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Huntsman advisor: We’re doomed in 2012 if Palin’s a major player in the GOP

posted at 7:39 pm on May 18, 2009 by Allahpundit
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From the man who brought you John McCain. And before you ask, yes, he was indeed one of the Republican “insiders” who contributed to that National Journal poll declaring her future dead in the water.

The Republican strategist who helped Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman prepare for a possible presidential run says the Republican party is in for a devastating defeat if its guiding lights are Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney. “If it’s 2012 and our party is defined by Palin and Limbaugh and Cheney, then we’re headed for a blowout,” says strategist John Weaver, who advised Huntsman and was for years a close adviser to Sen. John McCain. “That’s just the truth.”…

In addition to being out of the 2012 presidential race, Huntsman is also out of the ongoing debate over the future of the Republican party. Quinn, who met with Huntsman during the visit to South Carolina, says the Utah governor “seemed to be highly motivated to try to re-brand the Republican party as an institution that can win elections all across the country.” Now, Huntsman won’t be doing that, not only because it would not be a proper role for an ambassador but also because he will be thousands of miles away in Beijing.

That leaves the wide-open GOP presidential field even more open than it had been before. Whatever happens, the way forward won’t likely be smooth; Weaver’s “headed for a blowout” comment indicates the depth of division over the GOP’s prospects. “I firmly believe that Huntsman and people like him are the prescription for what ails us,” says Weaver. “But I have the feeling that our party maybe won’t order that prescription in 2012.”

The “prescription” he has in mind isn’t all that different from what most mainstream Republican candidates believe. Like Ramesh Ponnuru says, Huntsman’s vaunted reputation for “moderation” rests mainly on his support for civil unions and the fact that he’s a bit noisier about the environment than most conservatives, two issues on which there’s plenty of room for people like Romney or Sarahcuda to “evolve.” The real sticking point, which Ramesh doesn’t note, is Huntsman’s cheerleading for the stimulus, a position so sour to the Republican base (just ask Specter, who’s now hitting up Hollywood liberals for donations) that I’m frankly amazed he thought he stood a chance in 2012. Although maybe he didn’t; maybe he knew defeat was a fait accompli next time and was thinking of using the campaign simply to build his national profile as the de facto leader of centrist Republicans ahead of the real race he was eyeing in 2016. I still think his new position on Team Barry was taken with that campaign in mind. But as I said on Saturday, I’m not sure how he gets back in the spotlight before then given the dearth of opportunities to run for higher office in Utah.

Here’s an interview he gave on the stimulus back in February, in case you were weeping over his departure. Exit question: Who recently lamented that the GOP is “stuck in a 1980s philosophy”? Hint: It wasn’t Huntsman.

Update: Another McCain comparison from another Huntsman admirer. Do his fans realize that Maverick analogies are emphatically not a good way to try to sell him to the Republican base?


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Hey RiNOs we tried it your way with Juan “Crap’n'Trade, LOST, AMnesty” Queeg….

give conservatism a chance

sven10077 on May 18, 2009 at 7:42 PM

Does anyone honestly think Steele is going to make is to the end? I think not!

upinak on May 18, 2009 at 7:42 PM

If a leftist like Obama can win the White House why not a rightie like Palin ?

The American public is still in a swing mood. Obama can certainly crash and bring down the dems.

This is just noise from the moderates to force the party to listen not to their ideas but to their “feelings”

William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 7:43 PM

Huntsman advisor: We’re doomed in 2012 if Palin’s a major player in the GOP

Well….That settles it then.

/sarc

ThePrez on May 18, 2009 at 7:43 PM

He’d never have stood a chance. Obama was using this simply as a mind game, making us think he feared Huntsman most. I think we are all seeing right through it.

doug1981 on May 18, 2009 at 7:43 PM

Lesse… Guy who runs John McCain’s campaign that LOST because John had to run back to DC like a madman to prove he could be a maverick and vote FOR a bill that conservatives didn’t want… blames Palin.

Guy who works on Hunstman’s campaign who brown nosed with Obama and got a free trip to China says only he understands what Republicans need.

Y’know… I don’t think Palin is necessarily the savior of the party… but I think her values match the Republican party a whole lot more than this twit and the people he THINKS are Republicans.

Maybe he’ll support Meghan McCain next… “I think working Democrats is neat… tee hee”

Skywise on May 18, 2009 at 7:44 PM

http://twitter.com/AKGovSarahPalin

@AKGovSarahPalin: Just met w/Gen. Chandler & Lt. Gen. Campbell, to discuss status of USAF assets in AK, possible 2009 deployments, & value of training in AK.

TimeTraveler on May 18, 2009 at 7:45 PM

TimeTraveler on May 18, 2009 at 7:45 PM

Yeah, too bad she has no experience with foreign affairs.

/sarc

doug1981 on May 18, 2009 at 7:46 PM

These idiot RINOs want to preside over the demise of the G.O.P.

kingsjester on May 18, 2009 at 7:48 PM

Huntsman advisor: We’re doomed in 2012 if Palin’s a major player in the GOP

Is he sleeping with Meg the hefer and listening to her tweets?

Knucklehead on May 18, 2009 at 7:49 PM

How about we let the voters decide?

Firebird on May 18, 2009 at 7:49 PM

Mike Steele is stuck in obama bro love.

I think its time for FRED !

“Even when you’re wrong, people will forgive you for it if they know your heart is right and they know you’re trying to do the right thing and keep your promise,” Thompson told a full house at the AU Convocation Center.

He said the right things for Republicans and Conservatives to do include lowering taxes and government spending, loosening the reins on the economy and realize that “you can’t help everybody all the time.”

Thompson criticized the Obama administration and majority Democrats for giving the country a prescription “for what ails us.” He said the prescription will grow government, nationalize industry, run up a national debt that would “make a third world country blush.”

Thompson said the bank and auto bailout programs have increased the budget deficit too much.

“Nobody ever borrowed their way out of debt,” he said.

Thompson interspersed humor in his talk, saying the difference between Washington and Hollywood liberals is that “neither has a clue what the other does.”

William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 7:49 PM

Firebird on May 18, 2009 at 7:49 PM

+1

doug1981 on May 18, 2009 at 7:49 PM

UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Contact registered Republican voter’s,send a questionaire,
on who they will support,for a nominee!

Get this out of the MSM,and find out who average joe,or
jill(Conservatives) will support!!

If SarahCuda is number 1,end of discussion!!

canopfor on May 18, 2009 at 7:50 PM

Huntsman is just another RINO loser who will obviously and easily defect to the enemy for his own personal gain. These great Republican “strategists”are simply running alternate liberals . . . there would be no Republican conservatives competing. It’s time to take a firm position on the right and unload these left wing liberals claiming to be Republicans.

rplat on May 18, 2009 at 7:51 PM

Do his fans realize that Maverick analogies are emphatically not a good way to try to sell him to the Republican base?

No. They think McCain came pretty close to beating Obama, if only it weren’t for his poor choice of a VP.

myrenovations on May 18, 2009 at 7:51 PM

It’s time to take a firm position on the right and unload these left wing liberals claiming to be Republicans.

rplat on May 18, 2009 at 7:51 PM

Starting with Steele, the biggest RINO of them all.

Knucklehead on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

How not to curry favor, predict defeat.

rob verdi on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

AP, I know you’re running low on Palin threads and need a fix, but this was yesterday’s news.

Erich66 on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

Huntsman advisor all the conservatives: We’re doomed in 2012 if Palin’s Huntsman’s a major player in the GOP

FIFY, AP

bikermailman on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

I find it puzzling that McCain picked Palin yet the people surrounding him are the ones trashing her the most. Palin’s policies don’t seem very extreme to me and she isn’t “in your face” about them. Why is she continuously being trashed by former McCain people?

Something is up with that. Maybe they know something we don’t?

petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

Starting with Steele, the biggest RINO of them all.

Knucklehead on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

Naa McCain comes first, then Steele… then Ahnald… then

upinak on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

Whatever Huntsman the RINO says, do and think the opposite.
He says stimulus is good, while we all know it is hellishly bad.
He says global warming is here, scientists say the planet is actually cooling.
He says Palin is a failure. She is the modern REAGAN!!
Palin 2012!

jencab on May 18, 2009 at 7:54 PM

Let them run their RINOs in the primary, we’ll run Palin.

They’ll have to get on board when we win.

Rebar on May 18, 2009 at 7:54 PM

Hey Rhinos

JOIN THE OTHER PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!

JihadKiller1s1k on May 18, 2009 at 7:55 PM

Here is what I don’t get. Palin is the ONLY ONE that get get massive crowds for the Republicans, only one. Why can’t they see the appeal she has to the base? Huntsman was booed off stage at the tea parties. No way in this world he would have won the nomination.

deidre on May 18, 2009 at 7:55 PM

He’s 100% correct.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

If conservative want to win anything they are going to have to stop calling everyone who disagrees with them a RINO.

I think some of you are purposely trying to sabotage the future of conservatism with your narrow mindedness.

You must enjoy watching the country turn socialist.

petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

He’s right. You’re wrong. Your wishful thinking aside, the US is trending away from you. Latest Gallup poll:

The decline in Republican Party affiliation among Americans in recent years is well documented, but a Gallup analysis now shows that this movement away from the GOP has occurred among nearly every major demographic subgroup. Since the first year of George W. Bush’s presidency in 2001, the Republican Party has maintained its support only among frequent churchgoers, with conservatives and senior citizens showing minimal decline.

The economy and GWB sank McCain, not “moderation.”

Grow Fins on May 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

Just another RINO.
Palin 2012!

JellyToast on May 18, 2009 at 7:57 PM

Why is she continuously being trashed by former McCain people?

Something is up with that. Maybe they know something we don’t?

petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

I think they have bought into the media narrative.

myrenovations on May 18, 2009 at 7:57 PM

When RINOs stampede, cliffs await.

tarpon on May 18, 2009 at 7:57 PM

If conservative want to win anything they are going to have to stop calling everyone who disagrees with them a RINO.

I think some of you are purposely trying to sabotage the future of conservatism with your narrow mindedness.

You must enjoy watching the country turn socialist.

petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

Oh boy, you just stepped in it.

This crowd has been brutal lately.

Knucklehead on May 18, 2009 at 7:57 PM

If the GOP listens to idiots like John Weaver, it is truly doomed.

bw222 on May 18, 2009 at 7:58 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7607856

Liz Cheney talks Conservatism 6:30

the_nile on May 18, 2009 at 7:58 PM

Does anyone in the GOP read any of the polls? It seems none of them have a friggin clue what main stream Americans think let alone fellow party members.

msmveritas on May 18, 2009 at 7:59 PM

Now will this Palin/Limbaugh “far-right” blowout will be similar or different to the squishy McCain “moderate blowout?

jimmy the notable on May 18, 2009 at 7:59 PM

I think some of you are purposely trying to sabotage the future of conservatism with your narrow mindedness.

You must enjoy watching the country turn socialist.

petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

Changing the definition of conservatism to socialist-lite is sabotaging conservatism.

Not standing up for conservative values. But then, even a rino would understand that…

Skywise on May 18, 2009 at 7:59 PM

So are the moderates threating to vote for Obama if Palin is the nominee ?

What does that say about their willingness to stand up for what is right ?

William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM

The Republican strategist who helped Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman prepare for a possible presidential run says the Republican party is in for a devastating defeat if its guiding lights are Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney.

These are the people that had Team Obama so skeered? ROFL Yeah, right.

ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM

I’m very conservative, but i’m not going to vote for a moron just because she has similar beliefs.

Being president is about more then reacting according to a conservative litmus test.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

It seems none of them have a friggin clue what main stream Americans think let alone fellow party members.

Yes they do. Which is exactly why the new Limbaugh-Hannity-Palin face of the party is giving them the willies. With that kind of brand recognition, the GOP will have, well, “frequent churchgoers, with conservatives and senior citizens.”

Good luck winning another election

Grow Fins on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

I’m very conservative, but i’m not going to vote for a moron just because she has similar beliefs.

Being president is about more then reacting according to a conservative litmus test.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

So who’d you vote for in the last election?

Skywise on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM

That’s what is somewhat shocking to me. Some folks on the left have this fascination in painting her as some kind of extremist.

How can anyone paint this lady as an extremist?

I am not into the business of predicting who is going to be our savior in 2012… I like the Governor a lot but like many folks (excluding weaver of course), I can’t predict what the future holds for many of the GOP contenders…

TimeTraveler on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

Palin brings out the worst in all the right people. She is conservative holy water. Her name gets mentioned and the RINOs start confessing their moderate little souls away.

portlandon on May 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM

What’s so wrong with wanting a candidate/leader who agrees with them on most things, not the other frakkin’ side?

bikermailman on May 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM

Am I the only one who had never heard of Huntsman until a few weeks ago when someone from Obama’s camp decided he was the person they “most feared” for 2012? Sounds to me like a big Rahm-run scam.

LASue on May 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM

If the economy is in shambles in 2012, and the American people choose to re-elect Obama over Palin because she’s so “scary”, that’s fine with me. Let this once great country follow Europe’s lead and commit suicide. If someone is determined to kill themselves, there’s not much you can do to prevent it.

ardenenoch on May 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM

Good luck winning another election

Grow Fins on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

Nice that you care.

the_nile on May 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM

Finally! A picture of Sarah instead of Grandma Pelosi.

perroviejo on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

So are the moderates threating to vote for Obama if Palin is the nominee ?

its not moderates, its conservatives who find our party nominating a borderline moron as president. There are plenty of people just as conservative as Gov Palin, who have demonstrated a far greater understanding of world events then she has. See Bobby Jindal, for example.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

LOL so what do you vote for if you don’t vote for when it comes to simular beliefs?

Calling someone a moron obviously puts you in that realm if you compare yourself to her!

upinak on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

Does anyone in the GOP read any of the polls? It seems none of them have a friggin clue what main stream Americans think let alone fellow party members.

msmveritas on May 18, 2009 at 7:59 PM

That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking. Obama & the WH are reading the polls-note the way he lies. But the R’s seem to be stuck in thinking that they should be Dem lite.

INC on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

I’ve heard of an older Jon Huntsman, on Glenn’s show, quite the entepreneur and philanthropist.

bikermailman on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

He’s right. You’re wrong. Your wishful thinking aside, the US is trending away from you. Latest Gallup poll:

Grow Fins on May 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

Rasmussen has the Generic Congressional ballot at pretty much even. Take a look at the polls on specific issues. The Democrats are the ones out of the mainstream.

ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 8:04 PM

Palin brings out the worst in all the right people. She is conservative holy water. Her name gets mentioned and the RINOs start confessing their moderate little souls away.

portlandon on May 18, 2009 at 8:02 PM

:-)

INC on May 18, 2009 at 8:04 PM

its not moderates, its conservatives who find our party nominating a borderline moron as president. There are plenty of people just as conservative as Gov Palin, who have demonstrated a far greater understanding of world events then she has. See Bobby Jindal, for example.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

Who is a borderline moron and why , and whats your better alternative?

the_nile on May 18, 2009 at 8:04 PM

It is therinos that have turned traitor to the party so why is it that conservatives are uncompromising and unbending ?

It seems to me that the extremists are the moderates.

William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 8:05 PM

who despises the will of the people more than politicians and their advisers?

TheBigOldDog on May 18, 2009 at 8:06 PM

McCain mushy Republicanism is the way towards massive landslides?

No. No. No.

therightwinger on May 18, 2009 at 8:06 PM

LOL so what do you vote for if you don’t vote for when it comes to simular beliefs?

Calling someone a moron obviously puts you in that realm if you compare yourself to her!

I will never vote for Sarah Palin to be President, I’ll happily donate some money for her to join the senate however.

And we are comparable, we have the same level of education. Call me crazy, but I’d prefer someone who has some sort of advanced education or at least an exceptional level of experience. She certainly hasn’t knocked my socks off in terms of her intellectually capability either.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

With conservatives like these in the party, Who needs enemies?

TimeTraveler on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Wait we have another one of these threads

a guy who lost in running a Presidential campaign that moved to the left TWICE doesn’t know what it takes to be a successful Republican campaign (nationally)

thats just the facts

karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Good luck winning another election

Grow Fins on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

What was the Dem party affiliation advantage in that last poll?

msmveritas on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

McCain mushy Republicanism is the way towards massive landslides?

No. No. No.

therightwinger on May 18, 2009 at 8:06 PM

Why do you think Obambi’s people are sooooo ’skeered’ of him?

bikermailman on May 18, 2009 at 8:08 PM

I guess Palin isn’t part of the big tent. rhino’s are such bitches.

tomas on May 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM

It sure is strange how Dems all know that the Governor of a major American state just can’t win election as President because their media running dogs have done a number on her.

I think they are very scared, and the RINOs are so used to seeking approval from Dems, they are reflexively scared too.

Sarah should run on a “The media is the enemy” platform – she has every right to. She could ask who we want running this country, the media and hollywood, or conservatives with American values.

I think I know what the answer would be.

drunyan8315 on May 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM

Good luck winning another election

Grow Fins on May 18, 2009 at 8:01 PM

Since WWII:
Truman-D
Eisenhauer-R
Kennedy-D
Johnson-D
Nixon-R
Ford-R
Carter-D
Reagan-R
BushI-R
Clinton-D
Bush-R
Obama-S

The score is 6R’s,5D’s, & 1 Socialist. Next election I’m planning on a Palin-R.

portlandon on May 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM

I will never vote for Sarah Palin to be President, I’ll happily donate some money for her to join the senate however.

LOL, where do you hear she is going to Run for Seantor? LMFAO! Wow, totally uniformed.

And we are comparable, we have the same level of education. Call me crazy, but I’d prefer someone who has some sort of advanced education or at least an exceptional level of experience. She certainly hasn’t knocked my socks off in terms of her intellectually capability either.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Yeah and you haven’t knocked my socks off either. Should i not care or vote if you ran, even if you had more common sense then the “other guy” even if you education was lacking compared to his or hers? No, I wouldn’t but your personality is showing RINO with a big “Warning, Danger Danger Will Roger’s”. Elitism is stupid. it should be what degree you have but who can do the BEST JOB in that situation!

upinak on May 18, 2009 at 8:10 PM

Obama-S

The score is 6R’s,5D’s, & 1 Socialist. Next election I’m planning on a Palin-R.

portlandon on May 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM

port.. I am snickering here. Is the S for Socialist or Satan?

upinak on May 18, 2009 at 8:11 PM

I just love this…
These fools just don’t get it…If you don’t want someone to be a player…ignore that someone…
They go away of their own accord…
The more they talk SP down the stronger she gets…it’s amazing to watch…
AND…the best part…you can hit them over the head with it and they still won’t listen…
Lol !

jerrytbg on May 18, 2009 at 8:12 PM

I will never vote for Sarah Palin to be President, I’ll happily donate some money for her to join the senate however.

And we are comparable, we have the same level of education. Call me crazy, but I’d prefer someone who has some sort of advanced education or at least an exceptional level of experience. She certainly hasn’t knocked my socks off in terms of her intellectually capability either.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

So even if she redeems herself through interviews, debates, etc., you still wouldn’t vote for her because she didn’t go to Harvard? Even if she has your beliefs? That makes a lot of sense.

deidre on May 18, 2009 at 8:12 PM

Palin brings out the worst in all the right people. She is conservative holy water. Her name gets mentioned and the RINOs start confessing their moderate little souls away.

Look I understand the frustration with RINO politicians, but you guys need to understand, that there are a huge number of RINO voters as well. You can’t win an election with just the far right, especially when she would be facing Obama, who is well liked by moderates and independents. It is a suicide strategy.

And I am not saying we should nominate someone who is a RINO or even moderate. By all means, lets nominate a real conservative, but a make it a conservative, who stands a chance at appealing to the center.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:13 PM

INC on May 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM

It’s all spelled out for them, do we need to use another language? Obama is just going to talk a good game and do something entirely different than what the American people want. I think we all should send mass emails to Steele with links to the polls.

msmveritas on May 18, 2009 at 8:13 PM

drunyan8315 on May 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM

She will need to drop this media bias nonsense campaign. We know she got burned by the media but if she keeps bringing it up, the media will use it to discredit her as a whiner. She needs to run an anti establishment, Anti DC Washington, campaign.

TimeTraveler on May 18, 2009 at 8:14 PM

I would vote for Huck or Mitt or Palin or Guilianni before Id vote for Obama or sit out a race.

The only GOP I woulod sit at home and not vote for is Ron Paul.

So tell me again Moderates why sitting home and not voting for sarah is acceptible when the conservatives had no problem voting for McCain ?

In other words please shut up and stop whining.

William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 8:14 PM

“If it’s 2012 and our party is defined by Palin and Limbaugh and Cheney, then we’re headed for a blowout,” says strategist John Weaver, who advised Huntsman and was for years a close adviser to Sen. John McCain. “That’s just the truth.”…

Yes, we need to nominate another Juan McModerate in 2012, maybe even Juan himself. I mean in 2008, we only missed it by {holds thumb and finger very close together] that much! So close, so it should be a snap next time! And if we can’t get Juan, then Meagan! I think there is something in the outdated U.S. Constitution that mumbles something about having to be at least 35 years old, but who would ever ask her to show a birth certificate, as this is the twentyfirst century and who needs a #uckin birth certificate anymore!

MB4 on May 18, 2009 at 8:14 PM

Call me crazy, but I’d prefer someone who has some sort of advanced education or at least an exceptional level of experience. She certainly hasn’t knocked my socks off in terms of her intellectually capability either.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:07 PM

Reagan only had a B.A. degree, as I recall, and two terms as a state governor?

Wethal on May 18, 2009 at 8:15 PM

LOL, where do you hear she is going to Run for Seantor? LMFAO! Wow, totally uniformed.

I didn’t hear that and i didn’t say i heard it, I was merely implying it would be a good place for her. I thought that was pretty obvious, but I guess i should of realized I need to be more clear when having a discussion with someone who thinks Sarah Palin should be the leader of the free world.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

Isn’t Weaver the one who was tossed aside by the McCain campaign for Steve Schmidt?

Wethal on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

Y’all need to get clear on who and what Weaver is. He’s not the guy who “ran” McCain’s campaign in ‘08. He’s the guy who helped run it into the ground in ‘07, was fired in the Summer before McCain got back on his feet, then spent most of ‘08 sniping from the sidelines for the delight of liberals, and accusing McCain of “losing his brand” and caving into the right. This is the snake of snakes, from a conservative perspective, the guy whom McCain was too base-y for.

Apparently, he also registered as D in 2002, and was well-known always to have a tirade against the Bushies ready when asked.

Some supporting b.g. at http://www.commentarymagazine.com/blogs/index.php/rubin/66381

This guy is more a Powell Republican than even a McCain Republican (remember who brought you Palin, Palinites, whatever else his flaws). If Huntsman was hanging out with him, then, well, politically speaking may he stay in China.

CK MacLeod on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

I wish every member of the GOP, both conservative & moderate would stop bashing other members of the GOP.

We’re already fighting uphill taking on the media’s depictions of Republicans. We’re uneducated. We’re small minded. We’re racists. We don’t care about poor people. All of those memes are out there on a regular basis.

Instead of helping the opposition by trying to make sure you scare the base into voting for you in the primaries, why not lift up all GOP members.

Here’s a quick tutorial:

“Sarah Palin is going to ruin every chance the GOP has to win in 2012!!!!”

WRONG ANSWER

“Sarah Palin is a great governor and she’s doing an amazing job up there in Alaska. I think she’d make a great president as well. Governer Palin and I do disagree on a few issues, such as X, and I think the American people would benefit greatly from getting to hear us debate those issues in the coming years.”

See how that one builds Governor Palin (or anyone else you’re referring to) up while at the same time allows you to make the case why you or your candidate is actually the better choice?

JadeNYU on May 18, 2009 at 8:17 PM

Go to China with your boy, Mr. Advisor

blatantblue on May 18, 2009 at 8:18 PM

CK MacLeod on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

Holy crap thanks for the info… yeah this guy is even more fail

karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 8:19 PM

I think we all should send mass emails to Steele with links to the polls.

msmveritas on May 18, 2009 at 8:13 PM

We may have to do this.

I am just amazed. The Dems try to talk as if they are center Right to win elections, and then too many of the R’s come along and think we need to move left to win.

Where are their brains and their principles?

INC on May 18, 2009 at 8:20 PM

I didn’t hear that and i didn’t say i heard it, I was merely implying it would be a good place for her. I thought that was pretty obvious, but I guess i should of realized I need to be more clear when having a discussion with someone who thinks Sarah Palin should be the leader of the free world.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

Sweetie, she is my Gov. but with that aside and the fact I have the defacto media up here continuously putting her down and the endless ethics complaints via liberal bloggers and liberal RINOS hit people. How do you think I should think about this?

You are acting like every other liberal I know. Hate the Person and don’t check the facts.

So what do you want me to do, hold you hand and let you cry? No I don’t think so.

upinak on May 18, 2009 at 8:20 PM

The GOP ran a candidate who had no clue about economics and couldn’t figure out, let alone explain, that his opponent and his CRA supporting party were mainly responsible for the economic meltdown. And still they lost by only a small margin due to the charisma and campaign energy generated by a true conservative: the sensible, lovely and inspiring Sarah Palin.

The more these nitwits attack her the more I love her. Could you imagine Sarah quardupilng the deficit and closing Gitmo with no clue what to do with the prisoners? Neither can I.

Basilsbest on May 18, 2009 at 8:26 PM

Mike Steele is stuck in obama bro love.

I think its time for FRED !

William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 7:49 PM

Better yet, how about Fred and Jeri?

BuckeyeSam on May 18, 2009 at 8:26 PM

“Sarah Palin is a great governor and she’s doing an amazing job up there in Alaska. I think she’d make a great president as well. Governer Palin and I do disagree on a few issues, such as X, and I think the American people would benefit greatly from getting to hear us debate those issues in the coming years.”

I can’t honestly say that though. Look, foreign policy is probably 3/4’s of the reason I care about politics. When you give someone nuclear codes, control of military and two wars, you need to KNOW they can handle.

I knew McCain could handle it, and in order to get behind someone in 2012, i will need to know that as well. And hell, I’ll read Sarah’s book and i’ll give her every chance to wow me in this area, but I think it will focus more on her soap opera of a family then America’s role in the world.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:26 PM

Palin/doesn’t matter 2012
It’ll be a landslide victory!

jerrytbg on May 18, 2009 at 8:26 PM

someone who thinks Sarah Palin should be the leader of the free world.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

John McCain thought she was acceptable to be one heartbeat away from being leader of the free world.

I wish that every Republican politician, “insider,” whatever, who criticizes Palin’s suitablilty would answer the question: “Do you think McCain made an error in judgment in choosing Palin?”

Because that’s what it comes down to. McCain’s judgment.

Wethal on May 18, 2009 at 8:27 PM

RINOS: please kindly leave the party.

On a funny note:

lol, Bubba is at it again.

carbon_footprint on May 18, 2009 at 8:28 PM

I am a fan of Governor Palin but she has bigger things she needs to answer if she wants to be the second coming of zombie reagan.

She did a lot of kick ass stuff in Alaska when oil prices were spiking way up

Oil prices are down and the economy is in the shitter. If Sarah Palin in 2009, 2010, and 2011 Kicks ass economically she is the Queen of the Primary

karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 8:28 PM

Hey RiNOs we tried it your way with Juan “Crap’n’Trade, LOST, AMnesty” Queeg….

give conservatism a chance

sven10077 on May 18, 2009 at 7:42 PM

Doesn’t have to be THIS conservative.

angryed on May 18, 2009 at 8:28 PM

people need to go read the new story on politico about Palin. Some of her washington advisors wanted Sarah to use her PAC money to help retire Hillary Clinton’s campaign debt. Of course Sarah refused to use her SarahPac money in that way.

ousoonerfan15 on May 18, 2009 at 8:28 PM

Off topic but a great debate between Nichelle Bachmann and Barney Fwank on Lou Dobbs tonight (about half past the hour). Repeats on Headline News at 9:00.

Ever notice how the only Republicans willing to fight ate the women-folk?

bw222 on May 18, 2009 at 8:30 PM

The GOP ran a candidate who had no clue about economics and couldn’t figure out, let alone explain, that his opponent and his CRA supporting party were mainly responsible for the economic meltdown. And still they lost by only a small margin due to the charisma and campaign energy generated by a true conservative: the sensible, lovely and inspiring Sarah Palin.

The more these nitwits attack her the more I love her. Could you imagine Sarah quardupilng the deficit and closing Gitmo with no clue what to do with the prisoners? Neither can I.

Basilsbest on May 18, 2009 at 8:26 PM

Very well put, but I’ll add McCain couldn’t explain his own health-care program–eliminating the exclusion for employer-provided health insurance (thereby eliminating an anachronistic fringe benefit created in World War II) and providing a generous income-tax credit to ALL taxpayers to subsidize the purchase of private insurance.

BuckeyeSam on May 18, 2009 at 8:30 PM

just shows that the GOP ‘insiders’ are no different than democRATs…

right4life on May 18, 2009 at 8:30 PM

Sweetie, she is my Gov. but with that aside and the fact I have the defacto media up here continuously putting her down and the endless ethics complaints via liberal bloggers and liberal RINOS hit people. How do you think I should think about this?

You are acting like every other liberal I know. Hate the Person and don’t check the facts.

So what do you want me to do, hold you hand and let you cry? No I don’t think so.

And I have defended her against unfair media treatment, particularly attacks on her family. Being treated unfairly however does not mean she would be a good president. And you can call me a liberal all day if you want, its simply not true.

brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:30 PM

CK MacLeod on May 18, 2009 at 8:16 PM

That’s all true. It’s how I knew his appointment to China was nothing more than a political kickback to a democrat ally.

TMK on May 18, 2009 at 8:31 PM

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