Breaking: Bachmann withdraws from Tea Party convention
posted at 12:55 pm on January 28, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
The controversy over next week’s Tea Party Convention in Nashville has generated a major change in the agenda. Rep. Michele Bachmann has withdrawn from the event after questions were raised over the handling of revenues by the organizers. David Dziok, Bachmann’s Communications Director, sent me a message just a few minutes ago:
Due to conflicting advice on whether Congresswoman Bachmann’s participation in the upcoming Tea Party Nation Convention would be in line with the Committee on Standards, Congresswoman Bachmann has decided not to participate in the event. There is uncertainty about how any proceeds from the event may be used, and we must err on the side of caution. Some will want to portray her withdrawal as a repudiation of the Tea Party Movement, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Congresswoman Bachmann remains encouraged by all Americans, regardless of political party, who are concerned about this nation’s future and dwindling prosperity, and continues to be inspired their passion.
Bachmann was one of two featured speakers at the event, the other being Sarah Palin, who is still scheduled to appear at the convention.
I have asked Judson Phillips, the event’s organizer, for his reaction and will update this post as developments occur.
Update: For more on the background of the controversy, please see this post. The biggest issues were the fact that the event charged $500 per attendee on a for-profit basis and that organizers reportedly used personal PayPal accounts, at least initially, to process purchases. I interviewed Eric Odom of the ALA, one of the sponsoring organizations that pulled out, and also got a full response from Judson Phillips at that time.
Update II: I spoke with Judson on the phone, who had yet to hear directly from Bachmann’s office. Marsha Blackburn also withdrew, but told Judson that she supported the event, but the House Ethics Committee told her they would not approve her appearance. Whether that had anything to do with Bachmann’s decision is unclear, although Bachmann’s statement does mention the Committee on Standards and may have been told the same thing. Judson will have a statement later today when he catches up with all the developments.
Blowback
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/graphic/2009/03/21/GR2009032100104.html
“the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office concluded that President Obama’s budget would rack up massive deficits even after the economy recovers, forcing the nation to borrow nearly $9.3 trillion over the next decade.”
Asher on January 28, 2010 at 1:31 PM
The ability of liberals to see only what they want to see is absolutely amazing.
MarkTheGreat on January 28, 2010 at 1:31 PM
The “Tea Party” should NEVER be a political group. That was never the appeal to me. I don’t care about any party so why should I create a new party? Political Parties are not a requirement in the constitution. The constitution says the legislative branch’s majority party creates the committees. It says nothing about the candidates needing to belong to a party, or the voters for a party – so let’s vote on individuals who share the principals and values that we can agree with.
F the Democrat, F the Republican, F the Tea, F the Libertarian.
Vote Individuals.
The Tea Party movement is trying to compete against Glenn Beck’s conventions. His conventions have nothing to do with creating a political party, they are all about education, learning history, learning about financial markets, learning about Wilson, Roosevelt, Progressives.
To the leaders in the Tea Party movement – shut up. Stop giving interviews on Fox News, CNN, CBS, whoever – you don’t represent me.
JoeBrooks on January 28, 2010 at 1:31 PM
Bachmann is very smart to get out of this convention-no matter what reason is given.
texasconserv on January 28, 2010 at 1:31 PM
But it remains beautiful even though empty. And most people appreciate beauty even if they don’t know or care enough to appreciate other things.
Besides. “Well delivered speech old chap” is hardly comfort to the enemy.
dieudonne on January 28, 2010 at 1:14 PM
dieudonne on January 28, 2010 at 1:32 PM
Now if we can get Sarah to back out of campaigning for mccain.
ohiobabe on January 28, 2010 at 1:33 PM
I’m relieved she has pulled out.
OmahaConservative on January 28, 2010 at 1:33 PM
Now let’s see . . . O”Keefe has nothing to do with the Republicans and Obama’s SOTU speech was an immature attempt to blame everybody except himself for his shortcomings, while he continued to bounce around like an atom in free space. I’m not quite sure what “this” is but I suppose your glee can be described as “simple pleasures for simple minds”.
rplat on January 28, 2010 at 1:34 PM
Great update, Ed. Unfortunately what this means is that the same reason for exiting may not work for SP.
LastRick on January 28, 2010 at 1:37 PM
You are letting the Democrats define the movement to restore our country. Their tactic is to divide, dismantle and destroy the conservative coalition and the independent tea party movement. They have telegraphed it repeatedly.
If you don’t think you need the independent tea partiers, you are as out of touch as Obama.
eaglesdontflock on January 28, 2010 at 1:37 PM
Promises, lies, and you guessed it………..he’s bashing Bush again today.
Knucklehead on January 28, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Our Tea Party is bigger than your Communist Party, so nyah!
Patrick S on January 28, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Contrary to what Snarlin’ Arlen might think, Rep. Michelle Bachmann is a lady with principles. She must have seen something here that could arouse suspicion about a conflict of interest, so she decided to back out and keep her reputation intact.
Whoever organized this Tea Party Convention probably isn’t familiar with campaign-finance rules, and rules that members of Congress must follow regarding conflicts of interest. The Tea Party movement started out as a series of grass-roots protests, where like-minded people gathered together to stage a demonstration holding signs and listening to speeches outdoors in public places (I went to two of them, the second in the pouring rain), and no money was exchanged.
Although $500 seems like a lot of money, many professional conferences and conventions charge similar amounts for people to listen to speeches or scientific papers for two or three days, if a convention center needs to be rented.
If Tea Party organizers want to start charging high admission prices to political “conventions”, instead of what used to be spontaneous protests for free, they should incorporate themselves as a Political Action Committee (PAC) which could accept donations which could eventually be used to support like-minded candidates in future elections, which could then avoid conflict-of-interest issues with elected members of Congress such as Michelle Bachmann.
Steve Z on January 28, 2010 at 1:40 PM
Ok, I see.
Did the Democrats win a long held Republican seat in any major election? NO
Has the president passed any proposed legislation recently? NO
Has there been any show of public support for “progressive” issues or candidates by the citizens of this country lately? NO (in fact I think I hear crickets)
Face it, if the only thing that is furthering your cause is a corrupt and sinister media complex you are in trouble. You need to understand that the government derives it s power from the governed, not the media or his Magnificence, Obama. This is a center nation, probably center right. The programs you purport to cherish simply do not mesh with the values of the people. I suspect that you are some sort if Axelturfer, and your heart is not really into your arguments- because frankly your arguments are not well thought out and lack substance. Come on over to our side, you know you want to.
shannonkelly on January 28, 2010 at 1:40 PM
I caught a glimpse of Obummah going on, about he came to solve problems, that started decades ago. Let me guess….around the time of 1776 is when they started?
The crowd may be stacked, but from what I saw, they were almost less than enthusiastic.
capejasmine on January 28, 2010 at 1:41 PM
Fox News just dumped out of Barry’s Campaign Rally.
kingsjester on January 28, 2010 at 1:41 PM
+1
Who elected the “leaders,” anyway?
Literally, what was to stop any run of the mill scam artist from arranging a “convention” and charging big money for their own pockets. Sounds like exactly what this is.
Sarah. Get out.
MNHawk on January 28, 2010 at 1:43 PM
She’s a proud member of the national socialist democrap party, but that’s pretty much the same thing in the end.
Colbyjack on January 28, 2010 at 1:44 PM
capejasmine on January 28, 2010 at 1:41 PM
You’re right. I just saw the “What a load of ____.” look on a bunch of the folks there. It’s sad when a star fades, except this one.
kingsjester on January 28, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Did anyone smile at that rally. I dint hear any cheers.
becki51758 on January 28, 2010 at 1:44 PM
What you are describing is called in science Brownian Motion.
An appropriate name, given the events of the past few days.
unclesmrgol on January 28, 2010 at 1:44 PM
I put these convention organizers on the same level as most politicians: self-serving, opportunistic leaches looking to line their own pockets.
Of course I could be wrong and they could be motivated solely by love of country.
Nah.
Rod on January 28, 2010 at 1:46 PM
How nice – now all the people whining about how terrible it is that the TP Convention is charging – just like CPAC is charging – can ratchet up their righteous indignation about Palin speaking.
The indication that the Congress critters are dropping out due to some information that it violates ethics rules can be twisted into a broadbrush to support the perception that being “for profit” is evil.
And THEN if Palin does back out those same bashers will still vilify her for agreeing to speak or resurect the “she’s a quitter” meme. Apparently conservatives can be just as big of hypocrites as libersls.
katiejane on January 28, 2010 at 1:46 PM
Yeah, let’s just lay back and allow the Commies to divide and conquer us.
Tea Party under the bus.
Palin under the bus.
Tea Party organizers have a lot of nerve trying to cover expenses. We all know they are all as rich as Soros. Maybe Sarah should just finance everything since she’s rich now.
Let’s just run another RINO who’s “turn” it is and coast to defeat.
I swear, this thread belongs on the Daily Kos.
Jeesh.
/disgusted sarc off.
BlueStateBilly on January 28, 2010 at 1:49 PM
None of these things, as happy as they may be for you, bring the Dem legislative agenda any closer to passing, or ease the economic conditions that are endangering the Obama presidency.
The Scott Brown victory, on the other hand, has already had an enormous impact in shredding the Dem wishlist and helping the GOP defeat Congressional majorities in November.
So, enjoy.
Missy on January 28, 2010 at 1:50 PM
heh.
crr6 on January 28, 2010 at 1:51 PM
He’s just happy because grow fins came over with his Obama shaped dildo last night, and they took turns on one another during the state of confusion speech.
xblade on January 28, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Does everybody understand now why Palin had to resign from being governor of Alaska and become a private citizen without a title?
These Leftists are ruthless and will stop at nothing to destroy anybody especially conservative women.
Fortunately for the Tea Party Convention if Palin still appears it will not take a huge hit, but if Palin does not appear, the Left will become emboldened by the success of their divide and conquer strategy used to drive a wedge between the TPM and the GOP and hopefully between Palin and the GOP.
technopeasant on January 28, 2010 at 1:52 PM
Good move on Bachmann’s part. Tea partiers know she’s on their side. Also, I expect that soon Bachmann will emerge as the alpha-female of the conservative movement. When that happens, the libs will make up bogus ethics charges against her, just like they did to SP.
Lou Budvis on January 28, 2010 at 2:00 PM
They shouldn’t take too much pride in that – they’ve had plenty of help from the right – see previous threads here at HA discussing this.
katiejane on January 28, 2010 at 2:02 PM
Good grief, does this man ever do any REAL work?
LASue on January 28, 2010 at 2:02 PM
Debacle? Excellent?
English isn’t your native language I take it.
angryed on January 28, 2010 at 2:03 PM
Kudos to Michelle Bachmann for dropping out of this farce of a Convention.
Now, hopefully Sarah Palin will do the same (and ditch supporting McCain too).
RedRobin145 on January 28, 2010 at 2:08 PM
As a Tea Party supporter this thing is Nashville is not i repeat is not the tea party movement .Gov Palin would be wise to drop out also.
thmcbb on January 28, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Have you notified all those people who have signed up to attend the TPC that “this is not the tea party movement?”
katiejane on January 28, 2010 at 2:14 PM
Never has. Never will.
gh on January 28, 2010 at 2:16 PM
That’s not the best picture of Mrs. Bachman. There are hundreds more than can be used.
SouthernGent on January 28, 2010 at 2:18 PM
I concur!
MCGIRV on January 28, 2010 at 2:19 PM
I’m confused. I thought the tea party movement was about getting rid of politics as usual and listening to the people. Many of the comments on here (with the exception of a couple) would lead one to believe it is a republican party initiative to benefit the right.
rjl1999 on January 28, 2010 at 2:28 PM
If someone is dumb enough to pay 500 bucks for something they haven’t researched, I’m not going to feel too sorry for them.
Speedwagon82 on January 28, 2010 at 2:28 PM
You need stop being lazy and read the rest of the book. O’Keefe will come out of this smelling like a rose with another “ACORN-like” sting. Obama’s speech is already being panned by centrist Democrats and CNN’s own focus group gave it a thumbs down. And … this convention isn’t the tea party – the tea party meets every Friday night in thousands of cities all over the nation in places like Western Sizzlin’, Applebee’s, Outback Steak Houses – and Catfish and Seafood Grogs – everywhere.
In fact – if you were really in tune with the times you’d realize that the tea party is grass roots – and bigger than any convention brah.
But keep dreaming – that big white light coming at you isn’t really a locamotive – it’s Obama’s halo. Fixate on it and think happy thoughts. :D
HondaV65 on January 28, 2010 at 2:32 PM
Are going to feel sorry for the people who signed up for the $750 package at CPAC?
katiejane on January 28, 2010 at 2:35 PM
CPAC actually has legitimacy from being around a couple decades. But I think it no longer has much purpose either. Just seems like a place for Rush and Ann Coulter to make a funny offensive speech that gets whined about on Lefty blogs for a month.
Speedwagon82 on January 28, 2010 at 2:41 PM
Ditto, but doubtful!
BobAnthony on January 28, 2010 at 2:42 PM
Problem for Palin is that if she backs out now it’ll resurrect the “she said she was coming and now she’s not” issue. Although I don’t believe those issues were necessarily her fault (as with so many of the memes that surround her) that is what people will say to write her off.
thevastlane on January 28, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Just a reminder……as per the Washington Times..
The Tea Part convention is sold out. So are the tickets to see Sarah only.
I get why Michelle is pulling out. Makes sense.
But remember the attempts to harm this convention, and the Tea Party movement are real, and evidently a lot of my fellow conservatives are falling for the BS, which is sad.
gary4205 on January 28, 2010 at 2:46 PM
If I remember correctly, the “Minuteman” movement fell apart over disputes about money as well. Trouble is, when these movements get big enough for people to make a good living doing only this, then you start attracting the opportunists. And then it’s hard to determine who are the opportunists. They don’t wear nametags. You generally only find out after the fact.
RBMN on January 28, 2010 at 2:48 PM
I am not a supporter of this organization BUT I believe there has been a grave misunderstanding by some people on why they might want to register as a “for profit” than as a “non profit”.
Particularly based on the recent SCOTUS ruling, a “for profit” or just a regular corporation, can make certain campaign donations that a “non profit” is not allowed to make. Political activities by “non profit”, tax exempt organizations are strictly limited. A tax-paying “for profit” organization has much greater flexibility in its political activities.
The entire point of the thing was to be politically active. Being a “for profit”, even if it doesn’t actually MAKE a profit, allows them to donate more money directly to things that are important to the group and it also frees them up in other ways such as statements of support that they are allowed to make. A “for profit” is allowed to be very partisan, allows them to support specific candidates, etc.
I believe this started when one individual who wanted greater control of the direction of the organization did not get it and spread what amounts to a lot of “sour grapes”. I believe the “for profit” meme is being misrepresented. If I were to start such an organization, I would not register it as a non-profit. If you don’t register as a non-profit, it is by default a “for-profit” whether it makes a profit or not.
Initially using a personal paypal account also makes sense if the organization is registered as a partnership. The people involved are personally responsible for the company and there is no distinction between their private money and the organization’s money, the same as with a “sole proprietor”. It doesn’t matter if the money is in a personal account or not because it is all the personal money of the owners anyway unless it is a “limited partnership” or some kind of S corporation.
crosspatch on January 28, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Every group had to start before they earned legitimacy.
Sort of like when people can make a living blogging?
katiejane on January 28, 2010 at 2:54 PM
Erick Erickson at RedState.com waved the red flag on this convention months ago. If Palin doesn’t pull out she really is as clueless as they say.
Be ware that somebody doesn’t hijack the Tea Party movenment.
RadioFreeUSA on January 28, 2010 at 2:59 PM
Erick Erickson at RedState.com waved the red flag on this convention months ago. If Palin doesn’t pull out she really is as clueless as they say.
Be ware that somebody doesn’t hijack the Tea Party movenment.
RadioFreeUSA on January 28, 2010 at 3:00 PM
I confess I’m not up on details of the convention, but I think it’s a bad idea in the first place. Just my opinion, of course.
I see people trying to make a buck on the Tea Party movement, and to tighten an organization of it. If they succeed, next will come Federal registration and also regulation as per the law. The Partiers, unless trying to create an actual third party, will be stuck with having to register as a PAC. Then, the Left has a huge cannon pointed at average people who just want to keep their liberty under the Constitution.
I, of myself, go by the last line of the Declaration. I believe, for matters of practicality, the Tea Party movement remain local among like-minded individuals. If there’s a national unity of the movement, let it remain among Net sites to do no more than exchange information and ideas.
Yes, I know–the Left will try saying that’s just a collection of terrorist cells. Napolitano already set that up.
If, maybe, a convention is a good idea, I don’t believe now is the time for it. It’s better, I’m convinced, to let people of their locality to do what’s best for them, there at home.
The Signers of the Declaration didn’t hold a convention for their fledgling movement that gave Americans our liberty. Instead, they signed on to these great and wonderful words where, I believe, the Tea Party movement needs to stay for the moment:
“…with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 3:03 PM
Hmmm….
1. Exactly WHY is this convention a farce. Specifics please. What is not going to happened as promised? (speakers dropping in or out don’t count)
2. Do you know how much damage it would cause Sarah if she walked away?
3. Why should she stop supporting McCain? Seriously, think this out long and hard. I am no fan of McCain, but JD won’t beat what ever democrat that gets thrown up against the wall. Has too many problems.
Also, right now McCain is a very high level Senator, and one of the most active opponents to pretty much everything Obama does.
Even better, due to his seniority, McCain can get on any TV channel, any time and go at Obama.
Again, I’m not much of a McCain fan, but he is actually don’t a lot of good right now.
As for Sarah, she’s playing chess, most of you are playing checkers. Knowing her ability to see the board and anticipate the game three or four moves ahead, I’ll stick by whatever the woman does. So far she has been spot on every step of the way.
WE could all learn a lot more by just sitting back and watching what she does. How she handles it all.
gary4205 on January 28, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Good move Michele. Your reelection race is going to be brutal since Rahm Emmanuel is after you. No sense setting yourself up for Dem and media talking points about your ethics.
Hobbes on January 28, 2010 at 3:05 PM
“The ability of liberals to see only what they want to see is absolutely amazing”.
It’s called Selective Logic Disease……………….
wtng2fish on January 28, 2010 at 3:14 PM
That should be “McCain is doing a lot of good right now!”
Preview is your friend…….
gary4205 on January 28, 2010 at 3:15 PM
Yeah right.
Is this sort of like how we were all supposed to be excited that Obama was “done” because of Rod Blagojevich and all that drama over Obama’s senate seat?
You would not have believed the comments posted here, that Obama was going to be arrested and dragged out of whereever in handcuffs to silly stories of the Feds shutting down the Inaguation and cancelling the election results.
You better fixate on something – perhaps reality?
It is against the law – repeat against the law to fraudelantly pose as a utilities worker and gain access to a Federal Building, even if he did want to “embarrass” Mary Landrieu. Ahem, the law is on her side, not his.
It’s pretty doubtful that O’Keefe will not exactly walk away from this smelling like a rose.
Wise up, he broke the law and you cannot be this naive.
AprilOrit on January 28, 2010 at 3:23 PM
Whoops meant to say –
It’s pretty doubtful that O’Keefe will walk away from this smelling like a rose.
AprilOrit on January 28, 2010 at 3:24 PM
The only “sting” O’Keefe wil be involved in will be the reality that he can no longer vote.
AprilOrit on January 28, 2010 at 3:26 PM
Straight from the David Shuster School of Law.
BigWyo on January 28, 2010 at 3:36 PM
Let’s see–multiple MSM sources have had to retract their ‘reports’ on the person and individual in question. They all also admit not all facts are in.
What are you missing, and where do we start? Landrieu wasn’t answering phones, said they were down. Isn’t that the real crux of this story?
Your problem seems that a lib got caught in a line of BS and you, like Lannie, hate that.
Keep loving what you’re into. Then let America know when you wake up and learn the truth of those you support. You claim some moral high ground, yet pick and choose your morality in the end.
Tell us–Does it make you feel more morally superior to know that the Dems you support violate your feelings and sensibilities at so many turns?
Does it make you feel better to know that, when you claim to have ‘love’ that they abuse your affection for others, and cause harm?
Tell us, please, of you.
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 3:37 PM
I very seriously doubt that he will be indicted and convicted of a felony. From the legal commentary I’ve been reading, I don’t think this case is going to even make it to trial.
Remember the FL couple who illegally recorded one of Newt Gingrich’s phone conversations over a police scanner. That was also a felony, but they only got slapped with a $5K fine.
We’ll see.
Missy on January 28, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Sorry, doesn’t pass the smell test.
spmat on January 28, 2010 at 3:41 PM
That’s because they were Democrats. The law doesn’t apply in that case.
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 3:42 PM
And, more, tell me WHY I should want your precious Obama as president. How does he benefit you and me?
I’ll drop my conservatism and go neutral with you. You tell me why he is so great.
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 3:46 PM
I’d like to know more about the organizers of this “event”.
ronsfi on January 28, 2010 at 3:50 PM
Exactly! Pretty much what I was going to post.
Centralized, it’s way to easy for the ACORN types if not the RINOs or Beltway Republicans to move in and either co-opt it for themselves or sabotage it.
Dr. ZhivBlago on January 28, 2010 at 4:28 PM
I asked this on another thread, so I ask it of you directly:
How will Obama and the Dems make better my life and also yours, and when will they do it? How will they do it?
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 4:33 PM
No answer after an hour?
Shickenchit…
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Bathroom break. Be patient.
platypus on January 28, 2010 at 5:24 PM
So the organization that is going to save the liberty and freedom of the United States uses Paypal?
Decider on January 28, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Libs are hit-and-run. Long as they don’t have to face up, they can go off feeling ‘justified’. It’s their way, it’s all they have.
Their tactics never change. And all they have are tactics, for they have no substance.
Liam on January 28, 2010 at 5:48 PM
If the Cuda goes, the Sapwolf follows.
If the Cuda bows out, so does the Sapwolf.
I trust her (and NOT the RNC, at least not now).
I think the Tea Party needs to take the Precinct voting spots and put their people in as the GOP county heads. It can do this and still keep its grassroots, low on the pyramid strength and still light the fire under Boehner’s toes.
Sapwolf on January 28, 2010 at 7:04 PM
So, will QuitterCuda show up for the money, or will she invoke the great Point Guard in the Sky to flee from yet another commitment?
Funny how Mad Malkin is silent on this, and it’s a long scroll to the bottom of the page to find it here on HA.
Teabag convention…what could go wrong? (hat tip to AP)
chumpThreads on January 28, 2010 at 9:09 PM
Funny how the strong conservative women bring out the most trolls. A little sexist perhaps? Yep. That’s what we thought.
Yellowdog12 on January 28, 2010 at 10:28 PM
Ban the word “troll” and 75% of the posts here would disappear.
What a bunch of whiners…
Ok, now somebody call me a troll…go ahead, I’ll wait…
chumpThreads on January 28, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Sarah Palin told Greta she is still planning on attending.
OmahaConservative on January 29, 2010 at 8:13 AM
Well, little tardlett, I suppose I have to give you credit, for having a point. Yes, there will probably be actual teabags at this convention.
Aren’t there any around, whenever Obama & his/it’s supporters get together?
MNHawk on January 29, 2010 at 8:54 AM
I never thought a convention was a smart idea. That’s just not how populism rolls.
However, it may work out great in the long run. Apparently, there’s an issue with some who are claiming credit for being organizers. If they can’t set up a payment system that is consistent with all convention planning, I’d say they are incompetent at best.
Thieves at worst.
It’s probably going to shake out fine.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 9:01 AM
I am agnostic on the great convention wars as for rah-rahing one and condemning the other.
Palin told Greta last night she’ll still attend after being informed Bachmann had backed out. She spoke plainly and clearly when asked about the possibility of Tea Party and GOP parting ways or should they merge. Without hesitation she said merge.
She said again she will not pocket the fee but use it to fund candidates and groups that are for “the cause”, which are mainstream Republican principles.
She said people had made plans to travel to the event and paid money to do it and she owed them.
If people want to continue hectoring her for attending and expect her to start condemning or alienating when she’s really your ally I think it’s very foolish.
KittyLowrey on January 29, 2010 at 9:43 AM
~smirk~
KittyLowrey on January 29, 2010 at 9:44 AM
By anybody with two brain cells to rub together.
KittyLowrey on January 29, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Actually, there isn’t a consensus, some of us aren’t so ready to jump to conclusions (and believe me, when it comes to connect the dots I’m right up there—but they aren’t all there on this one), but the ranting against the Nashville convention sure did come off as trying to confine and still does, more than ever.
KittyLowrey on January 29, 2010 at 10:00 AM
John McCain doesn’t support “the cause” and she’s foolish for believing that he does. This movement that is happening around our country isn’t about one person.
RedRobin145 on January 29, 2010 at 10:06 AM
Ooh, so compelling, Robin.
Not.
KittyLowrey on January 29, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Speedwagon82 on January 28, 2010 at 2:41 PM
I think what a lot of us are feeling is the futility of working within the legislative system when we have no laws or rules that are ever actually enforced. We’re basically living without a Constitution, without checks and balances, and without law enforcement.
The judicial system has ruled that none of us has standing to be able to petition the government for a redress of grievances – the forgotten phrase of the First Amendment. Without that, we people have only our vote to even try to hold government accountable. Our vote which can easily be cancelled out by a dead voter. And once the candidate is in, they don’t have to worry about us any more until shortly before their re-election bid. It’s no wonder politicians are emboldened to do all manner of criminal activities, as well as ignore the Constitution.
If we want to get rid of the power of lobbyists, as Obama talks about, all we have to do is one thing – limit the federal government to do only what is prescribed by the Tenth Amendment. If we did that, the most we would have to worry about is who gives the best bid for defense and road-building contracts. Congress wouldn’t have the option of making laws that favor one company over another, or give tax breaks to one state over another, etc.
But we can’t even have serious dialogue about any of this until we do the mundane job of investigating and prosecuting the crooks in Washington so the people there will realize they’re still not God.
I believe law enforcement – the de-politicization of law enforcement – is the first battle we have to win. If and when the Congress-critters, czars, and the administration realize that we, the people, can see and have real teeth – teeth enough to put them in jail for a very long time – then they will BEGIN to follow the law of the land.
justincase on January 29, 2010 at 10:10 AM
The Tea Party is a grassroots movement so in who’s name are they organizing this convention? I didn’t nominate- elect anyone to speak or organize for me, who put them in charge of this outfit?
Dr Evil on January 29, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Tempest in a tea-party cup.
This is a first-year organization working out its kinks, Bachman can’t take the risk, Palin as usual can and will, and she’ll perform splendidly as usual.
rrpjr on January 29, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Just like Barack Obama has supporters who believe he can do no wrong, so it now seems Sarah Palin has some of those same supporters as well. Criticize their decisions in a constructive manner and their supporters become unhinged.
I like Sarah Palin but I’m not going to worship the ground she walks on like some of her supporters do. Only Kool-Aid drinkers do that.
RedRobin145 on January 29, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Saying people are acting unhinged after you make unhinged statements trying to stuff words in their mouths is more non-compelling nonsense, Robs.
People have calmly pointed out why Palin agreed to campaign for McCain. I don’t get upset about stuff like that or this convention battle. She’s also going to campaign for Bachmann. No need for you to flip out.
KittyLowrey on January 29, 2010 at 10:53 AM
You better fixate on something – perhaps reality?
AprilOrit at 3:23PM
Here’s some reality for you to fixate on:
http://butterdezillion.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/red-flags-in-hawaii-2/
Let me know what you think. =)
justincase on January 29, 2010 at 11:26 AM
Awesome.
The O’Keefe story has flatlined and is even redounding badly on the media, who are once again forced to issue retractions and “corrections” for their hysteria. A sinking reputation takes another blow. The sophomoric David Shuster has been especially embarrassed.
The SOTU speech was long and uneven with no memorable theme or rhetoric. The mere fact he perorated for so long in such an august setting and feigned concern over so many issues will spike his polls for a week or so (it does for every president), but the internal contradictions in the speech were too many to resolve. Also, the image of the almost sad-looking Alito recognizing yet another Obama lie will linger.
“Now this…”? The tea party “controversy”? Right, that’s a keeper.
rrpjr on January 29, 2010 at 11:33 AM
I think the teaparty convention is, without a doubt, a disaster.
Why? I leave that to the analytsts.
AnninCA on January 29, 2010 at 11:44 AM
Asked by Van Susteren whether she thinks the Republican Party would be best served by merging with the tea party movement, Palin replied with an enthusiastic endorsement of the idea.
“They need to merge,” she said. “Definitely, they need to merge. I think those who are wanting the divisions and the divisiveness and the controversy — those are the ones who don’t believe in the message. And they’re the ones, I think, stirring it up. We need to ignore that and we need to forge ahead with a cohesive message. It’s a common sense message. It, again, is, Government, limit yourself so that the private sector, our families, free individuals can grow and thrive and prosper and enjoy America’s freedom!”
—————–
As an independent I was very interested in the Tea Party movement as it was suppose to represent no political party and represent the best interests of the people. Now that it’s becoming part of the GOP establishment I am quickly losing any support I had for it.
rjl1999 on January 29, 2010 at 12:40 PM
Its becoming part of the GOP establishment? How so?
Itchee Dryback on January 29, 2010 at 1:17 PM
It hasn’t happened yet. How can you tell?
Itchee Dryback on January 29, 2010 at 1:19 PM
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