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Glenn's Show Prep

Allen West prepares to face primary challenge in Flordia

August 13, 2012
Wilson

Writer

Allen West is facing a primary challenge in Florida tomorrow, and Glenn invited him onto the program to discuss some of the attacks he has come under in recent weeks as well as his views on President Obama and Paul Ryan.

Transcript of interview below:

GLENN: Congressman Allen West is on the phone with us now. He's in a primary challenge. I don't know who runs against Allen West in a primary, but somebody is and Allen West is asking for your vote tomorrow. I think this guy is one of the few truth tellers in Washington DC and a guy who will not flinch in the face of real, real trouble, and I appreciate the work that he's done in Washington. Allen West, welcome to the program. How are you, sir?

WEST: I'm doing very well, Glenn, and I can tell you the type of guy that runs in the primary against me is a liberal who's running as a Republican. So, that's typical. I mean, we saw it back in 2010 when we were a candidate and they tried to slip a gentleman in and he, you know　-- as soon as he lost the primary, we never heard from him again. I don't think he lives in south that Florida. So, this is the nature of politics now and　-- to try to get you to waste resources and get you off track, get you off message and we're not going to allow that to happen.

GLENN: There is a　-- the NAACP says that they don't have a problem with an ad showing you punching a white woman. They say that's not racist at all.

WEST: Well, you've just got to understand that, you know, Executive Director Hillary Shelton and really the leadership of the NAACP, they're nothing more than errand boys for the Democratic party and they're going to do anything to make sure that they have a voting electorate block that continues to follow along in lockstep like mindless lemons for the liberal progressive policies and to include Barack Obama, even though you have over 14% unemployment in the black community, black teenage employment over 40%. My wife Angela and I only represent 28% in the black community now where children have mother and father in the homes, but -- and failing schools, let's talk about the failing schools in many of these urban environments, but that's not their issue. They would rather just go lockstep with this march to destruction for the community.

GLENN: Well, but that comes from a racist that would send Chick-fil-A to the black congressional caucus.

WEST: Well, I was there. Okay? And let me tell you, there was not one single sandwich or a piece of chicken or a carousel left. So, obviously they withheld their angst well after their bellies were full six months ago. So, I found it very hilarious.

GLENN: Six months ago ahead and it comes out now.

WEST: Yeah. That's absolutely asinine, but, you know, when it's coming the Huffington Post, they don't have, you know, anything between their ears. So, they've got to look for something to write about.

GLENN: You have been very outspoken on everything that has been going on with the Muslim Brotherhood in our government. I am extraordinarily concerned about this. We're doing another documentary on this at GBTV. It's really disturbing what's happening.

WEST: Yeah. You have to be absolutely right and anyone can go back and read the 1991 exploratory memorandum that was uncovered in a basement in a house in northern Virginia after an FBI raid and it lays down the Muslim Brotherhood's, you know, objective for the United States of America and we have many an umbrella organizations　-- I mean subsidiary organizations that the Muslim Brotherhood is the umbrella for and you have to really be concerned about what you just saw happen in Egypt here in the last 24 hours, where President Morsi has, you know, fired the two cop generals, replaced the head of the military, and has suspended the Constitutional amendment that the supreme military council put in place before his inauguration. So, again, we see that also happening in Turkey where President Erdogan went after the military and its leadership and Comal added Turkey and put the military in charge of making sure that Turkey stayed a secular state. So, you see this movement all across the Middle East toward radical Islamism and a sad thing that we have it happening right here in the United States of America and we have a President, we have an administration that does not want to admit up to it. As a matter of fact, they're forcing the FBI and the military to whitewash terrorist training materials and we still have not seen Major Nidal Hasan brought to trial and I think we're going on close to three years.

GLENN: How much trouble are we in if Barack Obama is reelected?

WEST: I think the country that we know as the United States of America will be on to a decline and I believe that it is the intention of the left to see a decline of the United States global influence and power and just try to manage that decline. When you look at the fact　-- we have $16　trillion in debt. I think the debt is going to continue to grow. This talk about raising taxes on just the top two tax brackets, you already look across the ocean to France and you see a declared socialist President Hollande who is forcing people to leave and this thing called liberal progressive socialism, we've had this discussion before, it's never worked anywhere in the world and why would anyone think it's going to work here in the United States of America? So, this is a turning point for our country. It's a decisive point. The election of November the 6th, and that's why I've got to tell you, I'm really happy that Paul Ryan was picked because it's substance over style and he will force the debate to be about policy and issues which is something the Obama administration does not want.

GLENN: Well, that's what I wanted to ask you about, because about　-- I'll bet you at least a quarter, maybe half of this audience would have liked to have seen you be the pick.

WEST: Look. I've only been in this thing called politics or whatever for, you know, 19 months of my wife.

GLENN: That's a good thing. But what I want to ask you is: What are your thoughts on Paul Ryan and Mitt Romney and try to　-- try to be as little of a politician as you possibly can.

WEST: Of course. You know me.

GLENN: Yeah.

WEST: Well, Paul Ryan is, without a doubt, the intellectual epicenter of the GOP right now. There is no one that can debate him about the budget, about economic solutions to get our country on the way as far as lowering our deficit, lowering our debt, and I think that it speaks volumes that Mitt Romney would pick Paul Ryan because he is truly a problem solver. He is going to really get us back to fiscal conservatism which my biggest concern, without a doubt, was, you know, the Republicans had the White House, they had the House, and they had the Senate but we did not act as conservatives. So, I think that Paul Ryan will force that hand with Governor Romney and hopefully now that when the Romney/Ryan team is successful, you will see a cabinet that the team players around those two that will continue to fight for conservatism as far as our economic standing, energy security, also our foreign policy and national security. So, we need to be able to put together that triumphant.

STU: And just real quick, to see how far we've moved with the Tea Party, I mean, back when Paul Ryan first proposed this sort of proposal, he got 8 Republicans to go along with him on it. It's because people like Allen West have come in to Congress since then that this thing has been taken seriously. It was brushed off by the people who had been in Washington for a million years.

GLENN: I think Paul Ryan is a Tea Party success. I think he can be counted at another　-- would you agree with that?

WEST: Yeah, I would. Absolutely so. I mean, you know, he's the Budget Committee chairman. So, you know, maybe he has to be a little bit careful about, you know, his leans or associations. I don't know, but when you look a his principles, he's clearly in line with fiscal conservatism, fiscal responsibility, limited government, individual sovereignty, and we're going to get him going on the right track as far as understanding foreign policy and national security. I am a willing and helpful resource to them however I can be, but I think we're going to do very well and it's going to be important that we also win the Senate, too.

GLENN: Would you consider a defense department post?

WEST: I've got to tell you, Glenn, for me as a 22-year military veteran, that's the only job worth having in Washington DC for me, to be entrusted with the security of your country, to be entrusted with taking care of the men and women in uniform who many are my friends and still few of my relatives, it would be a　-- that would be a true honor and it would be something that, you know, I unequivocally I would say　"yes" to.

GLENN: Let me　-- you would be Donald Rumsfield in a good way. Everything good about Donald Rumsfield, just shooting straight and saying, Shut up and sit down, it would be fantastic, you in a press conference. How much trouble is the United States in　-- you know, there's this story going around now that Benjamin Netanyahu made his decision on Iran. If Benjamin Netanyahu moves on Iran, what does that mean for us geopolitically? What does that mean for us for the election?

WEST: Well, it says everything about us as a nation if we don't give them our full and whole hearted support because it is not about Israel being able to take that action. They can do that. They're a sovereign nation, but it's about the day after because you have to consider what happens when the Muslim Brotherhood control Egypt now, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran, and then, of course, everything that's going on in Syria. They'll stop killing each other and they'll focus on Israel. So, all of the sudden Israel will be in a multi-front co-integration. They've got to know that they can look back west across the Mediterranean, they can see the gray hulls flying stars and stripes to come to their aid and to their rescue if needed.

GLENN: Which makes me　-- which makes me wonder why Netanyahu would make a decision to move before the election, because are you convinced　--

WEST: I have no idea. I think that, you know, he has to be concerned about the safety and security of Israel, not about the American political scene and the election. So, he knows that there is a clock that is ticking and we cannot afford to play a Sir Neville Chamberlain moment because there is a saying over with your adversaries in that part of the world that Americans have watches but we have the time and so we have to be very leery about each and every day that we give to them. That means they fortify the positions with these underground nuclear facilities because they know the capabilities of our　-- even our upgraded bunker buster munitions and they have the support of Russia and they have the support of China and now they have a local　-- hegemonic dominance with Iraq because, let's face it, Maliki is nothing more than a puppet for Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollahs there. So, time　-- as time ticks away, that brings us closer to a very decisive point for Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel and look. Let's be very honest. The President has gone to speak in Turkey. He has gone to Saudi Arabia. He has gone to speak at University of Cairo. As President, he has never gone to Israel and that is our greatest ally and that's a true teller of where his allegiances lie.

GLENN: What do you think of Mitt Romney on the Middle East?

WEST: Mitt Romney and Israel?

GLENN: Yeah. And the Middle East.

WEST: Well, I think, you know, first of all, he's got to probably flesh some more things out as far as his foreign policy stance and I think that's why it's going to be so important for him to surround himself with, you know, really savvy people like a Bolton, maybe like a General Jack Keen.

GLENN: Can you imagine if he surrounds himself with John Bolton and you? I mean, that would be a dream come true, but, wow, would the press go after him?

WEST: Well, I mean, who cares what the press thinks?

GLENN: I love you. I love you

WEST: The press, you know, they would like to see our influence diminish whatsoever. Look, Americans don't like losers. Okay? And we just saw that in the Olympics. We saw, you know, a record number of gold medals. I think we got 104 medals overall. Americans like winners and I think Americans like winners when it comes to geopolitics, when it comes to our economy, when it comes to everything, and I think that, you know, Governor Mitt Romney has a great opportunity to put together a winning team to put American back on the top. Nobody wants to be the bottom of the barrel and that's what President Obama and the liberal progressives want. I think it really is a reflection of the fact that they don't like themselves, but if that be the case, just stay at home and not like yourself. Don't try to make, you know, this country a country full of losers.

GLENN: Well, I -- again, I don't know why anybody in Florida would be thinking about voting for anybody else, but there is a primary challenge tomorrow and, Florida, you've got to go in and vote and vote for Allen West. He is a guy　-- you know a guy is effective when he is under fire as much as Allen West is and this guy doesn't blink. You want a real fighter and somebody who can actually move things forward and articulate your point of view? It's Allen West and, Allen, it's great to have you on the program.

WEST: It's always a pleasure, Glenn, and thanks for you all you do and I join you, also, and maybe we need to have that national day of prayer and fasting as it says in the 2 Chronicles because we need to make sure we can heal this land.

GLENN: God bless you. Thank you very much.

WEST: Take care.

GLENN: Wow. Obviously somebody is listening to the program. Listen to last hour on that. Allen West, tomorrow, the primary, Florida, make sure you're there. It's one of things that you just feel like, oh, Allen will win. He wouldn't win if you didn't show up.

STU: Yeah. We can't lose Allen west.

GLENN: That would be really bad.

STU: I will veto it. I will veto all of your votes, Florida, if you don't make Allen West win.

GLENN: You know what? We'll go in and we'll just -- we'll punch chads but not all of the way through.

STU: No.

GLENN: We'll make you go through that again.

Top THREE reasons we NEED the Panama Canal

Justin Sullivan / Staff | Getty Images

Is Trump seriously planning a military conquest of the Panama Canal?

In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, Donald Trump launched the Panama Canal into the national spotlight. The canal is one of the most important passages in the world, and its continued operation has been critical for both the U.S. military and economy since its construction.

Since America relinquished sovereignty of the canal, China has asserted its authority in the region. The Chinese Communist Party has been growing its influence in Panama and neighboring Latin American countries, convincing them to join their "Belt and Road Initiative," an effort to poise China as the main economic power in developing nations across the world. Panama in particular is quickly becoming a Chinese puppet state. There are currently over 200,000 Chinese living in Panama, a Chinese company runs two of the canal's five major ports, and another Chinese company provides telecommunication service for a large portion of the canal. The government of Panama has even gone as far as cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

It's clear that the Panama Canal is under serious threat of falling into Chinese hands, but President Trump doesn't intend to let them move in. Here are the top three reasons we need the Panama Canal:

1. The canal was built by the U.S.

Hulton Archive / Stringer | Getty Images

Without the United States, neither Panama nor the Panama Canal would exist. In 1903, after Colombia refused to allow the U.S. to build a canal across the isthmus of Panama, President Teddy Roosevelt devised a controversial plan. He supported a Panamanian independence movement, which swiftly overthrew the local Colombian government. Meanwhile, he stationed a U.S. warship off the coast, preventing Colombia from sending military forces to retake Panama.

The moment Panama declared its independence, the U.S. recognized it and struck a deal with the new government: the U.S. would control the Canal Zone, while Panama would receive $10 million and an annual payment of $250,000. Construction of the canal took over a decade, cost $375 million, and resulted in thousands of American casualties, making it the most expensive U.S. construction project of its time.

Fast forward to 1964 when tensions between the U.S. and Panama over the canal erupted into a riot. President Lyndon B. Johnson decided it was time to transfer control of the canal to Panama. However, this proved more complicated than expected. In 1968, General Omar Torrijos, a known ally of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, seized control of Panama in a coup. Negotiations over the Canal stalled, as many Americans opposed giving such an important asset to a controversial figure. It wasn’t until 1999, following the deployment of 27,000 U.S. troops to facilitate yet another change in power, that the Canal was officially handed over to Panama.

2. The canal is vital for the U.S. economy

IVAN PISARENKO / Contributor | Getty Images

The U.S. relies heavily on the Panama Canal for commercial shipping. Between 13 and 14 thousand ships use the Panama Canal every year, which is roughly 40 percent of the global cargo ship traffic. Additionally, 72 percent of ships traversing the canal are either heading toward or leaving a U.S. port.

The time ships save using the Panama Canal reduces shipping costs massively. For example, when the canal first opened in 1922, it was estimated that a ship’s journey from Oregon to the UK, was shortened by 42 percent, reducing costs by 31 percent. If the Panama Canal was blocked or destroyed, or if American merchant vessels were denied passage, the effects on the U.S. economy would be tremendous.

3. The canal is a key defense point for the U.S. military

Historical / Contributor | Getty Images

Similarly, the canal is key to the U.S. military and national security. The canal shaves off approximately 8,000 miles of the voyage between the Pacific and the Atlantic. If U.S. Navy ships were denied access in a time of crisis, the extra time required to bypass the canal would be disastrous. Conversely, if the U.S. can keep the Panama Canal from being used by foreign aggressors, it would provide a massive advantage in future conflicts.

A foreign enemy could easily exploit the canal's current vulnerability. This was proven in 2021 when a cargo ship accidentally blocked the Suez Canal for a week, paralyzing global trade. Imagine China intentionally sabotaging the Panama Canal, considering it controls ports on both ends, owns a bridge that spans the Canal, provides its telecom services, and has the second-largest fleet of ships using the route.

TOP 5 takeaways from JD Vance's 'Face the Nation' interview

Anna Moneymaker / Staff | Getty Images

After an eventful first week in office, JD Vance wrapped the week up with a bang of an interview on "Face the Nation."

Last weekend, Vice President Vance joined "Face the Nation" host Margaret Brennan, who drilled Vance on everything from the economy to immigration. Vance clapped back with polite yet cutting responses, and he defended Trump against some of her more accusatory queries.

If there was any lingering doubt that JD Vance wasn't vice presidential (or presidential) material, they have just been blown away. Here are the major takeaways from his electricinterview on Sunday:

1. J.D. Vance defends Trump's cabinet picks

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

Brennan opened the interview with a barrage of questions that brought up concerns surrounding some of Trump's cabinet picks, specifically Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard.

Brennan began by questioning how effective Pete Hegseth could be as Secretary of Defence, given that he was confirmed with a tie in the Senate that VP Vance broke. Vance responded with a quick breakdown of all of the issues the military is currently facing. Vance argued that Hegseth's unpopularity in the Senate results from his being a disruptor.

Brennan also attacked Tulsi Gabbard, calling her unfit for the title of "Director of National Intelligence." Vance defended Gabbard, citing her formidable resume and strong character. Vance also discussed the corruption of our intelligence services, which out-of-control bureaucrats have weaponized against the interests of the American people. He expressed his belief that Gabbard would be the right person to reign in the corruption and return the National Intelligence Service to its intended purpose.

2. J.D. Vance explains how Trump's economic policies will lower consumer prices

Brandon Bell / Staff | Getty Images

Brennan pushed Vance on the economy, specifically questioning when prices for consumer goods would begin to fall. Vance explained that within the plethora of executive orders issued by Trump during his first week in office, many were aimed at bringing more jobs back into America, which will raise wages and lower prices. Other orders will boost energy production, which will reduce energy costs and decrease the costs of goods.

3. J.D. Vance sheds light on needed FEMA reforms

ROBYN BECK / Staff | Getty Images

Brennan drilled Vance on President Trump's proposed FEMA reforms, specifically regarding Trump's suggestion to send states a percentage of federal disaster relief funds so that they can quickly distribute aid rather than wait on federal action. While Brennen argued that FEMA has specialists and resources that states would not have access to, leaving people without aid, Vance argued that recent disasters, like Hurricane Helene, have proven that FEMA's current bureaucratic red tape deprived Americans of immediate aid when they needed it most.

4. J.D. Vance defends Trump's mass deportations

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / Contributor | Getty Images

Vance defended Trump's decision to allow ICE to conduct raids into churches and schools against Brennen's criticisms, arguing that law enforcement should remove a dangerous criminal from a school or church, regardless of their immigration status. He also advocated for Trump's proposed changes to birthright citizenship to prevent illegal immigrants from abusing the constitutional amendment by having "anchor babies" on U.S. soil.

Vance also took a hard stance supporting Trump suspension of admitting Afghan refugees. Brennan argued that Afghan refugees were going through a thorough vetting process and were now being abandoned by the U.S. However, Vance cited the foiled terrorist attack in Oklahoma City during Trump's 2024 campaign that was orchestrated by an Afghan refugee, who was allegedly vetted by federal agents. The vetting process is clearly flawed, and it was a prudent decision to halt the admission of these refugees until further notice.

5. J.D. Vance insists that Trump will still reign in Big Tech

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / Contributor | Getty Images

To wrap up the interview, Brennan questioned the Trump administration's stance on Big Tech given the attendance of the industry's biggest names at Trump's inauguration, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Vance assured Brennan that Trump is still resolved to curb the power and influence of Big Tech.

Top THREE reasons the U.S. NEEDS Greenland

EMIL STACH / Contributor | Getty Images

Are Trump's repeated promises to claim Greenland for the U.S. just belligerent imperialism or a deft move to secure the future of America?

During his patriotic inaugural address, President Trump reiterated his campaign promise to expand American territories, including securing U.S. control over Greenland. This is not a new idea despite what the mainstream media may claim.

The idea of buying Greenland was originally introduced by progressive hero Woodrow Wilson in 1917 as an attempt to secure the homeland as America was gearing up to enter the First World War. The second attempt came after World War II when President Truman tried to buy the island from Denmark in another attempt to shore up national security, this time against the Soviets. Since then, Trump floated the idea in 2019, which was met with much the same ridicule as now.

The truth is that the acquisition of Greenland represents far more than just an outlet for repressed imperialist desires. It would be one of America's best investments in a long time, which is why we've been eyeballing it for so long. Here are three reasons the U.S. needs Greenland:

Strategic Military Position

THOMAS TRAASDAHL / Contributor | Getty Images

For the majority of the 20th century, Europe was the region from which a foreign attack on American soil could be launched: the Germans for the first half of the century, and the Russians for the second half. On both occasions, Greenland stood between our foreign enemies and the United States.

After the World War II, America was the official military defender of Greenland, per an agreement with Denmark. Under this agreement, the U.S. built Pituffik Air Force Base, a remote base 750 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Due to its location, approximately halfway between D.C. and Moscow, the Pentagon still views Pituffik as a vital component of America's nuclear defense.

The U.S. also built a secret base within the ice cap known as Camp Century. Camp Century was part scientific outpost, part nuclear-tipped ballistic missile silo built in the ice to withstand a direct atomic strike. The nearly two miles of icy tunnels were powered by a nuclear reactor and were designed to survive a nuclear first strike, and return fire. Although abandoned in 1967, Camp Century still symbolizes the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. security.

Untapped Resources

OLIVIER MORIN / Contributor | Getty Images

While Greenland's population is a mere 56,000, the island has a total landmass nearly three times the size of Texas. According to a 2009 geological assessment, a whopping 30 percent of the Earth's undiscovered natural gas, and 13 percent of its undiscovered oil is locked away beneath Greenland's icy ground. There are also untapped deposits of valuable rare earth metals including copper, graphite, and lithium.

Neither Greenland nor Denmark have any real plans to tap into this immense wealth trapped beneath the ice, but it could prove crucial for ending the West's dependency on China. China has the global market cornered on rare earth minerals- including America. We acquire 72 percent of our rare earth mineral imports from China, making us entirely dependent on them for the manufacturing of many essential goods. Tapping Greenland's natural resources would help free America, and the West, from China's yolk.

Polar Silk Road

mark peterson / Contributor | Getty Images

In 2018 China launched an ambitious project that aimed to cut the travel time of cargo vessels between its ports and European markets in half. China, in collaboration with Russia, plans on developing new shipping routes through the Arctic Ocean. This bold new strategy, dubbed the "Polar Silk Road," has been made possible thanks to new tech, including a fleet of Russian, nuclear-powered icebreakers, the latest of which is capable of breaking through nearly 10 feet of ice.

With clear waterways from eastern China and Northern Europe, it won't be long before the first cargo ships brave the frigid sea and China looks to the next leg of the journey: the Northwest Passage. The Northwest Passage is the area of sea between Canada and the North Pole that would be an optimal shipping route between America's East Coast and Asia if it wasn't frozen over most of the year. But with new technology, we may be able to overcome the challenges of the ice and open the passage to commercial traffic, and Greenland is positioned directly on the passage's easternmost mouth.

Greenland would quickly become a key location along the Northwestern Passage, acting as a sentinel of the east, with the ability to control traffic through the trade route. If China or Russia were to take control of Greenland, they would dominate the Northwestern Passage, along with the rest of the new northern trade routes.

Is Romania squashing its own 'Trump' candidate?

DANIEL MIHAILESCU / Contributor | Getty Images

This week the streets of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, erupted in protest after the Constitutional Courts annulled the recent first round of the presidential election after the "far-right" candidate won.

The government is lying to you. If you have been listening to Glenn for a long time you already know that, and you also know that if you try to call attention to the lies you get labeled a conspiracy theorist or "far-right." This is not only true in America but across the world. Politicians cheat, steal, and grab power, then lie about all of it. This is the root of countless issues across every government on the planet, and recently Romania has become the latest example of this unfortunate phenomenon.

But what is really happening in Romania? Was this an actual attempt to stamp out someone who would shed light on lies and corruption? Or did the Romanian government put a stop to a genuine bad actor?

The Election

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

On December 6th, 2024, the Romanian Constitutional Court canceled the second round of the presidential election amid claims of Russian interference. The second round of the election would have seen right-wing candidate, Calin Georgescu face off against pro-European centrist Elena Lasconi.

The trouble surrounds Georgescu, who stands accused of using Russian aid to run an unprecedented social media campaign that helped him win an election pollsters claimed he stood no chance of winning. Georgescu's rapid rise in popularity on social media does raise some eyebrows, and to add to the suspicion he declared he had zero campaign spending. On the other hand, Georgescu's supporters claim that his quick rise to stardom and underdog victory is due to the growing resentment for the ever-out-of-touch political elite.

Georgescu's Platform

Andrei Pungovschi / Stringer | Getty Images

Georgescu rose to prominence on a platform many of his detractors have labeled "far-right," "pro-Russian," and "populist" (sound familiar?). His positions include supporting Romanian farmers, increasing Romanian self-reliance, and increasing local energy production. Georgescu has been lauded for his message of hope and vision for the future and his dedication to truth, freedom, and sovereignty.

Georgescu is also a vocal Christian and a supporter of the Romanian Orthodox Church. He has questioned the climate change and COVID-19 narrative as well as NATO and the war in Ukraine, which is how he earned his "Pro-Russian" monicker. Georgescu promised to respect and honor its obligations to the EU and NATO, but only to the extent that they respect Romania and its interests.

What Happens Next?

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

After Georgescu's unexpected victory, the Romanian Constitutional Courts annulled the election's first round and scheduled it to restart on May 4th. As of now, it is unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to participate in the new election. This act by the Constitutional Courts triggered mass protests in the capital, Bucharest, and has caused many Romainians to question the state of democracy within their country.

Many of the protesters are calling what happened a coup and are demanding the election be allowed to continue to the second round. They are also calling for the resignation of current President Klaus Iohannis, who has maintained power thanks to the incomplete elections. Georgescu has officially challenged the court's decision and even made a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights, but it is unclear if his appeal will make any difference.