Scozzafava Maddow Interview: Purging Party Of Independent Thinkers Leads To Minority Status

Last night, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow interviewed Dede Scozzafava, the GOP congressional candidate (New York-23) who was ousted from the race by conservatives for not being ideologically pure enough. Conservatives celebrated the ouster of Scozzafava as a step towards the goal of ridding the GOP of so-called RINOs (Republicans In Name Only), but Scozzafava warned that this type of purging would ultimately lead to a minority party:

I don't think it's good for the health of our party. Any party that just tries to purge members that might have any sort of independent thinking I think will eventually will run itself into very much of a minority status. I think any sort of party has to be willing to solve the problems. And in order to solve problems you have to look at thing sometimes differently, and you do have to drive towards some sort of consensus building. Otherwise you have ideology that's really not based on any sort of substance that can move an agenda forward that can really help people in this country.

Scozzafava ended up endorsing the Democratic candidate over the conservative party candidate because she "needed to endorse the candidate that I thought would best look out to represent the constituents that I currently represent in the state assembly. There are real differences in the two campaigns. Not only in the tones of the two campaigns but also philosophically."

Scozzafava says she has no plans to leave the Republican party.

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Comments

[LHB58]

Dear Republicans,

Given your adoration of traditional values and time tested methods of getting things done, I suggest you look to history as a guide to conducting a party purge. I recommend the history of the Soviet Union, circa 1933-1940, as an instructive starting point. You guys already have plenty of bullets, so the marginal cost would be minimal.

[atexasdem]

I think the republican purge is fantastic. Considering that only 20% of American voters consider themselves republicans already, let the purges commence. I think we can safely say that with only 20%, republicans can safely call themselves a minority party. Then there's the "true conservatives".
Obviously their numbers are even lower. These people actually think they can get anyone other than the dog catcher in Hicksville Mississippi elected? Of coarse to them getting a dog catcher elected is big news and a reason for celebration. It must be wonderful to live in a fantasy world of your own creation.

[OLJW00]

Silly people. Most of you obviously don't understand the movement to drive the GOP back toward a true Conservative base - and that is a GREAT THING.

Wishy-washy politics is not the answer. McCain represented exactly that and he lost.

Dede was actually more liberal than the Democrat and I am glad she was called out. RINO's are not worthy of our support and will be purged.

Eleven months from now you will see the Senate for sure and possibly the House being delivered back to the GOP - which itself has to shape up to deserve our support.

[Imago]

You just keep believing that.

[FR]

He also just keeps posting it -- the same stuff, verbatim, over and over.

[ishkaboodle]

Truly fascinating perspective, made more remarkable by the fact that there are actually 16 other souls as lost as yourself to have "fanned"you.

Sadly, the polarization of our country being driven by the "far" of right or left, and dogmatized by entertainment cable "news", in no way speaks to the heart of most americans. Poll after poll highlights that most americans are moderate, are capable of seeing the "gray" in life-- not simply the blck/wht version of reality pro-offered by the extremes, and just want our problems FIXED. Live and let live, and let's just make sure I can get/keep a job to support my family.

Ever stop to think how, in fact or reality, you prosper from the divisiveness being shved down your throat daily by these jokers on the far whatever?

Wake up, smell the coffee. It matters not which party is in office 2, 5 or 20 years from now. It's the Fortune 500 that is determining your future in this country.

[OLJW00]

The number of people that have fanned me is of no importance to making a point. But thanks for the red herring attempt to hijack the truth. It really does speak volumes about your character.

And you might find it interesting I am by no means a far right ideologue - in fact I am an atheist Libertarian with Conservative tendencies based on a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

My point is that the country is indeed center-right and that means Conservative. Mealy-mouthed RINO's are not the path forward as proved by McCain. The truth is to move the party back in alignment with the real pulse of the country which will happen in eleven months.

Just remember who told you so ahead of time.

Stat!

[Rmath]

Wow! Watch out, your head might explode..

[AN2009]

Purge? It's funny how that's the same kind of language Joseph Stalin used. By the way, the kind of politics you're advocating led to defeat in the 23rd district. The 23rd district hasn't been represented by a Democrat since the 1800s, but thanks to conservatives like you the Republicans lost.

[OLJW00]

Actually - we won by showing there will be little support for RINO candidates. Running them is now pointless.­..therefor­e the party will be stronger.

If they had not nominated someone who is basically a Democrat, the 23rd would still be in GOP hands. And that's a fact. We are willing to allow the Dems to rent the spot to make the larger point.

You should be more worried about losing VA and NJ Governorships (both states Obama carried) where the difference was well over 20% in both states swinging from Dem to GOP. READ HERE - Independents are leaving the Obama train in droves. I mean losing NJ? Are you kidding me?? Heck, Obama campaigned there no less than five time including a few days before the vote..so it obviously mattered.

Tick-tock, eleven months and counting.

[Glocksf21]

all the rinos, and bluedogs should get together and form a third party! leave the far left to the democrats and the far right religious to the republicans. everybody in the middle, "Independent"

[xypher0725]

what makes you think rinos and bluedogs share enough in common to form a cohesive party?...seems to me rinos and bluedogs are worse than the party liners...they use a party name and identification to further their own agenda. If there is to be a third party alternative...and I doubt there ever will be...it won't be made up of irregular members from one party or another.

[expired]

Dear MoveOn member,

Saturday night was bittersweet. The House passed sweeping health care reform—but included a severe anti-choice provision in the bill.

23 Democrats voted wrong on both counts, first voting to restrict a woman's right to choose, then siding with Big Insurance to vote against a health care bill they had just succeeded in weakening.1

On the other hand, there were principled Democrats in tough re-election fights who have been under fire from Republicans and the insurance industry for months. They faced intense pressure—first to vote to limit women's access to reproductive choice and then to vote down health care altogether.

But they didn't give in—they courageously stood up for women and for all Americans who can't afford to wait for health care.

And now they're facing even harsher attacks for their votes. Mary Jo Kilroy and other health care heroes are about to see some of the nastiest attacks against them yet and they need our support. Together we can show that when Democrats stand up and fight, people will stand up with them.

We need to raise $150,000 for Kilroy and other health care heroes in the next 48 hours. That'll take 4 donations from folks in Naperville. Can you chip in $20? Click here:

https://pol.moveon.org/give/healthcare_heroes.html?id=17914-9193653-erx6Max&t=3

[ishkaboodle]

Whoa-- me thinks you need to a) post in response to the appropriate articles; b) stop cutting and pasting all over HP; c) Read up on the healthcare bill, and what it really says about FUNDING for abortions and private insurance should the bill become law; d) Get your US reps and Senators to start doing their jobs, and STOP ASKING ME FOR MONEY to enable them to get it done.Enough already. We elected you. Now WORK.

I'm pro-choice, and I've actually READ a breakdown on what was sent over to the senate. You should try that, too.

[RalphSmorra]

Why did Scozzafava run as a Republican, other than political expediency of being in an historically red voting district?

She is to the left of Dem Bill Owens on many issues, and backed Owens when the RNC withdrew its [misguided] support for her at the 11th hour.

Even then, Owen's would still have lost were it not for 5% of people apparently thinking Hoffman had taken her place on the Republican ticket, and not realizing Hoffman was still listed under the Conservative party.

Maddow, MSNBC, CNN et al say Republicans should have a big tent, yet describe Democrats who vote against party line as obstructionists who should be voted out of office.

Republicans could grow their tent without breaking it by embracing classical conservatism, instead of Bush's progressivism-lite government growth and interventionist foreign policy.

That would compel Republicans to be against the government telling people who they can't marry, even if they oppose gay marriage, and compel to them avoid most world-policing, even when it might be to the world's benefit, due it being economically unsustainable, and having negative geopolitical side effects.

[Cyclops0823]

RIGHT ON!!!!!!

[progressiveconnie]

GOOD MORNING!!! MY FELLOW HOMO SAPIENS WHICH MEANS THE SPECIES WHO IS WISE.
Does anyone out there in Americaland have a sneaking suspicion that Palin is on the DNC payroll???!!
**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­*
I have some really great advice for our good President; if anyone in his administration advises him to bomb Iran he must fire that person right on the spot for that person has divided loyalties and is working for AIPAC!!!
**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**********­**It is hard to believe that Bachmann is a representative from Minn since the citizens of that state usually care about who they elect to public office.

[VeryFairMOR]

This stuff is about 98% the left and their media allies trying to publicize and create an issue for the republican party.
There is no more a rift in the repubican party between the far right and the right that there is in the democratic partie's far left and left.
Both parties have such splits. A lot of moderate democrats are prolife, for example. But do we ever hear about a terrible rift in the democratic party over abortion? Hardly ever.
In NY 23 Scozzafava actually endorsed the democratic candidate in the general election. Do you need any more evidence to understand why many republicans were not happy with her?
The liberal media and their extreme left democratic allies are constantly banging this gong.
The voters will settle this, as they always do.

[Cea80]

Doug Hoffman (and the national Republican figures who supported him) had no idea about local issues. Scozzafava has said that she endorsed Owens because he knows the district (Hoffman isn't even from there). Besides, if you ever heard Hoffman talk - he's a male Sarah Palin: he makes no sense.
Moreover, she endorsed Owens AFTER the she was forced out of the race. Maybe you should review the order of events.

[Cyclops0823]

She endorsed the Democrat for revenge and the only reason Hoffman lost was because some people voted "R" instead of voting "C"...

She will never win anything as a Republican again...cuz now everyone know she is really a Liberal Democrat.

Matter of fact, she is more liberal than some democrats...

[profounddogs]

Republicans are eating their own. Loving every minute of it.

[Rmath]

It's the best show on the Web!

[OLJW00]

Again, you and your ilk are completely mis-reading the truth. Conservatives are realigning the GOP to make it stronger.

Weak "mikltoastesque" wannabe Dems does not a Conservative make...and we won't vote for them anymore.

[okakura]

Maddow is becoming the best representative of her network: tempered, smart & classy.

[COPerez]

Of ANY network.!

[lobear00]

Conservatives talk from both sides of their mouths, first limit government to the "People". The people are the government, give government assistance to corporations, take away government assistance to the people. The taxpayer which is the people fund their "Own" government, the corporations and their CEOs, rob not only the government of the people, but rob the people at the same time , then have the gull, to call themselves "american'.

There are a whole lot of "Greedy people " who need to be tossed out of this nation, who are a determent upon this nation.

[LawrenceNC]

They're definitely schizophrenic. On one hand, they decry government intervention, saying things like government never creates jobs. Then they turn around and blame Obama for not doing enough to lower unemployment, aka, job creation.

[RalphSmorra]

Government doesn't create private sector jobs, at least not sustainably. Obama and the democrat congress could be blamed for contining job losses, because they are trying to "save or create" government jobs, not spur the private sector to create jobs.

So far, the policy of using borrowed stimulus and ominbus spending money to "save or create" jobs has, at best, been a temporarily fix to fund state employee salaries. That's like paying your employees on your credit card. Is that sustainable? Does that help private businesses create any lasting jobs?

Obama could lower spending and taxes dramatically, they way the goverment did in 1921. That made a steeper depresssion than the Great Depression, turn around in a year. http://tr.im/EUKn

Instead we are repeating Hoover & FDR's depression lengthing mistakes, which resulted in more than ten years of continously high unempolyment, which only abated after taxing and spending were reduced.

[jrutle]

This was an interesting interview. Hoffman's campaign manager has said that their election strategy depended upon Scozzafava staying in the race and siphoning votes from Bill Owens, allowing Hoffman to win with a minority of votes. This may be something we see a great deal of next year - conservative third party candidates entering races and relying on a split vote to win with a minority of votes cast. It shows how far the "Republican brand" has fallen when its value is viewed primarily as a vote siphon from Dem candidates. While the public mood is shifting, particularly among independents, the GOP maintains an exceptionally low approval rating. Much can change by next year, ofcourse, but its a sign that the civil war in the GOP is in full motion. I also found the arrogance of Dick Armey fascinating - I don't think I've ever actually heard someone dismiss local issues as parochial. It says a lot about who the teapartiers will represent if elected.

[themidnightreview]

Unfortunately, she got the shaft. I am certain she would have been the right balance of "liberal" and "conservative" to aid the district, but in the end, there is only one winner. Hoffman did more harm to the district by preventing someone who was capable because he wanted a shot at fame in the Tea Party movement... way to go Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin...
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http://www.themidnightreview.com

[jrutle]

The voters in this district showed a great deal of independence not being sucked in by national teapartiers with ulterior motives. Armey's dismissive comment about local issues being parochial was priceless in its arrogance.

[Doug Flight]

Seems standing up for what is "right" becomes challenging when a pompous sophomoric armey of patronizing teabag-hatters is dumping waste in your own backyard.

[VeryFairMOR]

Stay tuned. It is being reported that the vote recount in NY 23 is swinging significantly in Hoffman's direction.
They are saying it may be the middle of December before the winner is certified.

[Rmath]

Hoffman would have to win 75% of the absentee votes in order to get elected. Which, by the way, exceeds his percentage even in Oswego County (which was Hoffman's strongest voter base).

Good luck with that.

[Texas Aggie]

I had a bit of a problem with her statement that we need to reduce the size of government after she had gotten finished talking about how important the military base was to her constituents. That part is true enough, but don't then go and claim that limiting the size of government is good for the country. You can't have it both ways.

Having said that, she makes a lot more sense than a lot of other female Republicans I've seen. (I won't even go into the male part of the GOP) I'm thinking about that Fox woman from VA ?, Sarah Palin, the twit from KY, McCaughey and the health bill, Kay Bailey and just about anything... If she were running in my district (Chet Edwards), I would have no problem voting for her.

[ElBorba]

Agreed - I loved that bit about "Small Government" vs. "We need the base to cover for lost industry" . . All in all she sounds quite reasonable for a modern Repug, but sadly in typical Repug fashion, her logic generator isn't quite fully formed . .

[barbg41]

I live in the 23rd and was terribly disheartened by the way Mrs Scozzafava was treated. She has served in our assembly for many years and her social views were well known when she was selected. She has been hard working and genuinely cares for this area. While Mr Hoffman was going on Glenn Beck's show and Mr Owens was in New York City attending fund raisers, she was going from town to town, meeting with farmers, business people, rotary clubs, all range of her constituents, talking to us about the issues important to us. Our district is a poorer place to not have her represent us and I wish her well.