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Breaking News
The Future of the Right
A report from Thursday’s gathering of conservative leaders in the Virginia countryside on the future of the movement.
About two-dozen conservative leaders met today at the Stanley, Virginia home of Media Research Center President Brent Bozell in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains to discuss conservatism’s future in the wake of Tuesday’s election results.
TAS Publisher Al Regnery and editor in chief R. Emmett Tyrrell were on hand, along with leaders from policy groups and grassroots organizations representing each pillar of the conservative coalition, from Christian conservatives to libertarians, and everybody in between.
“As the afternoon went on, it didn’t take long for attendees to become resolute in their resistance to moderates and to the opinion that the conservative movement will become the opposition to Obama,” Tyrrell said.
One attendee said, “We’re no longer going to support Republicans who want to ‘improve’ a bad bill. We’re going to oppose all bad bills.”
Morton Blackwell of the Leadership Institute, Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, Leonard Leo of the Federalist Society, pollster Kellyanne Conway, and direct mail guru Richard Viguerie were among those present.
The meeting began at 11 this morning and adjourned at around 4 p.m.
There’s a strong feeling, Tyrrell said, that social conservatives, free market conservatives, and national security conservatives will all be able to work together.
He also said that “there’s a sense that the Republicans on Capitol Hill are freer of wobbly-kneed Republicans than they were before the election.”
Regnery said, “The consensus was that this was not a mandate for Democrats, that this country is still center-right. The overriding fear was that the Republican Party does not represent conservatives,” and there was a desire to get behind genuinely conservative candidates.
Much of the discussion focused on taxes, spending, judges, values issues and how libertarians and social conservatives could work together.
Looking back at the campaign, they felt that John McCain wasn’t really a conservative, and that Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber were the two best things that happened because of the way they connected with people.
Although polls show that “conservative” is a more popular word than “Republican,” it turns out that “Democrat” is a more popular description than “liberal,” and the sentiment was that tougher language needed to be used to define Barack Obama and other Democrats as liberals.
Regnery thought it was significant that “two days after the election, conservative leaders took the day off in order to start the process of putting together an agenda for where we go in a couple of years.”
In the coming months, there will be follow-up gatherings in different locations to chart the path forward.
About the Author
Philip Klein is The American Spectator’s Washington correspondent. You can follow him on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/Philipaklein
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John| 11.6.08 @ 4:59PM
I am so glad that conservatives are planning action to oppose all bad bills. It's about time. I am so sick of RINO's and "moderates". If you're going to be a conservative then stand up, state your principles, and draw a line in the sand. The people have always responded to conservative ideas in a positive way.
jr| 11.6.08 @ 5:05PM
Hopefully this will start something anew. Times have changed, the Demos are with the current technology and the Repubs are still singing the same songs as long ago. Reagan will not work for them now. Wars are not for us unless they are outwardly provoked, unlike Bush's Iraq war. We should not stand up for the UN unless the other major nations in the world are leading. Europe's skirmishes are for Europe, not us. Get out of Korea, let it defend itself. And you people who have some influence had better get the border plugged in some manner. More aliens, more Demo votes -- comprende?
sre| 11.6.08 @ 5:16PM
I don't think DailyKos or MoveOn are feeling like they overplayed their hand.
So why is it we conservatives always worry about it?
Let's consider this liberation from the McCains, Doles, Bushes, Spectors, Collins, etc. I mean, what did all that get us anyway?
WilliamInWien| 11.6.08 @ 5:36PM
Something like "I would rather be right than president"? Well, that may be the case unless there is a true and effective "outreach" by conservatives to communicate their message to young voters and newly registered voters by young conservatives and moderates. And, you do not start before the elections, you are on it 24/7. Otherwise, continue your mountain retreats!
Michigan-Matt| 11.6.08 @ 5:39PM
I hope those "conservative leaders" keep in mind that it wasn't the influence of Liddy Dole or Linc Chaffee or some other now-conveniently labeled "moderate" that brought the GOP the largest defeat in history and installed the most liberal, most partisan, most progressive government in American history.
It was the corrupting influence of conservatives like Tom Delay, Duke Cunningham, Denny Hastert, Rick Santorum, sexy Larry Craig, Brownback, Lott, Thune, Hatch, Bennett and the rest of those now-forgotten corrupt conservatives.
The first thing the group of self-appointed conservative leaders SHOULD have agreed on is that American conservatism -as a movement- is on the stretcher and nearly comatose. If it's going to succeed, it needs to embrace the GOP and all forms of political activism, stop the assine political purity tests, drop the nonsense about RINOs "did it to us" and accept fair blame for the mess they made while in control of the WH, the Courts, the Congress and talk radio.
Honesty begins a rebuilding process --not self deception.
Conservatives got us into this mess and the GOP needs to kick the social conservatives to the curb and begin building anew with a base of fiscal conservatives, strong natl defense, moderates and appeal directly to independents... if we don't, we might as well drudge up Tom Delay and make him Party spokesman...
Captain America| 11.6.08 @ 5:51PM
Not sure of the significance of this group or any equivalent groups for that matter. What? Are the millions of conservatives suppose to defer to this mob as to the direction of the party?
Sounds like a bunch of grandees.
George Bruce| 11.6.08 @ 6:08PM
Hopefully it does not need to be said that when some leftist advises us to "....kick the social conservatives to the curb...." he or she is not sincere about wanting to help the Republican Party.
Elaine Niederquell| 11.6.08 @ 6:23PM
It seems we need to start thinking of a new party, one that is truly conservative and focused on making America the truly great country she was. We need to fight the policies of the new regime that is pushing us into Socialism, we need to start as soon as we can, every day that we do not precious time is lost. What can we do as conservatives to start this process?
Louis Jenkins| 11.6.08 @ 7:14PM
It's high time Conservatives develop a backbone, stop appeasing the moderates, kick those on the fence off, and ignore the party segment that reaches across the aisle. It only serves to water down the Conservative purpose. Return to the core values that made this nation what it is: God, Family, the Constitution, and Work!! Too long our Republican leaders have "tried to get along" with the other guys. Do they return the favor? It's 48 hours past hand wringing time. Get some grit in 'yer craw.' There's work to be done and a Nation to be saved!
Ran| 11.6.08 @ 7:34PM
"In the coming months, there will be follow-up gatherings in different locations to chart the path forward. "
With due respect, that is a lot of bravo sierra. Palin and Joe neither were part of the Conservative elite, and yet, as noted, they lead the charge in this contest. Indeed, they were the only two on our side in the race.
The point being, this re-volution will be lead from the bottom up. "Pundits" and boffos and elites who compromise on freedom and the constitution will be ignored or tossed under the bus with Brooks, Will & Company.
Charlie Henry Duckett| 11.6.08 @ 7:55PM
Right on !! Sara Palen energized me for the republican side, until the shit heads in the McCain camp silenced her. We need to know who the true conservatives are and who are RINO's.
Howard| 11.6.08 @ 8:11PM
While I agree we need to have solid conservative principles, and define them correctly, I do have a problem with total exclusion of "moderates". The Republican Party has been decimated in New England and the Northeast. We are becoming a South East and some South West party. We need to find a way to develop a "conservative light" philosophy that is not RINO or the old "Rockefeller" GOP. But Jesse Helms will not win in New Jersey. We need to provide a multi-state force. One reason Obama won was he had a huge number of non-competitive for us Blue States. He was able to fight on our turf. In the future we need to have the liberals fight in New Jersey, etc. We need 270 Electoral Votes, and that means being strong all across the country.
Quartermaster| 11.6.08 @ 8:36PM
To see that Norquist was present is disgusting. He was one of the drivers behind immigration treason (also known as amnesty) and part of the problem this year. Immigration was the huge elephant in teh room, and both Obama and McCain avoided it like the plague.
Norquist is one those faux Reps that needs to be told to get behind those thibgs good for the country, or like McCain and other RINOS, to take a hike and don't let the door knob hit you on the way out.
DJ| 11.6.08 @ 8:50PM
The republican party needs to sort its self out, sooner rather than later.
The party needs to decide if it's the party of low taxes and less government, or the party of morality crusaders and foriegn interventionists,.
Under the Bush regime government spending and debt exploded in a way we havn't seen since LBJ's "great society" and vietnam war.
Bush had a republican congress for 6 years. He had ample oppurtunity to push through a low tax and spending less intrusive agenda. And what did he do instead??? He spent more money than anyone ever before. The money he couldn't borrow he printed, watering down the money we all have. He gave 700 billion of our hard earned dollars to the companies that made the bad descions that put us in this mess. He stole our civil liberties with the "patriot act" and FISA. He started a war based on dog crap without a decleration from the congress.
And you wonder why a freakin commie kicked your butts on tuesday???
Republicans need to get it together before they lose all of their support to the constitution and libertarian parties.
Michigan-Matt| 11.6.08 @ 9:06PM
George Bruce, with all due respect, you're as big an ass as other social cons I've met in my 30+ yrs of working for GOP majorities in Michigan. For the record, Ronald Reagan never wanted your type in the GOP and I worked with Bush 41 forces in the 80s to try to keep you troglodytes locked in the ancient sea beds.
"Leftist"? Right, you narrow-minded nativist, racist neanderthal pig.
Oregon-Steve| 11.6.08 @ 11:00PM
"About two-dozen conservative leaders met today at the Stanley, Virginia home of Media Research Center President Brent Bozell in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains to discuss conservatism's future in the wake of Tuesday's election results." Yes, well, very nice. It sounds like a bunch of GOP (mostly D.C.?) insiders meeting close to D.C. in a formerly red state that just turned blue, wringing their hands about what just happened.
"In the coming months, there will be follow-up gatherings in different locations to chart the path forward." It is to be hoped that to such follow-up gatherings you might think about inviting some "Joe-the-plumber" GOP and even potential GOP conservatives who are not insiders. Until the party learns how to connect with such and speak as and to such, its future looks pretty dim. Such a move might even lead to the discovery that there are, actually, some rather intelligent and wise folk in fly over country who know how to connect with all other folk.
Until then, remember: repetitio mater studiorum est. If the same disconsolate group gathers in November of '12, perhaps this will make more sense.
Margie| 11.6.08 @ 11:12PM
I have voted either conservative or republican since 1960 & I am totally disgusted with the way the Delay etc republican crowd acted in congress.
Am I angry........I sure am!!!
First of all conservatives need to start with the youth by better educating them in the school systems. Start building databases where you can contact conservatives & ask them their opinions on bills in congress.
I agree w/one of the above bloggers about immigration. I will not forgive Bush or McCain for trying to push through legislation behind the voters backs. Now hispanics are even more angry at us when this should have been handled in a more professional way (not tried to be shuffed down our throats).
Starting right now, let's plan ahead for 2013 to help develop better leaders that truly represent how real American's (i.e. Sara Palin, Joe the Plumber) truly think. Most of us do not have a lot of money & struggle from day to day and want a better America for future generation.
This elitist attitude of the wealthy controlling the country, big business & wastefully spending our money is so anti-American (sickens most of us).
We need a new younger generation of fiscal conservatives (that are not mean spirited).
High School & College students could volunteer in local libraries to help people help themselves or tutor children in reading & history.
Sorry for rambling but we need to help young people to understand how government works because teachers or the press are not doing their job.
DaveinPhoenix| 11.6.08 @ 11:29PM
"The first thing the group of self-appointed conservative leaders SHOULD have agreed on is that American conservatism -as a movement- is on the stretcher and nearly comatose. If it's going to succeed, it needs to embrace the GOP and all forms of political activism, stop the assine political purity tests, drop the nonsense about RINOs "did it to us" and accept fair blame for the mess they made while in control of the WH, the Courts, the Congress and talk radio. "
WRONG. American Republican politicians are on the stretcher and nearly comotose - not the "go to work, do the right things in life, make good decisions, Conservatives."
As far as blame goes: the whole mortgage mess completed the destruction. And plenty of Dems had their hands in on that one. How about an equal amount of responsibility for the freedoms we enjoy ? Blame ? Everyone involved. Led by politicians on the left and right, financed by business, and joined by hundreds of thousands of irresponsible American idiots and house flippers. Will there ever be a point in modern American history where American citizens accept responsibility for their actions ? Probably not....easier and less guilt to blame Conservatives while suggesting they save their party by trading ideals for pats on the back from Dems. The fight is on.
Robert Daniels| 11.7.08 @ 1:14AM
This post gives me pause. All of this hardline talk is quite invigorating, but Republicans must come to grips with the fact that they have all but abandoned the Northeast, and are on their way to giving away the Midwest too. It's fine to reaffirm the commitment to conservative principles, but it sounds like this will be a very small party. I'd recommnend remembering the core principles that unite the party, and bringing back Mr. Reagan's big tent ...
Alex | 11.7.08 @ 1:50AM
The GOP lost because it has abandoned the principles that made our party great, real conservative principles that Ronald Reagan championed and that many of the current so-called faithful conservatives have totally abandoned. We should stop distorting Reagan's record. President Reagan was not a hatemonger, nativist, anti-immigration, anti-free trade, populist kind of "conservative." He was a REAL CONSERVATIVE who believed in freedom above all.
Freedom is the pillar of conservatism, not hate and division. The GOP should go back to its Reagan roots of free enterprise, strong defense, individual freedom and tolerance.
ECM| 11.7.08 @ 2:05AM
Would you please stop with calling those that are against ILLEGAL-immigration "nativists", etc. NOBODY in the R party is against LEGAL immigration--why so many of you insist that because we believe in the rule of law and that there are serious downsides (socially and economnically) to massive, un-checked, illegal immigration makes us a bunch of bigots or nativists need to stop with the smears that are more at home with the KOS crowd than honest conservatives.
Michigan-Terry| 11.7.08 @ 5:54AM
Good job, Michigan-Matt. You did well in your “30+ yrs of working for GOP majorities in Michigan.” Can we say, Carl Levin? Or maybe, John Dingell and John Conyers? Perhaps Jennifer Granholm? Or how about Debbie Stabenow? Ooops! Sorry! Those are leftist Democrats. Ooops! Sorry, again! Can’t use the word “leftist” in the presence of Michigan-Matt. He might get offended and call me names.
C’mon, dude. When’s the last time Michigan had a GOP Senator? Or even a good conservative GOP candidate to run for Senator? Not in your 30+ years, Michigan-Matt. Can’t wait to see the moderate candidate the GOP will run against Debbie Stabenow in 2012. And how effective have Michigan’s GOP congressional members been? What a joke!
Guess all social conservatives should just be kicked “to the curb” and make room for folks like you to continue the pitiful job that you’ve been doing with steadily decreasing competence for 30+ years.
grouper| 11.7.08 @ 7:33AM
Policies are important but something must be done about open primaries. "Independents" skewing the choice creates a nebulous message.
Reed| 11.7.08 @ 7:51AM
Conservatisim is goof enough that we can be right AND hold the presidency AND a majority in both houses AND the judicial bench.
It is time to stop agreeing with the moderate argument that there is a discrepency between principle and pragments. The way to secure the center is not to dilute conservate principles with moderate (liberal-lite) principles. Rather the way to achieve this is to communicate better - speak persuasively to the voters' deepest needs and desires; and then when we win to rule effectively and fulfill our promises.
Is this not what Reagan did? Shoot, he even managed to do it with a whole flock of mod-reps continualy messing up the lawn.
Texas John| 11.7.08 @ 8:57AM
Instead of arguing about who should be in or out of the republican party and trying to lay the blame. Why don't we start by setting the standards which we want the party to adhere to, then those that can't live with those standards will move on by their own choice.
One of the places to start is to get out the constitution and reading it. Once you have a thorough understanding of the rights granted to the federal government, the state government and reserved to the people then you can probably oppose most bad bills and expenditures because they are unconstitutional.
If our "leaders" can't follow the constitution (ex the bailout, education, Social Security, and the thousands of other laws and programs which violate the constitution) then we will continue to be rudderless and on the outside looking in.
Anthony| 11.7.08 @ 9:16AM
Lead on Captains, lead on. The rank and file are firmly behind you.
Cathy| 11.7.08 @ 9:25AM
Robert Daniels is right. This is no time to shrink the tent. We lost Virginia, Florida and North Carolina, folks! However, having a big tent means that all members of the party have to compromise. It also means we have to have a leader who can unite the disparate elements of the party, as Reagan was able to do. Hint: this will not be Sarah Palin. Take a look at the polls, and tell me that she didn't help us lose some formerly red states. Let's take another look at Mitt Romney.
DanGeorgia| 11.7.08 @ 9:30AM
It's pretty sad when a plumber from Ohio can articulate what I believe better than the Republican presidential nominee.
Conservatism is not the problem. The problem is finding a candidate who can articulate what conservatism means and how it can benefit us in our daily lives.
Also, I'm sick and tired of candidates who campaign on tax cuts. I use to get excited about them, but not anymore. Everytime I hear a candidate promise a tax cut my eyes glaze over. We had two candidates during this election cycle arguing over whose tax cut was better. What a joke. The problem with tax cuts is that they can get reversed. The best way to get a broad swath of voters from all parties energized, is to talk about tax reform.
I found it amusing how conservative talk radio and the republican elites chalked up Mike Huckabee's strength in the primaries to evangelicals. They were totally oblivious to the FairTax issue which Huckabee campaigned hard on. Apparently the Republican party has no clue how much grass root support there is from all demographic groups for tax reform such as the FairTax. It's an issue that brings together business owers, plumbers, truck drivers, young people, old people, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians and Independents.
The FairTax is the ultimate conservative idea because it would create the biggest shift of power back to the people from Washington DC in the history of our Republic.
quickjustice| 11.7.08 @ 9:50AM
Although I like some of them personally, most of these people no longer deserve to be conservative leaders for the reasons stated here:
http://thenextright.com/jon-henke/republicans-deserved-to-lose
Conservative in Florida| 11.7.08 @ 10:40AM
Sunset in America - The Abandoning of Reagan by the Republican Party
At least that's how it feels to me ... when our values and core beliefs are marginalized and belittled by the leaders in our own party, then we have nowhere left to go. The Republican Party has abandoned its core in the name of "political expediency" and "bi-partisanship". And where has it gotten us? Kicked to the curb in the last election, that's where.
So, going forward, what do we do? We roll up our sleeves and get back to work. Sarah Palin showed us that our core values, principles and beliefs are valid and are still the over-riding values shared by the majority of this great nation. We need Conservative candidates nation-wide who will champion our values and principles, and not shrink in the glare of the MSM spotlight when they are challenged. We need to focus on educating our fellow citizens in the inner cities nation-wide about the lifestyle benefits of Conservatism, and how conservative values and principles are the real hope for all who want a better life for themselves and their children.
Next, close our primaries so that Liberals and Independents don't end up selecting our candidates for us in the future.
Third, demand honor, integrity and strength of conviction from all of our remaining Republican office-holders, and from future candidates as well. If Sarah Palin and "Joe the Plumber" showed us anything, it should be that the American people will respond to people who are genuine and sincere, who's character and beliefs are self-evident.
The Republican Party needs new leadership ... leaders who will champion the ideals and values that have made this country the greatest hope of people across the globe. New energized young warriors who will take up the fight for God, life and freedom from oppression. Leaders who will champion the ideals of hard work and a strong business environment. Leaders who will carry the task of educating the people in the inner cities about the values of achievement and personal accomplishments. Leaders who will work to overcome the stigmatism associated with being "Conservative".
If our party can find such individuals of character and integrity, then we have a chance to reclaim the legacy of Reagan. If not ... sleep tight!
Jim,MtnViewCA,USA| 11.7.08 @ 11:01AM
A humorous take on the conservative conclave is on the 2nd page of this article by Josh Trevino.
http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/3626
Carolina Charlie| 11.7.08 @ 4:51PM
The conservative ideas and values are just as relavent today as they have always been. What the Republicans need is an "articulate spokesman". Someone that can speak to the grand ideas and not get bogged down in the "numbers". Where are the leaders of conservatism in the Party of Lincoln? We have plenty of leadership on the airways, but where are the real conservative polictical leaders? Until they make their voices heard around this nation we are all "spitting in the wind".
montana john| 11.7.08 @ 5:51PM
I marvel at the Republican vitriol--everythiing from Obama is a Communist to McCain is a RINO to the mainstream media is why we lost. As an Independent, one of those in the middle, I tell Conservatives this: Quit driving an agenda that focuses on gay marriage andabortion rights and focus upon issues that are the bedrock of America. People are concerned about Jobs, they are concerned about education (not the "intelligent design" type), and they want an America that offers opportunity for all. If you think you will save the Republican Party and attract younger voters to your tent by hate- and fear-mongering, then keep on truckin'. The majority of Americans, and certainly the vast majority of "Independents" could care less about your socially moralistic agenda. So, I offer you either good luck or good riddance.
DJ| 11.7.08 @ 6:09PM
Well said Montana John!
If you want a government that stays out of your bedroom and your wallet you've got to go libertarian these days.
BD57| 11.7.08 @ 6:52PM
The people griping about "social conservatism" .....
please.
Gay marriage & abortion weren't at the "core" of McCain's campaign. To the extent his campaign had a theme at all, it was "it's a dangerous world and Obama's a rookie."
In short, Michigan-Matt ... McCain ran a campaign about as friendly to your biases and prejudices as you could ask for & he still lost.
As for those of you who describe Republicans as "hate and fear mongers" .... you're describing yourself with that language, not Republicans.
Always nice to hear the conceit of those who presume to speak for all of America, though. *snort*
McCain lost for a very simple reason - neither President Bush nor Republican performance in Congress gave voters a reason to elect him.
Congressional Republicans chose to make themselves poor imitations of Democrats on spending issues, thereby giving up the "fiscal responsibility" argument. Intent on retaining power, they engaged in every corruption one could imagine, from earmarks to refusing to police their own (Foley, Craig, et al.), thus surrendering any claim to be the "ethical" party.
And then there's the President - many sound decisions, way too little interest in defending them.
McCain had very little to work with to begin with.
"Ted Agnew"| 11.7.08 @ 9:56PM
Shrub proved just how important communication and the ability to articulate an idea is if conservativism is to succeed. On such issues as drilling/energy and taxes Shrub was right, but was a pathetic horrible communicator. Beyond that the Reagan playbook has been abandoned, the playbook that took landslide wins and swept Democrats our way.
Its simple, FREEDOM and LIMITED SMALL GOVERNMENT.
As for social conservatives how about more emphasis on changing our rout gut pop culture WITHOUT government intervention? How about POSITIVE alternatives to abortion such as greater incentives for adoption? How about pointing out EXTREME leftist loon views on it such as parental notification?
I debate libs all the time and I notice they have a real phobia about the religious right. I say we emphasize those good cultural conservative ideas in citizen activist sort of ways rather than by government mandates. Anyway, did 6 years of GOP rule stop our rot gut pop culture, etc? NO!
But lets keep it real. It always comes down to one thing, "The Economy, Stupid!" The ironic thing is that the left is far more responsible for our economic problems than the right, and yet again COMMUNICATION failed on this.
I am so glad McCain lost. He gave us the finger for over a decade and I particularly love how he was annihilated by his "base" in the Lapdog Lying Liberal Full Court Press and by his own retarded campaign finance laws and Nobama saturated the air with ads 24/7.
Let's communicate FREEDOM in a positive way, you know, the REAGAN PLAYBOOK!
KY - Pat| 11.8.08 @ 12:17AM
All these blogs are interesting and there are several proposals about what we need to do in light of the Nov. 4th vote and how to get out of this morass in which we find ourselves.
I wish someone who is a true blue conservative (maybe a former office holder) from the mid-west, the southern plains, or the South would start a new .org organization (possibly even incorporate it with a small group of like-minded conservatives) and ask for contributions to fund opposition to the flurry of left-wing legislation we are bound to see in the coming months.
Come up with a spiffy name for the new organization and issue membership cards so we can brag that we are card-carrying members of a pro-America, low tax, free market, against lax immigration laws, etc. organization.
There are two Constitutional amendments I would like to see us start pushing now even if it takes 10 to 20 years to win. The first is a change in the Const. that defines who is an American citizen. It should be made more difficult to be a citizen. The second proposed amendment would make a change regarding the appointment of federal judges. I think fed. judges and justices on the Supreme Court should be appointed for a term of 10 years. People live longer than they did in 1789 and I see no reason why a Justice should get a lifetime appointment.
The new organ. should encourage its members to run for Congress and help support (with publicity and funds) those who make the decision to enter the fray. My democratic congressman this year had token opposition from a Rep. who had no money and was very soft on immigration reform (his position was about the same as the Dem.).
Someone with the time, money, and organizational skills needs to start such a new organization. I like to think there are lots of Sarah's and Joe's out here (moose hunters, plumbers, retirees, etc.) who aren't grandees of the Party or millionaires that just want to win elections and get our country back on track with Republicans who will vote and fight for smaller government, balanced budgets, a more simplified tax code, tighter controls on immigration, and ending the abomination of partial-birth abortions, etc.
Where is the Moses who will lead us out of the wilderness??
Michael| 11.8.08 @ 2:42AM
Conservatives must launch an "intellectual insurgency" like Buckley et al. did in the 1950s.
Kathy | 11.8.08 @ 10:03AM
I like the idea submitted by KY - Pat. I have been thinking along the same lines. I do not care for "reformed" anything, such as a "reformed" Republican Party. In my bool "reformation" is a word that connotes patchwork, and I don't think patchwork is the answer for two reasons: it doesn't inspire the necessary incentive and there is too much disagreement about what to reform. I am a retired and healthy 69 year old widow. My profession was nursing, my hobby is music. I have time and I have some organizational skills, and I would love to work on something like KY-Pat suggests, but I don't believe I have the capabilities required to administer such a thing. Sure wish some of us could get together to work on something because I am severing ties with the Republican Party because it has orphaned me. I don't really subscribe to any party currently available that I know about. I think the Constitutional Party comes closer, yet I'm not in total agreement with it either. I don't agree with the Libertarian Party. We need a Conservative Party.
Liz Rogers| 11.8.08 @ 10:07AM
Government has expanded its spending under Bush as property taxes have doubles and local and sales tax has gone up as well. Where are the fiscal conservatives in local government? War and free market economies are obviously not going to sell as a philosophy at this time, so focus on local government and their spending habits...
Eric Terwilliger| 11.8.08 @ 8:38PM
Thank goodness for the attendee who said we will not support bad bills any longer. Lets get a real conservative group together to lead us into 2010 and then into 2012. If we have candidates who are conservatives and not just aisle crossers the American people will support them. The public question votes in California proves that. When we do get into office and more importantly if we have control of Congress we must do the right thing and not grow government number one and actually cut waste number two. There has to be a way to reduce the size of gov. without affecting the economy (gov worker layoffs) and keep essential services for people who need them. Lets start formulating these policies now and have everyone on the same page so we are a united front wherever we are in power.
C. Bensing| 11.8.08 @ 9:36PM
When conservatives talk about kicking Rino's and moderates to the curb they're not trying to exclude anyone. What they're trying to do is keep these people from running the party. If you're a conservative than don't vote for a moderate or Rino. Don't let them set policy, don't let them run for office. If Independents and others want to join the conservatives they will. Its happened before it will happen again. You just don't start out with their ideas representing the Republican party. There were many Democrats that crossed over to vote for Reagen but he didn't water down his message so they would join. Who said anyone has to be excluded, you just don't pretend they are the face of conservatism. No one needs to be excluded unless they don't agree then its their choice not to be included. If you don't think that there are people of color that agree with conservatism you are mistaken. If you think that conservative values aren't important than you aren't talking to the 57 million voters that voted for Palin.
CB
Savymedia| 11.8.08 @ 11:46PM
So do we just sit back and let ACORN and moveON.org take over? No.
1. Identify and define these groups to the public.
2. Penetrate their organizations with "volunteers"/monitors.
3. Penetrate networks to monitor/counter/neutralize.
3. Identify and target heads of their organization and front groups.
4. Make the ones in political positions known to public and identify them with their theft and corruption of the political process.
4. Eliminate the heads.
5. Return true one man/one vote to the people
People we are in a war. These people are not that
differetn from the jihadist we face. They both believe the ends justify the means. Who is going
to fight them? The Obama Justice Department?
Mark Cure| 11.9.08 @ 1:47AM
All of the Social Cons I know are also Fiscal Cons...drop the Social Cons and they WILL stay home. Bye Bye Red South! I think that would be about the stupidest thing you could do.
ReadyToWin| 11.9.08 @ 9:10AM
Whatever the focus, whatever the plan...It needs to happen concurrently with the inauguration. A tremendous amount of damage can be done by the Obamites in two years; depending upon their course and speed of implementation, it can take years to recover. Time is of the essence!
Ripper| 11.9.08 @ 6:56PM
Purity Of Essence.
CoachJ| 11.10.08 @ 10:23PM
Conservatives will rise from the ashes of the Moderate Republican Party.
I voted for Palin, not ModCain.
I voted against the Obamanation.
We will rise again, you bethca!
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The American Conservative » Conservative Cocktail Party links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
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