Mike Allen has dumped on Doug Hoffmann's candidacy. Again. Yesterday, as noted here, Allen said Republicans would be "crazy" and "suicidal" to support the conservative in the special congressional election in New York's 23rd CD. Today, Politico's chief political correspondent has claimed that a Hoffman victory would spell "chaos" in Republican ranks.
And check the video for Mike Barnicle making an elitist crack about the upstate NY district, and Chuck Todd trying to embarrass RNC Chairman Michael Steele . . .
MIKE ALLEN: This is the one outcome from that race that nobody expected. And that is that Republicans have been turning their back on the actual Republican; could wind up pushing this conservative in. If the conservative wins—the White House has sort of been counting on the Democrat pulling out [the win]. If the conservative wins, it's really going to embolden the tea parties, the non-Republican parts of the party. And there's going to be chaos, because nobody's going to know who's going to control the machinery. We've known for some time that if you could harness the tea parties, if you could get them on your mailing list, if you could raise money for [Ed.: from?] them, that would be very powerful. But the Republican party--and this is something to ask Steele about when he comes in—is, he does not have those people, they're not on his list, he's not raising money from them.Mike Barnicle them made an elitist crack about the 23rd CD in Northern NY [not far from the 22nd CD in which I live].
MIKE BARNICLE: Is this district in America? I mean, isn't it like half of Canada or something—it's so far up there?
I'd say it's much more in America than the liberal-elite bubble in which Barnicle resides.
When Steele appeared later in the show, NBC's Chuck Todd, rather than asking him a substantive question on the race, was content to try to embarrass the RNC Chairman.
CHUCK TODD: The congressional race in New York—where do you stand? The Republican, or the other guy?
MICHAEL STEELE: I support the Republican nominee, as the Republican committee chairman.
TODD: What's her name?
STEELE: And that's the way it should go.
TODD: Who's running? What's her name?
STEELE: Scozzafava. Dede Scozzafava. 23rd district of New York.
TODD: There you go. OK.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: You got him [presumably meaning Steele defeated Todd's attempt to embarrass him].
As to Allen's comment, I don't see this as being about the tea-partiers so much as grassroots Republicans resenting a backroom deal that foisted on them a liberal candidate from outside the GOP mainstream. But Allen prefers to cast aspersions on lifelong-Republican Doug Hoffman's candidacy.
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.
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Comments Policy
Yeah, right. The GOP
October 28, 2009 - 09:26 ET by mattmYeah, right. The GOP should definitely keep running Democrats as Republicans and completely marginalize any Republican who actually adheres to the Party's platform. That strategy has worked so well for them in the last two elections, they might as well keep it up...
The GOP
October 28, 2009 - 10:30 ET by 10ksnookerNeeds a significant injection of something, the we're not as bad as them, is so 20th century.
Maybe some first principles would help.
Go Hoffman, I put my money on him.
A Hoffman Win
October 28, 2009 - 09:32 ET by slickwillie2001There's destructive chaos and there's constructive chaos, I believe a Hoffman win will bring the latter.
Chaos at the RNC
October 28, 2009 - 09:33 ET by SouthJersey1953"And there's going to be chaos"
Uh, yeah! THAT is the point. Hopefully, this event will open up the tainted RNC leadership's eyes and they will start supporting conservative candidates.
We have had enough! No more RINOs!!!
"Maybe if we keep our heads buried in the sand, this will blow over" - The Congressional Republicans
I agree a hoffman victory
October 28, 2009 - 09:35 ET by DarasenI agree a hoffman victory would shake up the Republican party and that is a good thing. The party needs desperately to shed to shed the non conservatives from it. Having and adhering to a set of principles and standards is far more electable than those whose whim and votes shift with the latest poll or perception.
Go Hoffman.
Party affiliations have...
October 28, 2009 - 09:37 ET by Apodictic... gone the way of the dinosaurs. Conservatism must be supported in any way it manifests itself. The LSM will attempt to corral voters into the traditional (D) vs. (R) adversarial relationships, however, it's really liberty and freedom vs. fascist tyranny. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the American electorate is conspicuously ignorant (Obama Money), and/or on the take at the taxpayer's expense (SEIU, ACORN, etc.)
WRONG!
October 28, 2009 - 09:41 ET by heldmyw1. Scuzzywuzzy is NOT a Republican
2. It is CONSERVATIVES rejecting a Liberal who calls herself a Republican.
...and speaking as a conservative, the Republican Party can get itself together, give up this liberal pandering, or go blow.
I will vote conservative. A 'D' or 'R' is meaningless to me.
Oh, and Newt? Time to hang it up. You're done.
The GOP
October 28, 2009 - 11:50 ET by NickA4944During the last election won by Gov Cuomo the GOP picked some rich guy to run against him simply because he paid for the campaign himself. Rather then stay home, I voted for him but on the Conservative Party line, who was also their candidate. He lost but the suprise of the election was that some many Republicans did what I did and the GOP almost lost the second spot on the next years election. Scared the hell out of them that the next govoners race they gave us a real candidate (Gov Pataki) and funded his campaign. He won too. Every ten years or so the GOP has to be reminded by party members as to who they are.
heldmyw
October 28, 2009 - 12:37 ET by BondPlainBondI'm ponying up TWO "Amens"!
Those that "don't get it", especially in the GOP, are gonna be in for one helluva big surprise pretty damn soon.
heldmyw
October 28, 2009 - 16:06 ET by matthewdeanI shall see Bonds' TWO "Amens", raise him one "damn right", and ante up a couple "XLNT" chips for the pot.
MD
"I may not agree with what your bumper sticker says, but I will defend to the death your right to stick it." (Unknown)
Not Surprising
October 28, 2009 - 09:51 ET by iveseenitallThe "moderates" just don't get it.They probably never will. McCain, et. al. LOST! Now he's on Hannity whining that he and his RINO buddies are being shut out by their wonderful "friends across the aisle". He failed, big time, because he refused to admit what was right in front of his eyes. He actually thought "liberals" could be trusted. Ha, Ha, Ha! And what's really strange is that he, Graham, Alexander and the rest still believe that being nice and compromising with the enemy within is the road to success. Either you believe that traditional conservatism and basic values are right or you don't. There is no in-between. Being soft on principles gets you and America what we've gotten. For crying out loud, Obama just appointed an avowed Muslum, born in Syria, to a high post in Homeland Security. That's right, Homeland Security. What's it going to take for us to wake up?
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
republican leadership
October 28, 2009 - 09:58 ET by gladiatory2kI hope he does win. I would love chaos in the Republican party. For too long, they stand on the sidelines and let Democrats walk all over them in order to just get more (R)'s in congress rather than standing up for the values of the conservative base. They just ignore the conservatives and try to tell us, "who you gonna vote for? you don't want to waste your vote on a Dem or a third party do you?" In the mean time, the people who are sick of the corruption in the 2 party system are expected to be solidly in the (R)'s pocket. People need to vote for their values and not for their party. How many times do you want to see people like Olympia Snowe being the sole Republican vote so the Dems can claim bipartisan support for theirpet projects. McCain was a RINO look how well it worked for him.
If Doug does win
October 28, 2009 - 10:10 ET by Jeff in Miami BeachMaybe it will force the RNC into 2 parties, conservative and RINO's. I'm not sure that would not be a good thing. We need more parties and we need some real conservatives to vote for.
Drill here Drill NOW - Put the US back to work and drill and mine our own minerals.
If you think medical care is expensive now wait until it is free!
Jeff in Miami Beach
October 28, 2009 - 12:42 ET by BondPlainBondI think the real conservatives would have it in aces over the RINOs. Already do!
Look at Hoffman. He's being outspent in the MILLIONS! It's the people, the conservative people, that are driving his excellent poll showings. Not money, not glitz, no who he knows, or who endorsed him. It's the man himself. His values. His ethics. His conservative philosophy.
This is primal now.
Thumbs up on the drilling, too. Adding my voice for nuclear power plants, too.
Exactly
October 28, 2009 - 10:19 ET by BlondeOh how I hope next Tuesday is a huge message!
Conservatives to the Republican "Establishment": WE WILL NOT SUPPORT YOUR SQUISHY RINO PICKS, NO MATTER HOW "ELECTABLE" YOU THINK THEY ARE.
Next on the menu, my fellow conservatives....Marco Rubio vs. Charley Crist (the dem in this fight is a loser). We need to work really hard to get Rubio over the top in this primary. That would really send the message to the Republican heirarchy (John Cornyn and Senate Republicans....do you hear us? We don't appreciate your endorsement of Charley Crist on the day he announced).
Oh yeah, and Newt.....sit down and be quiet.
I hope he fails, too.
Blonde
October 28, 2009 - 11:23 ET by iveseenitallRight on, Blonde. It's ironic that Crist lives here among the lizards. He's a chameleon who changes with the political climate in order to protect himself. I've not heard him speak about the unemplyment rate here in Florida. Jobs are not to be found for the jobless in our state. But Crist embraced that "stimulus" as quickly as he embraced Obama himself. And every time we saw RINO McCain, there was Charlie lurking in the background, hoping to move"up" in the world. Rubio is gaining steam. Maybe he can win. I hope so.
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
Hey, Blonde!
October 28, 2009 - 12:45 ET by BondPlainBondWay impressed with Rubio. Many in California are impressed, too. Have heard him speak several times (via Fox News) and believe he will do very well, pulling it all away from Crist.
Share the disappointment with Newt, too. When he made that ridiculous "green" commercial with Pelosi, it was over right then and there.
Back at you Ives & Bond
October 28, 2009 - 12:57 ET by BlondeI have high, high hopes for Marco Rubio. He was the youngest Speaker of the House...and is a fine young conservative.
McCrist the RINO needs to go away. I have news for him, which those of you who are not in Florida probably don't know. Crist thinks he's sooo popular, well guess what? Jeb Bush was alot more popular a governor, and who is Marco Rubio's mentor? Oh yeah.....Jeb! I expect to see the same line-up of stellar conservatives supporting Rubio as are now backing Hoffman in NY 23. Palin, Thompson, Santorum, etc. Michael Steele needs to get a clue, too. Rubio has been brooming the RINO in the county straw ballots all over the state. Great news, huh!!!!
To tell you the truth, I'm almost hoping Tim Tebow doesn't fare too well in the NFL, so he can run against Bill Nelson, next time around. It would be Timmy in a landslide. Although I've never heard him mention politics, I'm sure he's conservative as all get out. Check this out (have hankies handy). I just had to throw that in here, I couldn't wait until Saturday.
Newt is soooo over.
<edit> Rush is playing Ronald Maximus' speech of 45 years ago in support of Barry Goldwater today....GREAT STUFF! If you want to feel really good about conservatism, hit Rush's site later and listen to it, or read the transcripts. Oh how I miss RR.
I hope he fails, too.
Mike Allen is hoping for
October 28, 2009 - 09:59 ET by d1carterMike Allen is hoping for chaos. He is no friend of conservatives and Chucky Todd is a propagandist.
You've gotta break some eggs to make an omelet
October 28, 2009 - 10:00 ET by TheCynicYes. Good. GOP chaos is exactly what we need. We've got Newt Gingrinch out there supporting liberals just because they put an "R" next to their name. We've got adulterers. We've got RINOs. A little chaos right now is exactly what the GOP needs. They've been dazzled by the liberals into thinking that they need to be liberal too, and they're leaving the conservatives without representation.
Hoffman is proving what needs to be proved: that if the GOP can't provide conservative candidates, then we will vote outside the party.
It's time to take out the trash.
Scared to death?
October 28, 2009 - 10:05 ET by Patriot IISounds like they are scared to death a "conservative" might win...hummm maybe we need to vote for a whole bunch of conservatives!!! Instead of the RINO's we have been getting!!
Would you belive...
October 28, 2009 - 10:06 ET by KarmaIt's the Republican "machine" that has been sabotaged by chaos. We dummies, aka Agent 86's, are on the job. Although our methods may seem ludicrous to our "chiefs", we eventually get the job done, with or without their approval. To hear each other better, I think it's about time we lift the cone of silence.
Hi. My name is John Q. Public, but some just call me racist.
Get Smart
October 28, 2009 - 11:17 ET by SouthJersey1953Love your "Get Smart" analogy!!!!!
"Maybe if we keep our heads buried in the sand, this will blow over" - The Congressional Republicans
Karma
October 28, 2009 - 12:46 ET by BondPlainBondVery clever.
Mike Allen advocates assisted suicide
October 28, 2009 - 15:03 ET by needleMike Allen say: “If the conservative wins, it's really going to embolden the tea parties, the non-Republican parts of the party.”
Ah, so Allen’s patronizing view of Republicans and what Republicans are and should be is RINOs, which strange to say is: Republican In Name Only. In other words, Allen is concerned that Republicans might become less like fascistic Democrats, and less compliant to Democrat elitism and elitists.
WOW, it sure is a comfort that Allen is soooo concerned for the well being of Republicans. NOT!
- Relying upon the State Run Media for your information is like relying upon an embezzler for your portfolio management.
- I didn't leave the Republican Party; the Republican Party left me.
Give it to Mikey! Yeah!
October 28, 2009 - 10:11 ET by BondPlainBondMike Allen and his cohort from Politico, Jim Vande Hei, were in a bit of contest, Mika being the judge, on who would have the better story on the Morning Joe show this morning.
Hands down. Mikey wins.
They just... don't... get.... it.
*slow grin*
When I see stories like these
October 28, 2009 - 10:17 ET by IgnatzJFahrquarcoming from the Liberal shills I smile and know that it is a positive for us. It's getting under their skin and they can't stand it. Kind of like the Palin Derangement Syndrome ... the more they report on her the more I know they're pissed as hell.
"You should always tell the truth, because if you tell the truth you make it the other person's problem." Sean Connery
Doug Hoffman
October 28, 2009 - 10:20 ET by robertlbryantI am hoping that Mr. Hoffman wins. This has already been a big deal for Conservatives, but if he does pull through and win... wow, I could see that opening the flood gates!
Mike Barnicle
October 28, 2009 - 10:42 ET by shades2Let's see...if you don't live in some big Liberal City...it's hard to believe you're literate. I'm sure this will be the last time anyone cares about Northern New York.
Although Upstate NY received some attention when Hillary was running for the Senate. She was on a listening tour. Apparently she was hard of hearing, there didn't seem to be any big changes.
It only proves political and media whores are still in full fashion.
They are just so clever
October 28, 2009 - 10:24 ET by KansasgirlThey are just so clever aren't they? I think they are a little discerned.
I find any mention of RNC
October 28, 2009 - 10:47 ET by pwozI find any mention of RNC in chaos as a complete joke.
The Demoncrap supermajority party can't pass their statist agendas due to MEMBERS OF THEIR OWN PARTY.. so the state-run media's response?
THE GOP IS DESPERATE!
I'm laughing so hard I'm going to pop!
RNC chaos
October 28, 2009 - 16:27 ET by matthewdeanpwoz:
Put that way, I must admit it causes me to smile, also.
MD
"I may not agree with what your bumper sticker says, but I will defend to the death your right to stick it." (Unknown)
How is a Republican that
October 28, 2009 - 11:02 ET by MikeBHow is a Republican that supports abortion on demand, partial birth abortion, gun control confiscation, high taxes, socialized medicine, nationalized industry, and cradle to grave socialism any different from a Democratic who supports the same? If there is no difference why have two parties? Let the marxist-socialists be Democratics, and let those who support the limited government delineated in the Constitution be Republicans. I haven't seen too many Democratics who support the Constitution and take their oath of office seriously. The last was Zell Miller. There might be some today, but I don't know of them.
Michael Steele needs to grow some principles, then a spine, and then some 'nads. He should have told the local Republican "leadership" that Dede Scuzzyfart did not display the principles of the Republican Party, therefore, the Party will not help to finance her campaign. That might have caused the "leadership" throughout the country to wake up and start supporting those candidates in their districts who actually supported Republican ideals.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
After the uprising of the
October 28, 2009 - 11:34 ET by danboAfter the uprising of the 17th June
The Secretary of the Writers Union
Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee
Stating that the people
Had forfeited the confidence of the government
And could win it back only
By redoubled efforts.
Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
--Bertold Brecht, 1953
credit
"You lie!" Rep. Joe Wilson R-(SC)
I really hope Hoffman wins
October 28, 2009 - 11:39 ET by fitzfongI really hope Hoffman wins next week. It appears that Mike Allen and the other pseudo-journalists covering this election are determined to miss the point, so let them marinate in their ignorance and try to contort a lame excuse that Hoffman's election is somehow bad news for Republicans. The more delusional these clowns are, the easier it will be to sort out the problems of the party from within. The Republican Party is waging an internal battle for its soul. On one side, you have the free market, tea party, tax revolt Conservatives, on the other, you have the content-light, go-along-to-get-along, self-important RINO weenies. Only one side actually has tangible ideas for improving the economic climate that has eroded over the last 3 years (since the RINOs capitulated to the Reid/Pelosi mob), and it's not the RINO side. Make RINOs an endangered species: Vote Hoffman!
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
Ross Perot, Redux
October 28, 2009 - 11:57 ET by CobraManIsn't this similar to what both the Democrats and the Republicans were saying when Ross Perot was running for president, that he'd destroy one or both parties and sow general chaos in American politics if elected?
What is it about third party candidate that has so many people in a panic? If the third party isn't much of a challenge and is inconsequential, as the RNC and DNC keeps reminding us, why do they both spend so much time trying to convince us that a third party will destroy America?
My guess is hat they are SCARED of losing their power, power that thy have shared for over a hundred years. They know that America is ready for an alternative to the status quo and is looking for an alternative. Ross proved this when he garnered 15 percent of the popular vote. That must have scared the heck out of them!
Now, knowing that there's at least one good third party candidate is about to win a single election, the powers that be are on full assault mode! But, guess what, that's not going to work as people are tired of this type of politics as usual.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
The problem this time
October 28, 2009 - 12:25 ET by fitzfongThe problem this time around is that the "Republican" nominee, Scozzafava, is the Ross Perot...the incoherent, "moderate" spoiler. If she had any class, she'd drop out.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered." -George Best
"They know that America is
October 28, 2009 - 14:34 ET by ckc1227"They know that America is ready for an alternative to the status quo
and is looking for an alternative. Ross proved this when he garnered
15 percent of the popular vote. That must have scared the heck out of
them!"
I know one guy who was absolutely ecstatic about it.
X
October 28, 2009 - 11:58 ET by serfer62The Hoffman election will do more then just effect the DC GOP, the Kommiecrats will take notice.
.
Your OHbama has awakened people...
Chaos
October 28, 2009 - 12:35 ET by justbob223There already is chaos in the GOP. It is a party without direction or real leadership. It needs shaking up.
Hey Barnacle
October 28, 2009 - 14:00 ET by jacktheripperI LIVE IN THE 23RD AND YOU CAN KISS MY NORTHERN REDNECK A..!!! COME ON UP WE WE WILL "CAMPIN". AND YOU CAN DO YOUR BEST NED BEATTY IMPRESSION!!!
Mike Allen and Chuck Todd
October 28, 2009 - 15:38 ET by dcnormanMike Allen and Chuck Todd are so drowned in insider politics that they don't even realize that there is a whole country out there who don't know about them either. As such, they are almost irrelevant except to other talking heads.
Chris Norman
Mike is a bald-headed
October 28, 2009 - 18:42 ET by bigtimerMike is a bald-headed stooge always lookin' for a pat on the head...half of the time I've watched him over many years he has the deer-in-the-headlight look....scared little rabbit.
As to Steele...I never supported him, still don't, this is example is another reason why...and he has given plenty since he was made RNC Chairman...he did before-hand anyway, that's the reason I wasn't for him winning.
If conservatives pick up seats....it's not going to be because of the likes of him or Newtie etc etc...it will be because of the anger out here in the real world...Tea Party Protesters, and plenty of others who have finally woke up and seen the light.
We want our country back!
'Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea'~Breitbart