Text Steele for GOP change
posted at 12:00 pm on November 23, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Share on Facebook | regular view
Michael Steele has embarked on an assertive campaign for the RNC chair, and he’s already giving a taste of what he has in mind for new leadership. At his new website, Steele offers a way for people to text-message their ideas to the RNC:
Do you have a great new idea for the future of the Republican Party or just think their is room for improvement? Now you can text your ideas directly to Michael Steele. Text Steele to 66937 today!
To send a text simply follow these steps:
1 – Select messages on your cell phone
2 – Dial the Short Code 66937
3 – Enter Message “Steele” and send
4 – You will then receive a return message confirming your registration. Just repy back – Y.
5 – You are now able to text your ideas to the Steele website. To do that -
- Select Message and dial the short code 66937
- Start your message with @Steele (and then text in your thoughts)
Steele also has a handy widget for following the suggestions as they come in:
The RNC needs major infrastructural change to catch up to the Democrats, and this is exactly the kind of engagement that change should bring. Howard Dean and Barack Obama turned text messaging into a GOTV powerhouse in the final days of the election. Steele seems to have recognized the gap and is giving a demonstration of his intent if given the chance to lead the GOP for the next four years.
That’s impressive, especially given the short time frame in which Steele has worked to produce this. Check out the entire site, and text your ideas to Steele, too. The next RNC chair has to start thinking out of the box, and Steele looks like he’s ready to perform.
Update: The Republicans need both a comprehensive, rational message and an infrastructure to communicate it to compete in national elections in 2010 and beyond. The RNC’s responsibility runs more towards the latter than the former. They need to build the infrastructure to reach voters in ways that will make them pay attention and in methods that make the communication more efficient.
Text messaging may seem gimmicky, but it allowed the DNC and Obama campaign to almost effortlessly make millions of crucial GOTV contacts to self-identified sympathetic potential voters to push them to the polls on Election Day. They especially outperformed the GOP in reaching younger voters by doing this exact thing.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
Suggestion #1: Advise McCain that his time has passed and get some real conservatives to lead.
perroviejo on November 23, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Suggestion 2: Advise all MDSer that they can either get over themselves or get out.
Squid Shark on November 23, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Give him some credit, at least he is fighting for the job.
Firebird on November 23, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Yay! I’m paying 50 cents to have my ideas ignored!
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 12:08 PM
1. Reverse your gun grabbing ways, Michael.
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 12:08 PM
No RINOs.
Zorro on November 23, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Suggestion #2: Make sure Newt is at the top of your speed dial list. WWND?
perroviejo on November 23, 2008 at 12:10 PM
It’s not like he’s using a widget from http://www.mozes.com
Oh wait.
I really dislike this sycophantic crap.
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I suggest that they correct the misuse of “their” to the correct “there” in the first sentance so that they do not look silly.
KW64 on November 23, 2008 at 12:12 PM
On the steele site? It’s the correct usage
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I know I’m dumb as a stump but can someone tell me how to go about closing our primaries to Republicans only? What’s the first step? Thanks!
missouriyankee on November 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
You spelled sentence wrong.
robblefarian on November 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Am I the only person who gets a little nervous at the thought of Steele running the RNC? He’s a smart guy but he’s always seemed more interested in being famous than effective. Say what you want about Howard Dean (like he’s reprobate for example) but he wasn’t a camera whore.
AYNBLAND on November 23, 2008 at 12:17 PM
1. Make a list of federal agencies that we’re gonna completely AXE.
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Grammer Nazi Poser….FAIL!
malan89 on November 23, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Contact the lady at NakedEmperorNews and hire more like her!FYI-the DNC tried to buy her off to change sides but she is loyal to the Republicans. Can you believe no one from the RNC has contacted her?
canditaylor68 on November 23, 2008 at 12:18 PM
He’s using an available widget. So what? The next RNC chair doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Obama didn’t invent text messaging, either, but he and Dean made pretty good use of it, and the RNC didn’t.
Ed Morrissey on November 23, 2008 at 12:18 PM
It must be a slow nuze day.
perroviejo on November 23, 2008 at 12:18 PM
2. Flip a giant bird to the UN.
malan89 on November 23, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I gotta agree with you here. This is the kind of crap the One does.
malan89 on November 23, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Yep. That’s the reason the republicans don’t get the youth vote. They don’t send them “vote 4 me” messages. Come on, man.
Republican course of action #1 should be “no more bailouts” and get everyone on TV who understands why this is so.
On the local level, GOP needs to organize. Text messaging ideas from random individuals isn’t do something; it’s the exact opposite. It’s pretending to listen, when you really aren’t.
If I was sure what the GOP even stands for anymore, it might be helpful. But since the Washington GOP seems to be endorsing more bailouts and more government intervention into private business; I’m not even sure what the point of the party is.
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I want to first see what position and message the RNC is going to make, then I don’t care if they use smoke signals to get the word out.
If Steele’s idea is to take input from the ground, then more power to him. But the constructed message better be powerful and effective.
sherry on November 23, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Really? Sycophantic??? So just sit back, run another campaign like this one was run???
I don’t care what he does, just so long he gets us back on track, and yes, shake things up…
Maybe you should read up on Michael Steele, look what happened to him when he ran for congress 2 years ago….
GO MICHAEL STEELE…
reshas1 on November 23, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Lorien hates everything. Move along.
Editor on November 23, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I’m sure texting will become a magnificent fountain of new conceptual ideas for Steel and the Democrat-lite party. For example: “do u ht obama?”, and, “Whts U fav clr?”
Sorry, I’m not familiar with all of the perverted permutations of the English language that texting has caused or else maybe this coulda’ been funnier.
FloatingRock on November 23, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Our party doesn’t need texting to win. It needs someone with brass ones, like Palin.
fogw on November 23, 2008 at 12:32 PM
No, I hate a republican site putting up some pointless fund raising scheme disguised as “listening” and everyone going goo-goo over it. A free, commonly available, scheme at that. Scale of 1-10 (1 being “it’ll never happen”, 10 being “he’ll read each one”), give me the chances Steele will ever read a single one of these?
All the while, our elected republicans endorse more bailouts and intervention into the economy.
But, hey, call me crazy. Country first. Not party.
Remember that?
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 12:33 PM
If hopeychangey, maybe it will work for us?
It’s not unspecified “change” that we need to sell, but the TRUTH of conservative principles and the unmasking of the intellectual and moral corruption of the left which is destroying this country.
neuquenguy on November 23, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I agree. They might as well go home if they’re just gonna rubber stamp Bush and the Democrat’s corporate socialism.
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 12:36 PM
You need both a message and an infrastructure to communicate it. The job of the RNC is more the latter than the former. And if you don’t think that voter contact — in all available forms — is critical to GOTV success, then you simply haven’t been paying attention to the last few election cycles.
Ed Morrissey on November 23, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Better websites would help. Better, younger, more conservative candidates would help also. Why not create our own TV network so we don’t have to try and break through the left wing media wall?
therightwinger on November 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Word.
How about a series of online debates and forums. Online because of the broad reach that is possible. Debates and forums because a campaign is a poor way to educate voters and explore ideas for governing.
Debates should include the appropriate party philosophy, as it relates both to governing and to campaigning, and the philosophy we should employ as the opposition party to St. Hopenchange.
Jaibones on November 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM
How would I text a message to Steel suggesting he hold a massive toga party at his house? That might help with the yth vt 2. How ’bout simply, “Tga prty”, would that get the message across, or can I cut out another letter or replace a word with a number so that the kids won’t laugh at my ignorance?
FloatingRock on November 23, 2008 at 12:46 PM
1. Reverse your gun grabbing ways, Michael.
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 12:08 PM
If Steele is against guns, then he is not the man for me. But, he is a good man. I will never give my guns up! And get Rhino’s out also. We need real Conservatives! I won’t waste my cell phone for something that would be ignored any way.
sheebe on November 23, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I guess I’m qualified to run the RNC.
I can make a site and put up some freely available widgets as well.
When can I collect my first paycheck?
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 12:50 PM
I was just thinking, maybe the text messaging idea is the reason why Obama supporters were all so well informed.
FloatingRock on November 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
1. Define fiscal conservatism…break it down into easily understood chunks that link a position with a direct personal benefit…creatively communicate this message to young voters.
2. Lift the US Constitution out of the liberal gutter (shredder??) and proudly discuss it, reference it, uphold it…creatively communicate it’s specific benefits to young voters.
We have to make it ‘cool’ to be a constitutionalist. We are not going ‘back’ to the Constitution. We are going forward , rightfully claiming all of it’s apposite protections.
LEBA on November 23, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Ok. Now i am off to my phne 2 txt stle
LEBA on November 23, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Out of the box thinking? Sounds like a turnkey operation.
Dan Collins on November 23, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Yes, I’m going to text them that they need a new proofreader.
Tzetzes on November 23, 2008 at 1:02 PM
I don’t even think Steele or the RNC gets access to the data of people who use this service (the user data is kept by mozes). So any names acquired are useless anyways.
Get what ya pay for, I suppose.
lorien1973 on November 23, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Obama was elected because he was a “cool, young black man.” People younger than me found Obama’s appeal because of the proximity of age, his personality, the music he likes, etc. And by that his campaign uses the internet wisely.
Ask anyone who voted for Obama, why they voted for him. They can not give you a straight face and a coherent, well-informed answer. It’s just how “cool” he is.
America dumbed themselves down. As Rush said, they will learn their lessons these next four years as the MSM CYAs.
As for Steele, I need for him to inform me what he will do to rebuild this party.
We should not compromise our ideals for any group. But bring the message forward in different ways.
This method of text messaging is a start. Young people like this. I am 25, and the appeal of using the internet is the inclusiveness.
When Steele recommends us to give him suggestions on what the RNC should do via Flickr, Twitter, Text, or Youtube he is allowing for us to be a part of something.
I know that sounds cheesy, but it is something. We comment here in Hot Air or Michelle Malkin’s site to let loose our ideas and opinions.
This is a step forward.
jencab on November 23, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Mr. Steele is bald like me, so he’s got my vote. I’m tired of Haired people running this country into the ground.
DarkCurrent on November 23, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Heh, he really loves everything :)
Entelechy on November 23, 2008 at 1:11 PM
My 20something daughter (Master’s degree, smarty pants) voted for the O because he communicated a specific pro-victims rights position well on his website, something she believes strongly about. She loved the texting, the emails. I was appalled. I cried. I sent her links. I prayed.
The texting, frankly, made him seem real and accessible. That is how our young voters communitcate. It’s not a gimmick, folks, its a necessary tool.
LEBA on November 23, 2008 at 1:13 PM
1. Stand for something, with conviction.
2. Have a leader with balls, conviction, and a steely drive to win.
3. Communicate clearly what those 3-5 points are.
4. Educate, educate, educate.
5. Expose and ridicule the media and anyone who doesn’t get it.
Entelechy on November 23, 2008 at 1:14 PM
I think mr. steele has done a pretty good job of telling us what we can’t do…he has to work on telling us what we can
tomas on November 23, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Goes without saying, but it might be needed, that texting falls into item #3, above. It’s just another tool, and all means/tools, old and new, s/b utilized.
Entelechy on November 23, 2008 at 1:16 PM
This bears repeating:
“Really? Sycophantic??? So just sit back, run another campaign like this one was run???
I don’t care what he does, just so long he gets us back on track, and yes, shake things up…
Maybe you should read up on Michael Steele, look what happened to him when he ran for congress 2 years ago….
GO MICHAEL STEELE…”
reshas1 on November 23, 2008 at 12:27 PM
And to lodge:
Michael Steele wants to grab our guns? Really? Please direct us to the evidence.
Perhaps those who don’t like Steele should offer a better choice than the GoPac Tick, Newt. But it wouldn’t do any harm to have him on speed dial.
Christine on November 23, 2008 at 1:26 PM
I texted this:
Create a 529-like account for home mortgages. Kids may not attend college, but will buy a home. A stronger down payment helps the mortgage industry as well.
beatcanvas on November 23, 2008 at 1:29 PM
I don’t have texting on my cell and i don’t have any great ideas right now; is there a website i can send him an email?
Christine on November 23, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Second idea texted:
To help people through tough economic times and encourage responsibility – not rescue – let second job be tax free.
beatcanvas on November 23, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Here’s my message to Michael Steele:
When you fill in for Sean Hannity, as you did last week, or make any appearance where there is an audience, do not, I repeat, do not lapse into jive talkin’. Honestly, I cringe at this shtick more than I cringe at Sarah Palin’s run-on sentences.
Buy Danish on November 23, 2008 at 1:39 PM
Why not make him a guest moderator here at Hot Air?
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2008 at 1:40 PM
MISSION #1,EXPOSE the leaders of the NEA,NAACP,ACLU,ACORN,NOW,CBC,Southern Poverty Law Center,and the Nation of Islam for the anti AMERICAN pond scum that they are!!! Giving the UN their relocation orders to Mogadishu wouldn’t be a bad idea either,IMHO.
nukeemnow on November 23, 2008 at 1:41 PM
I think it’s hilarious. He was talking with Bob Beckel about the Clintonite appointments and he said “I’m just loving all the chaaange brother!”
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 1:42 PM
It’s simple folks.
FISCAL restraint and SMALL government bias.
Until Mr Steele and other Repubs who believe this are willing and able to mock our own in the public square when these principles are violated we have no hope of being in the majority. Forget the Dems we can’t even get Repubs to refrain from looting the treasury and expanding government.
When it comes to stealing I prefer Dems. At least they promise me shit for free, who cares that it’s not. With the Repubs it just disappears.
patrick neid on November 23, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Third idea:
Create a web site where conservatives who want to help move the party forward can register themselves and list their strengths/availability. Do it now, in the aftermath of the election when passion is still there, and get them involved early.
beatcanvas on November 23, 2008 at 1:45 PM
In a roundabout way, you’ve made a good point. Conservatives are too busy with other things to run the RNC, having been reelected. It’s the compassionate conservatives like Steel that are out of work. But do we really want adherents of a failed ideological perversion of conservatism running the recovery effort?
I suspect he’s hoping to wait until after he gets the post before revealing that he wants to double down on compassion and fold on conservative.
FloatingRock on November 23, 2008 at 1:48 PM
Promise to bring Government back maintaining property rights, maintaining law & order and running the military and that’s it. No BS social programs, bail-outs, welfare (corporate or otherwise), thought-control, social engineering through the tax code, or running my life. In other words, MYOFB.
mr.blacksheep on November 23, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Have you checked out Newt’s site American Solutions?
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Ed, it wouldn’t hurt then to give people the ability to express themselves in more than one sentence. Texting and video is cool and they do build a network but for ideas, thought-out email and letters are better.
Phoenician on November 23, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Like he was the person that did the texting. Reminds me of one of the ‘Dirty Harry’ movies where the little old ladies are putting lipstick on the provative letter from Ingrid. All that money on college and she got a diploma but nothing to help her in the real world. A college degree is a wonderful thing but if you can’t function in the real world without it your education was incomplete.
thomasaur on November 23, 2008 at 1:56 PM
Yes, I have, but it doesn’t ask for my strengths or availability. It’s mostly a platform for Newt to push an agenda – ad most of the time I agree with his agenda – but what I have in mind is less controlled than that and much more “Army of Davids” like in its approach.
beatcanvas on November 23, 2008 at 2:00 PM
I agree with you jencab. Though I’m fairly new to the Republican Party, its ideals and values are something real and good. We can’t let go of those to try to make ourselves look more appealing to fringe groups. If we try to play the dem’s identity politics game no one wins.
There’s no reason why we can’t use the technology if it benefits us and gets across the message to more people.
4shoes on November 23, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Again!
Oh, and how about e-mail instead of this text message stuff. Or *gasp* have someone read Hot Air.
Count to 10 on November 23, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Suggestion 3: Advise all the McCain dopes that McCain is not and never has been a conservative and his departure from public service can’t come soon enough.
csdeven on November 23, 2008 at 2:27 PM
Steele does not want to grab guns. Lodge is simply a troll.
Enoxo on November 23, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Well….. here are just a few suggestions………
1. Remind the American people just who caused our current economic crisis. Inform them that the Democratic policies of social engineering are still in place, and the politicians who refused any attempt at stopping the coming collapse, i.e. Dodd, Frank, Reid, Pelosi, Gorelick, and Raines, are still in power. NAME the NAMES and PROMISE the American people that they will be held accountable, and then HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE!!!!
Explain to the American people that throwing money at all the banks, insurance companies, car companies, credit card companies, etc., etc., is not going to fix the problem unless you fix the initial CAUSE FIRST, it will only make it worse.
2. Tell the American people that groups like ACORN and La Raza will be immediately defunded, and an immediate investigation into all the voter fraud and illegal campaign financing allegations. ANYONE who is found guilty will face the harshest penalties, and their candidates WILL BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE!
3. Stop telling the American people that we are going to secure the border, just SECURE THE DAMN BORDERS!!!
4. Ask the question, “Can anyone name a single Federal Bureaucracy that isn’t filled with waste, fraud and abuse?” Then tell the American people that you will begin eliminating said bureaucracies until the answer to that question is “Yes”.
5. Educate the American people.
………….. this is just a start, and something that I think would put faith back into the Conservatives in this country, Republican, Independent, and even some Democrats.
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2008 at 2:34 PM
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Source it.
Because, funny, I put it into google and the only thing that comes up is people like you who quote it without a source or context.
Enoxo on November 23, 2008 at 2:41 PM
here
lodge on November 23, 2008 at 2:42 PM
Using a popular form of communication to reach the youth vote is a necessary step. The next step would be to start educating them on the difference between conservative and liberal policies. That way the party has established a dialogue with them as the message develops. We have for too long ceded the youth vote to the libs and the results were manifest this year. And I don’t mean just the numbers who voted, I’m referring to the rabid nature of their support. They are involved now. They OWN the outcome of the Marxist policies and inexperience they voted for.
Now, as a conservative, you know for a fact that it wont be too long before they are experiencing some serious buyers remorse. Well, who is going to be there to give them an alternative? The liberals college professors and the “in the tank” MSM? I say no! We start talking to the youth NOW and continually as the Obama policies quash the opportunities that these same youth THINK he is guaranteeing them.
I have been sending bulletins to all the youth that are on my Myspace friends list. I am pointing out the betrayals that Obama is already engaged in. Guess what? Their rabid support for the guy has turned into introspective concern about just what they really voted for. It’s important that we not engage in the “I told you so” responses because no one responds to that tack. This is a great opportunity to teach the youth how to get educated on the issues they are going to take ownership of when casting their vote.
Kids need to learn how to develop a set of core values that are not dissuaded by fancy rhetoric and irresponsible promises.
Remember, when you go fishing, you don’t use the bait you like, you use the bait the fish like.
csdeven on November 23, 2008 at 2:48 PM
1. Expel the U.N. and all its diplomats
2. Close down ANY and ALL employers who hire illegals. Immediately.
3. CLOSE THE PRIMARIES!
SouthernGent on November 23, 2008 at 2:53 PM
is this American politics of American Idol?
Kaptain Amerika on November 23, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Hey sweetie! How you doing? I wanted to let you know that my soldier is home from Iraq safe and sound! Aside from feeling naked without his weapon and he is constantly making sure his back is covered, he’s doing real good.
You always show concern, and I thought you’d like to know.
csdeven on November 23, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Forgot one…………….
6. Tell the American people that politicians sitting around all day creating more and more laws is not the answer unless the current ones are enforced first. Anyone “Selectively Enforcing Laws” will be fired immediately and replaced with people that will do the job, regardless of their political affiliation.
When you have what happened to “Scooter” Libby compared to that government official who basically cyber-raped “Joe the Plumber”, how can any American have faith in the “Justice System”?
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Oh goody, a campaign tactic to get all the frustrated Republicans behind his candidacy. Personally, I don’t like being played.
Done That on November 23, 2008 at 3:05 PM
American politics has turned into American Idol, look who won the election, and those that voted for him………..
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Scooter committed perjury, that stupid official violated regulations. There is a difference, that would be why their punishments were different.
A comparison between Libby and Clinton would be more appropriate.
Squid Shark on November 23, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Steele needs to make sure that we get on TV…that is the key. Kicking and screaming if need be. I see a lot of clips of Republicans talking on the hill…but they never see the light of day.
We need to get our people seen.
tomas on November 23, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Steele did say that assault weapons were overkill but rejects a total ban. And he didn’t call for a handgun ban either. To my way of thinking, anyone who calls for a handgun ban is a total sack of $hit and is unreachable. I would like him to answer your point and soften his stance of assault weapons.
The area in which I have some room for compromise is in exactly where the restrictions are. Do we allow full auto? How about grenades, tanks, flame throwers etc?
In order to determine where the line is, we need to discuss the purposes of those weapons. For instance, the fully automatic weapon is a suppressive weapon. It is used to keep the enemy’s head down as you maneuver for the kill. Is that a home defense weapon? Of course not, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get to own one. So, to my mind, a fully automatic weapon is our right to own. But with that right comes responsibility. If you decide to use it in a home defense situation where another weapon would have worked equally as well, and you end up putting holes in the neighbors car, or God forbid the neighbor, then you are totally responsible for that act. The consequence for reckless use of the weapon should be severe.
Even though grenades and flame throwers can be defended with the same rational, I am less convinced by that same rational concerning those weapons.
Perhaps, as in the military, there should be very strict requirements for possession of those type weapons? The military is trusted because all weapons are secured under very strict uncompromising standards. Most gun owners don’t use the same standards. We don’t have the resources to put an armed guard 24/7 on our weapons. And if we push to have a militia that does have those resources, then the gun grabbers will say that private citizens don’t need guns in their homes any longer.
So, maybe we will have to accept some restrictions so we don’t have to fight for personal ownership because we pushed too hard to own grenades etc?
csdeven on November 23, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Try Grammar.
You’re welcome.
Right_of_Attila on November 23, 2008 at 3:32 PM
So what’s the difference between Obama and Michael Steele on gun control?
Michael Steele… “don’t think that that means that you go to a total ban for those who want to use guns for skeet shooting and hobbying and hunting and things like that.”
I think that is pretty close to Obama’s position isn’t it?
sharrukin on November 23, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Just keeping texting: SHRINK GOVT.
PattyJ on November 23, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Steele’s our guy.
Especially in light of this.
C’mon GOP, do the right thing.
Hawkins1701 on November 23, 2008 at 3:41 PM
It’s not rocket science.
less government
win the wars you choose to fight
punch hippies
Mojave Mark on November 23, 2008 at 4:05 PM
The operative word in my quote was ’seems’…It seems you missed that point.
As to my daughter’s street smarts, she worked her way through two degrees, paid for it all herself, and at 27 is closing on her first house next week, all without our financial help.
You have wrongly ASSumed that her college degrees have not prepared her for the real world of politics, as evidenced by her O vote. Wrong-o, bucko. She spent hours researching McCain’s position on the domestic violence victims’ rights issues and found NOTHING except ignorant quotes from an 18 month old speech. Frankly, I, too, was disheartened by Mac’s clear lack of message on this vital women’s issue. How many other young people put forth that kind of thoughtful effort, I wonder?? She is a registered republican and has never voted for a Dem before.
But the point I was making, which you clearly missed, is that my 20something well educated daughter was impressed by the way in which the O campaign worked hard to communicate their message using youthful methods: texting and email. These tools made him seem real and accessible.
Hope you got it this time.
LEBA on November 23, 2008 at 4:09 PM
As depressed as ever. Must learn to live in our times.
Thank you for your note csdeven. Please wish him well and thank him for keeping our keisters safe, to be free and stupid. Thank you, to you and your wife, for raising such good children.
Entelechy on November 23, 2008 at 4:24 PM
Do you have a great new idea for the future of the Republican Party or just think their is room for improvement?
Idea #1: Hire a proof reader.
RWLA on November 23, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2008 at 2:34 PM
- additionally, move to de-fund Planned Parenthood. It’s an issue libertarians and social cons can agree on: whether or not you think we should overturn Roe, I think many of us can agree on no longer paying for PP to kill the next generation of Americans.
- stop spending our money!
- energy independence!
Fallen Sparrow on November 23, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Step One: Electoral integrity
– no more open primaries (at least on the Pub side)
– voter ID
– all donations traced
paul1149 on November 23, 2008 at 4:46 PM
You’ve got to be kidding.
baldilocks on November 23, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Maybe she should have spent some time researching Obama’s flip-flop’s and basic lack of trustworthiness. The man will say anything to gain power. He has voted both yes and no on bills by voting electronically one way and then verbally stating he ‘pushed the wrong buton’. That puts him in the position of being able to claim whatever he wants regarding his positions. He voted present over a hundred times and your daughter voted for him because he promised?
She was impressed because they e-mailed her?
Thoughtful effort?
sharrukin on November 23, 2008 at 4:53 PM
For every new law passed by Congress, they should repeal 2 old ones.
Mongerel on November 23, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Yeah! out of the UN NOW.
hamer500 on November 23, 2008 at 5:10 PM
I have two educated daughters that own their own homes also , but they didn’t fall for the smooth talking pimp just because he had texting capabilities and internet savvy.
thomasaur on November 23, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I believe a REAL effort to get the voices of our troops heard and counted would make a big difference. Also there seems to be problems in getting Republican poll watchers installed at many places. We also need some kind of better voting mechanism where we don’t have “lost” ballots being “found” after the election.
I have a suggestion for a voting machine that would virtually eliminate questionable ballots that would not require any new technology and would be virtually impossible to cheat.
Votes would be selected by touch screen. When the selections are completed, a card would be punched and read and a tape would be physically punched and read back and retained in the machine. The readback of both must match the ballot selection. The tape is retained in the machine and the card is given to the voter to be placed in the ballot box. Both the card and the punched tape entry carry a sequence number.
The poll workers will not have access to the tape in the voting machine. The cards in the ballot box are counted by machine on election night. The tapes in the voting machines are removed by a separate group of poll watchers. If a race is very close, the voting machine tape is then counted by machine. If they agree with the ballot box cards, then the count stands as is. That polling place is considered to have been “recounted”.
If they do not agree, the sequence numbers come into play.
In the case of extra card ballots, if they do not carry the sequence number range of the tape, they are discarded. If they do carry the sequence number in the range of the tape but there is no tape record on the ballot then an investigation of ballot/machine tampering is initiated. This is because the tape HAD to be punched and the tape read back HAD to match the card AND the ballot selection on the screen before the voter was given the card to place in the box. If they now do not match, then someone has tampered with something (probably replaced the tape with a different one or cut a portion of the tape out and spliced it back together).
In the case of too few card ballots, again, an investigation of possible ballot tampering is initiated because if there is a tape record, there must be a corresponding card record.
There is no chance of voters “mis punching” cards, no chance of “hanging chads”. The cards are machine punched and machine read before being given to the voter for inclusion in the ballot box. A punched tape record is also kept. If both the tape and the ballots agree, there is no need for a physical recount of the ballots as the counting of the tape would be considered a “recount”. A recount would only be required if the two didn’t match and if that happens, chances are more likely it is a case of tampering/cheating than a miscount.
crosspatch on November 23, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »