tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post4885764670939582971..comments2023-09-15T04:27:57.129-04:00Comments on Commentarama: It’s Because Your Leadership Sucks. . .AndrewPricehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-65861851074499890112009-10-23T11:29:53.829-04:002009-10-23T11:29:53.829-04:00Isn't that unbelievable Patti? How can it be ...Isn't that unbelievable Patti? How can it be that a group of people who do this professionally and have been in the field so long can be so bad that we honestly think our friends and neighbors (with no training) would make better leaders.<br /><br />Something is wrong here.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-14552051456674178662009-10-23T09:49:29.859-04:002009-10-23T09:49:29.859-04:00well said. if the repubs let this opportunity to ...well said. if the repubs let this opportunity to lead get past them, then they deserve the backlash that is coming. i have a goofy, slacker, high school nephew who would make a better leader than most of these money/power driven out-of-touch infuriators.pattihttp://www.notawonk.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-22972166243445956842009-10-23T00:12:19.124-04:002009-10-23T00:12:19.124-04:00Jed my friend, you are truly the voice of reason a...Jed my friend, you are truly the voice of reason and I totally apprciate that! Great comments.<br /><br />There is a huge difference between spouting off on a blog or the radio and actually being a politician, where you have to deal with parlimentary procedures, constituents with different concerns, and plotting political strategies.<br /><br />Bloggers in particular want an immediate all out response, but the most succesful politicians are usually those who take their time and strike at the right moment.<br /><br />I do think the Republicans have talked themselves into too much inertia, but I understand why they don't jump on everything.<br /><br />In the end, to me, the most important thing (as you also say) is to lay out your own postivie agenda so that people know why they should vote for you -- as compared to voting against the other guy.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-68647808042190340522009-10-23T00:04:32.161-04:002009-10-23T00:04:32.161-04:00Stan, Truthfully, I've had problems with Newt ...Stan, Truthfully, I've had problems with Newt for a long, long time. In my opinion, he wants to be loved, and that's the worst weakness a politician can have.<br /><br />In terms of conservatives, I agree about Reagan and Goldwater. I would add a few commentators -- maybe a Buckley, a Walter Williams, a Thomas Sowell. There have been some politicians, but they are not as common as they should be.<br /><br />I wonder if we could come up with a list of good conservatives in Congress if we put our minds to it?AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-51058369813475022102009-10-23T00:00:09.035-04:002009-10-23T00:00:09.035-04:00Lawhawk, You're right about the EEOC -- messed...Lawhawk, You're right about the EEOC -- messed up agency.<br /><br /><br />DCAlleykat, The Republicans make it difficult and I think that the level of frustration is really high -- possibly higher than I've ever seen it before. But I fear that in the end, we will need to take back the Republican Party, they won't hand it over.<br /><br />And while forming a third party sounds like a good idea in principle, I don't see that as effective under our system (NY notwithstanding).AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-1539849223711285902009-10-22T23:17:11.023-04:002009-10-22T23:17:11.023-04:00An excellent and very interesting post and some gr...An excellent and very interesting post and some great comments thus far. There is a long way to go to 2012 and I do think there is probably an artform to running. Realistically, the electorate is split enough that is hard to govern to far too the right or to the left. Look what happened to Obama's popularity when he started to go all-in on rad/lib doctrine.<br /><br />In order to win the presidency, you just need to show you are less undesirable than the other guy. To get things done, you need comfortable majorities in both houses. You also need skilled congressional leaders who can, whenever possible, provide political cover for Blue State Republicans as long as they support you on the big items.<br /><br />Even with good leadership, we don't have much of a chance if the economy happens to get lucky and improve enough to buy Obama a second term. I am hopeful we can make enough hay in 2010 congressionals to make Barry's final two yearsa tough go.<br /><br />No easy answers, but I do think Dr. Frank Luntz has it right when he says data shows people who have their own positive agenda spelled out in advance will do well.Tennessee Jedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10604275115906776992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-37012929180984925032009-10-22T23:09:50.442-04:002009-10-22T23:09:50.442-04:00The Republicans that we have now believe in Washin...The Republicans that we have now believe in Washington politics, the only difference between the two parties is how fast they are going to screw us. I know that’s cynical, but prove me wrong. The only politician that came even close to conservatism in my life time was Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater before him. Even the great Reagan granted amnesty, with provisions, to four million illegal aliens. We must have politicians that have the courage of their convictions, be conservative and be victorious, be liberal light and drift into socialism. What’s up with Newt endorsing the Rino in NY, just wow! It may be anecdotal but gives merit to my cynicism. If I could be king for a day, I’d fire then all, and we’d start off again with the Founding Documents.StanHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07395708786509590321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-1075629188170550832009-10-22T23:06:36.722-04:002009-10-22T23:06:36.722-04:00I'll speak as one of those 'die hard' ...I'll speak as one of those 'die hard' Republicans that finally got tired of waiting, left the party, and became an Independent. Many would consider me one of those not among the 43% and therefore in need of wooing. I have no desire to be wooed.<br /><br />I cannot tell you how many hours I have spent filling out Republican party mailers, and I always write my stance, I don't just check the box. To this day I communicate with the R party officials from my conservative point of view.<br /><br />I agree with many of your points <br />Andrew, especially the one about each party needing a certain percentage of the "center" without which one cannot win, well - unless a 'Ross Perot' gets pulled on the electorate again.<br /><br />The political landscape is changing. Voters are leaving both national parties. More and more people associate themselves not as Democrats or Republicans but as Independents/Libertarians. If ever there was a time when Republicans are being gifted with a 'close the deal' opportunity it is now. but to do that they need to deal with the heavy hitting old time money power players that are keeping the party from, excuse the phrase. moving on. <br /><br />The nation is poised and ready, and awaiting modern day Patrick Henry's, etc. <br /><br />As for me...former Republican - I ain't goin back again!DCAlleyKathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13595521064453455995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-50333777298883548962009-10-22T23:03:22.914-04:002009-10-22T23:03:22.914-04:00Andrew: Once again, we'll have to agree to di...Andrew: Once again, we'll have to agree to disagree. I don't see that as an attack on anyone or any party, but a statement of what we stand for and what we believe the government's role is. If leftists take it as an attack, well that just means the shoe fits. But it also says "we will make sure government is doing its proper role, and no more."<br /><br />You're definitely on the right track about mentioning equality of opportunity as something that the government should affirmatively promote (it's really about what the government shouldn't do), and we have a great example: The Equal Opportunities Commission is nothing more than The Affirmative Action Commission.LawHawkRFDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17800255923675295515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-89817145025451151872009-10-22T21:42:18.971-04:002009-10-22T21:42:18.971-04:00Writer X, That's actually one of things that c...Writer X, That's actually one of things that concerns me. You're right, Reagan was just being natural. So why don't we have any other elected officials who seem to be as comfortable/natural being conservatives? Why do we seem to have a bunch of hacks trying to fake it?AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-5564364245294895432009-10-22T21:34:45.528-04:002009-10-22T21:34:45.528-04:00Andrew, Agreed, most of the Republicans don't ...Andrew, Agreed, most of the Republicans don't make the situation with the media any better either. Reagan was truly a master at it. Still, I think he was just being himself and he was comfortable with that.Writer Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16505411188186283813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-21075851951120394312009-10-22T21:08:52.584-04:002009-10-22T21:08:52.584-04:00Writer X, I know what you mean. They seem to be a...Writer X, I know what you mean. They seem to be ashamed to stand up for their views. Or just incapable of expressing them. I'm not sure which. But in either event, they need to learn to communicate.<br /><br />The media certainly goes after prominent Republicans. But I would argue that those Republicans also give the media ammunition to use. The media used to go after people like Reagan all the time, but it never got any traction because the things he said and did and stood for were so common sense that the public easily saw those attacks as partisan slander.<br /><br />Many of the people currently attacked by the media have brought it on themselves by saying/doing really stupid or outlandish things. Perfect example, Mark Sanford. He didn't just have an affair, <i>he</i> turned it into a game of "where is the governor." So while the media treated him worse than it would have a Democrat, he is the one who made that possible.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-46009531772739015422009-10-22T20:55:06.836-04:002009-10-22T20:55:06.836-04:00Andrew, I do think the message is distorted somewh...Andrew, I do think the message is distorted somewhat by the media--look at the Politico piece as an example. However, these guys need some serious communication skills/training. Because they waffle and can't communicate, people can't trust them (myself included) because of being burned too many times before. They're always playing defense. I keep waiting for one of them to play offense. <br /><br />As an aside, the more the media goes after a Republican, that means they're behaving effectively/inspiring people. It's a blessing and a curse.Writer Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16505411188186283813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-8596667377066807932009-10-22T20:42:20.024-04:002009-10-22T20:42:20.024-04:00Writer X, What do you mean not agree about everyth...Writer X, What do you mean not agree about everything?!!! Just kidding. I have always believed that it is better to defend your views against other opinions and to know when you are wrong, than it is to live in the false comfort of thinking you are right all the time.<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words! We're happy to have your comments too. You've always got a good insight.<br /><br />You're absolutely right that this isn't rocket science. It's not that hard to believe in conservative ideas, or to express them if you truly believe in them, or to use them to shape policies. Yet somehow, our leaders seem incapable of doing that.<br /><br />It is befuddling. At times I wonder if they are simply working on some lousy strategy or if they can't get the message out because the media distorts it. . . but then, when I hear them unfiltered, they always underwhelm.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-56910130033893717272009-10-22T20:26:02.393-04:002009-10-22T20:26:02.393-04:00Cantor, Steele, Pawlenty, Romney--all completing u...Cantor, Steele, Pawlenty, Romney--all completing uninspiring. Not only can't they communicate, it's as if they're confused by their own beliefs. Who wants to follow that?<br /><br />I'm tired of Republican politicians who seem more concerned about how things look than expressing what they believe in. Or, even worse, saying one thing and doing another (Best example: McCain) You're completely right, Andrew. Craft a coherent message, stick to your beliefs, and people will follow, no matter what side of the aisle you're on. It's not rocket science. <br /><br />I agree with MegaTroll. It's nice to know you can come to a blog like this and have an intelligent and insightful conversation with people about issues that impact all of us, even when you may not agree with everything.Writer Xhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16505411188186283813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-60864722515383108102009-10-22T19:14:41.988-04:002009-10-22T19:14:41.988-04:00Mega, Thanks. We try to keep things rational arou...Mega, Thanks. We try to keep things rational around here because it doesn't do any good to send people off with bad information or insane theories.<br /><br />It may feel good sometimes to believe things that aren't true, but it doesn't really help for achieving any goals.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-65558060174777433472009-10-22T19:13:13.671-04:002009-10-22T19:13:13.671-04:00Anon, Thanks. I don't know that they could co...Anon, Thanks. I don't know that they could come up with a list either, and that's what troubles me. When I hear most of them speak on tv, I get the sense that they know a few buzz words, but that's about it.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-3343936406554148452009-10-22T18:12:45.531-04:002009-10-22T18:12:45.531-04:00I agree about the anger and stupidity on blogs and...I agree about the anger and stupidity on blogs and talk radio. There are times when what I read or hear makes me want to just chuck the whole thing and go about my life. That's why I like coming here. You guys are always calm and smart about things. It's like talking to adults around here.<br /><br />This really does show a leadership failure. If they were capable leaders, they shouldn't be afraid of their rank and file. Also, I can't imagine a Ronald Reagan being unable to refocus the rank and file in a more productive way. He wouldn't cry about what the rank and file or saying, he'd point them in the right direction.MegaTrollhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03234420338804013858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-29164890213385405132009-10-22T17:32:06.017-04:002009-10-22T17:32:06.017-04:00I like your list. I wish I could believe the party...I like your list. I wish I could believe the party thought the same thing, but I don't know what they think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-85108285461881720022009-10-22T16:55:50.879-04:002009-10-22T16:55:50.879-04:00Joel,
I agree, and that's the point to my pos...Joel,<br /><br />I agree, and that's the point to my post -- the leadership needs to adopt conservative principles, needs to convince us that they mean it (by acting on it), and needs to learn to promote those ideas to the public.<br /><br />I don't see that they know how to do that. In fact, I don't see anyone in the party that knows how to do that right now.<br /><br />But when it comes to the idea that the base can carry the party, that's simply not true -- they are 40%. That's too small. You need to bring most of that other 20% that share conservative beliefs but don't identify themselves as part of the base.<br /><br />And the only way to do that is to adopt a positive, intelligent sales pitch for conservative ideas. Not change your principles, but find a way to explaining them that makes these people comfortable and feel like associating with the party. Anger and fear won't sell these people. It makes the hardcore feel good, but it turns off everyone else.<br /><br />Unfortunately, until and unless the leadership gets their act together, they will continue to face this wall of anger because people feel like they aren't being represented.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-87412852584824847772009-10-22T16:42:36.056-04:002009-10-22T16:42:36.056-04:00Lawhawk, I would avoid tossing in attacks in a sta...Lawhawk, I would avoid tossing in attacks in a statement of principle. Also, I would be careful saying that the government has a job.<br /><br />I would rather say, "I believe in equality under the law." And <i>maybe</i> adding: "I believe in equality of opportunity, but not of result." Though I'm concerned that might be used as a justification for all kinds of anti-discrimination legislation.AndrewPricehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312364467936820986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-16513703775771810352009-10-22T16:17:32.622-04:002009-10-22T16:17:32.622-04:00Andrew,
I disagree in that we have to attract Mod...Andrew,<br /><br />I disagree in that we have to attract Moderates. I don't want them in the Republican Party. The reason is that we can not trust them. I want conservatives. The more the better. We did it with the MODERATE McCain. We lost.<br /><br />We are winning without leadership. Check out the races in New Jersey and Virginia. There are several others around the nation that have voted overwhelmingly Republican. One here in Tennessee. A district that has been in the Democrat pocket for years. <br /><br />There is one very important man who was not included in that list. Mark Levin. He is friends with Rush and Hannity. He wrote a book called "Liberty and Tyranny". It has a Conservative Manifesto. It also has a history of how we got to where we are at. He is a constitutional lawyer. He was in the Reagan Administration. He has no use for Moderates. <br /><br />Whenever I hear that we should "moderate our message", I cringe. So far, the angry rhetoric has not turned off people. It has re-ignited the conservatives which according to polls are the majority of this country.<br /><br />The "Angry People" are the Tea Party goers who have found their voices. <br /><br />Elections go to the people who get out their own vote. Not to the ones who appeal to the middle. If you look at the ones who won in those moderate districts (that the Leadership is so concerned about) is it asked are they squishy Republicans? In other words, do they vote consistantly conservative? If no, why are we interested in them?<br /><br />Right now, the Elected Democrats are LOSING because they are voting liberal/socialistic on National Issues. The Republicans are winning because the Elected Republicans are voting conservative on National Issues. When the Elected Republicans voted on National Issues liberal/socialistic is when we lost big. <br /><br />Without Rush, Hannity, Levin, Beck and many conservative bloggers such as yourself, who I don't even think are close to being moderate, we would have socialism well on our way to communism.<br /><br />What you have written here is anathema to liberals. Very much close to what Beck, Levin, Limbaugh and Hannity espouse. They all have no use for moderates and the leadership of the Republican Party. Yet Republicans are still winning. Can you explain that?<br /><br />If Steele came to you and said you are scaring the moderates, would your change your rhetoric? <br /><br />I have been listening and reading. The only people I see scared by the "angry rhetoric" are Elected Politicians and leftist pundits who are from the Washington Beltway. They are the ones who are complaining.<br /><br />I am speaking of Cantor. Pawlenty better get his act together. There are far more conservatives who want to be President. As much as I like what Romney did for the Olympics in Utah, I view him as another McCain. <br /><br />If the current Republican Leadership wants to lead, they should embrace conservative values or they will be gone. <br /><br />Sorry for the length, but when someone even remotely says we should tone it down or appeal the the moderates, I cringe and get angry, especially when this country was founded by Conservatives. Not moderates.Joel Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15856960977033430002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4425587034622601550.post-23077199218112070252009-10-22T13:32:46.277-04:002009-10-22T13:32:46.277-04:00Andrew: Excellent reminder of what our absent lea...Andrew: Excellent reminder of what our absent leadership needs to do. I want to add that after nearly ten months of Obama, the basic Credo you propose is still pitch-perfect, but one thing Obama has done which should be addressed at every opportunity would cause me to include: "I believe in one nation, under God and indivisible. And therefore I believe that race division and class warfare have no place in American politics. I believe that equality of opportunity is a gift from God and that government's job is to protect that equality,not to manipulate it to the benefit of some and the detriment of others."LawHawkRFDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17800255923675295515noreply@blogger.com