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David Frum Is Wrong: Scott Brown is No ‘RINO’

By on 1.18.10 @ 9:57AM

David Frum says that Republicans nationwide will long argue about the lessons learned from a (now likely) Scott Brown Senate victory in Massachusetts. Agreed — so let me be the second (after Frum) to join the fray.

David has it wrong. He says that a Brown victory would vindicate so-called RINOs — that political specimen many conservatives deride as “Republicans in Name Only.” David notes that although Brown is “strong on defense and school choice, [and] opposed to the Obama administration’s signature initiatives, he also holds some decidedly non-conservative positions. For example, says David:


Brown “describes himself as pro-choice (subject to reasonable limitations), accepts gay marriage in Massachusetts as settled fact, and told the Boston Herald editorial board [that] he would have voted to confirm Sonia Sotomayor.”

But in the eyes of most savvy conservatives, these positions don’t necessarily, or in themselves, make a Republican a so-called RINO. Political context, of course, matters, as most savvy conservatives well recognize. They recognize that, in order to remain politically viable, a politician sometimes must trim his sails and make accommodations with political reality.

They recognize that a Republican running in deep red Texas has a certain freedom of expression and political commitment that a Republican running in deep blue Massachusetts does not. Thus, savvy conservatives are not inclined to lambaste a Republican in Massachusetts for being a “RINO” simply because he smartly bows to the political imperatives of his state or district.

Savvy conservatives recognize that Brown is an intelligent politician who wisely decided not to fight on the Democrat’s preferred turf. They appreciate that Brown’s saying he would have voted to confirm Supreme Court nominee Sonya Sotomayor was a throwaway line designed to neutralize left-wing opposition, court organized Hispanic groups, and, in general, show open-mindedness and inclusiveness.

What, after all, did Brown have to lose? The Senate already had confirmed Sotomayor’s appointment to the court; and conservative Republicans had long ago moved on to other court appointments and other issues.

Ditto with regard to so-called gay marriage. What Frum does not report is that Brown opposes it (though he supports “civil unions”). But why fight this issue again in Massachusetts when, as Brown rightly notes, it is now “settled law”? (In 2003, the Mass. State Supreme Court declared a “right” to homosexual marriage.)

Why should Brown allow the hard Left — which is very strong in Massachusetts — to try and paint him as a closed-minded right-wing bogeyman — especially when polls show that state residents are evenly split on the issue of “gay marriage”?

Savvy conservatives rightly sense that Brown is with them on the social issues, but has made a prudential political decision to downplay them and to fight on more politically hospitable ground.

That’s why Brown champions interrogating terrorists for actionable intelligence — he doesn’t believe terrorists are mere common criminals who are entitled to be read their Miranda rights. That’s why he’s been a staunch opponent of the Obama-Reid-Pelosi healthcare plan, which promises to effect a government takeover of one-sixth of the American economy.

In short, conservatives know that Brown is no “RINO” because when it matters most, and on the issues that are most visible and pressing, he is with them. Bona fide “RINOs,” by contrast, seem to take delight in sticking their thumb in the eyes of conservatives. They seem to enjoy abandoning the GOP on key issues and key votes, and at the most inopportune times.

Sen. Specter, for instance, was one of just three Republican Senators who voted for the Democrats’ $780-billion pork-infested “stimulus bill” — and their votes were decisive.

Indeed, without these three Republican votes, the Dems’ pork-infested “stimulus bill” would have been defeated. But if Republicans can’t oppose a massive expansion of government and unprecedented wasteful government spending, then what good are they?

David is right about the need for a stylistically inclusive, optimistic, and forward-looking Republican Party. But if he thinks this is the exclusive province of so-called RINOs, then he is dead wrong. Ronald Reagan, after all, was certainly no “RINO”; yet, he was the 20th century’s most inclusive, optimistic, and forward-looking Republican.

David insists that “the Scott Brown who may rescue the country from Obamacare is not a talk radio conservative.” Well, yes and no. I’m not sure which talk radio show hosts David has in mind.

Does David mean Dennis Prager? Prager, of course, is a very thoughtful and religiously conservative Jew, whose show sounds more like a lively graduate school seminar than a political rantfest.

Does David mean Bill Bennett? Bennett, of course, has a doctorate in political philosophy and also is relatively mild mannered and scholarly.

Or perhaps David means G. Gordon Liddy? Liddy is more prone to political pyrotechnics than either Prager or Bennett. Nonetheless, he’s still one of the sharpest knives in the drawer; and, like Prager and Bennett, Liddy can be quite informative and educational.

In short, there are talk radio hosts and then there are talk radio hosts. You simply can’t tar all talk radio show hosts as one and the same because they’re not. Nor does the caricature of talk radio typically resemble the reality of talk radio.

David is right about one thing: “It would be a travesty if Brown’s victory is seized upon as a victory for anger, paranoia, and ideological extremism.”

Yes, it would be. But the “anger, paranoia and extremism” may not be stemming from conservatives disillusioned with so-called RINOS; it may be originating with so-called RINOs prejudiced against conservatives whom they perceive — and not always without merit, I must admit — as uncouth and intellectually lacking.

View all comments (72) |

Derek Leaberry| 1.18.10 @ 10:05AM

Scott Brown is more conservative than Silvio Conte, Elliot Richardson, Francis Sergeant, Margaret Heckler and Henry Cabot Lodge, all famous liberal Republicans of yore. He is less conservative than Tom Coburn, John Thune or Jesse Helms. Which makes him a whole lot better than Martha Coakley, whose voting record will resemble Ted Kennedy's and Barbara Boxer's if she is elected tomorrow.

S.L. Toddard| 1.18.10 @ 10:07AM

Which entitlement programs does Scott Brown plan to fight to revoke to shrink government? Or does he plan to reduce defense spending? If neither, what makes such a supporter of Big Government *not* a RINO?

Now that I think about it, perhaps RINO better describes small government fiscal conservatives. The GOP has been a Big Government party for decades, and from what I can tell Scott Brown - a man with no plans to shrink Big Government and supportive of expanding it outside our borders - is perfectly in sync with the massive increases in spending that typically characterize Republican administrations.

Patriot| 1.18.10 @ 5:17PM

Give it up Toddard; your inane comments are falling on deaf ears.

You've lost; try to be gracious and admit it.

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 10:45PM

I hope libertarian candidate Kennedy does well, as the icing on the cake of Scott Brown's victory.

The essential issue is not whether Brown is essentially anti-statist; he is more so than Coakley, and his election is threat to the fascist Obama regime and its agenda.

PCC| 1.18.10 @ 10:09AM

David Frum's comments, as reported by Mr. Guardiano, are absurd.

GOProud| 1.21.10 @ 9:36AM

David Frum's blatherings make Scott McClellan look almost sage-like. Frum is a total bufoon.

David Dennis | 1.18.10 @ 10:21AM

S L, for better or for worse, we are stuck with our entitlement programs. Getting rid of them would be a political disaster that would hurt way too many people.

What is vital is to prevent NEW entitlement programs from starting, and that's why it's so important to elect Scott Brown to the Senate.

D

S.L. Toddard| 1.18.10 @ 10:36AM

"What is vital is to prevent NEW entitlement programs from starting, and that's why it's so important to elect Scott Brown to the Senate."

I do not see that preserving Big Government in all its massive, unpaid-for size, is "important". The entitlement programs need to be federalized and passed off to the states, to be handled by government institutions closer to the people they effect.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.18.10 @ 10:24AM

Mr. Guardiano, thank you. Well stated, well rebutted, well debunked.

Another subject I would appreciate your thoughts about:
I keep hearing the idea that Obama and crew want to move our country into the mold of a European "socialist society".

I don't believe that at all. Thoughts?

Roy| 1.18.10 @ 12:12PM

This the real Ken..?

TAS: PASSWORD PROTECTION.

Ken (Old Texican)| 1.18.10 @ 3:08PM

Hi Roy. You can bet your hiney it is me. Maybe I was not clear above.

""I keep hearing the idea that Obama and crew want to move our country into the mold of a European "socialist society".

I don't believe that at all. Thoughts? ""

No sir, Roy, given free rein, I believe Obama and crew want to take us straight to totalitarianism.
...serfdom...slavery...fear...or death.

SoCom| 1.18.10 @ 5:13PM

Spot on, Sir! Why mince words?

OBama is NOT a nice man.

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 10:46PM

He is a liar and Stalinist and contemptuous of the American people.

John R Guardiano| 1.18.10 @ 9:25PM

Ken, Sir --
Thanks for your kind note; I'm glad you enjoyed the piece.

Your question is excellent and really requires a longer answer than I have time to provide right now; but the short answer is: Yes, the president is, I think, a social democrat in the classic sense and thus would like to move America in a more European and statist direction.

Regards,
John

gearjammer| 1.18.10 @ 11:47AM

Yup you righties are praying for a Rino. It is so rich -especially your denial. Too bad you dopes didn't wake up with Heather Wilson, Gordon Smith, and so many others. Now, you've been scared straight and have found a nice safe place inside the big tent. Take a seat at the table, have something to eat-just don't hog all the food for yourselves. Learn to "share".

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 10:47PM

East shit and die you silly fascist twit.

Before we come for you and the tax predator ruling class you no doubt whore for with tribunals and guillotines.

Willy| 1.21.10 @ 10:29AM

Wow....you must be a christian.

Patriot| 1.29.10 @ 5:31PM

Yes, because he tells the truth, unlike you liberals.

around the track| 1.18.10 @ 11:47AM

I'm so sick of these conservatives who yearn for respectability from the left. Brooks is just trying to cover his ass with an attempt to define Brown as a RINO. By the way, Brooks should be better informed if he wants to be taken seriously. This past week Brown was on the "Howie Carr" show every day!!!! Carr is a right-wing talk show host type that Brooks rails against.

around the track| 1.18.10 @ 11:48AM

Sorry, I said Brooks instead of Frum. But both say about the same things. Easy to confuse.

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 10:58PM

Brooks and Frum are irrelevant. Brooks is a half-wit lap dog of the flaks of the tax predator ruling class and their sock puppet on the Sunday TV Roundup of Whores. Frum is perhaps a notch above him morally but his new website seems to be read only by Tea Partiers who upbraid him and point out his analytical deficiencies.

GOProud| 1.21.10 @ 9:43AM

Bruce writes: "(Frum's) new website seems to be read only by Tea Partiers who upbraid him"...

Kind sir, do you even visit Frum's website? It's 90% filled with comments from DailyKos-sacks, not Tea Party followers. In fact, one of the notorious trolls there who comment under 6-8 fake names has the handle of "Tea Bag" and he's a David Axelrod without the charm (sarc/). David Frum's followers aren't conservatives, aren't GOPers, aren't Independents, aren't even moderates. They're dyed-in-the-wool far Left democrat activists... it's David Frum's main constituency... they love a sell-out.

Bill| 1.18.10 @ 12:07PM

Brown is nothing more than another ultra-conservative do-nothing tea-bagger. This article completely mischaracterizes what Brown really believes in, what a shame.

Patriot| 1.18.10 @ 5:20PM

You Leftists are the real teabagging perverts--that's why you bring it up ad nauseam. Buzz off, loser.

That you, Bawnie?

BD57| 1.18.10 @ 5:53PM

Congrats - you win today's cliche-fest award!

Roy| 1.18.10 @ 12:11PM

"In short, conservatives know that Brown is no "RINO" because when it matters most, and on the issues that are most visible and pressing, he is with them. "

That's exactly right.

I don't like it when somebody describes himself as "pro-choice". But what matters is whether he would make things better than where they are now. Where they are now is that we face a government takeover of healthcare followed by government-funded abortion; and even if we don't get that, we still have the status quo, namely that babies can be aborted at any time, for any reason, by any method.

If when it matters, he stands up for "reasonable restrictions", he'll do as much as currently can be done.

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 11:01PM

Obama and the Lobbyists' Moll he is pimping are the ones who think people should be fired from hospitals if they don't want to perform abortions.

REAL PATRIOT| 1.21.10 @ 10:31AM

Pro choice-law of the land..Live with it !
Obama is doing what Bush refused to even consider because it would disrupt his base and help people in the long run, by the way it is not government run healthcare, it is a revised system. Learn a little and quit being so RIGHT WING. ROW V. W WADE also law of the land....something most GOPs don't really understand is this country is not theirs. AND by the way the medical system is broke, yes the one republicans never address on their on unless forced.

YOU LIE!| 1.29.10 @ 5:34PM

Should be: REAL TRAITOR!

The medical system is not 'broke', moron. You liberals don't care about people, all you want are power and control.

John R. Guardiano| 1.18.10 @ 12:12PM

Bill,
Thanks for your comment. I certainly respect and admire those Americans who are affiliated with the Tea Party movement; however, I myself am not affiliated with any political party or faction -- though I am a conservative.

In any case, please explain how I've mischaracterized what Senator Brown really believes?

Regards,
John

John R. Guardiano| 1.18.10 @ 12:13PM

Bill,
Thanks for your comment. I certainly respect and admire those Americans who are affiliated with the Tea Party movement; however, I myself am not affiliated with any political party or faction -- though I am a conservative.

In any case, please explain how I've mischaracterized what Senator Brown really believes?

Regards,
John

Steve| 1.18.10 @ 12:13PM

While I am definitely more conservative than Scott Brown in that I oppose abortion and all forms of 'gay rights', I agree that we have to remember whose seat this will replace - essentially the most liberal Democrat in the Senate. I think in many respects, Scott Brown will be like the difference between night and day when compared to Ted Kennedy.
I think that Mr. Brown opposes gay marriage and says that he's against repealing DOMA (which is an important position to conservatives like myself) and he supports a ban on partial birth abortions.

True, he'll still be a Massachusetts Republican but this could also be the death knell of the Democratic stranglehold on the Northeast and other Blue states. I mean just look at the fact that Democrats have managed to win/hold Senate seats in conservative states like Virginia, Florida and Arkansas but the GOP has been all but banished from the Northeast and West Coast. I think that a Scott Brown victory would remind Republicans that they can crack the Blue code and start winning in these regions again.

Pingback| 1.18.10 @ 12:18PM

race42008.com » Blog Archive » AmSpec: ‘David Frum Is Wrong: Scott Brown is No RINO’ links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

» Blog Archive » AmSpec: ‘David Frum Is Wrong: Scott Brown is No RINO’ January 18, 2010 AmSpec: ‘David Frum Is Wrong: Scott Brown is No RINO’ From John R. Guardiano ; David Frum says that Republicans nationwide will long argue about the lessons learned from a (now likely) Scott Brown Senate victory in Massachusetts. Agreed — so let me be the second (after…

Mojo | 1.18.10 @ 12:26PM

What a lot of people outside of Massachusetts are missing is the guy is running as an actual Republican. He says it. Its literally in his ads. He's not hiding what side of the aisle he is on and hasn't tried to claim to be a "maverick."

His politics are far from liberal Republican as well -- they remind me more of the hawkish Dem's of old actually -- a Scoop Jackson type. Note: I mean that as a compliment

Wendy| 1.18.10 @ 1:10PM

Social/religious conservatives are in denial. Brown supports Roe v. Wade. This is a seismic shift on the right, and there is no spinning it. If a politician said that he was for tax cuts, reduced spending, strong national defense, and occasionally rounding up toddlers and throwing them in compacters, you would never say, oh, that is no big deal, on the important things, he is really with us, then enthusiastically proceed to vote for him.

The right's monolithic support for Scott Brown is proof that social/religious conservatives do not even take their own ideas seriously, i.e., that a fetus is really a person and abortion is murder.

This election is also proof that the electorate, especially in the Northeast, does not take them seriously either; they are for free market and national defense conservatism, and shaking off the social agenda. They just have not been given that option until now, because the fundies had hijacked the Party. But this is the reality going forward. This is the winning formula for Republicans long into the long future. Democrats had better take note, too.

S.L. Toddard| 1.18.10 @ 1:20PM

"they are for free market and national defense conservatism, and shaking off the social agenda"

Not "national defense" - "defense" is when you repel an attack. They are for "national offense conservatism" or some such thing.

Roy| 1.18.10 @ 1:23PM

Nonsense.

Currently, the arbitrary, whim driven mass murder of helpless infants is legal at any time, for any reason, by any method throughout all nine months of pregnancy. The people have been prevented from having any say in the matter through a lawless act of raw judicial power.

That is just about as bad as it gets. Government funding and government prohibition of criticism are the only two ways I can think of that it could get worse, and that's where we are, if Obama and his ilk win.

It's a bit like if in the darkest depths of slavery somebody had run for office saying he "supported Dred Scott v. Taney" but with reasonable restrictions, such as prohibiting the enslavement of those with at least one non-slave parent. That would be pretty crappy - but it would be better than what existed, which to reiterate is literally as bad as it gets.

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 11:04PM

But Brown's opponent believes that healthcare professionals should be tossed into the compactor if they refuse to throw toddlers into the compactor.

Hence you are revealed as a moron cutting off your nose to spite your face.

JP| 1.18.10 @ 2:18PM

Brown is from Mass. -one of the Bluest of Blue states. The voters there as of today will not elect a Pro-Life Senator, Mayor, or House Member. If you are a conservative in Boston, you are currently out of options, except -one: vote for the lesser of 2 evils. Brown is for some limits to abortion (namely late term), and he is liberatarian enough to want to limit the federal government's actions vis-a-vis healthcare. This is the GOP's last chance to stop ObamaCare. If it passes, abortion will not only be subsidized, but it will be forced upon even Catholic hospitals.

Your choice of using Massachussets as a litmus test for Pro Life politicians is silly. If anything, the fact that Brown is competitive should be seen as positive. If he ran as a Pro-Life candidate, he'd be buried.

SoCon| 1.18.10 @ 5:25PM

I agree; it's Massachusetts, after all.

Wendy, we pro-lifers have no illusions about Brown, but this is Massachusetts!!

I have to admire you for your love for the unborn, though.

Bruce Majors | 1.18.10 @ 11:14PM

Yes whether pro-lifers or libertarians dedication to principle is respectable and necessary.

But you are not moving your principles forward, or even educating voters, by electing Coakely.

This election has been nationalized and thematized as a revolt against the Obama regime and its totalitarian goals. That is all it is about in the minds of 99% of the electorate.

JHB76| 1.18.10 @ 1:47PM

I think a little perspective is needed here. As a resident of Ma. for over 50 years and a registered Republican here until 3 years ago having a viable candidate like Scott Brown is unbelievable. I changed to unenrolled status here because a typical Ma. republican was the same as moderate democrat in any other state. You have to listen to what Scott Brown is saying to see what a tight rope walk it is for him in this state. He says he goes along with Rowe v Wade not that he agrees with it, he says he believes in small government and lower taxes. The thing is for Ma. to vote in a Scott Brown is what it will show the rest of the country. Remember he is doing this without the support of the national GOP, it's all grass root support. The candidates for this falls elections in other parts of the country will be much more conservative than him and probably much more conservative than the GOP would like but his win will make them all more viable.

PCC| 1.18.10 @ 1:56PM

Before Roe vs. Wade made abortion a federally-protected act, it's my understanding that many states were operating under or moving towards a first-trimester standard.

That is probably where a majority of Americans today could be found on the abortion issue.

Neither ardent pro-life nor ardent pro-choice advocates would like such a compromise at all, but I think that's probably what a lot of the country could agree on, if it had the option to do so.

Ardent anti-abortion voters do not have a candidate in the Mass. Senate race that conforms with their views.

So, what to do? Vote for Martha Coakley?

It seems to me the choice for them is either vote for Scott Brown or stay home.

However, in Massachusetts, that means staying home on most election days.

JP| 1.18.10 @ 2:07PM

Brown is a New England Republican -socially liberal (as compared to say, Southern Republicans); but financially conservative. Unlike other RINOS (past or present) such as Bob Packwood, Jim Jeffords, or Chuck Hegel, Brown does favor limits to abortion, but he doesn't make it a centerpiece of his campaign. He highlights fiscal and tax issues most of all. And competence. No one believes he will vote like former Senator Ashcroft on social issues. He is from Mass., and he is about as good as it gets from that state. Perhaps, he is a harbinger of things to come in New England.

S.L. Toddard| 1.18.10 @ 5:58PM

"He highlights fiscal and tax issues most of all"

He does? What programs has he pledged to cut or eradicate? How will Scott Brown reduce the size of government?

And please keep in mind: pledging to cut taxes without cutting spending is worse than Liberal. It is immoral and irresponsible - the equivalent of spending your grandkids and their kids into the poor house to support your drug habit.

james wilson| 1.18.10 @ 2:12PM

"so-called RINOs prejudiced against conservatives whom they perceive -- and not always without merit, I must admit -- as uncouth and intellectually lacking. "
All RINO's, and so-called RINO's, are intellectually lacking. I will take my liberty from the couth or the uncouth, but it is invariably the couth that will take it away.
As an old Quincy anti-RINO said, virtue is not always amiable.

theillinoisguy | 1.18.10 @ 2:17PM

Being a democrat right now is like having the plague. Obama campaigned as different from the "politics as usual" kind of politician. He was right, except in this case, different is much worse than usual. He managed to fool the independents, but has been exposed as a fraud. The corruption under Obama is open to see with the bribes to Nelson, Landrieu and the unions. Everything is not transparent, and anything bad is George Bush's fault.
http://theillinoisguy.wordpres.....dent-ever/

PCC| 1.18.10 @ 2:30PM

Obama's election mainly rested on a huge wave of anti-Bush, anti-Republican sentiment. It was, undoubtedly, a "change election".

Any likely democrat, with almost any set of policies or personality, would have beaten McCain, too.

Helathcare and cap-and-trade policies had nothing to do with it.

martin j smith| 1.18.10 @ 2:38PM

Frum,Brooks are RINOS-Big RINOS.
I would vote for Brown in a heart beat if I lived in MASS.
This is a vote against the LEFT DEMOCRAT AGENDA. It is a vote against OBAMA.Frum is a distraction. I do not trust him or his ilk at all.

Joe Ptak| 1.18.10 @ 2:41PM

RINO? So called Republicans and Democrats better wake up to the fact that American voters are fed up with both parties...especially the Republicans (check the polls). Does INDEPENDENT's mean anything to you?

Get real people...we can care less about RINO's, WINO's, DEMO's and WHACKO idiots destroying our country with righteous litmus test definitions of what it means to be an American.

There is a Second Revolution going on in this country and you better figure out how to be on the winning side...otherwise you will be extinct!!!

Scott Brown has figured it out...and so have Bay State voters.

Wally Lind| 1.18.10 @ 3:00PM

State Senator from a blue state to U.S. Senator. Sound familiar? LOL This RINO business describes Limbaugh and Hannity far more than Mr. Brown or other moderate republicans. The GOP had a candidate selection process, and used it in 2008. Did these stalwart "republicans" support the candidate chosen, hell no! They are the real RINO. Disloyal backstabbers, out to make a buck!

Joe Ptak| 1.18.10 @ 3:13PM

Mr. Lind knows what he is talking about people...and there are plenty more people like him, willing to speak the truth and lead this country from the abyss. Vote with passion next election at all levels of government.

Have a great day Wally!

Tex Expatriate| 1.18.10 @ 3:24PM

I've read enough Frum and heard enough Frum to know he's never right on anything. I doubt he's a genuine Republican. He writes and talks like old-time Democrats.

kkthomas| 1.18.10 @ 3:33PM

With a compliant (mainstream) media, Brown voters must do their own policing by exposing and documenting the Chicago machine in full action when busloads of ACORN and SEIU employees will attempt to rig the election. Please bring your video cameras, digital cameras and cell phone cameras to capture corrupt and fraudulent voting. Broadly disseminate any shady incidents via all news outlets and YouTube. Don't think they won't try. This is an "all-hands on deck" call for ethics enforcement. The day has long past since we can count on ABC, CBS, NBC, or CNN to expose political lies and corruption, but YOU can make a difference......................

gearjammer| 1.18.10 @ 3:38PM

Correct. The people know the only way to stop the destructive dems is with a countervailing force of greater power. That force must include a broad spectrum of folks. It is also noted the Brown like the new Guvs in Va and NJ are well spoken gentlemen. They are happily married have children and are willing to listen. They do not insult, berate, or brutalize others-another words they are nothing at all like that megalomaniac goon Limbaugh. I did not listen to his show today , but did he brag about flying around in his private jet and sitting in luxury box seats for one of the big games. Is he gonna set up his next trophy wife to be with a magazine or tv show ? Republicans need to run real people who connect with real people tailored to the needs and style and preferences of each state and region to whatever degree possible-we are the 10th amendment party are we not ?

Nobama| 1.19.10 @ 5:11AM

You are nasty! "Insult, berate and brutalize"--you mean LIKE YOU'RE DOING? Hypocrite.

Mind your own business, butt-head--no one asked you. We'll call you if we need someone to tell us what to think.

Don't hold your breath, moron.

Jeffl | 1.18.10 @ 3:44PM

I hate that term RINO. What a politician is supposed to do is represent the majority of their constituants, not a bunch of specific party dictated positions. Example, fiscal conservatism means balancing budgets, less spending, spending that is clearly paid for and the removal of special interest payouts in legislation. Most voters want this. It better fits the Repub platform. If a Repub politician pledged this and stated that they were for same sex marrage it would not be an issue, unless the majority stated they were not for same sex marrage. Representing the majority has always been a winner for any politician and a one size fits all mentality is what kills the parties. Whats good in Ohio may not be good in CA.
In addition, social issues like abortion and same sex marrage are state issues, not fed issues. They should be addressed by the local majorities and they should reflect that community's wishes that correlate with their beliefs. To the Pols, do your duty and represent your voters.

S.L. Toddard| 1.18.10 @ 6:00PM

"Example, fiscal conservatism means balancing budgets"

Indeed. Unfortunately, Scott Brown apparently has no plans to balance any budgets. We are running a huge deficit right now - he has pledged to cut taxes to add to it but refused to cite where he will cut spending.

moderateGuy| 1.18.10 @ 4:59PM

You are right; my understanding is that Brown also speaks favorably of detente with the Soviet Union, even if that would paint him as RINO in 1975;

Tammy| 1.18.10 @ 5:38PM

How well did that detente thing work out, RINO??

Ronnie did pretty well WITHOUT it.

Bruce Majors| 1.18.10 @ 10:49PM

Breaking News (AP): Massachusetts Election Upset Leads Teddy Kennedy to Fall of Wagon, Breaking 19 Weeks of Sobriety

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Peter Meek| 1.21.10 @ 12:47AM

You have to watch this new video about Scott Brown, Its a spoof Circulating on YouTube it is hallarious.!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uxwp2LGDeE

JW| 1.21.10 @ 2:52PM

What's all the fuss about? This guy is no Messiah either. Does it occur to anyone that the Dem Admin may have made the win posslble because he's one of them. Just another in disguise.A non-conservative wearing a mask.

Pingback| 1.23.10 @ 1:45AM

Rush Limbaugh: The Election of Scott Brown Refutes RINOS or (Just how drug adled is R links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…The need to accomadate views other than those of the hard right seem to have been proved in his victory. The Amercian Spectator argues that Brown is no Rino in: The American Spectator : AmSpecBlog : David Frum Is Wrong: Scott Brown is No ‘RINO’. However this article seems to make it case, but suggesting he’s just being a typically disingenuine politician.  I’m not sure that seems any…

Pingback| 3.12.10 @ 4:11PM

Responding to Guardiano on Brown | FrumForum links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

RSS Responding to Guardiano on Brown January 20th, 2010 at 10:59 pm by David Frum | 2 Comments | Share In case you missed it, see John Guardiano’s piece on Scott Brown in the American Spectator blog, here. One point in reply, since the piece mentions my thoughts on Brown. First Guardiano: Political context, of course, matters, as most savvy conservatives well recognize. They recognize that, in order to…

Pingback| 3.25.10 @ 11:17PM

Frum’s Fall is the Right’s Loss | NewsReal Blog links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:

…disaster for the Right. I’m not going to argue now whether David’s specific criticisms are right or wrong, wise or foolish. Plenty of people, including David Horowitz, already have done that. I have my disagreements with David; but then I’m a born contrarian who has disagreements with almost everyone about one thing or another. But here’s also what I know, and which too few conservatives appreciate: David has a…

Ping! | 4.13.10 @ 4:57PM

Awww, OP must be another one of those log cabin republicans. Get it through your empty skulls: WE DON'T WANT YOU IN OUR PARTY. Scott Brown and that dumb broad Olympia Snow wouldn't know conservatism if went and bit them in the butt! Now we got Mitt Romney and all these moderates running the show? Come on! It's time to kick these pseudo-conservatives out and bring in the REAL DEAL. Unfortunately the M$M just doesn't get it... not surprised there.

More Blog Posts by John R. Guardiano

http://spectator.org/blog/2010/01/18/david-frum-is-wrong-scott-brow

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