tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post4313566902936019091..comments2023-09-15T04:27:57.129-04:00Comments on Commentarama: Election 2010: Winner and LosersAndrewPricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-73929557688944637462010-11-04T20:53:10.476-04:002010-11-04T20:53:10.476-04:00Joel, That's why we're here -- to make peo...Joel, That's why we're here -- to make people think! :-)<br /><br />I don't know if it will be the end of parties or not, but they seem to be dying. If you look at the power of political parties in this country, they have been getting weaker and weaker since the lat 1890s. Today, they are a fraction of what they once were. And with more people choosing to call themselves independents, and with the rise of the Tea Party (which seems to be both Republican and not-Republican at the same time), and the shift of focus to individual candidates rather than party-line voting.... who knows?<br /><br />Like you, I suspect they will survive in one form or another, but it's always very hard to see the future of something like this. If enough people in the public decide to change their minds, history has a way of following.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-71353392432360174372010-11-04T20:27:54.369-04:002010-11-04T20:27:54.369-04:00Andrew,
You do ask some tough questions. End of t...Andrew,<br /><br />You do ask some tough questions. End of the parties? Hmmm. Parties are sometimes a strength. In resisting Obama's agenda, party discipline was invoked and fairly effective. <br /><br />I don't think we will lose them entirely. They are just too convenient. I do think that some parts of them are too elitist for our society and they have too much of a top-down instead of bottom-up structure. This latest thing about not helping Miller and Elmers will stick in the craw of every day Republicans.Joel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-69931513047276428902010-11-04T19:58:38.341-04:002010-11-04T19:58:38.341-04:00Joel, I couldn't agree more. They were losers...Joel, I couldn't agree more. They were losers in this because of their behavior, which turned off the donors who cut out the middlemen. (I've been recommending supporting candidates directly rather than party machinery for some time now -- I think(?) I wrote an article on it a couple months back.)<br /><br />The interesting question here is: was this a one time thing or is this the next phase in the destruction of the political party in America? For decades now, the power of the parties has been slowly disappearing. If people stop supporting party mechanisms, that could spell the end of the parties. I don't know?AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-80568066386165252072010-11-04T19:52:11.080-04:002010-11-04T19:52:11.080-04:00CrisD, You're welcome and thanks for sharing y...CrisD, You're welcome and thanks for sharing your opinions. We honestly want people to tell us when they disagree with us because that's the only way we learn what we truly believe. I am the first to admit that I am often wrong, and I've changed my opinions over time to reflect facts that I've learned or experiences that I've had.<br /><br />I think you're right that people need someone to inspire them, that seems to be part of the human condition. In fact, it's the people who inspire us that tend to drive us to achieve the best we can achieve, be they a parent, a teacher or a politician.<br /><br />But where I draw the line is exactly where you say, I put my faith in ideas first and people second. People come and go, but ideas are timeless. And the problem with vesting our faith in people rather than ideas is that when the people stumble, that (unfairly) hurts the ideas. That is a lesson I've picked up over the years because I have seen many people who seemed great at the time start to disappoint because they lacked the principles (or strength of conviction) that would have kept them making the right decisions -- instead they started to be motivated by things like celebrity or money or just keeping the people around them happy. Those are the kinds of lessons that have taught me that we should always put our faith in ideas first, and people second.<br /><br />Still, when the ideas and the person come in the same package, then I am thrilled. And don't mistake my attempts to be somewhat impartial in our blog with a lack of passion or enthusiasm. We see our goal here as talking about ideas, not necessarily promoting ideas or candidates. In other words, we like to see ourselves as analysts rather than advocates because we don't want people to feel that we might shade the truth or that we would reject them for supporting other candidates.<br /><br />(Sorry for the delay in responding, it's been a busy day and I keep being called away.)AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-6554892993077773832010-11-04T18:32:38.179-04:002010-11-04T18:32:38.179-04:00Oh Andrew,
Losers: NRCC, NRSC, and RNC. They refu...Oh Andrew,<br /><br />Losers: NRCC, NRSC, and RNC. They refused to help candidates who overcame their "picks" or incumbents during the primaries. O'Donnell wasn't the only one.<br /><br />This helped change politics where people are now giving directly to the candidates and not the RNC, NRCC and NRSC. They are slowly being removed from power and when they can help, like right now with Rene Elmers recount and maybe get back some of their power, they shoot themselves in the foot and refuse.<br /><br />This tells me that unless the people are replaced from the RNC, NRCC and NRSC we will get the Elitist Republican Party we have always known.Joel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-40693428953520394782010-11-04T18:30:24.436-04:002010-11-04T18:30:24.436-04:00Tx. for responding. I think we do have some inter...Tx. for responding. I think we do have some interesting differences.<br /><br />It is funny about Reagan. In the primaries I must admit that I liked Bush senior and thought Reagan was -shockingly!-a former movie star! Not at all like my conservative notions! I liked "preppy Bush." Of course, now I am old and wise and know that Bush was a moderate Republican and all the hurt he had caused. I believe my house lost 20% its value in his recession!!!<br /><br />But I mention this because I was in Graduate school during the Reagan years and watched him deal with the press so masterfully! What a powerful person. The left hated him! It was embarrassing to admit that I would like him. I was so glad to get George Herbert so that people would like me.<br /><br />I tell you this because I believe it was a process for me. Learning the REALIIES of conservative-moderate and liberal Republicans (yes, I have pulled the lever for Spector in my day)<br /><br />Reading your last post to me I could not help but suspect that maybe in your maturity, you see all the possible pitfalls (economic, judicial, congressional, etc) to a presidency that you are cautious to be "enthusiastic" or Overly enthusiastic" about PEOPLE. Am I right? It is a bit of a philosophical question. But while you can and need to be (you are the brains of the operation, sir!!!), don't forget that the people need to be inspired. We won't judge them to harshly.<br /><br />Thanks for letting me talk.CrisDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-21703284818070477692010-11-04T18:04:00.837-04:002010-11-04T18:04:00.837-04:00CrisD, If she inspires you, I think that's gre...CrisD, If she inspires you, I think that's great. And we don't have to agree about her because we don't have to agree about everything. . . unlike leftists. :-)<br /><br />I was honestly excited by Palin when I first heard her, but I just don't see her as particularly effective since her introduction. And it's not just her, I don't see anyone in the Republican party that I think is exciting or that I think excites people outside of the base. That was the thing about Reagan, he excited people who were lifelong Democrats. I don't see that today from anyone on the right.<br /><br />I agree with you about the difference between Obama and Palin. When she spoke, I and the people around me felt like, "wow she represents the America I believe in -- where anyone can be a success if they work hard and dream big." When Obama spoke, his followers seemed to think: "this is the guy I want telling me what to do." And that's a huge difference.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-81762021827545450922010-11-04T17:46:40.736-04:002010-11-04T17:46:40.736-04:00I think in 2008 alot of people looked at the young...I think in 2008 alot of people looked at the young democrat Obama and "loved" it-- while the other half of the Country heard a speech from a very attractive firecracker that made them think "yeah, we DO like ourselves!"<br /><br />That's what I'm saying about the power of Palin's dream. People are moved by these kind of notions in order to get up and vote. <br /> <br />I certainly wasn't "mad" or "angry" when I voted. I just have a dream about voting for a future for my self and now my kids.<br /><br />But, as you say, we cannot always agree.CrisDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-32711904651931159442010-11-04T17:04:40.654-04:002010-11-04T17:04:40.654-04:00Joel, I agree that the RNC and the Senate Committe...Joel, I agree that the RNC and the Senate Committee, etc. have been working to undermine non-establishment Republicans. But this is not about stopping Palin. This was about protecting the club. The person they are most upset about is Jim DeMint.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-34648368681675952522010-11-04T17:00:35.034-04:002010-11-04T17:00:35.034-04:00CrisD, Everyone has differences, no body thinks th...CrisD, Everyone has differences, no body thinks the same on all things. I see this turn out being almost completely in response to Obama's policies that have all destroyed our country. I don't think any Republican, Palin or otherwise, is responsible for getting people this worked up.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-86850578244706336122010-11-04T16:44:39.725-04:002010-11-04T16:44:39.725-04:00Okay Andrew,
http://www.politico.com/news/stories...Okay Andrew,<br /><br />http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1010/44449.html#ixzz142kgV9tU<br /><br />This probably means nothing to you. It is the usual bash Palin from Politico. What is unusual is the ease at which all of them take for granted that there is a concerted effort from Republican Elites to stop Palin. <br /><br />What you forget is that RNC didn't kick Murcowkski from her chairmanships for not respecting the primary. Demint was incensed about it. The whole purpose is to defeat one of Palin's own. Do you understand now?Joel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-67533091163686966162010-11-04T16:38:11.227-04:002010-11-04T16:38:11.227-04:00Okay, I could say alot more but I see that you and...Okay, I could say alot more but I see that you and I have some big differences. (and I am not talking about who we would nominate or vote for)CrisDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-51133302427678995192010-11-04T16:16:18.594-04:002010-11-04T16:16:18.594-04:00Joel, I think the RNC was a definite hinderance fo...Joel, I think the RNC was a definite hinderance for all non-establishment Republicans, I don't see a particular plot against Palin.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-78909068812584580932010-11-04T16:13:08.705-04:002010-11-04T16:13:08.705-04:00CrisD, I would say the person who did the most to ...CrisD, I would say the person who did the most to bring people out was Obama. Beyond that it was the Tea Party. The rest were just talking to the base.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-20108719450353304972010-11-04T13:05:30.732-04:002010-11-04T13:05:30.732-04:00Okay, Andrew,
I thought it was Sarah Palin. It has...Okay, Andrew,<br />I thought it was Sarah Palin. It has been her movement--fanned and flamed by everyone BUT Steele and Co.<br /><br />And although many Republicans are willing to accept the sweep with a great smile--they reject Sarah--and so do somersaults to call this "a loss."<br /><br />The real story here is that America was not excited about the current Republicans (name and describe those that you find inspiring)--No, they want to infuse this party with PROPER conservatism.<br /><br />THE REPUBLICANS COULD NEVER HAVE PULLED THIS SIZE WIN OFF WITH THEIR CURRENT SLEW OF IDIOTS.<br /><br />Hand to hand combat is where polite, intellectual conservatives run for the hills! They resist dealing with people who could be in the tent. They go running for the hand sanitizer. They are embarrassed!!!!!!! They are weak!<br />They will sink us if they don't wake up. Because the Dems are shooting holes in the canoe.CrisDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-60037903353504723892010-11-04T12:41:27.736-04:002010-11-04T12:41:27.736-04:00Andrew,
Haven't you noticed that the RNC did ...Andrew,<br /><br />Haven't you noticed that the RNC did their level best to not Help?<br /><br />Check out their help in Angle's case. Check out their response with O'Donnell. Check out their response with Rubio.<br /><br />I submit that the RNC actively did what it could to deny Palin as many wins as they could. What is more, you will find that there is a low-level campaign to destroy and limit any thing that Sarah Palin is doing.Joel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-67516368304536538212010-11-04T12:36:51.278-04:002010-11-04T12:36:51.278-04:00Andrew, who was most responsible (PICK ONE) for th...Andrew, who was most responsible (PICK ONE) for the unprecendent turnout of people getting up off their tushes and voting Republican against Oboma?<br /><br />1.Tea Party<br />2.Fox News<br />3.Sarah Palin<br />4.Michael Steele<br />5.Rush LimbaughCrisDnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-21347959952252791652010-11-04T12:18:22.353-04:002010-11-04T12:18:22.353-04:00Thanks Patti! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and th...Thanks Patti! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for the link!AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-77118513715778919762010-11-04T12:17:57.294-04:002010-11-04T12:17:57.294-04:00USArtguy, Two reasons, first it was the high profi...USArtguy, Two reasons, first it was the high profile races where she lost. Anyone can rack up a heck of a batting average on not-really competitive races. It's the competitive races that count. And her "Mama Grisly" team got killed. Alaska also poked her in the eye. When your home state does that, that's always considered a big loss. And even if Miller does pull it out, it was still embarrassingly close.<br /><br />Secondly, if she's going to get credit for endorsing candidates who then win the primaries over other candidates (as her supporters claimed every single time), then she deserves the blame when those people go on to lose in the general election.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-52583250302987691612010-11-04T12:12:19.281-04:002010-11-04T12:12:19.281-04:00Libertarian Advocate, I suspect you're right. ...Libertarian Advocate, I suspect you're right. That will be a clear difference between states that are business friendly and states that are desperately taxing everyone to maintain their spending, and there's no reason to stay in a state like that.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-43137457819269869082010-11-04T09:36:21.403-04:002010-11-04T09:36:21.403-04:00best analysis, not to mention entertaining, i have...best analysis, not to mention entertaining, i have read. will be linking!Notawonkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15388997298014397980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-38868874132881821522010-11-04T09:23:33.274-04:002010-11-04T09:23:33.274-04:00How was Palin a "loser" when 30 of the 4...How was Palin a "loser" when 30 of the 43 candidates she backed won? If this were baseball that would be batting about .697.USArtguyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06062334713741697082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-25169588142762632212010-11-04T06:53:21.402-04:002010-11-04T06:53:21.402-04:00T-Rav,
I understand your anger. And yes, Dick Mor...T-Rav,<br /><br />I understand your anger. And yes, Dick Morris did that. Bob Beckel, a man I detest, seems to agree with him. They are right we could have done better. <br /><br />Here is something to think about. If our aim was much lower, say at 40 in the House and 3 in the Senate, we wouldn't have had to work as hard. We would have just barely made it. As the results show, we accomplished what they said couldn't be done 2 years ago. We retook the House and scared the Democrats silly about re-taking the Senate. As Andrew believes and I concour, the Democrats saving the Senate will be a pyrrhic victory at best. <br /><br />Here is something from Glenn Beck that is well worth ten minutes of your time. ;-)<br /><br />http://www.therightscoop.com/glenn-beck-happy-days-are-here-againJoel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-49725142553923479292010-11-04T06:40:26.043-04:002010-11-04T06:40:26.043-04:00Bev,
Bachman as co-opter. Hmmm. A compelling arg...Bev, <br /><br />Bachman as co-opter. Hmmm. A compelling argument. Still, it can be argued that since Michelle Bachman has been in Congress for years and has been a thorn in the side of the Elitist Republicans, and has argued all along for a smaller government that it is the Tea Party is just getting up to speed to her. And she finally has a crowd around her that thinks like her.Joel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-58480002645095947362010-11-04T05:34:23.254-04:002010-11-04T05:34:23.254-04:00Connecticut and Massachusetts followed California ...Connecticut and Massachusetts followed California into the desert of liberal vapidity and fiscal insolvency. I suspect a major producer exodus from all these states as the liberals double down on their tax and spend binges.Libertarian Advocatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18245884833251725459noreply@blogger.com