Quote of the day
posted at 10:00 pm on May 10, 2008 by Allahpundit
“The challenge you will face in the next few months is stark. Do you want to remain vague? You might win—but you might find that, in winning, you have a ‘victory of personality’ with no real policy consequences. Or do you want to provide specifics? If so, your victory could be a clarion call from the American people to Congress to join you in achieving your goals.”
Blowback
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What’s with all the big wig Republicans giving Obama advice on how to win?
BadgerHawk on May 10, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Hmm is He challenging Obama to be more specific ? You dont do that by arguing “Vagueness” but rather you hammer him on issues so he has to defend himself.
Obama has gotten a free ride because he acts “different” and challenging him not to “Act dfferent” is a dead end that he will ignore.
Do some harsh attacks like Hillary did and he dangles in the wind and has to take a stance to prevent his position from getting worse. THe mroe shrill and defensive you make Obama the less he seems “Different”.
William Amos on May 10, 2008 at 10:06 PM
If Obama gets specific, he’ll get steamrolled. His campaign is entirely based on 3 words and vague promises.
amerpundit on May 10, 2008 at 10:11 PM
I don’t get Newt. Is he playing both sides to the middle?
Note to Newt: Stop asking me for money. You blew it when you sat on the sofa with Pelosi.
ctmom on May 10, 2008 at 10:12 PM
No one likes the sound of Newt’s voice better than…Newt.
Rational Thought on May 10, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Mr. Newt is being consistent. Remember his idea for long-form debates between the candidates? One of his selling points was that the nominee of either party may win supporters from the other party simply by being straight with them. Frankly, as little as I like John McCain, I am quite open to voting for Obama – provided, that is, I can like what he’s saying. That’s one huge proviso.
sondiehl on May 10, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Democrats can not give us truthful specifics of their policies. No one would vote for them.
If they give us untruthful specifics they risk being busted for lieing. After a few dozen lies voters may, may start to see them as liers.
What is left but vagueness whenever allowed?
allrsn on May 10, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Correct. If Obama starts giving specifics, he’ll be exposed as the far-left liberal liar he is.
amerpundit on May 10, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Everything Newt ever says can be interpreted 4 different ways and contains 3 contradictions to any way you decide to interpret it.
Buddahpundit on May 10, 2008 at 10:17 PM
That’s EXACTLY what I asked myself out loud. It’s disconcerting, even if meant as a strategic ploy. Just leave the guy alone and let him screw things up, please.
timmo on May 10, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Obama has been given a free ride because running against Bush is so wildy popular. Outside of this blog’s readership, 70% plus of Americans disapprove of Bush.
It might be fair to assume that Obama’s policies will be different than those of Bush. It’s said that Cheney privately expected the invasion of Iraq to result in a large increase in oil production within 5 years, driving oil prices to under $20 a barrel. Who could have known that the war would change the calculus of the last 30 years, turning Iran into the regions prominent power and convincing markets that OPEC was no longer able to control oil prices? You could say it was a slight miscalculation.
For many Americans, opposition to Bush is the only detail they need to hear. Hopefully that won’t be a tragic mistake.
bayam on May 10, 2008 at 10:20 PM
I wish all these smart republicans, i.e. Rove and Newt, would stop giving advice to the libs. Let them become a train wreck. The republicans are in a bad state as it is. Why doesn’t Newt become the RNC chairman? I would rather Rove do the job anyway. Newt is probably busy writing another book.
jencab on May 10, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I’m tired of Newt. I’m tired of every “known” Republican “leader” I can think of. I’m tired of all the people currently in Federal office who sold out the party for power and money. I’m sick and tired of them. As soon as this election is over and hopefully the fraud McCain is elected (to prevent the historic disater that Obama represents) I hope the party is taken over by a whole new group of people who will stay true to conservative principles. Leaders who will put the good of the Nation ahead of power and money, won’t be afarid to speak the truth and fight no matter what the outcome.
TheBigOldDog on May 10, 2008 at 10:22 PM
When Obama is forced to get specific, and doesn’t have a teleprompter in front of him, he comes across as a stuttering jackass. Any way of getting him to talk about things instead of just hopey-changiness is good for Republicans.
Buford Gooch on May 10, 2008 at 10:23 PM
It’s Newt. The op-ed isn’t about giving advice to Obama it is about Newt telling us of the good ol days when Newt was in charge. He is O’Reilly with a public pension.
Limerick on May 10, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Obama can’t get specific, if he he does, he’s screwed.
Barack’s whole campaign has been predicated on the MSM and other Democrats letting him slide by under the radar, when Gibson and Stephanopolis dared to ask real questions the left went into convulsions.
He’s already deeply flawed, by getting specific he’d throw himself under the bus.
Speakup on May 10, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Amen
Speakup on May 10, 2008 at 10:27 PM
This is all about Newt clamoring for attention. Very much like other mavericks that come to mind.
Valiant on May 10, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Newt is doing this because he knows that the MESSiah would never do what he says. After all, everyone knows that the elitist libs like B.O. can never, ever, be wrong. And to follow Newt’s advice would be to admit he’s wrong.
thekingtut on May 10, 2008 at 10:31 PM
NO!!! We MUST get him to lay down specifics! If he gives specific policy plans he gives away the liberal plan of direction he wants to take the country in! WAKE UP!!!
Vntnrse on May 10, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Let me “get specific” – to quote him:
Newt Gingrich is a W H O R E.
I don’t want to hear, see or learn anything from that piece of crap.
What’s the different between him and McCain?
The answer:
Indy Conservative on May 10, 2008 at 10:35 PM
“Change you can believe in” means nothing, nada, zip. And, to compare hope to Carter, dooms it right there.
Many politicians don’t know how to age gracefully.
Entelechy on May 10, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Run Indy, run. I’ll vote for you.
Entelechy on May 10, 2008 at 10:37 PM
How diabolical. He’s trying to trick Obama into giving “specifics”, thus causing Hillary to…and Operation Chaos…and then McCain will…ah skip it.
labrat on May 10, 2008 at 10:37 PM
In the last debate btw. Hillary and Barry you saw what happens when he’s asked to get specific, without a teleprompter. Debates are going to be shunned, you watch.
Entelechy on May 10, 2008 at 10:39 PM
Reverse psychology? Ya know The Left is very cospiratorial, so they may think it’s a trick and do the opposite.
SouthernGent on May 10, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Newt’s challenge is rhetorical, designed to help make it clear to those who aren’t paying attention that Obambi’s campaign is entirely designed to capitalize on liberal (youth, elite, and black) emotionalism. Obambi isn’t going to get specific; he’ll get hammered if he does. He’s hoping to ride a tide of emotion to the White House. Once there, he’ll be a run-of-the-mill socialist, and probably sell us out to the Islamists as well.
Obambi has to win all of the Democrats and 60% of the independents to win the election. McCain can stop him by holding on to more of the independents, and draining off white democrats. Forcing Obambi to be specific on policy may help, by showing Obambi to be an empty suit, but in the the end it’s going to be emotion and personality that drive the election.
We’ll see if McCain can counter the lure of the Pied Piper.
MrLynn on May 10, 2008 at 10:50 PM
You know, there are moments where I’m thinking seriously about it.
One of the solution to run is the following:
Everyone of you who support my ideas should vote for yourselves.
Write-in your own name.
If millions of us will not vote for either party, a new constituency will emerge, a new reality will surface and Washington D.C. will realize that it lost its power to the people who rejected those pieces of shit who are wearing fancy suits, who don’t represent any of us.
A new power will emerge representing true conservatism.
Each of you, vote for yourself in November, if you truly believe in conservatism and do not want an concession or any false representation of your core beliefs.
Be honest and vote for who you are, not for the less of two evils.
Indy Conservative on May 10, 2008 at 10:50 PM
if you truly believe in conservatism and do not want
anany concession or any false representation of your core beliefs.Indy Conservative on May 10, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Uummmmmm,Obama will probably take the advice as soon
Barrack can figure out how to inject racism,and identity
Politics in the mix!
canopfor on May 10, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Do you like the Republican Party?
Does it really represent you?
Do you think any of those Washington elites represent your conservative beliefs and values?
Do you believe that America is tilting to the left?
Do you want to change America?
Do you want your country back?
Then vote for your core beliefs.
Vote for yourselves.
Do not be deter by those who tell you that it’s useless, it’s symbolic, it’s a waste of vote or it will benefit the other party.
Do not listen to your detractors, listen to your conscience.
Be honest with yourselves.
You can make a difference, trust me.
Your vote will not go unheard.
Change will start only if you do something about it not just complaining on a blog.
Go ahead, vote for yourself in November.
I will.
Wake up my fellow Americans!!!!
Indy Conservative on May 10, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Yeah, no.
- The Cat
MirCat on May 10, 2008 at 11:22 PM
TheBigOldDog on May 10, 2008 at 10:22 PM
From where will this leadership come?
I’m afraid that type of character will not sprout from today’s current breeding ground. I suspect it will take a disaster of revolutionary proportion to fertilize the soil for those type of individuals to sprout.
Saltysam on May 10, 2008 at 11:26 PM
i dont understand newt, BUT when he plans an election, he steam rolls his competition. the question is, is newt planning for 2012?
custer on May 10, 2008 at 11:26 PM
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on May 10, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Thew only advice Obama needs is:
admit you’re unqualified schmuck and drop out of the race.
profitsbeard on May 10, 2008 at 11:53 PM
I assume this is meant as a joke, right?
When has any Communist gained power and then thought, “Oh woe is me, I haven’t been honest enough with the people to impose my will upon them!”
I don’t know if it ever worked that way, but it sure as Hell doesn’t work that way now. Especially since today’s Communists even lie about what they ARE, let alone what their end game is.
logis on May 10, 2008 at 11:54 PM
What Newt said is brilliant beyond any partisan politics. Let Obama articulate some plan of action that if elected he’ll implement as much as a President can implement any plan of action. There are some issues on which the right-wing is wrong. If Obama can rectify those areas where the right wing is wrong while not making worse leftist mistakes, then more power to him. I admit that I have my doubts about the wisdom of Obama. Still, I’m more than willing to listen before condemning–as long as I’m allowed to condemn if Obama’s idea are as bad as his statements on foreign policy have been thus far.
thuja on May 10, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Excellent point. There are millions of fellow airheads out there willing to give an empty suit every benefit of the doubt. And if they’ve have happily waited this long to hear the first inkling of what (oh, by the way) Obama intends to do if elected, what on earth makes anyone think that’s going to magically change between now and November?
logis on May 11, 2008 at 12:02 AM
He’s not really giving advice to Obama, you know. He’s trying to tell the freaking Republican Party to get its collective head out of its *ss and get back to core principles. By speaking to Obama, everyone listens (and it did work, didn’t it?)
fabrexe on May 11, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Heh. Can’t do that. Legal citizen, but naturalized. Not born here.
Entelechy on May 11, 2008 at 12:48 AM
You are so foolish Gringo Lady as you probably did things the hard way while smart people like my great Mexican people just walk across the border. So Easy. I’ll bet that you don’t have a press 2 or even 3 or 4 for your native tongue either. Ha ha ha.
VinyFoxy on May 11, 2008 at 1:00 AM
The so-called “leaders” in our Party are so crappy that I doubt that we will be able to fix this mess until they’re off the scene. I include Gingrich who is so compromised and unpopular that he is poison to our party.
More to the point –
Look at that asshat of a candidate that has been foisted on us. He attacks his own party and the people who have been working their tails off to keep it in power. Nothing like this has ever been seen before. What sort of leader viciously attacks his own main supporters? And how about all that lying on immigration? And AGW? Where are his coattails for other candidates?
What a disgrace this party has become. It is shameful and disgusting how small-minded and greedy our leaders have become. Absolute scum…
TexasJew on May 11, 2008 at 1:15 AM
As for Republicans giving Obama advice, look what a mess the Republican party is in these days. Maybe they should keep talking.
I’m seriously wondering whether I can vote for Juan McCain. It seems to me the best message to send the Republican pooh-bahs is we won’t vote for open-border liberals. How will they get the message if we vote for them? So do I vote 3rd party or just not vote for president this time and just vote local and state?
deewhybee on May 11, 2008 at 1:19 AM
I am totally sick of everyone’s opinions! I’m sick of Newt, who had us believing he would run, but just now gives advice to others and tries to sell books and recalls the good old days. Him sitting with Pelosi was a pretty wretched scene.
Right now, everyone seems incredibly insincere. This campaign has got to be the longest and most sickening to date.
Oh yeah, I’m sick of Dick Morris too, if you asked him how the weather was he’d talk about Hillary.
I guess I’m at the point that everyone is played and I wish the whole election was over, or someone woke me and told me this was all a bad dream. Problem is, it isn’t a dream and it’s scary.
Conservatives R Us on May 11, 2008 at 2:13 AM
…and, would those words be: “hope,” “change,” and “racist!” ?
I also wish Rove, Gingrich and all would stop “offering advice” to Obama…it seems more like they’re tentatively applying for jobs.
Lockstein13 on May 11, 2008 at 4:19 AM
Newt wants attention and apparently he’s willing to get it any way he can . . . even at the expense of the Republican Party and it’s standard bearers.
rplat on May 11, 2008 at 7:30 AM
That won’t do anything but throw conservative votes to the wind, making it easier for the Democrat to win: a wasted vote.
If you want to start a new party, you need to begin at the local level: school board, village, town, city; then state, and when you’ve built a local infrastructure, tackle the Presidency.
A new party is a good idea. Call it the Conservative Party, or the Constitution Party, or something. But if you start at the top down and by some fluke actually elected a President, he’d be unable to govern without a single member of Congress on his side.
MrLynn on May 11, 2008 at 7:54 AM
Self-flagellation returns nothing but pain and you must fight battles with the weapons you have. Dreaming of some utopian conservative future will achieve nothing in this election.
rplat on May 11, 2008 at 8:05 AM
FOX News Network has become a convenient platform for Gingrich to peddle his books and to assert himself as a spokesman for the “new” Right. If not for FOX, he would be a mere historical footnote – and that would be best for everybody.
whitetop on May 11, 2008 at 8:14 AM
Amen and Amen.
abcurtis on May 11, 2008 at 8:28 AM
Newt is spot on. We need to demand the candidates answer real questions that are facing this nation. Hopefully Americans can analyze the answers and make rational decisions. As it is, people listen to sound bites and think stating hope, change, and taking the country back means something. The liberal run media must be taken to task and ask real questions and demand real answers. Anything less and we will be staring at an Obama presidency.
trs on May 11, 2008 at 8:32 AM
I understand your sentiments and share your frustrations, but I’m not willing to cast any vote that will help Barack Obama get elected President of this great nation. We face too many dangerous enemies in the world, and we cannot afford to be dealing with them from a position of weakness. I’ve lived through one disastrous Carter presidency, and I’m not about to sign up for a second one.
AZCoyote on May 11, 2008 at 9:20 AM
We’re at that point, alright.
Since we have to fill in the blanks with our own efforts, while we grind away in this ridiculous world…
CHANGE TO BELIEVE IN…at best, Pinocchio wanting to become a “real” boy to please the worn American citizen Giuseppe longing for a son to grant the great American Dream Legacy. Newt, the fairy godmother, tells Pinocchiobama that he must pass the test of humanity by telling the truth. In our contemporary charade, Pinocchiobama is accompanied by the braying jackass Jimmy Crack Corn Carter. There is no Jimminy Cricket here, as Pinocchiobama squished him dead to bury the truth. Pinocchiobama will not become a “real” boy; instead, he will convert us to become marionettes in his own fashion, dancing to the Pied Piper Marx tune. We are all forced to pay for the marionette party, there is no choice. To get anything from the marionette party, we must assimilate. Resistance is futile.
maverick muse on May 11, 2008 at 9:51 AM
I’m not voting for Sen. Body Odor.
I’m not voting for Sen. burn you alive Clinton.
I’m going to continue barraging the old vet to listen!
maverick muse on May 11, 2008 at 10:00 AM
This is a Presidential election; you can get in as much trouble for what you have not said as you can for what you have said. Any comment or silence on any possible topic can be inverted, perverted, conflated, rejected or espoused temporarily.
McCain vs Obama. My head is hurting. Time to lie down.
Doug on May 11, 2008 at 10:11 AM
One problem and one fact: Bush is not running and McCain is.
As much as the Dems will try to paint McCain as “Bush’s 3rd Term”, it doesn’t pass the giggle test upon inspection.
McCain, the “Maverick”, can hardly be an extension of the current administration other than the party affiliation. So much for “the love” shown McCain by the Left when it comes down to the race for the top political job in America.
Sources are needed.
Tells you something about them, doesn’t it?
eanax on May 11, 2008 at 11:12 AM
When will Newt write a letter to McCain?
cannonball on May 11, 2008 at 11:24 AM
You know, I sometimes think it won’t matter a rat’s a$$ who gets elected President in November as Congress is so screwed up nothing will get done anyway.
Then I worry about two things; taxes and the Supreme Court. A Democratic white house and congress will raise our taxes. Period. However, legislation can be undone.
A Dem President though with a Dem Congress can seat liberal judges that can never be undone. That fact alone will make me hold my nose and pull the lever in November for McCain.
BacaDog on May 11, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I think it is called goading.
traderdfw on May 11, 2008 at 12:20 PM
I’d say he was trying to goad Obama into sticking his foot in his mouth…again.
traderdfw on May 11, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Heh.
Newt to Obama: Step up punk. We will grind your “change” to powder.
Theworldisnotenough on May 11, 2008 at 12:31 PM
I save as momento an email from the RNCC mailed 03-27-08 titled The Time is Now to Protect Our Borders. This wierd yet insulting mailing screams about the scourge of drugs ravaging America from over the border and asks my support, then goes on to describe the bill as
The basic assumption that I am that much of a
foolwilling tool for their manipulations is breath taking. Call me a cracker but I think they called me a jackass in that email. I am waiting for an email complaining the fence has not been built.The arrogance of both parties is breath taking. Lettuce head globalist on the right. Weatherman black-nation globalist on the right. Both backed by goons who will flatten anyone in their way while Newt prattles on.
Newt has been pushed out of the power circle. The big guys call him a has-been. If Newt wants in he has to stop being Aunt Minnie and start being a politician again.
Newt, you are sipping tea while they trash the nation
entagor on May 11, 2008 at 12:34 PM
correction
Weatherman black-nation globalist on the
rightleft.entagor on May 11, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Why so many Newt bashers? He’s just getting specific with what is wrong with Barry. Some of you act as if Barry is really going to listen to what Newt has to say. He won’t. Barry’s gotten this far without getting specific. Why change the change?
However, it does point out Barry’s problems, complete with history of Carter’s administration. If anyone pays attention to that article, it just might be the Dem’s who voted for Reagan.
Read the article again, with different eyes and you’ll see he’s right. You could also apply that article to McCain.
moonsbreath on May 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
What makes anyone think BHO will listen to this guy anyway.
Elitist’s always think their way is correct.
Does McCain really want to win? If so, he is the one who will defeat BHO, not some washed up Speaker no one listens too!
How many debates before the General? I say once a week ought to do it! BHO is bound to screw up more.
relpayme on May 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
We’ve had “W” advising Hillary (link), Rove advising Obama (link2)
And now Newt has fully revealed his Rino roots. Just goes to prove that winning is way down on the list of priorities for the loser GOP Hierarchy, of which there can be no doubt now that Newt is firmly part of.
These above mentioned losers have already resigned themselves to loss. And they’ve all had a significant hand in bringing the GOP to this point of devastation. Darvin Dowdy
Darvin Dowdy on May 11, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Great.
Newt is just lining up to be our losing candidate in 2012, after our present stupid bastard “candidate” blows 2008.
TexasJew on May 11, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Neeeewt, Methinks thy cup of ego doth runneth over.
Newt gets the Carter Award, Conservative Edition, for being a raging elephant that needs to simmer down.
Hening on May 11, 2008 at 1:51 PM
Newt demonstrates that special kind of cowardice that thanks to his leadership, is growing among republicans.
Maxx on May 11, 2008 at 2:13 PM
I love how everyone flipped out on one of the architects of our ascendancy.
Its like when Goldwater got all gushy towards the end and everyone tried to explain it away.
Whah…
Squid Shark on May 11, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Have you folks all forgotten about Newt’s “Contract on America” in 1994?
My thought would be; BHO ought to stay as far away from any idea Newt has possible…!
J_Gocht on May 11, 2008 at 5:41 PM
The architect flipped out. Big difference
Hening on May 11, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Newt changing his stance on various issues that were formally cast as his legacy have lessoned him in my eyes. I used to think the guy could walk on vast waters. Today I think it must have been puddles.
I spent yesterday afternoon pulling copies of numbersusa voting records, from those running for president to the members of the House and Senate, and sending them out to people I know. I enlisted the help of 3 other people and we split the country up. On illegal immigration both Clinton and Obama got a score of D-, while McCain got a D. With those kinds of grades how can we say any of them are ready for office…of interest is that Maxine Waters has a better score than HRH Pelosi in California. We’ll be doing some research into the governor’s races as well. It’s not much, but every vote counts – for everything from the county level up to the presidency.
24K lady on May 11, 2008 at 6:50 PM
It’s not much, but every vote counts – for everything from the county level up to the presidency.
24K lady on May 11, 2008 at 6:50 PM
I luv your commitment…!
J_Gocht on May 11, 2008 at 8:09 PM