What Should We (and the GOP) Do to Stop Obama?
Obama and his programs continue to sink in the polls. Today Rasmussen has him at -9 in the Daily Presidential Tracking Poll (47% approval/52% disapproval). Healthcare, Cap and Trade and other Obama-backed initiatives keep falling. The Generic Congressional Poll is showing the GOP with a comfortable lead.
The interesting thing is that Obama’s fall is coming without much effort from the GOP. Jindal and Pawlenty have been somewhat critical of ObamaCare. Boehner and Ryan have been critical. Romney is hiding under a desk somewhere. The primary challenges seem to becoming from Michele Bachmann and an unemployed housewife from Alaska with her over-the-top “death panel” talk. The rest of the GOP seems to be MIA.
As much as Obama, the Democrats ands MSM would like to claim the town hall uprisings are part of an “orchestrated effort,” the GOP has had little (actually no) involvement. They probably wish they could, although Charlie Crist, Arnold and Olympia Snowe wouldn’t be caught dead with town hall attendees.
Obama keeps putting his foot in his mouth (talking about what a disaster the Post Office is, claiming to have endorsements he doesn’t have, etc.).
Is the GOP’s silence a strategic tactic or is it a part of their usual cowardliness (and they just lucked out)? Should the GOP take a more active role in opposing Obama and his programs or just let things go as they are and hope Obama self-destructs? Will the grass roots (based on its town hall successes) begin to challenge the country clubbers for control of the GOP? Will an unemployed right-wing extremist housewife become the most powerful person in the GOP?
What are your thoughts?
“Hey, I can make a mean moose-meat pie.”
[1]
bc3b: “The interesting thing is that Obama’s fall is coming without much effort from the GOP”
Actually without ANY by the GOP. OK, not completely accurate. The GOP showed a tiny bit of spine, that did lend some folks encouragement.
But on the whole this has truly BEEN A “grassroots” campaign! And the Dems, privately, are well aware of this! They scream “ASTROTURF!! because they know it is not.
So what do WE do? We keep it up…and we pressure the GOP to get fully on board with us by letting them know we want STRONG Conservative candidates in 2010!!
Keep calling, emailing and attending TownHalls and TeaParties. And gear up for September 12th. That has the potential to be the Mother of all Tea Parties across the U.S.
[2]
Hot Air had a great column from Doc 0:
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/08/14/what-we-want-from-the-republicans/
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[5]
Justrand -
The question I have is: “Now that the great unwashed masses have seen the ;power they can exert, are they willing to give it up?”
Will they be willing to let the elites continue to tell them “What’s best?” The period between now and the 2012 election may be one of the most interesting in American politics.
[6]
We don’t have any power, we don’t vote on bills. The House and Senate could go right back into session in September and pass the whole thing in its entirety with overwhelming majorities, and dare us to do anything about it, hoping we’ll have forgotten by next year when new issues are before us.
That is what will ultimately happen, I think.
[7]
Yahoo -
Cap and Trade can be undone. ObamaCare and Amnesty cannot.
See you after mass.
[8]
First off, good summation and attending questions, bc3b!
I think it is better that the GOP “brass” is taking the backseat to what is becoming a Grassroots phenomena. This backlash to Obama-isms is a “people’s movement,” no matter how much the left tries to demonize the various energies opposing the policies they are desparately trying to nail in place.
By having the people out front and leading, the rising Obama opposition has gained a mainstream legitimacy that even the MSM cannot dispose of lightly with it’s poison, misleading pen.
From the grassroots, I believe will arise a new kind of leader. At least this is what I hope will happen. Dull-brained politicians will finally be aware what people want by witnessing their inprecedented enthusiasm for “freedom of choice.” I think there will gradually be more outspoken people like DeMint and Sarah Palin on the bridge of the GOP.
In being up here on the liberal north coast I am finding that our liberal friends are more “besides themselves” than I’ve ever seen before. Their slanted reasons for hating the GOP are just crazy. But, as I see it, they sense the right may be gaining an upper hand, and they just don’t know what to do about it.
There was a townhall type of meeting on the Sea Ranch two days ago which I wanted to attend, but my husband won out and we went to Ft Bragg instead. Maybe there will be a write-up in the local paper.
[9]
Here’s the problem for the GOP.
The Teas are probably 3 months away from deciding whether to become a political movement. I say that because depending on the State some require an intent to run as soon as Nov/Dec. Its that early so that the candidate can acquire the necessary number of signatures to be on the ballot. The presumption being they would be recognized as an independent candidate.
So the Reps have that long to put together and articulate a cohesive 1994-like ‘Contract with America’ type offering. Anybody at this point think they have even thought of this? If they have I have not heard it articulated.
Thoughts?
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My thought is they will totally drop the ball, obviously. They will at best, put together some mushy compassionate conservative folderol that will catch fire like wet leaves in a thunderstorm…..
[11]
bc3b
Yahoo -
Cap and Trade can be undone. ObamaCare and Amnesty cannot.
Hmm. Amnesty probably not. ObamaCare could be dismantled. Many of the former Warsaw pact countries did it. We’re willing to admit that some Estonian is smarter than us? God I hope not.
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Alongside of what we can do to stop Obama from reigning down more socialist polices, we should also be concerned with how complacent the entire Democrat machine has become during the last 6-7 months. Their only move, politically speaking, has been to hire SEIU thugs to rough up old people.
This isn’t like the Democrat party I am used to. In the past (Let’s consider HillaryCare a fluke), if they were losing an issue, they would employ much better tactics than they are doing now. Frankly, the Chicago machine hasn’t been much of a machine lately. We haven’t heard of a single Republican since Sanford accused of rape, molestation, bribery, adultery etc. There hasn’t been any tell-all books from ’sombody in the know’ about a Conservative who secrety revealed his or her admiration of ObamaCare. Even their award winning department of Forged Documents has been quiet lately.
So what gives? Are they keeping their powder dry and waiting for that exact moment to spring something on us; a 2009 version of the October Surprise? Or is the entire Democrat party acting stupidly by following the Pied Piper of Chicago over the cliffs like lemmings?
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conservativetony: “So what gives? Are they keeping their powder dry and waiting for that exact moment to spring something on us; a 2009 version of the October Surprise?”
A great articulation of the “lull” some of us were discussing the other day.
After their lightning dismantling of Poland in September, 1939, the world expected the Germans to quickly turn Westward and overrun France, Belgium, etc. Nothing happened. The “nothing” became known as Sitzkrieg. By May 1940 the French, Belgians and Dutch had all but convinced themselves that Germany would NOT attack.
On May 10, 1940, the Germans attack France, Belgium and Holland. 6 weeks later it is all over! THIS is our time of “Sitzkreig”, I believe. We need to prepare.
As the Germans rolled Westward on May 10, 1940…Winston Churchill was named Prime Minister of England. On May 13, 1940 he addressed Parliament and the British Emprire. In his speech were these immortal words:
I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering.
You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea, and air. War with all our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy.
You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all costs – Victory in spite of all terrors – Victory, however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.
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Excellent, JR
I had to Ixquick.com the word Sitzkreig. Very apt term for what is going on today with the Republican party.
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Hear! Hear!
“We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. ” — W. Churchill.
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What should the GOP do?
Simple. How about doing what they were elected to do in our Republic. Represent the views of their constituents through their votes in congress?
Oh, they could also do for real what they all promised to do a long time ago — throw all lobbyist and special interest groups out of Washington.
Imagine how successful the GOP would be if adhered to those two simple promises.
[17]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_health_care_overhaul
It looks like we have gone from debating health care to debating health insurance back to debating health care again.
I think the Chicago Machine has suffered another major malfunction. If I were to investigate the matter, my first suspect would be Teleprompter. I’ve seen the way he’s been leering at the Machine lately.
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It’s all speculative on whether the lullis another Sitzkreig, as Justrand articulated so well, or just a symptom of “ruling party malaise.”
The republicans went through this when they were briefly in power, as well. The “contentment” of power tends to lull people into contentment that they have the upper hand, the struggle is over, and just let the peons dangle on their angst of disapproval for what you are doing.
But, as has been proven over and over again, this proactive void often leads to reversal of circumstances and fortunes.
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The Republican electorate is not simply waiting for its chance to toddle up to the federal vending machine, stuff a trillion-dollar bill in the slot, and order its favorite snacks.
RWY, that is my biggest fear should the Dems blow up spectacularly over the next six years and the GOP come back into power. Better to cull the herd now of RINOs and rebuild from their (our numbers can’t get much worse) than let the Bush/Frum wing of the party back in.
[20]
mp
I think the GOP is in a major reconstruction era of it’s existance.
You are starting to hear fresh voices, new comments emerging here and there. Steele has been vocally on target these days. DeMint has been a gem. Obvious there is Palin….and, I continue to see Ryan, Cantor, and others, whose name I can’t drudge up at the moment, as having occasional flares of brilliance and ideas.
But, the star billing goes to the people. The grassroots are capturing the attention and pulling the rug out from the left.
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janzam: “or just a symptom of ‘ruling party malaise.’”
Except the Chicago Mob doesn’t like it when people “disagree” with them. Unlike the Republicans, or even the old Democrats, the Chicago Mob is likely just to resort to more “persuasive” means of achieving their goals!
They have no problem breaking a knee-cap or two…none at all.
[22]
Justrand
I am sure the Chicago Mob will resort to violence — they already have in the form of the SEIU. But, people are standing up to them, and violence tends to shrink when confronted by counter resistance. Bullies are really not that brave…they are robotically run from some top directive — their mentality and passion is owned by someone else!
As for grassroots resistance, I think it will only push back more. “You break our kneecaps we’ll just break your spine!”
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Except, Janzan, the Democrats aren’t in the same type of lull Republians were in. The Democrats are being very active, just active in the wrong direction. At least the Republicans weren’t actively trying to ruin the country. Well, we won’t mention CIR.
I can explain it better using a football analogy. I only bring this up because its almost time for football. GO BOLTS!!
When the Republicans were in charge and had the ball, they would run a few running plays and gain meager yards have to punt it away every time. The GOP defense was ok, and could generally stop them from scoring, but whenever they got the ball back, they would try the same simple plays again and again and always have to punt. Basically, a nothing ventured, nothing gained type of offense.
The Democrats have got the ball now and their first dozen plays have all been hail mary’s. Their last hail mary pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by free agent known as Sarah. Their playbook is full of plays of desparation. They are trying to go 8-0 with a meager team and with a weak quarterback . So far, none of their passes have been caught (YET!!) but they are encouraged to keep on trying. The stands are full (Mostly of MSM, ACORN AND SEIU thugs) who applaud every Democrat play.
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Jan, I’m just growing cynical in my “older” age. Much of what you said would have been applicable to 1994 and we know how well that worked out. I sincerely hope you are right, that there is indeed undergoing major reconstruction. I’ll reserve judgment though until we get at least two election cycles under our belt.
BTW, something constructive the GOP could do to help itself as a party would be insist on stopping any future stimulus spending and give it back to the people. Even if they failed, it’s a simple message that would resonate with the people who are already deeply suspicious of Obama and the Democrats.
Hmm. “Obama and the Democrats”. Sounds like a band.
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for you, janzam:
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In Obama’s Chicago Machine, instead of a blood oath, they have a Kool Aid (r) oath.
[27]
Justrand
I have to save the YouTube video on the “Chicago Way” for when I get back to my DSL — it doesn’t play on the slow dial-up up here where I currently am. I’m sure it is good — especially with Sean/Kevin Costner as the tough guys!
I am a big believer that you can accomplish what you dial your mind to. I’m setting mine on a positive outcome to this mess. There have been perks and percolations of courage in people that have not been around, in mass doses, for a while. So, I am chosing to run with that, be as proactive as I can through letters, emails, conversations and attending teaparties when I can.
My husband and I continue to see Palin as an agent of change, whether or not she achieves a place in a national office. So, I see our ball team, using Tony’s imagery, as going in the right direction with some good people leading the charge.
Let the goons have at it!
[28]
drdog09:
Here’s the problem for the GOP.
The Teas are probably 3 months away from deciding whether to become a political movement.
It’s happening faster than you may realize. On September 9, there is a march in D.C.
09.12.09 March on Washington
The Tea Party Movement Goes to Capitol Hill
The event has a number of sponsors. This is their agenda page.
They haven’t updated numbers since July 18th, but at that time they had over 10K with people from all 50 states registered.
I’ve seen Hot Air commenters mention that they are going to go to it and getting together as a group. I’d guess there will be a great deal of networking going on there.
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The Rs in congress were still small-government types, until Bush came in, and then 9-11 happened, everyone forgot all about smallgov for a while.
I remember Schumer boasting in newspapaer eds: “See republicans, the smallgov theme does not work! We’re all big-government types now!”
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And by officially abandoning smallgov, the R party had a serious problem with the base on its hands by spring of 2005.
[31]
INC
Thanks for the DC March reminder, as I had forgotten all about that part of the teaparty plan.
I think expanding to the “beltway,” especially if there are “numbers” involved, will make an impression — a big impression!
[32]
drdog09 -
“So the Reps have that long to put together and articulate a cohesive 1994-like ‘Contract with America’ type offering. Anybody at this point think they have even thought of this? If they have I have not heard it articulated.”
The GOP should be figuring ways to harness the energy created through the town halls and the backlash Right now the GOP establishment and have GOP startegists have much more important matters at hand:
- Not alienating the elite (Peggy Noon, George Will, David Frum, etc.)
- Not appearing as bad guys or racists
- Getting the media to “love” them
- Trying to make Mitt Romney look Presidential
- Figuring a way to stop “Caribou Barbie”
It’s much its far better to be the party out of power controlled by country clubbers than actually standing for something, becoming too conservative or actually meeting with the tea party crowd.
[33]
The GOP should be figuring ways to harness the energy created through the town halls and the backlash Right now the GOP establishment and have GOP startegists have much more important matters at hand:
- Not alienating the elite (Peggy Noon, George Will, David Frum, etc.)
- Not appearing as bad guys or racists
- Getting the media to “love” them
- Trying to make Mitt Romney look Presidential
- Figuring a way to stop “Caribou Barbie”
– BC
[Michael Steele watching town halls, channeling Luke Skywalker] I don’t believe it!
[Yoda] That is why you fail.