AOL Hot Seat poll: Who do you want as RNC chair?
posted at 2:30 pm on November 14, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Today’s AOL Hot Seat poll asks readers to choose who should lead the Republican Party for the next four years:
I’ve made the case for both Michael Steele and Newt Gingrich. Mike Duncan, the current chair, took some aggressive action yesterday to attack the BCRA. The folks at AOL didn’t include Fred Thompson, but did include an “Other” category.
Who gets your vote? Tell us why in the comments!
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No baggage there, thankfully!
apollyonbob on November 14, 2008 at 4:30 PM
Gingrich is the best strategic thinker in the GOP, by far.
philwynk on November 14, 2008 at 4:34 PM
I like Fred marginally better than Steele. Fred can speak in terms of philosophic principles on the nature of Man and on the individual as a responsible free agent rather than being fed, kept and protected from the elements by a master. But like steele he drones on and on about selflessness, and self sacrifice, and putting country first ~above~ the individual.
Same old crap. Steele is a typical conservative traditionalist. He stands out now only because of the colour of his skin, and you guys know it.
FierceGuppy on November 14, 2008 at 4:35 PM
I also went for Fred! Steele seems to have corruption and soft on conservatism.
Fred may not be a good candidate for Presidency (what with his extreme disdain for campaigning) but as far as a proud conservative that is able to clearly articulate conservative values – is there anyone better? I haven’t seen much of Steele, but his positions seem a bit nuanced for someone who is going to be directing the RNC.
I get having RINOs in key blue states, but RINOs should never be in charge regardless of whether or not you think them necessary.
apollyonbob on November 14, 2008 at 4:37 PM
I nominate P J O’Rourke.
FierceGuppy on November 14, 2008 at 4:39 PM
RINOs will be our useful idiots.
BuckeyeSam on November 14, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Careful. RINOs made Republicans their useful idiots this election.
FierceGuppy on November 14, 2008 at 4:43 PM
I voted for me …
my position on:
- Taxes and spending
* Flat rate. Everyone pays. The rate will be somewhere between 5-7%. Less, if the remainder of the platform is met. No other fed taxes (ie. Social Security)
* No bailouts. That is why we have bankruptcy laws.
* Abolish death/inheritance taxes, taxes on savings.
* Monarchy / Socialism / Marxism / Communism / Fascism / and the like, are immoral governing structures.
- Budget
* If the proposed action is not within the plaintext reading of the Constitution, it will not exist.
* If the proposed action is within the plaintext reading of the Constitution, and taxes do not cover the proposed expense, we will shelve the idea.
- Energy
* Abolish the Department of Energy.
* Open ANWR and offshore drilling.
* Begin building nuclear power plants.
* Use any light bulb you desire.
* Let the free market figure out if wind or solar are of any value. If so, where.
- Education
* Abolish the Department of Education.
* Stop all federal money distribution for education.
* … see the 10th Amendment
- Environment
* Global warming is a hoax.
* Global cooling is a hoax.
* Promote hunter education and wildlife management.
- Abortion
* End it.
* Regarding rape and incest; two wrongs don’t make a right.
* It’s not a fetus, it is a human.
- 2nd Amendment
* Abolish the BATFE.
* Bring back the Militia Act and require working firearms and adequate ammunition in the home. In addition, every able bodied male from the ages of 16 – 65 is part of the militia.
* Institute National Right to Carry (open or concealed).
* Repeal current federal firearm legislation back to 1900.
- Healthcare
* Access to healthcare is not a right.
* Abolish the Department of Health and Human Services.
* Abolish subsidies for prescription drugs, medical aid, etc.
- Homeland Security
* See 2nd Amendment.
* Abolish Department of Homeland Security.
- Illegal Immigration
* It is a national security issue.
* The 14th Amendment does not apply to anchor babies.
* Enforce current laws on the books.
- Military
* Needed in an evil world. Evaluate needs (gap analysis) based on new Homeland Security policy.
- War & Peace
* If provoked, attack that enemey and remove any future threat from that enemy.
* Finish the work in Iraq.
- Welfare
* … see Budget.
* the dirty little secret of freedom is “you are on your own”.
- Crime
* … see Homeland Security
AZ_Redneck on November 14, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Buckeye:
I don’t know who the RINOs are even supposed to be. The social cons pout if they don’t get their way and the fiscal/libertarians do the same thing and then the big business cons don’t really like people like Palin and every one seems to think that the other guy is the RINO, not them..no siree they are the real deal.
Meanwhile certain people simply opt to sit home instead of voting unless and until they get their way. The end result of that is that Democrats win. The Democrats have both the blue dogs and the socialists. They tend to be able to connect with a much larger sector of the population.
So the idea that RINOs [whoever they are} are only useful idiots might be something certain conservatives like to say, without those so called RINOs the Republicans are just a minority party prone to in fighting and back stabbing.
We need to get past that somehow. Otherwise we lose.
Newt is a polarizing figure in many ways. We need to think about whether he attracts or repels. Can he create a message that draws people in and stops the fueding?
I really don’t know. But I have my doubts.
Terrye on November 14, 2008 at 4:50 PM
Fred
beachgirlusa on November 14, 2008 at 4:50 PM
I’d like to see this as a group effort. Steele as RNC Chair – he is a charistamtic communicator and, unlike Fred, doesn’t put the audience to sleep in between words. And Steele also doesn’t wear the “old man” moniker that the RNC is accused of.
I’d like the RNC to work with Newt on shaping a vision and not just bandaids for problems. While Newt doesn’t seem to have strong conservative credentials, he is great at crafting a vision, and he can keep developing ideas thru his American Solutions group. The RNC won’t win until they can deliver a compelling vision to the nation, and not just “we’re better than the other party.”
TwoCents on November 14, 2008 at 4:51 PM
AZ:
Reagan promised to get rid of the Dept. of Education 30 years ago and never got it done. Maybe we need to enter the new century here.
Terrye on November 14, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Steele’s comments on the 2nd Amendment are disappointing. The Constitution doesn’t have the word “hunting” any more than it has the words “wall of separation”. Anybody who conflates the 2Am with hunting unfortunately doesn’t get it. It’s about tyranny, it’s about enemies – foreign & domestic.
rhodeymark on November 14, 2008 at 4:52 PM
How imnpt is this position? Obummer was elected with Howard Dean as DNC chair. think about that one!
whoever is chosen, should be one helluva cheerleader & fundraiser. and one who will hire lots of internet geeks (maybe we could all apply).
kelley in virginia on November 14, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Laura Ingraham!
blanchkie on November 14, 2008 at 4:58 PM
AZ_Redneck, except for your stance on abortion I’d put you way up there with P J O’Rourke. Now, you might find that “redneck” label a bit of a hurdle on your way to the White House, though.
FierceGuppy on November 14, 2008 at 5:06 PM
So far we seem to have made a very similar case for Steele that the case Obama made to the nation. It seems to have worked for Obama, but how about making a case based on the actual requirements for the job? like being a top notch organizer, ability to bring the party together, fund rising, communication strategy, executive leadership to match the Democrats cross-nation operation, etc. I am not saying Steele is not the guy, just have not heard much about his qualifications for this particular job.
neuquenguy on November 14, 2008 at 5:07 PM
like I said… what about Romney?
RegularJoe on November 14, 2008 at 5:12 PM
A Axe on November 14, 2008 at 5:16 PM
I like JC Watts, but whatever.
Face it: they are going to play the race card until (and after) we start featuring prominent ‘minorities’ as our public ‘face’. You know it and I know it.
But we still have to do it.
BemusedMalkinite on November 14, 2008 at 5:17 PM
He would probably be a very good choice. I’d kind of like him to run for office, but that might not happen. On the other hand, after four years of Obama, people might figure out that hopey-changey isn’t enough and start looking for these skills in the next president.
neuquenguy on November 14, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Yes because everyone knows DOE has done wonders to increase of educational standards in this country. Maybe we do need to enter the new century and just give up on the youth, right? Or maybe we can have real and legitimate diversity and let every state, local government, or school board have power over their educational institutions. If I had kids I wouldn’t want them to suffer because the other 300 million people living in other states are idiots. Boolean decisions on a federal level never lead too progress.
LevStrauss on November 14, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Where is your proof on this? What people and how do you know this. How do we know more people stayed home because Mccain was a Rhino
Who says Newt is polarizing ? Are they actually people who vvote Republican. We just got through hearing this same bbullshit about MCCain is the only guy who could win and then these same stupid Rinos who advocated vote for Obamam
kangjie on November 14, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I voted “other” because I want Fred *if* he isn’t going to run for POTUS again (I personally hope he does run for POTUS again).
Newt would be a great choice because I know he’s got the strategies, but I worry about his drinking the global warming kool-aid.
-Aslan’s Girl
Aslans Girl on November 14, 2008 at 6:31 PM
I second that motion.
Saltysam on November 14, 2008 at 7:28 PM
I like this comment.
C’Mon all you HotAir know it alls. How about some info?
Saltysam on November 14, 2008 at 7:31 PM
CHIP SALTSMAN
jparks1972 on November 14, 2008 at 7:46 PM
AZ_Redneck on November 14, 2008 at 4:47 PM
I like the platform…sign me up. The only thing I’d add is a constitutional amendment to term limit all members of congress. I refuse to believe that every state can’t come up with new candidates who are every bit as qualified as those currently serving. It’s a national disgrace. This nation reelects 98% of incumbents year-in-year-out. This just ensures corruption as our representatives cave to lobbyists in exchange for reelection dollars. The current system of seniority, based on tenure, places too much power in the hands of the old bulls and promotes the monolithic two party power struggle our founders warned us about.
vcunn22 on November 14, 2008 at 8:25 PM
I like Michael Steele. Have liked him since he was Lt Gov of Maryland. Was disappointed when he lost the race for Gov of Maryland. Disappointed again when Mel Martinez was handed the RNC chairmanship and not Michael Steele. But he stepped forward to lead GoPac and has done a good job. He possesses character shaped by core conservative principles. Is a good speaker with an easy style. His is the face of ethnic diversity the Republican Party sorely needs in leadership positions, but bottom line he is qualified and has earned it.
Wendy on November 14, 2008 at 9:11 PM
He means that the wrong of rape or incest is not made right by the murder of the baby. What about that is disgusting to you?
mrsmwp on November 14, 2008 at 9:36 PM
What is disgusting is that there are a lot of people who are more concerned about the rights of the rapist than the rights of the baby.
neuquenguy on November 14, 2008 at 9:43 PM
AZ:
Reagan promised to get rid of the Dept. of Education 30 years ago and never got it done. Maybe we need to enter the new century here.
Terrye on November 14, 2008 at 4:51 PM
I recall his statement, but following the election, the issue just underground.
AZ_Redneck, except for your stance on abortion I’d put you way up there with P J O’Rourke. Now, you might find that “redneck” label a bit of a hurdle on your way to the White House, though.
FierceGuppy on November 14, 2008 at 5:06 PM
ok … two reasonable people in discussion. perhaps I could amend the platform. I suspect it is the second item on the list that causes the greatest disagreement.
My position: I am a God fearing man. The MSM would refer to me as a “right wing Christian fundamentalist”. I suppose the GOP would refer to me as part of the “base”, if I were a Republican.
I could drum up some verses from the Bible, but in the spirit of cutting to the chase, let’s just say that under Biblical definition, abortion is murder and an abomination to God. As previously mentioned, I fear God. Hence, my position lies in not wanting to transgres God’s law (commint sin) and spend my eternity in Hell.
However, in the spirit of Big Tent politics, I can move to the position where in cases of rape and incest the decision is left to the female (or guardian), if we can agree that, knowing the above, should our eyes cross on Judgement Day, I am free of the transgressor’s blood.
Two wrongs don’t make a right? You are absolutely disgusting.
A Axe on November 14, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Here is a quiz …
1. A preacher and his wife are living in tremendous poverty.. They already have 14 kids. Now she finds out that she is pregnant with another. Considering their dire poverty, would you recommend an abortion?
2. The father is constantly sick, the mother has TB. Of her four children, the first is blind, the second died, the third is deaf, and the fourth has TB. The mother learns she is pregnant. would you recommend an abortion?
3. A white man raped a 13 year old girl and she became pregnant. If you were her parents would you recommend and abortion?
4. A teenage girl is pregnant. She is not married. Her fiance is not the father of the baby, and he is upset. Would you recommend an abortion?
In the first case, you would have killed John Wesley, a 19th century evangilist.
In the second, you would have killed Beethoven.
In the third, you would have killed Ethel Waters, a gospel singer.
In the fourth, you would have killed Jesus.
God is the author of life and has given every individual supreme value, whether in the womb or not. Saying who lives or dies, you’re playing God.
What is disgusting is that there are a lot of people who are more concerned about the rights of the rapist than the rights of the baby.
neuquenguy on November 14, 2008 at 9:43 PM
Ahhh … I see where the confusion is. See the 2nd Amendment above.
I don’t have the reference at the top of my head … a fellow (historian) wrote a book about the supposed wild, wild west. He analyzes “gun crime” in towns of various sizes in the old west. In towns where everybody is armed … violent crime does not happen to law abiding citizens when bad guys know they will be faced with sudden death.
AZ_Redneck on November 15, 2008 at 12:08 AM
gee .. blew that one … apologies
I recall his statement, but following the election, the issue just underground.
ok … two reasonable people in discussion. perhaps I could amend the platform. I suspect it is the second item on the list that causes the greatest disagreement.
My position: I am a God fearing man. The MSM would refer to me as a “right wing Christian fundamentalist”. I suppose the GOP would refer to me as part of the “base”, if I were a Republican.
I could drum up some verses from the Bible, but in the spirit of cutting to the chase, let’s just say that under Biblical definition, abortion is murder and an abomination to God. As previously mentioned, I fear God. Hence, my position lies in not wanting to transgres God’s law (commint sin) and spend my eternity in Hell.
However, in the spirit of Big Tent politics, I can move to the position where in cases of rape and incest the decision is left to the female (or guardian), if we can agree that, knowing the above, should our eyes cross on Judgement Day, I am free of the transgressor’s blood.
Here is a quiz …
1. A preacher and his wife are living in tremendous poverty.. They already have 14 kids. Now she finds out that she is pregnant with another. Considering their dire poverty, would you recommend an abortion?
2. The father is constantly sick, the mother has TB. Of her four children, the first is blind, the second died, the third is deaf, and the fourth has TB. The mother learns she is pregnant. would you recommend an abortion?
3. A white man raped a 13 year old girl and she became pregnant. If you were her parents would you recommend and abortion?
4. A teenage girl is pregnant. She is not married. Her fiance is not the father of the baby, and he is upset. Would you recommend an abortion?
In the first case, you would have killed John Wesley, a 19th century evangilist.
In the second, you would have killed Beethoven.
In the third, you would have killed Ethel Waters, a gospel singer.
In the fourth, you would have killed Jesus.
God is the author of life and has given every individual supreme value, whether in the womb or not. Saying who lives or dies, you’re playing God.
Ahhh … I see where the confusion is. See the 2nd Amendment above.
I don’t have the reference at the top of my head … a fellow (historian) wrote a book about the supposed wild, wild west. He analyzes “gun crime” in towns of various sizes in the old west. In towns where everybody is armed … violent crime does not happen to law abiding citizens when bad guys know they will be faced with sudden death.
AZ_Redneck on November 15, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Newt Gingrich, the conservative who has done more for Americans while in Washington than any man alive today.
Everyone has bagage, but Newt’s [real and manufactured] was dragged out because he changed Congress for the better. The crooks on both sides in Washington didn’t like that, thus they all attacked the Speaker.
Newt is change, and has the track record to prove it.
DannoJyd on November 15, 2008 at 6:23 AM
I want Newt Gingrich. I’m not interested in first black anything. I want someone with vision and ideas who can articulate a hard clear and strong Conservative position. That is Newt Gingrich. If Thomas Sowell was in the running, I’d take Sowell. He is not. Newt is. Hence, Newt. If Fred Thompson put more energy into it, I’d go with Fred. Michael Steele is my fourth choice. He’s locked and loaded for Obama, but I want more than a gunslinger. I want a warrior who has a broad strategic view of the whole battlefield. That’s Newt. Newt fought alone for years before the GOP won. That’s the kind of fighter we need: a man who will get down in the trenches and battle on even though he might be the only one standing.
SilentWatcher on November 15, 2008 at 9:56 AM
The last time the Republicans had anything meaningful to say Newt was saying it. Chairman, or whatever the Party needs Newt
NewsWonk on November 15, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I’m for Fred!
pannw on November 15, 2008 at 1:12 PM
The pool doesn’t go far enough
I want the entire RNC replaced.
opusrex on November 15, 2008 at 1:52 PM
We need to raise Lee Atwater from the dead or at least channel him.
Mojave Mark on November 15, 2008 at 2:11 PM
Romney? Romney is even worse on the 2nd Amendment than Michael Steele, Romney SIGNED gun bans. Romney also sign the Socialist health care plan In MA, now people with H.S.A’s are having their wages garnished because they choose to pay their own way.
I see 1/2 of the people posting don’t seem to know what conservatism is.
You either support the Constitution or you DON’T and even as weak as the Ruling laid by D.C. V Heller, gun bans are UNCONSTITUTIONAL, PERIOD.
Either the RNC finds a Conservative or you can kiss winning in 2010 and 2012 and probably 2014 and 2016 GOODBYE.
nelsonknows on November 15, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Our nation needs (in order to survive) a return to a constitutional foundation… I don’t want any “Democrat lite” or “moderate”; FRED THOMPSON IS MY CHOICE!
electric-rascal on November 16, 2008 at 3:29 AM
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