The American Spectator : The House That Hannity Built

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The House That Hannity Built

By Jeffrey Lord on 11.16.10 @ 6:09AM

Sean Hannity takes on GOP wobblies. From Conservative Victory to conservative challenge.

"Remember, George, this is no time to go wobbly."
-- Margaret Thatcher to George H.W. Bush,
August 3, 1990 on the eve of the Gulf War

You might call it The House that Hannity Built.

That House. The soon-to-be Republican majority U.S. House of Representatives.

Yes, absolutely, there were a few others involved in this accomplishment. A few millions of others, to be precise. The men and women of the Tea Party, the grass roots, rank-and-file Americans who took the heat, who did the work, who organized, marched, rallied and knocked on doors and called and e-mailed their friends and neighbors. Needless to say, Speaker-to-be John Boehner and all manner of House Republicans and their teams glimpsed victory and worked hard for it.

But on January 3rd 2010 that victory was nowhere in sight. To the contrary, there were news stories out there that reported the National Republican Congressional Committee was struggling, and that "financial woes are dimming the GOP's bright prospects of making major gains in the House."

One month later, on February 3, the Washington Post ran this headline:

Sean Hannity to address Republican fundraiser

Fifty days later, the morning after the talk radio star and Fox commentator made his appearance at that fundraiser for the NRCC, the group was counting up a massive $8 million dollar cash infusion thrust at them by Hannity admirers who swarmed the Republican congressional dinner to hear Hannity's conservative message in person -- and donate to House GOP campaigns. Within days the money was being pumped into anemic campaigns across the country.

Result?

A 60-plus seat sweep in the House, abruptly ending Nancy Pelosi's tenure as Speaker and sending some of the most powerful of the chamber's Democrats into retirement.

Now, a bare two weeks after the conservative landslide, the author of Conservative Victory: Defeating Obama's Radical Agenda, the man who dedicated two years worth of his life to engineering what he called the "Stop Obama/Pelosi Express" with spectacular success is, to the fury of his critics, not about to go wobbly now.

Washington, the city with a pungent reputation for changing outsiders into go-along-insiders, is being flooded with enthusiastic, Hannitized House Republicans -- many of them freshly elected after appearing on either or both of Hannity's highly-rated radio and television shows.

Meanwhile, Hannity himself is already moving the next train out of the station. Steaming down the political tracks to the 2012 conservative future.

The Stop Obama Express is now rolling. And, to the delight of many conservatives, Hannity has no stops planned at stations named "Earmarks," "Backtrack," "Tweak" or "Forget We Said This."

THE FIRST RESULTS of Hannity's 2010 efforts were visible immediately. As the new class of House Republicans gathered in Washington, Speaker-to-be Boehner came out for an end to earmarks, the grossly exploited Congressional privilege that had infamously led to the Alaska "Bridge to Nowhere." Having repeatedly called for an end to earmarks, Hannity had been typically blunt about the subject in his book, which was released a week after his appearance at the NRCC fundraiser:

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About the Author

Jeffrey Lord is a former Reagan White House political director and author. He writes from Pennsylvania at jlpa1@aol.com.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (140) | Leave a comment

Kenny| 11.16.10 @ 7:03AM

Sean is aces.

And the historic GOP landslide and the rise of the Tea Party shows the power of talk radio -- and not just Sean but all the others, too, like Rush, Laura, Levin, Beck, Quinn, Mike Gallagher, etc.

Michael L. Hauschild| 11.16.10 @ 8:22AM

Coulter had these people figured out years ago; she and Rush, her with the literary market and Rush with the airtime have led the resurgence.

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 10:36AM

Coulter nails it every time.

Simon Templar| 11.16.10 @ 11:37AM

Not when she supported and continues to support RINO, Mitt Romney.

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 12:14PM

I stand corrected.
Thank you.

Margie| 11.16.10 @ 1:00PM

Actually I think she was backing Romney at the time when everybody else dropped out of the race except McCain and him.

Who did they prefer her back? Obama?

This is the problem with some.. that they do not consider this to be doing the right thing.

chris| 11.16.10 @ 1:30PM

the choice was romney or mccain. i will take romney anytime over mcain. romeny is competent, smart, and did not consider running in 2004 as vp with john kerry.

gym| 11.17.10 @ 2:38PM

Huckabee won some states, and overall was second in obtaining delegates from the 2008 primaries / caucus. Huckabee also spent less during the campaign, and was more efficient ($ spent / delegate ) than the other top 3 candidates.

gym| 11.17.10 @ 9:46PM

So, for chris to summarize the crowded GOP field in 2008 as the choice only being romney or mccain - is overlooking some information.

Since Huckabee was overall second, with less expenditure than the 1st / 3rd place comrades - it could cause to one to wonder if just maybe there was relatively less shallow hype, and perhaps more proven genuine substance being seen by voters - as a part of the vetting process by 'we the people' in the caucus / primaries.
Is that real process, and truth seeking o.k. to occur in the GOP?
Or is it the 'money', or media favoritism / perception that some want (which fades over time)?

Jack reylan| 12.6.10 @ 9:00PM

We need to apply the same rules from banking and finance to university research grants, trial lawyers, and union funds. Defeated plaintif attorneys should be subject to victorious defendent's malpractice suits. Professors molest more youth than clergy do. Privatize the university-grants complex (NSF, NIH, NOAA, NASA, NIST, NEH, NEA) so corporations may own univerity patents. Deport foreign born Obama voters for sedition .Blame professulas whose posh pensions graze on stumbent loan interest from vacuous degrees in basket weaving commie nutty organizing. Turn grant grubbing blatherers into fuel, especially perverts like mayor crotch who gas for obsama zbin biden. Your islamosympathic gutterswabbing clothing and pierced privates spread disease. If you weren't such baby killing, vermin snuggling perverts you wouldn't be driving up our health costs, then collecting disability for your commie nutty organizing dementia. Your passive aggressive labor unions grab our guns, cars (congestion pricing), balls (SONDA), wallets, and homes but we will grab your throats and dang you from trailer bone tolls. Apply Sarbanes Oxley to non-profits! Repeal the sixteenth amendment before any VAT. All the homeless are drugged out hippies. Second Amendment is the ONLY Homeland Security. Wait until we waste all your stumbent subprimes, so you need to sell your affectation glutton art and work instead of diverting tuition and Y2K scams to soviet freezeniks! Deport for multiple visits to same country. If you controlled your own pension neither your boss nor the government could abuse it. Lynch soviet wealth fund abetting aghadhimmic peakies when oil plummets! Parasites complain about salaries but pig out with benefits. Global warming is a grant grubbing extortion racket. Urban sprawl annoys terrorists. Hazards and pollution stem mostly from mandates. Aqua volte! This land wasn't build by bullocraps.

Alan Brooks| 11.17.10 @ 1:27AM

Hannity is a lousy Rush imitator.

Shirley| 11.17.10 @ 10:36AM

You poor thing, you have no idea what is going on in the U.S. These people keep us informed and up to date on current events. You pobably voted for that loser Obama. Wake up and see the real world

Sandy| 11.16.10 @ 7:44AM

Hannity was great when he had some of the lesser known candidates on his radio show, which gave them a wide audience to get their message out. I was saddened to see Ruth McClung lose her race, but, hope she stays with it and runs again in 2012. She needs to keep her name out there. There are many others that need to be patient, and run again. Reagan didn't win his first election either.

One small gripe about Hannity, I wish he would not give so much air or TV time to Karl Rove. He did more to damage and destroy O'Donnell's chances than anyone. Rove is a strictly big government, establishment type. I never understood why anyone gives him a microphone after what he did with the Bush presidency, and his so called compassionate-conservatism. We all know how that worked out. I'd personally prefer if he gave more time to those from the Heritage Foundation.

Donna| 11.16.10 @ 8:09AM

I don’t think this is a Hannity issue of having Rove on the air. It seems that our own party (RNC) let O’Donnell down as well as the defeated what’s his name not endorsing or campaigning for her. I think the blame falls squarely there. I look at Rove as a statistical guru and pollster not the Republican Leadership. As most statistician’s go, he does get boring, but he’s factual and on the money with his math.

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 10:40AM

Rove is just one of many statistical gurus.
I don't like to see or hear him and his RINO opinions.

Rove and the GOP leadership are interchangeable. They both were complicit in trashing and damaging O'Donnell.

We can thank Rove for compassionate conservatism, amnesty for illegal aliens, no child left behind, and the Medicare drug program. He is an obstacle and irritant at this point to the conservative movement.

GEHill| 11.16.10 @ 7:36PM

You left our Harriet Meirs.

rodeoamy| 11.16.10 @ 8:10AM

Agreed about Rove - ditto Newt.

Grzmlyk| 11.16.10 @ 8:43AM

Sandy, I think your comment is right on the money. Rove is the CLASSIC Establishment Republican. His strategy of turning the other political cheek while Bush was being immolated by the press more than infuriated me - it rendered Bush positively radioactivem, thereby giving our current Piece-of-Shit-in-Chief a huge leg up in his odious campaign.

I'm sure Bush was a willing supplicant there - and I blame him equally - but Rove is strictly a numbers guy with no discernable conservative principles.

His treatment of O'Donnell was inexcusable (I'd wager O'Donnell is far more capable and intelligent than - and of a superior moral character to - Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid . . . )

I'm not a fan of Hannity at all, frankly, but I will give him props for his steadfastness.

Grzmlyk| 11.16.10 @ 8:44AM

Yeah, Newt too - I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw a piano.

Sam Vaughn| 11.16.10 @ 9:44AM

Grzmlyk, agreed. There was a time when Newt stood on principle. I met him and heard him speak in '93'. Local liberals called him a demagogue which seemed to stick. All I heard when I heard him speak was hard reality, common sense and conservatism. Somewhere along the way he compromised his principle's (e.g. sitting with Nancy Pelosi for global warming propaganda). After that I realized the old Newt was gone......

Grzmlyk| 11.16.10 @ 10:33AM

Yes, Sam - when Gingrich did that Fox News special fanning the flames of the Bird Flu panic, I was bemused.

When he sat with Pelosi on that couch blathering on about global warming, I was officially done with him.

He's a shameless self promoter, but what bugs me is that, whatever he once was, he has evolved into a Machiavellian opportunist, and a vain one at that.

Dale Alexander| 11.16.10 @ 10:52AM

Let's not forget the reason Newt "had" to leave his position of leadership in the house. He is damaged goods and anyone the supports him has a clear and distinct inability to remember past events. Newt for president in 2012? Get real, Newt.

Bob Uda| 11.16.10 @ 11:27AM

I agree. I believe that Karl Rove was the real reason why Christine O'Donnell lost her race. Rove is a real fool and a "has been." He is a Repugnant establishment person that needs to retire or get in line with the Tea Partiers.

What are we doing now?| 11.18.10 @ 2:55PM

Grzmlyk is right, Rove doesn't fit with Constitutionally concious thinking. NOT part of the momentum that led to the winnings on Nov. 2 but is now trying to ride the train.
As to Hannity it's not his fault things turned favorable for Republicans, he's done everything possible for years to promote that same-o status of "anyone with an R" - I know, he did mention when some did things that weren't Conservative but, he also made excuses for such things, he also promoted all who'd come on the air with him and depends sooooo much on that garbage piece, Dick Morris (Clinton drop-out) who reputable people don't give the time of day, he's done nothing but show disdain for such as Ron Paul (yes he's made some late attempt to justify his behavior there) . If this upsweep can be attributed to Sean's influence we are in greater trouble than we could dream of! Yes, I know he has his following of worshipers, much as our king had gushing followers, but I do believe he is almost as much used by the powers-that-be as the king himself. Now, he too has tried to lay claim to the changes (remember the years of warning about Pelosie becoming speaker, the count down to preventing it, the count down to preventing O's election etc. all those winning strategies he has orchestrated???)
One tactic of the left is to pretend we like you while we turn what you say around to helping our cause. And all those who donated to the Republican machine have done just that - continued the machine that will continue to try and keep us on the road to surfdom (tho a slower than the rush off the cliff we are headed to now) while real Conservatives are condemed by that machine. Contributions and support of any kind must go to individuals (campaigns) who are sound Constitutionists. Who will stand tall for our country - (Sean can quit with his constant mentioning of "conservative" Pawlenty from MN for instance.) We know Sean is a real thinker when the worst thing he can come up with regarding Ron Paul is that his followers chaced him down the street, yeah right!
In 2 months I will celbrate 9 years of NOT giving to the GOP but only to individual campaigns of MY choosing!

Frisbee| 11.18.10 @ 4:43PM

"Anyone with an R". Yes, for example, here in California I remember being sad that Hannity gave Schwarzenegger such an easy time. Hannity is too soft on RINOs.

Marjgie| 11.16.10 @ 11:14AM

When driving out and about the other day we turned Hannity on the radio. When Rove was on I ewmarked to my husband, "What's he got Rove on for?!"
We turned it off.
I don't appreciate when turncoats get acceptance in any way, shape or form.
Sorry, Sean.

What are we doing now?| 11.18.10 @ 2:57PM

Right move, I've walked across the room a number of times when Sean comes on with one of his "associates"!

JeffT| 11.16.10 @ 2:15PM

I wish Hannity would stop airing Newt. Years ago, Newt went off the tracks. Who can forget his sitting side-by-side with Pelosi droning on about the climate and global warming.

What are we doing now?| 11.18.10 @ 2:58PM

Right on, just one more of Hannity's RINO friends.

Seek| 11.16.10 @ 3:00PM

As a Republican, I'll say this: O'Donnell destroyed O'Donnell's chances at election. She lacked anything even resembling the experience or the grasp of issues required of a legitimate Senate candidate. Most Delaware voters recognized as much.

Christine O'Donnell, however, is physically beautiful, indeed strikingly so. Consider this another case of a woman entering the wrong profession.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 11.16.10 @ 6:00PM

The funniest thing about Rove was when he complained about her college degree coming in at the last minute. Karl Rove doesn't have a college degree. Too funny. He's part of the ruling class and so is Newt.

Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 11.16.10 @ 6:00PM

Career Soldier| 11.17.10 @ 8:56AM

"She lacked anything even resembling the experience or the grasp of issues required of a ligitimate Senate candidate."

You mean she's just like that guy......oh, what's his name......oh, ..yeah that's it: Obama?

SO, you're saying that Delaware voters are smarter than say Illinois voters?

Seek| 11.17.10 @ 1:12PM

I'm saying that regardless of the qualifications of Obama or any other candidate, Christine O'Donnell simply wasn't qualified. I don't believe that the antidote to a Leftist mediocrity is a Rightist mediocrity -- and a completely inexperienced one at that. Whether or not that makes Delaware smarter than Illinois voters is entirely irrelevant.

What are we doing now?| 11.18.10 @ 3:03PM

You are correct, rather than say they put an empty suit in office that we ought to as well is so much garbage! Rather we should choose NOT to make the bad move they did!

Frisbee| 11.18.10 @ 4:46PM

I disagree. Christine O'Donnell was qualified because she loves America. We don't have a Leftist mediocrity, we have a Leftist Elitocracy.

Seek| 11.18.10 @ 7:59PM

Tens of millions of people love America. I love America. But that doesn't make me qualified to serve as a Senator. Love isn't enough.

Nancy in NC| 11.16.10 @ 7:47AM

Excellent article. Hopefully those in DC will heed this lesson and stay on course.

Ken (Old Texican)| 11.16.10 @ 7:52AM

Mr. Lord,
Splendid column.

Let's not forget though that Rush has been the lead sled dog on the team since day one.

I have often thought that without Rush's overwhelming success...there would be no FOX.
Nevertheless, God bless 'em all.

We conservatives out across the country have been warming our hands at their fires, and your fires here at TAS for a long frightening winter.

I've sent Rush a copy of my novel. I hope he and you get a chance to read it. It is an E-book and you can order one at www.texassaidno.com

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 10:43AM

Rush is numero uno and does not go wobbly. He may be wrong at times (Dubai Ports) but he is steadfast.

Levin and Savage need to be thanked as well. They are more intellectually grounded than Hannity but Hannity has the charm. Which is important.

Occam's Tool| 11.16.10 @ 5:23PM

I don't know about you, but in my view the Government has three things to do---all the rest is fluff and ultimately dispensable---1) Keep taxes low, 2)Keep spending on non-defense issues low, 3) To paraphrase Halsey: Kill Terrorists, kill terrorists, and kill more terrorists. And, speaking of 3)

Imagine an attack on America's energy industry by state sponsored terrorists. Then imagine a President who is a panderer to Islamists, and who takes himself more seriously than the Constitution. Then imagine a white knuckle ride that never lets up!

We know the second statement is true, and the third statement is a book describing the first, called Texas Said No!.

Texas Said No! grabs you by the throat by page 6, and then is LITERALLY unputdownable through the last page, where it ends all too soon. To tell any more would be to give away too much stuff, but if you liked The Last Centurion by John Ringo, you'll love this one, as it is very similar to Ringo's book, only stripped down without any padding, slamming through its talking points like the TCU defense on a roll. If you care about your country and the course it's taking, buy this book and put it next to America Alone on your shelf. It's that good, and that important.

It is published as an E-book. Check it out at www.texassaidno.com

Claudia| 11.18.10 @ 4:32AM

I read it too and my hair turned white by page 10! Sheesh! Only problem is I didn't want it to end.

What are we doing now?| 11.18.10 @ 3:10PM

You make some mistakes here, one cannot KEEP what is not now. Taxes, spending must be brought low!

JP| 11.16.10 @ 7:54AM

Despite getting most of his fame via Fox News, I always thought Sean Hannity is best when on the radio.

Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 11.16.10 @ 8:33AM

I wish Sean would step away from his Radio & TV Shows and throw his hat into the ring, and run for President in 2012. He'd instantaneously be the front runner for the GOP, with name recognition, money raising ability, and big name endorsements waiting in the wings. And a nice side effect of him running for President is, MSNBC "might" actually have a chance of winning one hour of prime-time viewers with him being absent (I said "almost").

Dale Alexander| 11.16.10 @ 11:00AM

I don't know. I think that Hannity cares too much about his family. After all, what kind of self-centered person would want to subject their families to the kind of intense left-wing media scrutiny that a run for public office entails? Even if you have a sqeaky clean life, they will make crap up. I, for one, have considered running for minor offices but time and again decide not to because it just isn't worth ruining so many lives due to false allegations. I suspect that many quality conservatives have also made that choice. Solution? Do whatever we can to ruin the MSM. Don't subscribe to left-wing papers and let advertisors know that we won't buy product if they continue to support the MSM. Seems to be working!

WayneFarmer| 11.16.10 @ 11:07AM

Sean is a Christian and a father of small children. That means family comes first. Maybe in a few years, when they are grown.

MoeBlotz| 11.16.10 @ 9:06AM

Sean Hannity is an entertainer whose radio show is more about himself,with conservative trappings to attract those eager to be on radio. In 2000 when "The Torch" went down in flames and New Jersey democrats flouted the state constitution by replacing Torricelli on the senate election ballots with Lautenburg,Sean helped get the latter elected by interviewing him on his radio program.The 2011 House of Representatives will meet Sean Hannity's approval,but was not built by him.

CharlieEcho| 11.16.10 @ 9:36AM

Hannity provides a platform for those with a message to get across. Hannity elevates that platform for those with his views and exposes those with neagtive views. Go Hannity.

Tim*| 11.16.10 @ 9:13AM

The Tea Party Rebels' First Senate Victory.

"Sen. Jim DeMint won one of the biggest legislative victories of his career Monday when Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell agreed to the South Carolina Republican's demand for a freeze on spending earmarks.

McConnell made his concession a day before DeMint, who won re-election handily and helped elect a group of new conservative senators, had vowed to force incoming Senate Republicans to hold an internal vote on the earmark moratorium."

The Tea Party is now inside The Congress & The GOP.

Carpe Diem.

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 10:49AM

And the Establishment GOPers need to adjust and adapt or go find another party.

McConnell seems to be having difficulty understanding the voters. He's a slow learner. BTW, he forced Senator Jim Bunning out because Bunning was too independent. Then HIS candidate, Trey Grayson, lost the primary to Rand Paul. "The best laid plans of mice and men..." I don't think McConnell yet knows what hit him. Ahhh, Karma.

MikeD| 11.16.10 @ 9:18AM

This is, in no way meant to be a slur on Hannity running for President, but a prediction of what the 'Old Guard' GOP and the MSM morons would scream the minute that Hannity announced a run. "He's not experienced!" "What's he ever done in politics?" "He's a right wing radical!" and the ever popular "He's unelectable!"

Of course, none of these comments were thrown at our current POS in Chief when he announced. It was the beginning of the MSM's (And leading GAY boyfriend Chris Matthews) collective orgasmic affair with said POS. But, Obama has proven so perfectly that he had, and still has, absolutely no qualifications to be President of the United States, and confirms his complete incompetence every time he opens his mouth.

It would be SO delicious to witness the frothing fury that would explode from the demented heads of every Liberal moron in the Country the day that Hannity announced. The only problems I see are that the Dems will lie, cheat, steal, and kill to win; and that the Republicans wouldn't have the balls to fight back. Witness EVERY fortunate occurance where Dems suddenly find just enough 'lost' votes to win close elections in every area they control the 'levers of power', like the governor's races in Illinois and Connecticut, just to name two. Plus, Hannity might be better for us right where he is.

wodiej| 11.16.10 @ 9:24AM

Great article but due credit is widespread. It should be "the house that conservatives built."

JadedByPolitics| 11.16.10 @ 9:31AM

Hannity and WE The People WON today when McConnell had to cede the low ground of earmarks to the high ground of Country of first!

Chris| 11.16.10 @ 10:25AM

Mr. Lord,
excellent article.
i prefer Sean to O'Reilly. O'Reilly seems to be moving to Sean's views, he can see the trend. Before the election O'Reilly's famous line is he wants "to be fair to the president." if after two years you cannot figure out obama then you are either oblivous or not smart.

Grzmlyk| 11.16.10 @ 3:40PM

On 75% of the issues of the day, O'Reilly is a squishy moderate - meaning he's a LIBERAL. And a most obnoxious one at that.

He'll kiss the ass of whomever he has to in order to stay aloft in the ratings. He is a shameless panderer and has long since become a Fox News gelding.

He makes me sick to my stomach.

Obama has permanent scars on his ass in the exact shape of O'Reilly's lip prints.

I long for the day this phony's ratings drop and he's summarily kicked to the curb. Couldn't happen to a more deserving prick.

Margie| 11.16.10 @ 4:28PM

I don't "appreciate" O'Rielly either. I still can't separate the view I have of him in my mind of him on that old t.v. tabloid show he used to do.. what was it, Inside Edition or something? I think he's more suited to that, IMNSHO.

Sixtnpenny| 11.17.10 @ 10:45PM

Gee, Grzmlyk, next time, try not to sugarcoat it. Tell us what you really think about O'Reilly. Heh, heh, heh.

lunar| 11.18.10 @ 5:51PM

O'Reilly is not liberal. He's certainly not a full conservative, but I don't know how you can call him liberal. He's just shy of hostile to the liberals that debate on his show. When he gets heated about something, it's a conservative point.

Why do you need him to be conservative, anyway? His purpose is not to be a political cheerleader or to support the Republican party. He runs an opinion show with a conservative bent, but a fairly moderate baseline. He explicitly presents himself as an independent. If you want media whitewashed with your opinion, become a liberal and watch any other network.

I think you're wrong to hope for another person's failure. If you think he's misleading people, I suppose you should think that way, but if you simply don't like his opinion -- which is what it sounds like -- you should shut your mouth (or, I suppose putting on mittens might be more appropriate to a typed conversation).

P. LaMontagne| 11.16.10 @ 10:27AM

WOW! We are treated YET AGAIN to Jeff Lord's hero-worship of pro-Republican celebrities. This is his third celebrity puff-piece this month. It's Entertainment Tonight for Fox News Republicans.

COME ON.

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 10:51AM

Hurts, doesn't it?

Who do you want Lord to write about, Rachel Maddow?

ds80| 11.16.10 @ 1:21PM

Regardless of the author's motive or an article's slant, plamontagne, there's a simple solution to your discomfort ... don't read the articles.

Or, stay stuck on your personal stupid, read them, and treat us to your silly whining.

P. LaMontagne| 11.16.10 @ 10:33AM

Funny - just last week we were told (by Lord) that a different celebrity (Mark Levin) was responsible for the current GOP comeback.

Next Week: Ann Coulter And The Column That Saved The Universe by Jeff "Publicist For The Stars" Lord.

Al Adab| 11.16.10 @ 10:40AM

All of us need to watch the wobblies. McConnell was trying to explain how the voters don't understand earmatrks just the other day. Kyl is wavering as he like so many still think their function is to deliver Federal goodies to their states. That was how we got in this mess and that is where to start to get out. Keep those phone calls and e-mails coming. McConell's server went down with the volume the other day. That is the message they need to hear. The GOP failed us in 1994 and 2000. They need to hear us all clearly, "DO NOT FAIL US AGAIN."

Margie| 11.16.10 @ 11:22AM

Al Adab,

You just made me think of the old Jerry Lee Lewis song, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On.

Change that to Whole Lotta Prunin' Goin' On.

These Ruling Class guys are just beginning to feel what's hit them.. like a drunk who took one step too many off that pier he thought he was on. Oops!

How encouraging it is to know that they are having to hear us!

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 1:10PM

Pruning. I like that. It's better than purging.

Margie| 11.16.10 @ 1:44PM

Thanks, loulou!

And pruning's hard work, but well worth it. It causes the best fruit to blossom but rids the tree of the withering and defective.

Al Adab| 11.16.10 @ 2:12PM

Good analogy Margie. Pruning helps the tree of Liberty grow.

Franklin| 11.16.10 @ 9:24PM

Margie,

Take it one step further - pruning a Bonzi tree. Creates a beautiful sculpture!

David T.| 11.16.10 @ 10:47AM

Thanks, Mr. Lord, for a great piece. Sean Hannity is the pit bull of today's conservative movement. I would put Rush at the top for his overall vision and keen insight into the character of the Left. Mark Levin rounds out the triumvirate as the one who best articulates conservative ideas.

DEIN| 11.16.10 @ 10:48AM

pee lamontgagme ;please bless and enlighten us with your theory and post election analysis of the first of many dem-drubbings.I found this author's description very accurate .

George S| 11.16.10 @ 11:05AM

What Hannity did -- intentional or not -- is lay the groundwork that is necessary to prevent Republicans from backstabbing the next conservative president. When Ronald Reagan was elected, the Department of Energy and the Department of Education were barely a couple of years old, not yet established with bureaucratic roots and therefore ripe for a small government bulldozer like Reagan. Yet they survived, mainly because of Republicans who were too absorbed with compromising with Democrats for mutual political survival or afraid of the uncontested liberal media. Many Republicans privately mocked Reagan behind his back to that media, and in return were given flattering coverage -- or silence -- to protect them from the voters. All to keep politics as usual. If only Reagan had a Hannity to dart into the grass like a hunting dog and expose those Republicans who got in the way of changing the country.

stu| 11.17.10 @ 9:06AM

Very well put George S. And a salute to old man Hunt who blew on the kindling and kept the flame alive with his sponsorship of conservative viewpoints.

RobbyS| 11.19.10 @ 1:29AM

Hannity has this everyman quality that makes people like him,like Jack Kemp. This plus his consistent message is the secret of his success.

Citizen Jerry| 11.16.10 @ 11:21AM

Of course, the Rockefeller Republicans loathe the TEA Party hayseeds. As they see it, it's like they're enjoying a fancy party at the club, when the Clampetts show up, wanting to fish in the see-mint pond.

Margie| 11.16.10 @ 11:29AM

Sean Hannity ~ You are a great American!

You are much beloved, thank you for everything you continue to do for the conservative cause. Ronald Reagan would be mighty proud, as am I.

And now we have learned that what Jesus tells us, and what you've always reminded us of, rings forever true:

"Let not your hearts be troubled." Jn. 14:1.

Keep up the great work!

From your old call-in pal,
(the iconoclast) Margie

gearjammer| 11.17.10 @ 5:31AM

id he would vote for Scott Brown again in 2012, rather than maul him with a real conservative
in 2012, we must be true to our conservative principles and stop Brown in 2012. It might deprive us of a majority in 2013 but the greater good of thinning the herd must prevail. We must not go wobbly on this.

Wm Paterson| 11.16.10 @ 11:32AM

We all need to remain vigilant and keep the heat on ALL of our elected officials. Next step: dismiss the establishment Republicans. Should the Republicans fail to follow the obvious mandate of two weeks ago, let them follow the Whigs (that they replaced) into oblivion.

Old Joe| 11.16.10 @ 11:45AM

I stopped contributing to the RNSC years ago because of their obvious appeasement attitudes. Now I contribute to individual candidates and encourage others to do the same.

Growing up in South Caroline, I’m both proud and ashamed knowing that my old home state has elected Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham. Perfect example of what is right and what is wrong with Senate Republicans. Let’s see if the recent election can get Graham to remove his head from the dark place he has kept it planted for the last few years. Also, let’s hope we here in Louisiana can replace Senator Mary in six years.

Old Joe| 11.16.10 @ 11:50AM

Opps, I ment replace Senator Mary in four years

Melvin| 11.16.10 @ 11:59AM

"Lindsey, I hope you read American Specator, because next election the voters of South Carolina are coming after you. So it you plan on getting a government run building named after you, you better do it in the next two years because after that... you'll be shoveling horse manure and Harry Reid's stables."

GTX| 11.16.10 @ 12:00PM

The beginning of the downfall didn't start with the Feb 3 Washington Post Headline but with the famous words on January 16. "I hope he fails". That was the first drop that caused an uproar through the year. Sean came later.

Doctor Right| 11.16.10 @ 12:00PM

Is this a joke?

Sorry, but you give Sean Hannity FAR too much credit for the Republican take-over of Congress. The revolt (and that's what it was...a revolt) began brewing at CPAC 2009 with Rush Limbaugh's historic "I hope he fails" speech, and began a slow-boil after CNBC's Rick Santelli called for a "Tea-Party" style revolution. The momentum carried through 2009 with the massive Tea Party Rally in D.C. in August, '09, and the second Tea Party Rally led by Michelle Bachman in October, '09.

The intellectual fire for the revolt was spearheaded by Mark Levin's great book "Liberty and Tyranny", which precisely laid-out our current Constitutional crisis, and how to fix it. That book topped the NY TIMES best-seller list for almost 4 months, yet the TIMES never deemed it worthy of a profile.

Hannity is not personally disagreeable. He reliably trumpets the Conservative line on most issues. However, neither is he a Conservative intellectual in the mold of William F. Buckley, George Will, Rush Limbaugh, or Mark Levin. He rarely offers real insights on his show, which greatly benefits from it's time-slot immediately after the close of Limbaugh's show. And his nightly TV show has suffered since the departure of Liberal co-host Alan Colmes, whose left-wing opinions made Hannity's seem wise by contrast.

In addition, Hannity is the WRONG guy to be leading a charge against "wobbly" Conservatives. Case-in-point: During the New Jersey Gubernatorial primaries, Hannity REFUSED to provide equal air-time to Conservative New Jersey candidate Steve Lonegan (the REAL Conservative in the race), but allowed Chris Christie to appear on his radio show (twice!) and on his TV show. This angered MANY conservative voters in the Garden State and around the country, who believed that Hannity was purposefully snubbing Lonegan. (And mark my words...Christie is a no-nonsense man, and a fierce opponent of the tax-and-spend crowd, but he's NOT a Conservative...Many who would nominate him in 2012 would end-up disappointed).

So please...If your intention is to credit Sean Hannity for the recent victory in the House, then go sell crazy someplace else...We're all stocked-up here.

Bob Miller| 11.16.10 @ 12:20PM

If Hannity helped put Christie over the top in NJ, more power to him. The chances Lonegan would ever have become Governor were infinitesimal.

Doctor Right| 11.16.10 @ 12:45PM

Gee, then I guess we should have supported Lisa Murkowski in Alaska and Mike Castle in Delaware, huh?

My point is that Christie has turned-out to be a good Governor fiscally...But he's NOT a Conservative.

Lonegan got 45% of the GOP vote in the primary WITHOUT help from Hannity or anyone in the media.

loulou| 11.16.10 @ 1:12PM

Christie may be a good governor but he supports the Ground Zero Mosque. So I'd call him wobbly.

Margie| 11.16.10 @ 1:38PM

loulou,

He didn't support it, he took a legal stance on it and chose not to play politics with it.

Here's what he said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI0nZl6fP74

Tim*| 11.16.10 @ 3:07PM

Rush Limbaugh:
"Now, let me see if I understand this. Bill Kristol said that we should shut up about Charles Rangel. Chris Christie, the governor of New Jersey, says that we should shut up about the mosque. Lindsey Grahamnesty says that we should shut up about illegal immigration. Mitch Daniels, the governor of Indiana, says that we should shut up about the social issues. Mitch Daniels isn't alone. Almost every ruling class Republican tells us we need to shut up about the social issues and forget 'em. So I guess, folks, we should just shut up. Just shut up and leave everything to the politicians to fix what they've made a mess of. I mean they've made the mess, we'll shut up. We're being told to shut up. Don't talk about the mosque; don't talk about Rangel; don't talk about illegal immigrants or illegal immigration, and don't talk about Muslims and Obama. Don't talk about that and don't talk about the social issues. We'll just shut up and let them fix everything."

Occam's Tool| 11.16.10 @ 5:29PM

Tim*, help me out here, sparing ad hominem, get bent, etc.

You hate Israel, yet you don't care for Islamic terrorists. Provided that you don't believe that by running away (The Paul solution) we will eliminate the threat of Islamic terrorism, then how do you justify bashing the country which is most successful in fighting Islamic fascism? Genuine question, no sarcasm.

And by the way, the Paul approach doesn't work. Review the origin of the line "to the shores of Tripoli" in the Marine Corp hymn. Hint: early 1800s, Thomas Jefferson.

Tim*| 11.16.10 @ 5:59PM

Help Me Out Obsessive Compulsive Israel Firster AgendaBoy Tool Job.

Go & Get Bent.

GEHill| 11.16.10 @ 7:47PM

This shut up speech by Rush is a classic. It is so true. I gotta admit, that I find myself wishing the gay marriage dust up or abortion issue would just shut up . . . but then Rush brings me back to my senses. As Jim DeMint says, it is hard to be a fiscal conservative without a moral compass.

Martin Treptow| 11.17.10 @ 2:02PM

There's our in-house anti-Semite at it again.

"Israel Firster" that kills me

I wouldn't sit too close to you, if I were you.

L'Chaim!

Ryan| 11.16.10 @ 2:28PM

I think that you're partly right, but the Tea Party movement found its voice and probably coalesced through Hannity's radio show. He was more or less its national voice - he has a better time-spot than just about anyone other than Rush (for the drive home).

Don't forget about the guy on the WAY to work as well - Bill Bennett, who probably put Scott Brown on the map.

Shoey| 11.16.10 @ 6:35PM

your comment made me spit coffee all over my monitor, Hannity responsible for the TEA Parties? what planet have you been on for the last 2 years? if any one person can take that credit it is beyond any shadow of a doubt Glenn Beck.

and Bill Bennet? you are joking right?

Ryan| 11.17.10 @ 9:03AM

Brown's first big interview was on Bennett, and he's the guy on the radio on the way to work.

I get your point about Beck, but his radio show isn't on the drive home. Hannity pretty much interviewed every GOP candidate on the radio.

Beck WAS the tv show that probably coalesced the ultimate support, I suppose - that and the big rally he held.

idalily| 11.16.10 @ 2:59PM

So what you're saying is you believe in the principle of the "Fairness" Doctrine, and that Hannity should apply that sort of standard to his shows, yes?

Grzmlyk| 11.16.10 @ 4:13PM

Dr. Right, I agree 100 percent with your analysis.

I'm not nuts about Hannity; I think he's a mediocre talent at best. But because he has such a huge following, I'm glad he's steadfast.

But he's a reflexive conservative - not a thinker, as you point out. He's a stolid presence, which I welcome, but I think Fox News needs more thinking conservatives to come to the fore among the punditry class.

I guess WFB left a hole that can never be filled.

Simon Templar| 11.16.10 @ 12:02PM

I would like to express a few thoughts about compassionate conservatism...a phrase that I have always hated as it inherently implies and accepts the idea that conservatism is not compassionate nor are conservatives. This lie has permeated the minds of many Americans and is continually refreshed and rolled out there every day by today's liberals. It's time we stop buying into this or ignoring the slander. We live in a strange world. It is very odd that the people who think they are so compassionate are in reality often times the most destructive to human life, freedom, and the dignity of people. American Conservatism need not make any apologies nor needs to defend itself. It stands as the truly compassionate philosophy and political system that the world has ever seen..it has lifted men and women up from the bonds of servitude and slavery and given them inalienable rights that can not be taken away from any state nor benevolent elite that thinks it knows better. It is time for conservatives to own this and stand proud. I trully believe that conservatives can solve many of this nations ills if they stay true to principle, remain uncorrupted, and focus on creative constitutional, market oriented solutions. This is not a movement trying to preserve the status quo but one that has the potential for the first time to actually make a huge difference for all Americans.

Cris Worth| 11.16.10 @ 12:11PM

Rush in '94 spoke of holding incoming Congressional GOP freshmen feet to the fire to prevent a leftward drift. Dittos now Hannity is admonishing the new GOP Congress yet he and Hannity barely raised an eyebrow to W. Bush's liberalism. Where was the criticism them? Rush and Hannity are more Republican Party hacks instead of conservative ideologues, their lack of holding W. Bush's feet to the fire proves my point.

P. LaMontagne| 11.16.10 @ 12:33PM

Rush and Hannity are more Republican Party hacks instead of conservative ideologues

Same goes for the author of this piece, and most writers at AmSpec.

Citizen Jerry| 11.16.10 @ 12:39PM

Hmmm ... Looks like we're getting trolls from Huffy Post and the Daily Kossack.

Cris Worth| 11.16.10 @ 1:12PM

Remember McCain/Feingold from '02? Rush hammered Republican John McCain for sponsoring this piece of legislation citing free speech issues yet in this country it takes two to tango to pass federal legislation either Congress passes it and the President signs it or Congress overrides a Presidential veto. In this case W. Bush signed it into law yet nary a whisper of criticism of the former President by Messrs Limbaugh and Hannity.

Shoey| 11.16.10 @ 6:50PM

so anyone that you don't agree with is automatically an agent provocatuer?

don't agree with him about Rush, but he's entitled to his opinion without being smeared.

but i agree with him that this site is inhabited by many GOP Establishment types who tend not to ever question their own beliefs or put much thought into them.

Shoey| 11.16.10 @ 6:54PM

maybe they listen to too much Bill Bennet (snicker)

Barack XIV, The Sun King| 11.16.10 @ 12:58PM

Qui ! You must listen to LaMontagne. He is one of my Courtier Fops at The Palace.

Sacre Bleu ! The Great Unwashed Peasantry is in Rebellion against Their Sun King.

"L'État, c'est moi"

Ungrateful Tea Party Serfs !

Ryan| 11.16.10 @ 2:30PM

You weren't listening to Hannity, then. He was CONSTANTLY on the admin's case for its domestic overspending.

GEHill| 11.16.10 @ 7:52PM

Rush held Bush's feet to the fire; he led a holy war against the nomination of Harriet Meirs, for example. Rush railed against the prescription drug bill. Rush has nailed Bush repeatedly for No Child Left Behind focusing on the contribution of Ted Kennedy.

Bob Miller| 11.16.10 @ 12:17PM

If you need an example of a talk show host evolving into a principled, inspiring, and successful elected official, consider Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN).

NavyBrat| 11.16.10 @ 12:37PM

I like Sean's show on the radio. By the time his show is on at night, I've usually moved on from the news since I listen to "the big 3" while I'm at work. I agree that he doesn't have the intellectual "pedigree" that Levin does, but really, who cares? He can illustrate the principles of conservatism ot those who could care less about "intellectual pedigree." And his books are pretty good & well researched. His "man on the street" bits are PRICELESS.

I DO, however, miss the days of The G Man (G. Gordon Liddy) & when he was on right before Rush. I still listen to him online every now & then, & he's still got it. He's sharp as a tack & has been around the block of the battle of liberals/commies vs. We the People for AGES. He's talked about the commies that he & other FBI agents had under scrutiny during the late 50s & throughout the 60s. He's still the man to me, despite his checkered past.

Occam's Tool| 11.16.10 @ 5:31PM

The G Man was also a polite gentleman. Unless you were completely insufferable, he was always pleasant.

Derek Leaberry| 11.16.10 @ 1:24PM

Sean Hannity declares himself a conservative yet he is sycophantic when he softball interviews anti-conservatives George W. Bush and John McCain on his radio program. Mr. Hannity rode the immigration restrictionist wave in 2007 yet he won't even bring up the issue when he interviews McCain or Bush. At best, he's expedient and, at worst, cowardly with regardless to immigration, Bush and McCain.

Ryan| 11.16.10 @ 2:31PM

Actually, I remember som pretty candid conversations on the radio when they were on - McCain pretty much admitted that he got beat on illegal immigration to Hannity on the air.

ทาสีคอนโด| 11.16.10 @ 2:34PM

Sean is aces.

And the historic GOP landslide and the rise of the Tea Party shows the power of talk radio -- and not just Sean but all the others, too, like Rush, Laura, Levin, Beck, Quinn, Mike Gallagher, etc.

diamond| 11.16.10 @ 3:59PM

yes I agree with you above

Call Me Ms. Reporterette| 11.16.10 @ 3:59PM

Susan Roesgen's on-air temper tantrum did wonders for the tea party movement. Maybe she can host a talk show with Nancy Pelosi, and further denigrate those violent, racist rednecks in, of all places, Chicago.

Shoey| 11.16.10 @ 4:25PM

Sean is ok, but he gives a lot of air to guys like Rove, Steele & Gingrich who are nothing but RINO hacks.

Rush is still my favorite, Beck has taken second spot and Levin is third in my book

Shoey| 11.16.10 @ 4:34PM

the biggest problem i have with Hannity is his unreasoning hatred of Glenn Beck, I don't get. Levin and Cunningham also hate Beck, beyond jealousy, i just don't understand it.

Shoey| 11.16.10 @ 4:37PM

Rush doesn't hate Beck, Rush loves and trusts his audience who like Beck, so Rush likes Beck and will occasionally talk about him on his show, Hannity & Levin can't even bring themselves to utter Beck's name and that is just childish and silly. Play nice boys.

GEHill| 11.16.10 @ 7:55PM

Rush hates O'Reilly - and repeats the allegation that O'Reilly is Ted Baxter.

James Browning| 11.16.10 @ 5:28PM

I suppose I'm a RINO, but can't even far-right conservatives admit that Sean Hannity is one of the biggest d-bags in the history of television?

scythe| 11.17.10 @ 9:32AM

Not a RINO here, but totally agree with you. Can't stand his voice, his face, and his vanity. That American Spectator would write this piece is flabbergasting. Hannity's "conservatism" is a 'shtick", a business plan, not a way of life. Know a few people who know him, and he is not what you think he is. He is a world class FRAUD. If I thought for a moment I was being "influenced" by Hannity in the past election, I despise him enough to have stayed home. He is not as universally "loved" as those other talkers he bashes, and the WORST THING ANYONE CAN DO, especially Mr. Lord, is to tie the conservative victory to Sean Hannity. Big mistake.

shoey| 11.16.10 @ 6:43PM

Bill Bennet - i'm still laughing at that one.

THR| 11.16.10 @ 10:48PM

Sean has gotten irrational recently. His blind and foolish support for that imbecil in Delaware Christine Odonnel was an sign he is getting less and less serious a commentator and more apt to pandering to the irrational.

I find myself watching Greta and O'Reilly for more serious conservative conversation...and Im not sure Greta is a conservative!

GKPAL| 11.16.10 @ 10:48PM

In my view conservative talk radio contributed to the tsunami on 2, November in a way that it overshadowed the dieing, and mostly liberal MSM. Also a very big role played the Internet and the Conservative sites such as TAS, TAT, National Review among others. So, to say " The House Built by Hannity" may be a bit of exaggeration, although he contributed a great deal. But the big question is; Can we keep it up until Nov. 2012?

THR| 11.16.10 @ 10:49PM

Any any of you who think Rove is a RINO are also imbecils. Rove is a Rand conservative. A real one. Not a pick and choose one.

Shirley| 11.17.10 @ 10:51AM

Queen Lisa in Alaska is a crybaby and a whimp. How did she get re-elected as a write-in? Something smells here.I don't believe Alaska is so wobbly that they would change their mind so quickly? So what happened?

Christianus| 11.17.10 @ 11:13AM

Hannity is a fraud and a phony.

His disciples should have been aghast at his despicable treatment of Father Thomas Euteneuer on his program.

Recommended viewing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usTWwSbpWRc

james wilson| 11.17.10 @ 11:54AM

Levin admitted over a year ago that it is a great mistake to become close to politicians, and that it affected his judgment.

Rove, for example, has burrowed close to them all, and sits fat and happy at Fox, like a herpes virus waiting to erupt. Hannity has a worshipful term he uses each time he has Rove on--the Architect. Indeed he was.

Alan Brooks| 11.17.10 @ 12:48PM

"You pobably voted for that loser Obama. Wake up and see the real world"

No but I "pobably" will in '12.
It is such a personal relief McCain lost, IMO Obama ought to get four terms in office, as FDR did. Yes, I Do believe so.

GKPAL| 11.18.10 @ 11:29AM

Alan: Please see a shrink ASAP. You really need help.

Frisbee| 11.18.10 @ 4:57PM

Joseph Farah of WorldNetDaily was rooting for Obama over McCain two years ago precisely (and prohetically) because he knew that Obama was socialist heavy and would spark a wakeup call, while McCain was socialist lite and would continue the same ol' story. Looks like Farah was right! Thank God for Obama, the great polarizer! And thank God for regular Americans, that are finally waking up.

Frisbee| 11.18.10 @ 4:58PM

Alan - will you be 18 years old in 2012?

David| 11.17.10 @ 4:11PM

Shirley, I think Murkowski had a lot of Alaska democrats who voted for her. That is how she won. Like Charlie Crist, she is the slimiest of all politicians.

beckNcall| 11.18.10 @ 1:28PM

I agree, the Democrats elected RINO Lisa Murkowski. It is to their advantage. She has the political experience and clout over the new comer Dem and she is left learning. No need to deal with the 'rookie' when you have a seasoned lefty like Lisa. After all the progressives are RABID to take over the USA. The faster they go the better they and Poppa George Soros likes it. More to come from Lisa, follow her voting record at http://www.govtrack.us/ She is sure to please the lefties and dems and disappoint conservatives. Sorry Joe, we all were pulling for you!

diane| 11.18.10 @ 8:50PM

Let's run Hannity for President in 2012!

joshMshep| 11.18.10 @ 9:07PM

This is really poor analysis. "The House that Hannity Built"? God bless good ol' Sean, but he wouldn't make the Top 10 List of people responsible for winning over the House. It would start with Haley Barbour, Ed Gillespie and Karl Rove, and end perhaps with Rush Limbaugh as its only media figure.
Actually, the #1 person responsible is the one Coulter calls B. Hussein Obama.

Spook| 11.18.10 @ 9:37PM

Some writers get it. The new conservative lives and will replace all the establishment republicans.

Allen Johnson| 11.20.10 @ 10:44PM

While Hannity certainly had a powerful influence upon the election, I would suggest for consideration that a difference between January 3rd's gloomy Republican forecast and the resurgence by February 3 was the Supreme Court's decision that permits unlimited corporate funding toward influencing elections. The Republicans reaped huge benefit from this.

I don't know who to fear most. Those who see government as micromanaging our lives, or the demagogues such as Hannity who use time-worn strategies of instilling fear and resentment.