Listing leaders

Last week the London Telegraph compiled lists of the 100 most influential American conservatives, as well as the 100 most influential American liberals.\nObviously, I was more interested in the conservative list, which would’ve looked a little different had it been up to me. For starters, Rush Limbaugh came in fifth place, about four spots too low. Rudy Giuliani ranked first, which is odd given his questionable conservative record and his newcomer status in national politics. Then there was Ron Paul at 96th. He wouldn’t have made my list at all, but if he had to be included, it’s appropriate that he’s near the bottom; he’s not really a conservative and he’s not all that influential (except of course among those who spend 10+ hours a day online). Perhaps most disappointingly, Chase Cooper, a brilliant young conservative columnist for a major college newspaper, was left off the list altogether.\nBut you can’t expect a European media outlet to have a great grasp on American conservatism, and overall, it was a pretty good ranking. Here are some highlights:\nComing in at No. 61 was one of my new heroes, Bobby Jindal, a living testimony to the American Dream. His parents immigrated from India six months before he was born. Now just 36 years old, he’s the new Governor-elect of Louisiana. Jindal ran as an unashamed conservative to become only the third Republican governor in 130 years to be elected in this notoriously blue state. This should serve as a lesson to Republicans: If you want to win elections, run as conservatives and govern as conservatives. Someday I’d like to have the chance to vote for President Jindal.\nMy favorite blogger, Michelle Malkin, ranked 93rd. Her blog, hotair.com, is definitely worth a daily visit.\nThomas Sowell at No. 64 is the number one go-to guy for anything regarding race relations or economics. Many years ago, his writings had a powerful influence on a young, angry, black male flirting with radical liberalism. That young man grew up to be Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, a staunch defender of the Constitution and individual rights and freedoms, as well as America’s 85th most influential conservative.\nIndiana Congressman Mike Pence ranked 19th. Pence is one of the most conservative members of Congress, and his optimism, congeniality and leadership have caused many people inside and outside the Republican Party to take notice. Look for a presidential run in 2012.\nOver on the liberal top 100, Bill Clinton took the No. 1 spot, which must have been frustrating for Hillary, who came in fourth. I’d spend more time on the liberal list, but I’m in a great mood today and don’t want to ruin it talking about people like Michael Moore (No. 7), George Soros (No. 15), Jesse Jackson (No. 44), and Noam Chomsky (No. 63).\nIt’s a great time to be a conservative. The writers and thinkers leading the movement are men and women of integrity, intelligence and humor. All we need now are elected officials in the mold of Ronald Reagan who are able to articulate and implement conservative ideas with charisma and courage.