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Political Hay
Quadrangulation in 2012?
The 2012 presidential race offers Republicans a rare “fourth way” to the White House.
“Triangulation” elected Clinton and Obama. Will “quadrangulation” propel a Republican in 2012? It will if Republicans are to be successful. Washington presents a three-way power split unseen in a generation. It not only entraps Obama, it opens a perfect opportunity for an outsider Republican to co-opt Democrats’ recently successful post-partisan presidential strategy.
“Triangulation” entered our political vocabulary during the Clinton years. In 1994, Republicans had won Congress by offering a stark conservative alternative to long-time, and widely seen liberal, Democratic control. Unclear at the time, the new Republican Congress wound up offering Clinton the perfect foil. It is most likely that his mid-term repudiation and his subsequent change of course saved Clinton’s presidency.
What Clinton did was to “one-up” the new Republican Congress that had arrived to change Washington. His sea change charted a political course correction between it and the previous Democratic majority — he “triangulated.” Appearing to always be choosing the middle way, he made himself seem above the partisan fray, or at least less a part of it.
While triangulation is credited as a new tactic, its underlying strategy of attracting the center hardly is. The configuration of America’s electorate requires it. As 2010 exit polling showed, the national electorate is very closely split — 35% Democrats, 35% Republicans, and 29% Independents. The center is America’s political fulcrum: neither party can win a presidential race without winning the center.
Obama’s re-creation of the Clinton approach in 2008 was exceptionally easy. Washington political power was split between Republican President Bush and a Democratic Congress. Still new to the latter, Obama was still seen as outside it. He had little trouble running between Bush and congressional Democrats — achieving the highest popular vote percentage of any Democrat candidate since LBJ in 1964.
With America’s strategic necessity of winning the center and the Clinton and Obama Democratic success stories in triangulating to do so, there is little doubt Obama would love to repeat it to re-election next year. However, Washington is not cooperating.
Washington is now split into three political power centers: Senate Democrats, House Republicans, and of course, the Democrat President himself. Such a three-way split has not occurred since 1986, when Reagan was in the White House, Republicans ran the Senate, and Democrats controlled the House.
Washington’s three-way political split is both the product and producer of exacerbated tensions that continually have spilled over into policy. Congress, methodical by constitutional design in the best of times, is easily gridlocked in this particularly polarizing atmosphere. As such, virtually any, and every, issue is now a battle.
As hard as it is on governing, it is no easier on Obama’s re-election. Washington’s three-way power split seriously threatens Obama’s chance to reprise his triangulation campaign of 2008. He is now drawn into the fray at every turn. With Congress split, he cannot be above the fight: both drawn in and affected by the consequences. The debt limit debate perfectly illustrates this. Obama clearly did not want to be part of this battle, one he could easily and early joined, yet he kept getting drawn into, and dragged down by, it.
The American people clearly show their frustration with all three points of Washington’s political triangle. According to a Gallup tracking poll released on August 14, Obama’s approval rating was just 39 percent — his presidency’s lowest point — yet that’s still higher than Congress’s generally recorded ratings.
Washington’s internecine battles undoubtedly are exacting a toll on all three, but it is Obama who faces the heaviest price. As contradictory as this may seem, considering his higher approval ratings, there is an enormous difference between congressional and presidential elections: America itself. Obama is the only one who must run nationally. Senators and members of the House run in much smaller electorates, most of which are much less evenly split between party and ideological camps than the nation.
While Washington’s three-way split effectively forecloses triangulation for Obama, it opens the way even wider for a center-seeking outsider. And with Obama foreclosed, the only one who can fill that role this year is not a Democrat, but a Republican. Unlike previous elections when the seemingly center-seeking presidential candidate was Clinton, and then Obama, only a Republican can play the part in this presidential race.
Washington’s three-way power split has opened up a rare “fourth way” route to the White House for a Republican. “Quadrangulation” is an opportunity Democratic strategists must recognize and dread. And it is one Republican strategists must recognize and seize if their candidate is to be successful next November.
About the Author
J.T. Young served in the Department of Treasury and the Office of Management and Budget from 2001 to 2004 and as a Congressional staff member from 1987 to 2000.
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Jerry| 8.29.11 @ 7:17AM
The author is inviting disaster for the Republicans. The electorate is rejecting the Democrats vision, why would you offer a slightly watered down version of it instead of a principled alternative to it, The writer obviously believes that the 29% votes in lock step to some sort of "middle way" when in fact it is moving to the right as all polling clearly shows. All the Republican candidate has to do is convince 51% of that 29% that his/her vision is better than the one that they are now repudiating to win. Seems as if this would be the path to a mandate rather than a "Clintonesque" compromise of principles which will only delay the inevitable "time of choosing".
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 8:50AM
Jerry,
The doomsday scenario is a proper conservative Republican candidate, a Ron Paul third-party candidate and a re-elected Obama.
The author points out that the President must win nationally. Congress' low poll numbers, when considered with the high re-election rate of its members, shows that the people are dissatisfied with OTHER peoples Congressmen, for whom they cannot vote, not their own. How else does one explain Maxine Waters, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Susan Collins, or Olympia Snowe?
Obama has the left, and no one on the right will vote for him. For those groups the issue is turning out the base. Let's pray for a cold and rainy day. Like it, or not, the middle is the key. It is quite possible, some would say likely, for the Republicans to nominate a candidate who cannot win.
The Buckley rule remains important. Sadly, my favourite does not appear to be electable. My vote, as it has been for years, can probably be counted safe for the Republican candidate. The only thing that changes for me is the size of the clothes pin I must wear.
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 9:56AM
Doctor Ron Paul Is The Only Candidate Who Can Win Independents And Beat Obummer.
The Sooner You RINO-CINO Asshats Realize This The Better.
The Tea Party Rebellion Escalates.
Rise Up Or Shut Up.
Sam Vaughn| 8.29.11 @ 10:13AM
Clint, If Ron Paul were to win the nomination no question, I'd vote for him. But not in the primaries. While Libertarians and Conservatives have much to fear from the Socialists, Ron Paul is conservative in fiscal matters only.
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 10:47AM
Guess You Didnt Hear ABout Ron Paul Being The Most Conservative Member Of Congress?
Obama-Boy Perry And Mittens Cannot Beat Obama, But The Israel-Firster Brigade Will Try To Send Them Anyway.
Aholes.
The Tea Party Rebellion Steps On RINO-CINO Faces.
Wipe Your Feet.
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.29.11 @ 11:45AM
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.26.11 @ 6:13PM
Dear Clint
Please tell Dr. Ron Paul's Foreign Policy Advisor Michael Scheuer, Former CIA Chief of The bin Laden Unit,...TO KISS MY ASS.
He is nothing more than a suck-up to the six zillion Muslim bullies who want to finish up the holocaust of the Jewish people.
We Texans remember the Alamo. We know what it is to be surrounded by six billion bullies intent on our death.
Clint,
You "Israel lasters" are an embarrassment to all Christians and Americans who believe in freedom.
Every time I see your "Israel murderer" posts from now on, I shall post this response.
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 12:05PM
Aaand You Ken (Old Fart) And The Rest Of The Israel Firsters Are Asshats.
The Tea Party Rebellion Will Not Be Stopped.
Lead, Follow Or Get Out Of The Way
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.29.11 @ 12:25PM
Clint
.....You "Israel lasters" are an embarrassment to all Christians and Americans who believe in freedom.Every time I see your "Israel murderer" posts from now on, I shall post this response.
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 12:46PM
Aaand Bite Me, Ken (Old Fart).
chuck| 8.29.11 @ 9:26PM
Clint,
I think your a plant to make the Tea Party look like a bunch of anti-semantic assholes. You certainly fit the profile, but the Tea Party does not. Please do not try to speak for the Tea Party, you only speak for yourself.
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 1:49PM
Clint,
Do the words "trite" or "vulgar" mean anything to you? I normally scroll past your posts but read this one as it was in response to mine. I won't make that mistake again.
RCV| 8.29.11 @ 2:07PM
Clint is a stellar example of why libertarians will never attract most Republicans. Calling people "asshats" is not likely to win them over. Just sayin'.
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 2:24PM
Nobody Cares What You Think Libtard Asshat Israel-Firster Obama Butt-Boy Fairy RC-Pee.
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 2:42PM
RCV,
It's peculiar. I can see his closing argument at trial: "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. I've proven my case. Now find for me or you are all asshats." That oughta do it, don't you think?
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 2:44PM
Aaand Youre An Asshat.
Aaand a douche.
RCV| 8.29.11 @ 11:11PM
Yes, that should work - right after Clint has asked all the Jewish jurors if they are "Israel-firsters or gen-u-ine Americans"
Clint| 8.29.11 @ 2:23PM
Little Johny RINO-CINO-Boy Israel Firster Has His Panties In A Twist.
Like I Care.
The Tea Party Rebellion Rolls On.
Get Ready To Be Steamrolled.
dw| 8.29.11 @ 7:06PM
Stop involving the tea party in your stupidity and classless posts. No way you represent the tea party with your vulgar approach. You are an embarassment to the real tea partiers.
blackwatch| 8.29.11 @ 7:32PM
nicely done.
Bob Grant| 8.29.11 @ 7:28PM
Clint,
Explain your love affair with mooslams.
What will they do for our Tea Party movement?
voted against carter| 8.29.11 @ 2:33PM
HEY!!!?,.... who let the RP Trolls lose?
How many times must I tell you when your are done playing with them to put them BACK in the drawer AND lock it.
Apparently NOT enough.
Doctor Right| 8.29.11 @ 2:51PM
Hey, Clint-wit! (Yes, that's a new term created just for you).
Here's a NEW poll for you and your Paulista-drone buddies:
http://politicalticker.blogs.c.....gop-field/
Leading the GOP race is Rick Perry: 29%
And where's Doctor Ronnie?
He's behind Romney, Palin, Bachman, and...Giuliani!!!
BWAH-HAH-HAH-HAH-HAH!!!!!!
Ronnie the RINO Liber-tard has a whopping 6%!!!
Behind Giuliani!!!!
TOO FUNNY!!!
Now let's see your smart-a** reply, you phony Tea Partier!
Drunken Sailor| 8.29.11 @ 3:08PM
Priceless, and to make it even better the results with just the people currently running did zip for the libtard. Still pulled 6%
RCV| 8.29.11 @ 11:13PM
If Harold Stassen were still running, he'd be ahead of Paul, too.
Margie| 8.29.11 @ 11:27PM
Rick Perry~ The Other RP!!
richard ryan| 8.29.11 @ 9:17AM
This "center" concept is a bunch of nonsense. The only reason there IS a center is because there is a sizable portion of the electorate who do not understand history, or how statist policies affect this country. Show me an educated, informed "center" independent and I'll show you a person who is either afraid to stand on principle or has an emotional attachment to some leftist idea or another (pro-choice). Centrist losers helped us get in this mess, and the only solution is solid conservatism-period.
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 1:44PM
richard ryan,
You must play the hand you are dealt. Perhaps the concept is nonsense, but such nonsensical people vote. Witness the Obama presidency.
The Big E| 8.29.11 @ 5:01PM
If independents are such non-sensical people as to vote for him again after all he's "accomplished" then the country is doomed to national suicide anyway.
Political independents are that way because - for whatever reason - they don't want to take sides. Obama took advantage of that in 2008 by spending the entire campaign lying about who he was, what he believed, and what he wanted to do. He got away with it was because (a) nobody in the media were going to challenge him on anything, and (b) we ran a moderate Republican who's campaign strategy was to do exactly what the author now proposes - i.e. - pander to the independents. McCain was unwilling to go out on the campaign trail and TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT HIS OPPONENT, and he lost not because he didn't do enough to pander to independents, but because he didn't do enough to distinguish himself from Obama.
What the author of this article proposes is, in essence, a repeat of that failed strategy.
Plus, those independents who Obama duped in 2008 are now seeing through his web of lies - as evidenced by the fact that the polls show them abandoning him in droves. Which brings me back to the nature of political independents - they don't want to take sides, which makes them easily led.
Anyone, regardless of who it is, who will not take a side in a dispute can be easily led down one path or the other. As the old country song says, You've Got to Stand for Something or You'll Fall for Anything. In 2008, Obama got out front and at least looked like he was leading, while McCain looked weak and out of touch. Now it's Obama who looks weak and out of touch, but those independents are still looking to be led. What we need is someone who will lead them, not someone who will pander to them and thus open up an avenue for Obama's re-election.
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 8:49PM
The Big E,
All very true, but I think we agree these voters will need to be led to the conservative camp. Obama has made the job easier, no doubt.
You and I will, perhaps, agree that neither Paul nor Huntsman will be that leader. Unfortunately, for me, Santorum isn't shaping up to be that leader either.
Unless things change, the least dangerous electable candidate is Perry. I don't have any particular animus to Bachmann, but I don't think it looks to good for her. As Ken will attest, and as I have written, I have problems with Perry, but if the election were held today, he would have my vote. He is certainly showing the ability to capture the popular imagination. The clothes pin I would have to wear would be much smaller than the one I wore for the last election.
The Buckley rule says we have to win. It's not as if we are running against Lieberman - a liberal man of principles who loves his country. We run against a very dangerous man and a loss will be catastrophic.
We ignore the middle at our peril.
We are still in the primaries and tough questioning of the current candidates in order to make the best choice can do nothing but help the candidates understand the conservative position. Conservatives are in the best position I've seen in my lifetime. Perry may, I fear, be a bigger government politician that I like, but I don't think we will be an obstacle to the House - the imperative of this election if you ask me.
My fear is a third-party Paul candidacy. I love the man exactly where he is.
RCV| 8.29.11 @ 2:09PM
Be that as it may, Richard, that sizeable portion of the electorate whom you call "centrist losers" all get to vote, and your candidates can't get elected unless you convince them to vote for you. It's not rocket science.
Butch| 8.29.11 @ 4:56PM
The author was using--mistakenly, in my humble opinion--"independents" as a surrogate for "moderates." Rush believes "moderates" are really liberals, and I agree.
Independents are a different story. I'm as conservative as they come, and I am officially an independent. I have never voted for a democrat for any federal office, and I have been voting since 1968, but I am an independent.
In my state, the Republican party is just now asserting itself. They often do not field a full slate of electable candidates for state and local offices. To register as a Republican is to be effectively barred from voting in state and local elections, where the Democratic primary is in effect the final election.
I quit making financial contributions to the RNC after 2000; I give to individual candidates only. For example, I contributed to Judge Prosseur's (sp?) re-election, even though I have never set a foot in the state of Wisconsin. I also gave to O'Donnell (sp?) after the RNC/Rove did a number on her. In brief, I am independent but not Republican, even though I always donate to and vote for Republicans in the general elections. I think you will find my status to be fairly typical throughout the south, where the Republicans are still getting established after many decades of one-party rule. I think there are many more conservatives than liberals among "independents."
Jack in Wi.| 8.30.11 @ 6:17AM
The only candidate with the possiblity to win over Indepenents and Democrats in large numbers is Ron Paul. A dimwitted warmonger like Perry or a Ken Doll like Romney have no chance. Ron Paul has been right for decades and performs the best by far, in debates and in unscripted interiews. By polling huge majorities want an end to these wars now, a complete audit of the Fed, and an end to all foreign aid. They also want a lot less government in their lives. Ron Paul is tied with Obama in several polls. In most polls he runs far ahead of any candidate among the middle voters. It is time to put the finest man to ever seek the Oval Office in my lifetime where he belongs. That is 1600 Pennsylvannia avenue, Dr. Ron Paul for peace and prospeity.
EC| 8.29.11 @ 7:40AM
Was this article written by Ben Stein? Perhaps if we redistribute a little we can gain the middle?
POST American| 8.29.11 @ 7:51AM
----MOST emphatically NOT con-jobs and
biz nihilism as usual as 2012 may be the LAST
properly, or even ceremonially, American
election.
The Globalist agendas openly call for the
U.N. to be brought in as ruling world authority
by 2012. RED China to be foisted as 'world model'
and 'enforcer'.
We can't help notice the deafening SILENCE
regarding the U.N. these days from BOTH ends
of our FAKE Rock--F--L--O political 'spectrum'.
We're still betting that steak diuner that
an increasngly USURY delinquent, dysfunctional
America will see RED Chinese 'assistance' on the
ground and nation wide by 2020 ---if not much
sooner.
---------------------------YOU WON'T WAKE UP.
Dan Mathewson| 8.29.11 @ 8:13PM
zzzzzzz...SNORT!....zzzzzz......Dear hit the snooze button, willya?
Gary B| 8.29.11 @ 8:19AM
This theory is too complicated, especially for the stupid party.
Sensible marketers like to test their theories before going for broke. It's the smart thing to do. We have seen two very successful tests this election cycle: one by that clown, Trump and another by that very capable candidate, Perry.
What did they test? They found that using blunt language (not stupid Republican civility) instantly taps into decades of pent up anger among diverse factions among our fellow Americans.
This is why the Tea Party is so successful. It appeals to diverse groups, every one of which is really PISSED OFF.
Marketing 101: appeal to emotions already held by your target audience.
Here's a strategy: Forget all this consultant Republican/Democrat BS - stoke up the ANGER! We have seen it work!
JayDick| 8.29.11 @ 10:05AM
Anger could work, especially if combined with a simple, straightforward message. That's the path Perry seems to be following and it's working so far. I expect it to continue working and for him to be the next President.
Drunken Sailor| 8.29.11 @ 10:23AM
Ditto.
Paul's numbers wont go any higher. Romney's will sink. Bachmann's will sink as well but I think she may stay afloat longer the Paul. I think the race will come down to either Perry or Romney unless we have another canidate jump in the ring.
JayDick| 8.29.11 @ 2:22PM
Romney's support has always been soft and now that there's a viable alternative (Perry), potential voters are leaving Romney in droves. He will fall just like Paul and Bachmann. Perry will win going away unless someone else enters the race. Even if Palin enters, he will probably still win.
Jack in Wi.| 8.30.11 @ 6:24AM
Perry won't be the nominee period. He is nothing but a clone of Bush and Cheney. This country is bankrupt because of those kind of policies. If by some miracle dimwitt Perry is elected he will be worse then Obama. All Obama has to do is appear more sane and reasonable then Perry to get the middle voters. He can also re-sell himself as the peace candidate when compared to the belicose Perry. Not more then 40% of the country will support such a ticket. The libertarian base of at least 3o% of the party will stay home in droves or vote 3rd party.
Drunken Sailor| 8.30.11 @ 10:45AM
Ron Paul 6%
Sam Vaughn| 8.29.11 @ 10:17AM
I'm not in favor of "stoking" up the anger in the manner which you might favor. Cold, hard facts, the truth for a change, turns anger into actionable deep-seated determination. Anger is a an emotion quickly dissipated. Keep speaking the truth and the determination to treat the root cause of that anger remains intact.
Gary B| 8.29.11 @ 8:17PM
Sam,
You're right... but, what I meant by pent up anger is decades of liberal policies washing over a basically conservative nation. Political correctness summarizes it well. It's killing us and so that anger is fact-based, as you aptly suggested, and it's deep-seated. Just talking about it makes people angry.
Jack in Wi.| 8.30.11 @ 6:25AM
The only guy speaking the truth in this campaign is Ron Paul. He has been doing it for decades. The people know it and he will be the next President.
Louis Jenkins| 8.29.11 @ 8:46AM
Mr. Gary B:
I truly believe that's were the pay off will be. Get as mean and dirty as the liberals, and maybe the anger will be overwhelming. Get even dirtier, and the election may be a landslide. Got to love politics!!
JayDick| 8.29.11 @ 10:07AM
Going that far may be difficult. Remember the libs have the media to help them out and cover up for them when necessary.
irish19| 8.29.11 @ 11:24AM
I think the people may be wising up to the media's complicity. zero cannot run on his record because his record sucks. The media cannot effectively cover this up.
Unless the Republicans nominate a complete nut, or a complete RINO, they should be able to win going away.
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 2:32PM
irish19,
I don't expect the media will mention Obama's record at all. It will all be about what he is doing today to solve the world's greatest problems - Obama takes charges of the Hurricane Response Center, e.g. - with an incessant drumbeat attributing anti-Americanism to the opposition. Observe the current meme that the Tea Party is a group of racist, gun-loving, red-necks. Perhaps the Tea Party should sponsor a Nascar auto. It would tickle everybody. I'd send a few bucks.
Gary B| 8.29.11 @ 8:21PM
John,
Luckily, in this day and age, we have the Internet and talk radio, two strong counter measures to the enemedia. More than ever before, the public is more aware of what's really going on. That's a huge advantage. We'll need it if we're to overcome the dirty tricks that are sure to come from the left.
Mimi| 8.29.11 @ 8:55AM
Nobody has to come up with wierd theories on this next PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION ! Obama will loose because of his propensity to throw anybody....anywhere UNDER the BUS !! The deviousness of character won't help as well as smiting the very ones who brought him to the DANCE in 2008. Frankly, he's lost the " GOODWILL of the nation. His position right now is compared to 1968 and any.....ANY good HONEST Democrat could easily take his place!
Mimi| 8.29.11 @ 8:57AM
To add.... And well they should....if any have the courage to see the TRUTH !!!
VBMax| 8.29.11 @ 9:18AM
"ANY good HONEST Democrat could easily take his place!"
Isn't it telling that not even one Democrat has stepped up to primary the worst president in the history of the Republic. In other words, Democrats have literally condoned the criminality of the current administration by their neglect. The party, in its current form, must be dismantled.
Mimi| 8.29.11 @ 9:44AM
WELL SAID !
Gary B| 8.29.11 @ 10:18AM
Liberalism is being discredited by the day. Look how many productive people are voting with their feet, leaving blue states and moving to red states. And Obama continues to spread his manure because that's his religion.
Wayne | 8.29.11 @ 11:11AM
None will stand up, because they even fear the charge of racism more than Republicans.
Gary B| 8.29.11 @ 8:22PM
Wayne,
I think you're right.
Chalkdust| 8.29.11 @ 9:07AM
Billary Clinton moved to the RIGHT in the '96 election, always a winning move. Mr. J.T. Young's suggestion would require the 2012 Republicans to move to the LEFT, a move the stupid demoncrats would even eschew. Stay pissed-off at Obama and the backward looking demoncrats, ignore the RINOs was the winning move in 2010. Will be again in 2012...Wolverines !!!
Gary B| 8.29.11 @ 10:22AM
Selling to the middle is appeasement. When has that ever worked?
When you hear someone advocating that, you know they're paid-up members of Club Fed. Do the opposite.
Michael Tomlinson| 8.29.11 @ 9:50AM
“Unless the economy turns around in the next 18 months, Obama is on track to have the worst jobs record of any president in the modern era. That would be an accurate statement.” Glenn Kessler, fact checker for the Washington Post.
Fewer Americans are working full-time today than when Mr. Obama took office, more than 900,000 full-time jobs were lost in the last four months alone, and long-term unemployment is at a post-World War II high.
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.29.11 @ 10:00AM
I just had to bring this to your attention,folks from Americn Thinker.
http://www.americanthinker.com.....orons.html
Pat Spooner| 8.29.11 @ 10:29AM
Old Texican, thanks for the link. I missed it earlier today and I think it says it all about Perry!
Oldefarte| 8.29.11 @ 10:52AM
A piece of political advice to Republican candidates for president and congress: Simply perform the job that taxpayer-voters send you to DC to do! It's that simply. The tea party was formulated due to frustration that these idiot-politicians do not listen to the American taxpayers [who are paying the bills of government and therefore the salaries of these elected morons]. Its easy, they simply need to DO THEIR COLLECTIVE JOBS. We don not send them to DC to fornicate with teenage children, prostitutes and staff members on the taxpayers' dime; to take their marching orders from some old bag from SF whose a historical rebel rouser; to provide governmental welfare to stupid indigents in return for their votes at election time; to further their personal bank accounts fraudently at the taxpayers' expense; etc. Get it, DA's????????????????????
Wayne | 8.29.11 @ 11:09AM
Obama can not triangulate, because he is a dolt. As soon as the House had an implementable and effective plan to reduce the deficit (CC and B), Obama says he will veto it. That made him the obstacle and the defiant one, no matter what the spin-meisters told us. Then there is his petulance and blaming and perpetual campaigning. He has become such a turn-off, that nobody can listen to him any more.
The GOP should not negotiate with him. Just call his plans DOA and hammer him on job killing rules and regulations. Tie Obama to tyranny. That should be a nail in his coffin.
fmm| 8.29.11 @ 11:21AM
This is nothing more than saying you support a RINO getting the republican nomination, an occurrence which would not be good for the country.
irish19| 8.29.11 @ 11:36AM
Not quite, methinks. It says, I think, that the author will support a RINO should one get the nomination. It does not look like it says he supports one actually getting said nomination. There is a big, big difference between the two.
Oldefarte| 8.29.11 @ 2:00PM
That's EXACTLY what I'll do! Not only will I vote for a Republican RINO, but for a LIBERAL Republican as opposed to Obama. Yes, any Republican, please, which is to say any sane, rational, capitalistic, semi-religious person over Obama. Hell, I'll even vote for Ron Paul over Obama, since Paul may be quirky, but he's no flaming radical extremist. Hopefully everyone will do likewise, if they wish to see this country survive and not become bankrupt from another four years of Hope&Change; BS!!!!!
Wayne | 8.29.11 @ 2:26PM
Not one who will only extend Obama's statism. We give Obama way too much credit. Another person could carry the same socialist torch, even a liberal Republican. Having a Republican enforcing Cap and Trade for example would be no better than Obama doing the same.
Wayne | 8.29.11 @ 2:27PM
Ron Paul, btw I would vote for, but a Huntsman, no way.
Oldefarte| 8.29.11 @ 4:35PM
Neither one has a DOG'S CHANCE IN HADES of ever being elected president, much less as DOG CATCHER IN GEORGIA!!!!
Oldefarte| 8.29.11 @ 4:42PM
No, I respectfully disagree. Not that he would [don't know], but if McCain were president now, we would not be in the excrement pot trouble that we're currently faced with; the economy would be increasingly improving, the Justice Dept would not be suing Arizona, Alabama etc; the Interior Dept would issue oil drilling permits to oil companies; ICE and HLS would not be ignoring their constitutional duties to inforce our federal immigration laws and to protect our country from infiltrating Muslim terrorists; etc. No, there's a huge difference between any Republican and your typical Democrat [and hopefully most sane Americans now know the difference post 11/4/08]!!!!!!!
Jack in Wi.| 8.30.11 @ 6:31AM
If McCain had been elected we would be in far worse trouble. We have a chance to change things now. All McCain and his warmongers would have done is involve us in half a dozen more unwinnable wars. I voted for McCain but hoped he would lose. Thank God Sarah Palin got out the vote. so that the Republican party wasn't wiped out. It would have been worse then 1932, if not for that.
Oldefarte| 8.30.11 @ 1:08PM
Wait a minute, how is this [All McCain and his warmongers would have done is involve us in half a dozen more unwinnable wars] even possible? We're already involved in financing NATO operations in the entire ME, so how would McCain be able to involve us any more so? This Muslim socialists moron disguised as an American capitalist doesn't have a clue as to how to find his own personal rear-end, much less run this country. Its completely stating STUPIDLY for you to fathom that McCain or any other rational human being [other than this radical community organizer ars-kisser of Bill Ayers and Jerry Wright] could ever be possibly worse than himself. WAKE UP, PLEASE. You're an example of the idiotic thinking that screwed this country on 11/4/08!!!!!!
Ken (Old Texican)| 8.29.11 @ 11:56AM
See above.
If Sarah doesn't get in...I'm all in for Perry.
...Heck yes I would vote for Elmer Fuud against Obama, but only Perry and Sarah will kick butts and call names.
John Navratil| 8.29.11 @ 2:19PM
Ken (Old Texican),
If Palin runs, you and I will be singing duets together.
Solo| 8.29.11 @ 4:02PM
I respect your point of view (I have no problem with Sarah Palin and would be proud to call her "Madam President") but for now...I'm all in for Rick Perry.
This guy is the real deal. He's not perfect and I can't help but believe that no one...and I mean no one who has had the responsibility to run an entire state can be expected to be totally and completely perfect on every issue.
He never had the luxury of preening and strutting around for his base for votes issued which were non-consequential in the first place but make for great posturing.
He's not shy, he's unapologetic about his beliefs and he has a great record in his home state.
He's not perfect but then, who among us is? I can think of only one man in history who was perfect....and they crucified Him! Literally!
Jack in Wi.| 8.30.11 @ 6:36AM
Perry is a dimwit who will self destruct on a national stage. Hell! He is not even that popular in Texas. People are not going to vote for another warmonger with a Texas twang. They have had enough of that. He will be led around by his neocon handlers on a leash.
Oldefarte| 8.30.11 @ 1:16PM
That's completely stating STUPIDLY! Dimwit? The only dimwit I'm aware of has the initials BHO [or perhaps the morons who put him into office on 11/4/08]. According to your feeble-mindedness, no doubt anyone without a law degree from Harvard etc is a 'dimwit'. Perry not popular in Texas? Yeah, moron, think again, since he's been elected governor twice [oh and if you're from Wisconsin, maybe you think Scott Walker is a 'dimwit' also, who is successfully running the radical labor unions out of your state, as are numerous other governors of variousl state; so go back to becoming intoxicated on your Wisconsin cheese]. And who p[retel are the voters going to elect, if not another warmonger? Plate-in-the-head-Ron? Dream on dummie!!!!!!!
Joe D.| 8.29.11 @ 12:21PM
I would have to disagree with you J.T. on one point we need a center right candidated not a center candidate. And he/she would win easy. The Republicans have several who fit the bill and should win.
Controse| 8.29.11 @ 3:00PM
This is our chance for a full court press. The winning tag line for 2012 is "The Democrats brought you this:" followed by just one particular abomination from ObamaCare or one particular abomination from the "stimulus" or one particular abomination from Mr. Abomination Obama. Followed by "If you vote for a Democrat you are voting for this." Mr. Young there is no middle way. Conservatives either surrender or win.
Kingofthenet| 8.29.11 @ 11:33PM
So the Democrats brought you this, and the Republican Alternative, is to deny people policies for preexisting conditions, and more people uninsured, great plan there...
Solo| 8.30.11 @ 7:53AM
You're not entitled to my money so that you may buy yourself anything....and that includes health insurance.
Moreover....this theft has the effect of raising my insurance costs to boot!
Hell...you might as well get a mob together and go door to door in your neighborhood, breaking in to their homes and helping yourselves to whatever you like. This is no different.
Let's see...you could call your mob...."democrats".
heredress | 8.29.11 @ 11:29PM
well, it's really funny for the proposing. If every could be planned like this, then no wonder will occurred time from time.
POST American| 8.29.11 @ 11:43PM
"America better watch it or
in a couple of decades we''re
going to be a minstrel show for
RED China."
-GORE VIDAL
(1985)
-----SO go with Perry. He'll save us!
------And Obama's a 'fresh face'
--------And Bush Jr's just a 'Good ol' Boy'
---------And Clinton's a come from nowhere 'dynamic force'
----------And Bush Sr's another 'ALL American' Reagan.
He'd NEVER sell us out.
-----------Sports n' porn n' RED China wampum
JUST KEEP A GOIN'----------------------------------
Hat| 8.30.11 @ 2:29AM
It is quite possible, some would say likely, for the Republicans to nominate a candidate who cannot win.
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Simon Templar| 8.30.11 @ 2:10PM
Political parties and electing those party affiliations is not the critical issue, not the solution, and not the problem.
The Left has always known it is not about elections, it is about winning the culture war and the minds and hearts of the populace. Win this and all of it follows.
That proverbial center of politics can be moved either left or right dragging the whole spectrum in one drift. This is why the Tea party is so threatening! It is not a political party, it is a movement about ideas, values, and beliefs.
These ideas have been under assault and are fundamental values, beliefs, and cultural visions that are under assault in this culture war. The last century in the US was not primarily about shifting directions of party and partisan control and political struggle for government control but rather re-educating, enculturating, and reshaping the culture in a larger conflict of a cultural war.
The cultural marxist have been winning until recently. Think about it. Who is being attacked with the greatest energy and viciousness by the Socialist Democratic Party, the media, and all progressives? The GOP?
No. The Tea Party Movement.
POST American| 8.31.11 @ 12:29AM
----'A winner' ----surely a mafia formulation of
value. NOT the thing in this, the 11th hour of
the Globalist RED China TREASON OP.
And beyond that the capstone set-up
OPRAH WIN----FREE has, at last! ---retired.
Really get beyond your programming kiddies.
AS the fallout from Fukishima mixes massively
with the CHEM-trails that DON'T exist
---and as those in the 'Lucky Genes Club'
hook up their collators ------GET REAL.
shipley130| 8.31.11 @ 4:05PM
I can only hope that Obama keeps up his stupidity for another year.