The Washington Post's Howard Kurtz profiles reactions to Tea-Partyism today and notes that Senator Lindsey Graham, who once told me that his favorite film was Seven Days in May and that one of his biggest fears for the country was national security and military demagoguery, doesn't have much time for the Tea Party.
From Kurtz's good piece:
The South Carolina senator [Graham] has already ticked off the right by being willing to negotiate deals with Democrats. He doesn't see bipartisanship as a dirty word.Now he's turned his tart tongue on the tea types.
What's more, the New York Times Magazine brands him "This Year's Maverick"--which, given the source, is unlikely to boost his standing in some GOP circles.
Since it began posting articles online in midweek, the Times Magazine has boosted its impact to newsmagazine levels -- and I expect this new piece by Robert Draper will be no exception:
" 'Everything I'm doing now in terms of talking about climate, talking about immigration, talking about Gitmo is completely opposite of where the Tea Party movement's at,' Graham said. . . . On four occasions, Graham met with Tea Party groups. The first, in his Senate office, was 'very, very contentious,' he recalled. During a later meeting, in Charleston, Graham said he challenged them: ' 'What do you want to do? You take back your country -- and do what with it?'. . . . Everybody went from being kind of hostile to just dead silent.'
"In a previous conversation, Graham told me: 'The problem with the Tea Party, I think it's just unsustainable because they can never come up with a coherent vision for governing the country. It will die out.' Now he said, in a tone of casual lament: 'We don't have a lot of Reagan-type leaders in our party. Remember Ronald Reagan Democrats? I want a Republican that can attract Democrats.' Chortling, he added, 'Ronald Reagan would have a hard time getting elected as a Republican today.' "
Yow. He's saying the tea party has no answers, and that his party has moved so far to the right that Reagan would be seen as a squishy moderate.
What Graham and Kurtz are reflecting on is really important.
Today's Republican Party is not a comfortable place for many classic Republicans -- including former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman, former G.W. Bush campaign co-chair in New York Rita Hauser, Ike granddaughter Susan Eisenhower, and former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee and Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel.
But Reagan, Eisenhower, Ford, and even the ghost of Richard Nixon would feel out of place with the course of the Republican Party today. If the comments of George H.W. Bush best friend Brent Scowcroft about the Republicans today are any benchmark for the views of President #41, then add that President to the roster too.
All of this is why I don't see someone like General David Petraeus easily saddling up to the Republican Party in his post-military, post-Afghanistan Eisenhoweresque rise. I have watched Petraeus carefully in the last few years -- met him several times -- and there is simply nothing in his character that would allow him to stroke the egos of the modern equivalent of the Know Nothing Party.
Petraeus could find himself on a White House course one of either two ways -- and both involve knocking back the Tea Party movement.
Either President Obama, who is a shrewd neutralizer of political rivals, plays a wild card in the 2012 race and offers his VP slot for the next term neither to Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton but rather to General Petraeus -- thus robbing from the Republicans and the Tea Party movement someone who may be the best chance for a revival of 'America as Great Power, national security-oriented leadership'.
Alternatively, if Petraeus survives the real and political challenges of his new brief as military czar in Afghanistan, the Tea Party and Sarah Palin could play their best hand in 2012, get crushed in the election, and then have the Republican Party adopt a Petraeus-led new leadership after the Tea Party is lobotomized from the institution.
While I don't think that the Tea Party will win the White House or even make much headway in the two chambers of Congress, the net impact is that their actions will pull the Dems to the right. And Barack Obama's survivability in 2012 rises right along with the popularity of the Tea Party.
-- Steve Clemons publishes the popular political blog, The Washington Note. Clemons can be followed on Twitter @SCClemons
Follow Steve Clemons on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SCClemons
Richard Geldard: Why the Tea Party Has No Poets
It is a misnomer to call the Tea Party a protest movement. It's just a bumper sticker movement spawned in irrational anger but without coherent protest. Genuine protest produces poetry, not slogans.
Lincoln Mitchell: Elena Kagan and the Right Wing Dog That Didn't Bark
Kagan's imminent confirmation, like Justice Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation last year, demonstrates that when the White House is faced with contained and discrete political choices, they are able to make good decisions.
Thomas J. Craughwell: 10 Presidential Decisions That Changed History (PHOTOS)
The list that follows spotlights ten presidential decisions that helped define who we are and shaped how we live now.
Deepak Bhargava: Immigration Reform Today: President Leads, Republicans Obstruct
Now is a time for Republicans to either stand with Americans who want a practical solution to our broken immigration system or continue down the road of obstructionism and open flirtation with racist extremism.
I have never seen so much seething hate and a call to bear arms . Militias have grown to a record high and white supremacist groups as well.
The extreme right wing sat quietly while the Cheny Bush legal council translated the laws wrong and were taking away our freedom. It was requested the lawyer go on trial but of course nothing happened. As our freedom were being stomped out with a Cheny agenda and a legal council pretending to be stupid who should have been jailed the extreme right wing at quiet as did many other conservatives except for myself and others that I knew.
The radical extreme right wing has to much of a grip the Republican party and is now at center stage concerning talking points and responses from many politicians.
I gave up being a Republican voted for Barak Obama and understand he inherited a nightmare . I do not hear the constant crazy talking points from Dems and not looking for a perfection that cannot exist in the Pres. I know during these times mistakes are made and need to be corrected and that is what I expect.
There are some brilliant Republican politicians but if they dear reach across the isle they will have problems
Lindsay Graham is just another cheap opportunist. He's not a conservative, he's not a moderate, he's not a liberal. He's probably got more traffic court convictions than actual political convictions. He goes anyway the wind blows-just like Freddy Mercury: only difference is Freddy sang it better.
Once HIV/AIDS was better understood, the infection rates plummeted.
I am pretty much stunned at the anger against public sector workers, or even anyone who actually will get a pension. This used to be the norm. Who do you think did this to us?? The 'thugs, starting with Reagan and his union busting and deregulation.
I will start by saying I am not in any of these categories -- I work for a non-profit research organization that lives by the seat of its pants, competing for research grants and contracts. I get paid well because I work my tush off, and have put away more than I could afford into a pension plan that is not accessible to my employer, who pays in a percentage. But he can't take it away. And I have no contract -- I can be gone tomorrow. I also pay my own health care, it is gold-plated, and costs an arm and a leg.
That said, the path to the middle class has always been unions and negotiations. Whether it construction or the public sector. That people laud the destruction of the unions, or hate that they exist appalls me. What industry is left now is sometimes fair with their workers, but more frequently would gladly treat a pension as just another asset to be given away if they declare bankruptcy. I am truly disgusted. If you can't see that being treated fairly used to be the norm, not the exception, I feel for you. Work should have a reward.
The Political Bankruptcy of the GOP?
Or
Will the Government Bailout the GOP?
Or
Who will Lead the GOP?
Each of the following articles touched on different reasons the GOP is failing … from the point of view of Conservatives with principles, or a new breed of conservative activist. There are six reasons mentioned in the articles.
The Republican Party ignores young 'millennials' at its peril
The new generation of voters is unified, committed and, for the foreseeable future, overwhelmingly Democratic.
By Morley Winograd and Michael D. Hais
May 10, 2009
If the Republican Party thinks it has problems now, just wait. The party's incredibly poor performance among young voters in the 2008 election raises questions about the long-term competitiveness of the GOP.
The "millennials" -- the generation of Americans born between 1982 and 2003 -- now identify as Democrats by a ratio of 2 to 1. They are the first in four generations to contain more self-perceived liberals than conservatives.
Reason 2.
The GOP's purity problem Editorial
Republicans are in a debate pitting ideological purity versus big-tent inclusiveness.
May 31, 2009
The dust-up between Rush Limbaugh and Colin L. Powell over whether Powell is still a Republican is more than the political equivalent of a show-business feud. It reflects the perennial -- but for Republicans in 2009, painfully pertinent -- question of whether it's good for a major political party to be a big tent or whether too much inclusiveness turns it into a three-ring circus.
It's not our place to advise Republicans or Democrats about how far to stretch the canvas in the hope of selling more tickets, but it is clear that ideological diversity in both parties promotes political participation and good governance.
Powell cautions against a GOP slide to the right
The former secretary of State aims his remarks at conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh, who he says is stifling debate on the party's future.
By Mike Dorning
May 25, 2009
Reporting from Washington -- Former Secretary of State Colin L. Powell warned Sunday that ideological conservatives, particularly radio commentator Rush Limbaugh, had gained a hold over the Republican Party that risked driving the GOP into an extended exile from power.
Reason 3b.
Cheney backs Limbaugh over Powell on GOP future
From the Associated Press
12:45 PM PDT, May 10, 2009
WASHINGTON -- Dick Cheney made clear Sunday he'd rather follow firebrand broadcaster Rush Limbaugh than former Joint Chiefs chairman Colin Powell into political battle over the future of the Republican Party
SOS for the GOP
What Republicans needis a mutiny
The party establishment is out to sea, so conservatives need to start rocking the boat.
By Richard A. Viguerie
May 10, 2009
Two major debatesface conservative Republicans aboutthefuture of the party. Thefirst, rekindled by Sen. Arlen Specter'sswitch to the Democratic Party, is whether the GOP should move further leftward. The second iswhether conservatives should tone down their advocacy on social issues. History is on the side of outspoken conservatives in both debates.
Reason 3d.
Split Threatening GOP Plays Out On Airwaves
WASHINGTON (AP) ― (© 2009 The AssociatedPress. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcastrewritten, or redistributed.) May 24, 2009 7:40 pm US/Pacific
The conservative vs. moderate splitthreatening to rupture the Republican Party played out across the airwaves Sunday, with Colin Powell andTom Ridgedenouncing shrill and judgmentalvoices they say are steering the GOP too far right. Karl Rove challenged Powell to lay out his vision and "back it up" by helping elect Republicans.
At stake is the GOP's status as a major party, Powell and Ridge suggested.
"I believe we should buildon the base because th nation needtwo parties, two partiesdebating each other. But what we have to do is debate and define who we are and what we are and not just listen to dictates that come down from the right wing of the party," said Powell, the nation's top military officer under President GeorgeH.W Bush and later secretary of state for President George W. Bush.
Edwards: Forget 1964; remember what made the GOP great. The nation needs a better GOP
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Last updated: Tuesday May 12, 2009, 3:26 PM
BY MICKEY EDWARDS
NorthJersey.com
Mickey Edwards is a former U.S. congressman, a lecturer at Princeton University and the author of “Reclaiming Conservatism.”
THERE ARE optimists within the Republican Party. They look at the wreckage left behind after the 2008 elections, and recall 1964. That was the year that Barry Goldwater, the Republican nominee for president, was so badly trounced that pundits proclaimed the GOP dead. But it was also the year that a new breed of conservative activists, myself among them, brought a new energy to the party that eventually reshaped it and led to years of Republican domination of the executive branch.
Republicans Adopt Emanuel’s Tactics to Deliver 2010 ‘Thumpin”
By Heidi Przybyla To contact the reporter on this story: Heidi Przybyla in Washington at hprzybyla@bloomberg.net May 14 (Bloomberg) -- Republicans are getting inspiration on how to rebuild their party in the U.S. Congress from an unlikely source: White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel
Reason 6.
Mr. Steele’s Republican Proclamations …
Mr. Steele proclaimed that the Republicans don't need to look back to go forward.
Mr. Steele proclaimed that the real work in not in Washington but in each state and each congressional district.
Mr. Steele proclaimed that the issues are Tea Bag issues. Not Washington but out in the Congressional Districts.
Mr. Steele proclaimed the RNC will make use of the Regional Areas of the party ... five regional areas.
Mr. Steele proclaimed conservative principles will be centered on Edmund Burke, William F. Buckley and Ronald Reagan.
Mr. Steele Proclaimed to focus on winning, look for new ideas, talk about the differences between the administration and the Republican Party.
Mr. Steele Proclaimed to challenge the leadership of the House and Senate.
Mr. Steele Proclaimed that there is a Republican Renaissance.
Mr. Steele Proclaimed that the Republican will strive for Freedom, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness as per the Declaration of Independence.
Mr. Steele Proclaimed that the Republicans must bring in new faces and new ideas.
Reason 1. There are these things called Millennials that are the difference between winning and losing for the Republicans.
Reason 2. Conservative principles should be the rule rather than the exception. The conservatives must let their rebellion begin. “Conservatives must rise up.”
Reason 3. We just got a history lesson about past Republican presidents but no content as to a reason there is an SOS … what happened? I did read that you are part of a new breed of “Conservative activist”. Ok and so what? Powell or Cheney, Ridge or Rove? Limbaugh, Hannity, Levin. Who, what, when, where, why, how?
Reason 4. Re-create the Goldwater strategy.
Reason 5. A new strategy is needed … perhaps the Rahm Emanuel strategy.
Reason 6. The Steele Proclamation
With all do respect. As an individual on the Republican Outsider List I would suggest the following as an answer to the above articles.
Reason 1, doesn’t make sense. McCain lost by a small percentage when you look at the popular vote. The fact that President Obama was the first President that won more than fifty percent of the vote seemed huge regardless of the actual percentage difference.
President Obama only won 52.9% percent to 45.7%. That is nice but not overwhelming by any means.
McCain could have won if he had picked one of his Republican opponents. The Neo-Conservatives didn’t like McCain. Hannity and Levin and Limbaugh felt McCain was really a Democrat and would not support him. Principles you know!!! He picked some gal that could see Russia from her front yard and the Neo-Cons loved her. McCain felt good. He made a big political mistake. He had
the responsibility to lead. He was the party nominee for president of the United States. As such, he should have led the party and not followed the followers.
Mr. Steele show the Republicans the RIGHT way!!!!
Oh, you say … We don’t agree with the Neo-Conservatives, we want to be more inclusive. Ops I say. Then the big problem is, what are your principles and who will be your leader or leaders … Hannity, Limbaugh, Levin, Beck, Cheney, Karl Rove, Colin Powell, Tom Ridge, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich or the RNC leader, Mr. Steele ... Who?
Can you integrate Principles from Hannity’s … “Top Ten”; or, Levin’s … “Liberty and Tyranny”; or, Limbaugh’s … “Whatever he says”; or Cheney … “To tell the truth”; or Karl Rove’s … “I am me, myself, and I”; or Colin Powell and Tom Ridge … “Inclusion not Exclusion” or Mitt Romney … “The Righteous Redeemer” or Newt Gingrich … “the Sotomayor Apologist”???
Mr. Steele show the Republicans the RIGHT way!!!!
Reason 3 … With which conservative activist group are you involved? The “Neo-Conservatives”, the “Conservatives Without a Cause”, the “Quiet Conservatives”, the “Storming Cheneys”, the “Born Again Conservatives”, the “AA Beck Conservatives”, the “Karl Rove Political Insiders”? The “Colin Powell --- Tom Ridge Good Guys”?? The “Mitt Romney New Campaigners”?? The “Newt Gingrich Apologizers”??
Reason 4 … I realize that many of the Neo-Conservatives are stuck on the concept about the Constitution Originalism and thatthe President Reagan administration … was the true beginning of the neo-conservative movement.
I beg to differ with you … It was the Great Conservative Barry Goldwater that started the Neo-Conservative movement. He was the true modern era Neo-Conservative. It is true that he lost the race for President of the United States, but he did reestablish conservative principles. It is a shame you don’t really know or understand your own conservative history. You should get away from yourself and tend to that which is outside of you. Do you remember the following from Mr. Goldwater … I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.
Mr. Steele show the Republicans the RIGHT way!!!
Reason 5 … Come on GOP you can certainly do something that is more creative than the so called Rahm Emanuel strategy?
Mr. Steele show the Republicans the RIGHT way!!!
Reason 6 ... Mr. Steele’s Republican Proclamation … seems to be a good start for the GOP, don’t you think?? It touches a little of the past, looks at what tools are available now, and then looks to the future. It does touch on a Rahm Emanuel congressional district by congressional district strategy.