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DEL.ICIO.USCongratulations. Now where’s Newt?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It is a measure certainly of the greatness of America that less than half a century after the civil rights movement a man whose skin color was once a barrier to full participation in the American Dream is now elected President of the United States.
Rejoice, certainly, that we have come so far in one lifetime.Barack Obama’s election says to every man, woman and child the world over that this is the land of opportunity and citizenship in our republic is something to be cherished. It is an historic occasion.
Time will come to spell out our policy differences. President-elect Obama and John McCain represented competing visions for America and the country has chosen. For those of us who preferred McCain’s vision, the challenge now is to find a unified approach that keeps America strong economically and militarily.
That challenge is less daunting if Democrats have not come to power with a filibuster-proof Senate. They’re close with some U.S. Senate races still undecided. Too much power would tempt the majority to push through judges who see the courts as instruments to preferred outcomes and to push through legislation harmful to job creation.
The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.
As for Republicans, the loss is occasion to reexamine the party’s message. There’s probably no better person to lead those conversations than former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who has a knack for reinterpreting conservatism without undermining core principles. Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government. The challenge is to find and articulate a course that will wean them from dependency.
That’s work for another day, though. The American people spoke Tuesday and their choice is to be honored and respected. Barack Obama has won the right to pursue his agenda.
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By AJC/DNC Management
November 5, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Now who are all you libs going to hate on?
What motivation will drive your insane rage now that you are responsible and the Republicans are out of the picture?
Gonna get a little boring without a bogeyman, ain’t it?
By Grandpa
November 5, 2008 5:53 AM | Link to this
Pertinent musings, Mr. Wooten, certainly it’s that. Bookman thinks this victory is like when the federal gunpoints opened up on the confederates at the battle of Shiloh.
What is wrong with that child?
The 65/35 landslide I predicted came true. (electorally). I am the purest purist of the pundantry. I alone (unless you count Rove), have my finger on America’s G spot.
I keep thinking about Palin. What is she to do now? This woman needs the attention. Pity those in her orbit in Alaska now. “Off with their sleds!”.
President Obama. It doesn’t really flow. It sounds unnatural. President McCain sounds better. Lets hope that poetic grace is not a harbinger of political song.
By Ga Values
November 5, 2008 6:10 AM | Link to this
Already Tuesday night, angry conservatives hinted of retaliation against their party leaders.
“Republicans suffered very serious setbacks in the last two years in both the Senate and the House,” said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a thorn in McConnel’s side for months. “We have got to clean up, reform and rebuild the Republican Party before we can ask Americans to trust us again. This must begin with either a change of command at the highest levels or our current leaders must embrace a bold new direction.”
“Republicans must admit the Wall Street bailouts were a trillion-dollar bust, and immediately fight for free-market solutions that create jobs and increase freedom,” DeMint said. “This election reflects a failure of Republicans to keep their conservative promises.”
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this
AJC/Andy: I don’t know about that… after all, YOUR insane and drooling hatred managed to keep sputtering along through all these years of Republican dominance.
We can always adopt your methods, and spew our incoherent outrage that any fascists are still allowed to even EXIST, even though they’re out of power.
And then there’s the childish insults and mockery, laughing at the remaining Republicans and calling them “America-hating, incompetent idiots that have been rightly rejected by all right-thinking REAL citizens.” Again, just taking a page from your book.
Oh, I think we’ll have plenty to occupy our time…
(snicker)
By version
November 5, 2008 6:26 AM | Link to this
Very nice comments, Mr. Wooten, worthy of all Americans.I would add, however, that the challenge facing the United States is less daunting if Republicans come to the table able and willing to work together with the majority, to do the bidding of the American people, and not just a cantankerous opposition for the sake of now discredited ideals. Obama is much further to the center than I would like, despite certain beliefs that he is a super liberal, and so I believe that if there is a will, the Republicans can work together with the Democrats to find a way. The time for hating, the George Bush legacy, is over. Let’s get to work. By the way, it is no small thing that the rest of the world rejoices with us in this election result, and let out a sigh of relief and wonderment at the return of America the great.
By version
November 5, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this
Very nice comments, Mr. Wooten, worthy of all Americans.I would add, however, that the challenge facing the United States is less daunting if Republicans come to the table able and willing to work together with the majority, to do the bidding of the American people, and not just a cantankerous opposition for the sake of now discredited ideals. Obama is much further to the center than I would like, despite certain beliefs that he is a super liberal, and so I believe that if there is a will, the Republicans can work together with the Democrats to find a way. The time for hating, the George Bush legacy, is over. Let’s get to work. By the way, it is no small thing that the rest of the world rejoices with us in this election result, and let out a sigh of relief and wonderment at the return of America the great.
By version
November 5, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
Very nice comments, Mr. Wooten, worthy of all Americans.I would add, however, that the challenge facing the United States is less daunting if Republicans come to the table able and willing to work together with the majority, to do the bidding of the American people, and not just a cantankerous opposition for the sake of now discredited ideals. Obama is much further to the center than I would like, despite certain beliefs that he is a super liberal, and so I believe that if there is a will, the Republicans can work together with the Democrats to find a way. The time for hating, the George Bush legacy, is over. Let’s get to work. By the way, it is no small thing that the rest of the world rejoices with us in this election result, and let out a sigh of relief and wonderment at the return of America the great.
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 6:47 AM | Link to this
Agreed, Version. And the comments about how “socialism has triumphed!” and “Welcome to the Socialist States of America” are just stupid.
The right has gone so far off the deep end in recent years that moderate liberalism, such as Obama represents, looks “socialist” to them. (But then, at this point they’re suspicious of public libraries too.)
Time to get over the silliness and focus on fixing all the damage BushCo has done.
By Dondee
November 5, 2008 6:57 AM | Link to this
Damage just done by Bush and Co? I think we can rightly blame all of the powers that be.
Accept Obama’s “moderately” liberal agenda? What is moderate, in your book? I think increasing taxes during an economic slow down, stating that one is going to tax the heck out of the coal industry “so they’ll go bankrupt” during a time of energy crisis is a bit more than “moderate”……And these are just 2 of his statements/policies I’m concerned about. There are plenty more!
I will pray that he is moderate, though I don’t think he is.
I don’t think most Republicans are as a radical as you suggest. I think we want to keep most of what we earn and be able to work for ourselves, not for someone else who has made poor choices in life and now see’s BO’s presidency as a chance to “stick it to the man”….
hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think so…
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
Good morning all. First, congratulations to our friends on the left. Although the popular vote was only around a 4% difference (really, nobody ever believed the CBS/NYT polls did they?) the electoral vote difference was large. While paranoid conservatives like me may wish to attribute losses in the presidential race in Ohio and Indiana and Missouri to “ACORN vote theft,” that does not explain away Florida and Pennsylvania, nor the large gains in the House especially. An honest view of the election yesterday reflects a leftward lurch by the American public. The era of Walmart and Microsoft and other transforming private entities ebbs, and the policies that gave us FSLIC and FNMA and FHLMC are now ascendant. The county-by-county electoral map still looks the way it did for the past two elections, but the city-dwellers have asserted their interest here. Those policies that put the rust into the “rust belt” are seemingly to be bestowed on the growth areas of the country. While I think the change unwise, I do not doubt the change coming.
I bought gasoline this morning for $2.15. I bought a gallon of chocolate milk at Kroger yesterday for $3.38, and I think Aldi has a gallon of white milk for $2.74. The US unemployment rate was 6.10% for September 2008, an increase from 4.60% in September 2006 when the democrats retook the Congress. The US inflation rate was 4.94% for September 2008, an increase from 2.06% in September 2006. Today’s WSJ tells us the prime interest rate is 4.00%, the “effective” Fed Funds rate is 0.30%, the 26 week T-bill auction discount is 1.100%, and the one year constant maturity debt index (for adjustable mortgages, mostly) is 3.415%. The Euro ended yesterday @ $1.30, the pound was $1.61 and the yen was trading right at $0.01 (99.78/$). The Dow closed yesterday @ 9625.28. Just in case anyone wants to be able to refer back to benchmarks.
Obama has some obvious challenges coming in, and some not so obvious. Nuclear Iran, and the potential spread of nukes among Iran’s client organizations is the largest problem. Domestically, GM and Chrysler will totter on bankruptcy by Inauguration Day, and Obama will face enormous pressure from organized labor to provide corporate welfare. Perhaps the only “promise” that he will have to make good is the tax cut for 95% of the population. That may disappoint many supporters, as I think there are many out there who will demand more.
There are two performance templates we have seen in the past democrat administrations. Both Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton came into office as “stealth” candidates, with no particular promises to any groups, but facing serious doubts about their respective governance capacities. Gov. Carter – essentially a non-politician before his single term as governor - brought in his “Georgia mafia” of reasonably competent administrators, promising to master the budget with his “zero-based” plan. The Congress had different thoughts, with both aggressive spending and regulatory programs. While President Carter and Tip O’Neill usually get the blame for the economic meltdown of 1978 – far worse than anything we have seen this year, incidentally – the true culprits were an unusually radical coterie of Senate democrats. In 1980 President Carter and the democrat Senate were fired. President Carter’s foreign policy was also weak, and that was likely the most immediate cause for his defeat in 1980.
Bill Clinton had surface similarities to President Carter; both were true academics, both came to office relatively young. There were many character differences, both good and bad. Clinton delegated better; he reached wider for his advisors, and nobody would call him a “non-politician.” Whereas President Carter was subject to an agenda set by the Congress and never rose above that, President Clinton definitely called the shots, at least for the first two years. When nationalized healthcare ran aground politically, President Clinton buried the loss, and it was never heard from again. The duration of his term, until the final 90 days, was marked by an absence of new regulations, a claimed “elimination” of welfare (which was mostly true), and a significant freeing of international trade NAFTA (strangely, all of which policies were strongly supported by conservative Republicans and generally opposed by his fellow democrats.) The latter item caused the economy to grow nicely through the end of his administration.
So where will we find Obama? Is he the idealist who will cling to the big government agenda, as did President Carter, or is he the pragmatic politician who will do what works, as did President Clinton? As conservatives are not cultists I do not pledge to support Obama. I will support intelligent policies. I will oppose foolish policies. Those are the same standards I applied with outgoing President Bush. We’ll reserve detailed analysis of the Bush administration for another day when I am up early and have consumed much coffee.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
November 5, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
You’re worried about the possibility that Obama might mess up but you’re alright with the unmitigated horror that has been George W. Hitler? Spare us!
By ron
November 5, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this
Good morning,Jim,the Republican party received a kick in the teeth from the electorate and you want Newt to engineer the revival?Won’t work Jim. Republicans need to seriously reconsider their stance.Not right now.Think about it for a year.Take a hard look at that red/blue map and realize why it’s the color it is where it is and figure a way to change it.There are obviously things in those red states that the public,at the moment don’t want.
Georgia Republicans sat around last night and celebrated the fact that Georgia remained Republican.That’s not much of a victory,is it?
Johm McCain did the best he could do under trying circumstances.He fought an honorable fight for a party that wasn’t really behind him.He was carrying baggage from the Bush administration that no candidate could have overcome. Admit those two facts before any attempt is made at resurrecting the Party.
By Obamarx
November 5, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this
CHANGE has come.
What JOB will you DO for me before collecting YOUR check?
No more want, No more need! But you WILL WORK FOR IT!
By Cindy
November 5, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
You’re gonna luv ‘08
By Bob
November 5, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
Who says America is comfortable with big government? The last 8 years (at least some of which has Republicans in charge of both Congress and the Presidency) haven’t exactly made the gov’t smaller. Record deficits, and generally a big mess.
And please stop talking about liberal judges reinterpreting the constitution. That’s a bunch of BS. It’s just that these so called ‘liberal’ judges don’t interpret it YOUR way. This isn’t a religous state, and the laws shouldn’t be followed as though it is.
Hopefully Obama has enough sense to govern toward the middle (where most of America is) rather than going as far left as Bush is to the right.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 5, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
*In Russia, Pravda was ecstatic, announcing that “Eight years of hell are over.” It proceeded to catalog George W. Bush’s perceived failures and slights against Russia and criticized the cost of the “grand American soap opera” during a time of economic crisis. *
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, congratulated Obama and urged him to speed up efforts to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. “We want him to support the Palestinian cause or at least not to be biased towards the Israeli occupation. We have no problem establishing normal relations with the United States to explain our just cause.”
An aide to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, said there is now “capacity for the improvement of ties between American and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Some Iraqis said they would believe positive change when they saw it. “Obama’s victory will do nothing for the Iraqi issue nor for the Palestinian issue,” said Muneer Jamal, a Baghdad resident. “I think all the promises Obama made during the campaign will remain mere promises.”
Hoshyar Zebari, the Iraqi foreign minister, said Washington would not adopt a “quick disengagement” policy with Baghdad under the presidency of Barack Obama as a “great deal is at stake here”.
“We would hope that the slogan of president Obama - ‘change’ - would be reflected in the foreign policy in the United States, especially towards Sudan and oppressed countries, the Palestinians, the Iraqis and the Somalis. “We would like to see some real change between Sudan and the United States.”
By Mid-South Philosopher
November 5, 2008 7:22 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim.
The inept and inefficient administration of George W. Bush, the tendency of the corporatist dominated Republican controlled Congress (up until the past two years) to spent like “drunken sailors”, and the insatiable hunger of the radical liberals to acquire power has resulted in the election of the most radically pro-socialistic candidate in American history.
Now comes the hard part.
Barack Obama may feel that he has some idea of prejudice or discrimination, but he is about to enter the “big league”…the world of Washington political bureaucracy.
I remember another idealistic Democratic President who thought he was going to bring change to Washington. He was dismissed after one term and the grunge of Washington was worse than ever.
We shall see if Barack can really “walk on water” in the days ahead.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 7:30 AM | Link to this
Dr. Williams writes on laissez faire capitalism today, and leftist misconceptions. I recommend the essay for our economics-challenged friends on both sides of the aisle.
By GayGrayGeek
November 5, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
Esquire, you should really try to limit the length of your responses to, at most, twice the length of Jim’s original posts. Brevity being the soul of wit, etc.
By dh
November 5, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
Spare us your saccharine platitudes, Jim - you are still the same ultra right-wing apologist you always were. I’m not sure which is more nauseating - your spin or your partisanship.
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
Oh please - where was your call for the country to be stronger and more unified if the president is able to stand up to his party’s right wing and govern, as George Bush DIDN’T do as a right-wing extremist? You were perfectly happy with Bush pushing the limits of the lunatic fringe.
“That challenge is less daunting if Democrats have not come to power with a filibuster-proof Senate. They’re close with some U.S. Senate races still undecided. Too much power would tempt the majority…”
B - S. Karl Rove spent the first four years of Bush’s reign blathering in every interview how the goal was a permanent nation-wide republican majority - where was your call for balance and not concentrating too much power in the majority? Answer: it wasn’t, because you are another divider - a partisan hack who cares only for 51% of America. And you call yourselves patriots. Disgusting.
The republicans got beat - widely and deeply (I LOVE seeing Dole and Sununu sent packing) and it’s because America is sick and tired of republican thugs. The movement is a global embarrassment - our national nightmare, and it is finally over. Republicans are FAR out of touch with modern history and it shows. Glaringly so. Your boy lost because America is tired of dividers - your brand of politics is abhorrent to real Americans but you will never see that.
And lastly - Ragnar Danneskjöld - you just need to sit down and shut up for a few weeks. Or months. You’re just another whining, self-absorbed “51%-er” and America doesn’t need anymore of that.
By AJC/DNC Management
November 5, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
A bottom up rebuilding of the Republican party is in order.
And it ain’t Newt.
We cannot sit around preaching social values and then elect divorcees and the like to lead our party.
I’m not saying that Newt is a bad person, do not get me wrong, but unfortunately this is the state of American politics, the liberals are too stupid or too lazy to understand the issues, so they attack our candidates on a personal level.
We are fighting the mass of ignorance, y’all, not a mass of intelligence.
Was Sarah Palin attacked on her ideas or was it her character?
See what I mean?
We have to have leaders that lead by example, pure social and economic Conservatives that do not cross the aisles, do not undermine their own interests on behalf of stupid goony platitudes like “unity,” but instead stand firm for the beliefs and traditions that we know are right.
We lose when we cooperate and America doesn’t like a loser.
By jack
November 5, 2008 7:57 AM | Link to this
Jim, your party slimed Bill Clinton for 8 years and NOW you’re calling him a moderate.
So you want Newt - who is now married to the 25 year old intern he had a 5 year affair with, all the while he and YOU slimed Clinton for his affair.
Jim, as usual, your hypocrisy has no bounds.
The GOP has been exposed for what it is, a party for the hicks, the bigots, the angry folks who simply walk around in a fog. (just read the comments of the angry people in your blog)
By Bob
November 5, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
I love when Republicans hope that a Democrat will be ‘moderate’, but then want their elected Republicans to lead the charge right.
Maybe if there was a more moderate person in the White House right now, everyone in the middle wouldn’t have been so encouraged to vote Democrat.
That being said, I do hope that Obama leads toward the middle. That’s where most of America is. We need to stop governing toward the far right and the far left.
By reebok
November 5, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
Classy column, Mr. Wooten. When I was born, black Americans weren’t even equal under the law. This morning, I am very proud of how far we’ve come.
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
We cannot sit around preaching social values and then elect divorcees and the like to lead our party.
True… So maybe you should quit preaching altogether and start focusing on the issues that Americans actually CARE about.
By Bob
November 5, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
I love when Republicans hope that a Democrat will be ‘moderate’, but then want their elected Republicans to lead the charge right.
Maybe if there was a more moderate person in the White House right now, everyone in the middle wouldn’t have been so encouraged to vote Democrat.
That being said, I do hope that Obama leads toward the middle. That’s where most of America is. We need to stop governing toward the far right and the far left.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Dear GGG @ 7:31, “Brevity being the soul of wit…” I would respectfully note that I am at my wit’s end. Or maybe I am now totally witless. I am uncertain whether my logorrhea reflects deep-seated psychological problems, or whether it is simply my huge ego assuming my adoring fans (such as dh @ 7:52) hang on my every precious thought. GGG, perhaps you can help me out – which argument should I have omitted? (Talk about a hanging curve ball…) Realistically, isn’t the difference that I post ideas, and others post epithets? Epithets are much briefer and, I suppose, to some, wittier.
Dear dh @ 7:52, “You’re just another whining, self-absorbed “51%-er” and America doesn’t need anymore of that.” Actually I am just another whining, self-absorbed 5%-er, and Obama seemingly affirms a desperate need for me to fund the other 95%. But I’m going to surprise him, and pretend that America doesn’t need anymore of me. The best way to handle thieves is to ensure there is nothing to steal.
Dear AJC/DNC @ 7:52, great argument, I fully agree.
By Proud Black Man
November 5, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Words cannot explain the feelings I have about my country. We baby boomers are still hung up in our ways and some of us will carry the scars of racism, superiority and bigotry to our graves. What I saw last night were young and older people with new ideas and no prejuidices related to skin color. This will make America much stronger both here and abroad.
Barack Obama is testament to those who gave their lives for freedom and civil liberty for all. Many of them were white people. Michael Schwerner, Viola Liuzzo, Andrew Goodman, John Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy and many more that I cannot remember as I get older.
This black man will never forget them on this day of celebration. I will not let my children,grand children and generations to come forget them either. I can now put slavery and all of its after effects behind me(although I will not forget).
May God bless America and protect Barack Obama and his family.
By Do the Math
November 5, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this
Jim: You still don’t get it.
Nobody wants big government, especially one that will require our grandchildren to pay off the national dept for the next several decades. The GOP got caught with their hand(s), arms and heads in the cookie jar. America rightly through them out of office. Now it is time to save the country by reducing the deficit.
This is not about white or black, rich or poor. It is about the GOP being, for the last 8 years, being the most unethical governing party in the history of the country.
By yankee
November 5, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
I hope more changed yesterday than just what side of the fence your on. The country’s taken a beating, most of us want to help her get back on her feet. Where do you stand?
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Dear Bob @ 7:58, “I love when Republicans hope that a Democrat will be ‘moderate’, but then want their elected Republicans to lead the charge right.” Isn’t that inherently a silly argument? Of course republicans want their leaders to “charge right,” and republicans want the leftists to “charge right.” We believe charging left is dumb, so of course we want everyone charging right.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Dear Proud Black Man @ 8:12, I will not say anything to spoil your happiness, as I appreciate that it has been a long effort by many, and you perceive removal of some psychological shackles. But I respectfully believe your priorities are misplaced if the affirmation of 52% in a public referendum matters greatly to you. My heroes are Thomas Sowell and Walter E Williams and Clarence Thomas – true giants in their field, whose greatness does not rise or fall with public whim, but rather hinges only on their good work. As is, you stand to be humiliated if Obama falters in office, even though that may not be due to any significant fault of his own. Things happen.
By Get a Grip
November 5, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Well. It is done. And at a time when we should all take a deep breath and make the committment to stand “united” spewing stills goes on. How about we settle in, stand strong and get behind our new President in an effort to steer this county back in the right direction and restore the greatness we once were able to be proud of. Maybe regain the respect of other countries (which we HAVE lost) and regain the respect of our own citizens. Can we all just come together and improve our situation. Or is it just so much more fun to come up with all of our “big words” (jeesh I want to hurl sometimes wading through the stuff some of you post - college professor wannabes) and do our ranting and ravings on the off chance and prayer that somebody will agree with our poison posting. Get a life, get with the program, be proud of your country again because this is a new day and great things CAN happen, if we allow them.
By Cornbread Fred
November 5, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
Good morning, my fellow Americans! Hey AJC/DNC Management Whatever: Now it’s YOUR turn to be afraid of the bogeyman! One, two, Freddie’s coming for you … after reading your 7:52 anti-unity post (the usual party-more-important-than-country) I have no further comments for you. Seriously, America will continue to be the greatest place on this planet in spite of all the lefties and righties. Jim, thanks for your comments this morning, not the sour grapes people probably expected. Now about my offer…
By Bob
November 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Ragnar-
“We believe charging left is dumb, so of course we want everyone charging right.”
…and look where you are now.
Yep, seems like that plan worked out well for you. Congratulations.
Most of America is in the middle. As soon as one party tries to swing too far, the rest of us will vote against them in order to bring things back to center. Obama and the Democrats have tbe best chance of staying in power if he leads from just left of middle. Since the Republicans (and, to be fair, the Dems as well) don’t have enough sense to pick a candidate that isn’t out on the fringe, then if there is a candidate in the middle, he/she will pretty much always win the election. (McCain isn’t too far right, but he’s a lot further out there than he was in 2000, when he was the responsible choice. He moved right to become the Republican nominee. Of course, he could have been the reincarnation of George Washington and he wouldn’t have been elected with an ‘R’ next to his name this year.)
By Ga Values
November 5, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
Looks like Saxby the Socialist has himself a run off..I’ll be voting for the moderate Martin if it happens..
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2008/11/04/georgiaussenate_election.html
By Republicans R Crooks
November 5, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
FROM THE LONDOND TIMES HEADLINES: “Congress massacre tops Republican misery The rout presages a splintering of the Republican coalition on a disastrous night for conservatives across the US”
By Cdm
November 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
After saying GOD IS GOOD, my next thoughts are when is Georgia going to come into the 21st century? Georgia is still in the age of the Civil War and that is the problem. Hopefully, with better school (whenever they come, the good people of Georgia will come into the 21st century. Look around you, see the new America, you will only be left behind.
By Peter
November 5, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Gosh here is the attitude that got Republicans where they are today……”By AJC/DNC Management
November 5, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
Now who are all you libs going to hate on?”
For starters all folks that didn’t like Bush are not Liberal…..wow that sure showed last night…..
Second the time has come to use our collective minds to solve problems, and here we have a typical Republican spreading Hate already.
So i keep asking this question, and cannot get any type of answer on this Blog…….
How do we balance the budget ?
Don’t you Republican’s understand the mind set of the Typical American that wants positive change, and not a bunch of Baloney ?
By Harry
November 5, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Newt who?
Newt the Serial Adulterer
Newt the Draft-Dodger
Newt the Hypocrite
Newt the Liar
Newt the Bomb Thrower
Newt the Guy who helped proved every so called conservative principle of last 50 years was a complete failure? Keep on getting your advice from Newt and we can purge the last few remaining Rethugs.
Is it too early to call for a nation wide bounty on republicans?
By Frost
November 5, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
I have no hate in me just Joy.We are all one people,thats what the Obama win means.Black,white,Latino,rich,poor,yellow and brown. Shame to all those Mccain/Palin supporters who booed Obama on live television last nite.They have no shame!They didnt even have respect for their own candidate.SHAME
By glenn
November 5, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
No matter what you neocons say or think,President Obama is OUR PRESIDENT and you will have to try to deal with it……you wont be able to because your brains are only in tune with the Limbaugh,Hannity sect,the cowards of our society,the chicken hawks who send other people to fight their battles.Neocons have no pride,no discipline,no integrity and most of all,no honor.If you a man who is 42 years of age or younger then prove me wrong….1-800-MARINES….I didnt think so…sacrifice is not something you believe in.
By fredmars
November 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Ah Jimmie!
So gracious…. NOT!
Wake up and smell the coffee, Jimmie. Yesterday, and even earlier in the Republican primaries, the majority of Americans repudiated the politics of hatred and division beloved by Newt, Busy and Pat Robertson and so avidly supported by you - standing on the sidelines waving your pom-poms with your butt hanging out.
Here’s hoping that the Republican party looks not to it’s near past for renewal, but further - to Roosevelt and Lincoln, and toward a future in which the public is better informed and more engaged. A future in which ideas trump emotions and the politics of fear becomes a losing strategy.
Yeah, I’m dreaming, but it’s a worthwhile dream.
By Get a Grip
November 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Amen Frost. Amen. Now if we could just get the others to “walk the walk” maybe we will all benefit from what happened in this religion.
By sandman
November 5, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Good Morning Comrades!
Welcome to the beginning of the end. I hope everybody has been brushing up on the Communist Manifesto and the Qur’an; you’re gonna need it!
Congrats to the future President Osama.
By Cdm
November 5, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
To Jim Wooten:
Your example of Newt would be laughable if not so very sad. If smart man as yourself can not see what a bad decision to send Newt to the congress was and how the country suffered around the world, you have your head in a cloud. The republican take over of the congress was the start of the loss of respect around the world. Then the arrogance of the cowboy, george bush, only sealed it. Wake up Jim and see the writing on the wall.
By BDAtlanta
November 5, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
Thank you George W Bush for expanding the powers of the Executive Office. You opened the door, now we liberals are stepping through.
By Cornbread Fred
November 5, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Peter, thanks for trying to help inject reason here! I don’t have a complete answer to how to balance the budget but here’s a partial one: rethink the “war on drugs”. I don’t advocate legalizing heroin, speed or any other thing which can be proven to cause harm or death (by testing labs not under government influence) but how many millions are wasted persecuting weed smokers? I have known hundreds of smokers and only knew one who came to physical harm as a result and the harm came from a policeman’s big stick. Sorry, righties, on SOME issues I turn left.
By JDW
November 5, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Newt to lead the discussions? That would insure that I never again cast a vote for a Republican. This year was the first in 30 years of voting that I cast not a single vote for a Republican candidate. Newt started the process that got us to this point. I for one will not be traveling that road again. I hope someone emerges from the Republican party that is worthy of support. Dubya, Newt, Palin, McConnell, and Boehner are part of the problem not the solution.
By Keith H
November 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Newt was behind much of the divisive politics of the last 20 years. He has zero bipartisian cred.
If that’s who Republicans want to hitch their wagon to in hopes of electoral redemption, Americans can only hope they fail badly.
By The Oddball
November 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
One of your better columns, Jim — as I always say, your work is better when you concentrate on one subject in a whole column than when you toss off one-paragraph opinions.
I agree that the Republican Party needs to seriously re-examine its policies. America needs a strong second party. I disagree that Newt Gingrich should play any part in that process. He bears a large part of the responsibilty for coarsening public discourse in this county (remember the GOPAC memo teaching everyone how to “talk like Newt” by accusing all Democrats of being traitors, sick, pathetic, etc.?) Newt sqandered the Republican Party’s advantages during President Clinton’s term of office, and his politics of destruction have wrecked the Republican party — just look at what happened in North Carolina to Sen. Dole and Rep. Hayes.
The Republicans need to start fresh, and they need a clean break with the tactics of Rove and Gingrich.
By Grandpa
November 5, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
President Obama. That’s as close as we could come to President Bubba.
Close enough.
I’m worried about Palin.
By Gary
November 5, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Congrats to the Obama team and their win last night. I am deeply disappointed in the direction of our country and the fact that we elected the most inexperienced leftest legislator ever to be President disappoints me more. All I can say is thank goodness that the mid terms are just 2 years away and that Republicans now have a chance to correct their problems and ensure that President Obama will be held in check just as President Clinton was. He was a much better President when he actually had to work with the Republicans in Congress to get things done. Ok Democrats, you now have the power, albeit not a big majority but a working one. You have two years, if you screw it up, you will be where the Republicans are now. Remember folks, it was just 4 short years ago that the numbers in the Senate were flipped from where they are today and the Democrats swept to power just two short years later. The same thing in 1992 and 1976 as well. Democrats won big and two years later they were losing seats and within four years were out of power in the latter. I am not worried, there looks to be at least 43-44 Republican Senators so no union card check, no freedom of choice act to do away with abortion restrictions, no major increases in taxes, albeit there will be small ones, no universal healthcare, and no big liberal agendas will get passed because as the Democrats showed for so many years in the minority that all it takes is for 41 senators to block legislation. The GOP will make sure to use this effectively just as the Democrats did under President Bush. Also a word to the Obama team and their new administration. Don’t pull a Clinton and Bush and fire the U.S. attorney’s that are currently serving. We do know that some of your buddies in Illinois are under a federal investigation and the willingness to shut that down will haunt you especially when Tony Rezko, your good friend, is about to sing like a canary about the dealings of Democrats in the state house. No, i don’t think he will say anything about you, but your buddies in Springfield are toast once he does. So don’t get trigger happy and let go of the attorney in that district or you could be toast as well.
All in all, 2010 is just around the corner and it couldn’t come soon enough.
By RK
November 5, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
I knew a Democrat was going to win the Presidency months ago; I more disappointed to see some of the idiotic amendments and measures that passed in Fulton County.
By hillbilly ragger
November 5, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim.
Thank you for the kind words. I look forward to our future together as citizens of these United States of America.
By yoye
November 5, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Men are more equal today, no doubt and that is good for Democracy. We have bought into the Illusion of Equality. Now it is time for action and it will not be easy.
By deegee
November 5, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Where’s Newt? Why are you looking back in time? Hillary lost to Obama because people want to look forward, not back. Keep digging up fossils, JW. It will certainly keep you busy.
By Jeff Fisher
November 5, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Newt for President in 2012
By Andrea
November 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Hey Wootsie!
It’s a great day in America; for ALL Americans and elsewhere. I am African American and seeing every ethnicity (white, black, hispanic, asian) in Grant Park, hugging and crying is what it’s all about and should be all about; being on 1 accord and not being hateful because of the color of someone’s skin.
Unfortunately, there will always be racist who are only happy when spewing racist ignorance but as last night exemplified WE (Americans) have come a long way and it will only get better.
By getalife
November 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
There is change already. The reaction around the world is extraordinarily positive. It is a new day in America.
In this country, we finally received accountability for the gop failures and outrages.
The people have spoken in a huge way. We are going in a new direction with new policies.
Let us support President Obama and pray he can clean up the gop mess.
By Iacopus
November 5, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
“Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government.”
Oh, really? Because I was not under the impression that W. had done anything to make the federal government smaller, less powerful, or less intrusive into people’s lives and livelihood…
Aside from that, great post—best one I’ve seen in months.
By Captain Freedom
November 5, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
THE Captain, overwhelmed by the course of events that finds an African-American Liberal decisively elected to the White House, brings His own campaign for hearts and minds to a close. At this juncture, THE Captain’s Inner Frenchman, proud father of two beautiful children, emerges to say this….
Yes We Can. And by damn, We must.
THE Captain thanks Mr Wooten for the use of the soapbox over the past many months. Say what one will about our host (and THE Captain has said many of those things!), but he resisted what must have been a burning urge to censor the Thinking Right donnybrook, even when some, like THE Captain, walked up to that wobbly line between satire and incivility and jauntily danced with a foot on each side.
THE Captain apologizes to any who were injured by His words. Satire is a rough game, and THE Captain was all too happy to toss a sharp elbow in the scrum. But, He takes it as well as he gives, does THE Captain, and trusts that His ‘friends’ of True Belief will forgive His excesses, as He forgives those who trespassed against Him. Permanent Captain Kudos to stalwarts like Ragnar the Randian Retread and the one-of-a-kind (thankfully!!!) Dusty. Every fencer must have a foil, and you two stood always ready to provide THE Captain grist for his mill.
THE Captain also commends John McCain for his concession remarks last night. This was the man who had held the Inner Frenchman’s respect in 2000, a man who truly knows what it means to put Nation First. A noble performance, and THE Captain deeply wishes that the many disappointed partisans will heed his words.
And thus, THE Captain bids adieu. As promised, the Post Electoral Depopulation Project proceeds on schedule. With this post, the virtual Captain takes His leave, along with His several alter egos. In particular, Commander Guy has been taken behind the shed and dispatched with a single stroke. This wretched creature came out to play when THE Captain was too tired or lazy to write a proper post. His vitriol will not be missed, least of all by his creator.
A clarification, dear Dusty — Redneck and THE Captain have never flowed from the same pen, no matter how much you have convinced yourself otherwise. I’m sure Mr Wooten can confirm this if he wishes. THE Captain tips his chapeau to the ill-bred beer man, as the dispatches from Forsyth County Trailer Heaven have delighted THE Captain at every turn. Bravo sir, and well played.
THE Captain’s Inner Frenchman, liberal to the core and deeply proud of it, will return from time to time. But not THE Captain. For His work is done.
THE Captain is dead. Long live THE Captain.
(Of course, Mr Wooten, if the loss of THE Captain is too great a blow to the health of this forum, He could certainly be resuscitated from the crypt by the temptation of sufficient amounts of filthy lucre. Have your girl call my girl, we’ll take a lunch.)
By John
November 5, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Dondee wrote:
I don’t think most Republicans are as a radical as you suggest. I think we want to keep most of what we earn and be able to work for ourselves, not for someone else who has made poor choices in life and now see’s BO’s presidency as a chance to “stick it to the man”….Your first three words pretty much sums up the GOP. Over the past 8 years they became what they hated most. They thought the American people would reward them for their bad economic skills. It did not work. America did not believe that continud tax cuts for the richest was going to magically do something they had failed to do for eight years. It is now time to try another approach. The people have spoken.
By JustMe
November 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
No, I don’t like “big government”. Neither party offers smaller government or limited government. The Republican party has abandoned those principles, along with the principles of fiscal restraint. At least the Democrats are honest about it.
By Keith
November 5, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Newt was behind much of the divisive politics of the last 20 years, earning him zero bipartisian cred. It was Newt who circulated lists of smear words (“socialist”,”failure”,”deviant”) for Republican candidates to randomly sprinkle into negative advertising aimed at their opponents.
Newt finally ran aground after badly losing two battles to Bill Clinton and left public life to abandon yet another wife for yet another mistress.
The unfortunate — if temporary — electoral success of Gingrishism lead to the party’s recent disastrous focus on constant electioneering to the detriment of actual, competent governance.
Republicans could make a real course correction here and promote more moderate, good-government candidates like Bobby Jindahl and Susan Collins but they have to let go of angry partisianship (and their obsessive mis-remembering of the Reagan years).
If, on the other hand, Newt is who Republicans want to hitch their wagon to in hopes of electoral redemption, Americans can only hope they fail badly.
By JustMe
November 5, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
No, I don’t like “big government”. Neither party offers smaller government or limited government. The Republican party has abandoned those principles, along with the principles of fiscal restraint. At least the Democrats are honest about it.
By Pro Hater
November 5, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama, and all the other winners across the USA, whether they be Democrats, Republicans or Independents. It was a long night, so all I will say today is let’s get past all the division, stand behind our elected officials and try to get this great country back on track. Everyone try to keep it cordial and have a great day.
By sugarcreek
November 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Defeat came from Republican policies, stupid. Newt? nawh.
By Westdawg
November 5, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Gingrich? Please,please let Newtie be the next great R tactician! You show your complete misunderestimating capacity when you make these silly comments Wooten. It will take ADULT LEADERSHIP to clean up the wreckage of the last 8 years.Newt is only good at tearing things down,not rebuilding.
By DebbieDoRight
November 5, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Wooten: Too much power would tempt the majority to push through judges who see the courts as instruments to preferred outcomes and to push through legislation harmful to job creation.
hmmm I wonder why you didn’t have a problem with too much power when Dumbya and his cronies tried to hijack the American people?
AJC: Please seek help. Perhaps you need some meds.
Raghead: (as you are affectionally called by RedNeck), It’s time to cut your losses. Work as a principle of change; not as a covert operator for the same mistakes that got us into this mess in the first place. Now is the time for you to become a better person and a bigger man by embracing this one statement that President Elect Obama said during his speech, “We are not a country of red states or blue states but we are the Untied States of America”.
Peter: Good comments!!
By Boots
November 5, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
It’s ironic, given the fact that the Republican party has been under the thumb of the right wing religious conservatives, that you would be concerned that Obama govern from the center.
It’s ironic, given the fact that the Republican party controlled the White House and the Congress for six out of the eight year Bush administration, that you are concerned that the Democrats not have unbridled authority.
The Republican party has used negative campaigning, Karl Rove dirty tricks and the Supreme Court to maintain control, but it failed this time.
The Republicans, under the control of Cheney, Rumsfeldt and Rove, have driven the country into a ditch. And the country has spoken.
The last thing this country needs is Newt Gingrich and his band of ideologues to further divide the country.
Let’s see if we can’t unify the country and try to overcome the embarrassment this adminstration has caused here and abroad.
By Shawny
November 5, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
It will be interesting to see how Obama can reign in Pelosi and co. Will the real slim shady please stand up. Will it be the way left Obama that ran against Hillary (Iraq timetables, tax cutting in a time of war is reckless) or will it be the more centrist looking Obama that ran against McCain (get out as soon as possible but not too hastily, more tax cuts on top of tax cuts)? Time will tell.
By KJ
November 5, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
Let’s start a grass roots movement for a constitutional amendment for term limits for the House and Senate. Lord knows we need them now more than ever.
By That's what I am talkin about
November 5, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Since no one else has been eloquent enough for Ragnar to get to him, perhaps I will give it the old college try….STFU!! If you want to get a column, then get your own. Stop trying to be a “socialist” and live off of Jim’s legacy. Do your own work, show your skills, and then apply for a job as a columninst, you moron.
But it is refreshing to know that Barnes & Noble still sells dictionaries and a thesaurus. Short point…..no one is impressed.
Please don’t bother responding. I have no desire to engage in an exchange with you.
By Ned
November 5, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
I honestly wish I could take the high road here and wish the new administration well. But for the last several years, libs have been openly calling our sitting President a murderer - an accusation that is apparently socially acceptable in a coutry where not long ago it would have been considered treasonous. Partisan nvestigations, impeachment proceedings, and special prosecutors have plagued every recent Presidency.
Now you ask me to unite behind this snake oil salesman who is full of slogans yet devoid of content?
I’d honestly love to feel the way Jim Wooten does, but I don’t. Frankly, I don’t think that America exists anymore. Instead, allow me to be the first to say: impeach Obama!
By Republicans R Crooks
November 5, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
If that little fat toad Newt is the Great White Hope of you stinking Repukes, then you are truely doomed….Seek enlightenment in the Camp of Obama the Unifier….
By Diogenes
November 5, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim.
I see that the country recognized the desperate need to clean the Augean stables of the Republicans. According to the AJC website a few minutes ago, there is still hope that we can replace Chambliss.
Georgia GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart said Wednesday morning that she anticipated a runoff between Republican Saxby Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin for the U.S. Senate seat in Georgia.
Neither candidate had 50 percent of the vote. Chambliss, the incumbent, held a 49.8 percent to 46.8 percent advantage over Martin with 96 percent of the state precincts counted, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office as of 9 a.m. Wednesday. Libertarian Allen Buckley had 3.4 percent of the vote.
Martin would be a much needed change.
By Republicans R Crooks
November 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Rag Boy didn’t know the meaning of half the words it used….
By Aquagirl
November 5, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
And thus, THE Captain bids adieu. As promised, the Post Electoral Depopulation Project proceeds on schedule. With this post, the virtual Captain takes His leave, along with His several alter egos.
Noooooooooooooooooooooo!
Can America spare enough filthy lucre to tempt THE Captain? Let’s hope the answer is…Yes, We Can.
By Ronald Regan
November 5, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Oh Superman where are you Now? Its a land of Confusion!
By AJC/DNC Management
November 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
By Peter November 5, 2008 9:03 AM For starters all folks that didn’t like Bush are not Liberal…..wow that sure showed last night…..
Pete: You may want to check out the exit polls, the majority of voters that went for Oblahma were the very young, 66% for those under age 29.
It seems to me that the older you get……………
And 6% of the Oblahma vote being Latino sure didn’t help Republicans, either.
By Redneck Convert
November 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Well, seems to me this Captain Freedom has went into his garage and started the engine of his pickup and is just setting there waiting for the Rapture to come. It’s just a shame some people ain’t strong enough to hang around.
I still have a bone to pick with him. He just kept picking on Sister Dusty and teasing her and getting her all riled up, thinking she finally figured out that me and the Captain is the same. Then he backs off and tells her we’re diffrent. I can understand having a little fun, but it ain’t nice to pick on people with a weak mind. And it’s a lie that I’m snaggle-toothed. The teeth I keep in a jar by my bed at night are about as perfect as you can get. And meth can’t do nothing to these ones.
Anyhow, I’ll miss this Captain. Leastwise he made everybody see how clear I am as a writter compared to him. Have a good one. And that goes double for poor Raghead that is probly thumbing thru the dog-eared pages of Dr. Sowell about now and trying to figure out why everybody can’t see the world the way he does.
By Noelle
November 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government.
There you go again, Jim. The truth is that, while the federal government has grown steadily for about the past 40 years, the rate of growth has consistently been higher under Republican administrations than under Democratic administrations. Both parties like big government; the only true difference comes in where they choose to spend the most money.
By Ga Values
November 5, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
More exhausting still could be Georgia. There, Chambliss has paid a heavy price for supporting the same rescue bill. With 99% of the precincts reporting, he led with just 50% of the vote, and Democrats were hoping to whittle it down enough that he would finish without a clear majority and be forced into a runoff in December.
Sen. John Ensign (R.-Nev.), who chaired the Republican campaign committee, said Tuesday night that “the vast majority of people in America” blamed Republicans for the financial crisis.
Sens. Jeff Sessions and Roger Wicker— who opposed the Treasury rescue bill — won in Alabama and Mississippi, two states with a substantial black population like Georgia.
And Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu, a Democrat and another nay vote, prevailed in a state where she won only narrowly in a runoff in 2002.
Already Tuesday night, angry conservatives hinted of retaliation against their party leaders.
“Republicans suffered very serious setbacks in the last two years in both the Senate and the House,” said Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), a thorn in McConnell’s side for months. “We have got to clean up, reform and rebuild the Republican Party before we can ask Americans to trust us again. This must begin with either a change of command at the highest levels or our current leaders must embrace a bold new direction.”
“Republicans must admit the Wall Street bailouts were a trillion-dollar bust, and immediately fight for free-market solutions that create jobs and increase freedom,” DeMint said. “This election reflects a failure of Republicans to keep their conservative promises.”
By Steven Daedalus
November 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Lets hope Reaganomics are dead, trickledown, trickledown, trickledown, go to sleep little Repud.
By The Ghetto Prophet
November 5, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
Hats off to all of you so concern about history. O.K. we’ve made history as a race, but what about the history of our economy? How can the so called Negro prosper in this present economy? If Bush was the blame for our economy then that means Barack can CHANGE the direction of our economy, right? LMAO! This time next year, those of you who were unemployed should have jobs. Those without health care should have health care. Those of you who’s homes were foreclosed on can go back home,right? Troops should be home in time for easter! WELFARE will now be an official lifestyle as opposed to it’s true meaning, so hey, all is good…..right? Congrats to B.O. for being history in the making, let’s pray that for the better good he do the right thing.
By DisappointedInYourSuggestionMrWooten
November 5, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten, the next Republican candidate should have impeccable personal credentials, including no divorce and certainly if divorced, no remarriage. Mr. Gingrich’s past is tainted, and he should not be President. I’m sure he has other callings, but, please, not for President. The credibility of the party is at stake in this.
By RJ
November 5, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
McCain’s concession speach touch me about as much, if not more, than Obama’s win…he stunned his supporters into silence with the graciousness of his concession. Now that’s something to talk about!
By Tomhere
November 5, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
WHERE’S NEWT? Probably out FORNICATING!
By The Oddball
November 5, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Ragnar Danneskjöld:
The Oddball disagrees with many of your views, but always looks forward to reading your well-reasoned comments, and is most thankful for the complete absence of insults and venom.
Take note, AJC/DNC MANAGEMENT. As shown by last yesterday’s election results, there is a limit to what one can achieve through public discourse on the level of “nanny nanny boo boo.”
Selah.
By Ronald Regan
November 5, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Republican R Crooks….. Yes and Democrats are Liars and Hypocrites. Its the Dawning AGE of the Moochers.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Dear Debbie @ 9:56, I think you misperceive my efforts here. I have been working as an agent of change from the first day, my effort to restore freedom to this land, to limit the abuses of the overlords. We oppose government regulation, growth in government agencies, or anything that magnifies bureaucrats or K Street over the free choices of free people. 52% of the American public disagrees with me, but I will continue to work as an agent of change, of the sort I publicized @ 7:30.
Dear Talkin’ @ 10:01, you typify the eloquence of the unloyal opposition. You cannot answer an argument so you endeavor to silence it. That is the way a National Socialist operates. Just use the cursor to skip over my comments. Unfortunately others think along lines similar to yours – we all anticipate an FCC effort to silence conservative talk radio under a selective application of the “Fairness Doctrine.” Seems that leftist policies always bear Orwellian names.
By GAsux
November 5, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
What kind of myopian would think that Newt matters anymore. He got run and now he can circle the wagons with worthless pundits . You can go for years spouting nonsense and make a good living on radion -Bortz for example. So maybe the non sock wearing, Brooks Brothers ad; Suckme Chambliss will suffice. He says he stands for GA values. WTF is that?
By Ann Cox Wants To See You In Chambers
November 5, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Where is Newt? Likely banging Sarah Palin about right now.
By citizen
November 5, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
I will be interested to see how the 2/3’s of the new voters under the age of 30 will take to a President that cannot deliver on his promises. Understanding the actions of governement takes experience and these young voters haven’t had experience with the REAL world of politics.
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
This is what we know: NOBODY, even the Democrats —know WHO Obama REALLY is. The LEFT has tried for 8 years to get in the White House. Through ACORN registering people 73 times each to cheat as much as possible, the main-stream media and Hollywood they have succeeded. They believe the grass will be greener on the ‘other’ side. So, this we know: A man with a Muslim name that attended a church of a racist and was friend with a known terrorist, met with the Palestinians and said negative things about Israel (on tape that the NY Times refused to release) has just been elected President. The ‘Young’ people, whom most of have never held a job and been a factor in the American work force, find this guy ‘hip’ and therefore he should be President. The majority of blacks registered and went out in groves to vote for this guy based on the color of his skin (something that they have called Racist & accused white America for doing for years). I’m not faulting the blacks that have voted Democrat in past elections, and I’m not saying that black America should not have a since of accomplishment, but is THIS really the guy that you will be proud of? With gas prices darting around and, at any given time, can go back to $4/gal, this is a guy that is against drilling in the wastelands of Alaska. We just passed up on a opportunity to drill on a 30+ year supply of American oil —now we are even MORE dependant on foreign oil. This is a guy that WILL raise taxes on everyday Americans, which in return means LESS money in your wallet, which in turn means less money to spend, which in turn means LESS products made & sold, which in turn means people will be laid-off and companies shutting their doors (no, it’s not ‘bad’ yet; just sit back and wait to see bad). We are in an economic downturn because of the enormous growth the last 20 years —we basically got ahead of ourselves. Taxes & big government will NOT fix the problem, it will only get worse. But one thing is for sure: It’s only 4 years, because this guys policies will assure that a more moderate President will be elected next time. America has a habit of ‘panicking’ whenever we have a problem. We either go too far Left or too far Right. This time we went off the map. Congratulations to the know-it-all’s. What a superb job you did of screwing the other half of the nation.
By Dems R Dumb!
November 5, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Who do you idiots blame now when the —— hits the fan? Pelosi,Frank,Shumer,Dodd,et.al are still in control of the financial mess they caused but blamed on Bush. You got what you wished for & now must live with it!!!
By jm
November 5, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten, I think you would be better served by someone more along the lines of Gov. Jindal than Newt. While Gingrich has had his share of good ideas in the past, he is far too divisive to lead the republican party. I would recommend looking at what new talent the farm system is developing before going back to someone who is past their prime.
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Time To get To Work
Time to put down the petty bias that people brought to their individual perceptions of Obama.
Time to put down the hateful divisions and labels that Hannity and Limbaugh use to divide people and create fear - and get on with the NEW American agenda.
Time to watch the children look at each other differently and learn from them.
President Barack Obama
Get used to supporting your country and your President
By Day dreamer
November 5, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Man, if he is, I envy Newt. She’s tres joiie.
By Tom
November 5, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
The Republican party must quickly evolve or it will go the way of the dinosaurs. You can’t base a party on bigotry and anti-intellectualism and expect it to thrive. Even the deep south is becoming tired of the regressive ideas and policies that typify today’s GOP.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Dear Oddball @ 10:22, I’m flattered, but “the complete absence of insults”? Maybe a more accurate phrase would be “insults buried in a shroud of genteel verbosity.”
By Steven Daedalus
November 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
This is so much fun, seeing Repuds like The Truth wallow in their own slim. Lighten up man, we will survive, and besides, nothing lasts forever, not even the Republican Party.
By Mr. Wendell
November 5, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
I don’t know about all this politics stuff, but did you see all the hot babes at the Obama deal last night? Also, Democrats being in charge are likely to spark a hippie chick population explosion. I love hippie chicks, lovely and easy.
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Yeah misterearl. Kinda like CNN, NBC, CBS, Hollywood elite, late night television, Michael Moore, etc, etc has done for the last eight years?? Not a chance.
By Ronald Regan
November 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Citizen….. Well said! you are a wise person obviously have had experience of the election process and its aftermath. Unfortunately many people think a president will solve all of their problems. The truth is is people have a choice to make their life better and change their attitudes. Personal responsibility is not understood and blaming others is the crutch in which mires people not to make themselves better or take advantage of opportunity.
By AF
November 5, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Jim, you said: Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government.
I don’t think that is the way to interpret the election of Obama. It is not for me. What I can see is that the Republican viewpoint taken too far is economic chaos, falling incomes of most American families (that was before the big crash of September), endless and unjustified war, loss of standing and moral position in the world. Funny, I think that is what we saw when Democrats went too far.
I don’t even know where the middle is any more.
So, come on out of the woods, Newt, and help us. But only if you can help us find a way down the middle. I won’t buy the old Republican rhetoric anymore.
By jm
November 5, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
ragnar -here is an interesting read for you: To conservatives who are thinking about tomorrow
By Gator Joe
November 5, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Wooten: You have demonstrated a measure of graciousness in your column today and I commend you for it. John McCain also demonstrated graciousness in his concession speech last night, and while I could not support him, I was able to see the goodness in him the campaign did not allow him to show. This election was about the economy and the people most affected by it, our poor, our children, and working families. This election was also about the American people, particularly those who been the victims of mindless hatred for much too long a time. I hope, and pray, that we are indeed entering a new era where there is less hatred, more tolerance, and more reason.
By Tomato Aspic
November 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Ragnar if you wrap the shank in enough silk and lace, it’s often unrecognizable. I do that all the time.
By Pro Hater
November 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I can’t sit by any longer listening to this crap. Only immature little children result to name calling when they disagree and don’t get their way. Why don’t you so called adults grow up! Is it that you can’t think of a good argument or anything of substance? My god, get over it. Do you people honestly look at yourself in the mirror and feel good about yourselves? Is this how you want your children to act?
By AF
November 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Jim, you said: Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government.
I don’t think that is the way to interpret the election of Obama. It is not for me. What I can see is that the Republican viewpoint taken too far is economic chaos, falling incomes of most American families (that was before the big crash of September), endless and unjustified war, loss of standing and moral position in the world. Funny, I think that is what we saw when Democrats went too far.
I don’t even know where the middle is any more.
So, come on out of the woods, Newt, and help us. But only if you can help us find a way down the middle. I won’t buy the old Republican rhetoric anymore.
By Dennis
November 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten writes, “Too much power would tempt the majority to push through judges who see the courts as instruments to preferred outcomes and to push through legislation harmful to job creation.”
I doubt that you will see this, Mr. Wooten, but I don’t recall your complaints againist George W. Bush’s attempts to stack the courts with conservatives, nor, any complaints of yours that Bush was manipulating the Department of Justice.
So much for conservative, rightwing “fairness”.
Part of the fun, and responsibility, of being a liberal is that I don’t have to go along with the policies of O’bama in the same manner that a conservative like yourself has to go along with the policies of conservativism.
And one of the things you’re going to see is liberals opposing O’bama when he’s wrong. That can’t be said of conservatives and GWB, including yourself.
You don’t have to be a blind conservative not to see it, just an ignorant one to deny it.
By OBAMA SUPPORTER
November 5, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
When I read this posting all I could feel was cynicism. I wonder why that is? When the republican’s stole the white house and had majority of the seats in the senate I didn’t hear any talk about the challenges being less daunting… Thanks for the compliments…
Oh and President Borack Obama sound ABOSOLUTELY PERFECT…
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Say, where IS Dusty today?
Shouldn’t she be here proclaiming her undying loyalty and blind allegiance to President Obama, and whining about the lack of patriotism in anyone who questions him?
After all, that’s the standard she’s been setting for years now….
By Baxley Dawg
November 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
For months, OBAMA and the Democrats beat up McCain and the Republicans over the state of the Economy. Now, that Obama and the Democrats are in charge, I wonder what Big Excuse(s) Obama will use to tell the american public why he HE will NOT be able to fixed the economy as he Promised!!Good luck my fellow American. The truth is America decided to make a Change, and it does NOT matter what change as long as its change!! America put someone in the White House without REALLY Knowing the man. Only time will tell, but the TRUTH will definitely come out.
By The Oddball
November 5, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Ragnar Danneskjöld @ 10:41 AM:
I’ll take “insults buried in a shroud of genteel verbosity” any day over the garbage people sling at each other in these posts (and in political ads.)
All I ask is that people preface their opinions with the facts, and the reasoning that leads from the facts to the conclusion. Otherwise, it’s just the howling of a mob.
By Dan
November 5, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
The nation has endured eight years of “Big Government Conservatism,” neo-conservatism which had made its peace with the regulatory-welfare-warfare state. There was nothing the least bit “limited government” about the last eight years, be the subject domestic spending or foreign interventionism. Government spending and size GREW under Bush. It will be interesting to see if the GOP has learned that it cannot stay in power by “out-Democrating” the Democrats.
By Tonia
November 5, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
WOW, ya know for all the Change We Need To Be Focusing On, I don’t see at all on this blog site. You guys need to go to work and stop complaining about our new President, Barak Obama. My goodness, it’s enough that the South is full of red states representing Republicans but you give Republicans a bad name with all this petty bickering and poor sportmenship. The election is over can we go to work now!Your acting like a bunch of cry-babies.
By larry
November 5, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
We should give obama the same support and respect the Democrats have given George Bush.
By Peter
November 5, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Hey………….By AJC/DNC Management
November 5, 2008 10:16 AM ………
I see where you are going here………
“Pete: You may want to check out the exit polls, the majority of voters that went for Oblahma were the very young, 66% for those under age 29.”
Problem with your Posts and most Republican’s..they don’t want to tackle the issues…..
I guess you are crying in your beer, and left the brain to work for another day !
How do we balance the Budget ?
Any answers or just ignore the Issues as McCain did, and the likes of the Republicans ?
By Baxley Dawg
November 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
For months, OBAMA and the Democrats beat up McCain and the Republicans over the state of the Economy. Now, that Obama and the Democrats are in charge, I wonder what Big Excuse(s) Obama will use to tell the american public why he HE will NOT be able to fixed the economy as he Promised!!Good luck my fellow American. The truth is America decided to make a Change, and it does NOT matter what change as long as its change!! America put someone in the White House without REALLY Knowing the man. Only time will tell, but the TRUTH will definitely come out.
By Curious Observer
November 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Say, where IS Dusty today? Shouldn’t she be here proclaiming her undying loyalty and blind allegiance to President Obama, and whining about the lack of patriotism in anyone who questions him?
Let’s just say that it’s not a good day to submit to a lab test. No doubt dozens of men will learn that they’re pregnant, given poor Dusty’s distraught nature.
I too look forward to Dusty’s taking to task anyone who questions the decisions or actions of President Obama. Her spirited defense of President Bush has been an inspiration to us all. After all, it’s not just a man we’re criticizing; rather, it’s the office of the President, for which we must show great respect.
It should be a relatively simple matter for Dusty to transfer her allegiance to President Obsma. She wouldn’t want to reveal herself as a mere political hack, would she?
By Get Real
November 5, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
President Barack Hussein Obama!! I know that hurts you Republicans.
By deegee
November 5, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
I wonder why THE TRUTH didn’t put all of that in CAPS? Might have seemed excessive.
By Nikita
November 5, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
It’s a beautiful day today. That said, it’s not without the same old ugly rhetoric.
I am a moderate (fiscal conservative, social progressive) and I am thrilled that justices Ginsburg and Breyer can finally retire. I don’t think America wants to continue down the path of divisiveness and hiding behind originalist arguments in order to justify laws that would have appalled many of our founding fathers.
Further, I hope we never see Newt again, unless Newt a) wants to stay off major tickets and b) wants to encourage his party to pursue a path of relatively thoughtful and moderate action. That does not include running people with weak morals as the moral guardians of the populace, it does not include using such disgusting pandering as we saw in this election, and it does not include running witch hunts on the public’s dime.
That said, John McCain’s speech was gracious, wonderful, and indicated a character I didn’t often see in the debates and campaigning. I hope in his retirement from this race that he is able to be that person full-time.
By BS Aplenty
November 5, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Jim, the last successful Republican congressional leader was Newt Gingrich. Gingrich, and the party’s, conservative ideas resonated with the American electorate after they got a taste of that socialist healthcare hors d’Oeurve from the Clinton Administration. Ms. Clinton’s attempt failed miserably and, thereafter, Bill ever the chastised moderate.
Yes, talk with Mr. Gingrich. A conservative who understands conservative ideals and, what’s more, who knows how to communicate the benefits of those ideals to the American people. With him, there’s no muddling of thought, no remorse for knowing that free markets lead to higher standards of living, no hand-wringing over our distinct preference for marriage, education and family values & no cowering in the face of personal or corporate demands for government welfare. In short, here’s a guy who understands the benefits of our political product over the other guy’s.
Is Newt a good presidential candidate? Maybe, but he’s got a significant personal negative - though justifiably and mainly with liberals. I think it’s intellect-envy. But higher negatives are something you accumulate if you spend enough time in Washington. National politicians get that patina in office if they’re doing anything useful to someone. Some seem to lose it after a few years away and many charitable deeds done but Mr. Gingrich was simply TOO successful and his personal life too well-publicized.
If Obama pursues a reactionary agenda, reactionary in the sense that he wishes to return to the socialist policies & appointments of the far left, then the conservatives may again find their standard bearer and Mr. Gingrich may once again find his political stock rising.
I’d be on his campaign team.
By Trish
November 5, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
The atmosphere here in corporate America is downright FREEZING! I’m a middle management black woman and I’ve seen more furrowed brows and heard more angry whispers than I did when the company announced layoffs!
Most of the upper management here I assume is Repub - white, male, making between $150-200K/year, own or buying a lakehouse… and they are ANGRY!
What I don’t get is, if Obama lost, I’d hear the smug “Better luck next time”, or “The best man won”, or the vile “Cheer up!”. These people are taking it like their puppy was just kicked through an electric fan!
Try this, Republicans: instead of calling Obama names and forseeing the doom of America, why not talk about how MCCAIN LOST and not how OBAMA WON?? McCain ran an ineffective and inept campaign. He was erratic, made a HORRIBLE choice in VP, they called Pres. Elect Obama a liar, a terrorist, a Muslim, a hate monger, etc… this victory for Obama is as much on the shoulders of McCain as it is Obama’s.
By Sterling
November 5, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
I really have a hard time understanding why Republicans feel it’s bad to have one party control the White house as well as the Senate and the House. Where was your voice and worry during the first 6 or 7 years of Bush’s term? Why is it “good” for the Republicans to control the excutive and legislative branches and put their judges in and use the courts as instruments for their preferred outcomes but democrats are wrong if they do? What arrogance. And to worry they will push through legislation harmful to job creation, come on? Where have you been the last 8 years? What job creatiuon has the Republicans created…. unless you mean India, China, Mexico, Irag, etc.
By BS Aplenty
November 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Jim, the last successful Republican congressional leader was Newt Gingrich. Gingrich, and the party’s, conservative ideas resonated with the American electorate after they got a taste of that socialist healthcare hors d’Oeurve from the Clinton Administration. Ms. Clinton’s attempt failed miserably and, thereafter, Bill ever the chastised moderate.
Yes, talk with Mr. Gingrich. A conservative who understands conservative ideals and, what’s more, who knows how to communicate the benefits of those ideals to the American people. With him, there’s no muddling of thought, no remorse for knowing that free markets lead to higher standards of living, no hand-wringing over our distinct preference for marriage, education and family values & no cowering in the face of personal or corporate demands for government welfare. In short, here’s a guy who understands the benefits of our political product over the other guy’s.
Is Newt a good presidential candidate? Maybe, but he’s got a significant personal negative - though justifiably and mainly with liberals. I think it’s intellect-envy. But higher negatives are something you accumulate if you spend enough time in Washington. National politicians get that patina in office if they’re doing anything useful to someone. Some seem to lose it after a few years away and many charitable deeds done but Mr. Gingrich was simply TOO successful and his personal life too well-publicized.
If Obama pursues a reactionary agenda, reactionary in the sense that he wishes to return to the socialist policies & appointments of the far left, then the conservatives may again find their standard bearer and Mr. Gingrich may once again find his political stock rising.
I’d be on his campaign team.
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Steven Daedalus, I’m taking that you meant ‘Slime’, simply because there is no way you could guess my physic through my typing. I don’t consider myself a Republican. The Republicans had a chance to tackle some serious problems and didn’t. If they would have taken care of business they could’ve won the election. They didn’t. That’s their own fault. I don’t agree with Bush on a large number of ideas. I also didn’t panic and vote for Obama. What a joke you are. I haven’t yet seen ANY OF YOU Obama supporters explain how his policies are going to grow America. Come on, enlighten me.
By Ronald Regan
November 5, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Dennis……. ” Part of the fun, and responsibility, of being a liberal is that I don’t have to go along with the policies of O’bama in the same manner that a conservative like yourself has to go along with the policies of conservativism.” So comical my friend if you think liberals dont vote or go along on party lines. You liberals really love the Kool Aid. Sounds like you are having fun? Conservatives didnt always agree with GWB and that why his perfomance #s are down along with Congress .
By LUIS GONZALEZ
November 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
Dear Mr. Wooten: I never thought the moment would come in which I finally agree a 100% with you. As a Puertorrican who saw action in Vietnam, I was a victim of the prejudice of the time when I took my basic training at Fort Benning Ga,some 45 years ago. The time is now to to show the world that our Nation can RID itself of so much bigotry and hate.
GOD BLESS AMERICA. L.Gonzalez Marietta
By grandpup
November 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
I agree w/most of what JW says. And I think Newt is a great communicator and idea organizer. However I think the Democrats and the Republicans both face the challenge. The former unified for long enough to win an election. But if you poll the officeholders who won election, I don’t think there would be a good consistent definition of what a Democrat is, other than a brand that is currently preferred. Conversely I don’t think there would be a good consistent definition of what a Republican is, other than a brand that is currently not preferred. Ditto for liberal and conservative.
I have been a Republican for 47 years. It appears to me that the party is at the moment not focused because it is so divided by people who are so passionate for one tree that they ignore the forest. It has not so much lost its way as it forgot it must always be vigilant to check that it is still on any path much less the right path (pun intended).
By CommonSenseRules
November 5, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
It is difficult to recall an instance, Mr. Wooten, when, in 6 decades, I have read a more ungracious and n**** concession to the facts, and respect for the choices of the American electorate. Oh, I get it! Let’s see if I understand the vicissitudes of last night’s electoral decision: Mr. McCain had a ‘plan’ for America; Mr. Obama has an ‘agenda.’ It’s clearer to me now.
By Steve
November 5, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
I thought you and your right wingers called Clinton a liberal. You all are nothing more than label-masters and it has finally caught up with you.
By Tom
November 5, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
We, as a nation, made a great statement last night. Both candidates made great statements last night. Now if we all work together with resolve to once again be the great nation we are capable of being, perhaps we can be the beacon of hope for the World and truly become the major role model, minus the hate and fear, that we all need. Join in, it isn’t about just “me” anymore, it is about us as a World community.
By grandpup
November 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
I agree w/most of what JW says. And I think Newt is a great communicator and idea organizer. However I think the Democrats and the Republicans both face the challenge. The former unified for long enough to win an election. But if you poll the officeholders who won election, I don’t think there would be a good consistent definition of what a Democrat is, other than a brand that is currently preferred. Conversely I don’t think there would be a good consistent definition of what a Republican is, other than a brand that is currently not preferred. Ditto for liberal and conservative.
I have been a Republican for 47 years. It appears to me that the party is at the moment not focused because it is so divided by people who are so passionate for one tree that they ignore the forest. It has not so much lost its way as it forgot it must always be vigilant to check that it is still on any path much less the right path (pun intended).
By God
November 5, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
Dont make me come down there!
By Allman
November 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Wooten in May:
“Barack Obama’s inability to sell himself to voters across the country who fit the demographics of the West Virginia Democratic voter will sink him in November. Once past race, he is the standard-issue liberal Democrat that the nation rejects repeatedly.”
With the AJC having to cut back, it’d be nice if they’d dump this troglodyte.
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
THE TRUTH
Anyone who allows their opinion to be mouthed by CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NBC, CBS, The Hollywood elite (whoever they may be), Oprah, Letterman, SNL, Jon Stewart, Michael Moore, Limbaugh, Hannnity, Coulter, Geraldo Rivera, Stevie Wonder, Hank Williams Jr, Art Rooney, Curt Schilling or Rudy Giuliani is missing a valuable opportunity to think for themselves.
This is about a day when people get beyond the agenda of fear and sensationalism - and deal with an open and adult conversation based on critical thinking.
Maybe then you and I, and the United States, may get somewhere.
If not, prepare to be left behind.
President Obama brings something that has been missing in The White House for 8 long years
Intelligence
By Azo
November 5, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten,
The deregulation you championed has created the worst financial crisis since the depression. The foreign policy you championed led to quagmires in Iraq and Afghanistan and alienated our allies. The social policies you championed attacked science and reason, blurred the separation of church and state, and invaded our privacy. Your idol, George Bush, is so despised by average Americans that he is afraid to be seen.
Sincerely, Azo
By mark
November 5, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
What a pitiful column - “the people have spoken and Obama has the right to pursue his agenda”. I can understand the majority of our countries populace thinking this way, but a political writer making these statements is nothing but shocking. We are a constitutional republic not a mob-rule democracy which means Obama has been elected to uphold the constitution and certainly not pursue his parties utterly unconstitutional agenda. In fairness to the democrats, most of what the republicans have done when in power is similarly unconstitutional. We are supposed to be a country subject to the rule of law not “the will of the people”, but sadly this ideal died many years ago.
Mark
By rc
November 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
it’s a shame we live in such a goat roper state! chambliss is so over rated, what a shame. but isaakson is doing a decent job. martin clearly cleaned saxby’s clocks in the debates and on the issues.
By Big Boy
November 5, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
TO GA VALUES: HOW COME ALL YOU LIBERAL DEMOCRATS WANT TO PUT THE BAILOUT ALL ON THE REPUBLICANS. FIRST, IT WAS THE DEMOCRATS WHO CAUSED IT WITH THEIR LOVE AFFAIR WITH CAMPAIGN MONEY FROM FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC (DODD, OBAMA, FRANK), NOT TO MENTIONS FRANKS LITTLE HOMO FRIEND. SECONDLY I BELIEVE MORE DEMOCRATS THAN REPUBLICANS VOTED FOR THE BAILOUT. CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHERE YOU HATRED TAKES YOU NOW!!
By Ima Marxist
November 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
From my investor newsletter re Obama (the Marxist):
Position Your Portfolio for Barrack Obama’s Presidency
Know How the Issues Will Impact You and Your Money
Investor,
Now that Barrack Obama has been chosen as our next president, it is time to review your portfolio and make adjustments to take into account Barrack Obama’s stance on:
The Financial Markets: While U.S. markets are down, they are not out. There will be tremendous opportunities for investors in the financial sector over the next few years, but investors should be careful. I believe that there will be increased government regulation of this sector during Obama’s presidency.
Taxes: Under Obama’s administration, taxes on income and dividends could go up. We are currently recommending growth oriented mutual funds for our clients
Yep, Obamas govt will confiscate our hard earned money one way or another and give it to the lazy and unproductive!
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
misterearl, intelligence?? And just what do you measure this on??? Grades? What are they? Decisions?? What decisions has he made that were ‘intelligent’?? Speeches? Speeches that are written for him? How well he reads them? Just to remind you, Bin Laden is ‘intelligent’. That’s not a reason to elect him for President. Come-on. Explain Obama’s ‘Plan’ of ‘Change’ and how it will help grow America? Enlighten me earl.
By T
November 5, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I am a lifelong Democrat and I’ve never advocated big government, giving away free money to poor people for no good reason, reducing jobs, or unfairly taxing anybody. I DO advocate for investment in education for all and that living wages be paid for a hard days work. I think there should be some common sense rules that coporations have to observe so that people don’t lose their life savings. I think the Earth’s physical health is in big trouble. Surely these are things most resonable people can agree on. If we would put HALF the effort into compromising that we do HATING each other, the U.S. would be strong, free, safe, prosperous AND respected worldwide.
By Happy Camper
November 5, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
“”November 5, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this Now who are all you libs going to hate on?
What motivation will drive your insane rage now that you are responsible and the Republicans are out of the picture?
Gonna get a little boring without a bogeyman, ain’t it?”“
We’ll manage. :)
By Scott P.
November 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
“Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government.”
Big government is not the issue. McCain made the mistake of making that the issue. The issue is better government, more competent government. That’s the first challenge for us Republicans. We must reform ourselves before we reform our country.
By Don Hill
November 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Stand up to the left wing of the Democratic party? Mr. Wooten, Barack Obama IS the left wing of the Democratic party! His voting record speaks volumes more than any words he has uttered.
By Jean
November 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
I have not read of liberals doing the hating.It is nice to see Mr. Wooten accepting Senator Obama’s win so graciously. Both he and Senator McCain did a lovely job of accepting Senator Obama’s win and I as a Democrat thank you.
By ron
November 5, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Jim Wooten——As a note of interest,I just read where the GOP lady Senator from Maine handily defeated her Democratic opponent 60-40.Perhaps she and the other GOP Senator from Maine should be consulted before any revamping of the Republican Party is considered.I realize they’re not your sit in the right hand corner,bible pounding Southern Senator,but they sure do know how to get elected.They’re there while others are gone.
Ragnar——They don’t recognise an insult buried in the shroud of genteel verbosity.I once played a pick-up basketball against an individual who accused me of being too dumb to be faked out.I told him not to worry,he wasn’t.Slid right over his head.
By Jean
November 5, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
I have not read of liberals doing the hating.It is nice to see Mr. Wooten accepting Senator Obama’s win so graciously. Both he and Senator McCain did a lovely job of accepting Senator Obama’s win and I as a Democrat thank you. Now if the other conservatives would accept him and not project your hatred onto the Democrats. We do not hate anyone.
By Jean
November 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
I have not read of liberals doing the hating.It is nice to see Mr. Wooten accepting Senator Obama’s win so graciously. Both he and Senator McCain did a lovely job of accepting Senator Obama’s win and I as a Democrat thank you. Now if the other conservatives would accept him and not project your hatred onto the Democrats. We do not hate anyone.
By AGTFan
November 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
If we would put HALF the effort into compromising that we do HATING each other, the U.S. would be strong, free, safe, prosperous AND respected worldwide. Wise words from T. If half of the Republican base can emulate John McCain from his gracious speach last night, we can work together for the good of the nation. McCain showed last night that he cares more for the United States of America than he does for any discredited ideaology. Stop the hating and start looking for common ground. We are all Americans.
By Publius
November 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Copyleft, study your history. Fascism is a left wing movement. It grew out of the Fabian Society, as did the Progressive movement in the United States.
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
The Truth - President-Elect Obama just led the most organized, strategically consistent and well-funded campaigns in American history.
I am certain this offends a lot of people who have a difficult time wrapping their brains around such a dramatic paradigm shift.
This sort of change does not happen every day - nor does it happen without getting a lot of people on the same page.
All I’m saying is put down your hurt feelings for a moment and take a deep breath. The sun DID rise in the east this morning and the sky did not fall.
The World welcomes this change with open arms and it would be honorable for Americans to accept thheir new President with a similar level of respect.
Watch and learn
Oh yeah, one more thing - try decaf.
By DC
November 5, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
It’s amazing that NOW suddenly you think a president needs to govern from the middle and be a moderate. During all your years of shaking pom-poms for Bush, how many times did you suggest that he stand up to the extreme right and govern from the middle?
And lest you go trying to claim that he did govern from the middle, you even admit in the same sentence that the country is not as unified as it needs to be. Why is that? If Bush were governing from the middle - like now is amazingly the way you think it should be done - the country would have never been divided in the first place.
Though I suspect that Obama will be much more moderate that Bush ever was, I also have to say if he’s not, no one is really to blame but the republicans. You reap what you sow, so after 8 years of the White House shoving extreme right views on the entire nation, it would sort of be just desserts if the right now had to endure 8 years of what they dished out.
By DC
November 5, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
It’s amazing that NOW suddenly you think a president needs to govern from the middle and be a moderate. During all your years of shaking pom-poms for Bush, how many times did you suggest that he stand up to the extreme right and govern from the middle?
And lest you go trying to claim that he did govern from the middle, you even admit in the same sentence that the country is not as unified as it needs to be. Why is that? If Bush were governing from the middle - like now is amazingly the way you think it should be done - the country would have never been divided in the first place.
Though I suspect that Obama will be much more moderate that Bush ever was, I also have to say if he’s not, no one is really to blame but the republicans. You reap what you sow, so after 8 years of the White House shoving extreme right views on the entire nation, it would sort of be just desserts if the right now had to endure 8 years of what they dished out.
By LB
November 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Listen my right-wing friends. EVERYONE wants to keep most of what they earn. No one WANTS to pay more taxes. However, what most Republicans just don’t GET, is that Republican party economics has put us in a hole with a 10 trillion dollar national debt with no plan to get us out. They wanted to keep spending and fund two wars but didn’t want to ruin their reputations and chances of re-elections by expecting the US citizens to pay for it. Instead, they keep sending us little tax rebate checks. Did they really think those checks would boost our economy and cure our ills? What joke! Republicans preach and preach about not taxing the American citizens as if it’s patriotic, but how patriotic is it to put our country up as collateral to foreign countries so we can borrow our way through tough times? We’re the richest nation in the world, we should be able to pay for our own expenses!
Now who knows if or when Obama will ever raise taxes, it’s too early to tell how he plans to attack this deficit, but I can tell you this - this country will NEVER get better or reach it’s potential as along as other countries own it.
By BS Aplenty
November 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Azo
Strange, I thought banks were heavily regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the fifty State banking departments and the Securities and Exchange Commission. You’d have to be a talking-head leftist not to know just how many agencies regulate the banking industry not to mention the many respective statutes and regulations they promulgate. But do go on, sir.
Lest we forget, the United States was attacked by Osama bin Laden and al-Queda terrorists on September 11, 2001. I remember seeing on the news Americans and others jumping from the upper floors of the World Trade Center to their certain deaths. I’ll never forget that image. What President Bush did in response to that attack and to prevent a second occurence of that terrorism on American soil was justifiably brutal - if you were part of al-Queda, the Taliban or if you just had a dangerously uncooperative regime like Sadam’s. I never questioned a second of the President Bush’s military response nor do I now. Do I think it’s time American troops leave the Middle East? Only if they don’t need to return.
The rest of your blather seems generally symptomatic of Bush Derangement Syndrome. I’d refer you to inappropriate mental care for all your BDS needs.
By Bob
November 5, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
To The Other Bob:
If this isn’t a religious state that is something has changed recently. The Constitution says “Freedom of Religion” NOT “Freedom from Religion.”
There is a reason God is mentioned so much in our history and even on our money… something that will no doubt change in the near future.
By DC
November 5, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
It’s amazing that NOW suddenly you think a president needs to govern from the middle and be a moderate. During all your years of shaking pom-poms for Bush, how many times did you suggest that he stand up to the extreme right and govern from the middle?
And lest you go trying to claim that he did govern from the middle, you even admit in the same sentence that the country is not as unified as it needs to be. Why is that? If Bush were governing from the middle - like now is amazingly the way you think it should be done - the country would have never been divided in the first place.
Though I suspect that Obama will be much more moderate that Bush ever was, I also have to say if he’s not, no one is really to blame but the republicans. You reap what you sow, so after 8 years of the White House shoving extreme right views on the entire nation, it would sort of be just desserts if the right now had to endure 8 years of what they dished out.
By BeachBum
November 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Now if the other conservatives would accept him and not project your hatred onto the Democrats. We do not hate anyone.
Is this the same Democratic party who has projected hate towards the existing administration? Is this the same Democratic party that wants to stifle talk radio because it rallies conservatives?
No, the Democrats don’t hate anyone! Give me a break!
By DC
November 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
It’s amazing that NOW suddenly you think a president needs to govern from the middle and be a moderate. During all your years of shaking pom-poms for Bush, how many times did you suggest that he stand up to the extreme right and govern from the middle?
And lest you go trying to claim that he did govern from the middle, you even admit in the same sentence that the country is not as unified as it needs to be. Why is that? If Bush were governing from the middle - like now is amazingly the way you think it should be done - the country would have never been divided in the first place.
Though I suspect that Obama will be much more moderate that Bush ever was, I also have to say if he’s not, no one is really to blame but the republicans. You reap what you sow, so after 8 years of the White House shoving extreme right views on the entire nation, it would sort of be just desserts if the right now had to endure 8 years of what they dished out.
By george baskim
November 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
hi jim, for once we agree. it is a new beginning. i don;t believe obama is far left. he talks too much about being self reliant, being responsible, working, his campaign has shown he has leadership ability, organizational skills, and executive know how. george
By Bob
November 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I think you are mistaken to view this as some great sign of racial harmony. It was an election that smacked of the rankest degree of tribalism this nation has ever witnessed. There is one reason Hussein, and that is because black people voted for a black man, because he is black. That does not mean that a bunch of whites eager to exploit the black vote didn’t also vote for him, but without the tribal nature of the voter turnout, Hussein didn’t stand a chance.
It’s not time for Republicans to reexamine their message. It is time for God-fearing liberty-loving Americans to look for friendly soil on which to build a new nation, grounded in ordered liberty, de-centralized self government, the right of private property and with the Lord Jesus Christ as its acknowledged God.
How long will you re-arrange the furniture on the Titanic?
By DC
November 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
“The country will be much the stronger and far more unified if the President-elect is able to stand up to his party’s left wing and govern, as Bill Clinton did, as a moderate.”
It’s amazing that NOW suddenly you think a president needs to govern from the middle and be a moderate. During all your years of shaking pom-poms for Bush, how many times did you suggest that he stand up to the extreme right and govern from the middle?
And lest you go trying to claim that he did govern from the middle, you even admit in the same sentence that the country is not as unified as it needs to be. Why is that? If Bush were governing from the middle - like now is amazingly the way you think it should be done - the country would have never been divided in the first place.
Though I suspect that Obama will be much more moderate that Bush ever was, I also have to say if he’s not, no one is really to blame but the republicans. You reap what you sow, so after 8 years of the White House shoving extreme right views on the entire nation, it would sort of be just desserts if the right now had to endure 8 years of what they dished out.
By findog
November 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Jim,
I believe you have misread the outcome. It was the republican’s who failed to vote, not some great new generation of democrat voters. McCain lost because he failed or refused to: Kiss the rings of all the religious right leaders Satisfy the fiscal conservatives Silence the right’s voices of intolerance [Obama did the same on the left] Mount a coherent plan for our country
But now you want NEWT? Please anyone but him. He reason for not being on the ballot is not because he didn’t want to jeopardize his prize pig think tank. He did not run because the republican’s will not hold their nose and vote for him. The only reason he became Speaker was guilt for letting old man Bush down in 92; same reason Bush the younger got the nomination and presidency in 2000. If the conservative movement can do no better than Newt the country will continue to drift left, not from their attraction rather from Newt repulsiveness.
By Jason
November 5, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
“I recommend the essay for our economics-challenged friends on both sides of the aisle.”
Ragnar, when are you going to wake up and realize that as appealing as laissez-faire economics sounds on paper, it will never work in reality. People don’t always make decisions rationally; they don’t always operate in their own self-interest. Look no further than all the fallen investment banks and hedge funds, who without regulation, were able to use insane amounts of leverage, magnifying their losses to a point that threatens the world markets. Hell, even Greenspan admitted that the Randian ideology to which he’s devoted most of his life is indeed flawed.
Spare us all of your requisite pedantry and condescension, because you’re just as clueless as the rest of us when it comes to the economy.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Dear jm @ 10:49, I had never heard of Tony Blankley, but he speaks my thoughts. Thanks for the referral.
Dear ron @ 12:06, “As a note of interest, I just read where the GOP lady Senator from Maine handily defeated her Democratic opponent 60-40. Perhaps she and the other GOP Senator from Maine should be consulted before any revamping of the Republican Party is considered. I realize they’re not your sit in the right hand corner, bible pounding Southern Senator, but they sure do know how to get elected. They’re there while others are gone.” By the “other” I assume you mean every moderate Republican in the House of Representatives from the northeast?
By Jon
November 5, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
To Bob (12:28pm):
Don’t forget to write us when you establish your new land, but don’t think we’ll miss you.
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Bob
The Obama Presidential victory has absolutely nothing to do with racial harmony
The younger, more energetic, more intelligent, and more organized (by far) candidate won.
Stop trying to define sidebar issues with dated terms
Get over it
By Dear Saxby
November 5, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
My wife and I are life long conservatives. We are both in our 50’s. Here’s my take on your campaign.
I know where Jim Martin stands on the issues, “SPEND, SPEND, SPEND” - I lived in downtown Atlanta for over 20 years. Unfortunately, that same “SPEND, SPEND, SPEND” is what you and most current republicans are doing. So why should I reward that action with my vote.
The reason you’ve lost the die-hard support of us is your positions on issues are democratic in leaning. From the original immigration bill, the massive farm bill (you represent ALL of Georgia, not just the farmers) and the most recent 700 BILLION taxpayer funded bailout, I don’t see much of a difference between you and the most liberal wing of the democratic party.
Hopefully, this will be a wake up call to come back to the conservative part of the republican party and take a stand for the taxpayers
By Bob
November 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Sterling:
The Republicans NEVER had the type of majority that the Democrats have now… or even had before this election.
And how many Bobs do we have here anyway.
By Jon
November 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
To Bob (12:28pm):
Don’t forget to write us when you establish your new land, but don’t think we’ll miss you.
By Ga Values
November 5, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Big Boy 11:49 AM
I am a CONSERVATIVE Republican, the problem is that Saxby Special Interest is a SOCIALIST not a Republican,, look at his record on spending & Earmarks for his LOBBYIST Patrons
By Bladder Reflief
November 5, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Breathe everyone. Just breathe. It will be ok. We are not going to fall apart. Things will evolve and change will happen. Too bad we can’t get rid of some of you that just seem to love the heck out of writing blah, blah, blah, blah. Are you multiple posters even employed? Are ya turning your monitors so that the boss can’t see you typing when you should be sorting the day’s letters in the mailroom that you work in?
By Lester S. Atlanta
November 5, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Jim, Myself nor my family will ever support a president Obama who is, without guestion, a socialist, marxist boardline communist in his ideas for this country. This is not a regular type presidential election at all and REMEMBER, that over 55,000,000 million voters rejected Obama and we have rights too!!!!!!!!!!
By Fulton
November 5, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
How about this? Let’s not gloat or even rejoice. Let’s not spew hatred or bitter diatribes. How about we put aside the nonsense, take a serious moment and listen to the words of BOTH candidates last night. Look OURSELVES in the mirror and decide what our own part will be in making America great again! If you love America & GOD as much as you profess, why would this be such a difficult thing to do?
By Mosell
November 5, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Hey Grandpa,
I guess Sarah will go back and GOVERN a STATE. Not organize a community
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Dear Jason @ 12:37, “as appealing as laissez-faire economics sounds on paper, it will never work in reality.” Certainly you have no rational basis for that statement – so far as I can tell it has not been tried. What I have noticed is that the economy grows during periods government is quiet, and seemingly every economic disaster springs as a natural result of some government error constraining business.
“People don’t always make decisions rationally;” I noticed yesterday’s election results – I fully agree with you.
“they don’t always operate in their own self-interest.” Mother Theresa lives.
“Look no further than all the fallen investment banks and hedge funds,” all killed by excessively liberal monetary policy at the Fed, coupled with unlimited taxpayer subsidy for FNMA and FHLMC.
“even Greenspan admitted that the Randian ideology to which he’s devoted most of his life is indeed flawed.” Greenspan was “devoted” only in the most theoretical sense, as his daily work reflected an activist intervention in the economy. A true “Randian” would have embraced the Friedman view, to expand money only at the rate of economic growth.
By getalife
November 5, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
President Obama’s first challenge is another bush recession. It will take his first term to clean up w’s mess.
Try being a “real American”, think “country first” and support President Obama.
Get over it, get on board and join us “real Americans”.
By erika
November 5, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
You just don’t get it—McCain/Palin lost because of fear, hatred, circus campaign, bigotry, and “Joe the Plumber”.
On the other hand;
We stood, we watched, we hoped, we prayed, we believed as our Commander in Chief endured the hatred, the racism, the bigotry, and Joe the Plumber with grace. Obama/Biden led us with hope we led them to VICTORY (349)! God Bless America.
By Bladder Reflief
November 5, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I think we need more “Bobs”
By Steven Daedalus
November 5, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Bob, Don’t let that door hit you in the back when you leave.
By Brad
November 5, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
This is the same Saxby Chambliss who defamed the honorable war veteran Max Cleland. There is no point sending an ineffective Republican to the Senate when if we send Jim Martin, he will be with the majority party and can bring more to teh table for Georgia as a whole. Chambliss will simply be an impotent republican who will accomplish nothing for our great state. Why waste your vote on Chambliss who will be relegated to an office next to the men’s room! Let’s send a democrat who can actually get on som committees and make real change and direct some of the benefit to Georgia!!
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Dear misterearl @ 12:43, “The Obama Presidential victory has absolutely nothing to do with racial harmony.” I think you are right, but for the wrong reasons. We have mentioned the “fox and hedgehog theory” as a predictor of governance efficacy, but I know a similar soft theory for elections: the Mary Sunshine theory. The chirpiest candidate always wins. I think the only exception since 1912 was 1968.
By erika
November 5, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
You just don’t get it—McCain/Palin lost because of fear, hatred, circus campaign, bigotry, and “Joe the Plumber”.
On the other hand;
We stood, we watched, we hoped, we prayed, we believed as our Commander in Chief endured the hatred, the racism, the bigotry, and Joe the Plumber with grace. Obama/Biden led us with hope we led them to VICTORY (349)! God Bless America.
By Thad
November 5, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
It’s funny how the anti - ‘welfare’ GOP has no problem paying Saxby $163k/yr to do nothing but golf and hang out at the 19th hole.
When the Senate Intel team finally got down to looking at the White House’s use of Georgia’s soldiers, Saxby skipped the meeting to swing a club.
No more.
One more bum left to throw out.
By Nikita
November 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
With him, there’s no muddling of thought, no remorse for knowing that free markets lead to higher standards of living, no hand-wringing over our distinct preference for marriage, education and family values & no cowering in the face of personal or corporate demands for government welfare. In short, here’s a guy who understands the benefits of our political product over the other guy’s.
Er, no.’
a. free market values do not necessarily lead to a higher standard of living, and when “free market values” stands in for nationalizing risk while privatizing profit we have substantial damage to the economic well-being of the nation.
b. a lot of democrats prefer marriage, as well. We simply prefer that the secular benefits of domestic partnership extent to all who enter into it. Personally, I prefer responsibility and cautious behavior, and I think anyone who wants to engage in it should have the full encouragement of the law.
c. You’re kidding about education, right? Because our statewide right-wing representatives seem to care way more about using education to further their ideological objectives (including when those objectives are in fact opposed to education or the products of education) than about ensuring that public education is of a high quality.
d. I’m laughing so hard I’m crying here about welfare. Unfortunately, from my perspective it appears that all political candidates like welfare — if it’s welfare they like they call it other, more palatable, things. Also, an issue I continue to have with the right wing is how they tend to advocate cutting taxes without bothering to take responsibility for the repurcussions of those cuts.
he’s got a significant personal negative - though justifiably and mainly with liberals.
What’s justifiable about the way he abused his wives, coerced his girlfriends, and acted like the least moral person in the world. And how dare he conduct a public witch hunt on my dime while being guilty of far greater sins?
I think it’s intellect-envy.
Nope, that’s not it. More like frustration that others are apparently so easily misguided.
Mr. Gingrich was simply TOO successful and his personal life too well-publicized.
He was moderately successful, but at what? At turning americans against each other, at making the contents of a politician’s personal life congressional business, at wasting tax money on personal vendettas, and at making it “patriotic” to do everything you can to not have any personal investment in our beautiful country.
By whatacrock
November 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
“Plainly a majority of the country has grown comfortable with big government.” Really? I mean has it? And define what you mean about comfortable please. What I have become accustomed to is dysfunctional government or no government.
I mean sure it is “big” alright. Big money. Big people. Big voices. Big power. Big corruption. But big government that is by the people and for the people? Why we haven’t had a government in 8 years Jim.
We have had a president that gives speeches with a grunt and a nod. We have had a president that does not even first of all understand how to use the english language. On top of that, we have had a president that does not understand the issues in our world outside of his own limited view.
So forget government Jim. We have had none of it. We have had Bush’s buddies getting richer and the poor getting poorer. That is what we have grown comfortable with, Jim. We are now comfortable with No government and a republican party that turned a blind eye to what the american people have needed. Now let them eat from our side of the food chain. WHATACROCK!!!!
By Tom
November 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Jim, Newt is in his filthy little corner, destroying something. Preparing to hustle down to Hell in order to clean toilets with Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority. Newt is DEAD, Jim. DEAD.
By findog
November 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
I think most honest observers would agree that McCain did better than anyone else could have given the state our economy, military, and government in general. I personally believe that he lives his, “Country First,” campaign motto. The answer to moving forward is for the republicans in the senate to name McCain the Minority Leader and to prove they are going to work to improve upon our grand experiment.
By HateNDummies
November 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
As an African American, I want to share this. Mr. McCain made two blunders that may have cost him the election. The first is his attempt to wage a negative campaign. He was out of character and he seemed to be uncomfortable with that role. McCain is a good man and it’s really a shame that America didn’t get to see it until the concession speech. The second was his choice of Sarah “Pit Bull” Palin. Once the novelty wore off, her lack of substance became obvious. Can you imagine her sitting with world leaders talking about soccer and her children? What about her kid getting knocked up in the home of someone who tells everyone else to practice abstinence? With regard to people voting on basis of race, White people have been doing it for eons in this country. Remember Ronald Reagan? And disparaging remarks about Jew? He got the majority of the Jewish vote. Hanging with terrorists? Bush went into a sovereign nation on the basis of WMD’s that have not been found. Then the focus changed to instilling democracy. That’s okay with you, The Truth? The fact that they may resent what Mr. Bush has done in their country means nothing to you and that is pathetic. What about the other nations in the world who were anti-Bush? They are dummies to you right? Bush has made us one of the most hated nations on earth, but that’s okay with you because it’s the American Way or No Way, right? Hanging out with terrorist? Have you ever been on the board of anything? Do you know the past of everyone you come into contact with or work with? Do you do a background check of everyone that comes into your life? If you say yes, that would make you a liar. Even Mr. McCain said the it was a dead issue and that he didn’t want to discuss it anymore. Reverend Wright? That’s old news. He’s an angry preacher who does more in his community to serve than you have ever done. Have you ever lived in a segregated environment? Have you ever been in that type of environment after serving in the armed services? Probably not. America is already hated but Sarah Palin had become a part of the administration, we would have been the laughing stock. The problem with you, Mr. Truth, and those like you is your tendency to live in a glass bubble. If anyone thinks differently than you, they are wrong. That’s pathetic. There is more than one way to be an American whatever your last name is. Face it, my friends. We have a Black president and will for the next 4-8 years. The right wing has had it time and for the time being, it’s over. The most pathetic thing is this. Most Black people say that if McCain campaigned on the basis of being the man that he is as opposed to being a Carl Rove puppet, he would probably be meeting with his transition team right now. It’s not CNN, Fox or MSNBC that swayed the electorate, it the fatigue that has befallen the nation after years of right wing dominance. Evey one who doesn’t look, think, and vote like you do is not dumb. You are for thinking like they should. Enjoy the next eight , my Friends.
By Vandyland R.I.P.
November 5, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Will we be able to order takeout from the U.S. Mint now? Is that how we’ll get our money? How does this communism thing work? Anyone?
By Lifelong Georgian
November 5, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Max Cleland was elected because he was a war veteran. Once elected, he proved to be anything but honorable. And how can anyone talk about our current Senator and special interests while voting for Obama, who received nearly a quarter of a billion dollars from special interests.
By making
November 5, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
The Presidential election didn’t go has I had hoped…but the returns have spoken and we have elected Obama as President. We know need to get on with dealing with the business on hand, saving what’s left of our country of which NOW lies completely in the hands of the Democrats…see you in 2012!
By AY
November 5, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Wow. Wooten sure sounds a lot more rational in defeat.
By Jan
November 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
All of the lofty platitudes about Obama are ridiculous. His agenda? He doesn’t have one now and never has had one in the past. He is an inexperienced, Black American(?) who won the highest office in this land because of his SKIN COLOR. It is a fact and all of the diatribe in this column and millions of columns to come, cannot change the fact. He is a socialist, anti-American radical without one iota of patriotism or regard for America. For the misguided, stupid half that voted for him, may you reap what you have sown. There won’t be enough paper and ink to adequately bash him through the next four years of misery. George W will look like our salvation by comparison
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Jan
More than question of “race”, it was the triumph of brilliance over mediocrity.
It has nothing to do with the media. It has to do with intelligent people finally triumphing over fearmongers. After nearly eight long years, we finally have a president that we don’t have to be ashamed of.
By Cindy
November 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Ditto T! (@ 11:56)
By Kendall Lockerman
November 5, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Sir, Newt Gingrich is exactly what was just repudiated. Everything from Reagan to now was repudiated, except what Clinton and his administration did to actually make government work, which it hasn’t done since Bush, Cheney, Haliburton, Exxon, Bank of America and a spineless congress have been whoring out the country to the lowest bidders. Wake up! The party’s over!
By David Lipscomb
November 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
My house is paid for. Cars, ditto. No credit card bills. What’s in this for me? Do I still get a handout?
By Jason
November 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
“Certainly you have no rational basis for that statement – so far as I can tell it has not been tried.”
Neither has pure communism.
“A true ‘Randian’ would have embraced the Friedman view, to expand money only at the rate of economic growth.”
That’s why she wrote fiction.
By ObamaGirl
November 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Wow Jan! Tell us what you really think?! Looks like someone doesn’t take losing too well…ah, I bet you didn’t play well in the sand box!
PRESIDENT OBAMA! CONGRATULATIONS!!
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
misterearl, I do drink decaf. You have still failed to answer my question on how Obama policies will get this country to grow. I suppose because he has no policies that will. Degree: Yes, all caps would be excessive. QUESTION OF THE DAY: Now that Obama has won, can ANYONE tell me how his policies will help GROW our economy? You libs & Dems are so caught up in hating Bush and winning the Presidency, but none of you have YET TO EXPLAIN Obama policies other than INCREASE spending by $800-BILLION!!! That’s his ‘Policy’. Obama is for the Death Tax: Government should TAX you on anything that you receive from a passing loved one. I know my taxes are going to go up, but it might be worth the money to sit back & watch all of you Libs & Dems squirm in this mess you have elected. This just might be fun!!
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Jan
More than question of “race”, it was the triumph of brilliance over mediocrity.
It has nothing to do with the media. It has to do with intelligent people finally triumphing over fearmongers. After nearly eight long years, we finally have a president that we don’t have to be ashamed of.
By Crow Eater
November 5, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Nine months ago I stumbled on this blog. I must admit I have never posted, simply read and marveled at the intelligence of some, the passion of others, and found myself amazed by the viciousness of others.
And while I will acknowledge the pettiness of this next move I saved a couple of comments from one of the most offensive of the posters. What I found so offensive was the willingness of this blind right wing nut to spew invective and blindly deride all things to her left. (It would be my guess that this person has only seen half of the area in which she lives. The half she can get to by only turning to the right.) The reason I saved these two was 1) scotch, and lots of it 2) I am hoping that the era which this person represents, where everyone who sees the world differently is somehow anti American, has ended.
Plus I’m a childish little b*******.
So here’s a reminder of partisan hackery from days gone by.
*By Dusty May 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
George Washout,4:55 The best you can do is dig up the dead and then defile them? Reagan served his country well. Your “dirt” make YOU look dirty, not Reagan. Why don’t you take a hike? A long one. Crooked crook@4:48 So the conservative movement is dead?? Enjoy your ignorance while you can. You are in for a big surprise. McCain is the only sensible candidate and he will win. Americans like the real thing, not a pie in the sky perpetuator..
By Dusty May 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this Glenn5:40 Poor baby, are you still seething ‘cause you sound like a liberal sometimes? I’m sorry. But you sound like a liberal sometimes. More so than jbmlaw, dear heart. Well, there are a few of us holding the fort 100%. I mean more than enough to elect McCain. But you can come to the inauguration and have some refreshments and shake the hand of Bush for the good sense job he has done. McCain will continue the fine work. For those with no foresight, go cry in your beer with Obama and Michele, if they haven’t left for some other country they probably prefer. Your happy sentry, Dusty..and good nite to you all or y’all if you prefer. *
Do you like your crow served hot or cold?
By Trunk Monkey
November 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
HAHAHA!! You Republi-cons amuse me. It was all hunky dory when YOU controlled everything. Suddenly, it’s a bad thing! Wooten and the rest of you screamed that if the President nominated a judge, it was Congress’s duty to seat him/her and anybody who didn’t hated America. Now you snivel about the possibility that the majority might “push through judges who see the courts as instruments to preferred outcomes”.
Doesn’t all that hypocrisy and cognitive dissonance make your head hurt? Do the whiny babies need a passy?
By joed
November 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
AJC/DNC, what ideas of Palin were the Democrats supposed to attack? I’m still waiting for the first one to arrive.
By Cherri Brown
November 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Hello, Mr. Wooten,
You wrote, “Too much power would tempt the majority to push through judges who see the courts as instruments to preferred outcomes and to push through legislation harmful to job creation.”
Mr. Wooten, isn’t this scenario exactly the Republican majority did for six of the eight Bush years? Or perhaps you’ve forgotten the Christian Right and Bush Administration statements about graduating “Christian” lawyers who would fill government positions to turn the tide toward the Puritan fundamentalist view of the world.
Perhaps you might want to check the job losses over the past eight years. And I am puzzled by how court decisions determine employment status, unless you are referring to the union vote issue. That issue deserves serious conversations, not pull the same-old political labels out of a tired, old hat (“whiney” liberals, joe-six packs and such).
Your article started out well, but dove head first into division, the abyss of failure. Let it stay there, Mr. Wooten, and try to use some critical thinking skills versus reliance on bias.
Thank you for reading this.
By Jason
November 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
“That’s why she wrote fiction.”
Pardon me. That’s why her most cited works are fiction.
By Bo
November 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
I am a conservative but could not bring myself to vote for Saxby. He is a pure opportunist plain and simple. He was going to throw us all under the bus and support the immigration proposal until his office received a “gazillion” emails opposing it, and then he stood with the Democrats on that awful off shore drilling bill preventing drilling within 50 miles of shore. How stupid is that. No this man has no convictions. I will stay home for the runoff! This guy will throw us under the bus unless we stand in front of it.
By Gary
November 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
I find it downright laughable that the Democrat voters and Obama supporters are asking us, those who did not vote for him, to unite and support him because he is the President. That is so funny you hypocrites. For 8 years we have asked the same thing and yet you just couldn’t bring yourselves to disagree with President Bush, but also be courteous at the same time. Ha! what garbage. I think it is time for a little payback and the Democrats will get theirs as soon as they make the smallest mistake.
Oh, and getalife, we are “real Americans” and no we don’t have to join you. We have the right to vision an America that we agree with.
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Using FEC numbers I calculated “cost per vote” for each of the candidates. Obama raised and spent $639 million to get his 63.3 million votes, roughly $10 per vote. McCain raised and spent $335 million for his 56 million votes, roughly $6 per vote. No meaning there, just thought it interesting.
By crow
November 5, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Not so fast Draft Dodger,..the people of the great state of Georgia are fed up with Saxby and have spoken against you.—Why did Saxby get less votes than McCain,because even many Republicans are tired of your so called representationall the Georgia G.O.P. Congressmen voted against the bailout,but not Saxby.*—-the rubber stamp for “W” whether right or wrong.
By NotaAtlantafan
November 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this
America’s greatness? How about it’s stupidity!
By jc
November 5, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve known Jimmy Martin all my life and he is EXACTLY what we need in politics. A real Christian and humble church elder, not a blowhard; a courageous Vietnam vet; not a chicken hawk blowhard; an intellectually curious leader not a simple-minded blowhard.
Chambless is a dirty and dishonorable politician who recently was photographed admiring his own portrait that Capitol lobbyists gave him for his service (to them. Disgraceful.
By Saxby The Liar
November 5, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Going After Migrants, but Not Employers By STEVEN GREENHOUSE Published: April 16, 2006
AS they fanned into the Vidalia onion fields of Georgia, the 45 federal agents were doing exactly what they thought they were supposed to do. It was 1998, and they had just arrested 21 illegal immigrant farm workers and were about to round up hundreds more. But the raid met with a stinging rebuke from what might have seemed a surprising source: two powerful Republicans from Georgia’s Congressional delegation. Saxby Chambliss then a representative and now a senator, accused immigration officials of using “bullying tactics,” while Senator Paul Coverdell denounced “a moonshine raid” against “honest farmers who are simply trying to get their products from the field to the marketplace.” The Immigration and Naturalization Service backed down, granting temporary amnesty to illegal onion pickers in 19 Georgia counties.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/16/weekinreview/16greenhouse.html?pagewanted=all
By Saxby The Liar
November 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Ragnar Danneskjöld 1:43 PM
Do the same thing on our Senate race & you’ll find Saxby at about $15.00 & Buckley at about $.10.
By Cindy
November 5, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
No, Gary, it was hard to line up with bush as he continually chopped away at my individual rights. He said “if you aren’t with me, you are a terrorist” or some such. He had the gull to call me a terrorist because I did not believe that his WMD “evidence” had much meat to it. He alienated me, not the other way around. He was an enemy to the constitution and if Obama becomes one as well I will separate from him, too.
By Tom Anderson
November 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
It’s been interesting to note that McCain, Bush, and now Wooten all congratulate Obama for being the first black president. But that is not why many of us supported him.
We supported him because he is the most qualified, and the best candidate. This man was top in his class at Harvard Law School, and Editor of the Harvard Law Review, and you don’t earn those kinds of distinctions by being the beneficiary of affirmative action.
His opponent was a legacy at the Naval Academy (father was an Admiral), and McCain finished 894th out of 899 students. Just as bad as Bush did at Yale and then Harvard, both as a legacy admission because of his family. McCain’s VP choice seemingly could not speak a sentence that is either grammatically correct or coherent.
Obama ran a perfect campaign —- always on message, and he outhustled and out organized all of his opponents.
He also will pick advisors with diverse opinions on the important issues of the day, including conservative voices, because he realizes that a wise leader listens to as many different opinions as he can before making an informed decision.
What an incredibly wonderful contrast this will be compared to the past 8 years! Bush/Cheney surrounded themselves with “yes” people who would never challenge their world view, and got rid of dissenters like Colin Powell when they would not tell them what they wanted to hear.
We deserve leaders who are thoughtful and intelligent —- and we will get that with President Obama! (really sounds great, doesn’t it!)
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I think the right is just jealous because the charismatic “Great Communicator” is on OUR side now. Popularity only became a vice when a Democrat achieved it, didja notice?
By Saxby The Liar
November 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
A runoff? Great, another chance for Georgia to embarrass itself before the rest of the nation. Because we seem to favor do-noting order takers in our statewide politicians, we can look forward to another 6 years of Sen. Chambliss on the missing persons list.
Has any US Senator made their presence less known than Saxby has? I have yet to see him appear on any sunday morning news show, on any piece of legislation, or on any agenda beyond the nebulous concept of “Georgia Values”, that he espoused this campaign. What are the Georgia Values of which he speaks? Judging by his actions the last 6 years, I would conclude he is referring to Do-Nothingism, Stand-Stillness, and No-Sponsorship - all qualities we discriminating Georgians want represented to the rest of the country, right?
While the rest of the country has at last showed some maturity in who it sends to Washington, you can be certain that with the re-election of Chambliss, Georgia will remain sufficiently on the sidelines when it comes to seizing opportunity to direct our future. Chambliss is like a ballplayer who was finally called up to the major leagues, but decided he would rather sit on the bench than start in the lineup.
A state which once referred to itself as “Empire State of the South”, signifying a ray of light in a region otherwise cast deep in shadow, Georgia has fallen steadily backwards. As a state, we are no longer a symbol of progress, but a case of Has-Beens that once had a chance at becoming a leader, but gave up too easily to wallow in deluded self-admiration. The next time you here some state politician use the phrase “Great State of Georgia”, ask yourself, what Greatness is such that it must be constantly reminded in speech and phrase and print.
No single election can change our destination by itself. But if we are ever to change, it must start somewhere. Would a state that is truly Great be represented by a Saxby Chambliss?
By Dan
November 5, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Great response Mr. Wooten. Now if you could only convince the rest of your conservative cronies.
It was especially telling last night, during McCain’s concession speech, that at the first mention of Obama, the crowd booed.
However, when Obama thanked McCain during his victory speech, the crowd in Grant Park applauded McCain.
For me, that sums up the character of the Republican party.
By Cherri Brown
November 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
To Copyleft, you wrote: “What an incredibly wonderful contrast this will be compared to the past 8 years! Bush/Cheney surrounded themselves with “yes” people who would never challenge their world view, and got rid of dissenters like Colin Powell when they would not tell them what they wanted to hear.”
Having just graduated a MBA with some focus on corporate culture, I suspect the mantra that all employees tow the corporate line might change as well, as Bush gave the world ample and evidence-based fact on the issue of keeping the forest filled with the same trees; there is strength in diversity, the forest lasts longer. :)
By Ragnar Danneskjöld
November 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Dear Crow @ 1:34, Our friend Dusty does not need me to defend her, but I did not see any invective in friend Dusty’s post. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I suppose. Nevertheless her note to our friend Glenn (mentioning me) was not born of a harsh spirit, but reflects a gentle sense of humor.
Dear Cherri @ 1:39, as one of those “Christian lawyers” you condemn, I don’t remember any such statements. Nevertheless, I would be negligent if I did not note the leftist alternative religion, the “living, breathing Constitution” which simply means the justices need not pay any attention to precedent nor even to the plain written word. Suggest you read Scalia’s dissent on Kennedy v Louisiana if you are unaware of the left’s philosophy. As to “job losses over the past eight years,” the unemployment rate in September 2000 was 4.0%, rose to 5.7% in September 2002 when the democrat senate was replaced, dropped to 4.6% in September 2006 when the Republican senate was replaced, to 6.1% now. I see a distinct correlation not related to the party of the executive.
So much for ending partisan bickering. Sounds like Saxbe derangement syndrome remains fertile within our leftist friends.
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
The Truth - fun?
It won’t be nearly as much fun as watching The Inaugural Parade move down Pennsylvania Avenue on January 20
Watch Obama work in the first 100 days - and learn how a beautiful and brilliant mind thinks strategically and implements new tactics
Enjoy The Ride
By BS Aplenty
November 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Nikida
“Free markets” means the substantial absence of permanent government interference in economic processes. I’d remind you that Rep. Gingrich retired in 1999 and so had nothing to do with the recently passed (by the Democratic House and Senate) Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The Act, in part, is an attempt to “stabilize” the financial sector not “nationalize” it.
According to the Act, the federal government will extend funds to the banking system and, in return, the banks issue preferred stock and warrants to the U. S. Treasury Department. The terms are very similar to those received by Warren Buffet when he recently invested $5.0 billion in Goldman Sachs. Those investments in the banking industry are intended to be fully repaid and are not permanent investments.
Temporary solution to a systemic problem.
Again, in the interest of brevity, I’ll refer you to the historical record for a response to your other ramblings.
By BJ
November 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
To all of you congratulations! The election is over. For those of you who are upset, you have only yourselves to thank. Had you not been so stupid and evil as to let W steal the last election and create 4 years of absolute hell then maybe your candidate would have won. We had to endure 8 years of Bush madness. Now it’s your turn. Racism is so ugly and a lot of you know that McCain and Palin were not the best choice right now for the U.S. but you would rather suffer with high gas prices, a loss of jobs and utter economic chaos than to vote for a black man. SHAME ON YOU! At least be true to yourself. The Republican party was given 8 years and almost turned the Country on its ear. We need a change and whether you like it or not the change is going to have to be Obama. Once again as always everyone keeps saying Obama has no experience. What experience did McCain have? Does being a POW give you the experience to run a country? I think not. However he is almost 30 years older than Obama so perhaps that’s what you meant. Please do not say stupid things. Obama is not a muslim nor is he a communist. He simply wants to level the playing field so that everyone can play. African americans make up only 15% of the country so that means caucasions, latinos and others make up the rest. Please dont make it seem like all blacks are on welfare or taking money away from the economy in other forms. The last time I looked 50% of 85%is much more than 60% of 15%. You do the math. So I think the next President of the U.S. will be helping much more than just black people. Just like Bush didn’t make us all stupid Obama will not make us all smart. So some of you are safe. You will still be stupid when its all said and done. YES WE CAN!!!!! AND WE DID!!!!!!!! LOVE TO ALL, RED, YELLOW, WHITE, BLACK AND BLUE. WE ALL BLEED THE SAME COLOR. WE ARE ONE.
By mike
November 5, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
What drivel, George has given us the biggest gov yet. I am tired of hearing from those who ussurpted the Republican party for the gain of radical religious veiw points and big busseness gains GO HOME AND BE QUIET!!!!
By Ga Values
November 5, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Good read from today’s Washington Post..Obviously he thinks like I do.
By Jeff Flake Wednesday, November 5, 2008; Page A26
Well, we Republicans have just made history. Not the type of history we wanted to make, mind you, but history nonetheless. Not only did we lose the White House but, after losing our House and Senate majorities in 2006, we followed it up last night with even steeper losses in Congress.
In January, Democrats will enjoy lopsided congressional ratios not seen since the 1970s. Let’s face it: We Republicans are now, by any reasonable measurement, deep in the political wilderness.
The temptation for Republican members of Congress today will be to assume the role of the post-Watergate Republicans of 1974 and accept minority status as a permanent condition. Indeed, the terrain is more difficult for us now than it was in 1992. Then, Republicanism was still largely defined by the Reagan years. Today the party is defined in the public mind by the Bush presidency. We’ve got a steep hill to climb.
Much of the backroom maneuvering and media speculation in the coming weeks will focus on identifying new standard-bearers for the party. This is important, and after a second straight drubbing, the House Republican leadership should be replaced. But the far more critical task is determining what standard these new leaders will bear.
I suggest that we return to first principles. At the top of that list has to be a recommitment to limited government. After eight years of profligate spending and soaring deficits, voters can be forgiven for not knowing that limited government has long been the first article of faith for Republicans.
Of course, it’s not the level of spending that gets the most attention; it’s the manner in which the spending is allocated. The proliferation of earmarks is largely a product of the Gingrich-DeLay years, and it’s no surprise that some of the most ardent practitioners were earmarked by the voters for retirement yesterday. Few Americans will take seriously Republican speeches on limited government if we Republicans can’t wean ourselves from this insidious practice. But if we can go clean, it will offer a stark contrast to the Democrats, who, after two years in training, already have their own earmark favor factory running at full tilt.
Second, we need to recommit to our belief in economic freedom. Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations” may be on the discount rack this year, but the free market is still the most efficient means to allocate capital and human resources in an economy, and Americans know it. Now that we’ve inserted government deeply into the private sector by bailing out banks and businesses, the temptation will be for government to overstay its welcome and force the distribution of resources to serve political ends. Substituting political for economic incentives is not the recipe for economic recovery.
Most House Republicans opposed the recent bailout and will be in a strong position to promote economic freedom over central planning as the Obama administration stumbles from industry to industry trying to determine which is small enough to be allowed to fail and which is not. Since timetables will be in vogue, perhaps Republicans could even insist on a timetable for getting the government out of the private sector.
There are, of course, other pillars of the Republican standard — strong national defense, support for traditional values and the Second Amendment — but these are not areas where voters question Republican bona fides. In any event, as we have seen over the past several months, economic woes tend to subsume other concerns. We shouldn’t complain. We can now play our strongest hand.
In some respects, raising a new standard was made easier by yesterday’s rout. The Republican Party is not bound by election-year promises made by its presidential nominee. More important, the party is finally untethered from the ill-fitting and unworkable big-government conservatism that defined the Bush administration.
This is not to say that it will be an easy transition. Congressional Republicans picked up some unattractive habits over the years in an effort to hold on to power. Whether it was relying on the redistricting process to help us choose our constituents, using the appropriations process as an ATM or passing legislation — such as a generous prescription drug benefit and a bloated farm bill — to pacify individual constituencies, these habits and voting patterns will be hard to break.
But there is reason for Republicans to feel optimism. Politically, America remains a center-right country, and America loves a chastened and repentant sinner. As surely as the sun rises in the east, the Democrats will overreach.
As long as we Republicans are willing to admit our folly, get back to first principles and work like there’s no tomorrow, we’ve got ‘em just where we want ‘em.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
November 5, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
. I think it is time for a little payback and the Democrats will get theirs as soon as they make the smallest mistake.
The smallest mistakes won’t include manufacturing evidence for a bogus war and then brutally attacking and occupying a nation that has done nothing to us. The smallest mistakes better not be the trampling of the constitution by illegally spying on Americans in America. The torture of prisoners we hold will not be among the ‘smallest mistakes’. Allowing the theft of our money by Wall Street thugs and casting us into further bankruptcy better not be one of their small mistakes. The day of the Republinazi is over! Put your jackboots away Gary. You and those of your ilk are done! Like it or lump it, Barack Obama is the president of the United States of America!
By ron
November 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Ragnar——In my book,Sununu is no moderate.
By Saxby IS a Crook
November 5, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Saxby voted to give 700 Billion dollars from the Social Security Trust Fund to Goldman Sacks and thier ilk to pay Bonuses to their executives….Our Social Security money is GONE…..just non negotiable pieces of paper remain….Blame Saxby the crook….imho
By Nikita
November 5, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I don’t respond to people who can neither spell my name nor respond to things that I actually said. Especially when they cap their comments with insults.
By steve-o
November 5, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Obama wins with over 300 electoral votes. A message to the right!
By misterearl
November 5, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Holy Mackerel Andy!
Algonquin J. Calhoun - I’ll be looking for you at The Inaugural Parade in The District Of Columbia on January 20, 2009.
Afterward, we can hit Ben’s Chili Bowl for a couple of hot dogs while the juke box plays some sweet soul music.
The party on U Street will be legendary
By David S
November 5, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Newt has failed the GOP already. Has it not occurred to anyone that there are no “leading” republicans worthy of the task of revitalizing the party?
Only one person in this past election did ANYTHING to grow the party. Only one candidate brought tens of thousands of young people into the political fray with honest and intelligent talk of sound money, balanced budgets, freedom, liberty, free markets, no income taxation, personal responsibility, and a sane foreign policy focussed on defense and not nation-building. Had he been the party’s nominee, our country would be waking up with a republican president elect rather than a socialist.
I am speaking of course of Ron Paul. While you all laughed at his ideas, you only reflected your uncomfortable ignorance of the subject matter.
He has the right answers on the economy. That is obvious to EVERYONE now except the idiots currently in power and those who benefit from the socialistic schemes being proposed. He has the right answers on health care - a true free market. The right answer on social security - use the savings from downsizing the empire to help today’s dependent group and then end it altogether. And a whole lot more.
And his arguments are sound, intelligent, well-thought, not scripted, from the heart, and far superior to anything a idiot socialist can throw out.
Even republicans were fed up with the republicans in this election. Why do you keep suggestings the same old tired losers? I attended local Republican gatherings in DeKalb county. Nothing but old, tired, scared, uneducated folks.
There is no future for the GOP without somebody like Ron Paul and his principles.
By Copyleft
November 5, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Cherri:
Good comment, but it wasn’t me who posted that; it was Tom Anderson.
By Steven Daedalus
November 5, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Sarah, please go gently into the good night. For thou are a dumb-a*.
By Saxby IS a Crook
November 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Lets send Saxby a message: Stop Stealing our Social Security Money…you thief, imho….
By Crow Eater
November 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Ragnar,
As to Dusty, while it is true there is very little invective in those posts I do hope you aren’t blind to the truth that Dusty utilizes such invective on a very regular basis. Those posts may not have been the best example but they were saved because of their arrogance, more than their inflammatory nature.
By HateNDummies
November 5, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
If he is a communist, be quiet and fall in line. In order for him to press his communist agenda, congress would have to fall in line and that ain’t gonna happen. Stop watching and being led by Sean H. on Fox and come to your own conclusion - if you can.
By NotaAtlantafan
November 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
I have read many people on here stating that now that we have elected Obama people will become one, and it is a great day. My guess is that those who have written this are blacks. My question to them is, why today is everything all of a sudden changed? Is it becuase we now have a black president? Does that mean that there is no longer racism? To me it sounds like the racism was not coming from the white folks, but the blacks. If we would have elected the white guy would you still feel the same way? Of course not. Go back and read what you have written, and tell me that what you have said does not sound like racism. If because we have elected a black president you are happy and feel vindicated, then you were truly the racist, and still are.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
November 5, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Misterearl is your real name but some call you Speedo? You’re the only one who’s ever remarked about my screen name. Regrettably Earl, that tells me we’re getting old.
By tspec
November 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Neil Bortz and Fox News lost this election for McCain!
Instead of telling the world why folks should be voting for McCain they slandered Obama and Biden and the United States finally said, “enough is enough”!
It feel good to say this but to everyone on here that thinks the country is doomed because Obama has been elected….. guess what
AMERICA LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
misterearl, YOU have still FAILED to answer my question. For the THIRD time, JUST WHAT EXACTLY WILL Obama POLICY DO TO ‘CHANGE’ AND GROW AMERICA?? OK,OK, I get it. YOU DON’T KNOW. You and the ignorant people that voted for him are more concerned about the Inauguration and the ‘History’ than the next 4 years. If you don’t know, just say ‘I don’t know’. This makes you look every bit as ignorant as I presume you are. Wow. And THIS is what Obama supporters are like?? And the rest of the Nation are to have confidence in….. What exactly???
By Peter
November 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Hay……….By Ragnar Danneskjöld
” I know a similar soft theory for elections: the Mary Sunshine theory. The chirpiest candidate always wins. I think the only exception since 1912 was 1968.”
Now can you imagine what might have happened if McCain ran a POSITIVE Campaign…..His speech was outstanding last night……..
He would have had a shot at the win with the correct attitude……… Last night he sounded sincere and like an American who cares about America !
Personally as an Independent voter tied to zero party……I will get on Obama’s case if I see him acting in a way that is detrimental to America !
American’s need to throw out NEW Ideas, and be part of the SOLUTION !
That is where a Blog like this should take us……!
By Political Foreskin
November 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
My work here is done. Now, I will assume a new more conservative identity and blog to bring down the democrats. It’s easy to write from the left, I dont know why. it’s quite a challenge to write right and still be funny. I dont know why THAT is either.
But just know that I will be on the job 24/7, giving the ditto heads material they can call rush with.
This is the last you will read of Political Foreskin, or Analchord, or any of the amusing clones that I treated all of my subjects here with.
A new creation is at hand, and will introduced himself to all of you and I hope you like him. He’s right. He’s conservative, and he’s gonna make you laugh out loud and knock your socks off, with milk coming out of your nose, and slapping your knees. (LOLAKYSOWMCOOYNASYK).
Well, it’s been fun. The 35/65 landslide I predicted happened electorally as I said it would. I’m obviously the only independent non sellout thinker in AJC’s blogdom. And thus the only soul with any credibility.
The popular vote was a cream by historical standards. McCain simply was not electable. Joe the Plumber action figures are due out in time for xmas.
The best thing to come out of the campaign was Sara Palin. Remember when we first got a gander at her? None of us knew what hit us. Hundreds of millions of men all around the world fell in love at the same instant. The face. The hair. The legs. The walk. The eyes. The lips. The nose. The neck. The everything. The Veep that launched a thousand spins.
Now lets get out of Iraq, balance the budget, invest in education and provide healthcare.
Fait Accomplis
By Eye Opener
November 5, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
“Too much power would tempt the majority to push through judges who see the courts as instruments to preferred outcomes”
Hmmm… you mean like the most egregiously partisan and unconstitutional decision ever—Bush v. Gore?
By LATINOS FOR CHANGE
November 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Look at it this way you get rid of the NAZI’S and welcome the SOCIALIST’S. VIVA OBAMA!
By findog
November 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Truth,
Obama is going to grow the America through temporary public works projects that have a lasting effect on transportation and energy. Support alternative fuels, even when the price of crude dips, to establish the US as the renewable fuel’s capital of the world with a growing need for good jobs to deliver new solutions. And he is going to properly and fully support our military efforts so we can stop pumping billions into futile efforts to calm centuries of hatred in the Middle East. Finally he will not send American soldiers into a situation to test a cheap and fast theory of modern war that Rumsfeld proposed.
Basically the same thing McCain proposed except that Obama is going to let the Bush tax cuts expire and die in the next two years.
And please use normal text, bold is too fat to read in this setting.
By LATINOS FOR CHANGE
November 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Look at it this way you get rid of the NAZI’S and welcome the SOCIALIST’S. VIVA OBAMA!
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
tspec, I agree with you. McCain campaign was weak and they played the same cards that John Kerry played in ‘04. Besides drilling for oil (which at probable $4/gal gasoline again baffles me why no one seems to care) they did not preach on what he would do but rather what Obama is, which no one seems to really know yet. I guess they figured ‘Who in the Heck would vote for a guy that is friends with a terrorist and went to a racist church for 20 years’, and I guess we found out that at at least half the nation would. But I agree that the Repubs brought a lot of this on their self by not being conservative and tackling immigration.
By joed
November 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Jan, meet Lester S., Bob and Notafan. The four of you should be very happy together. Just a reminder: Delta is ready when all of you are. Planes leave the country daily. If you can’t grow up and accept the will of the majority, then it’s time to hit the road. The guy has even been inaugurated yet, and you folks have hit the psycho button. Medication might help, but I don’t hold out much help. Grow up.
By joed
November 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Oops, should have been “hasn’t been inaugurated”. Sorry.
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Eye Opener, The judges in 2000 were appointed by Clinton, Not Bush. What an Idiot.
By Jessalyn
November 5, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten,
I have to confess to never liking or agreeing with anything you’ve said in your columns before, however I really appreciate the gracious tone you take in this column. Many in your party are hopping up and down mad today. I can’t help but think if more people adopted your attitude, our country can’t help but be in a better place in the years to come.
By Jim Smith
November 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Ginrich is weighing in on the landslide. Is he presidential material? Those photos of Obama as President Elect make him look so tired. I’ll bet he’s fast asleep now. he needs about a month off. That man works hard.
What the GOP needs to do now is set forth a plan for rebirth. First, define what America means. Start with what is America.
America is freedom. America is bounty. America is amber waves of grain, and purple mountain’s majesty.
What is America first? Then we’ll find a leader for ‘12.
What is America?
Anyone.
By Saxby IS a Crook
November 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Neil Bortz are gonna git a butt kicking real soon like….
By HateNDummies
November 5, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Hey, The Truth. Could you give, with any degree of certainty, any specifics about what Ronald (6) Wilson (6) Reagan (6), would do a day after his election? Could you tell any of us what his policies would be to change the status quo at that time? No. Did you listen to what he was said during the campaign or are you one of the people who are dismissive of anything you don’t agree with? You may have listened but you didn’t hear. I really feel bad for you and those like you. You swear you have the answers about what is best for America but you don’t. Also, if you know so much, why didn’t you run? If Obama bombs, it won’t be a result of his not trying. He will give his best just like all of our presidents have given their best. Let’s just hope he can pull us out of this mess. You see, Mr. America, I care about this country and not an agenda. Open your eyes, ears and mind long enough to assess what is going on as opposed to judging based on what you think should happen. It’s a new day and America will never be the same. Get used to it.
By LATIONOS FOR CHANGE
November 5, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
A few predictions for next week.
Your 401 k will go down
Europe and the Middle East will still hate us
You may lose your job
More banks / businesses will fail
George Bush will still be an idiot
and finally. Rush Limbaugh will choke on his cigar.. LOL
By Thank You "The Truth"
November 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Your line of thinking is the EXACT reason Obama has been elected!
America is tired of your devisive slandering and hateful attitude!
I say thank you my friend, for showing the folks on this blog exactly why the democrats have control!
Some people never learn, I pray that you and your kind are out in droves in 2012 to help Obama/Biden serve 8 years!
*GOD BLESS AMERICA
By findog
November 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Commie @3:29
First you have to explain what the R stands for before you eject the INO’s
Seams you have given the entire northeast up where there were once plentiful fiscal conservatives, were they not Baptist enough. The old south is dwindling as reliable sources for the Electoral College. Do you intend to just hold a majority of the house seats and allow the presidential and senatorial elections to fall to the democrats rather than allow impure thoughts of non-social conservatives into the selection for high office? Will the southwest be written off to try to stem the Latino intrusion into your Mayberry ideal of America? Is Florida now lost because the Cuban’s finally learned their was nothing to fear of Castro, and that the republican’s were only making things worse for their families rather than ridding the island of communism? Do the Midwest farmers only survive on government handouts that eventually will have to stop like every other welfare program and thus strip you of another reliable red swath of the US?
So please first tells us what the R stands for anymore because maybe the INO’s had it right in the first place.
By FSG
November 5, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Does this result mean the Dems will finally stop whining about the electoral college?
The electoral system is supposed to allow candidates to look like they won overwhelming, thus have the broad support of the country, even though they only get, say, 52 percent of the vote.
It seems to work just fine.
Also, I pledge, as a Republican-leaning independent, that if the Obama administration manages to finally take out Osama bin Laden, I’ll vote for his re-election in four years. Unless I like the Republican candidate more (Jindal!). Or I become complete disgusted and vote libertarian again.
By Dr. R
November 5, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Grace in defeat is an admirable virtue. I saw it last night from the likes of Bill Bennett and John McCain, and again today from George W. Bush and Jim Wooten. If you love your country, you unite behind your new president and wish him well, even if there are to be political battles down the road. We debate with respect and recognize that our political foes are our countrymen and compatriots, not our enemies. Those are the people on the other side of the world who hate us, and who our new president-elect vowed to smash like bugs last night. He’s got my support, and if he succeeds, he’ll have my vote in four years. I don’t give a damn about parties or ideologies. I want my country to win, to prosper, to succeed. If he’s the man to do it, then Godspeed.
By Lifelong Georgian
November 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
The bailout money didn’t come from the Social Security Trust Fund and more Democrats voted for the bailout than Republicans. I’m glad my Congressman - Nathan Deal - had the good sense to avoid the temptation.
Saxby couldn’t win. He was going to be blamed either way. In fact the bailout was the result of deregulation by the Clinton Administration - NOT the Bush Administration and not Republicans. Further bailouts may be paid by Obama and the Democrats because of ill advised regulatons, also by the Democrats, that encouraged bankers to loan money to people at a larger risk of not being able to pay it back.
And a lot of these same folks even used home equity loans to further get into debt. Allowing this is the fault of both the individuals and the bankers.
As far as using Social Security money to pay for government expenses. It was originally set aside to be used for retirement benefits. A Democrat President and Congress changed that so that it can be used as part of the general fund. Unfortunately Republicans have done nothing to change this when they have been in office. There would be plenty of money for all of us if it had not been robbed in the 60s.
Now, Obama and the Democrats would like to make our 401K’s part of Social Security. NO THANK YOU. My money is safer in the up and down stock market than it is with the Federal Government.
By Thank You "The Truth"
November 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Your line of thinking is the EXACT reason Obama has been elected!
America is tired of your devisive slandering and hateful attitude!
I say thank you my friend, for showing the folks on this blog exactly why the democrats have control!
Some people never learn, I pray that you and your kind are out in droves in 2012 to help Obama/Biden serve 8 years!
*GOD BLESS AMERICA
By HateNDummies
November 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
One more thing. The gentleman who is currently called a terrorist was in the 60’s and 70’s called a radical. Now he’s a terrorist. How convenient to tie a “terrorist ” to the president-elect who you on the right called an Moslem and Arab. That didn’t work either.
By Eye Opener
November 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Hey, “Truth”—Clinton only appointed Ginsburg and Breyer, both of whom wanted the case remanded (I’ll explain for you: that means “sent back”) to the FL Supreme Court.
The Republican justices were the ones who violated the Constitution and wrote the opinion—and even admitted that the decision was not binding precedent (I’ll explain this for you too: that means it can’t ever be cited or relied on in the future).
Now who’s the idiot?
CLASS DISMISSED.
By Troothsayer
November 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Sounds like most of you are racist rednecks from Pennsylvania…….shoulda included “STUPID” too. Who else would vote for people who said that about them?!?!?!
By Dan
November 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
My response to Communist’s ridiculous article… So what are the good sides of what just happened?
It is no longer possible for anyone to deny that the MSM is heavily biased. The MSM have been biased for decades but managed an illusion of fairness. That is no longer possible; the MSM have squandered their credibility during this campaign. They’ll never get that credibility back again.
Some media members disagree with you, big deal. This is typical Republican drivel along the lines of calling others who disagree un-american.
Since the Democrats got nearly everything they hoped for in this campaign, they’ll have no excuses and will have to produce. They’ll have to reveal their true agenda — or else make clear that they don’t really have any beyond gaining power.
It’s gonna be GREAT! Instead of worrying about pedestrian issues like defense of marriage we can focus real issues.
Every few decades the American people have to be reminded that peace only comes with strength. The next four years will be this generation’s lesson.
Bush and the Republicans have done nothing for peace - ask ANYONE around the world.
Now, a few predictions for the next four years:
Obama’s “hold out your hand to everyone” foreign policy is going to be a catastrophe. They’ll love it in Europe. They’re probably laughing their heads off about it in the middle east already.
Maybe they realize we are serious, and not just ignoring the issue.
The US hasn’t suffered a terrorist attack by al Qaeda since 9/11, but we’ll get at least one during Obama’s term.
Talk about un-American. What kind of ARSE would say such a thing…
We’re going to lose in Afghanistan.
No, Obama actually has his eye where it belongs - Afghanistan - and wants to leave Iraq.
Iran will get nuclear weapons. There will be nuclear war between Iran and Israel. (This is the only irreversibly terrible thing I see upcoming, and it’s very bad indeed.)
They already have them. Thanks Bush. The WMD’s were one country to the East. You only missed it be a couple hundred miles.
There will eventually be a press backlash against Obama which will make their treatment of Bush look mild. Partly that’s going to be because Obama is going to disappoint them just as much as all his other supporters. Partly it will be the MSM desperately trying to regain its own credibility, by trying to show that they’re not in his tank any longer. And because of that they are eventually going to do the reporting they should have done during this campaign, about Obama’s less-than-savory friends, and about voter fraud, and about illegal fund-raising, and about a lot of other things.
It is good for America when the press disagrees with our leaders or parties, and investigates the real issues. It’s called DEMOCRACY.
Hope you enjoy the next 8 years! I will!
By Saxby Stole our Social Security Money
November 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
He gave it to New York Fat Cats like Goldman Sacks and Morgan Stanly….
By Cindy
November 5, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
notaatlantafan, I am a white female over (well over) 50. I was born and raised in a small all white farm town in North Central Indiana. I voted for Obama. Not because he is black, but for change. I wanted to move as far from bush/cheney politics as possible. I also really liked the way he lit up a crowd and gave hope of a promising future no longer burdened by blunders. I do have to say I am very proud that the US has progressed so well in spite of those who cling to the old ways.
I think some unity could have occurred under McCain if he moved away from the neocon mentality and became the maverick he had been. However, we will never know. By the way, Blacks make up 13% of the US population which is less than the 15% Hispanic population and 69% white population. By the numbers; not everyone who believes in Obama is black.
By mm
November 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
The saddest part of this whole election will come sometime in the first part of 2009 when congress passes higher corporate taxes. And for those young dems that don’t know it yet, we all pay corporate taxes by paying higher prices for goods/services and job losses. You see, corporate taxes are an expense to corporations, and to avoid losing money, corporations have to raise prices and cut jobs.
How ironic will it be when those young, first time, in-experienced voters are the ones that lose their jobs, as they will be the first to go.
Don’t believe it will happen? Been there, done that. Be careful what you wish for!!!!!!
By MT
November 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
God Bless Our New King!!! Oh excuse me, President! Got confused, thought last night was a coronation. Sorry, but pretty difficult to accept the fact that we have a Muslim at the helm now. Who cares though, can’t wait for Utopia to take affect, and all the promises to come through, stationed at the mailbox now waiting for my first check, so I can quit my job. Can’t wait, so more power to the King, oops, there I go again, President!
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
* findog, And HOW is Obama going to do this? Will he try by raising taxes?? Yep. Doing away with tax cuts is the same as raising them. But be rest assured, he cannot do this before it’s time. These type of changes have to be integrated into our infrastructure; you cannot force them. This will take many years (12-15), and until then we will have to use oil. He won’t drill, which means that prices will go up, hurting the economy further. McCain was willing to drill to ‘bridge the gap’ between now and the future. OPEC knows Obama will not drill, so prices will rise again, which will cause everything we use to go up & up. This combined with high taxes is a disaster. I’m even more worried about our national security. Don’t know if it’s true, but word is that Israel may well attack Iran’s Nuclear sites before Bush leaves office for fear that Obama will not help defend Israel if they were attacked in the future by Iran after they acquired Nuclear weapons. This will be a disaster that Obama won’t know how to handle because it will spill over beyond January. ps-I like the bold. I’ll stick with it.*
By SaveOurRepublic
November 5, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
David S @ 2:45 PM - Well said! You are absolutely correct sir! Dr.Paul is a real, true proven (paleo)conservative who’s Constitutionalist platform & voting record proves his status as “Founding Father material”! Dr.Paul was marginalized by the (controlled) “mainstream” media because he’s not a puppet for the Globalist Elite (like Neocons “Jorge Boosh”, Rudy “Ghouliani” & “Juan McAmnasty”). The GOP turned it’s back on conservative principles & embraced the “leadership” of Globalist minded Neocons. Dr.Paul was/is a true uniter (unlike most who make the claim based on empty rhetoric). If the GOP ever wants to revive itself, they’ll need to embrace the Constitutionist principles of (rare patriots) like Dr.Paul!
By Cap'n Jack
November 5, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Much of what CommunistAJC @3:29 starts off saying applies to Bush and the RNC. Bush came to power in 2000 after 6 years of a Republican Congress, touted as this great leader who would reach across the aisle and make partisan politics a thing of the past. He inherited a healthy economy and proceeded to drag the US into an unjustifiable war in Iraq, while helping his friends in the oil industry - and his VP’s friends at Haliburton - rake in enormous profits.
Bush did such a terrible job that after using fear-mongering to get re-elected in 2004, he helped get his own party kicked from power in 2006. He further influenced his party’s slide into obscurity yesterday.
The seeds of our current economic woes were planted long before Democrats retook Congress in 2006.
No doubt the RNC will rebuild itself - eventually - just as the Democrats did after their defeat in ‘94 and 2000. Obama will be hard pressed to do as bad a job as Bush has.
By Lifelong Georgian
November 5, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
And a lot of these young inexperienced voters will also loose inheritance because wise adults will simple enjoy the money instead of giving it to the government.
By dave
November 5, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Cindy - “liked the way he lit up a crowd and gave hope of a promising future no longer burdened by blunders” - you’re really going to be upset when you see what raising taxes on small businesses does to our economy… the mother of all economic blunders
By AmVet
November 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
YES! By all means, bring back Newt the Nut.
And watch the GOP lose another dozen seats in the US Senate and 30 more in the House.
And then bring back Ronnie! (I guess that is going to be a tad more difficult).
Hell, in a few years, you can trot out Dickhead and Not-so Curious George again!
The good old GOP, obsessed with the past and oblivious to the future…
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
Eye Opener , go back and look again. You are wrong. No one ‘stole’ the election, BUSH won. The votes were even counted by a liberal Miami news paper 2 years later and BUSH had more votes. What a loser to be complaining about an election in 2000.
By findog
November 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Truth, If you cut out all discretionary spending will you have a balanced budget? How did we get from having a problem with paying off the national debt too soon to wearing out the debt clock? How do you balance the budget? HOW without doing away with the misguided 2001 and 2003 tax cuts? And as far as military name one previous country that went to war and cut taxes? You can even choose from those that lost! Our armed forces were stretched to the limit because President Bush agreed to do it on the cheap, without overwhelming force. How can any republican claim to be pro military and have supported the pre-surge plan? And the surge, do you realize that it has to be temporary because so much of our material and manpower was wasted and destroyed by Bush’s decision to try to do Iraq on the cheap? And explain how the Taliban got back into the role of attacking our combat troops in Afghanistan; was it the war of choice in Iraq?
Truth you need a new handle, some thing like: * THE GULLIBLE *
By Jack Stilton
November 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I had no idea this country was that stupid. Bush was always the lesser of two evils, but God help us all now.
By JimC
November 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
It’s a sad day for this country when morons and deadbeats determine our future. So much for individual freedoms, individualism, and personal achievement.
Strap on your seatbelts as we start down a steep slope of decline. Look at France - that’s what we’ll be in a very few years of left-wing control.
By Russ
November 5, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
“The US hasn’t suffered a terrorist attack by al Qaeda since 9/11, but we’ll get at least one during Obama’s term.
Talk about un-American. What kind of ARSE would say such a thing”
Are you calling the new vice president an ARSE? He is the one who said it first, after all. On second thought, he is an arse, so we agree on that.
By JimC
November 5, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
It’s a sad day for this country when morons and deadbeats determine our future. So much for individual freedoms, individualism, and personal achievement.
Strap on your seatbelts as we start down a steep slope of decline. Look at France - that’s what we’ll be after a very few years of left-wing control.
By Layton
November 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Why are 8.5 out every 10 “OBAMANIACS” unable to speak or write in English?
No wonder they all worship someone who can “talk good” while essentially saying absolutely nothing.
By Algonquin J. Calhoun
November 5, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
The truth is president Gore was elected in 200 but George W. Hitler was selected by the Stoogepreme Court. Here’s hoping a world court will select him to stand trial for his many crimes against humanity!
By jim
November 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Incredible. You really think Newt is the answer? It is Newt who started this strident, partianship in the first place. His bomb throwing tactics in the 80s and early 90s caused the split. Repubs better get used to losing elections. As long as your message centers around fear mongering and trying to label the “other guy”, you lose. P.S. Please tell me why any minority should ever vote repub? I am white but get a clue - repubs are a nice white party with a very narrow message.
By TheBlogger
November 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
What will happen when Obama and the Democrats take office? The same thing that always happens when they take power from the Republicans….
They must spend the first few years cleaning up the mess that the Republicans have made. Eight years of the rich getting richer on the backs of the middle class. Eight years of failed foriegn policies. Eight years of deregulation that allowed the housing crisis and credit crisis. Yep - it will take at least 3 or so years to clean up this mess.
Clinton had to take a few years to clean up the mess from Republican years before him. After a few years of cleaning, he was finally able to do the right things. He balanced the budget. He built up a surplus in the National coffers. He strengthen social security and built up respect with our allies around the world. We had low interest rates, cheap gas, and plenty of good paying jobs.
I expect Obama will take a similar path. He first has to fix the huge mess left by the Republicans. Then, I hope that he fixes our failed health care system. Along the way, he will rebuild our political reputation around the world.
Funny thing, though. I betcha that many people will forget history and after Obama, elect another Republican. Their reasons will be some other scare tatic a Republican comes up with - those blacks, those gays, those jews, those welfare people, those “whatever”. Then the elected republican will again proceed to run this Country into the ground all the while waving the Stars and Stripes.
When will voters ever learn - especially in GA?
By I'm Confused
November 5, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
I was truly excited last night when a Obama Supporter was asked what type of Change would Obama bring. The young ladies reply was that Obama was going to provide free gas and payoff peoples home mortgages Sign me up!. However, in last nights Obamas victory speech he said there is a lot of hard work and sacrifice to be done by everyone which also it was going to be a long way there. Hard work? Its gonna be a long way and a long time? I didnt bargain for that! I want my free ride!
By Well JimC
November 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Well JimC the great thing about America is There are no border patrol agents to stop you from leaving!
America Love It or Leave It
You are more than welcome to leave my country at any time traitor!
By JimC
November 5, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
It’s a sad day for this country when morons and deadbeats determine our future. So much for individual freedoms, individualism, and personal achievement.
Strap on your seatbelts as we start down a steep slope of decline. Look at France - that’s what we’ll be after a very few years of left-wing control.
By Jim Smith
November 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
JimC, have you taken a look at French Women lately?
That Ameritrade Baby who rented the creepy clown with all his extra coin from all those trades he made? The Ameritrade Baby who tried to show us all how easy it was to trade stocks? Looks like the Ameritrade Baby brought Wall Street down.
Maybe the baby thought the bush base was yelling “Sell Baby Sell” instead of “Drill Baby drill.”
One thing about the campaign: How overly clever the GOP slogans were. “Nobama?” That’s so incredibly clever I thought the race was over. And “Drill Baby Drill”. That one should have cemented the GOP’s victory.
By Cornbread Fred
November 5, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Hey MM: corporations will raise prices and cut jobs with or without higher corporate taxes. Cindy: as is my patriotic duty, I also offer my support to our new President, as long as he doesn’t do anything really screwy. But don’t let the way he “lit up a crowd” sway you too much. A certain German with an ugly little moustache did the same thing very effectively about 70 years ago (no, I’m NOT comparing the two). Jessalyn and Dr. R: Thank you! Hey “Disappointed In Your Suggestion”: No divorcees? Who would serve? Someone without sin? That person hasn’t come back yet. Ragnar: can you explain (in 100,000 words or more) the essence of your conceptual continuity? And to those of you who can’t behave and must call names (“racist rednecks”, “stupid”, “nazi”, “socialist”, etc.) thank you for the entertainment. C’mon, Jim, they got lotsa Pabst Blue Ribbon at the Clermont Lounge!
By gerri
November 5, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I am personally disappointed in the election. BUT I must say we got what we deserved- an inept tax and spend democrat. We got what we deserved because we have gotten far away from our conservative principles. we are too busy trying to “define marriage” to realize that we are spending spending spending!! Republicans can no longer claim to be the party of limited government. The people can plainly see that. I voted for McCain but it was not a happy vote.
By WasillaThrilla heads back to the Alaskan villa
November 5, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks Dan,
Communist’s article must have been written by the GOP’s version of Nostadomeus. Half of his predictions are aleady true - brought on by GWB. They’re already revising history (of our future).
By Cindy
November 5, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Most of these inexperienced voters won’t inherit enough to be taxed. I know I didn’t nor will my young boys who voted for Obama.
Again, that is only for the rich to worry about; not the average hard working American.
By Jeffy
November 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
To Russ @ 4:31 PM
“The US hasn’t suffered a terrorist attack by al Qaeda since 9/11, but we’ll get at least one during Obama’s term.
Talk about un-American. What kind of ARSE would say such a thing”
Are you calling the new vice president an ARSE? He is the one who said it first, after all. On second thought, he is an arse, so we agree on that.
**VP Biden said the US would be TESTED with an international crisis. Just like Bush is TESTED (and fails) about every week by the likes of Putin invading Georgia, Chavez, Iraq, N Korea, China…
Is your head so far up your arse you don’t think there will be an international crisis?**
By Midori
November 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Why are 8.5 out every 10 “OBAMANIACS” unable to speak or write in English? No wonder they all worship someone who can “talk good” while essentially saying absolutely nothing.
Is that why you worship Bush the Moron?
Because he’s incapable of putting a complete sentence together?
I must say the hate on this thread is thoroughly satisfying.
And amusing.
Keep it up, losers.
America will be waiting for you when you decide to join the rest of the human race.
By Pano
November 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
I feel bad for President-Elect Obama.
Even though he won the 2008 US Presidential Election and valiantly attained one of the greatest political victories of all time by appealing to the most easily swayed, simple and uninformed among us with an ultra-superficial campaign theme, that great man still has to go home every night to that hideous, angry, ugly, nagging, militant, annoying, moody, unintelligent, gas-passing fleabag Michelle.
Bless Your Heart, BIG O!
If Bill Clinton could get some on the side, as well as under the desk, then you can, too, O-DAWG!
By Bo
November 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Ragnar:
“That’s what I am talkin about” @ 10:01 AM suggests you get your own column.
Actually, I think that’s a great idea, as I greatly enjoy your analysis and your polite demeanor, often in the face of mean-spiritedness and shallowness of thought.
Please, keep sharing.
By TechCrybaby
November 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Good message, Jim Wooten! Keep the faith. Another brass ring comes around in four years.
By lucylou
November 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Important quotes to remember:
“How can you say you love America when you clearly hate Americans?” I have never seen more hatred for Americans than than the current administration.
“Evil prevails when good men do nothing.” I have seen and heard republican after republican adopt, use, preach, and snort this saying when they were the evil doer all along.
“Yes we can!” And, YES WE DID!
By ncgreybr
November 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
Last night one party was held in a posh hotel with an “invitation only” guest list. The other party was held at a public park and was open to everyone.
Guess which one was Republican and which one was Democrat.
Could that be one of the reasons the voting went the way it did?
By THE TRUTH
November 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
findog, I never said that I was a Republican. Repubs have screwed a lot up too. I said that I was a conservative. BUSH is not a conservative. That’s why his approval rating is so low. I so get amusement out of the ‘GULLIBLE’ comment. This coming from someone who I suspect just voted for someone that says he never heard his preachers racist sermon in 20 years of going to church. Now THAT, my friends, is GULLIBLE. Got to go now. I work & need to get home before gas goes up. Maybe I can quit work, stay home & get a free check???
By ncgreybr
November 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Inheritance taxes in 2009 will be based at $3,500,000.00. Sorry if I’m not crying because you might have to pay something. I don’t live on that cul-de-sac.
By mm
November 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Come on cornbread fred, you have to know they will raise prices even higher and lay off even more workers - don’t you?
By Dusty
November 5, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Well, I have just come in but not cup runeth over, my heart is filled with joy, my hands are clapping!! Oh the wonder of it all.
OBAMA??? Who? Oh yeah, but I was talking about CAPTAIN FREEDOM. He’s gone!! He’s Gone!! No mo money from the Obama camp. He’s on his own. Yippee!! Come to think of it, I might miss him. Like shoes that don’t fit or something. If only he would take RedNeck. Oh well…
Do I support the President, of course. George W. Bush will be big time in history. I am just an early observer who knows the real thing.
Oh you mean Obama? Why sure. If he sticks to making pretty speeches he’ll be just fine. Maybe Condi will stick around and do the brain work. Dr. Sowell could do his writing. Maybe Jindal (R) who is a Rhodes Scholar (I think) could handle the across the aisle stuff for him. Let Biden walk the dog. And for goodness sake, get rid of that Congessional crew who would scare any voter into outer space.
OH Thanks, Jim Wooten for the fine piece. And, farewell and fine fight and speech, good hero McCain. You fought with honor.
Getting late. Oh.. Eating Crow aka Crow Bait..glad you keep up with my posts. Old hens like to “set* on things and ruffle their feathers now and then. Keep hatching and clearing out the craw. You’ll be in better spirits now. I feel mighty fine myself. Cheers!!
By citizen
November 5, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Newt? Newt who? Chicago politics has invaded the nations House. Quick, check out how Chicago has fared with these political leaders and we can see where this nation is headed.
By Chad Harris
November 5, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Let’s all get out and vote early to throw the insulting idiot who lies profusely Chambliss out on his fat butt.
Out of 3.7 million votes cast and with 96 percent of precincts reporting, the official count has Chambliss at 49.9 percent and Democratic challenger Jim Martin at 46.7 percent. A vote tally below 50 percent triggers an automatic runoff, according to state law.
Fulton’s votes are still being counted and Fulton ain’t votin’ heavily for draft dodger and resident chickensh*t Saxbutt Chambliss.
A hint: For any of you Rethugs who think the moron Sayruh will rise again, let it go. The most intelligent things said by anyone close will be said in videos of Tina Fey.
I can make it easy for you. No one with clout in the RNC is supporting her. 3/5 voters said short of a brain transplant she won’t be ready. I can help you there. Brain transplants aren’t compatible with a live patient, but you’re welcome to try if you can get the snowbilly family consent. Or you can freeze moron for a few hundred years and see if one is clinically possible then.
Let’s all get out and vote for Jim Martin next week.
By Where's My Welfare Check?
November 6, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
ncgreybr @ 5:06
I’d bet it’s because that’s where all the people live who voted Obama?
By Tom
November 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Still Newt? He probably will work well in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia for those folks born and raised in the South. Most of which think that a trip to a foreign place is going to Panama City, even with many of their sons and daughters in harms way. The World is a smaller place and, as we have seen, the far right side of Conservativism doesn’t accomplish any unity in the Nation or the World. Wake up and join in. We have a lot of work ahead of us to Make America what it once was again, and be able to rise to the challenges of the changing World.
By catlady
November 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama has won the right to pursue his agenda.
Actually, Obama has won the right to pursue the agenda of most of the American people! Those with middle class incomes, at least, who have been stepped on for the last 8 years to pay the bills so the haves can continue to have more.