September 18, 2007
Posted: September 18th, 2007 09:53 AM ET

Keyes is making a third run at the presidency.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Alan Keyes is hoping the third time’s the charm.

The conservative Republican is taking his third stab at running for the White House.

Keyes announced his candidacy Friday on a conservative radio talk show, saying he was unimpressed with the current GOP field.

“I just have been watching and following and haven't heard what is needed, and I think I'm like a lot of folks, who have just looked at it and been unmoved,” said Keyes, who also said he has filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to formalize his bid.

Keyes is a veteran at running for elective office. The former State Department official during the Reagan Administration ran unsuccessfully for the White House in 1996 and 2000. He also ran for the U.S. Senate in Maryland and in Illinois. That run, in 2004, ended in a landslide loss to Democrat Barack Obama.

Keyes teamed up with five other GOP presidential hopefuls last night at a “Value Voters” forum in Florida. The top four Republican candidates, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney and John McCain did not attend the event.

– CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser

Filed under: Alan Keyes


Master Anonymous, Your State, USA   September 27th, 2007 10:29 pm ET

Alan Keyes is racist he never answers many of his questions with a solution but with "In the black and latino community" he is dodging issues with a RACE CARD it has been used many time in the past but he needs to know equality is for all, not just "blacks and latinos" if he bacame president I would move out of country he is a new Hitler.

Norma Vannoy, Forest, Virginia   September 19th, 2007 7:50 pm ET

This the best political news I've heard in weeks! But why is there practically no coverage by the major networks? I just happened to see a small article hidden inside our local paper. I'm behind him all the way...how desperately we need him – a true statesman of integriby, moral character and wisdom!

Eh Non-Imus, Jah-Merica   September 19th, 2007 2:35 pm ET

Why isn't Jesse Jackson accusing Mr. Keyes of "acting white"?
Or has he?

Robert Kolodzinski, Valparaiso, IN   September 19th, 2007 1:47 pm ET

I am thrilled he will run. I believe he is the only uncomprimised candidate we have.

Dana, Chicago, IL   September 19th, 2007 1:42 pm ET

This man needs to get back on his meds. As a democrat, I saw that the good ole machine in Illinois was trying to make waves with the African Americans and the Republicans that were leaning towards Obama by putting him on the ballot. Being born and raised in this state, you have to know how politics go and he didn't have a chance. I almost felt sorry for the Republicans. He made a plumb fool out of them. Go for them.

Veronica, Stamford, CT   September 19th, 2007 11:48 am ET

Sure, I'm going to vote for a guy who disowns his own child for no other reason than that said child is gay.

Keyes is a joke and should be treated as such.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   September 19th, 2007 8:16 am ET

Hooo Hawww, this guy just keeps coming back for more. He is the standard for what a Republican truly is, a hate filled Bible banging bigot who has an incredibly narrow view of life and the world around him. So narrow in fact that he cant quite see that he is pretty much a national joke. GO ALLAN – America can stand to be amused for a while!!

Trent Hill, Denham Springs, Louisiana   September 18th, 2007 11:53 pm ET

My opinion of Keyes' entrance into the race.

http://conservativela.blogspot.com/2007/09/alan-keyes-to-take-another-shot.html

Jim, Columbus, MS   September 18th, 2007 11:11 pm ET

As a supporter of Hillary Clinton, I welcome the candidacy of Mr. Keyes. If he gets the Republican nomination, she will score the greatest landslide victory ever. The Reagan-Mondale election will look like a close call!

David, San Diego, CA   September 18th, 2007 9:19 pm ET

I love this "injection" of new Republican candidates for the express purpose of diluting support for Ron Paul. As well as the media downplaying him just because the telephone polls are not capturing his supporters... younger people who probably aren't going to sit around on a telephone answering polls.

Bill, Streamwood, IL   September 18th, 2007 7:06 pm ET

If anybody really wants to learn what a true CONSERVATIVE is, pay attention to what Alan Keyes has to say. He isn't one of those namby-pamby neocons like George Bush, Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, Ann Coulter, Fred Thompson, etc. Keyes is the real honest to goodness thing.

When Keyes ran for Illinois Senator(after the Jack/Jeri Ryan fiasco knocked Jack out of the race) he embarrassed the state Republican organization so bad, it is still in shambles (of course they haven't yet realized it).

Needless to say Keyes lost, but he said he would stick around and show IL Republicans how to be true conservatives. There was a collective intake of breath from IL Republicans followed by a long exhalation when Keyes disappeared from sight. To quote a line from a Monty Python movie, "and there was great rejoycing."

My only comment is, if you thought Bush was bad, elect Alan Keyes, you ain't seen nuthin yet.

Bruce, Franklin, TN   September 18th, 2007 6:49 pm ET

The Republicans needed someone to balance out Kucinich.

A Smith, suburban Houston, TX   September 18th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

Remember when that's what this country stood for, Hard work and not entitlements?

Posted By Tom – Dedham, Mass : September 18, 2007 11:15 am

Yeah. the FREE LABOR OFF OF THE BACKS OF SLAVES and the "superior entitlement" and prosperity of whites in America.

You know you really are the original social welfare recipients, right?

The history books don't quite put it that way, though....

Eduardo, Los Angeles, CA   September 18th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

"If at first you do not succeed, you try and try again." I think Mr. Keyes is commendable and deserves respect.

I was born in Cuba and raised in the US. I consider myself an American of Cuban descent. I am also white and a Gay Republican. I would vote for Mr. Keyes but before his securing my very important vote, as with any other Democrat or Republican candidate, I will follow his election campaign; conduct my own research on where he stood on the key issues that are of utmost importance to me and my beliefs.

I am objective enough to consider voting for a Democrat (and have previously done – once). In fact, I am not a Clinton supporter and do not agree with or believe what she entirely has to say (one thing is trying to get in office; another is being there). However, out of all the democrats running for President, I would consider voting for her based on what she has mostly disclosed and which are in agreement with my beliefs. In other words, as long as the candidate's "pros" outweigh "cons" and for betterment of and unification of all Americans, our country and World.

Kudos to Mr. Keyes!

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   September 18th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

If you're keeping score, the joke part of that was 'cabin fever.' Two hundred and forty-six thousand other people called him Uncle Tom already. I'll probably vote for Obama unless he steps on his junk before the election, so don't waste your breath (a) calling me racist (b) expecting PC humor from Georgia.

I really do think Keyes is insane, however. That's no joke.

Karen, Orlando, Fl.   September 18th, 2007 2:15 pm ET

Black, White, Purple, or even striped this guy is a nut job regardless of what color he is

Francis L.   September 18th, 2007 2:13 pm ET

The mere fact that the "so called" Republican frontrunners are blowing off minority sponsored debates show that they are about the usual politics of exclusion.
Mitt Romney, Guiliani, McCain and Fred Thompson have all declined to participate in a debate at predominately black Morgan State University on next Thursday. In this day and age, no person should be elected president that excludes certain people from among those they are speaking to.

Matt, Paris, Illinois   September 18th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Jeff from Rochester.

You don't know anything about the U.S. Senate Race between Obama and Keyes. Since I live in Illinois, I'll inform you:

Obama was leading the previous Republican candidate Jack Ryan during the summer of 2004. Ryan dropped out after a sex scandal was unveiled, and Keyes announced he was running in August of 2004. That's three months before the election...a little bit longer than just "a couple weeks."

Keyes was an opponent of Obama's long enough to claim that "Jesus Christ would not vote for Barack Obama" and participate in several debates with Obama.

Get your facts straight before making yourself look foolish on the blog.

Pat, Huntington, NY   September 18th, 2007 1:31 pm ET

This guy, with his ultra-right wing homophobic platform is sickening. Hope he as the same Ralph Nader effect that perpetual candidate had in Florida, only this time, Keyes takes votes away from rethuglicans.

Ralph, SC   September 18th, 2007 12:59 pm ET

Earth to Keyes:

The Republican Party Does Not Want You as their President or anything else! Can't you see that man.

kathe oakland california   September 18th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Alan Keys???? Who in the heck is this guy. I would not vote for him if he were only candidate running on either side. Come on, maybe I should enter my pet into presidential race too.

Rodney Dallas TX   September 18th, 2007 12:52 pm ET

Seriously? Seriously? Another Republican running? Isn't there already like 75 running?

lavelle, Rochester,Ny   September 18th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

In an open letter to Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, the late A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, asked "What have the conservatives ever contributed to African-Americans? During the last ten years, you have often described yourself as a black conservative. I must confess that, other than their own self-advancement, I am at a loss to understand what is it that the so-called black conservatives are so anxious to conserve." 140 U.Pa.L.Rev. 1005, 1018 (1992).

^^^Exactly People were afraid of Malcom X, Some whites and some blacks. Those who were afraid were those who he called the "Uncle Toms" now If you really understand the meaning of this world then that is who this guy is. Now it could be a negative and it could be a positive for that person who is the "House Negro" The only way its a positive is when that "Uncle Tom" is the one who is benefiting from his/her position. When you are searching and searching for acceptance and just looking to fit in by changing your culture then yes you are that a Tom. However the negative is the people you leave behind. You lose touch with your people. Its hard for some white Americans to understand that, because they see it as giving a "black" an opportunity. But for blacks and the "big picture" guys like Alan and Clearance have done a disservice to blacks from day one. They don’t look to build the people but tear it down along with those who already look to keep blacks in there place. Its sad but its the realities and truth of what really goes on with black people.

Anonymous   September 18th, 2007 12:46 pm ET

That's funny,

Anony, Cleveland   September 18th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

"Keyes is a veteran at running for elective office" (quote from article)

Yeah he also looks like a veteran at losing elections too.

Even Ron Paul and Kuchinch should better than this nazi

Gary, Gaffney, SC   September 18th, 2007 12:40 pm ET

From All The Black People:

Alan Keyes your privaleges as an African-American have been official revoked. Not that you would care anyway.

E.B. Johnson, Spring, Tx.   September 18th, 2007 12:23 pm ET

Hey come on now if the Republicans start showing a bit of diversity who knows WHAT will happen. You may see candidates such as Keyes showing up at Urban League, NAACP, and Hispanic invitations. And I'm sure one thing the Republican right wing machine doesn't want is to have a non-white male trying to run for president.

Mike, NY   September 18th, 2007 12:21 pm ET

His pandering in last night's Values Voter debate was gutwrenching.

You have to wonder who would donate money to this guy. The only reason he's in there is to keep his name alive so he can make more book deals and speaking fees. He knows he's going nowhere.

Patrick, Chicago   September 18th, 2007 12:20 pm ET

To Jeff in Rochester, Keyes entered the Senate race in the spring before the November election, not a few weeks as you stated. Obama did indeed have a much easier time running against Keyes than he would have running against the Republican who was forced to drop out over a sex scandal. However, Obama was already ahead in the polls versus his Republican opponent and in all likelihood would have won the Senate race anyhow. The fact that Keyes is "nutjob from hell" made it all that much easier.

DT, Madison, WI   September 18th, 2007 12:20 pm ET

Patrick in Alexandria-

I agree with your point that such so-called praise is an insult.

However, it's not just conservatives who say that that sort of stuff- just ask Joe Biden (D), who said it was good to have a "clean" and "articulate" black candidate in Obama. Of course, the outrage was suppressed.

Jon, Sacrament ~ Ca   September 18th, 2007 12:13 pm ET

I'm a conservative that genuinely tries to stay informed and open-minded. While I don't agree with many of the positions or statements of Senator Obama, I would NEVER disqualify or discount him because of his race. Further I would say Mr Obama IS a very articulate candidate (not because he is black... but because he speaks VERY well).

Alan Keys is very articulate and I enjoy listening to him. At times I feel I am listening to more of a minister as Mr Keys integrates his faith deeply into his view of life. In the black community (leaders) Alan Keys is better example and more of a Reverend than Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton (even without "Rev" in front of Alan Keys name).

I am appalled at the insinuations and bigotry shown on this blog (uncle tom, embarrassment to African Americans, etc). If you disagree with his politics, religion, etc – fine, but calling him an uncle tom that is an embarrassment to the black community is just racist. SADLY – those comments are being made from people who view themselves as tolerant and likely part of the "progressive" party.

Rob   September 18th, 2007 12:12 pm ET

People don't you see that negativity is the key to winning an election in America. I'm sure the Republican party recruited Mr. Keys as a spoiler candidate. Knowing how he ran his campaign against Obama he slung mud and anger all over the place. Republicans also don't have a good minority candidate but if they can get Keys to go after Obama again they don't have to worry about being called racist.

This is a dirty trick but dirty tricks win the game of chess for some. Republicans want to win at any cost. They focus on negativity to win elections and force staying power through it. Some people in this country have to be mad at someone all of the time I guess. But Mr. Keys God has put a man of class and honor in the game. If you and your Republican buddies succeed in stopping him that’s okay because maybe he was put here to put the seed of hope again in the American people and hope will always prevail. Obama 08!

Getan Pade SD, CA   September 18th, 2007 12:08 pm ET

If he is not elected then will Jesse Jackson say it is racism and America is not ready for a black president?

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   September 18th, 2007 12:05 pm ET

Bill, please don't cheapen the work of soldiers who died for this country by trying to declare that they died so you could use them to stifle discussions. WWII was a fire burning the world, and we put out what we could reach. We were never in danger of being invaded by Korea or Nam, or Granada or Panama. Soldiers are fine people, and we'd be in bad shape without our military, but our freedoms are ensured by diplomacy and treaties and trade as much as by fear of our army.

I've been aware of Keyes for many years, and I sincerely believe that although he is, as you say, articulate and well-spoken, he is also crazier than an outhouse rat.

JB Boston MA   September 18th, 2007 11:59 am ET

Jeannie-
Why is Alan Keyes an embarrassment to the African American Community? Do you say that about 50 cent? How about OJ? These are true embarrassments. I bet you can't tell me one political position that Alan Keyes takes. Look it up and get back to me, maybe you will learn something.

Jermika, Tx   September 18th, 2007 11:53 am ET

Man there's so much comedy in the news this week. First OJ falls for the okie doke (most obvious setup EVER) and now this loon ate some bad Thai food and woke up wanting to be President. This is great!

Keep it coming...

JWH   September 18th, 2007 11:41 am ET

"he was unimpressed with the current GOP field"

Right. No minorities whatsoever was on the GOP side of the field. It didn't represent America as a whole. I bet the GOP BEGGED Keyes to run! LOL!

The Republicans are toast in 2008. :-)

John, Newport News, VA   September 18th, 2007 11:40 am ET

I don't care if this man is black. I do care that he has called homosexuals immoral sinners and has treated them as unequals.

Patrick, Alexandria, VA   September 18th, 2007 11:40 am ET

Bill, why is it whenever a conservative praises a black person they always use the term 'well-spoken'? Is it really that big a surprise to you that you find it worth mentioning?

spraynurdkruger   September 18th, 2007 11:37 am ET

I don't care if this man is black. I do care that he has called homosexuals immoral sinners and has treated them as unequals.

Bob, Somerville NJ   September 18th, 2007 11:31 am ET

Hey Tom, that's a great straw man argument. Instead of criticizing what people actually said, just claim they said something else. Kind of like Giuliani's demand that Clinton take back her words, making it look like SHE was the one who said "General Betray Us."

I don't care what skin color Alan Keyes is. He's a far-right loony... so far right that he actually believes the anti-gay rhetoric and disowned his lesbian daughter. I guess you could credit him for not being a hypocrite, that is, if you were desperate to find something nice to say.

Bill Charleston SC   September 18th, 2007 11:15 am ET

Jeannie in Sacramento,

I happen to be white, and southern, and have been a fan of Dr Keyes for many years now. He would make a fine president. He is one of the most articulate, well spoken people I have ever heard. He brings much to this election, and although his support most likely will not be that of the frontrunners, I certainly hope that his views will be heard.

I don't understand why you call him an embarrassment to the African American people, could it be you have a problem with a black man with other than liberal views?

To all of the others who have used this post to tear down Dr Keyes, I would be ashamed if I were you. I truly hope this is not what our country has degenerated into. Oh, you all have the right to speak your mind, but since you do, maybe you should thank a soldier, for they guarantee that right for you.

Tom - Dedham, Mass   September 18th, 2007 11:15 am ET

Funny, already we are hearing the usual BS from the phony "progressive thinkers" hammering a black man who confesses to be a conservative with the usual bigoted reference to an Uncle Tom.

Do black people have to be pigeon-holed into being liberals or Democrats and since you geniuses brought it up, how has the "lets vote just for liberals and Democrats" thing worked out for the black folks?

Michael Steele is an excellent example of how this hypocracy works, he is brilliant and caring of ALL folks, but yet when he last ran for office he was pelted with oreo cookies by the oh, so progressive thinkers in the crowd.

I don't agree with everything that Keyes represents, but I respect what he has attained in his life, not based on excuses but that tried and true american value, HARD WORK.

Remember when that's what this country stood for, Hard work and not entitlements?

Jeff, Rochester   September 18th, 2007 11:09 am ET

His "landslide" loss to Obama was due to the fact that Keyes was a last minute sub for the original candidate who dropped out. It had nothing to do with Obama's electability. Keyes ran for a couple of weeks before the election. Obama lucked into the senate...he won't luck into the white house.

Al, KS   September 18th, 2007 11:06 am ET

All we need now is Pat Paulsen...am I showing my age? That should pretty well round out the field.

Jeannie, Sacramento, CA   September 18th, 2007 11:04 am ET

Keyes is an embarrassment to the African American people just for getting up in the morning! How could he possibly think the white southern bloc would support him? Of all the inane delusions of grandeur this moron has, running for president has got to be the most embarrassing!

Steve, Phoenix, Arizona   September 18th, 2007 11:03 am ET

He is the Pat Paulsen for the 21st Century.

Terry ...Baton Rouge, La   September 18th, 2007 11:01 am ET

Give it up, already..you don't have a chance ..... seems you just want to get in the headlines....and get whatever money you can from whomever you can.

Josue Romano, Buena Park, CA   September 18th, 2007 10:55 am ET

I don't know you man!

monica, rochester new york   September 18th, 2007 10:53 am ET

Doesn't he have any loved ones around him to put a stop to this madness. I've never seen anyone fool themselves this badly!

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   September 18th, 2007 10:41 am ET

Sad case. My snap diagnosis is schizophrenia, but it could just be a case of Uncle Tom's Cabin Fever.

Mark, Van Nuys, CA   September 18th, 2007 10:37 am ET

It says something about you when the reaction to you becomming a candidate is uncontrollable laughter!

David, Arlington, VA   September 18th, 2007 10:34 am ET

Well said, Jeff. I have no idea why Mr. Keyes is a conservative Republican, although he is certainly entitled to his beliefs. However, if he thinks that he is "like a lot of folks," he's really delusional. Who is he referring to, exactly? Maybe he is a "nutjob from h*ll" (that was pretty good, Josh).

Eric, Orange CA   September 18th, 2007 10:31 am ET

A Black Conservative Republican, the Democrats worst nightmare.

Say goodbye to selling the victim status to African-Americans.

Dan (Columbia, MD)   September 18th, 2007 10:31 am ET

He was funny in the Borat movie.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   September 18th, 2007 10:05 am ET

In an open letter to Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, the late A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr., Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, asked "What have the conservatives ever contributed to African-Americans? During the last ten years, you have often described yourself as a black conservative. I must confess that, other than their own self-advancement, I am at a loss to understand what is it that the so-called black conservatives are so anxious to conserve." 140 U.Pa.L.Rev. 1005, 1018 (1992).

Joe, Florida   September 18th, 2007 10:02 am ET

So sad, he lost to Obama in a landslide. How does he expect to fair against Obama, Clinton, or any of the other Republican contenders.

Landslide! that word may very well be used again in 2008, we will have to wait and see.

josh, chicago, il   September 18th, 2007 9:57 am ET

This guy is a nutjob from h*ll.

Just saying.

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