions, movements and churches. A renaissance American, he is also a prolific friend of freedom and faith around the globe.
If Rod Martin represents the next generation of leaders, America has nothing to worry about.
A leader and a servant, in public life and in private, Rod Martin strides at the top of his profession, and has nowhere to go but up. He is in the truest sense of the word ‘outstanding’.
Rod Martin is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished thought leaders today. He is a wonderful mentor, a humble role model, and a deep inspiration for the next generation of scientific innovators and entrepreneurs.
Rod’s achievements pale beside his character and his brilliance. He sees what others can’t. He leads when others won’t.
Rod Martin is one of America’s finest young minds.