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
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?
Blowback
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So was it bad judgment for McCain to choose her or not?
Wethal on May 18, 2009 at 8:32 PM
If a candidate can’t explain what he’s for he loses
See John McCain
karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 8:32 PM
the Older Conservative vote, which is growing as the boomers age, are probably more sympathetic to these views, McCain, etc.
jp on May 18, 2009 at 8:33 PM
If any of you out there actually went to see the campaign in person you would have no doubt… Mccain events were slow stuffy and the crowd was just there… Palin’s Rally was PACKED OUT, Everyone was excited! The crowd size difference was ridiculous!
She’s REAL! One of US!
Indian Outlaw on May 18, 2009 at 8:33 PM
Sorry, I didn’t want feminists going after you.
That aside, thank you very much for the reminder and heads up. I think Bachmann is great. Smart, easy on the eyes, enjoyable to hear, and relentless. A wonderful pitbull.
I wish she were my rep. I have Jean Schmidt and Boehner to the north of me.
BuckeyeSam on May 18, 2009 at 8:34 PM
I find your ‘criticism’ of Governor Palin highly objectionable. That is not to say that I think that she is above criticism, or even that I consider her presently to be the strongest contender for the Republican candidacy in 2012. But to brand a successful woman who is the governor of a state with unique qualities, and a unique role in America’s defense, a ‘moron’ does not constitute criticism. It is nothing more than the sort of smear tactics the Democrats have employed. If you can’t do better than that, I suggest you shut up on the subject of Alaska’s governor and focus your comments on the potential candidates you find more to your liking.
ProfessorMiao on May 18, 2009 at 8:35 PM
Did I mention it was The Villages, Fl. OLD Fart Retirees… waving flags, cheering her on in the 90 deg plus heat… if that’s our base, they are already there!
Indian Outlaw on May 18, 2009 at 8:36 PM
This is the problem with politics today. Not one thought on promoting people that have shown they can govern effectively or responsibly, it’s all about electability. It’s American Idol on a national political scale. And it’s not just the “insiders” or party leadership that made it this way, the majority of the fault lies with the people themselves. It was no big mystery that Obama administration was going to be nothing more then one disastrous policy after another but hey, he could give a good stump speech and gosh darn it, isn’t it about time we elected a black man? The fact he was clueless and his policy positions were unrealistic or even downright dangerous didn’t mean anything.
lowandslow on May 18, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Like I’ve said before,Governor Sarah Palin,is real,
you can talk to her friends,her father,you know where
she came from,all documented,and nothing to hide!
And yes,she brought her family along the campaign trail,
and it wasn’t SarahCuda who talked about her family,it
was the Liberal Operatives of Team Obama as well as
the MSM who tried to create a false impression of Sarah’s
family!!
And,add in Katie’s and Charlie’s interview ambushes,and
op-ed pieces and ad nausem Leftsphere blog attacks,and
the Left feel over confident that their Search and Destroy
Missions,killed off SarahCuda,politically speaking of course!!
Liberal America only knows what the MSM has parroted about
Governor Sarah Palin!!!!!!!!!
canopfor on May 18, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Americans will commit suicide because Americans are by and large idiots. The typical American can’t comprehend anything more complex than a 20 second sound bite. Hope, change? Hmmm, that sounds like a good idea, where do I sign up?
Discuss the intricacies of the effects or a progressive tax policy on the economic output of the country? Pfft, boring. Where’s that hope and change fellar?
Unemployment could be at 30% in 2012 and I’m still convinced Obama will win re-election with an FDR in 1936 like margin. And not due to ACORN. Simply due to the stupidity of the population.
Every great empire ends eventually. And they almost all are destroyed from within. America is no different. The experiment lasted a solid 2 and a half centuries. Pretty good by historical standards. And just like the Romans, we will destroy ourselves from within.
Can’t fight history.
angryed on May 18, 2009 at 8:36 PM
Indian Outlaw on May 18, 2009 at 8:38 PM
Huntsman’s advisor?
What a joke.
YoungAmerican on May 18, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Id rather lose with a gop Palin than win with a GOP version of Obama.
William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 8:39 PM
And yet you use one of the most insulting (and unilluminating) terms for her – one that does not express concerns about her shortcomings but that dismisses her in the same shallow and callous way that Democrats dismissed Bush, by implying that she lacks intelligence.
I’ve got news for you, Dozi. Lack of knowledge is not the same thing as lack of intelligence. So who’s the moron here?
ProfessorMiao on May 18, 2009 at 8:40 PM
Reagan was described an an “amiable dunce” before he took office, too.
Wethal on May 18, 2009 at 8:41 PM
So,
All of us who went to Land Grant colleges and got degrees in ‘non-intellectual’ things like Engineering, should just stay out of intellectually complicated things like POLITICS?
Give me a f’in break.
I will actively support and campaign for Sarah Palin more than any other politician on this earth.
I bet Truman, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Lincoln would feel the same way.
Jimmy Doolittle on May 18, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Borderline morons appear to be a subject with which you have a great of familarity.
bw222 on May 18, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Will America drag Australia down with it?
Crux Australis on May 18, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Something is up with that. Maybe they know something we don’t?
petunia on May 18, 2009 at 7:53 PM
Ya they know they are becoming irrelavent.
heshtesh on May 18, 2009 at 8:43 PM
Someone here wrote about a week ago that modern Conservatism = Freedom, Federalism, and Family
Now tell me, what moderate would not support Liberty? States Rights? Strong families?
Allow me to simplify: Conservatism = Freedom First
If we nominate a TRULY Conservative candidate, they cannot HELP but appeal to the center, because everyone loves freedom. How do you think Ronald Reagan won? Not by moderating his views, but by explaining how freedom benefits everyone, and Conservatism defends freedom.
I’m sure we’ll have a clearer picture of the field by 2011, but for now, I think it’s ridiculous to count Sarah Palin out – she’s a true Conservative, so all she has to do is polish those communication skills and she’s a contender…
Animator Girl on May 18, 2009 at 8:43 PM
I find the idea that you think she is a strong contender to be objectionable. If you want her to be a sacrificial lamb for conservativism ala Barry Goldwater, then just say that. She is not a strong contentder, she will be destroyed.
She would probably lose even if Barack Obama urinated on an American flag during a live press conference.
Barack Obama is an articulate, intelligent voice for liberalism, and we need the same for conservatism to beat him. That is NOT Sarah Palin.
brandozilla on May 18, 2009 at 8:44 PM
Can we hear from all the Dukakis, Mondale, and Dole advisors too?
Speedwagon82 on May 18, 2009 at 8:46 PM
How do you know? She hasn’t run in her own campaign. We haven’t had a primary yet. Or are you just swallowing the caricature that the left wants you to swallow? Good going.
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 8:48 PM
I’ll say one thing though: Palin is the only Republican I’ve seen so far that has the stones to take on Obama, even remotely. She’s not afraid of him.
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Can we hear from all the Dukakis, Mondale, and Dole advisors too?
Speedwagon82 on May 18, 2009 at 8:46 PM
Seriously
but what does this Say about THE HUNTSMAN. He hired for his srs buizness campaign for the GOP nomination a guy whose claim to fame is losing a primary and being fired from another primary campaign (which started to win after he was fired). He was so Butthurt after losing in 00 he became a Democrat.
This is not who successful candidates select
karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 8:52 PM
FIFY
Wethal on May 18, 2009 at 8:54 PM
I call BS. I think it’s become pretty obvious that Obama is only articulate when reading off the teleprompter (words not his own), and even then he screws up in ways that would have (and in many cases did) gotten Bush crucified. Intelligent? Yeah, he went to an Ivy League school, so I’m certain he has some level of academic ability…. but then, we’ve never seen his transcripts, so who knows? Furthermore, academic understanding does not always translate to practical understanding, as his woefully inaccurate ideas about economics demonstrate. I know Ivy Leaguers who’re making breakthroughs in astrophysics but can’t tie their own shoes. And as far as representing liberalism…. I think it’s pretty clear that Obama represents whatever he thinks will gain him the most support and popularity at the moment, and will change that position on a dime if the tide of public opinion shifts.
I therefore reject your entire premise that Conservatives need our own Obama.
Animator Girl on May 18, 2009 at 8:55 PM
It’s Huntsman who is done. Not Palin. No one knew he was as Governor, and even less will know him as Ambassador to China..
To think the GOPs future rides on a McCain type RINO is laughable.
roninacreage on May 18, 2009 at 8:55 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
Well at least your conscience won’t bother you when you vote for Obambi again.
heshtesh on May 18, 2009 at 8:57 PM
In our next candidate, I call for:
Common Sense
Demonstrable Leadership Experience
Integrity
Respect for the Constitution
Respect for ALL Americans
Any takers?
Animator Girl on May 18, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Here’s a little info for this RINO tool…nominate another RINO, Dem-lite and see what happens to conservative turn-out. Idiots…we tried it your way with McCain…how’d that work out? Idiots!
jwp1964 on May 18, 2009 at 8:58 PM
The GOP is doomed if they don’t stop being stupid. You don’t beat Democrats in elections by acting like Democrats.
jimmy2shoes on May 18, 2009 at 8:58 PM
Mike Steele drinks the kool aid
William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Here is another guaranteed blowout Mr. Weaver… go ahead and do it your way since it worked so well in 2008. Only the base won’t be holding their nose to vote in the future, so good luck trying to emulate the Dems. That dog won’t hunt.
PrincipledPilgrim on May 18, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Start reading Revelation folks!
PrincipledPilgrim on May 18, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Apparently, her young PAC is wealthy enough to retire the debt of Clintons!
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 9:01 PM
To prevent another loser like McCain, we need to have “closed” primaries. No longer can we allow democrats to determine who our nominee will be.
roninacreage on May 18, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Our base was sitting w/the Palin Rallies and the GOP leadership won’t get that through their thick skulls.
The GOP needs a lot of good whacks w/ the cluebat.
Chaz706 on May 18, 2009 at 9:02 PM
More proof that affirmative action hiring is not a good idea.
jwp1964 on May 18, 2009 at 9:02 PM
John McCain
thought she was acceptable to be one heartbeat away from being leader of the free worldwas too stubborn to pick Romney and had to pick someone pro-life or the base would riot.Fixed.
Speedwagon82 on May 18, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Yes please! I cannot stress this enough! Close the Primaries. The Dem primaries are closed in most states. How ’bout we take a clue from them (for once).
Chaz706 on May 18, 2009 at 9:03 PM
These guys are fans of the guy who wrecked the GOP’s ability to get things done while in power in the name of “bi-partisanship”….
I don’t see the donks pushing for the “gang of 20″ right now oddly enough, Juan Queeg threw such a tantrum in 2000 that he had more of a jones for Bush than for either the Clintons or Ogabe.
Stupidity is its own reward and we’ll get ours if we nominate “Son of Queeg” of any stripe.
sven10077 on May 18, 2009 at 9:04 PM
There’s an interesting tidbit of news about how Greta’s husband suggested that she donate a sum to pay down Hillary’s debt. Palin declined. The article went on to discuss her problem, and I thought that it nailed it. She’s got raw talent out the kazoo.
But nobody is helping her in Alaska.
That is absolutely how I see it. I’d get a bona fide Rove-type guy up there with her and start working. She IS a huge political talent, but way, way too unpolished for any real consideration as president.
She was just fine as VP and would have done the job better than Biden is doing.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 9:08 PM
That was the absolutely stupidest thing I have ever heard a politician say. Exactly how does the RNC feed hungry children and why? That was soooooo dumb. I can’t even begin to understand it.
petunia on May 18, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Only that part of Australia where they speak English. The rest of it should be just fine.
MB4 on May 18, 2009 at 9:09 PM
Remember the size of the crowds that turned out for Palin vs. McCain? She pulled in crowds many many times larger than his. I suppose that’s why this “advisor” had them appear at rallies together, as to not show how dejected the base was with him as our nominee. McCain and his cronies are just pissed because of it.
roninacreage on May 18, 2009 at 9:09 PM
At least the bar is so low now that it shouldn’t be hard to find a better candidate than Biden.
petunia on May 18, 2009 at 9:10 PM
William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 8:59 PM
Steele fails
end of story
karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 9:12 PM
The term RINO needs to be retired. So many who claim everyone who disagrees with them is a RINO have no idea what the party platform is. I think many are you are the actual RINOs because you don’t support the party platform, which is a lot more in line with McCain than you.
I’m not a McCain fan either I just am sick to death of the stupidity of the haters in this party. It’s okay not to agree on everything!
petunia on May 18, 2009 at 9:14 PM
I don’t know if this is mentioned yet but Weaver was fired by McCain in the Summer of ’08. That is when Schmidt can on board. Allah do you remember this.
Clyde5445 on May 18, 2009 at 9:14 PM
One of her last campaign appearances was in Jefferson City, MO and it drew around 20,000 people with very short notice. My cousin works there, she said it was just electric when she showed up.
She is the only reason I voted for John McCain.
shomegirl on May 18, 2009 at 9:14 PM
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 9:17 PM
Sarah has the same benefits right now as Obama. She’s really not got any kind of national record that will haunt her. Unlike most of the naysayers, I say she could swat down the criticism of the campaign deftly, with the right person guiding her.
She needs her Axelrod/Rove/Carville.
Heck, they’ve been running the country for years now. All these guys are nothing without them, except for maybe Clinton.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 9:25 PM
But seriously why hire this guy
some one explain it to me
karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 9:29 PM
When Steele said he wanted to bring the GOP back to compete nationally, I thought that meant there would be actual party support for some concervatives running in the northeast. Earth to party….you cant win when you dont put any candidates on the balot. If it actually meant he was just going to support liberals with an (R) next to their name, then don’t bother wasting everyone’s time.
Resolute on May 18, 2009 at 9:30 PM
Clyde5445 on May 18, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Weaver was fired in Summer of ’07 when the McCain frontrunning “juggernaut” fell apart, long before McCain rose from the political dead. I don’t believe that Weaver was ever formally part of the McCain effort again. He cropped up in early ’08 in connection with the Vicki Iseman NYT story, as he was one of the aides described as having asked her to get out of McCain’s life. He spent much of the rest of ’08 sniping, criticizing McCain for tacking too far to the right and destroying his “brand.”
CK MacLeod on May 18, 2009 at 9:31 PM
Where there is smoke there is fire. When Palin came on the scene I was skeptical until I heard her speak. Not to Couric, but to me, an American.
That is what drives others to destroy her.
I don’t know if she will be the next GOP nominee, if I were her I would avoid it like the plague. But we all have to admit. She is America (flyover Country) personified. Like it or not. She might just make it. And Huntsman…who?
I’d vote for her, especially because of her Energy Policy tomorrow. I voted for her and not McCain. I think she has courage and I hope all this doesn’t corrupt her.
And Huntsman, speaking through an adviser…taking slaps..no balls (sorry cajones) yeah more of the same GOP crappola. Him and Crist should have a fake tan contest.
seesalrun on May 18, 2009 at 9:31 PM
All signs point out that she is getting some political advice. This politico story is months old and is from February. It was just at that time that there was a flurry of stories about how unprepared she is, disaffected GOP strategists walking out etc. Now, do you find any stories like that? No. Politico had to dig up gossip from February to make sure that meme is in circulation.
What happened? I think her speech in Indiana, her conscious decision to stay back in Alaska for the time being, her book deal, her focusing on ethics complaints etc. She’s working step by step. We want to see an Obama like finished campaign but that’s at least two years away. BTW, if the press had taken the same obsessive interest in the workings of the Obama campaign,warts and all, it would have looked as bad as Mccain’s or Hillary’s campaign.
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 9:34 PM
What makes you think so? Just curious.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 9:37 PM
One more thing, she’s making a conscious decision of speaking to the values base. Whether it’s Carrie Prejean or Obama’s Notre Dame appearance.. She knows she needs them for primary win. Speaking for them right now two and a half years before the primary makes sure she has the pro-life, value voters, social- conservatives lined up for her. During the campaign she can easily ignore them and speak for the larger country. Which is smart strategy
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 9:39 PM
If I ever need a second a$$hole I’ll hire Huntsman for the job. He’s perfect.
Spiritk9 on May 18, 2009 at 9:40 PM
But seriously, folks, think about it. Why would someone vote for Huntsman over Obama?
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 9:43 PM
We are doomed if we listen to RINOS, acorn and people like you!
We are the party of the people, for the people. We are America.
christene on May 18, 2009 at 9:46 PM
So, if “Huntsman Advisor” believes this, why did Huntsman take a job with Obama, thus, in essence, rendering him a non-opponent to Palin?
I’m going to be honest here — after Huntsman offered himself in the inferior position to Obama, he lost any chance to be counter to Palin to us social conservatives. All Huntsman’s horses and all of his men cannot put validity back into him again.
unclesmrgol on May 18, 2009 at 9:46 PM
The best one was Bristol’s taking up the ambassadorship role for abstinence. That’s something out of a consultant playbook. Her family and she used to speak out of heart about Levi controversy when he was around (“over my dead body”) and suddenly one week into it, all of them began giving PC replies. Unlike February, where everything was going wrong, her events are being managed much more smoothly. She’s also consistently made sure she’s speaking up for social conservatives. I think she will go after them now to make sure they are in her corner and speak more about economics/national security issues in the GE.
I am not saying she has Carville/Axelrod/Rove kind of advice but I definitely think that she’s getting second tier advice . She’s not mounting a national campaign, so she won’t require a Rove figure yet. She just needs a machine to navigate the the national political waters because of her higher profile and I do think she’s getting help there.
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 9:50 PM
That’s the big question. Is it? I think Obama was brilliant at one game, and that was allowing his supporters to imagine he was going to be their dream. What dream? Differed from person to person. He was an expert at not boxing himself in too tightly. The few times he did, it’s come back to bite him. Hence, Gitmo. *haha
I’d say her campaign position was perfect. Now, not so much. If she gets branded as the candidate for the pro-lifers, she’ll be a minor player. They seem to be a one-issue type of group.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 9:50 PM
So she should be two faced as is Obama? And some of you like to compare her to Reagan. LOL
Just because she winked and said you betcha the SPCs have a kinship with her. beyond sad
Bradky on May 18, 2009 at 9:51 PM
I didn’t say that. I find the idea that you can’t read with comprehension to be clear evidence that you should change your handle to “moronzilla”.
OK, now you’re getting closer to actually criticizing – rather than merely insulting – Palin.
The interesting thing, though, is that many people aren’t taken in by the charisma and supposedly great oratorical skills of The Won. I myself am not particularly impressed by either his delivery or his content. And off teleprompter he is often highly inarticulate.
So does that make Obama a ‘moron’? Is McCain a ‘moron’ for being unable to communicate his health care plan during the election?
ProfessorMiao on May 18, 2009 at 9:51 PM
From Greta Van Susteren on that Sarah Pac story:
INC on May 18, 2009 at 9:52 PM
fixed it for ya
Bradky on May 18, 2009 at 9:52 PM
That was from May15th.
INC on May 18, 2009 at 9:52 PM
I agree on that one, but it’s veering awfully close to what the critics are saying…which is that she’s a throwback to the moral majority.
Nobody wants that, except, I suppose, the moral majority people.
But yeah, I get your point. That was pretty slick. Bristol handled it, too. Nobody’s talking about Levi now.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 9:52 PM
There is no way a Dem lite is going to win in 2012. Huntsman was wrong on McCain and is wrong now.
Anyone saying these things, including Steele should be tuned out.
I voted for Palin last time, as did many others and I would vote for her again.
I don’t know what kind of kool aid these asses are drinking but you can not continue spending money we don’t have and then say capitalism doesn’t work. Where the f do they think the money comes from?
A conservative with values and a brain is the only thing that need apply
ORconservative on May 18, 2009 at 9:53 PM
A guy from C4P puts it more succinctly than I have:
Amen.
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 9:53 PM
Ask some of those who wouldn’t have voted for McCain otherwise. But it still doesn’t answer the question. Why vote for Dem Lite over a Dem?
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Make no mistake. If we let the media pick our candidate again we are doomed. Fool me once….
It’s so obvious it hurts. I am waiting for a man to pick up the ball, Cheney saved a touchdown but is too tainted. But man, what about Liz?
Are there any MEN in the GOP that are going to finally stand up and all out all this BS?
seesalrun on May 18, 2009 at 9:57 PM
Regardless, pro-lifers are base of the party and without them you cannot go past the primary much less the general. That’s why it’s better for her to talk all the values issues right now and start talking about energy/economics/secuirty as we move closer to the GE.
She can’t and won’t ignore the pro-life crowd. That’s not who she is but it’s good politics to know when to talk about something and when not. Now is not the campaign time, so it’s much better for her to sew up the values voters base.
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 9:58 PM
I saw your post after I posted. I remember now when this happened.07-08 are a blur. When I read about this over at C4P it trigger my memory.
Clyde5445 on May 18, 2009 at 9:58 PM
call out this BS? Sorry. Where are our leaders for Christ Sake?
seesalrun on May 18, 2009 at 9:59 PM
ah… that as soooo weak…
jerrytbg on May 18, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Apparently you’ve missed the entire point of this thread…
jwp1964 on May 18, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Remarkable job of connecting the dots from Josh Painter at RedState:
The Great Huntsman Hoax: McCain’s revenge is being served cold.
There’s a lot more over there. What is with this? Has McCain decided he gets to pick the 2012 nominee? Are we being set up for a new MSM meme?
INC on May 18, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Maybe, maybe not. I watched the teaparties. There is a big tent there, waiting.
But it’s not going to be over social agenda items. It’s going to be on the fiscal side.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Popped in to see how the 365 day old Palin-isn’t-a-Paladin thread is going. It looks just like the day 1 Palin-isn’t-a-Paladin thread. What is next? Mary Todd Lincoln really didn’t love Willie which proves Sarah can’t read, write, or pull up her own boots?
Limerick on May 18, 2009 at 10:03 PM
Here’s a thought…Rommney…He’s got the skills…
For the country and the party…country first.
jerrytbg on May 18, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I think, prom, what I’m saying is that this is actually a deal-breaker for moderate women.
She could sew up the base, which I don’t think needs sewing up, and lose any shot at others.
That’s my point.
AnninCA on May 18, 2009 at 10:04 PM
and the Paliniacs are completely out of touch with the majority of Americans.. but keep on dreaming
Bradky on May 18, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Probably. I think we’re in for one more shellacking of that “moderate wing” before they’re finally discredited.
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 10:05 PM
and the moron f’in trolls keep spouting the dumb-ass dem talking points! The issue is conservative vs RINO…I don’t care who the conservative in the fight is. FU troll!
jwp1964 on May 18, 2009 at 10:06 PM
It was McCains handlers who created the Palin most americans saw on the trail. Now that the leash will be off this go around, maybe we can see more of her for who she is, and not what McCain and his advisors want us to see.
roninacreage on May 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM
So why do you care?
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I see the Mittstirers have arrived.
William Amos on May 18, 2009 at 10:08 PM
I am sure Gov.Palin will get there but I don’t think its politically right time for her. If she does any of that Sanford stuff, it’ll immediately become clear that she’s running for 2012. Maybe she doesn’t want that. Maybe she wants to tamp down expectations to get re-elected in 2010.
Fact is right now she is perhaps the only candidate that can speak to both the social conservatives AND fiscal conservatives. You don’t have to choose between them with her.
She’ll take ownership of the teaparty crowd once her campaign is in place.
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 10:09 PM
^ And you still didn’t answer the question. Why would someone vote for a “moderate Republican” rather than Obama?
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Arlen Specter is Weavers kind of RINO also.
roninacreage on May 18, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Seriously the McCain team seems to be trying to do this up
thats more reason then I need to know Huntsman is a failure
karasoth on May 18, 2009 at 10:12 PM
Gov.Palin won’t become pro-choice just to get those moderate women. Will. Not. Happen.
At best, she may play down values issues in the GE, which is actually her MO.
The last election showed that for GOP losing the base and chasing the moderates is a sure loser. They have to get their base to show up reliably and then find wedge issues to go after enough moderates.
promachus on May 18, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Gov. Palin made two timely statements recently on issues that where in the news.
Clyde5445 on May 18, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Yeah, and after the inevitable tax hikes next year the tea party crowd could take ownership of the country.
ddrintn on May 18, 2009 at 10:17 PM
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