"A camel is a horse designed by committee." -- ascribed to Sir Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis.
Perhaps the only thing more likely to yield ungainly results than a committee designing a horse is a Democrat designing a Republican presidential ticket. David Broder tries his hand at it in his WaPo column today, "Principles Amid the GOP Pack. The result is a double-humped dromedary known as McCain-Huckabee.
After some high-falutin' talk of the pair's "clarity, character and, yes, simple humanity," and his claim that the two are operating on a "higher plane" than the other contenders, Broder gets down to brass tacks. The real reason Broder recommends McCain-Huckabee? They're weak on immigration. Oh, sorry, that's not how it's put in Dem-pundit speak. Broder goes lyrical on us, writing that his preferred duo:
remember that those who struggle to reach the United States across the deserts or rivers of the Southwest are human beings drawn here by the promise of better lives for their families.
No doubt true of most. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't prevent people from entering our country illegally or should reward them if they do.
Broder ends with this bouquet to Huckabee's defense of college scholarships for illegal immigrants:
"In all due respect [said Huckabee], we're a better country than to punish children for what their parents did. We're a better country than that." He, too, was applauded.
I think we are that better country. And I hope the Republicans agree.
I'm sure David Broder does. Why wouldn't a Democrat want Republicans to agree with him? In Broder's spirit of bi-partisanship, perhaps the RNC and DNC can work out a deal: David Broder gets to pick the Republican candidates . . . but Republicans get to choose the Dem ticket.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Democratic National Convention, we present you our candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States of America. Friends and fellow Americans, give it up for . . . Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich!"
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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I wish these dinosaur
December 2, 2007 - 09:34 ET by ncstevemI wish these dinosaur newspapers would hurry up and go out of business. That way we wouldn't be subject to dopes like Broder anymore.
Unfortunately it's going to take another 5 - 10 years before newspapers begin closing and another 15 years before 95% of them are history.
And in case any of NB's
December 2, 2007 - 09:41 ET by Jack BauerAnd in case any of NB's curious readers are wondering who Alec Issigonis was..
he is most famous as the designer of the "Mini" car back in the 1950's... check out the orginal "The Italian Job" or any Brit movie of the sixties... or Austin Powers to see these little wonders go.
My first car was a Mini. Bigger on the inside than the outside. Seriously. A triumph of design and function and form.
Funny. Victory in
December 2, 2007 - 10:43 ET by superconFunny.
Victory in Iraq.
What?!?
December 2, 2007 - 09:49 ET by MikeDMcCain-Huckabee? Is Broder kidding? I wouldn't vote for
McCain oh a bet. In fact I'd vote for Hilary before I 'd vote
for McCain.
In my opinion McCain is a lowlife scum sucking RINO and
will never get my vote.
"I'd vote for Hilary before
December 2, 2007 - 12:40 ET by Gat New York"I'd vote for Hilary before I 'd vote for McCain"
Oh come on. Actually I would vote for Dennis Kucinich before I would place a vote for a Clinton (fortunately that won't have to happen).
I happen to think that Rudy is in decline and will not be the nominee. I believe that Romney or Huckabee will be the nominee.
I'd vote for Hillary
December 2, 2007 - 16:55 ET by MikeDNope dead serious. And I told that to the McCain people
when they hit me up for money. And in my opinion McCain
threw his "hero" status away when he became a RINO.
As for Dennis the Menace, I'm from Akron Ohio. I remember
what Dennis did. How he tried to destroy Cleveland. There's
no chance of me helping him. The only reason he stays in
office is that he runs in the area of Lakewood which is
Ohiio's answer to San Francisco.
God help us if either one gets elected. Actually God help us
if any of them gets elected.
I'm not sure yet who I'm going to support, but Huckabee
appears pretty decent.
We should nominate
December 2, 2007 - 10:02 ET by NewsbusterbrownWe should nominate Huckabee-McCain when the Dems nominate Zell Miller-John Breaux.
Now that's a dem ticket
December 2, 2007 - 13:15 ET by BlondeI might think about....well, Lieberman too.
Of course, my thought would be fleeting....like .00005 of a second.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
For the Democrat ticket I
December 2, 2007 - 10:03 ET by RMRFor the Democrat ticket I pick, ( drum-roll please) Dennis Kucinich and Rosie O'Donnell.
Two really true representatives of the modern-day Democrat party.
I hope we can agree on that Broder.
Elmer Fudd with Glasses
December 2, 2007 - 10:09 ET by well99I just say no.Neither of those 2 will get my vote.Well I would choose them over the Dems...which shows how bad the Dems selection is.
Just a note:"
"remember that those who struggle to reach the United States across the deserts or rivers of the Southwest are human beings drawn here by the promise of better lives for their families."
They need to make a better life where they live.Especially when you consider how much they pay a coyote.Either that or do it legally.No cuts in line.
-
December 2, 2007 - 10:33 ET by dahliatraversEither that or do it legally.No cuts in line.
Exactly.
Democrat favorite
December 2, 2007 - 10:31 ET by celatorThe left wing democrat drumbeat for McCain has been going on for years. That's enough to cast great suspicion on his politics, and certify his credentials as a RINO. The recommendation by Broder, who should have retired to play checkers fulltime long ago, fits perfectly with the batty left wingers' view of the poliltical landscape.
Liberal
December 2, 2007 - 10:52 ET by iveseenitallBroder is a "liberal" who sometimes pretends to be a conservative. I know conservatives and, believe me, he's no conservative. He'll try to fool you, but you know that you can...
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Liberals
December 2, 2007 - 10:54 ET by iveseenitallPlease...
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Mark..Even McCain/Huckabee is better than what U suggest
December 2, 2007 - 11:00 ET by JayTeeWhat you suggested for the Dem convention is a little underwhelming.
Now Huckabee is a A True Fiscal Conservative if anyone does some close detail analysis of his Governorship. Townhall had an Article itemizing his Arkansas Fiscal record, and filled in the details.
McCain on Immigration doesn't connect with the State he represents in the Senate......a fatal Political error, often repeated by others.
I wonder on Immigration, just how many Millions the Democrats have in mind, for Illegals coming across the border to the US ? IF it's not 20 million.....is it 200 million ? What is Enough ? Is it closer to 100 million, or 1,000,000,000 ? Inquiring minds wanna know, Hillary.
Stick those numbers in a poll, and digest the results...I think the American people have a number in mind.
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
Huh???
December 2, 2007 - 11:17 ET by sarcasmoCan you show me the URL of the Townhall article about him??? Seems to me Mike wanted even-bigger state government & even higher taxes than that noted "true fiscal conservative" we know as Bill Clinton wanted...See why I like VP candidates like Walter Williams, with 0 "executive experience"??
I guess anything goes at this point if Townhall can explain a whopper like this. Hell, considering the absolute slam-dunkularity of the Toobin-smackdown, maybe "anything-goes" is already the rule. Howard Kurtz sure-as-hell ain't mentioning it so far today...
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
sARCASMO...I'll look it up for you...you're a victim
December 2, 2007 - 11:40 ET by JayTeeYou gotta remember Sarc...you/we are all victims of how the MSM wants to present people/candidates...and sometimes the Propaganda works....
I go dig up the article and get back with you shortly...
here it is Sarc...Fiscal Conservative measurement
December 2, 2007 - 11:48 ET by JayTeeSIte http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DickMorrisandEileenMcGann/2007/11/28/mike_huckabee_is_a_fiscal_conservative
Excerpt......on Huckabee in Ark.
In Arkansas, the income tax when he took office was 1 percent for the poorest taxpayers and 7 percent for the richest, exactly where it stood when he left the statehouse 11 years later. But, in the interim, he doubled the standard deduction and the child care credit, repealed capital gains taxes for home sales, lowered the capital gains rate, expanded the homestead exemption and set up tax-free savings accounts for medical care and college tuition.
Most impressively, when he had to pass an income tax surcharge amid the drop in revenues after Sept. 11, 2001, he repealed it three years later when he didn’t need it any longer.
etc.....
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
I think my trust will go with
December 2, 2007 - 11:54 ET by sarcasmoThe Club for Growth (or "greed" if you listen to Mike!) instead of Dick Morris regarding Mike, and I don't feel like any sort of victim when I say that. :)
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
Ok, but...
December 2, 2007 - 11:51 ET by sarcasmoThe Club for Growth is hardly what I'd call the MSM, and they don't tend to distort the record when they say that Huckabee presided over a net tax increase -- it's an easy fact to check, after all, and factcheck did the checkin'. But I totally agree, the news media desperately tries to distort the records/words of candidates. See the Toobin-smackdown for but one tiny example...Even though the video is a bit like watching someone kill a roach with a sledgehammer.
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
Sarcasmo....interpret the Figures against a 11 yr. Term
December 2, 2007 - 12:00 ET by JayTeeAfter 11 yrs in office, yes, there was a NET Tax increase...but ALL 50 States during this time had TWICE the Tax increases of Arkansas. PERSPECTIVE
A recent column by Bob Novak excoriated Huckabee for a “47 percent increase in state tax burden.” But during Huckabee’s years in office, total state tax burden — all 50 states combined — rose by twice as much: 98 percent, increasing from $743 billion in 1993 to $1.47 trillion in 2005
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
So I guess the point/excuse is
December 2, 2007 - 12:25 ET by sarcasmo"The others were doing it too, and they were even-worse!"??? Sorry, but I'm not buyin'! That "perspective" dog won't hunt.
See why McCain has to bleat "we lost our way" all the time, over and over? It's because these politicians are totally-unprincipled. I don't care if "the other kids are doing it." It's against freedom, so I'm against it, whether it's tax and spend or borrow and spend. Increasing size of government at ANY rate is unacceptable. We need a man who will cut government. There's only one up there right now, IMO, and that's why some of us are so-excited about him.
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
now wait a minite Sarc.........
December 2, 2007 - 12:38 ET by JayTeeBasically you're saying anyone who has been a Governor of any of the 50 States is disqualified because Taxes kept up with Inflation, and in Arkansas's case, Illegal Immigration....On I-30 near HOPE Ark, there is a compound built especially for Migrant Workers....just like California...
I'm not a Huckabee Supporter, but I know a bad rap when I see one, and compared to others, Huck is a Fiscal Conservative....now if you don't Like anyone that raises Taxes even 1%....then you've eliminated anyone in Govt. or Politics....and Huck did reside over a NET increase...True statement, but very mis-leading becasue NO ONE would be on the opposite side of "increase"..he's the lowest of the low.
Not to say Govt. can NOT be cut/downsized anywhere in the U.S.. Corporations downsize all the Time, The Feds just "freeze" hiring....they never CUT.
What good is a Free Press, if it is a False Press ? David Foote GoE
Gotta go, but...
December 2, 2007 - 12:44 ET by sarcasmoCompared to my fave VP candidate this time, Prof. Walter Williams, they are all disqualified IMO (but I'll grudgingly-admit to liking Palin & Sanford). ;)
It's time for less spending. Drastically-less spending, before it's too late. You might find it hard to even imagine a government as austere as I want it (luckily for America, Ron Paul's a much nicer man than I am).
But I've got to go lose money at poker now. Please notice my First Amendment posts, I'd say something if thugs with badges stole stuff from your candidate's supporters, after all, so it's only fair.
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
If Republicans nominate
December 2, 2007 - 17:40 ET by alamojbIf Republicans nominate another RINO, I may just sit out. We deserve Hillary if we will not nominate on principle.
Some time back I read an analogy on the open borders / loss of sovereinty to the globalist that the Democrats were driving towards the cliff at 70 mph and Republicans at 50 mph.
Maybe if the car speeds up it will wake some sleepy heads up.
It is no accident there are now over 50 stationary Mexican Consulates in the U.S. handing out Matricular Consular cards to illegals. (Huckabee helped get one of those in Arkansas.) It is also no accident the Republican administration has not stopped this from happening- including allowing "mobil consulates" to drive around the US.
Duncan Hunter for President.
http://www.gohunter08.com/
alamojb...
December 2, 2007 - 19:10 ET by Clear thinkerI agree with voting on principle not voting against someone or something. I disagree with your choice in Hunter. Sure, he's a Conservative but I just can't see him as POTUS. My choice as you probably know is Fred. He can win, he would be a strong POTUS, and I know for a fact that he's a Conservative.
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/ Rush then stated that the conservative was Fred Thompson.
Oh, I think Fred would be
December 2, 2007 - 22:30 ET by alamojbOh, I think Fred would be better than Guiliani, Huckabee, Romney or McCain, but I am still sticking with Duncan Hunter.
alamojb... Make you a
December 2, 2007 - 22:51 ET by Clear thinkeralamojb...
Make you a deal... If Duncan wins the nomination I will vote for him. If Fred wins the nomination you vote for him. If neither get the nod, we both agree that we are screwed as a Nation.
Deal?
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/ Rush then stated that the conservative was Fred Thompson.
alamo
December 2, 2007 - 23:07 ET by botgyou go guy
GoHunter08
Komrade Broder:
December 2, 2007 - 19:03 ET by ProudGulfWarVet65Thanks so much for your stupid opinion, you dried up Beltway pinko hack! Now turn it sideways, bend over, and I'm sure you know the rest...
Wanna hear about the real Huckabee?
December 2, 2007 - 23:42 ET by Clear thinkerCheck out these Huck facts...
www.huckabeefacts.org
Rush Limbaugh stated that of the top 5 Republicans running for the presidency, only one was a true conservative. http://www.fred08.com/ Rush then stated that the conservative was Fred Thompson.
Thanks!
December 3, 2007 - 01:03 ET by ProudGulfWarVet65We have a couple of rabid Hucksters at the Mark Levin Fan forum, and it'll be nice to throw this at them. Thanks, and great find!