The “grumpy Republican” problem; Update: E-mail from a Texas GOP convention attendee

By Michelle Malkin  •  June 9, 2008 01:03 PM

Scroll down for updates…e-mail from Texas GOP convention attendee…

The Texas GOP convened its party convention this week. It’s finding the same problem plaguing the party in other states and at the national level: Disgruntled grass-roots.

The Houston Chronicle quotes GOP officials calling disatisfied conservatives “grumpy” and “grouchy.” These leaders seem to believe the grass-roots have left them. Reality check: It’s the other way around. From the piece:

After a decade of political dominance, the Texas GOP is opening its party convention in Houston this week with a troubling prospect: Grumpy Republicans may not turn out to vote this fall.

Many of the grass-roots Texas Republicans see presumptive presidential nominee John McCain as not conservative enough. Others still support presidential candidate Ron Paul. Some are unhappy over immigration, high federal spending, a sagging national economy and rising gasoline prices.

“A lot of them, and rightly so in many cases, are mad. They’re concerned,” said Roger Williams, chairman of the Texas GOP’s voter turnout efforts this year. “What we’ve got to do is alleviate those concerns and get them to vote.”

…Republican pollster Mike Baselice said half the Republican voters in Texas say the state and nation are on the “wrong track.” He calls them “grumpy Republicans” who cannot be counted on to turn out to vote against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

“I’m concerned about the wrong-track Republicans opting not to vote,” Baselice said.

Baselice said Republicans in 2002 had a 6 percentage point advantage in Dallas County voting and an 8 percentage point advantage in Harris County. He said neither party now has an advantage in Dallas, and the GOP holds an advantage of about 1.5 percentage points in Harris County.

He said that partisan shift could give Democrats a great boost if a large percentage of Republicans don’t vote.

Baselice said Republicans who vote can be counted on to vote up and down the ballot, but he said the GOP stands to lose ground if the “grumpy” Republicans stay home.

Former Republican Chairman Tom Pauken said politicians and party leaders need to reassure the Republican grass-roots workers that their efforts matter for conservative causes.

“The grass roots has withered up and died,” Pauken said.

Au contraire. From what I saw at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference of grass-roots conservatives recently and from what I see in my e-mailbox every day, the Right’s grass roots are alive and well. It’s principled conservative leadership in Washington that has withered up, died, and been replaced by invasive weeds.

***

Related note to the White House: Signing lame-duck executive orders on immigration enforcement doesn’t count as principled conservative leadership.

***

Update: Just received an informative e-mail from a Texas GOP convention attendee…

Michelle,

I’m a Republican in Texas, and will be attending the state convention this week as an alternate. This is my third state convention serving the party in some capacity, and I have to say, this year I’m expecting very little good to come out of it.

My reasoning is that the “Ron Paul” crowd, which represents about 1/3 of the delegates attending the convention this week, have caused a great amount of trouble and stress for doing nothing more than standing up for their beliefs. Meanwhile, conservatives who supported Thompson, Hunter, or another candidate have the same issues with the party. We’re worried, and I believe rightfully so, that we will be tarred with the same brush as those whose goals are to disrupt and wreak havoc. It’s a huge mess; while most conservatives have no wish to be affiliated with the “liberaltarians” who have infiltrated our party, there are other Ron Paul Republicans who ARE conservative and that means that all conservative efforts to change things will be stomped upon.

What we’re disgruntled about in our state is an utter lack of leadership at the state party level; we have a governor who has publicly disregarded the voice of the grassroots and the platform, a state chairman who issues press releases on issues contrary to our platform, and massive electoral issues that trickle down from the highest levels.

Thank you so much for posting on what is happening down here. We are sure that there are other conservative Republicans across the country who see similar problems. The question is, do we make tentative alliances with anti-war, pro-choice factions in order to gain any kind of success?

Michele Samuelson
National Committeewoman, Texas Republican Assembly

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Comments


  1. #1
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:05 pm, Jeddite said:

    Term limits. And a good weed-whacker. Then we’ll see some real growth in the right direction.

  2. #2
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:06 pm, Mister P said:

    It’s principled conservative leadership in Washington that has withered up, died, and been replaced by invasive weeds.

    BRAVO!!! Right on the mark.

  3. #3
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:07 pm, ajmontana said:

    Au contraire. From what I saw at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference of grass-roots conservatives recently and from what I see in my e-mailbox every day, the Right’s grass roots are alive and well. It’s principled conservative leadership in Washington that has withered up, died, and been replaced by invasive weeds.

    and they still don’t get that…. amazing… are they really this blind? :roll:

  4. #4
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:08 pm, love2rumba said:

    The GOP is currently in the denial stage, obviously believing that we will enthusiastically support anyone they throw at us…

  5. #5
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm, Lan Astaslem said:

    How… many… times… must… we… bang… our… (collective) head… against… this… wall?!?! What will it take for them to understand?

    The order is aimed at cracking down on hiring of illegal immigrants. But people who overstayed visas or came to the country legally but do not have permission to work, such as some students or those awaiting work permits, also could be snagged with the system.

    And this is a problem… why?? Do they not understand that “people who overstayed visas” = “illegal”??

  6. #6
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, Russ N said:

    The Houston Chronicle quotes GOP officials calling disatisfied conservatives “grumpy” and “grouchy.” These leaders seem to believe the grass-roots have left them. Reality check: It’s the other way around.

    Amen! I guess if they want to call me grouchy and grumpy I’ll live with it. Show me some real Repubs to get behind at the national level and I will.

    Will Bobby Jindal run in 2012? Please?

  7. #7
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:12 pm, AuntiEm said:

    On the really odd side, tomorrow is SC primary and Linsey Graham has an opponent but you can’t find any polls or news on the subject.You don’t think he is up for VP?

  8. #8
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm, flenser said:

    The GOP is currently in the denial stage, obviously believing that we will enthusiastically support anyone they throw at us…

    In fairness to them the results of the primary elections, both presidential and local, tend to bear out their perception.

    If we want them to believe we are serious we need to stop voting for liberal Republicans. Otherwise they will be right to dismiss us as noisy but inconsequental.

  9. #9
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm, Russ N said:

    I should also say that I’ve given up on 2008….

  10. #10
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

    Au contraire. From what I saw at the

    Pennsylvania Leadership Conference of grass-roots conservatives recently and from what I see in my e-mailbox every day, the Right’s grass roots are alive and well. It’s principled conservative leadership in Washington that has withered up, died, and been replaced by invasive weeds.

    Oh go get a cup of coffee “grumpy” and “grouchy” conservative blogger.

  11. #11
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:16 pm, tropicalwave12 said:

    All above, I don’t know that it is that they don’t understand? Maybe? It could be just the typical playbook for obtaining power. Maybe I’m being a bit like the “Grassy Knowel” Consipiracist here but, I am not sure that those in power are just doing whatever to whoever to stay in “power”

  12. #12
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:16 pm, Jbgood said:

    Grumpy old Republican?
    I used to call myself a republican. I now consider myself a conservative. The republican party left me at the altar. They can call me whatever they want. Until they once again become the “Conservative” party, they will get absolutly nothing from me including my vote. I do plan on voting for down line republicans on the Oklahoma ballot, but refuse to cast squat for McCain, PERIOD.

  13. #13
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:17 pm, John Ansell said:

    It’s the illegals, Stupid. Stop representing the illegals and the GOP will welcome these losers back.

    A vote for McInsane is a vote for Amnesty. (Damn, no points for me)

  14. #14
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm, khan said:

    #1: not term limits, repeal of the 17th amendment. restore a vital check/balance that our founding fathers specifically put in place.

  15. #15
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:18 pm, flenser said:

    President Bush has signed an executive order requiring contractors and others who do business with the federal government to make sure their employees can legally work in the U.S.

    Shouldn’t that have been done in October 2001?

    Both his (few remaining) friends and his foes can see that this is a meaningless gesture.

    But I’ll say this much in Bush’s favor. Compared to John McCain, Bush is the reincarnation of Ronald Reagan.

  16. #16
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:19 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    and they still don’t get that…. amazing… are they really this blind?

    Yes aj, they are. Ugh.

  17. #17
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:19 pm, khan said:

    By the way, where’s franksalterego to blame everyone else?

  18. #18
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:19 pm, Goldwater Knight said:

    Get ready for 16 years of liberalism.
    I’m thinking I might sign up for the Polish Charter.

  19. #19
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:22 pm, letget said:

    I can’t for the life of me understand why the GOP thinks we are ‘grumpy’ when they have done precious few things to make us feel warm and fuzzy about how they are doing things in DC. HOW many times do they need to be told with e-mails, letters, fax, phone calls, and bloggers how we feel about what they are doing? Money is down for them and they wonder why. Well, get a clue, we BE mad, not grumpy.
    L

  20. #20
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pm, Cicero said:

    I got a fundraising pitch from the McCain campaign in my mail over the weekend. How ironic, I thought, that the guy who’s spent the last ten years insulting me and betraying my values now wants me to open my wallet for him. I figure that since McCain spent all that time dancing for the praise of the New York Times, he should be asking for their money, not mine.

    Somehow, I don’t think the NYT editorial staff is going to pony up either. McCain may have miscalculated when he decided that pleasing the MSM was more important than cultivating the Republican base.

    Needless to say, the campaign mail went directly into the trash. I may vote for the guy; I definitely won’t be contributing to his campaign.

  21. #21
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pm, hawkeye54 said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:11 pm, Lan Astaslem said:
    How… many… times… must… we… bang… our… (collective) head… against… this… wall?!?! What will it take for them to understand?

    a 2 x 4 applied to their collective backside may be more effective.

    Well, more satisfying anyway. Just sayin’.

    “NONE OF THE ABOVE ’08″

  22. #22
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:26 pm, alaskangrizzly said:

    Au contraire. From what I saw at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference of grass-roots conservatives recently and from what I see in my e-mailbox every day, the Right’s grass roots are alive and well. It’s principled conservative leadership in Washington that has withered up, died, and been replaced by invasive weeds.

    Right on the money as usual Michelle. Obviously the GOP doesn’t bother to visit conservative grass roots sites to find out why we are so “grumpy” with their pompous attitudes and failed plans by becoming Democrat-Light.

    Former Republican Chairman Tom Pauken said politicians and party leaders need to reassure the Republican grass-roots workers that their efforts matter for conservative causes.

    They could do this easily by actually sitting down with conservatives and talking out the issues rather than putting up the hand and saying it’s my way or the highway and if you don’t vote for me your a grumpy fool. Because statements like this…

    “I’m concerned about the wrong-track Republicans opting not to vote,” Baselice said.

    …is not going to win over the hearts and minds of the conservatives you are so afraid of losing. Someone stick a fork in the Texas GOP, they’re done.

  23. #23
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:27 pm, fred5676 said:

    I started following the issue of illegal immigration in 2001, writing often to President Bush, my Senators and Rep., etc.

    It is my main issue – and McCain is on the complete opposite side of this issue.

    The 90 day waiting period for a Z visa in the 2006 McCain-Kennedy bill was changed to “One business day” in the 2007 bill. 24 hours to process background and health checks on 12 to 30 million illegal aliens.

    That says it all. Perfidy. Plain and simple.

    I am now proud to be registered as an Independent after 40 years as a Republican.

  24. #24
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:30 pm, tre said:

    No body likes me. Dems say I’m “Bitter” and “Clinging to My Guns and Religion.” Now Repubs say I’m “Grumpy and Grouchy.”

    Well, I’m not just “Grumpy and Grouchy.”
    I’m down right PO’d that my party is leaving me, and wonders why I don’t support it any more! I’m PO’d that the leaders of my party feel they can lecture me on what I should believe!

  25. #25
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:31 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

    Only liberals can be classified as grumpy since that is only a “feeeeeeeeling”…. We conservatives are not grumpy, we’re activated and looking for a fight…. Big difference.

  26. #26
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:33 pm, cf said:

    Just more name calling – I guess it’s better being called ‘grumpy’ though than being called a Nativist or a Xenophobe by the elite Republicans.

  27. #27
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:34 pm, Barry F. said:

    Related note to the White House: Signing lame-duck executive orders on immigration enforcement doesn’t count as principled conservative leadership.

    That’s about as principled as it gets in Washington on what might even remotely be considered “immigration enforcement”, Michelle.

  28. #28
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:36 pm, RedDog said:

    The Republicans are now the Democratic Party. Loyal Democrats are the part of the Communist Party.

  29. #29
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:37 pm, DesertLover said:

    Those against term limits always like to say the people can handle that by voting people out … sorry … too many sheeple out there voting these days … besides, we strayed from the Constitutional concept of “Citizen Representation” a long time ago when people started making a life-long career out of politics

    The “citizen” was expected to forgo his personal life for a few years to serve in government then return to his farm or business … that ended around the same time as the industrial revolution …

    The other thing wrong is the current belief that you need to have a law degree or background to be elected … (another big crock of BS that has been ingrained by the political establishment) … no where in the Constitution does it state that only lawyers are qualified to serve in public office

    /rant off

  30. #30
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:37 pm, Barry F. said:

    …GOP officials calling disatisfied conservatives “grumpy” and “grouchy.” These leaders seem to believe the grass-roots have left them. Reality check: It’s the other way around…

    To borrow slightly from Ronald Wilson Reagan here…

    I didn’t leave the Democratic Republican Party. The Democratic Republican Party left me.”

  31. #31
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:37 pm, mngirl said:

    You know I’m convinced that we simply need to “ride out” the likes of John McCain, i.e. survive him, and there really are outstanding young republicans everywhere, Jindal, Palin, Pawlenty (maybe), former VA governor (cannot remember his name), Jeff Flake of Arizona and others like him in the House and Senate, Thune, DeMint, etc.

    There are a bunch of old coots (I would actually call them the grumpy old men), that have to retire in the next 10 years, Boehner, (thank god Hastert and Lott are gone), Lindsay Graham (ok maybe not retirement, maybe SC will get smart), Snow, even Kay Bailey Hutchison is not always reliable, definitely Norm Coleman, etc. You know all the “do no harm” RINOs I’m talking about.

    McCain is going to run anti-Obama because the Republicans have no other message.

  32. #32
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:39 pm, txvet2 said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:23 pm, Cicero said:

    Needless to say, the campaign mail went directly into the trash. I may vote for the guy; I definitely won’t be contributing to his campaign.

    Those things are postage paid. If you want to get their attention, do what I do – add your own comments as to why you won’t contribute and send it back. They may ignore the comments, but they still have to pay the postage and you get in one free protest vote.

  33. #33
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:44 pm, Send_Me said:

    Well, since voting is important and I don’t like either of the career politicians running, I suppose I’m just going to have to write in Fred Thompson’s name. Sure, he’s not flashy, but he loves this country, has some ideas, and, frankly, at least he has a pair. (Sorry, ladies, but I couldn’t find a more eloquent way of stating that.)

  34. #34
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:45 pm, Jim M. said:

    I have heard more than a few conservatives lament the direction of the GOP and cry out for a “Moses” to lead them to a new party.

    My take is a little different. We do not need a Moses to lead us anywhere; what we need is a Saint Patrick to drive the snakes out of the GOP.

  35. #35
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:46 pm, dewaun said:

    Michelle. I am one of those “grumpy” voters. The way I see it, it’s because we’re upset that the state party is feckless with no discernible sense of duty to those who they’re supposed to represent, no clear stands on what is right and what is wrong.

    What was wrong 500 years ago, is still wrong today. Wrong will never change, although politicians love to use words like “gravitas” and “nuance” to blur the boundaries between right and wrong.

    They are steadily floating on their “high horses” towards the left because the moral compass in this world has gotten out of calibration by the relentless appeal of bitter greed, and militant immorality.

    That’s just how I see it.

  36. #36
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:49 pm, md1964 said:

    Well since I am “loud” and a “Bigot” according to the efiminate, limp wrist Lindsey Graham…

    You BET I am Grumpy with what has happened to the party of Common Sense.

    Hell, I am surprised McCain hasn’t insisted that the GOP convention be held in Mexico City…. Lord Knows he considers American Birth Right Citizens as 2nd class, next to his favorites…the illegal aliens/open border Lobby.

  37. #37
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm, nyc123me said:

    Totally MM – the GOP left conservatism, not the other way around. Funny how they blame grumpy ‘wrong-track’ Republicans, rather than take responsibility for their actions.. and gee, why does that sound so familiar I wonder..

  38. #38
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:51 pm, Concerned Citizen said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:17 pm, John Ansell said:
    It’s the illegals, Stupid. Stop representing the illegals and the GOP will welcome these losers back.

    A vote for McInsane is a vote for Amnesty. (Damn, no points for me)

    That’s the single biggest issue to everyone I know.

  39. #39
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:51 pm, nyc123me said:

    When McCain loses, watch the GOP put the blame on Republican voters. What a pack of self-serving pricks.

  40. #40
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:52 pm, walterc said:

    has signed an executive order requiring contractors and others who do business with the federal government to make sure their employees can legally work in the U.S.

    Isn’t this what the I-9 form was supposed to do? I remember reading in the instructions that the penalty for failure to get proper verification was something like $10,000 per incident.

    Why do we need a new law? Why do we need an executive order for people to follow and/or enforce the law(s) that we already have?

    Gee I don’t know why I’m grumpy, ya dumbasses. /sarc

  41. #41
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    The Ron Paul supporters, though mentioned only once in this article, are going to be a force at the Texas convention.

    Obviously the GOP elite don’t want a repeat of what happened at the Nevada convention, where Paul supporters took it over, and the GOP leadership had to cancel the event, but with the increasing support Paul has been receiving, it might be tough to silence them.

    It’s funny when looking back at the race, Paul was absolutely marginalized by the MSM. His loyal supporters basically bullied the networks to get him in the debates, where he was laughed at and called a crank. Now with the GOP on it’s deathbed, Paul had his best showings in some of the later states, including 24% in Idaho (or Montana). His message, which was scorned and ignored is becoming all the more prescient, while McCain looks like one of the weakest candidates fielded by the GOP since Dole.

    Personally, as a past and current Paul supporter, I absolutely love seeing this. Paul’s supporters are doing exactly what true democracy entails: getting their voices heard. They are trying to influence the platform, and get some delegates to the national convention. The Paul supporters are the grassroots of conservatism, and have brought many many young people into the fold. It’s sad McCain hasn’t even tried to pick any of us up.

    While McCain tired to blind us to anything other than the war, Paul was alone in talking about our real problems here in the country: Open borders, Massive inflation by the Federal Reserve, Our falling currency and it’s effect on commodity prices, Social Security and our massive unfunded liabilities, Government Spending, and the coming Nanny/Police State. No wonder grassroots conservatives are so fiercely loyal to this guy. All I can say is: Give em Hell!

  42. #42
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:54 pm, sonofdy said:

    At this point, the biggest argument for voting for McCain is Barak H. Obama.

  43. #43
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:55 pm, md1964 said:

    When McCain loses, watch the GOP put the blame on Republican voters. What a pack of self-serving pricks.

    It is a No Win situation for Conservatives. If McLame loses…it will be our fault and the GOP will illogically beleive they must slide more left.

    If McLame wins…he will tout the end of Conservatism, and the win is a confirmation of his policies.

    America is on the edge fo doom… and I usually am very optimistic… You can’t be when you Have “Dumb and Dumber” as your choices in November.

  44. #44
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:57 pm, JT said:

    I am not a Republican. I used to be one. I am conservative. I will vote for conservative candidates.

    If McCain picks a conservative VP, I will vote for the ticket.

    We have to prevent States from allowing Independents and Democrats from voting in our primary. And if I ever run into Huckabee, I’ll punch him right in the mouth.

  45. #45
    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm, sonofdy said:

    They said the DNC was dead after 2002. They were wrong. They are wrong about the GOP as well.

  46. #46
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:00 pm, swmbo said:

    To quote an infamous line,

    This republican party is not the republican party I knew.

    Now I am lolrof !!

  47. #47
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm, abstractmind said:

    Republican leaders will be thrilled to know i’m neither angry nor grumpy.

    They will be less than thrilled, however, to know that i’m angry, disappointed, and ready to kick their lazy butts to the curb.

    I’m ready for some change, minus Oblahma.

  48. #48
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:01 pm, Silkyinfamous said:

    Blame Mel.

  49. #49
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:04 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    They said the DNC was dead after 2002. They were wrong. They are wrong about the GOP as well.

    Sure, the parties are resuscitated by the consistently worse candidates they put forward for the masses to vote on. They say the GOP is dead because they are optimistic on the strength of their candidates now, and in the future. Once Obama has the weight of the massive problems Bush will drop on him, and subsequently screw us up even more, the GOP will rise from the dead, to put forth a worse candidate then McCain, and so on and so forth.

  50. #50
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:08 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    Speaking of borders-sovereignty—
    PLUS a statesman with guts to tell it like it is….

    http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.com/2008/06/danish-constitution-day-2008.html#readfurther

    Unfortunatly–he’s from Denmark!

    The Republican Party left me……I did not -willingly – leave the R. Party.

  51. #51
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:13 pm, khan said:

    #44:

    Why? All the veep is going to do is cast the tie-breaker, and with a Democratic-controlled Senate, the liklihood of that happening will be nil. Unless you believe McCain won’t last his term.

  52. #52
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:15 pm, NJRepublican said:

    I also feel that the party left me. I am extremely torn about Election Day. I want to send a message to the party and vote for someone other than McCain, but then I read Thomas Sowell’s latest column. Why does he always have to make so much darn sense?!?

  53. #53
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:16 pm, Weary Citizen said:

    “I’m concerned about the wrong-track Republicans opting not to vote,” Baselice said.

    This tells the whole story. WE are “wrong tracked”, not the party. This guy confirms what all of us have been saying, that the entire party is moving left by design. And I fully beleive that is because we have all voted for the “lesser of 2 evils” so many times over the past 20 years or so. Seems like each successive “lesser of 2 evils” candiates gets more and more liberal, so that we now get mcamnesty (a man who called all of the base opposed to amnesty, “biggots”, just 2 years ago) as the GOP noiminee. Voting for mcamnesty just b/c you don’t want the dems to win continues to reinforce the GOp move leftward. At this rate, HRC will be the GOP candidate within a decade. Make a stand. Vote 3rd party. Preferably the Constituion Party. But don’t skip voting for POTUS. A strong 3rd party showing will stir things up sufficiently. And at this point, I am not convinced the GOP can be brought back to conservative status as they have moved too far left on immigration and entitlement spending (unless their is a complete leadership purge).

  54. #54
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:18 pm, John Ansell said:

    Concerned Citizen #38, Especially when the Latinos are waging war against us. Do you think it would make the national news if 12 of our finest were gunned down in Iraq? I bet it would. Los Angeles had 12 homicides this weekend and little is reported on it, and when It is reported, they cover up the fact that it’s latino gangbangers

    See? It’s a damn shame

  55. #55
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:22 pm, ajmontana said:

    jt said,
    And if I ever run into Huckabee, I’ll punch him right in the mouth.

    thats funny, but it’s not nice to beat up wimps…. :lol:

  56. #56
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:28 pm, sambo said:

    sonofdy said:
    At this point, the biggest only argument for voting for McCain is Barak H. Obama.

    fixed

  57. #57
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:31 pm, iamsaved said:

    A conservative candidate I can support:
    Not necessarily in order of importance.

    1. Must be against amnesty for illegals and for enforcement of the current laws.

    2. Be against activist courts legislating rather than interpreting the law. If given the opportunity, appointing justices who support that theme and not “compromising” with the liberals for a “moderate”.

    3. Fiscal responsibility to include eliminating pork and needless duplication/wasteful government services.

    4. Calling Global Warming what it is, a gigantic con, and not subscribe to all of the hype.

    5. A strong defense.

    6. Calling radical Islam what it is – a religion of violence – not peace. If necessary, declaring it a threat to national security.

    7. Be strong against gun control laws.

    8. Work on a program to boot the UN out of this country and not be worried about what the rest of the world thinks about us.

    9. Drill for oil in ANWR and off shore regardless of what the liberals and environmentalists want. Declare a national emergency if necessary. This should not preclude also searching for alternative sources of fuel.

    10. Take a pro life stance and stick to it.

    11. Take a stand in support of the traditional definition of marriage between a man and a woman.

    12. A person of strong character and proven leadership experience.

    I’m sure there are more but if we had Republicans who supported even these few, they’d have my support.

    I’d even vote for a Democrat if they supported these items – but that’s not going to happen. Each one is anti-thetical to their party’s platform.

  58. #58
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm, Alphonse said:

    Voters are such a bother. It’s a shame Washington hasn’t quite reached the point where they can isolate themselves in their luxury life of influence peddling and corruption and do a Mugabe on the people.

  59. #59
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:33 pm, wise_man said:

    “I’m concerned about the wrong-track Republicans opting not to vote,” Baselice said.

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:16 pm, Weary Citizen said: This tells the whole story. WE are “wrong tracked”, not the party.

    Yes you are. Anyone who does not contribute to Barack obama’s defeat will be held responsible for an Obama presidency for the 4 to 8 years that he will be president. This is now a contest between two people. You get no do-overs. You can’t write in Fred’s name, or Bob Barr, or Ron Paul. You might as well write in Technicolor Space Unicorn for president in a protest against McCain for all the good it will do at this point. Or whatever the ‘disafected grumpy republican’ who plans of f*king up our shot to keep a democrat out of the white house this year.

    This election is now between two people. it’s time to decide.

  60. #60
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:34 pm, RhymesWithRight said:

    FYI — As a delegate to the convention, I can tell you that the convention itself doesn’t open until Thursday. Right now what you have going on are all the temporary committee meetings.

  61. #61
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:38 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    Re: NJRepublican

    Sowell’s column you reference is going to be the GOP’s MO this election cycle. They are going to try as hard as possible to scare the living sh*t out of you to accept the unacceptable. It’s worked for 7 years under Bush, they just need to step it up a notch to get us “wrong-tracked” republicans back in step. Pictures of mushroom clouds and cities destroyed, mutilated bodies, and radio-active disfigurement will be the norm.

    Don’t fall into this trap, Townhall is a horrible website with hack columnists. They are nothing more than GOP loyalists, who will do anything to indoctrinate you into the GOP’s current neo-conservative orthodoxy. Best bet is to turn off these soulless bastards, and realize that our first line of defense against any cave-dwelling illiterate ne’er-do-well is a secure border and immigration policy.

  62. #62
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:40 pm, Barry F. said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:33 pm, wise_man said:

    Or whatever the ‘disafected grumpy republican’ who plans of f*king up our shot to keep a democrat out of the white house this year.

    Just curious – Did you type that part about “to keep a democrat out” with a straight face? :lol:

  63. #63
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:40 pm, John Ansell said:

    Wise Man, totally disagree with you. Voting for McCain is voting a Democrat into the office.

  64. #64
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:41 pm, wise_man said:

    McCain is not a democrat. Just because you and others say so, it’s not.

    If McCain was just like any other democrat, then the democrats vote would be split between Obama and McCain. That’s not the case.

  65. #65
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, Jbgood said:

    Socialist party nominee – BHO
    Democrat party nominee – McCain
    Republican party nominee – ?????

    And they call me grumpy? They think I have nothing to complain about?

  66. #66
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    Conservative grass roots for Ron Paul are so loyal to him because (quoting iamsaved):

    1. Must be against amnesty for illegals and for enforcement of the current laws.

    2. Be against activist courts legislating rather than interpreting the law. If given the opportunity, appointing justices who support that theme and not “compromising” with the liberals for a “moderate”.

    3. Fiscal responsibility to include eliminating pork and needless duplication/wasteful government services.

    4. Calling Global Warming what it is, a gigantic con, and not subscribe to all of the hype.

    5. A strong defense.

    6. Calling radical Islam what it is – a religion of violence – not peace. If necessary, declaring it a threat to national security.

    7. Be strong against gun control laws.

    8. Work on a program to boot the UN out of this country and not be worried about what the rest of the world thinks about us.

    9. Drill for oil in ANWR and off shore regardless of what the liberals and environmentalists want. Declare a national emergency if necessary. This should not preclude also searching for alternative sources of fuel.

    10. Take a pro life stance and stick to it.

    11. Take a stand in support of the traditional definition of marriage between a man and a woman.

    12. A person of strong character and proven leadership experience.

    Hopefully they get some of these items on the platform at the state conventions.

  67. #67
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm, wise_man said:

    Barry F., John Ansell, you are delusional if you actually think that Obama would be the better choice than McCain.

    I spent years debating with liberals and democrats on the internet. The one thing that I took solace from all the exchanges was that they consistently based their opinion on their emotional feelings, not from logic.

    I used to think that this type of idiocy was pretty much their domain. Thanks to you two and the others, I see that being deranged isn’t exclusive to democrats.

  68. #68
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm, love2rumba said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 1:53 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:
    The Ron Paul supporters, though mentioned only once in this article, are going to be a force at the Texas convention.

    That may well be.

    The problem is -and I have been a part of it- is that too many of us have voted for the lesser of two evils for too long,and the current situation is what we have gotten.

    The Texas GOP-what hubris!

  69. #69
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    If McCain was just like any other democrat, then the democrats vote would be split between Obama and McCain. That’s not the case.

    Except for that pesky little issue of McCain being in the Republican Party. Amazingly, I think you’re in the minority here wise_man – the democrats already have a candidate to vote for, and he’s in their party. Our candidate might be from our party, but we don’t want to vote for him, because he thinks like the (D) candidate.

    You gotta get out from under the Republican-Democrat paradigm. Loyalty will get you nowhere as it stands.

  70. #70
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:52 pm, Bluejester said:

    I am so trying to work hard and make a future for myself and my wife. But when I see that the top brass of the GOP continually snub us true conservatives and act like we’re the problem…I truly worry about the future. I feel like my options this November are to vote for a democrat in Republican clothing, or a Marxist/Socialist who will destroy as much as possible about what makes this country great. How can I vote at all in this election when I know that nothing that believe will be represented at the ballot box. Help…

  71. #71
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:53 pm, sambo said:

    Obamamessiah, please save us “bitter”,
    “grumpy” and “grouchy” conservatives.

  72. #72
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:55 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    Re: Bluejester
    Vote Independent (non-(R)or(D)) down the line. If there is only (R) or (D), vote out the incumbent.

  73. #73
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pm, abstractmind said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    I know you’re a Paul supporter, but…honestly, I dont think you’re really representing the facts properly.

    RP has already stated multiple times his cut and run strategy. So the person you claim as, per #5 goes, has a strong defense…well, a strong defense doesnt mean abandoning your post and throwing the Iraqi people to the wolves. His disturbingly naive stance on just this issue is enough to make me back away from him immediately.

    RP has alot of good qualities, dont get me wrong. but he’s no reagan, like people try to describe him. he’s soft on foreign policy, specifically in regards to our conflicts, and would end up being a hindrance and not a leader.

  74. #74
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pm, Joy said:

    Oh… my… Grumpy now? Bitter, clingy and grumpy…

    They haven’t seen grumpy yet. I have so HAD IT with the GOP. Wrong tracked??? They have got to be kidding.

    I WILL NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN!

    I did not vote for him in the primary and I will NOT be responsible for voting for either Marxism or Socialism. No way, no how. Done… I’m so done.

    ps – Ron Paul is getting his votes and the anti-McCain votes in the later contests.

  75. #75
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pm, Jbgood said:

    wise_man, you may as well add me to your list of ignorant conservatives. I too have voted for the lesser of two evils many times hoping for a better outcome in later years. I will not be hood-winked again. Either the republican party becomes conservative or I will support a different party. As it now stands, I believe I have pretty good representation in the state of Oklahoma and plan to vote in the down ticket but in no way will I vote for McCain. It would make no difference whether McCain or BHO is the POTUS. Both will take the country in the very left direction. I don’t think the house and senate, regardless of make-up, will allow either to accomplish much. As far left as many of these people talk, they still have to stand for re-election in the future.

  76. #76
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:58 pm, khan said:

    “We’re worried, and I believe rightfully so, that we will be tarred with the same brush as those whose goals are to disrupt and wreak havoc.”

    “liberaltarians”

    Oh, please.

  77. #77
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:59 pm, Barry F. said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:41 pm, wise_man said:

    McCain is not a democrat. Just because you and others say so, it’s not.

    If McCain was just like any other democrat, then the democrats vote would be split between Obama and McCain. That’s not the case.

    Maybe the Dems are just ticked off at him, because he won’t go ahead and put a “(D)” after his name? :lol:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm, wise_man said:

    Barry F., John Ansell, you are delusional if you actually think that Obama would be the better choice than McCain.

    I never said who would be the better candidate. My position, for months now, is that neither one of them are a decent “choice.”

    I used to think that this type of idiocy was pretty much their domain. Thanks to you two and the others, I see that being deranged isn’t exclusive to democrats.

    I’m an idiot, because I don’t agree with you and support your candidate, without reservation?

    Oh, wait! I know. I’m supposed to “Shut up”, “Fall in line” and all those other things I’ve been told. That’s quite a marketing strategy the GOP has adopted – Tell me I can’t think for myself and that they know what is best for me and I just need to go along with what they have in store for me.

    Sorry. I can think and reason for myself. Best of luck with your Kool-Aid® though. ;-)

  78. #78
    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:59 pm, IndependentTom said:

    Concerning the article about the Texas GOP….

    One of the issues I havn’t seen mentioned here is that BOTH parties seem to expect us to be good little girls and boys and toe the party line.

    From what I’ve seen so far, both parties will be using fear tactics and rhetoric to convince us to vote in their favor.

    I’m no longer sure that I want to support the expansionist, intrusive, governmental machine that will continue to exist no matter who wins.

  79. #79
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:00 pm, alaskangrizzly said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:
    Conservative grass roots for Ron Paul are so loyal to him because

    Why did you scratch out # 6? Is it because Ron Paul thinks that 9/11 was done by a few thugs and is a borderline 9/11 truther? (Instead of what the rest of sane America realizes that it is a war on Radical Islamic Jihadi’s? that actually did pull off 9/11 and claimed responsibility for it and had their loyal followers jumping and hollering in the streets across the globe?)

  80. #80
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pm, shimauma2 said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:55 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:
    Re: Bluejester
    Vote Independent (non-(R)or(D)) down the line. If there is only (R) or (D), vote out the incumbent.

    Or do a write in, Conservative-wise

    We need to vote, we need to vote in RECORD NUMBERS. That doesn’t mean we have to choose the stooges on the ballots.

  81. #81
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm, Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:40 pm, John Ansell said:
    Wise Man, totally disagree with you. Voting for McCain is voting a Democrat into the office.

    Well, McCain is kind of an old school Scoop Jackson or Zel Miller kind of Democrat, sort of like Joe Liebermann. A Democrat of the the old party that used to include Ronald Reagan, Jeanne Kirkpatrick and Bill Bennett as members before going off the rails as a blame America first party, whose core principles now are Bush hatred, and to a slightly lesser degree, a belief in government paid abortions for everyone.

    Obama is beyond McGovern, is the ultimate progression of the Henry Wallace pro-Soviet Marxist ‘Progressive’ Democrat.

    Just an example:
    Obama mulling war crime trials for Bush Administration officials.

  82. #82
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, John Ansell said:

    And How many points did you win from The McInsane campaign, Wise Man? McCain/Kennedy? Yeah, that’s a conservative Republican for you. Voting against Bush’s tax cuts? Yeah, that’s really Conservative/Repbulican for you. Against Gitmo? Damn he just represents the Republicans perfectly. Not for Drilling in ANWR or off the shores? Against Conservative judges? Yeah, McCain walks, talks and acts like a Democrat.

    But feel free to go for some more points. Tell me how he’s conservative. LOL, 10 points for me, I mentioned McCain is Conservative (Oh great another 10 points.)

  83. #83
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm, tpierce2 said:

    txvet2 Post #32

    I use the same technique. Every time a request for funding arrives I write my objections and reasons for not contributing! It doesn’t seem to do any good but I feel better.

    Someone else made a comment about electing Conservatives that are Conservative. Here in California a rock solid Conservative ran against a “moderate” Republican. He won handily over the Republican! The Conservative has to run against a democrat and he will probably prevail. It can be done. I sent in a small contribution even though the election was not in my district. Lets support the good ones and kick out the bad ones!

  84. #84
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:06 pm, khan said:

    wise_man says: “nuts to your principles! Vote for (R) no matter what!”

  85. #85
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:07 pm, nyc123me said:

    Bwahahahaha! “McCain is not a democrat. Just because you and others say so, it’s not.” – Wise_man.
    And because you say he isn’t, he isn’t? LOL

  86. #86
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm, wise_man said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm, Ahh a Lion! said: You gotta get out from under the Republican-Democrat paradigm. Loyalty will get you nowhere as it stands.

    If you don’t vote for McCain, then the people who outnumber you and vote for Obama are going to win. The result will be that Barack Obama will be elected president.

    Some people here seem to want that to happen. Maybe they want a democrat in office so that in 4 years, their choice for the republican candidate might win the next nomination, i’m not sure.

    Right now, we are all going to be faced with a “Republican-Democrat paradigm” in the form of an election this november. There will be two choices. They won’t list a Democrat against a Democrat, as much as you want to perpetuate this fantasy of yours.

    What so many people here are doing is sabotaging and propagandizing against mcCain to the delight of the democrats. They want us to loose. What you and others who are participating in this is favoring a democrat win and Barack Obama will be elected president.

    I thought that republicans wouldn’t want to have anything to do with that.

    I was wrong.

  87. #87
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    RP has alot of good qualities, dont get me wrong. but he’s no reagan, like people try to describe him. he’s soft on foreign policy, specifically in regards to our conflicts, and would end up being a hindrance and not a leader.

    I agree with you on many of these points, and respect the opinion that a strong offense is a good defense. In this case, it logically follows that his national security stance is weak. I would compare his foreign policy stances with Reagan much more so than his domestic policy stances. But putting that aside, I consider Paul as simply a vessel to fight for conservatism in a corrupt party. He won’t be president, obviously, he probably won’t even get a speaking role at the convention, but dammit, he represented me and didn’t capitulate to the party elite.

  88. #88
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:10 pm, wise_man said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 2:59 pm, Barry F. said: I’m an idiot, because I don’t agree with you and support your candidate, without reservation?

    Didn’t say that. And I’m not surprised that this is your reply, to attempt to spin my comment to your version.

  89. #89
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:10 pm, Rob said:

    I am grumpy… I don’t agree with McAmnesty on ANYTHING…

    But I guess I will vote for him because there is a slight chance he might do something that will benefit my family and me. The alternative is guaranteed to HURT my family and me.

  90. #90
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:13 pm, Joy said:

    The GOP will have to crash and burn and then maybe a real right-tracked conservative will rise up and rescue the country.

    If not, both McCain and B. Hussein will destroy us.

    I know a lot of people think end-times prophesies are nuts, but look out your window. It is happening and nothing will be able to stop it. The last battle will be fought soon.

    The good news is, with the return of Christ, this planet that is becoming more evil by the day will be changed. And there will be true peace and I am looking forward to that.

  91. #91
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:14 pm, sambo said:

    Ed Mahmoud abu al-Kahoul said:

    thanks for the article ref…somehow I missed that as an avid AT reader.

  92. #92
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:16 pm, Joy said:

    wise man – Your comment certainly sounded the way Barry F. described it.

    I will never understand why people like you think you can win people over with bullying.

  93. #93
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:16 pm, wise_man said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:06 pm, khan said: wise_man says: “nuts to your principles! Vote for (R) no matter what!”

    Why bother falsely claiming what I say when I’ve been attempting to say this as simply as I can:

    If you continue on this path, the only logical result is going to be an Obama presidency. Do you want that to come true? Do you call yourself a conservative? Is a president Obama what you want? Because I see a lot of people
    doing and saying things that will result in this. I am a conservative. I am a republican. I don’t want to see a democrat in the white house. I don’t want to watch as Barack Obama raises his hand and swears in, knowing what he is going to do in the next 4 to 8 years.

    This isn’t a hard concept to understand. What you said about me is not true. If you act on your principles and don’t vote, or write in the conservative you thought should have won, or other such action, this has no benefit other than to get Barack Obama elected president.

    Like I said, this isn’t a difficult concept to understand.

  94. #94
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:17 pm, Barry F. said:

    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm, wise_man said:

    What so many people here are doing is sabotaging and propagandizing against mcCain to the delight of the democrats. They want us to loose. What you and others who are participating in this is favoring a democrat win and Barack Obama will be elected president.

    I thought that republicans wouldn’t want to have anything to do with that.

    I was wrong.

    Well, therein lies our problem in communicating, wise_man. I am a Conservative. I have voted primarily Republican over the years, because their platform was more conservative in nature than the Democrats. But, my votes are not strictly partisan.

    So, in essence, you were “wrong”. You are trying to equate everyone with having either a “(R)” or a “(D)”, instead of considering that many of us are Conservatives. Oh, yeah. There are those liberal-types out there too but most of them vote with the “(D)” after their name.

  95. #95
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:19 pm, DesertLover said:

    With Obama in the WH and both houses of the Congress in the hands of the likes of San Fran Nan and Harry Dingy Reid you might as well rename Wash. DC to Moscow, call Congress the Politburo, and rename the WH the Kremlin … because this place is going to be run by a bunch of communist socialists for the next 4 years and there won’t be much left to any of us after they are done …

  96. #96
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:21 pm, Ahh a Lion! said:

    Some people here seem to want that to happen. Maybe they want a democrat in office so that in 4 years, their choice for the republican candidate might win the next nomination, i’m not sure.

    Bingo – I want BHO to take the fall for the coming economic Armageddon. I don’t want it blamed on conservatism, and I want my elected (R) leaders to act like conservatives under a (D) president. I want a real conservative/libertarian to energize the base in 2012, and bring in a new era of freedom and economic liberty. All this doesn’t even have a chance to happen if McCain wins.

  97. #97
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:21 pm, MtsEdge said:

    I got a fundraising pitch from the McCain campaign in my mail over the weekend. How ironic, I thought, that the guy who’s spent the last ten years insulting me and betraying my values now wants me to open my wallet for him. I figure that since McCain spent all that time dancing for the praise of the New York Times, he should be asking for their money, not mine.

    The GOP is currently in the denial stage, obviously believing that we will enthusiastically support anyone they throw at us…

    How ironic, too, that McCain is more interested in vying with Obama for the disgruntled Hillary voters than he is for his own base.

  98. #98
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:22 pm, khan said:

    #92: because that is what you are in essence saying. what you are saying is that i should forsake my principles, my beliefs, my core, just so Obama will lose. I don’t vote that way, nor do I vote for people who don’t reflect my values, one of whom is John McCain.

    You are another who puts party ahead of principle.

    If you act on your principles and don’t vote, or write in the conservative you thought should have won, or other such action, this has no benefit other than to get Barack Obama elected president.

    It is of great benefit to me to be true to myself and my beliefs. It’s a shame the same can’t be said for you.

  99. #99
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm, IndependentTom said:

    I wonder what would happen if the voter turnout in November was only 10 to 20 percent of eligible voters?

    Would that be seen as a vote of “no confidence” as far as the disconnected, career politicians in Washington D.C. are concerned?

    Would such an election be considered valid?

    Would THAT finally be a wake-up call to our government that we no longer wish to participate in a game with a stacked deck?

  100. #100
    On June 9th, 2008 at 3:24 pm, Zheldon said:

    McCain is not worried about the base. There are too many voter bots, you know the ones who base their vote on the party.

    Surfing the Internet it seems like there are a good number of bots. Sure some of them complain and don’t like it but feel they have no choice.

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