Video: Scenes from the GOP House revolt
posted at 8:05 pm on August 4, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The clip comes from Friday’s raucous impromptu session; today’s protest was more muted, but no matter. The real audience isn’t in the chamber: “It’s great for the base, and we needed to do something for them.” Note well the specific mention of the blogosphere at the very end here. The most striking thing about the GOP’s stunt isn’t the stunt itself, which will blow over in a few days now that it’s done its job of focusing attention on Pelosi’s recalcitrance, but the deliberate attempt by the organizers to leverage new media to spread the word. In five years of reading and writing blogs, I can’t think of a more dramatic example of Republicans reaching out to conservatives online. No wonder Ruffini’s excited. Here’s hoping they keep it up. Click the image to watch.
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And he is not alone.
Spirit of 1776 on August 4, 2008 at 8:10 PM
You know, I think they may finally be learning stuff after losing Congress to the Democrats…hear, hear!
AUINSC on August 4, 2008 at 8:13 PM
We are hungry for any action. The fact is, through any semblance of reaching out, the GOP wins! As I said, we are hungry so feed us something. This is a wonderful morsel.
carbon_footprint on August 4, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Well, hopefully they have learned that when you go along to get along all you get is left behind.
They had better stand up and make a lot of noise, god knows they have nothing else going for them.
RobertInAustin on August 4, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Have these gotten any coverage?
The reason I ask is that while the republicans are lax in their efforts to promote an agenda…It doesn’t matter much of the time because it doesn’t get covered.
I have yet to see an Obama campaign is bumbling article.
tomas on August 4, 2008 at 8:20 PM
I’m a die-hard Republican…but I almost get the feeling this is nothing but a publicity stunt. I mean, kudos to the House GOP for doing something right, but if ever there were an “I question the timing” moment…
JetBoy on August 4, 2008 at 8:23 PM
…and that their efforts bear fruit.
Too bad the moderate and liberal republicans are too timid to take part.
Zorro on August 4, 2008 at 8:23 PM
It’s a shame the Republicans didn’t get this excited and motivated about selecting, grooming, and promoting a Presidential nominee. Instead, we have what we have.
I’m writing in Fred Thompson for President and voting for Steve Sauerberg to get Dick Durbin thrown out. At least that way I’ll be able to sleep at night.
Send_Me on August 4, 2008 at 8:26 PM
This is good stuff! I want to hear, and read, both in the MSM, and on the Web, about the incredible stupidity of not wanting to drill because of the supposed time it will take to get oil from new drilling. I want to hear both about how long it will really take, and how stupid a position that is since alternative fuels, IF they can be commericalized at large scale, will take much longer.
I WANT THE DEMOCRATS’ STUPIDITY TO BE EXPOSED.
ParisParamus on August 4, 2008 at 8:27 PM
JetBoy on August 4, 2008 at 8:23 PM
It’s okay that it’s a “stunt”. Consider it cheer leading at the game.
Cindy Munford on August 4, 2008 at 8:27 PM
The old media isn’t covering it so they are preaching to the choir. But, I love it and have made many calls to DC and emails.
Dingbat63 on August 4, 2008 at 8:28 PM
They’re making it too complicated. Don’t worry about it, just do it!
A few republicans on the floor of the house, discuss the best way to approach the topics, write a speech on their laptop, try it out, see how it sounds, then post it on the web.
Work the problem.
rockhauler on August 4, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I’ve seeen that paragraph, exactly (or almost exactly) word for word posted by somebody else on a previous post about this…”publicity stunt” and “question the timing”…if they are “doing something right” and you really are “a die-hard Republican” why do you get the feeling it’s a “publicity stunt” and it causes you to “question the timing”…the timing of what, exactly?
AUINSC on August 4, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Too bad McCain’s position isn’t as strong, clear, and resolute. The GOP Congress has a lot of culpability for their own plight but once again, McCain’s positions are more supportive of a moderate Democrat than reaching out to Republicans. This is a glimpse of the next four years should McCain win.
highhopes on August 4, 2008 at 8:28 PM
You really don’t get it. The timing is everything with this rebellion. Why do you question it?
Wade on August 4, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Regardless of their motives, there was still an issue that they saw that needed to be addressed. If more people in Congress actually did their job, maybe they wouldn’t have a 9% approval rating.
MB007 on August 4, 2008 at 8:31 PM
The Republicans are trying to communicate with real Conservatives?
Are they promising to balance the budget…or enact term limits, perhaps?
alphie on August 4, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Guerilla video. Fantastic.
CP on August 4, 2008 at 8:36 PM
So, what works nowadays, other than publicity stunts? Especially when you’re outnumbered?
Don’t give up on the good, in search for the perfect.
It’s a start.
Nichevo on August 4, 2008 at 8:37 PM
……… keep going boys, flood YouTube with videos.
Seven Percent Solution on August 4, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Any word on if ABCBSCNBC is still ignoring this story?
Ordinary1 on August 4, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Just did a quick look at the “Big Three” news web sites. Even clicking on “Politics” no mention that I can see of the GOP House Members. Amazing. Shameless. Not surprising.
Ordinary1 on August 4, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Caught ABC this evening…it’s all still mum to them.
dustoffmom on August 4, 2008 at 8:47 PM
“You can’t shut down Free Speech in this house!”
Well glory be, a real government,really governing,
so excellent,and the Republican Party has taken
the tip of the spear,and————————–
——————————it about bloody time,
now keep it up till theres a Republican in the Oval
Office!
canopfor on August 4, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Liberal campaign group MoveOn.org condemned the protest as a “theatrical stunt” and branded the Republicans, often referred to as the Grand Old Party, as the Grand Oil Party.
New campaign slogan: Want Cheap Oil? Vote for it!
DannoJyd on August 4, 2008 at 8:49 PM
ABC has a neat story from the weekend. “Pelosi drills GOP on Energy” Puhlease.
Ordinary1 on August 4, 2008 at 8:49 PM
I’m curious. What kind of action on their part in this situation wouldn’t be a stunt?
spmat on August 4, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Sweet, now if we just had a Newt Gingrich to lead a new ‘Contract with America’ type advance in November.
Tony737 on August 4, 2008 at 8:51 PM
… keep it up till theres a Republican in the Oval
Office! - CanOp
We need Canucks like you to move down here and VOTE! :-)
Tony737 on August 4, 2008 at 8:52 PM
Absolutely! I know there was a “stunt” aspect to this, but there was also quite a bit sincerity. I will not allow my cynicism to highlight the one and snuff out the other. Good job House GOP! I’m very proud of this.
Weight of Glory on August 4, 2008 at 8:52 PM
BTW, the gas price at my local WaWa is down to $3.69! How come everybody’s still talkin’ about gas prices going UP? Hmmmm…
Tony737 on August 4, 2008 at 8:53 PM
OMFG, it’s almost like they weren’t in power for 6 years.
freevillage on August 4, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Caught ABC this evening…it’s all still mum to them. - Dusty
Just like the victory in Iraq, they can’t ignore it forever.
Tony737 on August 4, 2008 at 8:55 PM
Isn’t ANY political speech by definition a political stunt?
Key here is that if the Republicans want us back, they have to stick to their guns on this… they can’t compromise like they have so many times in the past… they need to open up EVERYTHING… OCS, shale, ANWR, and Nuc…
McCain today said drill here, drill now, but, If McCain “compromises” like he has so many times in the past, he looses folks like me.
Romeo13 on August 4, 2008 at 8:55 PM
Cause those are the only two issues conservatives care about?
Esthier on August 4, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Wow…I think I hit a nerve with my slight pessimism…
Sorry, I’m simply a realist when it comes to politics.
*slowly backs away*
JetBoy on August 4, 2008 at 9:02 PM
Heck, just come down to Washington. We let EVERYONE vote. Even dead people.
wccawa on August 4, 2008 at 9:04 PM
I’m actually impressed. I might end up changing my voter registration from non-patisan to Republican.
Yakko77 on August 4, 2008 at 9:05 PM
heh
In police bullhorn voice: “Please step away from the keyboard.”
Weight of Glory on August 4, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Staging a stunt to make sure oil company execs get an extra couple million dollars in their Christmas bonus isn’t really an issue real Conservatives are that concerned about, wccawa.
Maybe y’all think they deserve it…I don’t.
alphie on August 4, 2008 at 9:07 PM
Alphie! We missed you!
How’s that electroconvulsive therapy coming along?
wccawa on August 4, 2008 at 9:09 PM
Deserve money? That’s a liberal concept. No one deserves money. We work and earn it and give what we’ve earned to others for products we like. You know, capitalism.
Esthier on August 4, 2008 at 9:10 PM
No worries Jetboy…….some of the finest “stunts” have originated in the hollow grounds of the house and senate. The difference here is that the Rupublican Party has 70% of the nation behind them on this issue. Whether it’s a stunt or not, you ride a winning horse like this one to the finish line.
Rovin on August 4, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I attended today’s session, thanks to Liz, who works for my great Congressman, Eric Cantor. She was kind enough to gain access for me to actually sit on the floor of the House.
First, thing. Their chairs are big and soft leather. They need to pull up the ones on the Dem side and give them metal folding chairs.
But the atmosphere in there was defiant and resolute. It was truly awesome to behold. There was much applause and cheering and standing O’s, which is against House rules, so it was pretty cool. Then many members, including Pence, Duncan Hunter, Jeb Hensarling and others exited to hold a press conference. So, there was media there. They chose to no ocver it.
Finally, these guys need our support and they asked that enough people come to DeeCee to fill the chambers to enfuriate Pelosi. They plan on keeping this going. If you have the wherewithal you should try to get down there if you have a Republican Representative. You must have a Rep get you a pass to the gallery. I’m sure if your Rep is a Dem they just won’t do it. But, like I said, fortunately Liz led me past the tourists, past one level of security and there I was, sitting on the third row behind about 20 Congressmen, having entered through the door usually used by the President for SOTU speeches.
PelosiPalooza2008!! What a day and what scorn and ridicule was rained down on the tyrant.
pistolero on August 4, 2008 at 9:12 PM
I loved the spontenaity of last Friday’s events, but I’m more looking forward to September 30 re-authorization vote. It includes the yearly ‘re-auth’ of funds to keep the gov running, as well as the annual renewal of the off shore drilling ban. If the GOP refuses to allow a vote on the re-auth as long as it includes the drilling ban renewal, the gov’t will run out of money and will shut down…just weeks before the general election. This will be a seminal moment in the election and one that will draw the starkest of contrats between Senator McCain and Senator Obama’s energy agendas. Drill here, drill now, pay less…vs. drill nowhere, drill never..and check those tire pressures.
DrW on August 4, 2008 at 9:14 PM
“Attica! Attica!”
Claypigeon on August 4, 2008 at 9:16 PM
Man, I wish I had a Repub congresscritter.
wccawa on August 4, 2008 at 9:16 PM
“Capitalism” has nothing to do with The Great Oil Giveaway the Republicans are flaccidly pushing in their P.J.s, Esthier.
It’s pure pork…
alphie on August 4, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Yeah, I know. Did you mean “hollow” or “hallowed”? hehe…
I did really like John McCain’s call for Congress to return and get this solved. And as an ardent supporter of McCain, I’m with him. I just question why this wasn’t attempted months ago.
JetBoy on August 4, 2008 at 9:18 PM
So,then Republicans are running the country,letting
American’s be heard,doing the work for the people,
in which they were elected for!
Meanwhile,
The caring,compassionate,always looking out for the
little guy,always about the children,do-gooder Liberal
Democrats are,
Out having a good time,vacationing,doing what average
Americans can’t do,because the price of gas is so high!
But,
I’m really sure Nancy is probably enjoying herself,at the
expense of the average suffering American voter!
canopfor on August 4, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Pelosi is a Nazi. There I said it.
SouthernGent on August 4, 2008 at 9:21 PM
The GOP is finally acting like a party who can play politics with the big boys! I can’t tell you the last time I saw a Republican that wasn’t a wimp and a loser when it came to knowing how to play Washington politics. When the GOP wins they act like they have lost and when the Dems lose, they act as though they had won everything. Perception is 99% of politics and if the American people get the idea that the GOP actually gives a damn about them, they might almost be tempted to vote GOP. I’m not too hopeful, but at least Pete Hoekstra (a Michigan Senator!)has taken some kind of a stand for once. Too bad they didn’t do that for any of Bush’s judge nominees.
flytier on August 4, 2008 at 9:23 PM
What would you recommend? Should the oil companies give away their product? Should they just close shop and do something more noble in the eyes of people like yourself?
How come you people do not get outraged at the salaries of professional sports figures or Hollywood actors?
carbon_footprint on August 4, 2008 at 9:28 PM
I’m jealous. Glad you got to go and thanx for sharing your experience! I hope they do keep it going and enough people show up that the MSM can’t continue to ignore it. The new media is gonna have to rock all over this one.
Ordinary1 on August 4, 2008 at 9:29 PM
Now you have to act like a reporter, tell us what you saw, what was said, who said it. Ask questions, make suggestions,
you’re a player, you are in the game! Take notes.
rockhauler on August 4, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Ignore that sound coming from the cellar. It’s just my crazy cousing alphie. Mad as a hatter, that boy.
pistolero on August 4, 2008 at 9:31 PM
Thank God! Finally, some backbone.
If the Democrats want to take their energy policy inspired by Fred Flintstone’s car and drive it off a cliff I’ll be one happy man.
watchmen on August 4, 2008 at 9:34 PM
We need Canucks like you to move down
her and VOTE.-:)
Tony737 on Aug 4,2008 at 8:52PM.
Tony737: If I could vote, I would,he he!
Just think of all those hopping the fence
in Mexico,to illegally vote for Democrats!
Tony,sssshhhhhhhhhh,I signed the drill for
oil petition!haha:)
canopfor on August 4, 2008 at 9:36 PM
Right. It’s not at all about trying to lower gas prices instead of raising them as the Democrats have been doing for years.
It’s all about BIG OIL. Cause apparently that’s the only company liberals give a damn about even though their record profits, while large, constitute a much smaller percentage than what several other corporations have.
But, it’s OK. BIG OIL is evil and thus deserves to be punished, cause of course we run our government based on what people deserve, like an emotional child who doesn’t think life is fair but should be.
Esthier on August 4, 2008 at 9:39 PM
alphie, the “Reagan Republican” speaks again…Ummmmmmm…but your Democrat friends know not the porcine flavor, my friend? Your buddies Murtha, Kennedy, Polosi and Reid and Obama are starving waifs in need of some warm gruel and a pittance of salt? Your schtick reads right out of International ANSWER, my friend. “Reagan Leaning Republican” my a**.
AUINSC on August 4, 2008 at 9:39 PM
But we still like you anyway. :)
MB007 on August 4, 2008 at 9:46 PM
These guys Rock!
dentalque on August 4, 2008 at 9:48 PM
oh little alphie is back on the interwebs!! guess you did really good in summer school and arent grounded anymore?
well as for repubs selling out to “big oil” look at exxonmobil’s tax bill last year - 107 billion. and how many employees - 100,000+, not counting jobs created for all the companies that provide support to XOM. and thats just one oil company.
now, the dems have sold out to trial lawyers, tree hugger environmentalists and unions. how much in taxes has been collected from the largest of those groups? how many jobs have any of these created?
so, sure, i’ll support the guys selling out to companies that actually produce wealth and drive the economy.
you continue to support those who sell out to parasites and leeches.
chasdal on August 4, 2008 at 9:51 PM
The press conference by these congressmen got about as much attention as would a Czarist party in Stalin’s Russia.
snaggletoothie on August 4, 2008 at 9:57 PM
The revolution will not be televised.
Micheal on August 4, 2008 at 9:58 PM
HEH.. Good one.
Normally, one would expect to see it written as HALLOWED grounds, but your way is much more accurate.
That said, despite them not going as far or as hard core as I would like them to do / have done , Friday’s and today’s ’stunt’ has made me the most politically hopeful as I have been since the end of the 2004 election.
So much so that when my Congressman’s campaign called me for a donation an hour ago (I just donated again online two days ago) I told them: “No more money until he joins the revolt in person.”
“After all, he is the author of one of the Energy bills the House GOP is trying to get passed. If he doesn’t think it is worth taking a couple of days off his campaign, then maybe he doesn’t deserve any more money. I say that as a long time supporter, previous campaign volunteer, and someone who actually likes him as a person as well as a politician.”
I’ll give the money to the ones willing to give up vacation/campaign time to stand up for the right thing. instead.
Well, I exaggerate a bit. I wouldn’t actually cut him off, but SOME that he would have gotten will be diverted to those that deserve it for standing up to Pe-lousy.
LegendHasIt on August 4, 2008 at 9:59 PM
I wonder what the dem leadership will do to overcome this S T U P I D mistake and miscarriage of democracy??? I eagerly await.
Keep it up congress, the day is yours to lose. Please do not go back to sleep now!!!
I hope all americans will make note of and remember all the liberal R I N O’s who failed to join this rally!!!
allrsn on August 4, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Just to add to that:
There is more at: What is a windfall profit?
LegendHasIt on August 4, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Unfortunately, they don’t allow you to take notes, bring in cameras, audio recorders or anything. But these Youtube clips pretty much sums up what was said.
There was some Rep from Alaska (unfortunately I didn’t catch his name) who was very informative and entertaining about ANWR. He said, the only reason Dems can sell this as a untouchable sanctuary is because of the word ‘Wildlife’ in the name, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. There isn’t any Wildlife to speak of. On the northern slope there are no trees, no animals to speak of. The other part of the name is ‘Arctic’, because that’s what it is, permafrost, barren, nothingness, as empty and as devoid of life as the cranial cavity of NancyPalooza herself.
These Youtube clips pretty much sums up what was said, but they were nicer in front of the press than they were on the floor. Sorry, I’m not trained as a reporter.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVZc94GJnNw
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvMmKn_y8g0
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCGFPnZjB9U
pistolero on August 4, 2008 at 10:27 PM
5 week vacation, while gas prices are so high.. guess what… Nancy Pelosi isn’t going to be able to save the planet in 5 weeks and her and the Democrats delay is only going to delay us from getting to our oil sooner, the longer the Democrats drag their heels the longer that we will be defendant on other Countries for our energy..
Chakra Hammer on August 4, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Heroes! So Awesome.
Grafted on August 4, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Since they have to lease the land, pay for environmental studies, purchase and maintain drilling / transportation equipment, cover paychecks/benefits for thousands of American workers, and try to educate loser critics who failed basic supply/demand economics…
…I wouldn’t exactly call it a giveaway.
dominigan on August 4, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Thanks for the links. I missed all of that, only caught a few minutes of the early stuff on QIK.
LegendHasIt on August 4, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Not trained as a reporter? You did fine. I’m not trained as an editorial writer, but I have an opinion anyway.
rockhauler on August 4, 2008 at 10:55 PM
The House and Senate Judiciary committees have different responsibilities.
Here’s the House list of jurisdiction.
The Senate gets to do the “Advice and Consent” about Presidential nominations of judges.
See Article II, Section 2 of the U. S. Constitution.
INC on August 4, 2008 at 11:35 PM
That was badass :)
Ugly on August 4, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Pelosi is a Nazi. There I said it.
SouthernGent on August 4, 2008 at 9:21 PM
Ha! she isn’t smart enough.
N4646W on August 5, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Great job by House Republicans…sigh...then we have a Dill Weed clueless President who is more interested in slapping the backs of the Chi-Coms. than participating by calling congress back into session…and…sigh...we have John McNumbnuts who doesn’t know how to take advantage other than silly Paris Hilton ads…
sabbott on August 5, 2008 at 7:47 AM
pistolero
YOU DID GREAT! THANKS!
RushBaby on August 5, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Please let this be a 1994 repeat!
Black Adam on August 5, 2008 at 2:59 PM