Who should Republicans keep?
by Ed Morrissey, Dec 16, 2008
Rush Limbaugh counts himself flattered and amazed that so much attention comes his way from supposedly Republican reformers like Colin Powell, but also just a little confused. Rush wonders which person supports big-tent Republicanism best — the conservative talk-show host who supported the moderate presidential candidate, or the moderate who wants conservatives like Rush drummed out of the party? (via Matt Lewis)
For someone who supposedly wants to promote tolerance, Powell seems pretty intolerant of dissent. And let’s make one point very, very clear: when the Republicans actually nominated a moderate for their candidate, fellow “moderates” like Powell left the party anyway. If Powell want to support Republican big-tent efforts, they need to stop going running away when a big-tenter runs for office.
If the GOP wants to win governing majorities again, they will have to find ways to make their message relevant to the majority. That will never happen with purity purges, which are ideologically satisfying but a quick path to a generation out of power. Rush knew that, which is why he supported John McCain in the general election, and why he supports Republicans at election time. Powell apparently hasn’t learned that much about politics as yet, which is why he doesn’t support Republicans at election time but feels himself enough of an authority to speak on party unity.
Who should Republicans keep — Powell or Rush? We should find ways to keep both and settle on core principles that unite the disparate conservative cliques, just as Ronald Reagan did. If we have to choose, however, the choice is easy. I’d rather keep the Republican.
This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Comment pages: « 1 2 [3]
It is amazing the depth of the hatred for Gov. Palin when she is brought into every thread.
Cindy Munford on December 16, 2008 at 2:55 PM
“He felt Palin was a weak choice and showed a lack of judgement required of a commander in chief.”
What of Obama’s “judgement”?
Attending Rev. “Goddamn America” Wright’s cult church with his children?
Hanging around with a guy who thought bombing the Pentagon was a great idea?
Getting a “loan” from shady foreigner Tony Rezko?
Yes, Obama is an excellent judge of character. He’s surrounded himself with all the same sort of slime.
But I’m sure Obama’s clean, it’s just all of the other politicians in Illinois are slimy. They allowed him to grow untouched like a hothouse flower, right?
NoDonkey on December 16, 2008 at 2:56 PM
General Powell fought and served valiantly in the jungles of Vietnam. Rush did what during this time??
robertnyc212 on December 16, 2008 at 2:46 PM
And what did Obama do? According to his own books, drugs.
He felt Palin was a weak choice and showed a lack of judgment required of a commander in chief.
robertnyc212 on December 16, 2008 at 2:50 PM
If he really meant that, he would have never been able to support a man with as poor judgment (no e) about people as Obama. I can’t count the number of times he’s thrown someone under the bus.
Esthier on December 16, 2008 at 2:58 PM
What liberal rock have you been under? Powell is respected for his service to our country, but he has now veered off into crazy land. He has completely destroyed any future he had as a respected voice in American politics. He should have taken a long listen to MacArthur’s farewell speech and simply faded away. But the more he opens his pie hole, the more he reveals himself to be part of the gaggle of former military officers that are embarrassing caricatures of themselves. Ala General Clark.
csdeven on December 16, 2008 at 3:15 PM
It isn’t that he’s veered off into crazyland. He’s just a Democrat.
Illinidiva on December 16, 2008 at 3:19 PM
I’ll have much more sympathy for Rush when he can begin to label George W. Bush, Dick Chenney and Karl Rove as “Washintonian”. Rush Limbaugh must realize, as all of us do out here in flyover country, that the GOP Hierarchy, not only do they not respect us but they have deep contempt for us. THAT INCLUDES YOU RUSH!!! They’ve no respect for you! They do just the opposite of what you advise them to do. They’re all a collection of Transnational Progressives. Why, Rush, do you continue to have their ilk on your show?
But, Rush, this is a good start. Powell should be blocked from any GOP functions indefinitely. Lets hope we have an new RNC Chair that will get tough w/the likes of Colin Powell, etc. DD
Darvin Dowdy on December 16, 2008 at 3:35 PM
What the Republicans need to do is to develop positive policies that stand in stark contrast to the absolutely worthless Democrat Party.
That means, running capable candidates who have accomplished something in their lives in business, in the military, etc.
No more lawyers who have spent their lives insulated in Washington. No more family members of family members, at least not until they’ve accomplished something on their own.
Do not permit even the hint of corruption. The Democrats can be dirty to the core (e.g. Charles Rangel and pretty much the rest of the Democrat Congress) and the media will give them a free pass, but one little speck on a Republican and they will pounce.
Don’t allow them to.
These two simple things will completely differentiate the Republicans from the Democrat Congress.
Cindy Munford on December 16, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Personally, I think Obama is a nice man too. I wouldn’t mind him as a neighbor.
Just don’t want him in any way, in charge of anything at all that influences my life. He’s woefully inexperienced, completely unqualified and likely corrupt.
Doesn’t mean he can’t be a nice guy.
NoDonkey on December 16, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Powell = loser
How can you claim to be a Republican and publicly endorse Obama? Powell has always been a democrat.
gdonovan on December 16, 2008 at 4:06 PM
NoDonkey on December 16, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Ditto. Pun intended.
Cindy Munford on December 16, 2008 at 4:10 PM
We should find ways to keep both and settle on core principles that unite the disparate conservative cliques, just as Ronald Reagan did.
I haven’t read the thread and this has probably been said, but after Powell endorsed Obama, IMO, Powell took himself out. I see no need to try get him back in.
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