Michelle Malkin » Quo vadis, conservatives?

Quo vadis, conservatives?

By Michelle Malkin • February 7, 2008 06:06 AM

I filed an extra, post-Super Tuesday syndicated column this week. Felt like we needed a pep talk. Ignore John McCain. Don’t “calm down.” Get fired up!

***

“Quo vadis,” conservatives? It’s the ancient, apocryphal question the apostle Peter asked Jesus while fleeing persecution in Rome. Where are you going? Where do we go from here?

The contest for the GOP presidential nomination is over. The conservative movement is not. Sen. John McCain’s campaign resurrection and Super Tuesday victory leave a diverse group on the Right—from the libertarian Club for Growth to First Amendment defenders to immigration enforcement proponents—dispirited. But the failure to nominate a true Republican unifier does not spell ideological defeat.

On Wednesday, wielding his olive branch like a schoolmarm’s ruler, Sen. McCain told conservatives to “calm down.” My advice is exactly the opposite: Get fired up.

Some on the Right advise their readers and listeners to vote Democrat or sit home. My advice is exactly the opposite: Get off the couch and walk the walk for conservative candidates and officeholders who need all the help they can get defending free markets, free minds, and secure borders—no matter who takes the White House in November.

Dissatisfied with the flawed crop of GOP candidates who lacked the energy, organizational skills, and ideological strength to carry the conservative banner and ignite your passions? Then pay attention to the next generation of Republican state legislators who do vote consistently to lower your taxes, uphold the sanctity of life, defend marriage, and cut government spending. Support their re-election bids. Reward them for standing with you instead of their Democrat opponents and the liberal media.

Look at Barack Obama. Four years ago, he was in the Illiniois legislature. Now, he’s on the cusp of the presidency.

If you can’t stomach John McCain, channel your support and energies to Republicans who do represent your values and who have treated the conservative base as allies instead of enemies. There are a new generation of combat veterans running for office who haven’t made a career of trashing the base. Check out staunch economic, social, and national security conservative congressional candidates like Iraq/Afghanistan veteran Eric Egland in California’s fourth district. Check out the Vets for Freedom (vetsforfreedom.org) group for their endorsements.

Opposed to the amnesty bill? Republican Sens. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, Thad Cochran of Mississippi, James Inhofe of Oklahoma, and John Cornyn of Texas all fought the McCain-Kennedy-Graham-Martinez-Bush open-borders disaster. All of those Senators are up for re-election this year. Send them some money. Then send a few more bucks to the enforcement proponents on the House side as well.

Don’t sit and wait for the fence to get built. It won’t be finished under the Bush administration or a McCain administration or an Obama or Hillary Clinton administration. What you can do is pressure mayors and police chiefs and city councils to rescind dangerous sanctuary policies. What you can do is alert county sheriffs that you want them to work with the feds to end illegal alien catch-and-release policies in your neighborhood.. What you can do is stop patronizing businesses that you know are knowingly employing illegal immigrants using fake Ids and stolen Social Security numbers.

There are other vital issues on the ballot this fall that need conservative backing. Conservative stalwart Ward Connerly is leading a “Super Tuesday of Equality” drive in November to end racial preferences in five states. He has not only battled the race demagogues on the Left and the affirmative action apologists in the media, but also spineless GOP establishment leaders who would rather pander to the “diversity” lobby than fight for true equality under the law. Connerly spearheaded resounding victories in California, Washington, and Michigan. The new campaign is targeting Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Support his organization, the American Civil Rights Institute (www.acri.org).

Twenty-six years ago at the Conservative Political Action Conference, President Reagan rallied conservatives:

“We must ask ourselves tonight how we can forge and wield a popular majority from one end of this country to the other, a majority united on basic, positive goals with a platform broad enough and deep enough to endure long into the future, far beyond the lifespan of any single issue or personality.”

Get involved. Don’t calm down. Get fired up.

Posted in: 2008 campaign, GOP, John McCain, Mitt Romney

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#238586

On February 7th, 2008 at 1:30 pm, KCK said:

It’s a political system, people.
I feel the same love for McCain that one feels in an arranged marriage! But, there you have it.
Consider the dems in control of the exec and the legislative branches. Perhaps the judicial, too. There will be a difference in McCain as pres in fighting the war. Consider berkley (intentionally cased) versus the snarling, aged mean old man that McCain is. That’s my choice for a war fighter. I will retch every time an enemy combatant appears in court with his lawyer, but that will be the absurd reality of it.
When I was in the infantry, there were plenty of commanders whom I disliked (although I liked most). But I never used that as an excuse for not serving my best.
#238602

On February 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm, maisy said:

Huckabee and McCain insure that the good ole corrupt boy syndrome will continue as usual…So much for change eh??? Didja notice the RINO lineup that surrounds McCain over the past week?? These guys have thrown their support behind retaining their own power…..to them that is THE ISSUE paramount on their minds…..That’s why they hate Romney so much…they can’t indentify with someone who is an over -achiever…how often do these dopes achieve anything? Like Romney said in his speeches about various issues they have promised to fix…they haven’t fixed any of them……a self perpetuating failure these long time representatives aim to continue in perpetuity.
#238611

On February 7th, 2008 at 1:40 pm, Numenorean said:

You are so right. I really needed that. Pass more of that Kool-Aid this way. Heck, just send an IV.
#238647

On February 7th, 2008 at 1:57 pm, denbren52 said:

time for a third party that represents CONSERVATIVES as the REPUBLICAN party no longer does that!!!

You are so right Maisy!

If ever there was an opportunity to launch a third party, this year is it! With liberal vs. liberal, a conservative party candidate would not be a spoiler and might stand a chance of winning.
#238650

On February 7th, 2008 at 2:00 pm, Ombre Rose said:

Huckleberry stumped to all the hottest Evangelical conventions this last few years selling himself as THE man to get ABORTION over turned.

The first and only thing his campaign does is ensure the NOMINATION of ONE MAN in the GOP RACE who GUARANTEES NOT TO TOUCH ROE V WADE or to allow work for an ANTI-ABORTION AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION, or a MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION.

People like him are a dime a dozen, and God permits them to breathe air so that His children learn to use the power of discernment.

sic.

Flattery and a dime aren’t worth a cup of coffee these days.

I wonder how bright some of those Huckleberry supporters are feeling, this afternoon.

Maybe it will take them a few years yet.

This is the CULLING SEAS
ON – not the LEARNING Season.

It might cost them a little more than “JUST ONE MORE TRIP AROUND THE MOUNTAIN” this time.

Just for those of you who are not Christians and don’t know what “One More Trip…” is, it is in reference to Israel in the Wilderness, after Moses led them out of Egypt and attempted to lead them as per God’s instructions, straight across the wilderness the ELEVEN – 11 – ELEVEN DAYS.

DAYS.

ELEVEN DAYS.

ELEVEN DAYS’ JOURNEY from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Every time they had a problem obeying Him, they got to spend more time in the Wilderness – 40 YEARS – FORTY – 40 – FORTY!!!! YEARS!!!!

FORTY YEARS to take an ELEVEN DAY JOURNEY.

Because of DISOBEDIENCE AND UNBELIEF.

Most of those years were spent circling two mountains that DID NOT NEED TO BE ON THEIR ROUTE TO THE PROMISED LAND AT ALL.

So, Bible teachers in the Churches are now down to a little SHORT CUT MESSAGE on many many issues: Well, you been caught doing wrong – so now, what’er you gonna do?
“ANOTHER TRIP AROUND THE MOUNTAIN”.

But John McCain is NOT just “ANOTHER TRIP AROUND THE MOUNTAIN”.
Not by any bloody longshot.

Huckleberry bought these Evangelical power units – you might say “political batteries” – which he threw under the bus at the feet of McCain – for what.

God said, “My people perish because of IGNORANCE”.

I will not vote for McCain.

The GOP can KISS MY GRITS.
#238673

On February 7th, 2008 at 2:13 pm, bit_boy said:

Michelle, seems to me the Big Tent Party has plenty of independents and moderates to take care of the things you mentioned. So what’s the problem. If there are problems they have been created by the Big Tent, home of John McVain. A new tent is needed. As a previous member of the Republic Party, and now share holder in the Silent Majority, I invoke rule number 1, Don’t vote it only encourages the bastards.
#238679

On February 7th, 2008 at 2:14 pm, alamedaman said:

theres another opponent to the shamnesty bill who’s running for president, and he has two first names
#238680

On February 7th, 2008 at 2:15 pm, normsrevenge said:

Get FiRed UP!!! Time for conservative progressivism to take root.

Support local and state conservative candidates, send your money to them and not the party and beat on doors to get them elected to the House .. imo, the Senate is a lost cause for the next couple elections as too many Rinos continue to hold favour in the eyes of their own constituents.
#238725

On February 7th, 2008 at 2:48 pm, stevem said:

After reading Michelle’s post, I thought “what can we do and why?” From my recent blog post:

The average age of a Supreme Court justice is about 68, and more importantly, five of the eldest six justices are on the liberal side of the court. Stevens (87), Kennedy (72), Souter (69), Ginsburg (75) and Breyer (71), average 75 years of age. Scalia (conservative) is 72, and the three most recent additions – Thomas (60), Alito (58) and Chief Justice Roberts (53) – lean conservative.

If the next president is a liberal, status-quo may continue at SCOTUS, but if we elect a Republican, a more strict judicial interpretation of law may be brought to the court – exactly what we need.
#238739

On February 7th, 2008 at 2:52 pm, foxforce91 said:

I am fired up and so is my husband. As of our caucus last Tuesday, we are officially involved. It’s an important time and I want to be a part of it. We got more delegates for our precinct than ever before, why? Because there are people committed to the direction of the party and preserving conservatism. Don’t give up ~ get inspired and fight. I live in a very very liberal district. I was heartened to see our caucus packed full of people last Tuesday. That’s how much people care about preserving conservatism. Remember (for us older folks) the Carter/pre-Carter years? Out of all of that came Ronald Reagan. Our ideas always win.
#238772

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm, rpg1616 said:

One important step our party needs to take is to finally get rid of Iowa and New Hampshire as the first voting states. These states do not represent mainstream Republican thought, especially in NH where so many of the voters in the Republican primary are independents or Democrats. We can’t have these fake Republican candidates seizing that momentum with help from the media and establishing themselves as legitimate contenders.
#238773

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm, tpierce2 said:

MM,
very wise words! I am so P.O.’d right now that it is too early for me to re-engage in the good fight but I totally agree with you. Work hard for the good conservatives, reward them with time, money, whatever we can give and become a thorn in the side of the RINO’S! And libs!

McCain is really disgusting but the thought of a lib in the White House is more disgusting. Lets improve the Senate and House.
#238826

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:27 pm, FL Mom said:

I won’t sit home, but I certainly am not thrilled about voting for McCain.

As for supporting Republicans, I wrote a check to Ginny Brown Waite’s campaign. She’s a true conservative and I’m glad she’s on my side. The Hispanic Democratic whatever whatever is getting ready to protest her office if she doesn’t apologize for saying hispanics shouldn’t get a rebate check. I’m sure she said that ‘illegals’ shouldn’t get rebates but they plan on getting anyone against open borders out of office.

She took on Crist when he demanded she apologize for making true statements regarding the religion of pieces too. Told him she absolutely wouldn’t apologize for stating true facts.

As for the Florida Republican Party — not a dime from me as long as they’re supporting Martinez and the rest of the Shamnesty Schmucks.
#238889

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:46 pm, sfcmac said:

I sure as hell don’t like McCain, but if the Hildabeast or Obama yer Mama gets elected, there will be no lubricant good enough for the screwing they will give this country.

What does a concerned citizen do when the choices are so unappealing and who’s beliefs and convictions come no where near your your own?

As a single female Republican, I hate being a scapegoat for the Democratic female (and male) sheeple who have their heads so far up their asses, it would take a lengthy surgical procedure to extract them.

What do I want?

Foreign policy: I want a strong, confident leader (gender notwitstanding) who will be tough on illegal immigration, build a border wall, stand up to the Euro effetes, tell the ACLU and terrorist fronts like CAIR to shove it, and put America first.

I want a President who won’t pander to foreign countries for the sake of improving our “image”. I want a President who won’t be afraid to tell America (and the world) what they need to hear, not necessarily what they want to hear.

I want a leader who will make it their mission to destroy any and all Islamofascist nation-states and their supporters.

I want them to make it illegal for our corporations to do business with and prop up regimes of America’s enemies, like China.

Domestic policies: Give incentives to American businesses to keep factories and jobs here so that they won’t feel compelled to outsource.

Enforce policies on those who use welfare as a steady source of income that will make them decide to use birth control, stay in school, become part of the work force, and wean themselves off the teat of public dole.

Hold parents responsible for the criminal activities of their little gangsta children, to include fines and jail.

Clean out death row by expediting the process. Use DNA to determine guilt or innocence. Expedite the release of the not guilty and the execution of the guilty. The prisons are bursting with violent offenders who committed brutal acts against society, and once they get to prison many of them pick up where they left off on the outside. Line ‘em up against a wall and mow them down. They’re animals. They were that way before they got there, and rehabilitation is out of the question. Our tax money is wasted keeping them housed, clothed, and fed for the rest of their miserable lives. Bullets are cheap.

I want a President who has all the attributes lacking in the motely crew of 2008 candidates.

Which means I hope the voting machine has a “write-in” candidate space. If it does, I will enter Fred Thompson’s name.

It will be a futile gesture, but at least I can say I voted my conscience.
#238909

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:52 pm, TK-421 said:

You know I read this and on a social issues level I agree with Conservitives, my view on econmics is much different however. But Macain, at least we have a chance to win the war, even if his other means will destory us culturely. Hillary and Obama will do the same and loose the war. The Truth is and I know many of you will hate me for this but the fact is

Our Consitiution died in the Civil War. No matter it was a hpyocrits document. If it were true women rights and the civil rights movements would have never been needed. And our military power and pride died in vietnam. Thats the first time we ran and yelld no. And many of us have yet to stop. Most Americans have became content and care more for TV than national survival.

Tolerance is the new god, and as long as its not near me in person then I don’t need to care. We have a bunker mentality of fools. No matter how baddly Macain may seem, even as a slight liberal, unless Rommney runs as a 3rd parrty, our other and saddly likely picks are worse.

If Obama wins we WILL slip into a state of illrelavance. We won’t matter at all and we will grind to a halt. Under Hillary, with her support in the Senate we may very well Have a American Stalin, who may use the Patriot act to impresson and impose her will. The woman is a snake, ones whos venom will ruin us all. Shes crying at where she looses to garner support to play on emotions, she speaks of her self as a nations mother (Stalin was always called the Father of Russia) And yet never cried about any of her husbands dealings.

08 is not looking good, and we all collectivly made it happen.
#238911

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:56 pm, TK-421 said:

Would be nice 104 But thats unlikely, money has seaped into our proscess. Think about it, the job only pays 100,000 a year and yet the price to run is in the Millions. True Leaders are just not around anymore hardly, as the payrollers don’t like people they cant control. And in the case of Out of nation supporters like the Brits and Chinese, why would they want this nation strong?
#238912

On February 7th, 2008 at 3:57 pm, thirteen28 said:

Someone (a commenter) over on HotAir just wrote the Dr. Phil-like line “let the healing begin.”

I’m going to vomit through my nostrils.
#238916

On February 7th, 2008 at 4:04 pm, cpodug said:

Missed a chance to post this on the McCain thread.

Before anybody decides who to vote for, check this out. Doctor Pastor has been an advisor to all the major candidates for POTUS. If you haven’t had a chance to read the book, please make the time to do so. It sends cold chills up and down my spine just thinking about the possibilities.

My feeling is anybody but any of these clowns!
#238921

On February 7th, 2008 at 4:07 pm, AuntiEm said:

The conservative base needs to grow. Perhaps bring in democrat conservatives and yes they do exist. Seems to be quite a few of them here in Northeast PA.
#238929

On February 7th, 2008 at 4:22 pm, right4us said:

Seeing this all unfold seems to reveal something more orchestrated than accidental (not a new theory obviously). Mitigate Mitt, yet, continue a contest with McCain/Huckabee, in an oh so brotherly fashion to “broaden the tent” through debate (against the Dems, not each other) to try and win back some of the Hispanic vote, more moderates/liberals (divide/marginalize the conservatives) – with a few good laughs too boot, with the what a hoot, Huckabee.
#238930

On February 7th, 2008 at 4:23 pm, graysonret said:

So now it’s going to be McCain vs Clinton or Obama. Voting in November is going to be rougher than I thought. Anyone out there got 50mg of Phenergan? I’ll need more than 25mg this time.
#238932

On February 7th, 2008 at 4:25 pm, nyc123me said:

#105 TK-421 “08 is not looking good, and we all collectivly made it happen.”

No way – I had no part in making this happen. I voted and have spoken forcibly against McCain. You want to take the blame, you’re welcome to it, but you don’t speak for me.
#238934

On February 7th, 2008 at 4:28 pm, nyc123me said:

Maybe the McCain thread has been closed out of disgust?
#238958

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:02 pm, Fasternu 426 said:

All I hear here and on other threads is that “I’m more conservative than you because I won’t vote for McCain”. That’ll show ‘em! Let the Dhimmicrats have the legislative and executive branches of the party. They can do it better!

We aren’t just throwing the baby out with the bath water. We’ll put a bullet in him and burn the house down too. How ridiculous and childish can you get? We are at war and I hear all the whining because McCain isn’t conservative enough? We’ll let Obama and Hillary get into office and Islamic extremists run our troops off the battlefield because McCain isn’t conservative enough.

God help us…..

I’ll not vote for McCain, but I’ll vote against dhimmitude.
#238966

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, DBNinKY said:

Well, folks, it looks like it’s going to be McCain~Romney versus COOC (Clinton-Obama/Obama-Clinton) versus Bloomberg-(name your loser)…what a choice.
#238974

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm, Jarhead said:

Beware of a wolf in sheep’s clothing which is McFlimflam. He sold us conservatives out time and time again. e,g, McCain- Feingold, the Gang of 14, McCain-Kennedy, etc. etc. need I say more. I don’t think so, you know it better than I. Do you really think he will change? He reminds of a child, please mom and dad, I promise I’ll do the yard work if you give me what I want. How many have heard that line. Bet still waiting for the yard work to get done. If by luck he gets to be POTUS he will push through Immigration reform, you heard what he said on Meet the Press. As for the love fest the MSM has had with McFlimflam over the years it is coming to an end. You know who the MSM really love. Oh yes they loved McCain for when they need him to disparage the Republican base. Yet he gets numerous applause. I am still shrugging.
#238975

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:21 pm, KaosKlerik said:

“I’ll gladly vote for McCain, if it helps keep either of those two out of office.”

Yeah. That’s what McCain is counting on. He’s spitting in our eyes and sneering, “Who else you gunna vote for? Hillary? HAH!”

Hillary and Obama are so far left they make McCain look good by comparison and that is quite an accomplishment.
#238976

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:22 pm, rooster said:

I for one feel totally betrayed and see that our conservative values in the GOP are lost. All that surround McCain are the new RINO’s (neocons)and their agenda is set, we are the problem. I refuse to keep rewarding people like McCain. The message must resonate to all RINO’s, no mas! We aren’t going to be had anymore. I am not leaving the Republican party, they are leaving me. I hope they come to their senses in the near future.
#238981

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:32 pm, Jarhead said:

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm, DBNinKY said:
Well, folks, it looks like it’s going to be McCain~Romney versus COOC (Clinton-Obama/Obama-Clinton) versus Bloomberg-(name your loser)…what a choice.

I believe McCain will pick a women (Condi Rice), if Shillary is the nominee to try to grab the women vote. Also, because Shillary will pick Obama to get the black vote. Yet if Obama is the nominee I do not think he will pick Shillary as his VP. Because he has been running on change. With the total of Slik Willies 8 yrs and Shillary’s 8 yrs that is 16 yrs of the Clinton family having a residance in D.C. This IMHO, I could be wrong.
#238994

On February 7th, 2008 at 5:40 pm, Jarhead said:

McShame sure is a snake oil sales man. God please have mercy on this great country of ours the United Sates of America.
#239026

On February 7th, 2008 at 6:21 pm, 24Klady said:

Backroom deals? Absolutely. Shoddy practices within the party? Absolutely. Will the base support McCain and ultimately, Huck as well? I don’t think so. The national Republican leadership has failed to recognize and address the needs of those that have somehow stood with them, and elected them. I’m guessing we’re staring at either Shrillery or Saint Obama as our next POTUS. They may only last one term, but the damage they’ll do in that short timeframe will impact us for many years. Brilliant strategy….run someone with enough baggage to sink a battleship, pair him up with the village idiot – run them against a well-oiled Democrat machine with a take no prisoners mantra – and lose the election. Purrrfect!

Close your wallets folks, buy what you must and can afford while interest rates are low, and prepare to have your wallets picked by the new regime.

MM is correct. Get out there and work to keep the good ones in office, defeat the ones that are even borderline, and keep your eyes out for the next generation of conservatives to trust with your vote and future.

My mission will be to support Cornyn, and do everything I can to see that K.B. Hutchinson’s feet are royally roasted daily till the day she retires.
#239184

On February 7th, 2008 at 9:38 pm, Dr. Lead Based Paint said:

IT’S USELESS FOLKS.

Michelle is being totally unrealistic. The Republican Party continues to be the party of LOSERS.

If the conservative base is so freaking huge, where are they? Where have their votes been in the primaries?

The truth Rush has said is exactly correct: Republicans are treating conservatives EXACTLY like Democrats treat blacks: despicably.

The only hope for conservatives is to coalesce together into a Conservative Party. While this is a far-fetched possibility, equally far-fetched is the notion that we will have a conservative candidate that possesses the gonads to fight.
#239195

On February 7th, 2008 at 9:45 pm, TK-421 said:

@112 not what I ment, and yes it is all of our fault. All this thats led up to this election has been because all people have done is ignore everything of this last 40 plus years as it wasn’t their problem, or the only opisition was strongly worder letters or protest. McCain is not the problem. Take a step back and look at the great context, look at the societly changes, the importance of cash over money, the slow creeping crawl of liberalisim.

When good men do nothing that is evil enough.
#239559

On February 8th, 2008 at 11:55 am, ScottyDog said:

Dr. Lead Based Paint

I couldn’t agree more. It has gotten so bad they made sure our nominee was the one that alienated every American last year enough to call and write congress about the Amnesty legislation. The first time ever the congressional switchboards were shut down by the Kennedy/McCain Amnesty Bill.(Just how did he become our nominee) The last straw for me was GWB, even though I voted for him the first time. What a huge mistake this has been for conservatives and the RNC.

Conservatives did come out on Tuesday but they had no one to vote for except Romney who is not exactly a conservative. The same lesser of two evils strategy they have given us for the last 20 years was then implemented.

McCain did not capture the conservative vote, the whole thing was rigged as usual by the big party bosses that made back room deals to game the system.I do not know where the Huckster got the money to stay in the race but IMHO the RNC made sure he was there to split the vote to ensure McCain achieved the mathematical advantage to capture the delegates. W. Virginia and Florida both had fraudulent elections and I have no doubt this occurred in many other states. There are still two million un counted absentee ballots in California and there were major problems with Republican registrations being switched to Indpendent. In one area in San Diego, there were 20,000 registrations that were changed unknown to the voter until he went to the polls. Not a peep from the MSM.

If McCain is successful in passing another Amnesty bill we are through as a party and our Republic will be destroyed with the next step of implementing the CFR merger called the NAU/SPP.

I just wish people would wake up and start another party like the Constitutional Party has done and take our country back from the CFR Socialists.

Our country is in danger of being destroyed from within like no other time in History. I do not understand why people cannot see what is happening, of course, I have had the advantage of observing this incremental destruction of our Constitutional Republic since the 1960’s.