An impressive cast at the Iowa Faith and Freedom presidential forum tonight

By Tom Quiner

I just got back from the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition’s presidential forum at the Point of Grace Church in Waukee, Iowa.

The church was packed. I’d be hard-pressed to estimate the crowd because the hall itself was filled to the brim, and an overflow crowd was out in the lobby listening.

The speakers included former Godfathers Pizza Executive, Herman Cain; Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich; former Louisiana Governor, Buddy Roemer; Former Minnesota Governor, Tim Pawlenty; and former Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum.

I was impressed by each speaker.

Newt Gingrich stood out for clearly defining the critical role of American exceptionalism, that our national values, our belief in God-given rights is the core of our greatness. The entire hall was riveted as he revealed exactly how a Republican President could change the direction of this country through the use of Presidential Executive Orders on day-one of a Republican presidency.

I was impressed with Tim Pawlenty’s executive experience and how much he got done in Minnesota working with (and against) the Democrats.

Rick Santorum has impressive pro-life credentials. He talked about how he launched the “born alive” legislative initiative whereby a baby that survives an abortion attempt would be entitled to medical assistance to save its life. State after state began introducing similar legislation. Only one state senator in the country opposed the law: Barack Obama.

Pro-life advocates have to feel good about this crop of candidates tonight.

Of these, who was the most presidential? Newt Gingrich.