On Friday, NewsBusters reported the recent piece in the Wall Street Journal that lambasted TEA party protestors for demanding conservative Republicans to run in 2010.
An article from the NY Times on October 15 echoed that sentiment, claiming that opposition to ObamaCare was "demanded" by the "narrowed conservative base."
You see, Republicans don't oppose President Obama's agenda because they truly believe he is wrong. They're doing it to pander to rabid right-wingers.
The Times went on to explain how this could cost the GOP valuable moderates in the next election:
After recent defeats, Republicans are down to 40 members in the Senate and 177 in the House, or 40 percent in each chamber. They are largely reduced to the party's base of mostly Southern and rural states and beholden both to the conservative activists there and to the cable television celebrities those activists follow.
Few centrists remain. And since many centrists have been defeated by conservatives in party primaries, the survivors - or any Republicans considering compromise - operate in fear of similar challenges.
Politicians afraid of being voted out if they anger their constituents? To most people, that's the way democracy is supposed to work.
Yet apparently when those constituents are conservative, it's a bad thing.
Just as TEA party activities are starting to shape public opinion and give Republicans hope in 2010, the media are here to stymie the movement. As a result, as the next election draws closer, we can expect more of these "come to the center" pieces.
The only question is, will Republicans fall for it?
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
"You see, Republicans don't
October 17, 2009 - 12:48 ET by notonmywatch"You see, Republicans don't oppose President Obama's agenda because they truly believe he is wrong. They're doing it to pander to rabid right-wingers."
lol. Some indication of sarc is required. Common leftists might be reading. The kind of people who state on the House floor that Rush Limbaugh feeds his mother with dog food.
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Will Republicans fall for
October 17, 2009 - 12:50 ET by kefkaWill Republicans fall for it? In a word: yes.
Kefka
October 17, 2009 - 20:47 ET by serfer62Not Republicans...the DC GOP.
Media carrying the Administrations water oh how soon they forget
October 17, 2009 - 12:50 ET by lareeSheriff Joe Arpaio, under attack from the Federal Government for doing his job.
Phoenix Arizona Kidnapping Capitol of the U.S.A. Homeland security playing politics with American’s safety?
Like Rush says about the EIB netowrk --
October 17, 2009 - 12:55 ET by 10ksnookerThe lamestrem media didn't create the Tea Party Movement, and it can't destroy it -- No matter what they do.
Good Point!
October 17, 2009 - 12:57 ET by Sergeant ROCKEOM
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
The Tea Party movement, if
October 17, 2009 - 21:50 ET by NL207The Tea Party movement, if it can grow large enough, can destroy the mainstream media.
Go Tea Partiers!
Valuable moderates?
October 17, 2009 - 12:56 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat's funny.
Wasn't the MSM declaring that McCain was the best choice for the GOP in 2008? Their motives are clear.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
oh lord here we go again
October 17, 2009 - 12:59 ET by katainkentwe cannot let the media pick our candidates.
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The Emperor, he has no clothes
YA THINK??
October 17, 2009 - 13:01 ET by Sergeant ROCKEOM
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
*chuckles*
October 17, 2009 - 17:15 ET by katainkentand here you were thinking I was stating the obvious. To some, it isn't.
Electable
October 17, 2009 - 13:04 ET by Jerry MackToo many dumb *** people are put up and elected by both parties because they are a pretty face or speak eloquently. I want conservative Republicans elected. Moderates are people that are afraid to make a decision and take a stand. But the problem is that too many people let GMA,Today,The View and Oprah decide who they vote for.
Jerry Macked Corn..
October 17, 2009 - 13:11 ET by Sergeant ROCKI have this debate all of the time with people on our side in particular. Alan Keyes is an example. They would say 'He's not electable do I'm voting for the safe choice.. (like the MSM told me to do).. so and so. My response is that he's not electable because you didn't cast a vote for him!
There are those on our side that continue to make this mistake by choosing the popular candidate rather than the one that best represents your principles. And that's why they're not 'electable'.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Candance
October 17, 2009 - 13:09 ET by shawn228I would say the folks at NB at least the conservative ones are very cohesive, a strong majority here love Dick Cheney and a healthy majority like Sarah Palin.
Now I am not advocating anyone move to the left, I am saying that without the moderate vote the GOP ticket is doomed. Lots of people say McCain got more votes because of Palin. Perhaps that is true, however I believe if it was Sarah Palin or Dick Cheney on the head of the ticket Obama would have won by an even wider margin.
The GOP is in disarray right now. There is no clear leader and no one knows the direction for which it is going.
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
→ Yeah Shawn
October 17, 2009 - 13:21 ET by Cool ArrowCome 2010, America will still have the government it deserves.
Same for 2012.
I'm leaning more to the hope that Texas can save herself from the foolishness that's taken root in the rest of the country.
Shawn
October 17, 2009 - 13:25 ET by Free StinkerWith the country 40% Conservative, 35% Moderate and 25%, the GOP only needs to win 2/7 of the Moderate vote to win.
Free
October 17, 2009 - 13:44 ET by shawn228With what Obama is doing to our country It would not surprise me to see a huge backlash in 2010, similar with what happened with Newt Gingrich and his contract with America.
Obviously the moderate vote that elected George W. Bush two time's and gave the Republicans full control of congress of 04-06 is not that easy to get, considering the thrashing the GOP took in 06 and 08.
I mean it is pretty embarrassing when a democratic congress only has a 20 percent approval rating, but I feel it is even more embarrassing to lose 20+ seats to a democratic congress that has 20 percent approval rating.
edit
I realize how that last paragraph might sounded, perhaps I could have worded it differently, It is just to emphasize how far the GOP has fallen.
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
So, we can blame moderates for the country's destruction.. good.
October 17, 2009 - 13:49 ET by Sergeant ROCKAs usual, you have failed to learn anything. And you fail with your moral equivalency argument. Contract with America wasn't the cause of GOP downfall. Out of control spending was.
Unlike oBama and his followers, Gingrich Republicans did not hide what they wanted to do. Nevermind, that was 15 years ago and has zero effect on their recent defeats - nice try.
I don't know why you have such a fan base here when you make one amateur mistake after another.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Well SR my fan base really
October 17, 2009 - 14:14 ET by shawn228Well SR my fan base really is not any of your business is it? Regardless if you like my debating points or not, I will never flame someone unless they do it to to me first and you amazingly have refrained today, which is I am not used to seeing from you ;-)
I am saying there might be a backlash against Obama in 2010, out of control spending is going on and Obama is trying to shove a medical plan down our throats, that sounds familar doesn't it? Sort of 1996ish right?
Oh you say I'm a liberal right? You also say conservatives debate with logic and facts right? Do you happen to have any facts that I am a liberal except for the fact that I was not a fan of George Bush? I would love to hear them......thanks.
edit
I have joked around that I am a lib many times on this site, but I mean more from a political perspective....thx
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
Snarky comments aside,, shawny..
October 17, 2009 - 14:15 ET by Sergeant ROCKWhether or not I personally like your weak debating point is not the issue. It's your funny attempt to tie an election of 15 years ago to what recently happened - that's weak.
And there's no 'maybe' about it. The MSM will not be able to protect oBama in 2010 - which is why he's try to pass all of these 'moderate' plans like oBamacare before the impending disaster in 2010.
Well.. if it quacks like a duck.. weirdly enough, like most so-called 'moderates', you favor all sorts of liberal ideas - like your stance on sodomy for example. Moderates typically are liberals in the closet.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Well SR, seems to election
October 17, 2009 - 14:25 ET by shawn228Well SR, seems to election is mid term just like 1996, there is out of control spending and voters are angry.
"And there's no 'maybe' about it. The MSM will not be able to protect oBama in 2010 - which is why he's try to pass all of these 'moderate' plans like oBamacare before the impending disaster in 2010."
I'm not a Obama fan, I have said so on many many occasions. You might want to hold off on the impending disaster of 2010, if the economy rebounds and jobs are created, that might not happen and even if the GOP picks up seats, there are an awful lot of them that have to change from blue to red.
"Well.. if it quacks like a duck.. weirdly enough, like most so-called 'moderates', you favor all sorts of liberal ideas - like your stance on sodomy for example. Moderates typically are liberals in the closet"
I feel the government should not control what people do behind closed doors. I believe some heteral couples might enjoy that as well right? So your whole backing of me being a liberal is I am against sodomy laws? Wow you have that logic and fact thing down pat.
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
Mighty big 'IF's
October 17, 2009 - 14:32 ET by Sergeant ROCKWhat socialist plan of oBama, if enacted, will stave off defeat in 2010? More spending? Taxes? What will rally the 'moderates' to save oBama from the Tea-Baggin' hoardes in 2010??.
No, doofuss. Though there's nothing moderate about a man sodomizing another man. Strikes me as obscene and extreme. That's just one example that I can think of off the top of my head. That, and your poor attempts at 'moral equivalency' arguments. Liberals are always doing that.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
"What socialist plan of
October 17, 2009 - 14:41 ET by shawn228"What socialist plan of oBama, if enacted, will stave off defeat in 2010? More spending? Taxes? What will rally the 'moderates' to save oBama from the Tea-Baggin' hoardes in 2010??. "
It all depends on how the economy is doing and how high the unemployment rate is
"No, doofuss. Though there's nothing moderate about a man sodomizing another man. Strikes me as obscene and extreme. That's just one example that I can think of off the top of my head. That, and your poor attempts at 'moral equivalency' arguments. Liberals are always doing that."
ahh the name calling begins, seems the logic and reason are not around anymore huh? ;-) I find one man sodomizing another man obsence as well but I do not believe it is the governments role to outlaw it.
I would think it is digusting but I would not want the government to tell you and your kindred spirit you cannot have a bro sleepover with matching wife beater undershirts that say I hate libs on them.
Okay Corporal Klinger my friend created this thread and now your ruining it by wanting to change it to a peeing contest, so you can have the last word, you have a nice day.
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
Weak.. shawny.. weak..
October 17, 2009 - 14:53 ET by Sergeant ROCKIt all depends on how the economy is doing and how high the unemployment rate is
No kidding? That's like a sports commentator saying the team with the most points will win the game! lol.. Way to go out on a limb there. And nice dodge and parry.
When you say something stupid, I will recognize you as such. Your sanctimonious blather doesn't hurt my feelings nor win you any points.
Yes, abandon the field in defeat. Your points were weak as well as your responses when called on it.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Convert moderates to conservatism
October 17, 2009 - 21:55 ET by nkviking75And instead of courting the moderate vote, conservatives should get busy converting moderates to conservatives. Anyone who lives by conservative principles and votes accordingly will have a better life, so why be content to appease moderates?
“Always love your country — but never trust your government!" -- Bob Novak (1931-2009)
I agree nkviking
October 17, 2009 - 22:00 ET by shawn228It is better convince moderates why it is better to vote for conservatives than democrats instead of saying screw you, we don't need your stinkin vote.
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
Ha Ha Ha .. shawny
October 17, 2009 - 13:26 ET by Sergeant ROCKDon't further that MSM myth here. That's what your buddies in the MSM said the GOP should do in 2008 by nominating McCain. That worked out well, didn't it?
Unlike liberals, like you - and you know you are, principles outweigh the 'need' to win. Moderates are sell-outs and cannot be counted on.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Sarge
October 17, 2009 - 13:29 ET by Free StinkerIn fairness to Shawn, he is a Moderate.
Not buying it.
October 17, 2009 - 13:30 ET by Sergeant ROCKThanks anyway.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
You're welcome.
October 17, 2009 - 13:31 ET by Free StinkerYou're welcome.
No one should sell out Sergeant Rock
October 17, 2009 - 13:43 ET by shawn228When people are voting, they should stick to their conservative or liberal values. I am simply stating that an election vote cannot be won without the moderate vote. Those moderates gave George Bush two victories in a row.
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
Moderately exaggerated
October 17, 2009 - 13:58 ET by Sergeant ROCKYou are too invested in the media driven hype about your own self-importance.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Uh huh
October 17, 2009 - 14:05 ET by shawn228Well it does not matter, I'm a liberal not moderate. You did say that right? You back up your facts so well, keep up the great job soldier ;-P
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
Moderates - No Principles?
October 17, 2009 - 14:20 ET by Sergeant ROCKIt's easier to declare yourself a 'moderate' because it's so in vogue these days and the MSM heaps piles of adulation upon you.
As for the question, that's already been answered. To clarify further - moderate equals liberal. There's a dime's bit of difference between the two.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
I think Shawn is right in this
October 17, 2009 - 14:37 ET by ahusserWithout the fence sitters a Republican can't win the presidency. and the last election wasn't lost due to overspending it was the ability of the left to rise from being dead pretty much from 1994 forward, coalesce on one issue, Iraq, and turn it into a rallying cry with the willing compliance of the MSM twisting that rallying cry into a Bush hatefest with a trickle down effect of demonising every Republican politician out there. Very much like how the lefty politicians turned the public against the Vietnam War. These never ending attacks against conservatives may not seem rational but are logical from their agenda and philosophy. They are very good at what they do: assasinate character(s). In other words the truth is lost in the shuffle of venomous spew which is a cynically calculated program. So in other words SR unless we toe the party line of conservativism we can't be conservative it's all or nothing. We better get better at inclusion or we will never win a national election again (or only if the other side shoot itself in the foot like the Republicans did). Since the smear campaign began with the invasion of Iraq we have lost both houses of congress the presidency and soon the supreme court. I submit that no matter the strategic and moral rightness of the invasion it was a political mistake with far reaching consequences.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Bob Dole's Big Tent Party
October 17, 2009 - 14:41 ET by Sergeant ROCKUmm.. yeah, I think that's been tried as recently as 2008.
So, which conservative principles are you ready to surrender or abandon to win over these 'fence-sitters'?
1. ??
2. ??
3. ??
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
SR
October 17, 2009 - 14:53 ET by ahusserNo but I never thought that I have to agree 100 percent with all conservative thoughts, opinions, and philosophy to be a conservative. Certain things I couldn't give a fig about. To me all things in the party platform are not necessarily equal in importance.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Name them then..
October 17, 2009 - 14:57 ET by Sergeant ROCKI would like to know what it is that 'conservatives' need to capitualate on to appease the slippery 'fence-sitters' who, evidently, are to blame for oBama's election. That's all.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
I'm with Sarge
October 17, 2009 - 21:43 ET by MrShySarge is real. I'm with Sarge. We need more Sarges.
And well, people? Where do we capitulate? Don't all answer Sarge at once. :)
Yeah whatever shy
October 17, 2009 - 22:17 ET by shawn228Listen to me you son o......uhhhh. Never mind. Happy Belated birthday :-)
edit
Perhaps one day your kindred spirit the Sarge can really show you how to drop and give him 20. ;-P
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
shawn
October 17, 2009 - 22:22 ET by MrShySarge's question to everyone:
"I would like to know what it is that 'conservatives' need to capitualate on to appease the slippery 'fence-sitters' who, evidently, are to blame for oBama's election. That's all."
Shawn? Anyone?
And thanks. I'm very old now. :p
Hi Shy
October 17, 2009 - 22:35 ET by shawn228I am pretty much done responding the Sarge on this thread, because the name calling has started and these things tend to not end so well and I already told him he can have the last word so....
Anyways Happy Birthday Shy, and don't worry the only reason I make fun of you is because I am jealous of all the women in your harem :-)
"I have a Bush man-crush, you need to understand."-Mr. Shy
doofuss228
November 2, 2009 - 07:10 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat's not it. You just can't defend your weak positions and you're making excuses.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
Why do you have to 'capitulate'
October 19, 2009 - 11:28 ET by ahusserDo I have to be a Christian to be conservative for instance? Do I have to support the 'Flag burning amendment" to be conservative. So no one is allowed to be conservative or vote republican because we aren't all in lock step with Sergeant Rock. If you define conservative so narrowly that you exclude all but the most conservative how will the conservative/republican party grow. Decide what the core issues and principle issues to being conservative are but don't believe that all these issues are equal or important to every conservative.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
Dodge and Parry
November 2, 2009 - 07:12 ET by Sergeant ROCKIt was a simple question. Why can't you answer it?
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
What the New York and Washington Republicans
October 17, 2009 - 13:28 ET by richb313What the New York and Washington Republicans do not understand is that the Independents do not speak with one voice. They have no core principles to indentify with. We conservatives need not moderate too much. There is no doubt that as a civilization we have become more not less tolerant. Even most religions no longer reflect what the early versions of those religions practiced. Civilization moves on and so does religion. The Judeo/Christan phiosophy has not changed however. They have remained consistent and on message for thousands of years because of the wisdom contained within them. Tenants and practices that were a reflection of the ancient practices such as slavery, multiple wives, etc have all but disapeared but they were never the core message.
We have the very same issue regarding the Republican Party today. The New York/Washington Republicans want conservative lite. The problem with this is that it abandons core principles. The Independents will vote for who ever makes the most sense at the time. They know they will never agree with everything. It is competence they are most after. The Republicans lost because we tried to become more like democrats and then spent and spent our way out of power. The straw that broke the camels back was the Banking/Finacial meltdown and this is an issue of competence. We have to demonstrate that we are competent more than anything else. Shifting positions on social issues will only give the liberals and democrats more power, it is the advice that democarts are giving us. Why would you listen to advice from your opponent anyway?
I always find it amusing there are never stories promoting
October 17, 2009 - 13:43 ET by general companyDem lite, but instead they promote the screaming loons and claim there Dem lite,,,,,,via Obama. Anyone thinking he is Dem lite now?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
GC
October 17, 2009 - 14:45 ET by ahusserI think there are more conservative democrats out there even if that seems to be an oxymoron. When the extreme liberal wing of the party took over the democratic party they have kept discipline. Most conservative or moderate democrats must fear the censure of the national party. The can twist their members arms to ensure the look and sound of solidarity within their ranks. There were some anti-Obama health care dems out there but they seem to be gone threatened no doubt with some kind of party punishment. I know many registered dems who don't like Obama now after voting for him and I don't know how that will play out but we should be trying to be more inclusive.
"Somehow, I told you so, just doesn't quite say it." Will Smith in 'I, Robot.'
I agree Ahusser
October 17, 2009 - 15:00 ET by general companyBut the media never suggest any of the Dems are far left. Even though many of them in power are off the charts
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Poor democRATS...
October 17, 2009 - 15:06 ET by Sergeant ROCKI know many registered dems who don't like Obama now after voting for
him and I don't know how that will play out but we should be trying to
be more inclusive.
lol.. huh? So, we should appease these idiots? What the hell were they thinking? If anything, THEY should be asking 'conservatives' what they can do to make amends for their foolish and reckless vote! Not the other way around.
That, are they should immediately surrender their voter registration card and never vote again.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
The only question is, will
October 17, 2009 - 13:28 ET by Free StinkerThe only question is, will Republicans fall for it?
That is indeed the key to the whole thing. We can only hope that Steele, McConnel, and Boehner don't fall for it.
"President Obama is learning on the job and it shows." --Boris Epshteyn
Will Republicans Fall For It?
October 17, 2009 - 15:00 ET by BondPlainBondSure they will! Most of them are closeted liberals anyway, the vast majority completely out-of-the-loop on even a basic understanding of the missions of the TEA Partiers and the 9/12ers.
When so many so-called Republicans joined the chorus of liberals denegrating and lambasting the demonstraters in either of those fine and patriotic groups, they lost the votes of their constituents. They're fooling themselves with the ridiculous liberal premise that Americans are stupid and don't understand the political machine.
The TEA Party and 9/12 participants sure as hell understand each and every cog in the political machine and, in addition, those demonstraters (Obama calls them obstructionists standing in the way of progress) know which so-called Republicans are talking out of both sides of their mouths. Come Election Day, every politico in Washington and in every State is gonna be in for a very rude awakening.
I dunno why these politicians play these games with one another and pass along the garbage to us. It's all about them and their lifetime benefit packages and re-elections; it's never about the people they serve.
Vote Out the Imcumbents. Every single last one of them
Vote Out the Imcumbents.
October 17, 2009 - 15:08 ET by Sergeant ROCKThat would be the easiset way. Assuming their replacements aren't oBama Kool-Aid drinkers bent on the destruction of this country.
"I ask, Sir, what is the militia? It is the whole people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
George Mason
It Is
October 17, 2009 - 19:51 ET by BondPlainBondIt is our duty to ensure we know the candidates for whom we vote, even the new up-and-comers.
Everyone is to be vetted properly, if not by the media, which have proven themselves to be the laziest and most disinterested people on the planet, then by us.
We the People have managed to unearth many of the unsavory, revolutionary, radical, racist, extremist philosophies, comments, and beliefs of many members of the completely unvetted Obama Administration with absolutely no assisatnce from the fringe media.
The fringe media is more concerned with agreeing with their Dear Leader and pushing his desperate agendas, lies, fear-mongering, paranoia, and obfuscations.
The internet exists. Until Obama takes it away. And, while the internet is still freely accessable, there's no place to hide.
X
October 17, 2009 - 20:56 ET by serfer62The primaries are the place to hit them with the most effective votes...vote for the opponent and even if the incumbent wins he knows theres shaky ground hes on.
Money, no matter how little indicates preprimary where the votes are going, ie. Hoffman, Simcox, Rabio
No matter which party, get rid of the entrenched...
"Center" to the far left means 10 miles to the left...
October 17, 2009 - 15:15 ET by R D Helm...of Jimmy Earl.
-Dave