From politics (moderates who lean to the right) to Pogo (drools during poker stare) to rants (Whatcha expect from savvy, sassy sexagenarians?) to raves (Have you had your kudo today?) -- we never take ourselves too seriously.
We do, however, reserve the right to slaughter an occasional sacred cow. And in case we fail to mention it -- we will never forget....
Ten Cadillacs and other hollywoodish lyrics are unrealistic (hey -- it's only a song), but a flag on every lawn and a chicken in every pot will do the trick. Plus moving the RNC platform more to the middle.
That's how Democrats won in November 2006. Check out the Blue Dog Democrats who won, giving Democrats majorities in both the House and Senate.
While this New York Times op ed has some debatable points and may be more relevant to the Northeast, this basic premise is on-target:
During the 12 years that Republicans controlled the House, moderate Republicans were the stepchildren of their party, expected to vote with their conservative leadership on crucial issues, even if it meant taking positions that could anger centrist voters back home.
In fact, the Democrats made some of their deepest inroads last year in the Northeast. A total of 10 Republican incumbents in the House were defeated in four states — New Hampshire, Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania — where the challengers aggressively tried to tie the incumbents to President Bush and his conservative allies on the Hill.
I don't imply that conservative values are on the down-swing. Core values will not change in our lifetime -- to the contrary. But trends do change ...
I simply point out that if Republicans are to make in-roads toward regaining both the House and Senate AND especially in retaining the White House -- the party must move to the middle to attract and represent the interests and aptitudes of Americans.
The handwriting is on the wall and no amount of posturing will erase it. Core values will always be relevant to conservatives; interests and aptitudes change.
Candidates and party lines must reflect the interests of Americans. That's how Democrats won in 2006. They'll win again in 2008 unless Republicans gravitate toward more moderate national trends and opinions.
One critical trend for Republicans to grasp is that America does not identify with the far left. Blue Dog Democrats know this and face their own battles to break the binds of established hard-line liberals.
"Smack Dab in the Middle" may be a tad extreme for most conservatives, but if maintaining control of the direction of this nation (and I add -- for the sake of this nation) is important, then conservatives best accept the reality that America IS becoming increasingly politically moderate.
And on a purely personal note -- did I mention that Mitt Romney is the only proven Republican candidate to bring conservatives and (democrat) moderates together?
Posted at 08:39 am by Gull
TK April 7, 2007 03:16 PM PDT I agree. I'm ready for leadership! I want something done about the free-for-all spending. I'm tired of the everything or nothing mentality from both parties and the media. We are dealing with complex issues, that require parties coming together to make things happen. I'm voting for the United States of American NOT for the Republicans or the Democrats. Romney has my vote, he can get things done!
Herb April 8, 2007 08:21 AM PDT I still haven't decided 100% for Mitt and coming to the middle is fine, if it means intelligent dialog about the issues. What we don't need is more blathering from either party.
A friend April 8, 2007 11:59 AM PDT Dear Gull,
I read your site regularly and find that the articles and images you share "stay" with me.
Thanks for taking time to share your insight. I'm not "over the hill" and I don't blog, but if I were or did, I'd be standing with you online.
Keep sending the message(s) that we need to become involved at the local and national levels to ensure that we continue to protect the interests of America and its people.
SmarterthenU April 9, 2007 01:47 PM PDT You have no clue. The fact is that the Republicans lost nationally because they abandoned their core values. They need to get back to the right and stop pandering to the left and left-middle elites.
Gull April 9, 2007 02:02 PM PDT Dear Smar,
Conservative moderates (which I am) have never abandoned their core values. We don't have to. Reality is, Repubs who lost in Nov. likely lost BECAUSE they abandoned theirs!!!
Since I've never "been" to the right, I have no experience in panding in any direction. I have "been" close to the left and for obvious reasons -- scurried REAL fast back to middle-right.
Besides -- It's much more fun and realistic here. Plus, folks who lean to the right don't HAVE to make up assinine and irrelevant screen names to prove our intelligence!!
So tell me, Smar -- U gonna make up those courses you flunked in summer school or are U gonna just graduate with the class behind you?
Gull April 9, 2007 06:00 PM PDT word upgrade:
panding = pandering
Forgive me, Smar. My sharp tongue blocked my eye toof and I couldn't see what I was thinking.
