The lesson for Republicans: They didn’t learn the lesson of 2006
posted at 7:30 am on May 14, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Special election races for Congress have arguable value as bellwethers for upcoming general elections. Mostly these races get decided on local issues rather than national themes, as in Louisiana, where the Republicans ran a lousy candidate, considered the only person who could have lost the seat. They do demonstrate the strength of national party efforts, though, and when one party loses three special elections in districts previously thought safe, that sends a message — and rightly has Republicans worried about their chances in November:
A Democrat won the race for a GOP-held congressional seat in northern Mississippi yesterday, leaving the once-dominant House Republicans reeling from their third special-election defeat of the spring.
Travis Childers, a conservative Democrat who serves as Prentiss County chancery clerk, defeated Southaven Mayor Greg Davis by 54 percent to 46 percent in the race to represent Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District, which both parties considered a potential bellwether for the fall elections.
Democrats said the results prove that they are poised for another round of big gains in the November general elections, and they attacked the Republican strategy of tying Democrats to Sen. Barack Obama, the front-runner for the party’s presidential nomination, saying it had failed for a second time in 10 days in the Deep South. Democrat Don Cazayoux won the special election for a GOP-held House seat in Louisiana on May 3. …
The Childers victory was the latest setback suffered by Republicans, who began the string of defeats in special elections when Democrat Bill Foster claimed the seat of former House speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) in March.
President Bush won Mississippi’s 1st District by 25 percentage points four years ago, and Roger Wicker (R) won reelection with 66 percent of the vote in 2006. Wicker was appointed earlier this year to the Senate seat vacated by Trent Lott, who quit just one year into his six-year term to become a corporate lobbyist.
Why the panic? Even heavily Republican districts have given the GOP a slap in the face. Not even attempts to tie Democratic candidates to Barack Obama — unconvincing attempts at that — brought Republicans to the polls for the special elections. Democrats out-motivated, out-organized, and out-performed Republicans. And with a huge gap in fundraising between the DCCC and the NRCC, that appears to presage the general election in many more districts.
The lack of motivation comes from a disgust with a Republican Party that still hasn’t learned why it lost the majority in 2006. They lost those mid-term elections not because voters stopped supporting conservative principles, but because the House GOP stopped supporting conservative principles. Look at who won these special elections; they’re all Blue Dog Democrats, running in support of conservative themes such as gun rights. Now look at the Republicans who last held those seats, such as Hastert and Wicker — Republicans who spent other people’s money on waste and personal ambition.
Did the House GOP caucus take a hard line on pork-barrel spending or adopt policies to cut federal spending? No. Republican voters and conservative pundits begged the House and Senate caucuses to make dramatic breaks with the previous six years and adopt real conservative policies of fiscal responsibility and federalism. What did they do? They offered to stop earmarking only if Democrats followed suit, a deal everyone knew would never take place. Instead of appointing one single anti-pork activist to the House Appropriations Committee in Jeff Flake, they appointed Joe Bonner, a good Congressman but a well-known earmarker, and mostly because Flake’s anti-pork crusade irritates his colleagues.
John Boehner, the House Minority Leader, issued this warning:
The results in MS-01 should serve as a wake-up call to Republican candidates nationwide. As I’ve said before, this is a change election, and if we want Americans to vote for us we have to convince them that we can fix Washington. Our presidential nominee, Senator McCain, is an agent of change; candidates who hope to succeed must show that they’re willing and able to join McCain in a leading movement for reform. We need to stop wasteful Washington spending, fight and win the war on terror, and stop the largest tax increase in history. That is truly the change the American people deserve — and that is a message on which we can succeed.
Unfortunately, the Republicans have to take action to build credibility as reformers. Every step of the way between 2006 and now, they have chosen as a group to go in the opposite direction. The failure to appoint one single reformer to the lion’s den of wasteful spending shows that the GOP never learned its lesson from 2006, and now will suffer even greater consequences in 2008.
Get ready for the deluge. The next Republican leadership group had better learn the lesson of 2008 a lot more quickly than two years after the fact.
Update: It was Joe Bonner who got appointed to Appropriations and is an earmarker. Jack Kingston was pushing Flake for the job. My apologies to Rep. Kingston.
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Bush shot and gutted the GOP, now McCain is going to make
sausagechorizo from the offalTheSitRep on May 14, 2008 at 7:37 AM
Sorry, boehner, you and mccain are part of the problem. Mitt Romney would have been an agent of change but you politicians didn’t want someone coming in and upsetting the apple cart and ruining the spoils system you’ve got going. The republicans need to take a beating for the conservatives to wake up and mobilize the country. Anything the democrats will give us sooner, the republicans and democrats would have given us eventually.
peacenprosperity on May 14, 2008 at 7:42 AM
It’s going to be an interesting four years.
JellyToast on May 14, 2008 at 7:43 AM
It’s to late. I think you are beginning to see the collapse of the Republican party. If the conservatives walk away and talk the big money donors with them, it’s all over.
evilned on May 14, 2008 at 7:46 AM
I’m just about at the point where I would rather a democrat be elected than a republican. At least there would be no expectation of conservative principals being upheld. After voting to reelect Trent Lott, I have lost just about all my faith the GOP is even salvageable
Krychek on May 14, 2008 at 7:46 AM
What a joke. The entire Republican Party has become a joke, and a bad one at that. Are you kidding? After failure in 2006 and all of the signs of complete failure in 2008, they continue to try to become more like the Democrats. The Republicans are going to lose and lose badly this fall because they are nothing but cowardly politicians who want nothing but their own brand of giant government. And people on this site call me a Paultard, or Ronulon, or Paulbot, etc. Call me what ever you want but I’ll be damned if I would be treated like a b&^ch by the Republican party like most on this site. I have said this before, but I WILL NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN THIS FALL because he has not earned my vote. But you all should vote for him because if you don’t, Obama or Hillary might win. And then, don’t blame the disgusting politicians from Washington who will beg Saudi Arabia for oil but won’t let us get our own, blame people who don’t have battered wives syndrome and did not vote for McCain. It’s our fault.
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 7:50 AM
That Boehner thinks McCain to be part of the solution that will appeal to a dispirited GOP base further shows that even he, despite his warning alarm, doesn’t get it.
Midas on May 14, 2008 at 7:52 AM
Good Lord, how can these people possibly be so obtuse and — what is the word — unoriginal? McCain has been in Washington for the past 26 years and the change he’s wrought has not been for the better.
Can the Republican part really be that bereft of ideas?
Don’t answer that.
BigD on May 14, 2008 at 7:57 AM
It’s going to be an interesting four years.
I think the adjective you’re looking for there is “painful”.
RWLA on May 14, 2008 at 7:59 AM
I remember when they were selecting the Minority leaders in 2006. We begged, we pleaded, we called, we emailed for the RNC to put someone young - new - with energy in.
But nooooo! (Mike Pence’s name came up a lot.) They just had to put in Boehner and I can’t even remember who they put in in the Senate. They just don’t get it.
They send me letters for money and after turning a deaf ear on this and more importantly on AMNESTY, they expect me to give money???
Hummm, maybe the illegal immigrants aren’t contributing much to the RNC…. geee, who’d a thunk.
stenwin77 on May 14, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Here’s to another 60 years of living in a Democratic society.
ZK on May 14, 2008 at 8:00 AM
And then, don’t blame the disgusting politicians from Washington who will beg Saudi Arabia for oil but won’t let us get our own, blame people who don’t have battered wives syndrome and did not vote for McCain. It’s our fault.
You can’t see it, but I’m standing and applauding you, King of the Britons.
RWLA on May 14, 2008 at 8:01 AM
Well, to be fair, the House GOP was pretty good on immigration. I think you’re remembering the Senate.
Ed Morrissey on May 14, 2008 at 8:01 AM
I am a life long conservative who has been agonizing over the upcoming election. I am convinced the republicans will lose and Obama will end up president with Congress also gaining democrat seats. The blame is to be placed squarely on the republican party for turning its back on conservatives and voting like democrats. God help this country for the next four years. I will not vote for McCain as that would only perpetuate the problem. I will probably vote for Barr just to send a message. I also will not support the RNC and the bitterness that has been done will last a long time.
trs on May 14, 2008 at 8:01 AM
peacenprosperity on May 14, 2008 at 7:42 AM
Exactly…. A Republican Governor recently lectured us on how we must “move on” from the Reagan era; Trent Lott recently lectured his fellow colleagues on how “something must be done about talk radio; now we have McCain lecturing us on how “man made climate change” must be dealt with by putting steep regulations on our nations industries, with no plans for drilling for our own oil, and no plans for dealing with open borders and tens of millions of illegals flooding into our country.
John McCain has stuck his thumb in the eyes of Conservatives for the past decade, every chance he has had. Lindsey Graham will go down in defeat for his back stabbing ways when his turn comes around.
What to do? Wait for the GOP top come around and re-tool with true Conservatives, or start a third party now.
Keemo on May 14, 2008 at 8:03 AM
I am a life long conservative who has been agonizing over the upcoming election. I am convinced the republicans will lose and Obama will end up president with Congress also gaining democrat seats. The blame is to be placed squarely on the republican party for turning its back on conservatives and voting like democrats. God help this country for the next four years. I will not vote for McCain as that would only perpetuate the problem. I will probably vote for Barr just to send a message. I also will not support the RNC and the bitterness that has been done will last a long time.
I’m standing and applauding trs as well. Get some, kid!!
RWLA on May 14, 2008 at 8:03 AM
They still have not learned anything. They just don’t like losing and being broke.
Valiant on May 14, 2008 at 8:05 AM
This may come as a shock to many on this site, but believe it or not, most Republicans are nothing better than politicians. Their number one goal is reelection. Somewhere, far below the first priority, is principle. So when it comes to doing what is right or getting reelected, as we have seen over the years, Republican politicians choose power over principle almost everytime. What is truly sad is that people continue to buy it. It is like feeding a tiger, then being surprised that it bites you and then blaming the tiger.
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 8:12 AM
Don’t worry, soon enough Flake may make it to that committee by default.
And all the other committees, too.
James on May 14, 2008 at 8:13 AM
Clueless.
arkansasmike on May 14, 2008 at 8:13 AM
“Can the Republican part really be that bereft of ideas?”
I get it! Hope, dreams, and change must be the rhetorical answers to all our problems while the public is swallowing these “promises” hook, line and sinker.
Congress: “We promise to reduce your price at the pump by .07 cents if you’ll vote for us in November” What a joke!
Quote of the Day from Dirty Harry: But Senator Harry Reid, Democrat of Nevada and the majority leader, said it was too late for “us to produce our way out of the problems that we now have.” link
Liberalism at it’s finest.
Rovin on May 14, 2008 at 8:14 AM
Absolutely bloody lovely,and the consequences
of this pickle is the casualty of The War on Terror!
With the help of the Liberal MSM,Democrats are going to make dam(n) sure during this election that the main
talking points will be the race card!
If theres a Liberal President,its going to signal to
the Jihadys that the liberal party are all talk,and
no action,talk about a clear and present danger!
canopfor on May 14, 2008 at 8:14 AM
I think this whole “Change we Deserve” idea should apply to the idiots running the Republican Party.
With that said, if the Dems have control of everything, this country is going to be royally screwed. Judges, economy, foreign policy, forget it. I really dispise McCain, but I’m still voting for him.
WisCon on May 14, 2008 at 8:15 AM
I’m bailing. Screw em. Maybe I’ll vote for Bob Barr.
BJ* on May 14, 2008 at 8:18 AM
Except for the Ron Paul connection, my sentiments exactly.
Paul is as big a circus sideshow freak as McCain, Obama & Clinton(s) are.
I am not planning on taking any vacation the next four years because the know-it-alls in DC will take my discretionary spending from me. Besides, where could I go? The islam-o-facists will be given all the best places.
Either that or I will have to learn spanish to enjoy America–oh wait, to live in America.
TwinkietheKid on May 14, 2008 at 8:20 AM
Battered wives syndrome at its best.
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 8:22 AM
When I think of the republican/rinos we are so unfortunate to have dominate this once great party, I always think of the Shania Twain song “Dance with the One That Brought You”
Krychek on May 14, 2008 at 8:24 AM
Lesser of two evils, pal, let me know how you feel after 4 years of a Marxist in charge.
WisCon on May 14, 2008 at 8:24 AM
Will I be able to tell the difference? I doubt it.
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 8:30 AM
It’s become a systemic problem. Congressmen sell their votes. And, in general, someone who doesn’t want money is not going to pay decently for a vote. K Street pays for congressional campaigns and works on congressional campaigns. K Street even writes the laws and then gives them to the congressmen to pass. Why should I vote for a Republican for congress when few of them have conservative convictions. My God, they’re running a Rino for president. Maybe if the Democrats take over for a while people will begin to see that Democratic congressmen are owned by big business and K Street to the same degree as Republicans. Maybe. But voting for Rinos hasn’t done anyone any good.
snaggletoothie on May 14, 2008 at 8:30 AM
OK, let’s try to find a silver lining here. Yes, the GOP we’ve all been supporting has proven itself to be a party of shameless whores and thieves, but even they will react when their livlihoods are threatened. If this election cycle brings more Bluedogs into office the effect on Republicans can only be positive. Lord knows they won’t respond to anything else.
Bugler on May 14, 2008 at 8:31 AM
The lynching of ‘whip’ Delay by the left is still bearing fruit for the Dems.
percysunshine on May 14, 2008 at 8:32 AM
Then you’re a fool. Find me where McCain wants to withdraw from Iraq and nationalize healthcare. And obviously the judges situation is not certain, but who do you think Obama is going to nominate? We’ll have a whole slew of Ginsbergs by the time he’s done. But just take your ball and go home because you don’t have a perfect candidate this time.
WisCon on May 14, 2008 at 8:35 AM
Man, does Boehner miss the point! McCain is good on one thing, earmarks, that can be described as change. And I for one, doubt that all the promises in the world by Mac for ‘reform’ (whatever that might be by Mr. Consensus) are going to stimulate the base to ignore sly immigration reforms like the z-visa issue, or his views on climate change etc.
The cards the Republicans are holding are not “change” cards. There are consensus cards. McCain is a senator running for president who thinks like a senator. That’s not the kind of change needed, frankly. Country needs leadership, and Iraq is the only issue where McCain has shown leadership - an that’s an issue that may well be of minor concern come Nov.
Spirit of 1776 on May 14, 2008 at 8:35 AM
trs on May 14, 2008 at 8:01 AM
I haven’t given a dime to the GOP for three years running… I have supported a few GOP candidates with my hard earned money; however, not a dime to the RNC. I have not renewed my membership, nor do I have any plans to do so. I keep mailing back their renewal forms with a lil love note about illegal immigration, the fence that is not being built, and how Republicans have grown government at record levels.
Keemo on May 14, 2008 at 8:37 AM
The GOP still hasn’t figured out that the poop sandwich hasn’t gotten any tastier for us these last two years, with or without the tartar sauce. Until they figure it out, well, welcome to permanent minority status because lots of us won’t be voting GOP anymore.
Physics Geek on May 14, 2008 at 8:42 AM
One of the main factors in creating the Republican sweep in 1994 was the Republican disaster of 1992 — Remember, the Perot phenomenon wasn’t just due to anger at George H.W. Bush going back on his word in 1990 and raising taxes, but also at congressional Republicans for not fighting that effort. The House GOP did have a more prominent spokesperson at the time in Gingrich than the conservatives do today, but that would likely change with a disaster at the polls in November, which would definitely create a challenge to the current leadership.
So 2008 isn’t all that different from 1992, as far as the anger on the right. The main question is whether or not congressional reform is possible either during the current election cycle with McCain as the party’s de facto leader, or if you could do it after the election if McCain wins. The other reason for the GOP sweep in 1994 was that, due to the sweep by Democrats in 1992, they controlled all the levers of power in Washington, and as soon as they took office in 1993, raised taxes, started planning for national health care and began pushing social engineering experiments like Clinton’s gays in the military edict. None of that made voters happy, and like the Republicans two years ago, they could try and shift the blame to the other side of the aisle, but since they controlled the House, Senate and White House, the public wasn’t buying.
So the best chance for getting the GOP back in track may be for an Obama Administration and a Democratic Congress to show people for two years what they really believe and to pass a few tax hikes and other bills that they never mentioned during the campaign to tick off voters for 2010. The problem is you have to gauge if two years of that, plus at least four years of a President Obama would be worth the risk to allow the Republicans to get back on the right track by purging the leadership that lost its way over the past decade. That’s what the next 5 1/2 months of the campaign will be about.
jon1979 on May 14, 2008 at 8:42 AM
The big problem with “blue dog” Dims being elected is that they solidify the power of lefty loons like Pelosi, Reid, Kennedy, Murtha, et al. People may THINK they’re electing middle-of-the-road candidates, but the power in Washington is held by entrenched uber-liberals.
Sugar Land on May 14, 2008 at 8:58 AM
Slap, slap, slap! Get hold of yourself, man!
This is the same whining that gives us global warming hysteria. For crying out loud, let’s have a little longer view than three months.
The GOP sucks right now, and has sucked bad for a solid three years. The public seems to want them to move to the right, and so we keep losing elections to more conservative Democrats in conservative districts. When those candidates are finally tied by their party and voting record to the tax and spenders, the pacifists, Hollyweird, queers running gay prostitution rings in Washington, taxpayer funded partial birth abortion on demand, etc., then there will be a serious backlash.
Hopefully by then the Republican candidates will be able to understand that spending money like a drunk in a strip joint, and congressman having gay sex with interns is not what voters in Mississippi and Louisiana are looking for.
That they think electing Democrats is the answer is kind of funny, but this too shall pass. Vote conservative and get rid of the RINOs.
Jaibones on May 14, 2008 at 8:59 AM
If the Republicans hadn’t abandoned the principles that Ronald Reagan laid out during his two terms in office, they wouldn’t be in the mess they are in right now. You can thank nimrods like Lindsay Graham, Olympia Snow, and yes, McPain for being spineless enough to let the Democrats trounce all them. Reagan is probably looking down from heaven right now, shaking his head in amazement and disgust over what has happened to the GOP.
pilamaye on May 14, 2008 at 9:00 AM
I too have given the RNC the finger with regards to their constant requests for support (”Are you still a Republican?” –> yeah, but you guys aren’t!). I figured out that my handwritten replies explaining my lack of support, but that was *never* followed up on, so they can go suck a lemon.
If it wasn’t for SCotUS judge appointments, I’d let them all rot in hell. But, since I can’t stomach the idea of a liberal dominated SCotUS for the next 20 years, I’ll be forced to vote for McCain and face all that entails.
Lord forgive me.
Geministorm on May 14, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Correct me if I’m wrong-
But aren’t these Dems that are winnin’ mostly blue-dog dems??? i.e. aren’t they all right leaning conservative Democrats??
Hell if the Right is movin’ left with McCain and the other RINOs- And the Left is movin’ right then SHOOT call me a jackass! I’ll vote Blue Dog over RINO any day!
Ex-tex on May 14, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Do you think there is ANY chance of McCain getting through a conservative true Constitutional judge with the Dems in complete control of both houses.
Please, I need SOME (dare I say the word) H-O-P-E!
stenwin77 on May 14, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Considering on somethings like Shuler’s Immigration Bill, they are decidedly more conservative the R nominee, I very much doubt you are alone.
Spirit of 1776 on May 14, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Well, I posted this at the end of the thread on Sen. McCain’s ‘global warming’ speech, but it seems apropos here, too:
As for Ed’s comments on the lost House races, I doubt that most local voters are paying attention to who gets appointed to the Appropriations Committee, and similar Beltway arcana. These folks are voting on what they hear on TV, including the dueling local commercials, and on personality. What they hear on TV is that the country is going to hell in a handbasket, and it’s all W’s fault. So they say, “What the heck; the Republican is kind of a jerk, and Bush is a Republican, so I’ll just vote for the Democrat this time.”
MrLynn on May 14, 2008 at 9:16 AM
You can’t run a change election with a cranky old dinosaur at the top of the ticket. McCain isn’t about change, his very presence brings up decades-old political scandals and decades-old debates about war and peace.
Obama has a thin resume but he is something new. It is clear that the GOP didn’t pay any attention to the warning about the stark contrast that would result from an Obama v. Triceratops matchup. They will probably lose in November as a result of the arrogance and pettiness of the stupid idiots that support McCain. The only hope for the GOP is to field an acceptable change agent in the VP slot.
highhopes on May 14, 2008 at 9:25 AM
It looks like many in the GOP will definitely get the change (of address) they so richly deserve in ‘08.
Nichevo on May 14, 2008 at 9:36 AM
Lesser of 3 evils? My vote goes for Obama. Please hear me out. We currently have 2 liberal Democrats and a Marxist running for the office of most powerful man in the world. How did we get in this pickle? By voting for the lesser of two evils.
If a woman stays with a man that cheats on her because at least he doesn’t beat her will next get a beating. If she stays because he at least pays the bills, he will stop paying the bills.
If we look at our history as a nation, starting with Ronaldus Maximus, you will see a definite trend. Ronaldus moved the government to the right, more in tune with the people of this nation. He did it with tax cuts, government reform and rebuilding the military. But more importantly he did it by teaching. By explaining to the people what conservatism is. After Ronald the Great, we voted for George H. Not because he was a great conservative leader, but because he was an extension of Ronaldus. Plus, at least he wasn’t Dukakis. George the meek compromised and negotiated the Reagan franchise in order to get along. We got tax increases and an un-won war. Definitively a move leftward. We nominated George H. again as the incumbent because you don’t challenge the incumbent.
Then we got the Clintoons. Political animals to the core, they tried to move the country further left with universal Health Care and got their pipi slapped. Why? Too much, too fast. The result was a conservative congress in power finally, and able to fight against the clintoons. The result, welfare reform and other conservative policies forced on the clintoons. A move to the right. Then we voted for George W. Even though he talked liberal, he was the governor of Texas fer crying out loud. He must be a conservative! Plus he was not as bad as algore.
We got medicare prescription benefit, a PC war on a tactic, out of control illegal immigration, no energy policy to speak of and temporary tax cuts. Yup, a move to the left. Yes we got a couple of good supremes, but that was against the POTUS will. His choices were less than stellar. Now we are been given by our party elders and demorat crosovers a liberal democrat for a nominee. And we are been told, vote for him and he will continue to fight the war against an euphemism and maybe give you acceptable judges. But listen to him. He will stab us in the back and get mad when we complain. The congrescritters in the republican side will not oppose him. He will move us far far left.
That leaves clintoon part deux or obamaramadingdong. Hillary is a political machine. She will do whatever it takes to get her way including compromising with the republicans. And it would give the retardlicans someone to fight against. Sadly, she will not get the nomination. That leaves it between My Turn McCain or ObamaramaMarx.
So what is the lesser evil? I argue that it is temporary pain for long term gain. We need chemotherapy once a generation. McCain is nothing more than a placebo that will feed our cancer. The pain and suffering of ObamarX would wake up the country to conservatism again. I rather have 4 years of ObamarX and then another Reagan, than to continue this slow descent into socialism. After all, we survived Carter. We needed a Carter to give us a Reagan.
rarbolay on May 14, 2008 at 9:40 AM
From a blog contribution by a guy who says he has infiltrated a message board where Democrat strategists plan online:
Are any of you easily led?
Sekhmet on May 14, 2008 at 9:40 AM
The GOP Hierarchy has ourtright contempt for the Base. They believe they can continue to win elections by simply cozying up to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce crowd. Certainly they’ll get the $$ they need but that won’t translate into votes. As proven by this MS congressional loss.
But the Middle American voter must take some of the blame, also. They had an opportunity to nominate men of great wisdom (FDT, Hunter, Tancredo) but they soundly rejected them in favor of McCain.
We’ve simply lost our way as a nation. Lost our ability to logically think and reason. DD
Darvin Dowdy on May 14, 2008 at 9:48 AM
at rate we are going, the next HOuse Minority Leader will be a blue Dog Democrat and the gop will be extinct
jp on May 14, 2008 at 9:54 AM
My problems with McCain have absolutely nothing to do with Democrat strategists- unless one believes that advocating amnesty for illegals, lax border security, and the re-invigoration of the business crushing Kyoto Protocol is McCain’s people working in concert with the DNC.
highhopes on May 14, 2008 at 9:57 AM
I’d suggest that contempt is the wrong word. The GOP hierarchy has outright hostility toward those who don’t think like McCain and those of his ilk. Assuming that the base will vote for McCain, they utterly don’t get the real anger and outrage that is out there. Sadly, I don’t think they ever will. McCain will lose in November and his crowd will blame the social conservatives and evangelicals for being “disloyal” when the reality is that McCain is a political traitor who long ago betrayed the GOP and its core values.
highhopes on May 14, 2008 at 10:02 AM
They will provide lip service at best. The fact is the GOP is rotten with RINO that need to be excised. Unfortunately our only options are DONKs.
ronsfi on May 14, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Not surrendering in Iraq and actually having a hardline Iran stance? Not socialized health care? Non-activist SCOTUS judges?
amerpundit on May 14, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I’ve been a conservative all my adult life. Come November 4th, there will be no dimple on the chad next to John McCains name on my ballot. Regardless who wins, we end up with a liberal congress, and liberal executive. I’m not buying into the fear game being played now….vote for McCain, or suffer even more liberalism in the near term. Vote for McCain or watch as we fold up the tent in Iraq. Vote for McCain or….
Not going to work this time, fellas. Give me a concrete conservative candidate, with a concrete conservative record, and I’ll vote. Til then, you’re on your own.
DngrMse on May 14, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Your implication is ridiculous. I’m perfectly competent to oppose this corrupt GOP without any supposed manipulation by lefties. If you still support these whores, you might ask yourself how easily-led you are.
Bugler on May 14, 2008 at 10:16 AM
After the 2006 debacle, rather than tighten up and return to core principles, the GOP jumped behind McCain with his ‘Give America the finger’ Immigration bill. I think a lot of the fury from that lovely little act is manifesting now. I predicted a blood bath in 2008 for the GOP for the immigration bill; at the time, little did I know we’d be nominating the ringleader. Cheerleaders, you can rah rah bomb bomb Iran all you want, but I think most people remaining the GOP tent are still mad that Amnesty John is sucking face with La Raza and planning on destroying our economy with the Global Warming hogwash. But hey, put your fingers in your ears and chant the mantra:
John McCain is the most conservative conservative to ever conservate in the conservatory! (keep saying it; someone is bound to believe it..really.)
And the NEW McCain Cheer:
Obama sucks! He’s going to kill us all!
Vote McCain because Obama will destroy the entire solar system!
Yay!
austinnelly on May 14, 2008 at 10:17 AM
LOL great post.
fossten on May 14, 2008 at 10:25 AM
I’ve already said it, but it bears repeating:
I will vote for any good CONSERVATIVE candidates come fall.
McCain won’t be one of them. I’ll be writing in Ronald Reagan. Better to vote for a dead guy than McCain.
wearyman on May 14, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Why not put me in leadership at party HQ? I can run the strategy better than any of these idiots.
Tim Burton on May 14, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Fiscal restraint and small government bias.
These are the core principles of conservatism/republicanism. Even Democrats expect that of repubs.
Stray from those long enough as we have for eight years and you end up in the minority. All else is bullshit.
patrick neid on May 14, 2008 at 10:33 AM
The GOP still hasn’t figured out that the poop sandwich hasn’t gotten any tastier for us these last two years, with or without the tartar sauce
Physics Geek on May 14, 2008 at 8:42 AM
It’s their poop and it don’t stink to them
1.
why start now?
2.
That is comforting
3.
.
The way McCain reformed Congress was scary. It mostly involved overriding the will of the constituents by making deals with the Democrats to lock up votes in favor of the liberals
4.
.
Bring employers of illegals back into the system, paying full taxes on full wages to tax paying American citizens and then I will believe you. Otherwise we need the largest tax increase in history to underwrite the illegals and to subsidize 15 million displaced American worker 3/4 of whom are not agricultural but trade, construction and service workers
5.
—
I do not want what you think I deserve, I want what I ask for
6.
only if you can make poop taste good
entagor on May 14, 2008 at 10:39 AM
The author of these remarks is a moron, and should resign immediately, or be ousted in November. John McCain is the poster boy for GOP failure. Hopefully, all of these fake leaders get swept away in November.
james23 on May 14, 2008 at 10:43 AM
No, you’ve got to show me you’re a conservative party that upholds conservative principals. And dont even go there about “fixing” Washington - the system it too deeply entrenched. The problem is we have too many “fixers” there now.
It’s time for term limits and an end to earmarks. But I expect the Second Coming of Christ to happen first.
Now for a rant or a whine, whatever you folks want to call it. I’ve voted a consistent conservative Republican ticket ever since I registered to vote in September 1971. I voted Republican because I believed the Republican party more closely represented my values and beliefs than the democrats.
And in that time, I’ve watched the country decline and deteriorate politically, morally, spiritually, and culturally. I lay this at the feet of the liberal democrats but at the same time I’ve not seen any of the people I supported with my vote doing anything to stop it. I’ve seen my vote count for absolutely nothing. I should have voted democrat because what I hoped this country would avoid has happened anyway. And now 37 years later the best the Republican party can come with is a 72 year old Grumpy Old Poop. A maverick. A maverick is a cull that nobody wants and isnt even good enough for dog food.
The Republican party no longer deserves nor will it get my support. Come November I’ll be writing in somebody’s name.
So flame away, please.
abcurtis on May 14, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Moron or gangster?
The McCain gang had no trouble thwarting the votes of various conservative populations by making deals with the DEMs McCain claims to oppose
McCain gamed the Senate so he could impose his will over the American public
entagor on May 14, 2008 at 10:59 AM
So vote for McCain who will push for policy change to combat the global warming hoax and justify it to yourself. Then the next worthless Republican candidate will come along and push for universal healthcare and you will justify it to yourself. It won’t be long before there is no actual difference between Republicans and Democrats. How will you justify that? I am sure you will think of something while calling those who don’t support the Republican fools.
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Amen and Amen.
abcurtis on May 14, 2008 at 11:01 AM
The absence of strong national elected conservative leadership is fatal for Republicans. They seem to not understand that. Democrap lite is a loser all the time.
Anybody seen the RNC chair in years?
Anybody seen the RNC chair articulate conservative principals?
Anybody seen the Republicans lately? They cowering in the corner somewhere? You can’t fight with nothing.
Anybody seen the Republicans act like they even know what their first principles are?
Compassionate conservative means you just sit there while the opposition punches you and your supporters into a stupor. Don’t even lift a glove in defense, so what are people to think?
Why vote Republican, no one knows what they stand for.
tarpon on May 14, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Of all of the great civilizations and empires throughout history - how many of them collapsed and ceased to exist because they were conquered by an enemy at the gates or by military defeat? Compare that to the number of great civilizations and empires that collapsed or ceased to exist because of economic collapse and failed monetary policies. Which category to you think we fall under?
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 11:04 AM
In 24 years as a Republican, I never thought I would be looking for a new party. I’m looking.
Sensei Ern on May 14, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Ahh, it’s always music to my ears to hear an Establishment Republican parroting the Democrat tag-line: Change.Hope. And then I’m further
wildlymildly amused to see Boehner anoint McCain as our very own McChangityHope.Blech. How do these people take themselves seriously??
I was at a dinner party last Friday with a gaggle of attorneys. At some point during the dinner conversation I felt like stabbing myself with my fork, just to end the agony. They were fawning over Obama like Andrew Sullivan, and everybody was concerned with one goal: “getting the Republicans OUT”. Of course, I pointed out that the Democrat-led Congress had lower approval ratings than even McHitlerBush (who they all HATE), and that shut them up for all of 3 seconds. These hyper-educated and oh-so-enlightened legal eagles won’t let a few facts get in the way of their Obama worship.
THIS mindlessness is what McCain is up against. He doesn’t have a prayer. I don’t believe there are enough mindless Republicans to counter-act the mindless Obamians. Especially since there are plenty of conservatives, who can be described as neither mindless NOR Republican, who are not even on board this Republican Titanic.
In the general election, when the media starts contrasting the young, virile, hip Obama with the ancient, crotchety, pasty and lumpy-faced McCain, the choice will be clear for the majority of feel-good voters. “CHANGE!!!” This election has become a popularity contest, not a vetting of who is best qualified to be the Leader of the Free World. An inexperienced,dangerously naive ideologue such as Obama will be posed as “untainted”, while the crafty and disloyal decades of McCain’s Senate experience will be presented as jaded, cynical, business-as-usual, and of course untrustworthy. That will resonate deeply with all the
RepublicansConservatives he’s screwed over.McCain has alienated much of the traditional conservative base (now considered the lunatic fringe by the Establishment Republicans), so he HAS to court the same moderate and independent voters Obama already has in his pocket. Why on earth would they vote for McCain when a sparkly, shiny new Obama is on the horizon?
Answer: they won’t.
Redhead Infidel on May 14, 2008 at 11:21 AM
At this juncture, being a conservative in the Republican party is a little bit like being a 12 year old girl in Warren Jeffs compound.
My collie says:
CyberCipher on May 14, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Yep, there aren’t any differences:
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/05/14/acu-releases-2007-ratings-mccain-gets-a-b/
We’re fighting for control of the Republican Party, but we are also trying to keep this country in the right direction. Choose your battles. You want to take out McCain to “send a message” and let an empty suit lying Marxist into the most powerful position in the world with both the House and Senate willing to do his bidding? Is the damage he will do to our country really worth it?
WisCon on May 14, 2008 at 11:33 AM
McCain will not change the direction that this country is heading. He will not even slow its departure from the principles that founded the country. Yes. In order to take steps in the right direction, I believe that it is worth it to allow the country to take steps in the wrong direction. By voting for McCain, you simply allow them to keep treating you like a b*&ch.
Serious question for you: Is there anything that the Republicans could do to lose your support?
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Republicans are leaderless and clueless. It will take another Jimmy Carter to produce a Ronald Reagan.
Wade on May 14, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Yeah, if they start talking about raising taxes, socializing industry, taking profits from oil/gas companies, I won’t vote for them. But right now, event though McCain is flawed, he isn’t anywhere as near as bad as Obama. I’m talking about what’s best for the country here. If your own Senator/Rep isn’t supporting you, then vote them out, and I won’t be contributing any money to the RNC or McCain, but I am still voting for him in November because I don’t want the Democrats to have full power to run roughshod over this country.
WisCon on May 14, 2008 at 11:47 AM
That is very good. I would add two things:
1) I don’t think the Congressional Republicans know what their first principles are; in fact, I would question whether they really have any
2) Compassionate conservatism — the concept of which really only can be applied to domestic programs — as practiced by George W. Bush has essentially proven to be liberalism.
BigD on May 14, 2008 at 11:49 AM
I see what you did there.
The more I read your posts, the more I like what I see.
fossten on May 14, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Ya know what? Screw it.
Let’s bring the whole party down. Do some demolition and then rebuild, starting fresh. Give the Dems a chance to hang themselves, then respond with a revitalized movement.
It may need to get worse before it gets better.
TheUnrepentantGeek on May 14, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I just hope a terror attack doesn`t occur or we lose Iraq in the meantime. That`s a serious concern of mine about the whole “let a democrat screw up and hope the country wants a conservative again” idea.
ThePrez on May 14, 2008 at 11:55 AM
On Capitol Hill, your message translates into higher taxes and more grossly intrusive government in my life.
No thanks.
Kick McCain’s *ss with your letters and phone calls. But don’t kick America with progressive good intentions while chanting “conservative or bust”, please.
maverick muse on May 14, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Like Hayworth in Arizona, the Republican in Mississippi got beat by a Blue Dog Dem who’s pro life, pro guns and anti-illegal alien.
Ed is right…the dumb Republican party is getting beat by Dems who appear to be more conservative. Whether or not they vote that way in Congress remains to be seen. Childers appears to be right of McCain. Republicans are sloooooooooooow learners, or are outright stupid.
orlandocajun on May 14, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Wade and Prez,
The next Reagan is currently governor of Louisiana. Pray that nothing happens to him.
orlandocajun on May 14, 2008 at 12:00 PM
I kind of think it’s out of our hands anyway (for more than the reasons I mentioned above). We’re going to lose - and BIG. We have to do what we can to mitigate the collateral damage, and we must start rebuilding now, so that when the next opportunity comes, we are ready to roll.
Redhead Infidel on May 14, 2008 at 12:02 PM
“Let’s bring the whole party down.”
Easier to destroy than to build.
Anarchy goes Marxist, good intentions and all.
Sounds like an adolescent cry for facial reconstructive surgery because of a pimple on the nose, or a 30-something scheduling a face-lift because a wrinkle appeared in the brow.
You can’t destroy all of your allies and then ask them to vote you into office.
maverick muse on May 14, 2008 at 12:03 PM
There are going to be more conservatives in the Dem seats in Congress than the Rep seats in Congress after November.
p0s3r on May 14, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Second look at forming a new Federalist party?
Blue Dog Dems, Conservative ‘Pubs and Indies, rational Libertarians, it could work.
With the Dems becoming increasingly socialist and the GOP steadily declining into New Deal/Great Society Democrats, the time is ripe for a new party for the disillusioned masses.
SuperCool on May 14, 2008 at 12:10 PM
MB4 on May 14, 2008 at 12:10 PM
It seems that many here are willing to take the lies and contempt shown them by the Republican party because they believe that the alternative is worse. Like it has been stated here - it took a Carter to get a Reagan elected. The longer that the Republican party is allowed to continue to treat Conservatives like idiots, the much more difficult it will be to ever get a conservative Republican party. Folks who vote for McCain allow contemptible politicians to continue to ignore them. The Republican party left me and the founding principles a LOOOOONG time ago. Screw them and the horse that they rode in on. Nothing is irreversible and four years of Democratic control of everything, if it would actually allow conservative/libertarian-like candidates to emerge, would be more than worth it.
King of the Britons on May 14, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Why not? Queeg’s been doing that since 2001 and it’s landed him the top spot on the big ticket.
Come to think of it, it’s pretty much what most of the GOP’s been doing for the last four years.
Me, satisfaction this year will come when Mitch McConnell gets dumped by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, particularly because he actually had the gall to say, with a chuckle no less, of the Queeg/Uncle Ted Amnesty Bill: “Don’t worry, this bill will get passed and nobody’s going to lose their job over it.”
Wrong on both counts, Mitchy…
SuperCool on May 14, 2008 at 12:19 PM
they wont learn their lessons. too porked up and fat and old to do so.
blatantblue on May 14, 2008 at 12:21 PM
What would be worse, losing Iraq, a foreign country halfway around the world, or losing Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada?
fossten on May 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM
What’s wrong with the GOP is far more than a mere pimple or tiny wrinkle, to use your analogy. The GOP is a mass of oozing pustules and mangled, leprous body parts. In other words, it’s a cooling corpse. I hardly think a face lift will do the job.
Redhead Infidel on May 14, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Wait…we get rid of California, we also get rid of Pelosi, Boxer, San Francisco, Berkely, Pete Stark, Hollywood, Mount Shasta and the hippies that go with it. Nevada: Whores, Harry, and Jimmah Jr.
This a trick question?
SuperCool on May 14, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Not necessarily so, as Carter was coincidentally the Democrat nominated. But given any ol’ Democrat, not specifically or necessarily Carter, and the pendulum swung. That Carter was/is below bozo is a fact, though.
couples with ignorance is bliss, and impetuous youth, and experience is a good teacher but a fool will learn by no other, as the young are in need of maturity to themselves learn wisdom, the lesson.
maverick muse on May 14, 2008 at 12:29 PM
evilned on May 14, 2008 at 7:46 AM
those that support limited government, strong borders, orginal judges, jacksonian war fighting, have already
walkedran from the rep party. We are homeless but the weather is fine. The funeral for RWR should have been a wake up call. The turnout for a great leader that the present leadership looks down upon should have told them what was coming. If we are going to have socialism we might as well go whole hog and vote for the socialists instead of the wanna be socialists of the Rep party. Rove and Bush was wrong, the numbers show it. They tried to buy their legacy and they got b*tchslapped for it.unseen on May 14, 2008 at 12:29 PM
What would be worse, losing an abscessed tooth, a puss filled infection in the back of your mouth, or losing your right leg, your left leg, your right arm, your left arm and your whatscha-ma-call-it?
Hint: both questions have the same answer.
MB4 on May 14, 2008 at 12:29 PM
McCain is almost as bad as the Dems on health care. He believes the pharmaceutical companies are the bad guys because keep developing expensive drugs and having the nerve to charge for the expense. Yes, I am a “victim” of this evil scheme, but the benefits I get from a “needless” new drug far outweigh the cost.
Surveys show global warming is a low priority issue with nearly all voters including most democrats. Its importance is rapidly dropping with rising gas prices. Yet there is McCain trumpeting an issue that can only offend more conservative voters.
About the only way McCain could piss me off more is to pick Huckabee as VP.
deadman on May 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Although Mitt was far from perfect, he was a washington outsider which, I felt, gave him the edge over the other 3 that we are now stuck with.
Hillary, Barry and especially McCain are all PART of the problem. Romney was NOT.
stenwin77 on May 14, 2008 at 12:34 PM
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