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A Further Perspective
Pick Your Poison: Culture War or Class War?
That’s what Obama and Axelrod have in mind this reelection season.
Would you prefer Rick Santorum or Mitt Romney to run against Obama? Well, it depends on whether you prefer to engage Obama on cultural grounds or on terms of class warfare. Obama and David Axelrod are going to give us one or the other. Thus, maybe the better question is: Can Santorum articulate and defend social conservatism better than Romney can defend free markets? Which of the two is a more forceful, eloquent spokesperson for the area that Obama and Axelrod will use to define and malign him?
As I noted here a few weeks ago, not only has Obama been pushing class warfare unceasingly for three years now, but his chief strategist, David Axelrod, has been scheming precisely such an assault against Romney. “Obama officials intend to frame Romney as the very picture of greed in the great recession — a sort of political Gordon Gekko,” reported an August 2011 Politico piece titled, “Obama plan: Destroy Romney.” The piece quoted Axelrod: “He [Romney] was very, very good at making a profit for himself and his partners but not nearly as good [at] saving jobs for communities. He is very much the profile of what we’ve seen in the last decade on Wall Street.”
This was the plan even before Occupy Wall Street exploded. Axelrod and Obama view Mitt Romney as red meat for the Occupy movement, the poster-boy for Wall Street greed.
“[Romney] says he represents business,” Axelrod told MSNBC in October, “but he really represents the Wall Street side of business.”
Axelrod told George Stephanopoulos that Romney is “not a job creator” but a “corporate raider” who outsourced “tens of thousands of jobs,” “closed down more than 1,000 plants, stores, and offices,” and joined “his partners” in making “hundreds of millions of dollars” at the expense of the poor. Axelrod calls this the “Bain mentality.”
This poisonous rhetoric is just a taste of the buckets of class bilge to come if Romney gets the GOP nomination. The vitriol will get far worse. And no one will do it better and more happily than a smiling Obama, joyfully sowing seeds of class envy and hatred. Deadly sin as a core campaign tactic.
Perhaps the only thing that might please this prophet of “hope” more would be a good old fashioned crusade against the Catholic Church over “contraception.” And that’s where Rick Santorum comes in.
I’m increasingly convinced that Obama wants this battle with the Catholic Church over contraception, sterilization, and abortion-inducing pharmaceuticals. I think this is a fight not only close to Obama’s ideological heart, but one he perversely feels can help him politically. If he can frame this debate as not about taxpayer support of abortion drugs, or religious liberty, or freedom of conscience, or the First Amendment and Constitution — all of which it is — but about “women’s rights” vs. the stodgy old men who run the Catholic Church, he will make headway with certain voters. Don’t underestimate Obama’s ability to do just that with an American public educated by public schools and their television.
If Rick Santorum becomes the GOP nominee, he’ll be an automatic spokesman for the Catholic Church’s position. He’s a living, breathing testimony to the Church’s teaching, from his own personal life to his well-informed intellect and conscience. Here’s the rarest candidate who has actually read Church encyclicals like Humanae Vitae and Evangelium Vitae. Santorum cannot only spell “Magisterium” but knows what it is and believes and follows it faithfully.
That’s just fine for Obama and Axelrod. They’ll take that guy. Hey, buddy, you want a culture war based on Catholic Church teachings? You got it!
Never mind, of course, that Barack Obama started this fight with his heavy-handed HHS mandate to the Catholic Church. Obama’s media will behave as if Santorum is the intolerant one, rudely and righteously thrusting his faith into the “public square.” The media will not bother to portray Santorum as simply reacting to Obama’s totally unnecessary decree and assault — which is what really happened — but as a sexist Neanderthal who just can’t pull his nose out of your bedroom.
Obama and Axelrod will love this. They’ll thrive in this arena.
Remember Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals: Pick a target — isolate it, demonize it. The Catholic Church may well be Team Obama’s demon for 2012.
How’s that for moral leadership? George Washington is rolling over in his grave.
So, that brings us back to my original question: Which of the two — Romney or Santorum — is a more forceful, eloquent spokesperson for the issues that Obama and Axelrod will use to define and malign him? I think the answer is Santorum, which is less a vote for Santorum than a vote of no confidence in Romney’s persuasive abilities. Or does that bring us back to Newt?
One thing is certain: We can be sure that our Great Unifier president — our “transformative” leader — will again find a way to divide Americans, whether pitting them against each other by class or religion, by income or faith, by money or conscience. How’s that for “hope” and “change”? Enjoy it, America, you elected it.
About the Author
Paul Kengor is professor of political science and executive director of The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. He is author of the new book The Communist: Frank Marshall Davis, The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mentor. His other books include The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism and Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for a Century.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (101) | Leave a comment
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Brian Mc| 2.28.12 @ 6:52AM
The Gordian Knot of American Exceptionalism bound by republicanism and capitalism is dangling by a thread. The alien swings his sword and one can't help but wonder if he wonders, just a bit, whether he's doing the right thing.
If Americans stay his hand, is the knot to fail irregardless? Has the traitor already done irreparable damage and the knot doomed to snap under its own weight?
Timothy L. Pennell| 2.28.12 @ 9:20AM
My advice to the Catholic Church is to Call his Bluff. Use his own tactics against him. He's a big believer in Cloward and Piven. I would Cloward and Piven his ass, all over the place.
The Catholic Church, and all Religious Organizations who oppose Pharaoh's Edict, should let it be known that, if need be, they will shut it down. All of it. The Schools and the Hospitals. The Clinics and the Hospices. Let the POOR in these neighborhoods know, who is bringing this about. OVERWHELM THE SYSTEM!I believe that's what the old Marxist B*tch, says.
Me? I've always been a fan of: "What's good for the Goose............................."
florin| 2.28.12 @ 9:46AM
Feb. 28th: I would have stood by Santorum but the fact that he is in Michigan today calling on all Dems. to vote for him to defeat Romney makes me sick. Obama and the dems fear Romney so Santorum crosses the aisle and joins with them and this will be remembered if he gets the nomination and he will lose badly...I thought he had more character and integrity than that...gingrich is a 'I want to win at all costs, no matter who or what I destroy along the way"...I hope Santorum does not become like gingrich...
Timothy L. Pennell| 2.28.12 @ 10:05AM
Why would Obama fear Romney? Romney IS Obama.
"Santorum crossed the aisle." Really?
I'm sorry sweetheart, but you don't sound well.
Why do I think that you have Mitt Romney pictures thumb tacked all over every square inch of your apartment?
Seriously.
WhatAboutBob| 2.28.12 @ 11:03AM
Florin, the common thread throughout the primaries this year has been Romney launching cutthroat attack ads at whoever he sees as his most immediate threat. I've never seen anything like it.
Newt just responded to Romney's attack ads, badly, in my opinion.
I actually wouldn't mind what Romney is doing so much, if I was confident he'd turn his fire on Obama with the same degree of ruthlessness.
Alas, I'm convinced he won't.
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:29PM
Those evil democrats that Santorum is courting are the blue collar workers that Santorum does a pretty good job of representing and understanding. Not seeing the problem there.
Sashamanda| 3.1.12 @ 1:17PM
The only "I want to win at all costs, no matter who or what I destroy along the way" candidate is Mitt Romney. He'd spent more that $55 million before Michigan and Arizona to lie and distort the records of other candidates. In fact, Mitt has set an all-time record in money spent on character assassination.
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 10:38AM
Pennell said, "My advice to the Catholic Church is to Call his Bluff. Use his own tactics against him."
This is exactly what they should do. And, target the enemedia, too. As the saying goes, "Take a gun to a gun fight!"
Seek| 2.28.12 @ 11:23AM
If the Church proceeds along this line, it will be perceived as the enemy. And the Obama administration will be perceived as the crusader for rights. Such a strategy would be utterly counterproductive to conservatism.
Timothy L. Pennell| 2.28.12 @ 3:56PM
Really? They have been FORCED in to this position. It's an either or, proposition.
There is no Middle of the Road.
You're either THE CHURCH, or you're not.
You're either AGAINST the MURDER of the UNBORN, or you're not.
You either believe CHRIST'S Teachings, or you don't.
This isn't a CLUB. It's The Church.
Get a SPINE, Seek.
Jean| 3.1.12 @ 4:53PM
Actually, they wouldn't be seen as the enemy. In the 1970s, Hillsdale College faced a similar situation - they were being pressured to do affirmative action hiring in the math department. They refused to target and recruit minorities when 1) there were few qualified minority applicants for the position (Hillsdale is located nearly 75 miles from the nearest urban area, and blacks weren't flocking to apply) and 2) they would be forced to ignore the qualified applicants who were not black, so they chose instead to give up taking any federal funds. Donors have ponied up in large numbers to fund scholarships for qualified low-income students who would be eligible for a Pell Grant or federal student loan, but would have to give up an education at Hillsdale if they did. I believe that if the Church stood its ground and stood for principles, they would attract enough donations from outside the Catholic faith to fund their hospitals and hospices that they would be able to tell the government to shove it and look like heroes in the process.
scotchieguy| 2.28.12 @ 11:59AM
Either way, we are screwed. This is what happens when the libs run public education for 50 years, and television is more pervasive than anything in controlling people's thoughts. How do you get the toothpaste back in the tube? You don't. We are running against a bunch of thugs who want to destroy the greatest economy ever. We are running against a media that is too stupid and lazy to question anything from the left. We are trying to win with real conservatism, but we do need the Reagan Democrats, only they are so far up their asses with sit-coms, video games, internet porn and their iphone that it all looks rather pointless. 235 years. It was a nice run.
sotto voce| 2.28.12 @ 4:54PM
The Church apparently took your advice. This just out today: Cardinal George of Chicago (Chicago! Irony alert!) is threatening to shut down Catholic hospitals, charities and clinics rather than follow Leviathan's edicts.
Timothy L. Pennell| 2.28.12 @ 7:31PM
It's the only way to shine the light on this Creature, and his ways.
SIC SEMPER TYRANNUS!
Alan Brooks| 2.28.12 @ 1:25PM
"the knot doomed to snap under its own weight?"
The knot has been doomed since 9-11.
Brian Mc| 2.28.12 @ 1:56PM
I'll go even further; the knot has been doomed since the passage of the 16th and 17th amendments to the Constitution. The two biggest travesties to our Republican existance, bar none.
Appleby| 2.28.12 @ 7:24AM
If it accomplishes nothing else, Obama's war against the Catholic church is forcing Catholics and other evangelicals to stand before their Lord and God and choose whom to serve. Americans (and even more, Canadians) are not used to thinking of religion as something that has to be defended against a howling, hostile mob. Now we are being called to do exactly that -- to be Christian Soldiers Marching As To War. Christianity is not a dress we put on once a week; it is and ought to be the skin that holds us together. By attacking something he does not understand and in fact cannot understand, Obama is doing what generations of Christians have been unable to do: he is forcing Christians to choose -- and is showing them that it is indeed abundantly clear that one cannot serve both God and Mammon.
Which side are you going to pick, my fellow Catholics? God or Mammon?
Teaghan| 2.28.12 @ 8:29AM
This Presbyterian is standing with my God and the Catholic Church. I have tried to find out from PCUSA if they indeed stand with the Catholic church and all I get is crickets.
Louis Jenkins| 2.28.12 @ 8:43AM
Dear Teaghan:
Don't hold your breath. PCUSA is more politically correct that you or I think. And that's coming from a Presby.
Bruce| 2.28.12 @ 9:57AM
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I can tell you that many of us stand with other people who are willing to uphold the true teachings of the Bible. I know we are "condemned" as a "non-Christian cult" but I would invite you to go to the Church's website to see what we believe and in Whom we place our faith. www.mormon.org
sotto voce| 2.28.12 @ 5:11PM
I say go with Santorum. I think the God issue would galvanize the American people more than the Mammon issue. Too many citizens have already been co-opted by the entitlement state and are beyond reasoning with, but threatening to destroy freedom of religion seems to be resonating across denominations and riling even those (like me) who don't regularly attend church. It would be delicious irony if the contraceptive issue (and by extension, the religious freedom issue), conceived as a cynical campaign strategy, turned to bite the Democrats in the ass and deprived Obama of his second term. God willing, it might just save our Republic.
Jeremiah Smirking| 2.28.12 @ 7:39AM
Well said Appleby!
Ken (Old Texican)| 2.28.12 @ 7:42AM
"Crony Capitalism" is one milimeter from Fascism.
Several of those "cronies" are the big news (propaganda) media networks. Never forget it for an instant.
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 10:29AM
Thanks Ken for pointing out what crony capitalism actually is. Government chooses preferred businesses and hands out contracts or forces product selection through regulation (GE anyone) and the public loses its choices. Choice is free markets the other is tyranny. Hermann Goering, the owner of the Hermann Goering steel works, was one of the richest men on the planet.
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:32PM
And you have Obama on the tube proclaiming was a success GM has been, what with them paying back only a portion of the money the government gave them and then outsourcing a huge chunk of their business rather than staying stateside to support the workers whose money they took to save their company. GM, an Amerikan Revolution.
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 2:38PM
...and of course Blue, the Govt has become the biggest fleet customer for the Volt.
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 8:45AM
Rush reported poll results yesterday that indicate 75% of Americans favor repeal of Obamacare. That's huge! If were a candidate, I'd talk about that and little else. Also, didn't the 2010 elections prove that the culture war is a loser for Democrats?
Santorum can more successfully argue for the repeal of Obamacare; Romney is vulnerable on this issue. Also, Santorum is gaining credibility in the culture war.
Finally, never listen to Obama spokemen or the enemedia about anything. They're masters at making stuff up.
Alan Brooks| 2.28.12 @ 1:28PM
If your guy wins in November, whomever he turns out to be, we will treat him as you treated Obama.
Brian Mc| 2.28.12 @ 2:04PM
You have got to be kidding. We're battling for the very survival of the greatest country the world has ever known and that's the best you can offer? A threat straight from the mouth of an 8 yr. old?
Alan Brooks| 2.28.12 @ 3:49PM
"We're battling for the very survival of the greatest country the world has ever known"
I think England is the greatest; America comes in at #2. England created America, you'd be nothing without England.
Pete| 2.28.12 @ 4:24PM
England was lost a long time ago.
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 8:51AM
Another thing... I believe continued attacks on the Catholic Church will attract support from huge numbers of non-Catholics, as it is a textbook First Amendment fight. I hope like hell The Muslim and his band of criminals really step in it. It's the mother of all losers for those arrogant asses.
Alan Brooks| 2.28.12 @ 1:30PM
If your guy wins in November, whomever he turns out to be, we will treat him as you treated Obama.
Either way you will LOSE.
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 2:57PM
Blah, blah, blah...
Alan Brooks| 2.28.12 @ 3:51PM
We'll see, perhaps you will pull another Reagan out of a hat- but I really, sincerely doubt it; more likely Jesus will return to Earth than the GOP giving us another Gipper.
Gerald Bulkley| 2.28.12 @ 3:51PM
Wipe that Obama off your chin loser or at least come up for air.
Alan Brooks| 2.28.12 @ 3:52PM
We will see, the proof is in the PUDDING.
Dave Williams| 2.28.12 @ 6:32PM
Wrong as usual on points large and small, Brooksie; the correct proverb is "The proof of the pudding is in the eating."
Appleby| 2.28.12 @ 6:46PM
We who?
sotto voce| 2.28.12 @ 5:21PM
Well said, Gary B! You said what I've been thinking. Obama's evil crew has picked the wrong fight. Their hubris and ignorance has caused them to misunderstand and underestimate what makes America great.
Bill| 2.28.12 @ 8:51AM
Guess Who?
voted for
1. Raising the debt ceiling 5 times
2. Planned Parenthood
3. Medicare Part D
4. NCLB
5. Bridge to nowhere
voted against
1. "Right-to-Work" law
Ans: Ricky "Pro-Union RINO" Santorum
Guess Who?
1. Romneycare
2. Pro-abortion, pro- gay marriage, pro-gun control, pro-climate change
Ans: Mitten "Big-government RINO" Romney
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 10:45AM
As Bill points out, Romney is far more vulnerable to Obama's hate machine than Santorum. Santorum has skillfuly positioned himself along side the Catholic Church on the right side of the culture war. This transcends economic issues, which Obama can dilute with phony statistics from DC. The culture war is a basic as it gets in America and Obama is totally exposed on this issue. And every lie he tells about it only digs him in deeper.
I believe Santorum has struck gold here. We will know for sure when the enemedia goes for his throat.
Bill| 2.28.12 @ 11:08AM
I don't like neither of them, I love Gingrich.
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 12:25PM
Regardless of what else one can say about Gingrich, he delivers the conservative message better than anyone.
Bill| 2.28.12 @ 12:36PM
I agree with you 101%.
Gary B| 2.28.12 @ 12:52PM
Too bad about his baggage, eh?
Fight4Freedom| 2.28.12 @ 3:43PM
Couldn't care less about his "baggage". I think he has handled his mistakes like a "man" - admitted them, apologized for them and moved on, blaming no one but himself. Newt is the person who will not only beat Obama - he'll make us proud to be Americans again. Newt 2012!
Bill| 2.28.12 @ 6:10PM
AMEN!
Nick| 2.28.12 @ 7:44PM
"That nigger lover President Clinton had the pen and vetoed so many good bills passed by the Gingrich-led Congress."
- Written by Bill, in the Time for Newt to Do the Honorable Thing thread:
http://spectator.org/archives/.....ent_749403
You're a moron and a racist, Bill.
GO AWAY!
Bill| 2.28.12 @ 8:33PM
Nick is a sexual predator.
Nick| 2.28.12 @ 11:24PM
You're a racist and a liar, Bill.
Now, GO AWAY!
Peppermint Tea| 2.28.12 @ 8:57AM
Question: If Romney wins the nomination, do you posters think Obama will go Alinski on the Mormon Church? Isolate it. Demonize it. Would they have their media minions attack it from all angles? Is Romney a a two-fer for them, whereas Santorum is only a one-fer?
Anti-gay, no women priests, vocal bitter ex-members, zany theology, non-diverse, formerly no black priests, pro-family (anti-sex?)
Is this a better fight for BHO than the Catholic Church? Even Protestants (read above) feel comfortable defending the Catholic church against BHO enslavement and smear--will they defend the Mormon Church?
sotto voce| 2.28.12 @ 5:39PM
I can't tell if you're bashing Mormons or just pointing out misconceptions that the Dem machine would use against them. What denomination doesn't have vocal bitter ex-members? As for "non-diverse", Mormons are a worldwide church that welcomes converts of any ethnicity as evidenced by their commitment to overseas missions. I don't see how being "pro-family" would be a liability. As for "anti-sex", Mormons' large families disprove that laughable assertion (I'm not quite sure how being pro-family equates to being anti-sex). Your comments do prove, though, that Mormons are misunderstood and unfairly demonized by the ignorant and therefore make a perfect target for Obama's smear/hate machine.
martin j smith| 2.28.12 @ 9:47AM
the reason Romney has not received my support is because he accepts class warfare in his own economic plans--if you listen to him speak for example Chris Wallace FOX NEWS Romney is very clear in his remark accepting the $200,000 line as in the case of Obama. He also has Romney Care on his ticket as well. Sorry he is not conservative and he is not really different enough from Obama. So I ask how with a straight face can you say that Romney is Conservative and a different enough option from Obama. How can he run against class warfare and Cultural Warfare--sorry I do not see it. That is why I will constantly show my opposition to him. In the 2012 election I will be voting against Obama. Those people who constantly Romney is the most electable are in my view very naughty because what they are saying is a lie.
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:36PM
Romney is also a quarterly type of businessman. The investment model Bain is a part of focuses on quarterly profits (sadly like many corporations) rather than the long term. Romney CANNOT think long term.
He can tout his business experience all he wants, but being a good businessman does not make you a conservative, or a Republican. George Soros, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates (Sr. and Jr.), Steven Jobs... anyone familiar with the names of those big business LIBERALS? Romney shouldn't even be allowed to have that R next to his name.
Von Mises Jr.| 2.28.12 @ 10:13AM
I pray Santorum will prevail. He believes in the good and will defend it to the death in debates and as President.
Romney is already angling and apoligizing for being in the 1%. His tax plan carves out the deductions of the 1% and gives the lower half, the so-called 99% a "free ride" with no federal income tax burden.
Obama is not the vessel of "hope," but that of "despair." I believe that the good Americans in the "heartland" will help rid us of this plague.
I am not counting much on the people of the Northeast or the left coast. They are delusional. They think that if they are good liberals, that they will be included in the ruling class. What a surprise they are in for.
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 10:34AM
Both class warfare and culture wars serve only to divide our country and its citizens. That is part of the old political science theory of socio-economic groups and interest groups that so many practitioners use to control voting patterns. It does a great disservice to the nation. It is high time we restore a vision which treats the citizens as individuals rather than as members of groups to be served, supported and pandered to.
The GOP nominee needs to fight this election out on the economy and a vision of a prosperous America. The social issues, which concern many, will follow of their own accord once the proper relationship between government and the citizens is again recognized.
Von Mises Jr.| 2.28.12 @ 11:14AM
Al, It is the Democrat Marxist President that started this fight claiming his religion of "social justice" means that those that produce or have succeeded have the responsiblity to carry the water for the slugs that refuse to take care of themselves, their women and children. Obama is the one that attacked the Catholic Church.
When a bully tries to punch you in the nose, you put him down before you try to reason with him that it was a mistake to start a fight.
The GOP surrendered the fight along time ago as evidenced in the format of the debates and their chicken liver, cowardly response to the liberals and MSM.
I am not a brawler, but the few people that have come after me wound up getting the worst of it. Santorum is a man and will protect his family and his beliefs. Obama is a coward that hides behind the law and thugs. But thugs and bullies only succeed if they are unopposed.
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 11:38AM
Jr:
NRO this morning has the Danika Patrick interview where she was asked about the "contraception issue" and she replied, "I leave it to the government to decide what's best for all Americans."
There in a nutshell is the failing of a free society, a free people. We make decisions for ourselves, not leave it up to government to decide what is best for us. Perhaps we have already reached the end and many of us simply missed it. At risk of repeating myself, "This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper."
Boar Hunter| 2.28.12 @ 2:17PM
Being a simple man and less eloquent than you, I was thinking frog in a pot.
The temperature keeps going up, but we lack the will to leap out of the water.
Years ago, I knew a man of influence with the California prison system who told me about their decision to enforce grooming standards among the inmate population.
Noting the reaction to a blanket edict would likely be violent rebellion; first they made it mandatory that all inmates working as clerks for administrators get a haircut and shave.
Next it was required of outside clean-up crews working in local city parks etc. Next the kitchen workers, on and on until they were confronted with the remaining handful of die hard ponytail and Rasta fans who were offered the choice of remaining in the privileged mainline population or being transferred to higher level accommodations.
Objective realized, violent rebellion avoided, mission accomplished.
As a student of human nature, this has always stuck in my mind as an excellent example of how those in government are able to erode free choice and wrest control from society on all manner of issues.
The story the man told me was actually done to relate the humorous reaction of an old prison Captain who informed all those present at the initial meet and confer that he did not see the purpose in being duplicitous concerning their ultimate goal.
The Captain reflected that years ago they gave haircuts to the inmates all the time, boasting, "Hell we used to even give them a choice of how they wanted their hair cut...conscious or unconscious."
Like the prison Captain, I long for the days when men stood up and announced their intentions because it was right and proper. As my father died when I was 18 months old, I miss my uncles from World War II vintage and the men with whom I attended church in my childhood. Men who, unlike Romney and the other cowards in our political party, were unashamedly willing not just to speak up for and verbally defend their beliefs, but to physically fight for them.
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 2:43PM
Hunter:
Incrementalism. It got us into this mess and, as per your example, it can get us out. We simply need the long term strategy necessary.
Sadly what we are likely to get is a GOP nominee who wants to manage the social welfare state better (thereby legitimizing it) rather than, like the frog, get out of it.
Von Mises Jr.| 2.28.12 @ 3:58PM
au contraire, Boar Hunter. That was eloquent and profound. Sometimes being profound just takes the courage to open your eyes and look.
We are not frogs, but I regret that many use the normalcy bias to ignore the obvious.
There is a similar story on how to entrap wild pigs. You put out corn until they become accostomed to being fed. Then you put up one side of fence at a time until they are finally passing thtough the gate to get to the feed. Close the door and you have barbeque!
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:52PM
Lack of responsibility for one's own actions, a SOCIAL issue, is the root cause of all of our problems. Fix that and the rest will fall into place. Try to fix the economic issue without first making people take responsibility and it's just a temporary patch at best.
Social and Moral depravity are the root cause of most of the great nations failing, does the Roman Empire ring a bell? Governments control people by social issues, telling them they'll take care of all of their problems, it's not their fault; providing them with entertainment as a smokescreen to the failings of the government.
Anthony| 2.28.12 @ 10:17AM
While I am a Santorum supporter, the premise of this article is silly.
Both Santorum and Romney are capable of smacking down Obozo and Axelrod's class warefare b.s., as well as articulate cultural issues.
Despite my increasing animus towards Romney and his scorched-earth ads, both are more than capapable of kicking Obozo's ass early and often during this campaign.
That is, unless the D.C. establishment, i.e. The McCain/Dole Losers Club, once again dons mittens and hands Obozo the election as McCain did in 08.
Obozo has a worse record than Carter!!!! Bury the bastard and the Ds along with him!!!
WhatAboutBob| 2.28.12 @ 10:55AM
Anthony,
I agree that BOTH are capable of smacking down Obama and Axelrod. I just don't think that Romney will actually DO it. He continually concedes the premises of the left.
We ARE heading for a war. The question is, who will FIGHT?
I was originally a Newt supporter, till he petered out, because I thought he would meet the Left's ideology head-on. Santorum may fight and lose...but I fear that Romney will not fight at all.
Anthony| 2.28.12 @ 11:59AM
WAB,
I share your concrn about Romney, which is why I ended my post with the caveat about the R establishment and a repeat of 08.
If Romney is the nominee and he pulls a McCain and loses to Obozo, the Republican Party is FINISHED.
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 12:09PM
Once again the GOP snatches defeat from the jaws of Victory.
Those who stand for nothing, will stand for anything.
tenacious| 2.28.12 @ 10:43AM
I think we need to target Axelrod. Am I the only one who thinks he looks like Al Bundy? You remember, the Chicago shoe salesman whose family was in constant disarray. Or Al Bundy's brother?
How a guy as goofy looking and sounding as D. Axelrod can command any influence in America is a gargantuan mystery to me.
Where's the background research on him?
VBMax| 2.28.12 @ 2:44PM
"How a guy as goofy looking and sounding as D. Axelrod can command any influence in America is a gargantuan mystery to me."
Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Nancy Pelosi, Henry Waxman...need I go on?
WhatAboutBob| 2.28.12 @ 10:58AM
Hmmm...Obama and Axelrod versus the Catholic church? Anybody remember Yuri Andropov, or General Jaruzelski?
"The Pope! How many divisions has he got?"
- Joseph Stalin
Corey| 2.28.12 @ 11:06AM
Uhh this article is the perfect explanation why both Santuckabee and Obamney shouldn't be our nominee.
Ron Paul, who I mostly match ideological with, I know he can't win the general, so looks like the best candidate to do the balancing act on the three legged stool of conservativism is Gingrich who brings in the Defensive Conservatism with a lil bit of social conservatism, mixed in with free market conservativism, or libertarianism.
Our GOP candidate needs to balance those three effectively to win in November. I just don't see Romney or Santorum being able to do that... Nobody in their right mind would call Romney a social conservative and nobody in their right mind would call Santorum a fiscal conservative.
Nobody in the right mind would call Ron Paul a Defensive hawk or a social conservative.
Newt is the only candidate that balances all three branches of the republican party.
scotchieguy| 2.28.12 @ 12:35PM
The problem is women HATE him. I mean, just HATE him. Every single woman I have discussed this with says the same thing. He cheated on his wife, married his mistress, then did it again, cheating on his second wife and marrying his second mistress. I don't give a damn. I actually really like Newt warts and all. The problem is he is not likeable. Usually the likeable candidate wins, unless it is Mr. Smiley boy Romney. He just looks plastic and cheap. Unless someone elsr joins the circus, I think we are screwed. Obama and Axelboy know this. They are slapping themselves on the back at how they have twisted the birth control issue into their favor. Like Bugs Bunny, they set a lttle trap w/ the HHS directive on birth control. The MSM is making us look like fools, even thought they are WRONG. They simply are framing the issue. It all looks so futile.
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:54PM
At the risk of repeating myself yet again, Romney is your Hollywood stereotype of a used car salesman.
VBMax| 2.28.12 @ 2:48PM
Maybe we should work on repealing women's suffrage. (Just kidding!!!)
Al Adab| 2.28.12 @ 6:34PM
VB:
Run down the list of Presidents since.
Wilson
Harding
Hoover
Nixon
Bush
Clinton
Obama
It might make one wonder.
Fight4Freedom| 2.28.12 @ 3:51PM
Not true. That's what the media wants you to believe. Last time I checked I'm a woman and I greatly admire Newt. He's the smartest man in the race and has the experience we need along with the you-know-what's to go up against 0bama. There are a lot of us women who feel the same way. We don't give a damn about his baggage. Heck, he's admitted his faults, asked for forgiveness and doesn't throw blame at his exes. None of us know what goes on in private in a marriage. While I never think cheating is the answer, we don't know what the situation was. When you talk to those women, find out if they are actually paying attention to the race and the record, or just listening to cable news - coz the media HATES Newt, as does the GOP and the Dems. That alone is enough to get my vote!
Oldefarte| 2.28.12 @ 11:08AM
The insane idea that Romney equates to Obama is the dumbest thing I possibly have ever heard [no doubt based on the presumption that the former is a liberal bent politician]. Although Romney's policies in the radically liberal state of Massachusetts appeared so, it ignores the fact that he was battling the likes of the Kennedy machine, the Boston University culture, the Dukakas army tank, etc [similar to Scott Brown's problems]. Whether Romney is a conservative is a matter of parcing philosophies. What Romney is is a private industry businessman [who was once governor of a radical state], and as such is about as distinct from the radically extremist socialist occupying the WH as black is to white [and anyone not understanding this fact does not possess an elevator capable of assending all the way to the top floor]. Santorum and his extreme religious views relative to public policy would be a cakewalk for Obama and Axelrod to demean politically and they will easily do so if the stupidity of the Republican Party results in selecting a religious crusader such as Santorum. The conservative purity of BRING IT ON will result in a Goldwater slaughter revival in November. BRING IT ON = STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!!!!!!!!!
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:55PM
Warren Buffer, Bill Gates (Sr. and Jr.) and Steve Jobs are all private industry businessmen too. Big business credentials do not a conservative make.
VBMax| 2.28.12 @ 2:52PM
If Santorum winds up being the nominee, he would be smart to have Gingrich coach him on how to handle the issue.
Petronius| 2.28.12 @ 11:44AM
Without culture, there is no class. The predators, perverts, and parasites who control the cultural institutions are just one step away from plummeting this nation into total desolation. They will re-elect this despot because they want a Roman circus. We all know what that was like for the Christians and anyone else who objected to the whims of the emperor. And the churches that threw in their lot with the liberals will survive to enjoy coffee and doughnuts after their social justice homilies because they repealed the 10th Commandment long ago. These CINO's will gladly send all who worship God and not Obama to Golgotha. Hey hey, ho ho, western civ's about to go. And the government of the trash by the trash and for the trash will not perish until it has destroyed all we have built.
Patrick| 2.28.12 @ 12:02PM
Santorum didn't exactly have to work in a coal mine. I am tired of his blue collar schtick. He went to a very exclusive Catholic HS in Mundelein,Il. His father was a doctor. Cut the blue collar crap. It was his grandfather who was the coalminer.
As for Romney,at least he didn't leach off the govt.dole for 25 years then lobby on KStreet to earn a dime.
BTW,Romney drives American cars not German like blue collar Rick.
Pete| 2.28.12 @ 12:09PM
American cars, one more reason not to vote for Romney. He is obviously not very bright.
Boar Hunter| 2.28.12 @ 2:52PM
LOL,
If Romney chose to buy an American car it would probably be a a Chevy volt to prove some political point researched by a group of twenty advisors and thirty attorneys, still trying to reach out to the ever valuable "independent" voter.
In later news, when questioned about his volt catching on fire and burning to the ground, Romney sought to re-characterize his previously touted decision to purchase the vehicle as a necessary lease by "his people" which he was not personally responsible for.
When Romney was attacked by both Obama's spokesmen and the media as an environmental terrorist for his intentional misuse of the vehicle resulting in the fire and it's resultant atmospheric pollution, Romney apologized for his rash unconscionable behavior and offered to return the $12,000 subsidy he received to the friends of the tree humper's fund so they could plant tree's to off-set his willful pollution and destruction of the planet by man-made global warming.
TrueBlue | 2.28.12 @ 12:58PM
Given how crappy American cars have become, thanks to government regulations lobbied by those same companies, I can't say I blame him for not buying an American car. Having national pride is all good and well, but not at the expense of picking the best product available that you can afford.
And I buy American just about every chance I get.
Pete| 2.28.12 @ 12:08PM
I would choose the culture war. It is Obama's achilles heal. He was never vetted. He attended the radical black liberation church in Chicago for 20 years and taught Alinsky tactics. The Occupy Movement is the Core of Obama. Union Thuggery is the Core of Obama. Sharia law is the Core of Obama.
Many people who vote for Obama don't realize just how racist Trinity church is. They don't appreciate his friendship with Ayers, and his dealings with gangsters.
This only comes out with cultural warfare. Ironically the guy who wrote the book - Bill O'Reilly, criticizes Santorum for being a cultural warrior - thus exposing just what Bill truly is.
I saw Mc Cain last night talking about "our campaign", when referring to Romney. That should pretty much tell us what Romney represents.
Patrick| 2.28.12 @ 12:24PM
If Dick is such a cultur warriror,why did he support Specter twice(once for president)?
Why did he get his political start working for pro-choice Sen. John Heinz(ie Kerry's benafactor).
Pete| 2.28.12 @ 4:28PM
He has explained the Specter support - Its the supreme court. Pretty important don't you think. Fine now compare John Heinz to Bill Ayers, and we have an easy argument in any debate. Meanwhile Romney supported his liberal pro abortion mother.
Mike Hawk| 2.28.12 @ 8:29PM
Patrick, you haveno idea wahat you are talking about. You obviously don't live in PA.
Drek| 2.28.12 @ 1:56PM
PAUL,
We don't need to pick either one of those two men.
Nobody is holding a gun to our heads forcing us to vote for Romney or Santorum.
We can vote for Gingrich.
Or we can force a Sarah Palin candidacy, ---- or a Rudy Giuliani candidacy!
BUT we're not stuck.
Mike Hawk| 2.28.12 @ 8:33PM
Giuliani?? Dream on. You must like Libs a lot. (Nothing against Rudy, but he is a Liberal ) Yes, you can vote for Newt. Fortunately this year we have a real primary. In '08 it was over before it got started and we got CApt McQueeq. It went downhill from there except for Sarah Palin.
martin j smith| 2.28.12 @ 2:37PM
The main objectives for me are 1)keep Romney on the run,support Santorum. Reject Ron Paul and Obama and Romney agent and watch to see who Newt really supports. Clue: If he attacks Satorum he is a Romney man and if so--just say NO!!!!!!!!!!!
LeoInTheWoods| 2.28.12 @ 3:22PM
Sorry to state the obvious - it isn't "stodgy old men who run the Catholic Church", it's "greasy old pedophile excusers who run the Catholic Church". that Obama and Axelrod will be attacking.
Pete| 2.28.12 @ 4:28PM
What makes you think Obama and Axelrod have anything against pedophiles?
Garfield| 2.28.12 @ 4:23PM
You know this was one of my big concerns about both Romney and Santorum.
Obama would have a tougher time going after Gingrich, whom may actually make yet another comeback.
Pete| 2.28.12 @ 4:30PM
Gingrich doesn't go run and hide like most Republicans. He stands and fights back. He like Palin would get under Obama's thin skin and pretty expose Obama and the mean-spirited tyrant he is.
David| 2.28.12 @ 7:54PM
Other than made up crap, team Obama will find it hardest to attack Santorum. The fact is, people agree with him on social issues and that is from where most of the left's attacks will come against Santorum.
Yes, Newt is a fighter; but, Newt has too much political AND personal baggage.
Santorum has always been an underdog and always been a fighter, and except for once, has always been a winner. He knows how to win and he is showing his mettle in this primary race.
David| 2.28.12 @ 8:04PM
Patrick, whether or not Santorum mined coal himself, and (not being Catholic myself) I understand that Catholics are excellent at teaching what students are supposed to learn in school. No doubt that schooling made Santorum very well-grounded in critical thinking and debate.
What is important is that Santorum has always attracted blue collar workers and conservative democrats. So Patrick, cut your f_cking criticism of him in that regard. They identify with him - period.
When you consider that the vast majority of conservatives and repubs WILL VOTE for whomever the nominee is (even Romney, even Paul) and you couple that with Santorum's appeal to a bunch of Bam Bam's blue collar people and conservative dems, and I can emphatically say that is a WINNING combination.
Mike 3/505| 2.28.12 @ 8:37PM
"If he can frame this debate as not about taxpayer support of abortion drugs, or religious liberty, or freedom of conscience, or the First Amendment and Constitution -- all of which it is -- but about "women's rights" vs. the stodgy old men who run the Catholic Church, he will make headway with certain voters."
This has already happened. Niel Boortz, who is definitely NOT an Obamabot uses precisely the same language to describe conservatives who are against abortion. He has ranted on this very subject off and on for going on two weeks now.
Mike 3/505| 2.28.12 @ 8:43PM
Follow on...the reason this happens, is we conservatives keep allowing the leftists and other straphangers to define terms and messages. It's NOT a choice...it's murder. It's not male domination of women. It's moral adults protecting innocent lives. We conservatives don't have the guts to say that. We continue to pander to the "independents." I got news for you...Independents will vote for folks of character...not candidates who blow in the wind.
Regards,
Mike
POST American| 2.28.12 @ 10:37PM
--------------------BOTTOM LINE-----------------------
AS we set to one side latest reports
from arch EUGENIST ---er' we meant
'Bye--O--Eithicist' Peter Singer's call
for the selective extermination of
children up to age 3 at the parents
discretion (---including healthy children)---
AS Fukishima fallout goes into a full
year of cover up
------as 9 out of 10 nuke plants here
are reported to be leaking
-------as the EPA raises 'acceptable'
radiation levels by tens of thousands
of percentage points
--------as cadmium/barium and aluminum
oxide CHEM-trails go into their 12th year
---------as organ failure, obesity, diabetes,
cancer and sterilant 'friendly' GMO food
goes into its first decade of stealth
saturation of our food chain
---------as unrepentant third generation
Rockefeller EUGENIST Bill Gates pushes
his latest batteries of lobotomizing, autism
engendering, sterilizing injections are moving toward
government MANDATING
---------------------------UH-------------------------------
we'd say we've already got enough POISON
and POISONERS ---for REAL to deal with.
----"Everyting OLD --is NEW-Remberg AGAIN"
------------------------IT IS
Simon Templar| 2.29.12 @ 12:07AM
Pick your poison? How about picking your own narrative and stop choosing and accepting the one's given to you by the Left?
This article is a classic. The very premise is false and self defeating. If social issues and class issues did not exist, the Left would manufacture new ones and pin that tail on the elephant.
Tell you what Kengor, why don't you just send a note to the DNC and ask them what you can talk about, what your allowed to address in public discourses and campaigns and be done with it. You will save the rest of us a lot of trouble, money, angst, and time.
Kengor, you are the one with the Phd, use those brilliant brains and develop an effective political response to those Alinsky techniques you just recently discovered that the Left has used for nearly one hundred years.
Or is it that conservatives can only muster a whine and a sigh?