Krauthammer to PBS's Shields: 'You Want GOP Nominee Who's a Squish and Then You’ll Vote Against Him Anyway'
PBS's Mark Shields on Friday advanced the typical liberal media line that there's a danger to the GOP if it nominates a presidential candidate that is too conservative.
When he finished, his "Inside Washington" co-panelist Charles Krauthammer marvelously responded, "What Mark wants is a Republican nominee who is a squish and then he’ll vote against him anyway" (video follows with transcript and commentary):
MARK SHIELDS, PBS: Historically, the Republican races always come down to candidates from the two factions within the party, the moderate candidate versus the conservative candidate, each group. Bill McInturff, the conservative pollster, the Republican pollster, has developed this theory, and it is absolutely valid. It was John McCain, it was McCain and Giuliani competed to be the moderate candidate in 2008, and Mike Huckabee and a whole host of others, and it was Huckabee and McCain who basically became the survivors. And this is a test of whether in fact there is a moderate wing and an independent wing still there. But Jon Huntsman I think is laying claim to that, and I think Mitch Daniels will also compete for that if he comes into the race.
But the real action and all the intensity and energy right now seems to be exclusively on the conservative side, and if that’s the case, it’s going to be a problem as it was for the Democrats in 1972 when all the energy and all the action was on the left side of its Party, and they nominated George McGovern, an admirable man who carried one state.
CHARLES KRAUTHAMMER: See, what Mark wants is a Republican nominee who is a squish and then he’ll vote against him anyway.
Exactly.
Every four years, Americans have to listen to liberal media members like Shields wax political about who should be the Republican nominee for president, and it's typically the candidate furthest to the left that such commentators still wouldn't vote for if their life depended on it.
It's kind of like Red Sox fans advising the Yankees what players they should pick up before the trading deadline. Whoever the General Manager is at the time is smart enough to smell a rat, and wisely goes in the exact opposite direction.
It's high time conservatives understand this and in this campaign cycle do the reverse of whatever people like Shields and his ilk suggest for they don't have conservatives' best interests at heart.
Never did, never will.
- Noel Sheppard's blog
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Comments
Look at history, RNC!!
Submitted by DontFeedTheTrolls on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 9:55am.
Looks like the Republicans are gonna pick the 'old white guy', again. EPIC FAIL! Please, damned RNC, pick one of the younger minority guys (or gals). You've got some great choices, starting with Herman Cain.
Epic Fail?
Submitted by ckc1227 on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 3:29pm.
Last I checked, going with the "old white guy" has worked out pretty well historically. I've got a better idea.....how about instead of going for a minority simply because he/she is a minority, we instead go for the best candidate, and leave the race/genitalia game to the democrats?
Agreed
Submitted by okie-pastor on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 1:42am.
Agreed
Zackly---
Submitted by matthewdean on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 1:51am.
right.
MD
There's two concerns for GOP
Submitted by bkeyser on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 9:56am.
There's two concerns for GOP and Independent voters: Listening to the Left tell them who they should support, and listening to the established Right tell them who they should support. In either case we'd end up with a Romney/Huntsman ticket and four more years of Obama/Biden. Case in point: John (torture doesn't work because if it did, people might start wondering if I gave anything up) McCain
Its always amazed me that
Submitted by Snappy on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 10:16am.
Its always amazed me that Republicans, year after year, let an unapologetically biased left leaning media choose the candidate for the party, and the solidly left panels sit about waxing on about who the Republicans need to pick.
The Kraut Hammers Liberals, Again
Submitted by Blonde on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 10:26am.
Charles is the gift that keeps on giving.
And I have to say, the man can rock a turtleneck.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Correct.
Submitted by Bob K on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:22pm.
And you don't have to love him every time. One day I agree with him, the next....maybe not so much. And when he nails it, he nails it good. If he comes up as a topic in conversation I always tell people one of the things I admire about him is the fact that until a year ago I was not even aware that he had a SCI. Cameras seem to really try to avoid shots that would show the wheelchair. And I am sure he makes them do just that. If he were working for MSNBC, they would make him have twinkling party lights on his chair and a big sign over his head saying "Hey! Look here! We're diverse and inclusive!" LOL. I only bring it up cause I have been in a chair since 88 and know that even getting to work is a real pain in the ass. He does pull off a turtleneck very well. But I never want to see him try a bow tie, like Tucker Carleson used to wear all the time. LOL
I hear that, Bob K
Submitted by Blonde on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 3:15pm.
I, as well, sometimes disagree with the man. He's really on the inside looking out, although he does try not to have the parochial Washington view, but sometimes, alas, it seeps into his commentary.
He looks quite a bit like a friend of my parents'. So I looked him up quite a few years ago. I had no idea of his "disability".
And as for the bow tie, no worries. I shudder to think what the Hammer would do if someone suggested it to him. Even Tucker's lost his "signature".
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
I used to like Shields
Submitted by Mark81150 on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 11:38am.
30 Years ago when he was a moderate and not such an openly bitter partisan hack. He either hid it well, or drank the koolaid, because he's not even close to likeable these days. Typical leftist conceit, telling the political opposition, who the REAL conservative is they need to vote for.
As if they really want us to have the best chance to win,... yeah,.. sure.
There are times when I just wish it were possible to get him in a corner so I could verbally rip him a new one... WHERE THE HELL DO YOU GET OFF,....but it wouldn't matter, he's a in Rush's words, "A colossal jewel of glittering ignorance." ....and once you qoute Rush, guys like Shields hiss like a vampire with a cross in his face.. it's war then.
He's such a stupendously pompous a**.
Oh, please!!
Submitted by motherbelt on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:17pm.
What does it matter who they nominate, Mr. Shields?
You will trash him or her, no matter what.
So what possible interest could you have in who they nominate?
Quit acting like you care.
I think he DOES
Submitted by killa37 on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:39pm.
I think he DOES care................that is why these MSM guys try to tell us who to nominate - after all, how else did we get the McCain Mutiny?? Or Bob Dole?? My own theory is that if the MSM people appear to be 'friendly' towards or pushing for a particular candidate (or candidates) from 'the right', then I DON'T want them to be the nominee!!! You can tell who they DON'T want to run by their paranoid and vitriolic behaivior - look at the treatment Palin gets. And I'll lay out a bet right here,and that is if one of our 'black' conservatives decides to run, these guys are going to try and make mincemeat out of them...........but it WON'T be 'racist', since only Republicans and conservatives are 'racist'.
But you're right, as was the Hammer.............when it's all said and done, they'll trash 'em and do their best to see that they are defeated.
so true
Submitted by grammajane on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 12:35pm.
So true Motherbelt!! These elites trash anybody who is conservative, running or not. This weekend Cain is expected to announce he is stepping into the race and on Mon, Pewlenty will do the same. The bashing will be in full force from the media. Wonder what they dig up on Cain and how the racist card will fit in??
The Hermanator just now announced he is officially in the race
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 1:14pm.
Heh, heh.
Get ready, Shields, because you are about to see what a real leader looks like, 'cause if he ever stands next to Obama, Obama is going to shrink into invilsibilty.
And try not to soil yourself - it wouldn't look good on TV.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
That's great Dave, here's what Krauthammer has to say :-(
Submitted by upcountrywater on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 1:21pm.
Krauthammer says that Herman Cain doesn’t stand a chance and that his candidacy is just for entertainment.
You Didn't Build That.
ucw, Krautie needs to get outside the beltway more
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 1:53pm.
...as he often times seems to have lost touch with real Amurricans, many of which Herman is going to really resonate with as time goes on.
Herman Cain isn't running to win the support of the inside-the-beltway crowd, as they are part of the problem.
I like Dr. K., as he often gets it right, but I think he's wrong on this one.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Judging by the impression
Submitted by motherbelt on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 3:35pm.
Judging by the impression Cain made in the debate, I'd say that as the economy continues to founder, he is going to look better and better.
Yay for Cain and have the Official Obama Criticizer as VP.
Submitted by upcountrywater on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 5:07pm.
Or press secretary....
The economy will continue to suck...
MSM sleazesters, will do a media black-out and send out it's minions to find the Potatoe/ mission accomplished moment.
You Didn't Build That.
Dave: Re: Cain
Submitted by jon_torlin on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 11:53pm.
Dave,
Let's hope that if Herman Cain does indeed get the nomination on the Republican side that the Hammer won't treat him like an abomination. We don't need a repeat of what happened to Christine O'Donnell a la Karl Rove, that support needs to go to Cain no matter what.
I'm still pissed about that one, but what's done is done, and we don't need any repeats. We need to get those Democrat sons of bitches out of POWER and fighting against republican candidates ain't going to do that.
-Jon
Go Cain
Submitted by grammajane on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 1:16pm.
Wow............this will be interesting to see/hear the lame stream media will do to try and ruin him. Bet their heads are spinning trying to start the dirt digging. The game has begun and the race card will be off limits
Hmmm, I must be an "elite"
Submitted by amyshulk on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 1:59pm.
Hmmm, I must be an "elite" since I agree with the good Dr. about 99% of the time. I said the same about Cain right after the debate. I want to be wrong about him {Cain} but I don't think I am.
Ronald Reagan
The Cain Mutiny
Submitted by Jack Bauer on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 2:39pm.
Can I be the first to predict that if Herman Cain does NOT become the GOP nominee for President, Democrats and their media lickspitles will sunnenly claim it is because Republicans are RACIST!
All of the above Mr Obama? --- How about ALL OF THE BELOW, instead.
The Cain Mutiny
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 2:51pm.
Jack,
That is a great line. :-)
And yeah, you are probably correct in your prediction, as they pulled much the same thing when Michael Steele was ousted as RNC Chairman.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Cheers D. it's probably been
Submitted by Jack Bauer on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 2:54pm.
Cheers D. it's probably been used before.
All of the above Mr Obama? --- How about ALL OF THE BELOW, instead.
Jack,
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 2:56pm.
Maybe so, but if it turns out to be one (and I so hope it does), I will be able to say it started right here in Atlanta. :-)
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Off topic
Submitted by Rukus on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 7:47pm.
But whatever happened to the Omni, I went there for concerts way back when. Great place for concerts!
Ruk, The Omni was torn down and replaced with Philips Arena
Submitted by Dave. on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 8:02pm.
Yeah, I saw a lot of bands at the Omni, and went to a lot of Hawks and Flames games back then, too.
The acoustics were hard to figure out (the Fox Theater is much better) but Rush had them nailed and always sounded good. Other bands not so much.
I once saw the Dead play there three nights in a row, then caught a Rush show the very next evening.
LOL - It took me three days to get my hearing back.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
LOL!
Submitted by Rukus on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 8:21pm.
I saw Rush there too! The loudest band I ever heard there was Marshall Tucker, my ears rang for a long time after that one, but it was a great concert. I think I saw Foghat there but I'm not sure, musta been the, uh, "stuff" floating around, lol!
Oh, IT HAS, Jack.
Submitted by Blonde on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 3:17pm.
So many many times that it's lost its sting.
RACIST!!!!!!
Yawn.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Krauthammer
Submitted by Hoosier Conservative on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 4:31pm.
He's one to talk considering he's a big moderate himself and constantly criticizes people like Christine O'Donnell.
Trust me, Herman Cain is a nonstarter. We're getting Newt.
We're getting Newtered?
Submitted by UpNorth on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 7:24pm.
Why? Next's shining moment has already passed, when the guy in Iowa told him off. That will resonate with far more people than anything the Newter has to say.
Krauthammer didn't criticize
Submitted by Chris Norman on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 1:28am.
Krauthammer didn't criticize O'Donnell for being a conservative. He criticized her for having too much baggage and who couldn't win in Delaware. Events proved him right.
Herman Cain is the nominee ...
Submitted by NL207 on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 2:03pm.
and if he or someone else of principal isn't, we will have Obama for 4 more because the Old Bulls will have destroyed the Republican party to nominate their anointed one over the objections of the TEA Party people. As things stand today, I will be a delegate to the 2012 convention. I will be damned before I let the Old Bulls saddle us with another loser like McCain or Dole.
Krautmammer, as usual, is right on the money...
Submitted by PrairieSky on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 5:35pm.
This is exactly what the libs want...They want us to nominate a "squish" and/or another RINO, reminiscent of McCain, in the hopes that we'll lose the election...There's a method to the madness of the left and what Repub candidates they decimate, and the ones they don't. For example, some in the media have already made a few somewhat flattering comments about Huntsman, in an attempt to boost him with the right. Huntsman is, of course, a ridiculous and lame excuse for a candidate, and is exactly the kind of Repub that the libs would love to see us nominate.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction...It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them (our children) to do the same." ~President Ronald Reagan
We do understand
Submitted by misterbee241 on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 5:26pm.
FTA: It's high time conservatives understand this...
We do understand it. It's the Republican Party that doesnt.
Krauthammer is only partially right.
Submitted by pbthinker on Sat, 05/21/2011 - 9:41pm.
Krauthammer is right about the liberals wanting some squishy Republican who will generate little enthusiam and the ones that liberals will tell us can never win are the ones they're most worried about. Where Krauthammer is wrong, and he hasn't said this but he's part of the crowd, there's an inside- the-beltway group, who believe they're smarter than the average bear, who have a list of candidates they believe can't win. To me, they might be just as bad as the liberals, as far as who they're willing to support.
I'm not sure about Herman Caine but he hasn't even won anything yet and he has more experience than Obama had at this stage. In fact, there is no one in the Republican field who doesn't have more experience than Obama.
What I'm watching for, and it's happening right now in New York, the press is allowing the Democrats to scare seniors about Ryan's plan without holding the Democrats accountable for coming up with a plan of their own. The press did the same thing in 2006, allowing the Democrats to win an election based on one point, "The Culture of Corruption". If the Republicans don't force the Democrats to present an alternative, they're missing the boat. Every time the press does the Democrats job and starts picking apart the Ryan plan, the Republicans have to pull a Marco Rubio and say, the only ones who have taken anything away from Medicare are the Democrats who voted to take away 1/2 trillion dollars from Medicare when they passed Obamacare. Then they have to tell everyone that Ryan's plan is out there and the Democrats refuse to provide any alternatives and won't pass a budget. That's the only answer they should give to attacks on Ryan's plan.
Debates
Submitted by happi on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 9:05am.
And one more thing - can we also start insisting that we choose our own moderators for Republican debates. It's bad enough we'll have to deal with the Gwen Ifils (sp?) of the world when it's a general election debate, but when it's only Republican candidates, I don't want to hear questions based on what will embarrass the candidates the most, etc.
Word!
Submitted by Rukus on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 9:42am.
.
Amen to choosing the
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Sun, 05/22/2011 - 3:16pm.
Amen to choosing the moderaters. The GOP should play hardball and pick the forums and moderators for the primaries and the show.