Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > November > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhat is the future of the GOP?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Before they turn their attention back to the Democrats, Republicans have some scores to settle within their own movement. It’s not going to be pretty.
For example, Michelle Malkin, Erick Erickson and others are organizing a blacklist of those Republicans who say bad things about the sainted martyr of the cause, Sarah Palin. I guess they’re not too worried by reports that Palin didn’t even know that Africa was a continent. I can see their point, in a way: It’s not as if Palin could SEE Africa from Alaska, so how was she to know?
Says Erickson:
“We’re tracking down all the people from the McCain campaign now whispering smears against Governor Palin to Carl Cameron and others…. We intend to constantly remind the base about these people, monitor who they are working for, and, when 2012 rolls around, see which candidates hire them. Naturally then, you’ll see us go to war against those candidates.
It is our expressed intention to make these few people political lepers.”
That seems to be a natural instinct among many Republicans when they lose. The immediate reaction is to want to purify the party, cast out the unbelievers, so that their movement might be more worthy of the role that history has prepared for them. They believe that by making their party smaller and more conservative, they will get bigger, a sort of quantum politics I confess I cannot follow.
Conservative columnist Kathleen Parker has already been cast into the wilderness for daring to speak her mind about Palin.
“The picture is this,” says Parker. “Anyone who dares express an opinion that runs counter to the party line will be silenced. That doesn’t sound American to me, but Stalin would approve. Readers have every right to reject my opinion. But when we decide that a person is a traitor and should die for having an opinion different from one’s own, we cross into territory that puts all freedoms at risk. (I hear you, Dixie Chicks.)”
Here’s the problem in a nutshell: The GOP base has become more and more alienated from the modern American mainstream. In fact, that alienation defines the GOP base, as Palin’s sainthood makes clear. It is more important to the GOP to have a candidate who personifies their sense of alienation than to have a candidate who knows what Africa is.
So how do you make a party defined by its rejection of the mainstream attractive to that same mainstream? By making it more ideologically inflexible? By casting out those who advocate a change? Yes, say people like Rush Limbaugh and others.
So I propose a counterpoint to Operation Leper. I think we need a list of all the conservative figures who believe that the route to political salvation is political suicide, who argue that Republicans need to march in lockstep to the right and leap off the cliffs like so many lemmings to the sea.
We can call it Operation Leaper.
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Comments
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this
Joe Lieberman
By MW
November 7, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
Fabulous new wardrobe for Sarah: $150,000+
Cool new duds for First Dude: $20,000
Little Piper’s designer handbag: $790
One-way ticket back to Alaska: Priceless
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
Extraordinary.
With just a few more “fissionable” personalities and their suicidal behavior, the ongoing neo-con implosion will reach the detonation point.
KABOOM!!!
Mission Accomplished…
By Joey
November 7, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
The only way to assure the death of the Republican Party’s is for Democrats to Govern wisely and fairly.
Yes! Count on that happening!
Laughing so loudly that the people outside can hear me.
By jon
November 7, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Who cares about a few disgruntled McCain campaign workers trying to cover their butts?
What we need to be concerned about is how the dems have already thrown Lieberman under the bus and have chosen Chicago thug Emanuel as chief of staff.
So much for a better tone.
With a less than 10% approval rating you would think the dems would be reaching out. Are you kidding me? They’ve got the power and think they have a mandate and will try to shove their radical left wing agenda down our throats. Can’t believe anything they say.
By Laugh now, cry later (Mad As Zell)
November 7, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
The left doesn’t know where its a•• is so keep laughing and yucking it up morons. Sarah Palin has more bravery, courage and brains in her pinky finger than you facist leftist idiots have on your entire demented side of the political spectrum. The American People are not going to compromise and throw aside their Conservative principles just to kiss the ring and worship at the leftist facist godless altar of Karl Marx, Barack Hussein Obama and company. Jay, you have no credibility as a journalist or a patriot to tell any real patriots how to run their political affairs. If the American People want to call out and reveal these scum-of-the-earth RINOs as the spineless cowards they are, then they have every right to blacklist these traitors and permanently expel them from the American political arena. For the record, Jay, you and your commie pinko islamofacist friends can go to hell!
By Taxpayer
November 7, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
I can think of many old tried and true techniques for ensuring party loyalty that could be resurrected. The Republican party could, for example, re-instate that old favorite from years past, the dunking chair. The presumed loyal party member is strapped in the chair and submerged…well, you get the picture. Next!
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
jon, speaking of not believing anything someone says, 10%?
methinks, you are pulling numbers outta your a…
Breaking news!
Emboldened by the Prop 8 vote in California, Georgia’s governor, Sonny “Pray for Rain” Perdue, is working to get legislation enacted that defines marriage as a union between a white Christian male and a white Christian female.
According to the large one, his god told him that the California decision does not go far enough.
Additionally, in an in-your-face-move, all homosexuals in Georgia will be relocated to Iran (who currently has none) as their god also prohibits the sodomites…
By A Real American
November 7, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Jay,
What is a commie pinko islamofacist and does this “person” even have a hell?
By leni
November 7, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Evidence that influence of humorless sixty eights is waning: The Onion’s brave and hilarious Obama lampoons.
By realitycheck
November 7, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Hey Jay, if folks on both sides would debate with the name-calling it sure would be a lot better for the rest of us. We’d probably even contribute!
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Laugh Now, what’s the furthest you’ve ever traveled from GA?
Have you ever been out of the state?
Something strikes me as a little bit provincial about your delusions.
(More courage in her pinky finger, huh? *Man! *That’s a lot of courage.)
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this
Leftists, Socialists, Marxists OH MY
Brought to you by the folks who gave us greeted as liberators and war paid for by Iraqi oil!
Oh My!
By Left Nut
November 7, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
I confess I cannot follow.
Jay, it is obvious that you ‘cannot follow’ much. Your ignorance is matched only by a dead gnat!
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Eugene Robinson, writing in the Washington Post
Now I know how some people must have felt when they heard Ronald Reagan say “it’s morning again in America.” The new sunshine feels warm on my face.
Well said.
By Laugh now (2008), cry later (2012)
November 7, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Sorry Jay. I meant to say that you and your little leftist play “buddies” can go STRAIGHT TO H€LL!
Sorry that I wasn’t a little clearer on that one, Jay.
I’ll take the guns, freedom and the money and you can keep “THE CHANGE”
Palin 2012
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Did the Republican elite elect Obama?
Or was it the wives of the Joe six-packs?
Guess they got tired of all that country music.
Let’s hope the Democrats respect the minority in Congress and tackle the major issues that have been snowballing for decades. If not now, when?
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
That package that arrived had a strange message:
Joe Lieberman sleeps with the fishes.
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Let’s hope the Democrats respect the minority in Congress and tackle the major issues that have been snowballing for decades.
Respect the minority?
Didn’t you get the memo? Weren’t you at the reception when Rahm drove the knife into the table after each name who’s gonna get it and proclaimed each of them “Dead!”?
Administration change ain’t beanball buddy.
(I’m KIDDING, I’m KIDDING! OK?)
By Mike
November 7, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Yawn. Jay Bookman reminding us that he is a small-minded partisan who is incapable of any thought that does not revolve around petty hatred for those who don’t share his narrow views, just like Hannity, Malkin, etc. It is laughable that he criticizes these people, as he is exactly like them in all respects beyond ideology and success.
We get it Jay. You hate Republicans. Do you have anything else to tell us? Anything at all?
By Billy
November 7, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Jon, there is no “radical left-wing” agenda with the Democratic Party. If there were, centrist Obama would NOT be our next President. If the party were truly leftist, then Kucinich would’ve been the nominee.
Go educate yourself on Obama’s views before spouting such nonsense.
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Seems the Corporal agrees with Rev. Wright.
“As nations cannot be rewarded or punished in the next world, so they must be in this. By an inevitable chain of causes and effects, Providence punishes national sins by national calamities.”
George Mason (Father of the Bill of Rights) - speaking at the Constitutional Convention
An inadvertent explanation for the last 7 years, 9 months and 18 days.
By Joey
November 7, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
I just had a water cooler discussion with a coworker/friend who voted for Obama. We both laughed about Kerry as S of State. Then we talked about Emanuel.
The question: Obama had a ghost writer for his two books, is Rhom Emanuel going to be Obama’s Ghost President?
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this
Mr. Duhbya’s economy continues to sink.
By mm
November 7, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
It’s mortifying to see these half-wit wingnuts continue to push “Palin 2012” after seeing her dreadful 9 week performance on the biggest stage in the world.
Keep it up clowns, you are guaranteeing another Dem victory in 2012.
At the rate these wingnuts are cannabalizing each other, there may not be a GOP in 2012.
Truly fun to watch. Now wait for the indictments to start. Must see TV!!
By Mike
November 7, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
“Conservative columnist Kathleen Parker has already been cast into the wilderness for daring to speak her mind about Palin.”
Nonsense. After attacking Palin, Parker has been on the front page of the Post.com with each column, a position she was never given when she was just another mean old evil conservative.
Apparently the best way to receive recognition is to attack the GOP. Ask Nobel Prize winners Paul Krugman, Al Gore and Jimmy Carter. Or Pulitzer Prize winner Cynthia Tucker. Or Academy Award winners Al Gore and Michael Moore. What do all of these people have in common? They didn’t deserve the award they got and they trashed Bush.
Parker is just smart enough to get on the band wagon. Wooten should do it too. I’m sure he would love a Pultizer.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
Jay
I interpret part of your column as “two healthy, functioning parties are good for America.” I agree - but if two are good, are three better?
[[“Anyone who dares express an opinion that runs counter to the party line will be silenced. That doesn’t sound American to me, but Stalin would approve.]]
Sounds a lot like MoveOn, Iraq, and Sen Lieberman. It’s rather funny how both ideological extremes won’t address just how much they have in common.
In the same manner, Pres-elect Obama faces the same daunting task - broadening his base to include the nearly half of voters who voted against him - which directly conflicts with the MoveOn types seeking to reassert themselves.
There have been calls in the last couple of days for Republicans to redefine and reconstitute by following the MoveOn model - building a grass-roots database to be used for organizing, campaigning and fund raising. Maybe this will outflank the Malkins and company. Don’t expect Rush to be happy with this, though - too much money’s on the table.
Will it be successful? Well, one conservative editorial cartoonist provokes it may not be a done deal -
Link: The elephant commiserates with McCain
It’s the one for Nov 6, not today’s.
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
In all seriousness, it would appear that the future of the GOP is going to get even uglier.
Most of these die-hard neo-cons will never, ever change their awful, deadly ways. And their “willing suspension of disbelief” is well documented and longstanding.
Andy, for example attributes their ongoing colossal failures to “reaching across the aisle”. And being too moderate! The new code phrase which replaces, “We weren’t conservative enough!” Hell, they weren’t conservative AT ALL.
And of course, this “explanation” simply could not be further from the truth.
They are the most dogmatic, inflexible group of American politicians seen in my lifetime. Need evidence? Look at their new rallying cry - Palin 2012. Yet she as much as any single thing or person accounted for McCain’s huge loss.
Her on the next ticket, or ANY ticket, just about guarantees another “center-right” slaughter.
The Democrats have sent numerous progressive combat veterans to the US Congress in the past two elections. And this bodes well for their return to a much more centrist position.
I see “”NO”” such attempts by the GOP.
I would not be surprised to see them as the minority fringe party in Congress for another forty years…
By Mike
November 7, 2008 8:56 AM | Link to this
“By mm November 7, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this It’s mortifying to see these half-wit wingnuts continue to push “Palin 2012” after seeing her dreadful 9 week performance on the biggest stage in the world.
Keep it up clowns, you are guaranteeing another Dem victory in 2012.
At the rate these wingnuts are cannabalizing each other, there may not be a GOP in 2012.”
What happened to the “no name calling” rule? I guess it is really they “no calling liberals names” rule.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
OH MY!
SMART PEOPLE DIDN’T LIKE THE GOP!
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!
Those evil Nobel Prize Winners!
The Pultizer winners are the Sons of Satan!
Shall we outlaw MBA’s? PhD’s? Head Start?
By Laugh Now, Cry Later (Mad As Zell)
November 7, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
There is no “radical left-wing” agenda with the Democrat Party
Billy, you’re joking right? No “radical left-wing” agenda with the Democrat Party? What a laugh riot! This is the same party that just pushed off a marxist on the American People as an illegit faux-president just to be a figurehead of the rabid radical left! Soiled, do yourself and America a favor and stick a fork in it before you stick a foot in it!
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
“Obama had a ghost writer for his two books”, he says.
Ahh….very interesting.
I think THAT - more than anything else - gets to the core of what REALLY drives these people into a complete spitting apoplectic frenzy:
The fact that not only is he the first black man elected president, but he is (as I mentioned yesterday) quite possibly the first genuine intellectual we’ve had elected since at least arguably Roosevelt (but probably further back, like Jefferson). Talk about something most of us on the left felt we wouldn’t see in our lifetime - heck with first black president. We weren’t sure we’d ever see someone elected who’s not only smart, but unabashedly cerebral in his approach. That is what has truly got many of us pinching ourselves.
So, no, my friend. Dream on if you want to think someone ghost-wrote Obama’s books. The truth lies repressed deep down in the thickets of that ideological briar patch of yours between your ears.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Harpo Marxist?
Groucho Marxist?
Chico Marxist?
Zeppo Marxist?
Gummo Marxist?
Hail, Hail Freedonia!
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
Obama won the presidency because generations of Americans have been so brainwashed by affirmative action (as opposed to equal opportunity) that they voted for the lesser qualified applicant.
By Ray
November 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Looks like the Annointed One’s chief of staff was a member of the board of directors of Freddie Mac from 2002-2004 when Franklin Raines was CEO of Fannie Mae. After being complicit in the most horrendous financial debacle in our nation’s history, this little jackass is now at the right hand of the presidency. Change…… something you can depend on. Yeah, right.
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Trashing the GOP takes such little effort these days, but I’m all for reconciliation.
Let the GOP have their little Civil War, and we can sit on the grassy knoll and enjoy the show, and actually work to get things done to clean up their disastrous mess.
Karma is real.
Laugh now dude - chill.
We godless liberals don’t believe in hell, remember? It’s hard to go somewhere that you don’t believe exists. Now, tell us to go straight to Wal-Mart, and that might make us shiver a bit.
By JAY BOOKMAN
November 7, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
OK, folks, let’s tone it down a little shall we?
Mad as Zell, that’s particularly aimed at you, since you seem to have been the one to get us started down this path.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
G’morning, Amvet
You referenced two remarks by Nader, both asserting the two candidates are indistinguishable corporatists and one wondering if Obama would prove the contention true, or break away.
It seems we have the first clue. The day after the election, the heads of the Big Three American automakers and the head of the United Auto Workers Union met with Spkr Pelosi and other top Democrats. They already got $25 billion from the bailout to retool for more fuel efficient automobiles.
But now, they want another $25 billion (that’s ‘billion’ with a ‘B’) for what are essentially normal operating expenses. At the top of the list - they want the money to cover health care costs they negotiated with the UAW. Right behind? Keeping their pensions intact.
So while millions of Americans lost much of their pensions (saved from their own earnings and invested in the stock market, tied to company 401Ks) Spkr Pelosi and other Democrats are pleased as punch to keep one pampered segment rolling along with no sacrifice.
And Pres-elect Obama’s on board.
We have the answer to Nader’s questions.
BOHICA
By Swami Dave
November 7, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
I may happen to disagree with Kathleen Parker on her opinion of Sarah Palin. That she happens to hold an opinion different than mine is fine by me.
Campaign staffers who are mounting a whispering “anonymous sources” rumor mill effort is pretty low-rent.
Let’s play what is more likely - a) advisers who directed a pretty bad campaign are going to take responsiblity for the terrible job they did or b) they are going to pile onto the existing backstory that all of their problems were Sarah Palin & her selection.
Having never met Sarah Palin, my only perception of her is what I saw (which was viewed through filters of those who supported and opposed her). What I do know is that -she- was not the reason that Senator McCain lost the election. It was a moment of clarity when, in his concession, he stated that “the failure was not yours, it was mine”. In that, he was correct.
-Swami Dave
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Anybody wanna’ wager a guess what happens in the market today based on this news:
U.S. companies cut 240,000 jobs in October. The nation’s unemployment rate spiked to 6.5 percent, the highest since March 1994. The numbers are worse than economists had predicted.
And guess who will be on later to tell us it’s because of the Obama victory…
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Paul and AmVet,
I heard a story the other day that didn’t sit well with me. Many of the companies who are receiving bailout money, are paying dividends to stockholders. This is money they didn’t earn, but are going to give it to their investors.
Now, call me a Marxist evil socialist commie pinko liberal whatever, but I don’t think that’s right.
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Also Paul and AmVet,
Do you think there is a remote possibility, just a slim chance that Nader could find a place in Obama’s administration?
Or did I just make the two of you spit coffee all over your keyboards?
;-)
By Mr Snarky
November 7, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Jay, I guess I don’t know enough about the republican operatives. Michelle Malkin says “we”. Who is that? Somehow I think the free thinkers may end up being the ones in power and the apparatchiks in disgrace…especially since America pretty soundly rejected the ideology of the apparatchiks.
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
The future of the GOP is going to be either the fiscal/Constitutional conservatives or the social/evangelical neo-cons. It can’t be both.
By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
November 7, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Jay - you have now devoted more time and effort to the ridiculous rumor that Gov Palin (who had a pre-media trashing approval rating of 80%) did not know Africa was a continent than you have to the reality that Obama bought his home with the direct financial support of the wife of a convicted felon. Is this an indication of your value system, or, perhaps, ideological blindness?
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Barney the White House dog is not happy.
I thought Barney died, but apparently, he did not, and is going strong and rather viscious I might add.
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Starts out so good - * No “radical left-wing” agenda with the Democrat Party? What a laugh riot!*
Of course it exists.
But then, totally tanks - This is the same party that just pushed off a marxist on the American People…
Even If, the wildly off target allegation that Obama is a Marxist is correct, he nonetheless pales in comparison to GWB, McCain, Palin and Saxby, among many other “”center-right” socialists”.
They’ve become the ultimate “income redistributionists”. And have been giving away OUR money for years. The last $700 Billion “bailout” to the crooks and swindlers on Wall Street was just mere icing on an already enormous corporate welfare cake.
Pigs at the trough. No wonder they suffered a second consecutive humiliation…
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Wyld Byll,
That’s PRESIDENT-ELECT Obama to you, pal.
Bwa!
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Ray
November 7, 2008 9:08 AM
The problems at Fannie and Freddie got worse after they left.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
Bosch 9:19
[[Do you think there is a remote possibility, just a slim chance that Nader could find a place in Obama’s administration?]]
HAHAHAHAHAHAHH SNORT CHOKE GASP
dang, there’s coffee all over my keyboard….
BTW - o’Reilly said he’d appoint Nader head of the SEC. niiiiiiice………
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Sarah Palin has a lot going for her: hutzpuah, love of family, ambition, but smart as a whip about the very things a president needs to know she’s not.
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
JAY - JAY!!
As I said yesterday, if you think we are self-destructing that much by going farther and farther to the right (i.e., the infamous Christian Right) with our agendas on limited government, pro-life, gay marriage, strong defense, support of Israel, 2nd Amendment, taxes, etc., etc. wouldn’t it be wise to just let us do so?
Or ………. is there something you fear? Like maybe a massive rebound - especially if catalyzed by certain economic, foreign, scientific or terrorist events ?
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
*Wyld Byll Hyltnyr *
THIS IS A LIE
and an old lie at that….
“the reality that Obama bought his home with the direct financial support of the wife of a convicted felon”
The GOP will never be able to regroup if their supporters continue to lie.
You do your own cause great harm when you post that which has been proven time and again to be false.
Why do you hate your own party so much?
Leave the governing to the smart folks, dude.
By Dennis
November 7, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Joey (7:52): Clear, concise and inarguable.
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
DANG! I almost killed Paul!
Sorry dude.
I hope AmVet’s okay.
By Taxpayer
November 7, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Corporal,
No one is standing in your way. Follow your leader right over the cliff.
By Midori
November 7, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Hi Paul, Bosch, AmVet, TN Gelding, Mrs. G :)
lovely day isn’t it?
Am I the only one who thinks Barney is as cute as a button?
By rushing4response
November 7, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Jay, Watching the Republican base become ever more, well, “base,” seems apt … is depressing and bad for the country - but as a Democrat, It’s hard not to gleefully encourage them to keep marching ever-rightward. If the GOP faithful actually had embraced the real McCain instead of turning him into a robo-calling souless right-wing shill, they’d likely be in control of the government right now. If they’d listened to Colin Powell’s warning about how they were taking the parter “smaller” through the tactics of division and fear,instead of smearing him and dismissing him, they’d have a chance at finding their way back from the political wilderness. But if they want to toss maps and compasses out the window? Let ‘em wander for a while. The country needs a break.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla 9:14
[[ The nation’s unemployment rate spiked to 6.5 percent, the highest since March 1994. The numbers are worse than economists had predicted.]]
Take heart! There was a time, not too long ago, when an incoming president was faced with unemployment at 7.1 percent and inflation at 12.4 percent. Ouch! But, he dealt with it. Busted the budget, but unemployment and inflation both went down. Waaay down.
So there’s a model. Perhaps Pres-elect Obama will not spend too much time reinventing the wheel and use the model, at the same time avoiding further busting the budget?
Bosch
You’re spot on on the bailout money. Plus, they’re doing a lot more with it that’d get your blood pressure up.
Question: ummmm……ahhhhh…. didn’t we hear something about a major failure of the Bush Administration and Republican ideology having to do with lack of regulation and oversight?
And now we have this bailout plan….. and the recipients are going willy-nilly with the money…. but…. we have oversight and regulation now, right?
Thank you, Democratic Congress! You’ve shown us the way! Yaaaay!
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
The Corporal
Actually Obama was elected because he got more electoral votesd than did John McCain.
By RB from Gwinnett
November 7, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Ah, yes. More of that “coming together” from you again today, Jay. As you’re bashing Palin (still), what makes you think that’s an attractive quality that would make conservatives want to “come together” with liberals? Is there a defective gene in there somewhere that makes you think people will want to join hands and work with you as you slap them in the head with a brick?
You’re a one trick pony, Jay. And not a good one at that.
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Paul, I don’t see why the faux fiscal conservatives are all up in arms about Barack.
From what I can see, he is almost indistinguishable from many of them.
Of course, he’s going to give away more of OUR money to the auto industry.
Of course, he wants to expand US military presence worldwide. (And we know what great news that is for Haliburton, BlackWater, et al…)
He has already voted to give the oil industry HUGE tax breaks in the sweeping, oil friendly energy bill of 2005.
I need to confirm this, but I am almost certain, he is the first Democratic candidate EVER to out raise the Republicans from corporate/CEO donations.
His new paymasters? The new-age robber barons who control finance, insurance, real estate, “health care”, communications and law.
Why do you think that was so?
They know they’ve got him in their pockets now.
You’d think at least the feds could provide a little Vaseline…
Bosch,
I’m fine!
NO way in Hades, Nader joins an Obama administration. The Democrats, just like the Republicans, do not want, nor will allow a “competitive democracy”.
He won’t be asked (they still blame him for 2000) and he’s much too principled to join in with these corporate wh0res disguised as agents of change…
BTW, Paul, I could be wrong, but I don’t for one second believe the inveterate liar O’Reilly would actually support Nader’s role in ANYTHING of significance. Because of the way the political winds are blowing, it just sounds good for him to be a faux populist…
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Hey Midori!
As my son said yesterday - “The air just smells a little better doesn’t it?”
He’s so wise for 15, and a fabulous soccer player. Soccer players are smart.
Did you see that video of Barney biting that dude? He’s a viscious little thing. I have to admit the Barney Christmas cam was um, cute, for lack of a better word.
For a little yippy dog, which I generally do not like, he’s got a lot of spunk.
Was it your birthday the other day? If I missed it, happy birthday!
By Paul
November 7, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Good Morning, Midori!
[[lovely day isn’t it? Am I the only one who thinks Barney is as cute as a button?]]
It’s a lovely morning. That dog was great. I saw the guy who got nipped interviewed - pathetic! “ohhh, I really got bit! Hurt! There was… blood!”
Nurse swabbed him and sent him on his way.
If anybody doubted these guys aren’t drama queens….
Three cheers for Barney!
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
To lovelyliz
You are correct. And he got those because so much of our young electorate has been brainwashed by afirmative action. I bet you wouldn’t like it if someone got a job or promotion over you just because of their skin color. Would you?
To Taxpayer
If that’s the case, quit acting so worried and let us self-destruct.
But you know don’t you ………..
By Citizen of the World
November 7, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
The last time I checked, the most anti-American thing you can do is call someone else anti-American based on their political beliefs.
And that’s what Republicans did during the McCain/Palin campaign. Michelle Bachman wants to investigate members of Congress, Robin Hayes says at a rally that liberals hate America, and Sarah Palin talked about the “real, Pro America,” which I guess relegates the rest of us to the “fake, Anti-America.”
But I’m glad they made their viewpoints known, so we can reject their way of thinking.
What makes us America is the marketplace of ideas, where one is free to speak ones mind.
If the Republican party wants to cast out those who aren’t in lockstop, we’ll take them on the Democratic side. We want people with flexible, open minds and inclusive, democratic ideals.
For conservatives who don’t believe this, well, of course you don’t, because you’ve been told not to. And I guess if you do believe it, you don’t dare say so or you’ll be out of the cult.
By Midori
November 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
thanks for the birthday wishes, Bosch.
it was the best birthday I’ve ever had.
EVER!!!
yes, I saw the video of barney yesterday. what a fiesty little guy, and just as cute!!! that’ll teach that reporter, huh? :)
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
CHANGE?
“In one of his first acts since being elected president, Barack Obama called on two former Clinton administration staffers to head his transition team and serve as chief of staff.”
As each day goes by, you guys will see homw much you have been had. Business as usual.
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
One of the interesting episodes to watch right now for those interested in the fate of the Republican party is that involving Bill Kristol, who right now is engaged in a fight to save his career.
I was not aware, and have just learned, of some interesting statements he made a couple of years back during the anti-immigration fever that swept his party, and about which he warned about:
It’s ironic now, given the Palin fiasco, to look back and realize that one of the prophets of the GOP’s demise who is now being proved right was none other than Kristol himself.
By Mrs. Godzilla
November 7, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Midori
Good Morning!
Yes m’am its another great day here in the USA.
Barney the biter needs his cute little butt swatted!
If Joe tried that, he’d be on lockdown in the basement with naught but dry kibbles and water.
By jethro bodine
November 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Here’s hoping that the Republicans will continue to rally round the conservative party line and give us more personalities like Palin. They’ll end up with an exodus in the political wilderness which will make the Israelite’s forty years look like a Sunday School picnic. And all I can shout is “Hallelujah!”
By Paul
November 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
AmVet 9:49
So are you saying, based solely on the actions and the record, not the rhetoric, that Pres-elect Obama is really a closet conservative Republican?
Or at least has many of the same characteristics?
Hey, maybe he will make both sides of the great divide happy.
I think we may be trying Jay’s patience, here….
By getalife
November 7, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Paul,
That reporter was laughing about it on KO’s show. My dog would have done more damage if he approached him like Barney.
The gop will not start out attacking Obama, except for Rush and Joe, so they will turn on each other.
They have to hate something. No dissent is not real American. Wonder if it is okay if Independents bash Palin? Of course, we are real Americans.
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
To Citizen of the World
I would fight and die for your right to hold any political belief you desire. However, I would fight just as hard to give anyone the right to call someone else anti-American especially if they believe their viewpoints are destructive to the very life of this Republic.
Uncontrolled immigration is just ONE of those subjects. In time, it will destroy this Republic as we know it. Therefore, anyone who supports uncontrolled immigration is anti-American to me.
By Taxpayer
November 7, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Acting worried, Corporal! There’s no worry on my part. In fact, you appear to be the worried one here. So, sit back and relax. Take a load off. Take your wife out for lunch today. Enjoy life.
By RW-(the original)
November 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Mrs. G @ 9:14,
The markets opened to the plus side after those job numbers came out so if they tank later it won’t be a result of the jobs report. More likely it would be something that comes out of Obama’s press conference.
Jay B,
You certainly seem obsessed with trying to pin down the future of the GOP, at least between bouts of severe PDS, but the future of the GOP will be more affected by the success or failure of the Democrat dominated government. If the Dems are successful it doesn’t really matter what direction the GOP takes and to a certain extent the reverse is also true.
I sincerely hope the GOP will get back to being the party of fiscal conservatism, strong national defense, limited government, and Federalism.
By GOP is gone
November 7, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Morning Corporal, Has the Mrs been able to get those grass stains out of your neatly pressed Dockers yet?
On the subject of today, I think I see Natalie Maines stretching out her arms in a welcoming gesture. The GOP has been, and unfortunately will probably always be, a fear and hatred motivated group. Their self-righteousness know no bounds. It started with McCarthy and continues to this day. If members of the GOP veer away from the collective mind they are cast out. Well I see Obama opening his arms too. We appreciate great minds and different opinions. Join us!
Why I am having visions of the Kumar Rouge? Let’s just shoot all the intellectuals who might disagree with us. GOP, you need to seriously do some self evaluation. Palin showed herself to be a complete tool to a global audience. She was THE reason for your public thrashing, well her and her twin brother in mental slowness, Bush.
By Midori
November 7, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Corporal,
I would take and proudly support 1 MONTH of an Obama presidency than 10 years of the deadbeat moron in chief Bush.
YOU are the one that’s been HAD.
Problem is, you’re too sad, bitter, and intellectually challenged to see it.
By GMAN
November 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Oh what a beautiful morning! Sarah, Sarah, where are you Sarah? Bring back the clothes Sarah! Bring back the lipstick Sarah! Bring back the Atlas Sarah! See you again in 2012… you betcha!
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
To Taxpayer
Then if you’re not worried just be quiet and let us self-destruct.
Wouldn’t that be the tactical thing to do or are you whistling in the dark?
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
Paul,
What Obama does seem to have is ALOT of COMMON SENSE, and, at least to me, has a genuine desire to help the most amount of people - i.e. the middle class.
I think that trumps whether he’s conservative, liberal, centrist, whatever.
And if he doesn’t deliver, he’ll be sitting on his rump with a suitcase on the White House curb in four years. But I just don’t see that happening.
I think he honestly will work to get things done for all Americans, the idea that if the rich stay rich and that will help everyone - you know the feudalistic ways of old, are done. We see it does not work and are witnessing it’s take on how it does work even today.
Mrs. G.,
Even if Joe bit a reporter? I might give him an extra BBQ pork chop for that!
By Taxpayer
November 7, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
To Corporal,
No, I want to make noise and help you on your path to self destruction because I like to help my fellow man especially in his time of need.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
getalife
That reporter must’ve seen his first clip and realized how silly he sounded. At least he’s trainable.
A good response by people who have dogs to people who ask “Can I pet him? Does he bite?” is “he might.”
I hope the Reps give the new administration some breathing room. People elected him to do a job, so let him get on with it. Then when a few result come we can evaluate.
Looking at the way the appointments are shaping up,,, don’tcha think it’d saved a lot of time and angst if we’d just elected Hillary?
:-)
By Amelia
November 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Well, the phone keeps ringing but the Republicans refuse to pick it up. For those true conservatives who are tired of hanging on the line please call the Libertarian party. We are standing by to take your call.
By Citizen of the World
November 7, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
See, Corporal @10:01, you’ve illustrated what I see as one one of the main differences between liberals and conservatives (the current variety, anyway).
If I as a liberal were to say something that you think threatens “the very life of this republic,” you as a conservative would call me “Anti-American.” End of discussion, right?!
But if you as a conservative say something that I think threatens our democratic ideals, I would try to convince you of the wrongness of your viewpoint through discussion and debate, not demonize you with the label of “Anti-American.”
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
I’ve got a cabinet appointment recommendation:
How about the Dixie Chicks for the Ministry of Pop Culture?
On a side note: here’s a quote from Wordsworth on the occasion of the French Revolution (borrowed from Warner, NY Times):
“Bliss it was to be alive, but to be young was very heaven,”
Well, I got one out of two, sort of…
By GOP is gone
November 7, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Corporal, What is so wrong about diversity? Or should we limit America to just European immigration? Get a grip, people of the world still look to America as a beacon of light. They are not planning a mass immigration here just to over throw the Christian Right. However, I think your fear of that lies in a Non-white majority America.
By Paul
November 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Bosch 10:12
I think the ‘common sense’ thing may be the critical factor. I hope you could tell I was having fun before, but still and all, there are some similarities…. but then again, there always are. But, if Reps rediscover themselves, as RW-(the original) pointed out at 10:12, there may be some actual differences to compare.
Did you notice - in my 9:43 I spoke about another pres who came into office facing 7 percent unemployment and 12 percent inflation and they were brought down, so Obama can do the same? But I didn’t mention his name - Reagan - and the comment passed without a peep of protest from anyone?
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Paul, there are differences between the two parties, to be sure.
But they basically revolve around wedge issues.
He does offer some small hope in the area of environmental sanity and a semblance of statesmanship.
But again, I implore president-elect Obama, will he push for a real living wage?
Will he strengthen or continue to weaken consumer protection laws?
Will he implement a single-payer Medicare plan for ALL Americans. Or will he continue to promote his cockamamie tweak of the current system?
Will he begin WIDESPREAD prosecution of the thieves on Wall Street, K Street and in the boardrooms and backstreets of America?
Will he end the vast corporate subsidies AND UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL DEBT that are paid for by us, our children and their children?
Will he stop paying corporations to ship American jobs overseas?
Will he stop giving away America’s natural resources and assets at giveaway prices to these business interests?
Will he stop giving away the results of our R&D tax dollars that were used to discover new drugs to the giant pharma companies under monopoly marketing agreements with no reasonable price provisions or protections for us?
Will he reign in the incrediblyly bloated and wasteful military budget?
Will he implement an energy policy not based on pipe dreams like clean coal and more drilling?
I believe that in every case, the answer will be no.
Now that the Democrats will control both the legislature and the executive branch, many of us will watch closely.
NO MORE EXCUSES.
We will hold their feet to the fire the same as we did the abysmal Republicans…
By G
November 7, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
I have a suggestion for the future of the GOP - let them all immigrate to Alaska and then secede from the Union.
America will be far better off with right wing Republicans nowhere in sight, much less in control of power.
Good riddance!
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Corporal
That has never ben a problem for me. I’ve had more issues with people getting promoted over me because of their family connections.
Ever had someone less qualified than you get promoted instead because their Daddy was a hunting or frat buddy of the boss?
By getalife
November 7, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Paul,
The reporter reached down with his hand down in a threatening way. Barney responded like any dog would.
Yes, President Obama will use many of the Clinton team because they are the best in the business. I wonder what Hillary wants because the Clintons were President Obama’s October surprise. Supreme Court?
I think we should give our President one term to clean up w’s mess and the change he promised will happen in the second term.
By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
November 7, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Mrs. Godzilla - 9:35 AM
You are sadly mistaken. Mrs. Convicted Felon purchased an adjoining lot to the Obama residence. Mrs. Convicted Felon then sold Obama a small strip of her lot at a fraction of the cost of her lot even though the sale rendered the remenant unusable and with a negative value since Mrs Cnvicted Felon still must pay taxes on the unusable parcel. The use of the whole lot in question is now enjoyed by the Obama family and will have an accretive value to Obama’s property just as being next to a greenbelt would.
I raised this issue not to bash Obama, but rather to question Jay’s priorities. Had I desired to sling mud on Obama, I would have mentioned the sweetheart VIP mortgage he received from a now troubled mortgage lender.
I could go on about how a “post-partisan” campaigner’s first appointment is a “most-partisan” person, but I won’t. The silver linings in this cloud are: 1) AlGore will never be president; 2) Hillary will never be president; 3) the nation’s black underclass now has a positive role model which may lift up the race as a whole; and 4) we have four more years to develope Gov Sarah and Bobby.
Obama is my president and I pray each night that he becomes our most successful President ever.
By RW-(the original)
November 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Paul,
The gathering up of all the Clintonistas in the Obama administration must be presenting a bit of a dilemma in the Clinton household, not that divisive things are anything new to them.
On the one hand, Hillary’s only shot at ever being President, barring tragedy, is for Obama to be bad enough to be unelectable in 2012. (And don’t think she’s beyond a party switch to run as the Republican nominee if the Democrat brand is tainted badly enough.)1
On the other hand, if Obama is a success while surrounded by Billy Jeff’s people it solidifies BJ’s legacy.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Change we can believe in:
For example, Michelle Malkin, Erick Erickson and others are organizing a blacklist of those Republicans who say bad things about the sainted martyr of the cause, Sarah Palin. I guess they’re not too worried by reports that Palin didn’t even know that Africa was a continent. I can see their point, in a way: It’s not as if Palin could SEE Africa from Alaska, so how was she to know?
Unsubstantiated rumors from unidentified staffers of a losing campaign being viciously propagated by a goony media who’s very own Speaker of the House, a much more substantial position than, let’s say, Governor of Alaska, thinks that natural gas is not a fossil fuel.
This in a time of an energy crisis in America, the democrats have a stone cold idiot running our legislative branch while they harp on the qualifications and wardrobe of a virtual citizen.
Worried about Palin, our we?
And here I thought the election of Oblahma was a bipartisan affair that would bring the nation together as one big loving mass of humanity.
So much for that BS, huh?
It’s all you libs know how to do, attack and spin, attack and spin.
Lame~O.
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Paul and AmVet,
I agree whole heartedly that the biggest difference between the parties, at least the real GOP and Dems, not the lunatic fringe are the wedge issues too.
The rest has gotten lost in translation.
And, I believe the answer to all your questions, AmVet, is yes, you cynical old coot! :-)
At least I hope so. Will he be able to do all that? Nope, but he’ll make a start and once the start is in place, it’s real hard to go back.
Paul,
You have fun? :-)
By norman ravitch
November 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
The new South, VA,NC, and FL voted for the future. Georgia joined MI and AL by voting for racism and know-nothingism. The future of the GOP lies with the past.
By getalife
November 7, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Actually Andy,
The news down here is Jindal is the new Obama for the right.
He will deliver the keynote at a fundraiser in Iowa.
This will kick off the 2012 Presidential campaign but he will lose to President Obama.
By Morningstar
November 7, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Great column Jay. I particularly noted the “purify party…..so their role might be more worthy.” Sounds a mite like a rebirth of Hitler et. al. Scarry.
By Laugh now, cry later (Mad As Zell) November 7, 2008 8:01 AM For the record, Jay, you and your commie pinko islamofacist friends can go to hell!
Ooooooh! Naughty AND Scarry, and with Santa on the way too!!! Might be nothin’ in thee stockin’ on come Christmas morn.
By TN Gelding November 7, 2008 8:31 Let’s hope the Democrats respect the minority in Congress and tackle the major issues
Let’s hope. The country is in shambles, beginning with the unemployment situation. Rate is up to 6.5% at the end of October, according to USDOL. The rate was 6.5% for Georgia the end of September. I don’t believe GA. has posted for October at this time. I’m waiting for that trickle down effect from all those tax cuts the Bush administration initiated. Didn’t President Clinton also state something to the effect of “It’s the economy stupid?”
Paul, no you are not the only one who thinks Barney is ‘cute as a button.’ Anyone should know not to stick their silly ‘paw’ down and try to pet someone else’s dog. The dog didn’t know the reporter, so go Barney! Dogs and children are smart.
LEAVE THAT DOG ALONE!
By AmVet
November 7, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Bosch, I too hope you’re right!
And you know me well enough to know that if that happens I will fully admit my errors in judgment.
And I know you are only half-serious about my “cynicism”.
It may come across that way, but I think of myself as more of a pragmatist.
Or as the good folk from Missouri say, “Show Me”.
I am pulling for Obama and the Dems BIG time, but am cautious enough to not get my hopes up, that’s all. I’ve heard all of this before.
Enough fun for now.
Off to pay for the occupation.
And the bailout.
Pray for rain…
By Taxpayer
November 7, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I didn’t think the GOP had a future. Did I miss something with that end of times talk or what.
By Shawny
November 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
The party will come back strong when they finally figure out what got them to the top to start with. Go back to 1994 and Newt… fiscal conservatism, not crazy spending and earmarks.. environmental conservatism, not reckless expansion… enabling the engine of growth within the economy, not fueling only the biggest of the big… peace through strength, not being too pushy nor to wimpy… smaller government, not bigger
By AJC/DNC Management
November 7, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
al-Gitmo: That is what the “moderates” are saying.
Look around next year this time and see all the moderates outside the Republican party looking in.
“Change” is coming, for real.
Some will remember that I picked Jindal for this year’s vice nominee, but it would have made no difference, you goons would have tried to wreck his career instead of Palin’s.
I don’t blame you, if I were you, I would be scared too.
Palin/ Jindal 12!
By Paul
November 7, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
AmVet 10:28
That about sums it up.
Plus, if a Manhattan Project for energy independence bears fruit, will we withdraw all our military from the Middle East?
RW-(the original) 10:26
It makes one wonder how much is ‘new’ and how much is ‘well, this worked so let’s do it again.” But there are significant differences between then and now.
Bosch
[[Paul, You have fun? :-)]]
Yup. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always mean the people around me do…
Morningstar
I think Barney is ‘cute’… when he’s biting a reporter.
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
To lovelyliz
Either one (family connections or affirmative action) is equally wrong! Obama became president because of his skin color - pure affirmative action over qualification. I dealt with it in the government for years and it now will only get worse.
To Citizen of the World and GOPs is gone
The root word for diversity is divide ! Uncontrolled illegal immigration will only further divide this Republic.
The gauntlet has been thrown ……
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Did someone say ‘Gitmo’?
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
AmVet (for when you return for paying for the occupation),
I certainly know you are pulling for the Dems. I am too. I too consider myself a pragmatist, with a side dish of healthy cynicism as well - and a WHOLE lot of sarcasm.
I notice you didn’t respond to the “old coot” part :-)
I was very cautious not to get my hopes up at all during this election, I think it was James Carville who said the other night something about Charlie Brown and the football getting swiped away from us again (damn that Lucy - I always wanted Charlie Brown to go and slap the sh!t out of her).
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
In the words of Paul:
In him there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free person. Instead, the Messiah is all and in all.
By E
November 7, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Question:
Where in the world is Joe the plumber?
I’m guessing the GOP has no use for him now.
Poor fella.
By David
November 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
It seems the Republican Party has, like Dr. Frankenstein, become the victim of the monster that it created. The clash of vastly different ideologies will have to find reconciliation to rebuild, or else divide into separate parties altogether.
There are those fiscal conservatives who yearn for something closer to libertarian than what the current GOP leadership (is there such a thing now?) offers.
I’m inclined to think that this election is the result of the until-now unheard centrist voter revolution, those who are tired of the fringe right and left, and the desire to find commonality and middle ground again.
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Since when has Newt Gingrich ever really been a fiscal conservative?
By Joe the Electrician
November 7, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
In classrooms all across the country, the future voters of America are having a spin of the globe, and a hearty chuckle to go along with it. Remember, it was a 3rd grader than began this mess with the brainbuster; “What does the VP do?” PALIN/PLUMBER 2012
By Soixante huitard
November 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
So our president-elect has already been called a “thug” (called that by someone who is a drug-addled thug himself).
Why do I have the feeling that what we’re about to see from the right is going to make the assaults on Bill Clinton look like a day in the park?
By Midori
November 7, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
So, the only reason Obama was elected is because he’s BLACK??
How can you see what your’e typing with that hood over your head?
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Why is it that white Christian men call it affirmative action when others do it and networking when they are the benificiaries?
By lovelyliz
November 7, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
The future of the GOP is going to be:
OR
But you can bet the house it won’t be both.
By Citizen of the World
November 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
A poster over on the NYT blog made a good point this morning — that the GOP base is shrinking because its culture of intolerance keeps narrowing the definition of what it means to be a Republican. He noted that it used to be enough to be anti-gay, anti-abortion, pro-gun, religious, white and anti-government, now you have to also be rural, anti-intellectual, blue-collar and xenophobic. The circle of acceptability just gets narrower all the time.
But more and more people can’t or don’t want to fit into that mold.
If the Republican Party wants to govern and serve the American people, it’s going to have to a) not just claim to be fiscally conservative but actually govern that way, and b) quit putting down American ideals of diversity, inclusiveness and tolerance.
There’s always room for differing viewpoints, but anytime I see a political party appeal to people’s fears, prejudices and religious fervor for votes and support, I get nervous. I know my history.
Based on the outcome of this election, I think most Americans agree — the tone of the Republican Party has become too “us vs. them.”
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Midori,
I said the other day, that I think race did have alot to do with this election, but not in a BAD way that people like Corporal are implying. I think it’s a very positive thing. I also think many black people did vote for Obama because he’s black, because most people vote for who they most identify with because more so than not - that person has the same issues as you do, and you typically agree more with that person.
I voted for Obama because I value intelligence and pure class over alot of things, and I agreed with him on he issues, not all, but most. I identified with him more than McCain because he’s young, smart, and classy, just like me! I didn’t identify with McCain because he’s an angry, military, erratic old fart - NOT just like me.
By Midori
November 7, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Amen, Bosch.
AMEN
I think the world has had it with stupid, unqualified, mean-spirited presidents.
By Bosch
November 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Midori@ 11:58,
Amen, right back at cha!
By RealityKing
November 7, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Republicans will now be free to continue the role that liberals have filled for the last 7 years.. Spewers of hate, mindlessly attacking, misrepresenting and outright lying about anything that benefits the other party, reguardless of how much it hurts or even kills Americans. Ideology of everything else.., turn around is fair play.
By L Nguyen
November 7, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
The GOP will die naturally. Natural selection is in progress. Like Paul Krugman once said that the GOP is the party for stupid people! Stupid enough to believe in creationism, in 6000 years old earth, in getting things done by praying.
By Midori
November 7, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Reality-challenged King:
you guys have the patent on baseless attacks and spewing hate.
By Joe the Electrician
November 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
*To RealityKing: * from a poster last night
By Conservatives=Morons
My but you Conservatives are something. For 8 painful years you have dominated the Agenda, spewing hate, forcing the country down one wrong path after another while faithfully following the dimwitted shrub, your latest hero. Oh yes, let us not forget, you also worship Satan (Cheney) as faithful acolytes and then to take the cake, you support a nominee for Vice-President who likely doesn’t know the recipe for ice. You believe in nothing but hate, hate and more hate-you have the audacity to look down your ignorant noses at those who have pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, as if being educated is a negative, only the twisted mind of a conservative could be that delusional. You consider it radical that people in the wealthiest country on earth should have healthcare, my, what a concept.
You think that taxes can never be raised, as if citizens can expect every service for free, but then, what can we expect of the party that has opposed every social program, including even Social Security and Medicare. Yes, Conservatives are Morons but then again, that is too good for you. Thank God the country woke up and gave you half-wits the boot. Keep walking until you finally fall off into the abyss so that rational people can have a country that both we and the world can be proud of. And while you’re at it, please take the idiot Shrub, send the even stupider Barbie back to the Tundra and take Satan back to Hell with you. By the way, take some responsibility for wrecking the country the last 8 years and oh yeah, fess up to the fact that 9/11 happened on your watch.
MORONS!
By mike hussein smith
November 7, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
JAY: Here’s my short list.
John Boehner Bill Kristol Rush Limbaugh Joe Lieberman Sarah Palin
I wouldn’t trust any of them to serve as dogcatcher
By mike hussein smith
November 7, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Yo, Joe, take a bow for that “recipe for ice” line.
By pj
November 7, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
To Corporal @ 10:01: For the first time I can agree with you on a point and we have history to back it up.
“Uncontrolled immigration will destroy this republic”
Just asked the Native Americans. They lost this entire nation to immigration.
By OBAMA*NOT*Supporter
November 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
You know no one ever even herad of Sarah Palin (or Obama either) but the people did not knock on Obama when he announced his candadicy in early 2007 did they? NO they didn’t so don’t give the whole no experience thing but also Sarah Palin had to chance to get to know the country because she wasn’t given a chance because of the DAMN LIBERAL thats right LIBERAL PRESS!!! She is so strong and such an infulencial leader that she will be the first woman prisident not Hilary “MORON” CLINTON. I wish people would just let her go because they dont have to worry about her for another 4 years, and in those 4 years she will be STRONGER, SMARTER, AND READY TO TAKE ON THIS NATION AND MOVE TO 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE WASHINGTON DC USA (you know where that is the place Obama DOES NOT BELONG!!!!!) Long Live SARAH PALIN, watch out USA she gonna be back so prepare yourself
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
To PJ
Depends on what you mean by Native Americans. Continuing research indicated the orginal immigrants may have been Eurpean or even Chinese.
In any case, no one tribe (by the time Europeans got here in the 1400’s) could document when they arrived or if in fact they had conquered and enslaved (or even eaten) the tribe before them !!
In other words, the noble savage does not exist. They were just as brutal (if not more so) than anyone.
By "The Corporal"
November 7, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
To Soixante huitard
Now Soixante, I am glad you are quoting scripture but you must keep it in context. I certainlyhope you did not quote that passage from Galations 3 in a political sense or you will have to go back to Sunday School.
It has only to do with one’s personal eternal salvation and Paul is simply restating what Jesus said. Any who want eternal life must come through him ………. a pretty intolerant statement for many.
By TN Gelding
November 7, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
It’s obvious from what we read here what their game plan is.
Distortion and sabotage. But what would you expect from “real” Americans?
By Patricia Shannon
November 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
This is the chorus of a song I co-wrote, The Good Dream, version 2 You can hear it at www.myspace.com/patriciashannonsongs
I had a good dream last night, peace and joy had conquered might. Brothers and sisters all were we, living together in harmony. The best part of it for me was no child lived in misery. The whole world from war was free, love had won the victory.