Poll: Who leads the Republican Party?
posted at 1:40 pm on March 9, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
According to Rasmussen, most Republicans answer with a shrug. Over two-thirds of Republicans say “no one”, while only two percent agree with the Operation Rushbo attack operation out of the White House:
Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Republican voters say their party has no clear leader, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Another 17% are undecided.
Just five percent (5%) view either John McCain, the GOP’s unsuccessful 2008 presidential candidate, or new party chairman Michael Steele as the party’s leader.
Two percent (2%) see conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh in that role, and one percent (1%) name McCain’s running mate, Alaska Govenror Sarah Palin. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader John Boehner are each seen as GOP leader by less than one-half of one percent.
Democrats don’t have any trouble identifying their party leader — two-thirds say Barack Obama, and no one else gets 5%. That’s traditional for parties that have the White House. The president is always at least the symbolic leader of the party. I’m actually curious as to why Obama only got 66%. Jon Stewart actually scores 1%.
So far, Operation Rushbo looks like a failure, even among Democrats. Only 7% of Democrats think of Rush as the party leader. Eighty-six percent perceive no national leader in the opposing party at all. Maybe the media is among the 7%.
All this shows thefallacy Rahm Emanuel has tried to employ in Operation Rushbo. Rush is a conservative commentator, not a Republican activist. He scorns Republicans as well as Democrats who do not hew to the conservative model. Maybe if the White House tried painting him as a conservative leader, they would get more traction as well as displaying some intellectual honesty — but that doesn’t win elections or make for successful smear campaigns, I guess.
Who would Hot Air readers say is the Republican Party leader? Take our poll to make your voice heard. I’ll talk about the results on tomorrow’s TEMS show with Mary Katharine Ham.
Blowback
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Just to go fishing a second time on my Alinsky strategy comment.
Did anyone notice that they were all over Palin after the election to declare for 2012 in the MSM? Then when she didn’t take the bait as leader of the party (and focal point for the Obama supporters personal destruction aimed toward the public) They next came across Jindahl and demonized him when he was put forward as the opposition of stimulus in it’s bloated form for the usually ignored response. This time the responder got vilified for the first time in my memory. He in turn has went into lower radar mode.
Feedback please, Aren’t the democrats desperate for a face of the Republican party to run the only game they know? So why give them one? Why should we be in any need to “rally” around a single person?
We see what happens when we do. The machine kicks into high gear and the democrats get a diversionary tactic.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 2:49 PM
I’m with you techno 1000%!! Good analysis. No one can deny she is the front runner to BE the leader right now if she chooses to do so. I am hoping for that obviously.
davek70 on March 9, 2009 at 2:51 PM
Before Obama’s nomination who was the leader of the Democrat party? There is no promoting of a leader outside of Presidential elections. There never really has been. Sometimes in the case of Newt in 1994 it happens but mostly it doesn’t. We even speak in terms of “Republican leaders” or Democrat leaders”
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 2:53 PM
although i love sarah palin, i voted noone because i see no republican having the balls to go toe to toe with these democratic freaks and shoving their horsesh-t right back down their throats and forcing them to choke on it. when i see that, then i will see a true republican leader. not a bunch of pansies.
Ghoul aid on March 9, 2009 at 2:54 PM
Davek70 do you agree with me that Palin was wise to lay lower and avoid unproductive negative campaigning against her by the left this far out from ANY elections?
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 2:55 PM
And here I thought the Repubs were supposed to be following ideals, not men.
Mew
(no offense intended to Sarah Palin – who did a good job of articulating some of the ideals…. wish McCain had grown a pair and done the same)
acat on March 9, 2009 at 2:56 PM
Good call. Keep ‘em guessing.
misslizzi on March 9, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Agree – anyone who speaks the truth about the woeful lack of experience of these clowns in Congress and the White House, gets stomped on.
That’s why we are where we are. No one is willing to say that Emperor Obama has his ass swinging in the wind, bopping down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Except Rush. So maybe he is the leader.
Courage and leadership included speaking truth to power, doesn’t it Democrats?
NoDonkey on March 9, 2009 at 3:01 PM
It is tougher to do that when you are not in power because you can’t point to any real world effects that people will internalize as bad.
Things have changed now. With full power comes full responsiblity and you will see many Republicans be able to point to things like the stock market and get people’s ear unlike before about what “sh*t” the democrats are shoveling.
Before people did try and push back but Dems could hide behind the Bush presidency as to the effects of their decisions. It became a losing game that people stopped playing that disappointed you. Don’t get too down these same people will look different in the future.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:01 PM
I am Spartacus!
Connie on March 9, 2009 at 3:02 PM
I voted “No One” but am a huge supporter of Sarah Palin.
Since some people seems to take the poll as a bellwether for the 2012 GOP nomination, please remove one vote from “No One” and add it to Sarah’s column.
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 3:02 PM
I voted “No One” but am a huge supporter of Sarah Palin.
Since some people seems to take the poll as a bellwether for the 2012 GOP nomination, please remove one vote from “No One” and add it to Sarah’s column.
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 3:02 PM
——
Please subtract at least one vote from “No One” in that case.
While I liked Sarah in 2008, I do not necessarily like her in 2012. Too early to see what the top issues will be and who the best candidate to tackle them is.
Mew
acat on March 9, 2009 at 3:04 PM
right now nobody i would like to see mitt take over based on ronald reagan conservatism it worked and it will work every time it is used.
wade underhile on March 9, 2009 at 3:06 PM
As of this writing:
SARAH PALIN = 22%
Michael Steele = 12%
Rush Limbaugh = 8%
Bobby Jindal = 4%
John McCain = 1%
The base is speaking to you, GOP.
LOUDLY.
Kent18 on March 9, 2009 at 3:09 PM
I am a progressive and I agree; the Rush Limbaugh line that is being used currently is stupid.
Members of the Democratic party should just focus on policy debates.
Let Rush be Rush and let’s move on to trying to fix our problems.
ckoeber on March 9, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I listen closely to Rush he lets on that his strategy is to say the things about Obama that the political climate makes impossible for Republicans.
Let Rush do his thing he reminds the Audience ” I have been at this 20 years, I could understand if this was my first year but don’t worry…I was built for this”
What is Rush saying here?
He is saying he gets that Obama’s popularity make it impossible for Republicans to get to boisterious in their opposition. He has the bully pulpit and only a guy with another bully pulpit like Rush can take him on.
Rush is and will not be on the ballot. Let the talk radio thing play out with them criticizing Rush fro his statements. He can get away with saying things like “Obama is tanking the market”. If an elected Republican did that he would get the Alinsky treatment that Republicans (fill in the blank) that drives Republicans numbers into the basement with the Obama Machine of MSM and WH.
Their machine won’t work against Rush just you wait in see. He isn’t in the position of being a politician and Obama and his buddies in congress are.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Like it or not Palin was discredited by the MSM and ruined as a serious politican. It is unfair, it is wrong. But it is reality. And if she runs in 2012 it will be an endless string of late night jokes about moose, Alaska and Chanel suits. And she will lose badly.
angryed on March 9, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Go Sarah!!!
DanaSmiles on March 9, 2009 at 3:14 PM
I agree with you, they would have stayed focused on Sarah Palin had she taken the bait and expressed interest. They also did a very good job undermining her already unfortunately and they drag her up every chance. As we’ve seen this is their only game and they can’t help themselves but to keep it up.
I think we need Steele to get ready for upcoming elections and let Jindal and Mitt deal with the media. Whoever emerges being able to side step media traps and take the message to the people is going to be the candidate in 2012. It is probably better if there is no one face right now. I think key is that we don’t stand in the circular firing squad and help them out shooting whoever is emerging.
msmveritas on March 9, 2009 at 3:14 PM
I agree with Rush that nobody is technically the leader of the GOP right now, but I am just the type of person who believes ‘nature abhors a vacuum’ that somebody has to step up to the plate.
Rush Limbaugh has definitely done that. If he were a politician I would bestow that honor to him.
But since he is not, who of all the GOP people in national politics has the highest following, the most buzz in the MSM (although negative)and is able to generate huge dollars (yet to be seen how huge) and hundreds of thousands of loyal, devoted supporters this early in the process.
And to boot led all Republicans for 2012 in the most recent CNN poll!
Her name is Sarah Palin!
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Oops, Steele just dropped another percentage point, he is at just 11% now. Must be endorsement by David Frum…LMAO
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 3:15 PM
At present Sarah is being “Sarah from Alaska”…..she doesn’t need publicity,she is just ….there….just like de Gaulle in France in the 1950s….
callingallcomets on March 9, 2009 at 3:16 PM
..is Sarah going de Gaulle?
http://theagedp.blogspot.com/2009/03/governor-palin-going-de-gaulle.html
callingallcomets on March 9, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Yes, I feel she’s doing exactly what she should be doing. Governing her state (which is more than I can say about some of these other govs who have been all over the media — like Jindal –lately). She’s also been quietly raising, and I bet ALOT of PAC $$. When the AK legislative session ends in April, I have a feeling the gloves will be off and she’ll be out there fundraising and later this year starting to campaign for 2010 candidates.
davek70 on March 9, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Conan is spot on.
Quetzal on March 9, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I disagree. Palin has been pre-hacked. All the false rumors about her were tough to kill in the short term of 2008 and the Obama mania. In 2012 if you start talking about Palin’s teenage daughter of 4 years ago or rehashing things like banning library books (false) you will sound petty and not serious about the current national situation in 2012. The MSM media can’t promote things they have been aware of as false for 4 years (yes even they would look bad trying to pretend in that situation). She will have a 6 year record as governor so they lose the direct experience argument. She will be aware of things she didn’t consider watching before 2008 will take care to carve an image. The MSM scrutiny will make her aware of any controversies well in front of 2012. I don’t know if she will run but one thing is I don’t worry about them rerunning the 2008 campaign against her it would fall on deaf ears if they did.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:27 PM
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 3:34 PM
The base is speaking to you, GOP.
Kent18 on March 9, 2009 at 3:09 PM
The question is not who you want the leader to be, but who is the leader.
And as of right now, Steele has the title, but the boat has no real captain.
Conservative Voice on March 9, 2009 at 3:34 PM
The Party has no leader. It won’t have one until we select a atandard bearer for the 2012 election. That’s the way it is. Get over it.
Sarah Palin is doing exactly what she needs to do. Has anybody noticed what you do in modern America to re-hab your image? You lay low for a while. Then you re-enter the public eye. We’ve all seen it work with any number of celebutards after whatever personal screwup they have. Sarah has only to use the same formula. Timing will be critical, I think. She’ll want to wait until hte hopium high has really begun to wear off. Then, bring out a book, the tour, some TV interviews… She’ll be off and running.
The left will always be making the same old jokes about her. It’s just not going to have the same traction.
trigon on March 9, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Absolutely correct on this one. Right now the Republicans don’t have a leader. That is traditionally the role of the president. We don’t have a president this year. The Democrats are the ones with a “leader”. He isn’t much of one and would be surprised to find out that he is the leader of the Democrat Party. This is why we should criticize him at every turn. Frankly, I am annoyed that he lives in DC and is taking up space in the WH. Zero is a perfect description of him.
BetseyRoss on March 9, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Incorrect. In Ed’s own words, verbatim: “Who would Hot Air readers say is the Republican Party leader?”
Period. End of sentence. ;)
Kent18 on March 9, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Agree 100%. The fact that she maintains 50%+ approval ratings among independents (Per Rasmussen) suggests that she survived all the vicious attacks against her and remains a viable national candidate. The fact that she scores in 90+ percentile among Republicans suggests she has an extremely loyal and large following in the base.
Same thing cannot be said about candidates like Jindal. As much as I like him (and I do); how would he survive a relentless 24/7 attack on him by the MSM regarding “Intelligent Design” or “Exorism”, just to name a few possibilities? We simply don’t know yet.
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Well, it sure as heck isn’t Newt Gingrich! A week ago he would have been my choice but I have heard all I ever want to hear from him.
evensteven on March 9, 2009 at 3:40 PM
I wouldn’t be tough on these governors the only thing they would have done by letting the MSM speak for their opposition to parts of the stimulus package would be what we have come to love about the MSM. They really were forced to address why they were against it. If they didn’t it makes it way to simple to paint us as “the party of no” and don’t think that isn’t the MSM/Obama plan.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Palin 23%… but I suspect a lot of that is just Allah padding the vote.
malclave on March 9, 2009 at 3:41 PM
_____________>>>ZO!!!!!!!<<<
_____________hillbillyjim on March 9, 2009 at 3:41 PM
+100. That last one, in particular — seriously, just imagine the carte blanc we’d be handing SNL and Jon Stewart (among others) to run with an endless stream of “Li’l Bobby Jindal: Intrepid BOY EXORCIST!!!” crap, all throughout the election campaign — would absolutely annihilate us with independents; and I, too, say this as a Jindal fan, myself.
Kent18 on March 9, 2009 at 3:45 PM
I say that David Frum is the leader. He sure wants to be bad enough…
Bizarro No. 1 on March 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 3:34 PM
I would add that also that there were a number of gaffes where Palin was trying not to contradict McCain. Not a problem if you are the top of the ticket. Global warming made her squirm because she was on record as not being a devout supporter and having doubts it was man made.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:48 PM
You know the old adage: there are several men and women at a party talking to each other not focusing on anybody except the person(s) they are engaged in conversation with. But in the back of your mind you know that somebody important will pop up eventually and join your party-it may be tonight, next week, one month or whatever-but you know that person will ‘make a entrance’ when he/she arrives and even more relevant you know that when that person steps through the front door that all eyes will be turned and focused on that one person-all extraneous conversation or activity will cease for a few minutes-you will be enchanted and spellbound and in riveting awe.
In a nutshell, that is Sarah Palin.
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 3:52 PM
The lack of core beliefs drives the lack of a leader and message. If 40% of the earmarks are Republican, then the current Republicans are merely a variation of Democrats. The Republican Revolution brought in new blood; those who remain from it are now the “same as the old boss.”
Here’s a winning platform, it’s very simple:
1. Limit government actions only to fixing the economy.
2. Freeze spending.
3. Reduce government programs and intervention. (Get the government the hell out of our lives.)
3. Stimulate the economy by giving incentives for growth to the private sector. (Reward those who work.)
obladioblada on March 9, 2009 at 3:54 PM
After 4 years of Obama people won’t be worried about these things. I think these are just examples of a desperate press and HuffPo minions trying to find something bad about
Jindal. Don’t expect things like this to survive a full primary process with larger issues.
My prediction is the techniques the MoveOn people have been successful they will find backfiring in 2012. This kind of petty demonizing sounds different to a public that isn’t in an Anti-Bush lather like in 2008. The public psychology will be completely different.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Failing what should read as 1,2,3 and 4 in my post, I vote with hillbillyjim and nominate Zo. (Who will do 1,2,3,and 4.)
obladioblada on March 9, 2009 at 3:57 PM
I am Spartacus!!!
Keith_Indy on March 9, 2009 at 4:01 PM
obladioblada on March 9, 2009 at 3:54 PM
As Rush Limbaugh said in his CPAC speech ‘to the nation’ there is too much time spent on process and policy and not enough time spent on philosophy or ideas.
I prefer a leader to be a visionary and planner first and bureaucrat and doer second.
That is why Sarah Palin should lead the GOP at this time. The GOP now needs a leader of vision rather than leader who spends all his time trying to figure out to one-up the Democrats or develop policies that could be considered Democrat Lite.
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Our Next President now at 25%, as of this writing… and still rising. ;)
Kent18 on March 9, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 3:54 PM
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Fixed it. If people like me who ignore that kind of stuff when it shows up on my caller ID answered, I’d bet “no one” would jump to about 80%.
Snowed In on March 9, 2009 at 4:08 PM
She would be even higher; a lot of us (Sarah supporters) voted for “No One” before this turned into 2012 nominee poll…
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Ed, I voted for who I consider a Republican leader, as the movement has many leaders.
No need to wring hands at the moment because we don’t have the one single leading figure head in the oval office at the moment. It is precisely to our advantage at the moment to have so many capable Republicans leading their regions within the party.
As per the Maine ladies leading the NE liberal progressives within the GOP, again note that region’s disdain for the rest of America.
From the HotAir feature headline article:
maverick muse on March 9, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Howard Dean. And he did a damn good job.
capitulus on March 9, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Rush agreed today that he is not the leader of the Republican party, but perhaps the leader of the opposition to Obama and the democrats. I would agree with that!
Christian Conservative on March 9, 2009 at 4:13 PM
I’m a Sarah supporter, and I still think the answer is presently “no one”.
Honestly, if every poll is going to turn into a 2012 Prez poll, then there needs to be, as a choice in every poll for the foreseeable future: “WHO FREAKING CARES IT’S STILL 2009 GO AWAY!”
Snowed In on March 9, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Obama WISHES there were only one Republican leader to knock down effectively slaying the GOP with one stroke.
maverick muse on March 9, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Agreed, Dean did much better as head of the DNC than Steele has done to date as head of the RNC. With that said, Dean was allowed to get away with saying things like “I hate Republicans and everything they stand for.”
Snowed In on March 9, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Dean: “I hate Republicans and everything they stand for.”
Steele: “I agree with that.”
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Like I have said to those who think that Sarah Palin has been diminished or destroyed by the 2008 campaign and the MSM, you folks are in for a rude awakening. Media Malpractice was only the first step in ‘rehabiltating’ Sarah; many more are to follow. Of course the Messiah will continue to help us out by letting the stock market crash in his attempt to bring down the stock market and along with it the entire capitalist system. Add ElRushbo to the mix, who acts like a schoolboy, when he talks to her, you have a potion that can take Sarah a long, long way.
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Because God has a sense of humor, its a powerful triumvirate of Caribou Barbie, Bobby the Boy Blunder, and that 12-year-old kid.
benny shakar on March 9, 2009 at 4:22 PM
I saw a video of Obama this past week talking about Health care reform and he looked exhausted and without Hope (TM). That’s not good. Of course it’s bad that he’s a socialist but I’d rather he look confident so that when the world looks at him they don’t see a weak America. And that’s what the world sees right now. Including our enemies who are once again getting emboldened.
Contrast that with George W. Bush. After eight years of MSM, comedians and nutjobs laughing at every simple mistake he did he still held strong. Obama hasn’t even been in for two months.
We are in trouble.
The nation has to rise above our incompetent leader to survive.
shick on March 9, 2009 at 4:24 PM
Get away with? I thought that was one of the things that put him into the DNC Chair.
And because God can be cruel, the Democrats are still worshipping Obama bin Laden.
malclave on March 9, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Good. Maybe he’ll resign in order to “spend more time with his family”.
Then Biden will be awoken from his slumber, and we all know that guy is even more worthless than Obama. He’ll resign within moments. He needs to spend more time at the Hair Club for Men.
So the question is, who will be appointed VP when Obama resigns? Who’s next in line?
NoDonkey on March 9, 2009 at 4:34 PM
The question of “who leads a herd of cats” founders on the fact that it is a herd of cats.
PersonFromPorlock on March 9, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Give the guy a break, he is working real hard at destroying the economy, pissing off the British and generally porking up Washington for chuckles. It is tough and demanding work, leave him alone.
msmveritas on March 9, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Only 8% for ElRushbo. I know that I didn’t vote for him but he deserves a lot more respect than that. After all he has played a significant role of elevating the Messiah’s disapproval number to 43%. He has definitely lead. For those of you who voted ‘No one’ I think it is time to get off the fence and declare where you stand.
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Sorry, I’m going to have to invoke Card Check for the 15 tools who voted John McCain as the leader of the GOP.
MadisonConservative on March 9, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Probably Lieberman, Grahamnesty, Steve Schmidt, Nicolle Wallace, McCain, Cindy and their immediate family and relatives.
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 4:41 PM
Why? Rush has made great points in recent weeks, but how does that make him the leader of the GOP?
Snowed In on March 9, 2009 at 4:43 PM
The question wasn’t who we personally look to as our leader (or “voice”), but rather who is the leader of the Party. Steele has the biggest claim to the title because of his job, but so far he has not demonstrated the ability to lead much of anything. I think that could change, but so far he has not done a good job. He hasn’t even assembled his staff yet.
What I find really amusing is what this fixation by the Left of trying to get Republicans to define who there leader is (or who he isn’t, in Rush’s case) says about them and their need to be followers. We aren’t sheep… or acolytes to a guy with a styrofoam temple.
Y-not on March 9, 2009 at 4:45 PM
Can I hear an AMEN!
Randy
williars on March 9, 2009 at 4:48 PM
At any given time I couldn’t tell who leads either party.
Who’s the leader of the Democratic Party? Pelosi? Reid? The Clintons? Obama? George Soros?
I don’t know why it’s so crucial that the GOP all of a sudden has to have a ‘leader’.
I’d just settle for sane elected officials from either party who are neither Communists nor some other kind of anti-American extremist.
Dr. ZhivBlago on March 9, 2009 at 4:55 PM
As has been said, it’s crucial to Obama for the GOP to have a “leader”.
Snowed In on March 9, 2009 at 4:57 PM
Yep.
Ever notice how Rahhhm Emahhhnuel’s name sounds like a bleating sheep?
Y-not on March 9, 2009 at 5:00 PM
I am Spartacus!
Seven Percent Solution on March 9, 2009 at 5:01 PM
Yes, they are looking for a punching bag. They need a replacement target for all the residual Bush-hate. Palin was wise to dodge that trap.
kooly on March 9, 2009 at 5:02 PM
I voted no one.
I think the Obama camp would like for nothing less than to have a single person to “campaign” against.
It’s all they know how to do.
Otis B on March 9, 2009 at 5:04 PM
It’s about vision. Hard to get behind the current crop of “leaders” who foisted McCain on the party and have not exactly been shy about spending like drunken Democrats. Real Republicans, the grassroots constituency of fiscal and social conservatives, have no clear voice in the party at this point. I predict the first real Republican to break out of the McCain “moderate” mode will be able to rally the party and give it hope. My money at this point is on Bobby Jindal.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Boehner is actually coming around (albeit slowly), but McConnell is attrocious.
McConnell posited some idiotic plan to have the Federal government guarantee or provide 4% interest loans to underqualified buyers.
Thank God no one took/takes hims eriously.
2010 is an important election cycle and I think that the Democrats will be highly vulnerable after causing us to borrow an extra $3-4 Trillion.
molonlabe28 on March 9, 2009 at 5:13 PM
The problem is that there truly is “no one” at this point. The Democrats can’t single source their campaigning but neither can the demoralized base of the GOP find any hope when the same idiots like McCain claim to lead the party.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:14 PM
Dr. Zhivblago on March 9, 2009 at 4:55 PM
“I don’t know why it’s so crucial that the GOP all of a sudden has to have a leader.”
The reason it is important is that somebody or a group must stand up to Obama and call him out for who he is, what he has done and not done, and for what he intends to do to destroy the economic and social fabric of America. The Messiah must be stopped or at least slowed down.
Rush Limbaugh had done his part big time.
Sarah Palin was the only prominent Republican calling for Obama to veto the stimulus bill and thus caused him to take complete ownership of it. In addition going back to the campaign Sarah Palin predicted many things that Obama would do and actually has done ‘including give more orders from Washington, increasing your taxes, and advocating 1 trillion more in new spending. In addition she called Obama out for playing footsie with rogue nations and she came out and said that Obama was not only reckless but dangerous.
Yes, Sarah Palin is a leader and based on the sentiment so far there are millions of conservatives and Republicans who want her to lead right now. That she has withdrawn from the battlefield temporarily to do the job that she was elected to do should not give anyone pause to think that she will not return to the national stage, as Douglas MacArthur promised that he would return to the Phillipines when he was forced to leave by the Japanese invasion.
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 5:16 PM
Agree with Ed, this poll shows that Rahm Emmuanuel is a total loser.
Norwegian on March 9, 2009 at 5:17 PM
A good question is: Who was the leader of the Democrats during Bush? Without a president, its a up for grabs. Ideally the leader would be the millions of voters.
AbaddonsReign on March 9, 2009 at 5:18 PM
I was the 666th person to vote for Sarah P.
Yay???
FontanaConservative on March 9, 2009 at 5:19 PM
How can you say that and expect to be taken seriously? Over the weekend Boehner, from a state with a huge stake in the auto industry (probably second only to Michigan for the big three) was defending throwing more federal money down the toilet that is GM’s prospects for recovery.
Speaking of Michigan, the filthy liar’s Saturday message was eerily similar to the crap that Jennifer Granholm has been spouting for the last eight years as Michigan has sunk to 11% unemployment (18% when you add in the underemployed). No specifics or reason for hope but the “don’t worry, be happy” mantra of a failed administration. Mark my words, the filthy liar in the White House is going to do to America what Jennifer Granholm did to Michigan. And that isn’t good.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:19 PM
Newt Gingrich.
eaglephin on March 9, 2009 at 5:20 PM
And you didn’t have Mitt Romney on there either.
eaglephin on March 9, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Bush hatred among the left was so rife, they didn’t need a “leader” per se. All they needed was to be anti-Bush. The selection of the filthy liar over Hillary Clinton largely came down to the fact that the filthy liar had no record he had to defend. What we see now is that the filthy liar is learning that being anti-Bush and governing are two entirely different things.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Mitt is probably as close to a “leader” for the fiscal/social conservatives as the GOP can offer up at this point.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Again the problem with the GOP isnt leadership (Though that does contribute to it) but rather it is in an organizational tailspin.
Doesnt matter who we select as a leader as long as the party is so ineffective at getting out the votes we will stay in minority Status.
Right Joe the Plumber is now slaming Michael Steele saying Hip Hop is not the way to go.
Good for Joe !
William Amos on March 9, 2009 at 5:26 PM
Folks, it’s all about matchups. You know who the leader of the Dems in 2012 will be: who gives the GOP the best chance to take Obama down or at least prepare the way to take him down: volunteers, donations, conservative message etc>
Sarah Palin
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 5:27 PM
I don’t know anyone who trusts Newt anymore and I know his family!!
DanaSmiles on March 9, 2009 at 5:31 PM
I don’t get this. Republicans aren’t like Democrats. We fundamentally understand that when you ask who leads the GOP it will be someone worthy of a vote for the WH.
Correctly, conservatives see no one in control. As much as AP likes to tout out Huckster, McCain, or even Romney, it’s not as he sees it or he’d have us see it, now is it? We’ve gone through them all already and we don’t like any of them. We’re still waiting for a viable CONSERVATIVE leader.
Rush has never been anything other than a talk show/tv host who espouses conservative ideology better than any other out there. We like him because he gives us something other than the Katie Courics or Chris Matthews of the world to listen to during the day. He has never expressed a desire to go into politics. He has never expressed leadership. He has expressed “his views” and, as is usually the case, a man who is opinionated, confident, specific, and coherent in their ability to command attention and express these views substantially are seen as leaders. That doesn’t mean they ARE leaders. They’re just Type A personalities who are natural born leaders because of their persona.
The problem here is that weak kneed elitist think they know better than everyone else therefore assume THEY are the leaders. They are offend or jealous of the natural leader when they themselves fail to inspire the mass in the same vein as said leader. And then there are Democrats who prefer to have their one person that they can demonize because he happens to be ‘cocky’. Centrist, Moderates, RINOs, Liberals, and Socialists and the way they view the world is the problem, not that conservatives who understand that Rush isn’t going to be the leader of the GOP. Conservatives are still waiting for the one that will come along like Reagan. We’re very sad that we see a vapid wasteland of Centrist GOP control.
Sultry Beauty on March 9, 2009 at 5:34 PM
No real need to focus on Palin at this point. Probably better if we don’t. Think Obama was even a blip in 2004 as a freshman senator. History teaches a lot of things happen and listening to Palin talk one time she might be aiming for 2012 OR 2016. She is only 45. What would happen if we all get hyped up about a person who doesn’t run? Too far away for me to start arguing who is best positioned and she doesn’t even know if she is running in 2012.
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Seriously,how important is it that the Rep Party that prides its self on the “individual” have a central collective leader?
DSchoen on March 9, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Newt led the party once and he did a good job until he was forced out. The question is do you think Newt can be resurrected?
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Not to sound like a broken record, but…
…it’s important to the Dems.
Snowed In on March 9, 2009 at 5:39 PM
no, No, NO, NOOOO!
“matchups” are the reason why McCain got the nod by the GOP establishment instead of somebody who actually reflects the values and vision of the party base.
That being said, Palin loses on a couple of counts:
1. She still doesn’t have the national policy-making experience. Bobby Jindal comes closer on this count because of his time in Congress and as a senior HHS official.
2. SNL made her into a national joke. Republicans don’t need a female version of Al Franken. The way out of the wilderness is to provide a serious candidate with vision and values that resonate with the GOP base.
3. By 2012, it won’t be about matchups it will be about taking America back from the atrocities of four years of unfettered control by socialists.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:39 PM
The more I read this thread the more I think the democrats are better exposed by a multi-headed monster.
Let them take it from all sides with no one carrying the whole reputation or load.
Was it fun or easy for us to answer HuffPo, MoveOn, DailyKos, Reid, Pelosi, Hillary, Obama, etc?
Conan on March 9, 2009 at 5:40 PM
2010/2012 are not 1992. Conditions have changed. Newt has changed. Like McCain, Newt’s time has passed but he hasn’t the good grace to bow out and let others take prominent roles in the discussion.
highhopes on March 9, 2009 at 5:41 PM
Sultry Beauty on March 9, 2009 at 5:34 PM
technopeasant on March 9, 2009 at 5:45 PM
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