Palin debate: Frum vs. Coulter vs. Bay Buchanan
posted at 3:32 pm on July 25, 2009 by Allahpundit
A palate cleanser occasioned by this weekend’s official resignation. Nothing too surprising here from any of the participants but the prospect of a Coulter/Frum faceoff over Hot Air readers’ favorite Republican is too juicy to resist. Plus, it beats the hell out of the umpteen thousand “Alaskans debate Palin’s legacy” pieces being cranked out by the media this weekend. Man on the street #1: “I love her!” Man on the street #2: “I hate her!” Wash, rinse, repeat.
Frum does raise an interesting point at the end, though. Of the potential big three GOP candidates for 2012 — Romney, Huck, and Sarahcuda — do any have the potential to unite moderates and conservatives after a bruising primary? It’s hard to imagine Mitt turning out the whole evangelical base but it’s also hard to imagine Palin turning out Romney-supporting centrists. Huck as compromise choice?
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 3 … 5 Next »
Its “Lather, Rinse, Repeat” AP.
ernesto on July 25, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Stirring the pot…
meerkat on July 25, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Moderates: Just wave a piece of cheese under their nose and they will follow.
HornetSting on July 25, 2009 at 3:37 PM
If Allah’s correct about Mitt and Palin, somebody else please step forward. I’d rather not go to the polls in 2012 to vote for Huck with a brown bag over my head.
BuckeyeSam on July 25, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I’m not convinced she is running for the big chair. But, I don’t think the “quitter” theme will matter if she uses the time that she would have been in the office. If she vacations through what her term would be, then she’s a fail. But if she makes her profile larger (the face of the GOP oppo for example) the resignation is moot.
Re: Uniting the base, absolutely. If we are talking about ’12 the campaign will be a mandate on the policies of right now. A right wing version of any one but Bush. Romney or Palin would gather momentum post-primary, in my opinion. I’ve been wrong before, though.
Spirit of 1776 on July 25, 2009 at 3:39 PM
BLEEEEECK…!!!
WTH, Allah…?!?!?!
This is TWO days running you seem to be pushing Huckabubby on us.
The guy is a POPULIST…not a conservative…and it’ll be a cold day in hell before I’d vote for him.
Ragspierre on July 25, 2009 at 3:40 PM
HELL. NO.
Norwegian on July 25, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Huckabee won’t win…too goofy. IMHO
bestwins on July 25, 2009 at 3:41 PM
If David Frum “has this effect on Republicans it is not what you need.” I vote with Ann.
Christian Conservative on July 25, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Psssh… men. *rolls eyes*
Abby Adams on July 25, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Allah … relax … we know you’re God and all – but you don’t have to predict the future here dude. There’s a lot of green space between now and 2012 – I suspect that A LOT will happen that surprises us between now and then. Relax … it’s okay to say nice things about Sarah, and Mitt, and Huck …
Breath … Slowly … Deeply …
HondaV65 on July 25, 2009 at 3:43 PM
No , the fight is between the elitists and the conservatives.
It’s not about the “moderates” , why else did Obamacare get stuck.
the_nile on July 25, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Right now, if the GOP nominates anyone but Romney or Palin, I’m sitting it out. May just as well ride it out all the way to hell with Obambi.
sondiehl on July 25, 2009 at 3:44 PM
Allah, the way you asked the question suggests you can only imagine the usual pandering to gain votes.
I would think a more effective way to secure votes is a rather old-fashioned way: honesty. If the candidate is true to their heart-felt values, it will resonate with the voter — even if the voter is not 100% in alignment with the candidate’s issues!
Most Americans would prefer a president who is true to his word over a slick used-car salesman or even a community organizer, if offered the chance.
stonemeister on July 25, 2009 at 3:46 PM
BTW , what has frum done lately to call himself republican?
the_nile on July 25, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Huck looses Fiscal Cons, and Libertarians… or at least this one…
Romeo13 on July 25, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Frum and Sanchez in the same day. You are making me sick
CWforFreedom on July 25, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Posts must be down….AP needed something to take his mind off whales….I blame FB.
HornetSting on July 25, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Much less conservative. The guy is a joke.
Norwegian on July 25, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Palin has the most chance to unite the GOP. She is a true conservative she covers all three legs of the stool so to speak and thus moderates will be able to find the leg of the stool they agree with. While the base will be energized with all three legs and turn out in record amounts. Mitt will keep social cons at home. Will keep libertians at home. huck will keep everyone but the bible signing flock at home. Palin will bring everyone out.
unseen on July 25, 2009 at 3:50 PM
No to Huck. I’d rather see a Romney/Palin ticket.
artchick on July 25, 2009 at 3:50 PM
David Frum is a prig…NOT a conservative…NOMINALLY a Repug.
Ragspierre on July 25, 2009 at 3:50 PM
You know what is really starting to irritate me? all this BS about she “needs to study up” or she ” hasn’t studied up” which appears to be the new meme…. WHEN, since the end of the election, has Sarah Palin tried to “show” that she has “studied up?” She hasn’t really been in that situation yet. She has been Governor. These people act like she should have been out on the road showing off her policy chops.
The bottom line: no one knows if, in fact, she has “studied up” because she hasn’t been out there showing us one way or the other.
BPD on July 25, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Ahhhhhhhhhhh…..
Loxodonta on July 25, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Same as Noonan, he wrote speeches.
Which another way of saying he was paid to put words in others mouth, so now it’s a habit.
Spirit of 1776 on July 25, 2009 at 3:52 PM
So they had 3 anti-palinbots against Ann Coulter.
the_nile on July 25, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Hush your mouth!
DrSteve on July 25, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Sorry, but there are only three choices I see now, though I know there will be more… Romney, Pawlenty, and Mitch Daniels… please, stop giving Huck and Palin more press…
ninjapirate on July 25, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Unfair fight…. for the anti-Palinbots
Norwegian on July 25, 2009 at 3:54 PM
How about skip Huckabee and go with Tim Pawlenty. I’d rather have Pawlenty than Romney any day.
deidre on July 25, 2009 at 3:55 PM
The bottom line: no one knows if, in fact, she has “studied up” because she hasn’t been out there showing us one way or the other.
BPD on July 25, 2009 at 3:51 PM
————————
The next meme will be she hasn’t studied enough or has studied the wrong things etc..etc
meerkat on July 25, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Wait, what?
Who is Huck going to get that Palin won’t? Socialists? Protectionists? Blue Bloods?
Anyone?
Count to 10 on July 25, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Let me be clear….Huck would be a major mistake. He is great on television. He needs to stay there.
HornetSting on July 25, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Sarah Palin needs to run for Congress. All of it.
She can generate enthusiasm and money for local candidates all across the country, and get enough conservative Republicans elected to take back the House of Representatives.
Once she does this, the Republican Party will beat a path to her door.
gridlock2 on July 25, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Huck? Huck no! How’d he do against the other ‘hold your nose’ candidate, Johnny Mac? Uh unh, no way. Another guarantee that the core (different than the base?) will sit this one out.
Slam dunk for ’0′.
TinMan13 on July 25, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Interesting how “they” just can’t stop talking about Sarah………
……… That’s my girl!
Seven Percent Solution on July 25, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Nominate an uncharismatic Mullet who supports Cap & Tax? No thanks
Norwegian on July 25, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Palin is the first competent (albeit marginally) candidate I’ve seen come along since Reagan who has the “It” factor. She’s the genuine article, uncorrupted by the DC crowd, and true to her principles.
This is why the left needs to destroy her. She can win without pandering, without hollow campaign promises, and without selling out to lobbyists.
The bottom line: if Palin runs, she will win. Period.
stonemeister on July 25, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Whore…
Thank you ! ;)
jerrytbg on July 25, 2009 at 3:58 PM
How old is Piper? SP wants to host a Whitehouse wedding.
exdeadhead on July 25, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Huckabee’s only contribution to the 2008 election was to deny us the best Republican top of ticket candidate. Resentment looms large.
bestwins on July 25, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Once a deadhead always a deadhead..”The Music Never Stops”
bestwins on July 25, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Please stop reading and clicking on these posts, and therefore rewarding bad behaviour…
Mcguyver on July 25, 2009 at 4:03 PM
2010 will be a critical turning point for 2012. We can retake the House or come close enough to block the worst new legislation with help from Blue Dog Democrats. Whoever helps the most Republican candidates win will likely be the next GOP presidential candidate. Whoever wants it, let them compete in the districts to retake the House.
Loxodonta on July 25, 2009 at 4:04 PM
I am so sick of your Huck-love!!
Jim-Rose on July 25, 2009 at 4:05 PM
I believe it Is the plan …
jerrytbg on July 25, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Is it? I backed Romney last go-round after Fred flamed out. I’d vote for Palin in a heartbeat. The only place this either-or dichotomy exists is among the “conservative” contributors to the NYT, Wash Post, etc.
Dead Hand Control on July 25, 2009 at 4:06 PM
It’s like you want us to hate you, AP.
frankj on July 25, 2009 at 4:06 PM
I’d rather have Pawlenty than Huckabee or Romney. This is my opinion. I really have liked Pawlenty as our Guv. here in MN.
deidre on July 25, 2009 at 4:06 PM
exdeadhead as in former liberal, but “ain’t it strange how everything . . .”
exdeadhead on July 25, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Skeletons in Huck’s closet are huge
PrezHussein on July 25, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Bay Buchanan? I thought she died of old age years ago. I really don’t know the other pud. The only person on here with any real ‘nads is Colter
Jeff from WI on July 25, 2009 at 4:10 PM
We’re doomed. Huck would drive off the anti-religion crowd much faster than Palin ever could.
katiejane on July 25, 2009 at 4:10 PM
This ‘is Sarah’s career over because she resigned’ seems a hollow argument. Won’t make any difference to those who like her or to those who don’t in the end. And…why do we have to choose between Sarah or Mitt? Unless someone else better comes along, put them together and I think they can win. They don’t seem to have any animosities towards one another as far as I can see. Together, they stand a better chance than Huck who might well prove to be the GOP’s Obama.
jeanie on July 25, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Palin is the first competent (albeit marginally) candidate I’ve seen come along since Reagan who has the “It” factor.
Agreed!
Jeff from WI on July 25, 2009 at 4:12 PM
As much as I despise Frum, I thought his closing comment was right on the mark.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:12 PM
As always… none of the above.
txag92 on July 25, 2009 at 4:12 PM
I’m starting to consider that Allah might be a George Soro’s plant…..
HornetSting on July 25, 2009 at 4:13 PM
I don’t know if Palin is a viable candidate or not. I kinda hope she is just to force the rest of the pack to the right. But Frum is a tool, He has no business talking about resume’s when his is about as bad as it gets. And he continues to say that the last election was lost by Bush being ineffective instead of the fact that we had a loser for a candidate. Hey David, Bush was not running you douchebag!
conservnut on July 25, 2009 at 4:14 PM
We don’t decide elections. Independents/moderates do. And they’re so stupid they vote based upon memes. The “quitter” meme signifies for people like that.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:14 PM
I hate it when people talk over Ann. I’ve never seen anyone be interrupted as much as she is . . .
Ingenue on July 25, 2009 at 4:14 PM
I think you’re underestimating Obama’s ability to dig himself deeper and deeper. Unless he seriously turns things around, it won’t matter. I for one would vote for any one of them.
Caiwyn on July 25, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Obama will do all of the uniting between these to factions.
thomasaur on July 25, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Allah just had to get in another plug for his butt buddy Huck. Go back to your damn tollbooth, Junior.
Percy_Peabody on July 25, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Frum and Buchanan, what a pair. Bay is giving Palin lessons on how to run for president? Ask her brother Pat how good her advice is. Frum is scum! No one but the lefties give him the time of day. There is a flaw at HA about Palin. Let her earn her way debating the other entrants and see who has the best message. It won’t be Huckster(Jester), and sure as hell won’t be Pawlenty. What a dynamo! Romney is a quick change artist that really disappointed me the last time. I think he is such a business man that he calculates every thing he does and says. Saracuda speaks clearly and honestly. Let them go at each other. The victor will be obvious.
inspectorudy on July 25, 2009 at 4:17 PM
David Frum sells loafer lightener?
daesleeper on July 25, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Of course… and No…. Seems like everyone misses the obvious point. You know who unites the party?? Barack Obama.
If he is weak in 2012, the GOP candiate will beat him. If he is not, and the economy has recovered, no one will beat him. It really IS that simple.
IMHO, it is more important to galvanize the base, early and often, because our GOTV effort was nonexistent in 2008. The only person that I have seen, so far, who can do that is Sarah Palin. The ‘moderate’ Republicans will vote for her, even if it is to simply get rid of the Comrade in Chief.
BPD on July 25, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Shhhhhhh.
Allahpundit on July 25, 2009 at 4:20 PM
That was an interesting exchange. I think each of them made valid points; however, I think Frum and Buchanan were looking at Palin in a specific point in time (namely now) and through two dangerous lenses — the Washington conventional wisdom lens (Buchanan) and through the campaign manual lens (Frum). If Palin is so horrible, why does she pull in such wildly enthusiastic crowds? And how can Frum sit there with a straight face and wax poetic about her declining polls post vp candidacy? Look at the f ucking press she’s been getting — the non-stop assaults on this woman’s character, her family and her positions… and she still is the biggest draw around. Christ — Obama has been getting a blow job from the media from day one and he’s now below 50 percent — imagine if he had been treated at least “fairly!”
D2Boston on July 25, 2009 at 4:20 PM
This is the MSM we’re talking about:
“Blather, mince, re-bleat”
EyeSurgeon on July 25, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Well, if unemployment is still around 10% in 2012, do you think anyone is going to give a f*** about the “quitter” meme?
Events make a President.
BPD on July 25, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Serious, how old is Piper Palin, 8? SP runs 2016 at the earliest. This cycle she gets to be kingmaker, beginning to shape the “court” during the upcoming SP Tour in support of Mark Levin loving candidates nationwide.
Later she hosts a Whitehouse wedding. And that will be an awesome spectacle, one the media will have to cover, delicious.
exdeadhead on July 25, 2009 at 4:21 PM
SECOND LOOK AT JIFFY-POP SQUIRREL GUY!
Rhinoboy on July 25, 2009 at 4:21 PM
So are his old suits.
Remember, right now it’s Jimmy Carter Redux. After Jimmah, there was a huge national correction with many Democrats becoming Reagan Republicans. We could have Blue Dog Dems migrating to the GOP even before 2012.
Sarah Palin is the most compelling, charismatic candidate on the horizon. I think it’s hers to lose, but I wouldn’t count out Mitch Daniels, Bobby Jindal or someone unexpected.
Terrie on July 25, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Did Frum coin the phrase “compassionate conservatism”?
I had actually considered voting for George W because I knew what a dangerous wacko Al Gore was.
But when I heard him utter that phrase, I was furious.
Two words that said his domestic policies – taxes aside – would be a freaking disaster, just like his father’s.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:24 PM
For someone who hates social conservatives and Huckabee as much as Allahpundit does, he’s quick to bring up his name as a compromise vote enough times. What’s up with that?
Blake on July 25, 2009 at 4:24 PM
any burden the GOP faces is becoming highly irrelevant as Obama continues to run the federal government like any run of the mill campus radical would.
People are souring on this amateur hour and souring fast.
Memo to the GOP: talk about wasteful spending. Then, talk about wasteful spending. Then, talk about wasteful spending some more. Then talk about wasteful spending.
game, set, match
at this rate, the GOP will be able to put a goat on the ticket in 2012 and it will win.
Metro on July 25, 2009 at 4:25 PM
I will never have a discussion over who can get the moderate vote. After watching this last election in complete and utter amazement, moderates chose a false prophet, no experience, no job having, radical leftist community organizer with ties to a radical preacher and domestic terrorist:
OVER
A dedicated war hero that has served his country for over 40 years.
Its not like the message about Obama didnt get out. These issues were discussed in debates etc. They ACTIVELY chose this guy fully knowing who he was. So no, I will never discuss who can get the moderate vote. Moderates are bandwagoners, whoever is the populist during the runup to the election, that is who they chose. They hold no moral stances and by definition dont make up their minds on anything.
They want to be on the “right” side of an election.
broker1 on July 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM
The Ogabe voter isn’t all that passionate about “employment”. They can be bought with a tank full of gas, a mortgage payment, food stamps and gubbimint cheese.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM
If Palin wins the general election in 2012, I’ll be amazed but pleased. It’s really a long shot, but we live in strange times.
alliebobbitt on July 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM
AP doesn’t respect Huckabee, either. He’s just trying to bait us Palinistas.
Terrie on July 25, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Yeah, both of them would have to sit whom and sip hot milk on election day.
The Frummish like to pretend they stand for a large bloc of centrist voters, as though they’re the same as swing voters.
Romney’s statist pander-bear instincts (e.g., Romneycare, MI rescue) along with his salesman persona leave open the question of whether he’s exactly what the country needs or exactly what the country doesn’t need. The idea that the guy who tried so hard to be the Great Conservative Hope during the ’08 primaries is now a stand-in for the Great Centrist Hope gives me pause.
Maybe the center has moved so far to the right so quickly that he can be two, two, two candidates in one. Maybe it’s not his fault if the New Whigs want to rally around him, though he really is still the So Con Romney and CPAC Romney.
I trust Palin. Have from the first moment I saw her. If she continues to articulate the platform I support, why should I care what the animals say about her? Explain how someone else is going to advance what she stands for better than she can, and better than supporting her can, and I’ll be all ears. Anything else – character assassination, accent, family, rumors, meaningless polls, 2,000th prediction about her future, etc., etc. – I don’t take it seriously, and I don’t take you seriously if that’s what moves you.
CK MacLeod on July 25, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Thank God he gave her such a powerful voice. When people do that to her and won’t allow her to answer, she will sometimes do it back to them, by loudly repeating that she is only doing to them what they did to her repeatedly and when they show her courtesy, she will respond with courtesy. Of course, the hypocrites go ballistic.
Blake on July 25, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Yes, let’s have Huck as the suicidal choice. Huck/Keyes for the re-election of Obama team!!!
bayview on July 25, 2009 at 4:29 PM
+++
the_nile on July 25, 2009 at 4:30 PM
What’s stopping Palin from choosing Romney as her V.P. and vice versa? It’s been done for decades and it worked well enough for Reagan and Bush.
yogi41 on July 25, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Ann Coulter is so caustic and mean-spirited.
That’s just so wrong – only ugly feminists are allowed to be caustic and mean-spirited.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:31 PM
what’s hard to imagine is any Republican losing to Obama in 2012.
exceller on July 25, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Anybody but Huck. Keep Huck on TV, where he does best.
petefrt on July 25, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I love Alan Keyes. Seriously.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Yes!
petefrt on July 25, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Sorry, we don’t need anyone else from Arkansas for a while. Thank you. Next.
Sporty1946 on July 25, 2009 at 4:34 PM
What never ceases to amaze me…
The people who attack the CUDA on any issue or front fail to realize the power of plain spoken convictions…It’s utterly amazing… and the best part is… it scares the hell out of them.
Makes no difference …left or right of the political spectrum… if you don’t fit the mold of conventional wisdom….you’re vilified…period…end of story…
Or… just the beginning….stick it to em’ Sarah…
jerrytbg on July 25, 2009 at 4:35 PM
What the hell is a “centrist”? RINO’s? You either believe in small government or you don’t. You either believe in low taxes and fiscal responsibility or you don’t.
Centrist and moderate are terms coined by democrats to force Republicans to the left.
Screw “centrists”.
darwin on July 25, 2009 at 4:35 PM
No way Romney would agree to the VP slot.
And Palin would be a drag on a Romney ticket. Moderates who have Ogabe fatigue by 2012 might be inclined towards Romney, but they just have a visceral dislike for Palin. Her values clash with their “free-spirited” I-think-I-need-another-tattoo, I-love-my-single-mom-daughter cultural mindset.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Very true. My husband had a beer at one of our favorite Manhattan bars. There was a native New Yorker and a Texan having a drink together. Both were upset about TARP. For loyal Dems, it’s a Bush program that should have been ended. It’s failed companies bleeding taxpayers and giving themselves raises. Anyone who criticizes the spending immediately comes across as reasonable. Nobody wanted to see government take over the banks and car companies. Healthcare looks like the next step, and Congress knows voters are freaked out by the idea. That’s why the Franking Committee won’t let the Republicans call it “government-run healthcare.”
Besides making an issue of spending, point out that the government is rapidly encroaching on the private sector. Obama went to great lengths to reassure Americans that he is a “free market kind of guy”, as well as a deficit hawk. He lied. (Shockah) Call him out. That will mobilize voters and demoralize their base. The Dems like the idea of spending other people’s money, but they get defensive when you call them fascists. That’s how they beat Bush, too. Hoist on their own petard for them.
alliebobbitt on July 25, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Quitter??? Quitter??? Barack Friggin Obama and his one hundred fifty day friggin Senate career? Don’t piss in my ear and tell me it’s raining. The Buchanan twins have gone around the bend.
Mr. Grump on July 25, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Regarding Huck…never, never, never will I ever vote for him. If he wins the presidential nomination, I will write in a Republican before I vote for him. At least that way I will have voted for a Republican. It was his shenanigans that forced McCain on us in the previous primary, and for that I cannot forgive him. I did not vote for McCain in the last election, but I did cast a vote for Palin…
golfer1 on July 25, 2009 at 4:39 PM
And he’s free! Fruit or vegetable?
Sorry! Wrong thread!
Loxodonta on July 25, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Too late. They already screwed you. On November 5, 2008.
Simple fact: in exit polls, 34% self-identified as conservative, 22% as liberals.
44% as moderates.
Yeah, they’re dumb as bricks and have, by definition, no political principles: but they hold the whip hand in every election.
guntotinglibertarian on July 25, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 3 … 5 Next »