Tea Party...

[wolf_chatter]

screwed the pooch when it backed Ms. O.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/327070;_ylt=At46QjqVGMV0iemXwgnRG1VH2ocA;_ylu=X3oD MTJvZGc2MDZ0BGFzc2V0Ay9zL2NzbS8zMjcwNzAEY2NvZGUDbW 9zdHBvcHVsYXIEY3BvcwMxMARwb3MDMTAEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9z dG9yaWVzBHNsawNjaHJpc3RpbmVvZG8-

Ethics issues, witchcraft issues... the lady is entertaining, and I like some of what she has to say, but she is batshit crazy and will be a huge problem for the Tea Party come November.

[slowhiteguy]

the problem i have with the TP is they back the most conservative candidate and not the most electable, non-progressive candidate.

prior to o'donnel winning the primary, delaware was very much in play for the GOP. now it's an almost certain win for the dims.

[Nosebleed]

I love how the dims (your word, not mine) predict gloom and doom for the republicans if they let the tea party candidates into the fold, but the tp seems to keep winning in the election booth.

See you in November.

Rick

[Stuck in Seattle]

the left does the same thing. The far right resents it when compromises are made to govern so they lose their minds and throw out the perceived offenders of doctrinal purity. Do you believe the left doesn't? Two words...Joe Lieberman.

Whichever party governs with third way policies owns the battlefield, but only until the radicals undermine their own party, thus putting the other side in power. Gore would have easily defeated Bush in 2000 if he'd followed Clinton's lead instead of going liberal.

Now, again, the worm turns. If the TEA party acts as more than a GOTV group they limit the Republican gains. At the same time, if Republicans were to win both the House and Senate, that might save Obama in '12.

Personally I'd rather have the house and the senate than the presidency and neither house.

[Posturedoc]

Personally I'd rather have the house and the senate than the presidency and neither house.

And if the Repubs nominate Palin in '12, you'll get neither the presidency nor either house (while the Repubs will gain in both the House and Senate, due to the TP gains, I doubt they will control either after November 2).

[Stuck in Seattle]

And if the Repubs nominate Palin in '12, you'll get neither the presidency nor either house (while the Repubs will gain in both the House and Senate, due to the TP gains, I doubt they will control either after November 2).
And if the Dems nominated Ralph Nader they couldn't win either. But since neither have any chance of securing the nomination it's a moot point. Palin can't win Iowa or New Hampshire. Heck she'll get destroyed in New Hampshire.

[Posturedoc]

And if the Dems nominated Ralph Nader they couldn't win either. But since neither have any chance of securing the nomination it's a moot point. Palin can't win Iowa or New Hampshire. Heck she'll get destroyed in New Hampshire.

You may be correct, SiS, but I'm not sure such foreknowledge will stop her from trying. Really though, your comparison isn't very accurate as Nader never had as much juice with liberal voters as Palin does with conservative voters at this moment. If the Repubs don't make the huge gains they hope to in November (and, therefore continue to feel disenfranchised), the Tea Partiers are still frothing the tea in their mouths in January, 2012, and the radio/TV windbags are still pushing the far right agenda, I wouldn't put it past the the conservative electorate to jump behind somebody as polarizing and, to us lefties, wacko as Palin.

Part of me wants this to happen because I don't think she has a snowball's chance to be elected President. Another part of me hopes that the moderate wing of the Republican party regains some element of control and returns a modicum of rational thought and governance to a party that is being run off the tracks by it's radical wing. This is better for the country in the long run, but I'm not sure a year or two is enough time for things to settle out within the party.

[wolf_chatter]

You may be correct, SiS, but I'm not sure such foreknowledge will stop her from trying. Really though, your comparison isn't very accurate as Nader never had as much juice with liberal voters as Palin does with conservative voters at this moment. If the Repubs don't make the huge gains they hope to in November (and, therefore continue to feel disenfranchised), the Tea Partiers are still frothing the tea in their mouths in January, 2012, and the radio/TV windbags are still pushing the far right agenda, I wouldn't put it past the the conservative electorate to jump behind somebody as polarizing and, to us lefties, wacko as Palin.

Part of me wants this to happen because I don't think she has a snowball's chance to be elected President. Another part of me hopes that the moderate wing of the Republican party regains some element of control and returns a modicum of rational thought and governance to a party that is being run off the tracks by it's radical wing. This is better for the country in the long run, but I'm not sure a year or two is enough time for things to settle out within the party.

I too wish the Repubs. would get their shit together and oust these far right nutters. Its bad for everyone.

[Stuck in Seattle]

You may be correct, SiS, but I'm not sure such foreknowledge will stop her from trying. Really though, your comparison isn't very accurate as Nader never had as much juice with liberal voters as Palin does with conservative voters at this moment. If the Repubs don't make the huge gains they hope to in November (and, therefore continue to feel disenfranchised), the Tea Partiers are still frothing the tea in their mouths in January, 2012, and the radio/TV windbags are still pushing the far right agenda, I wouldn't put it past the the conservative electorate to jump behind somebody as polarizing and, to us lefties, wacko as Palin.

Part of me wants this to happen because I don't think she has a snowball's chance to be elected President. Another part of me hopes that the moderate wing of the Republican party regains some element of control and returns a modicum of rational thought and governance to a party that is being run off the tracks by it's radical wing. This is better for the country in the long run, but I'm not sure a year or two is enough time for things to settle out within the party.
The TEA party is no farther right than the Netroots, DailyKos groups are left. They are a minority with a lot of pull. Both demand doctinal purity or they scream for the heads of the rinos and dinos. Both can get regional nominations but have little success nationally. And both destroy any chance of holding large majorities by attacking from within and alienating the middle.

While we on the right like Palin a lot, we also aren't stupid. She's a rain maker and a great GOTV ambassador. But she's been so savaged by the media she's not got a shot a president. Vice president maybe, but I don't think a Daniels, Pawlenty, Christy or Jeb Bush would consider her as a running mate. Nor would Huckabee, but I think he's missed his moment. Romney might consider it to get the non Mormon religious right on his side...but I think he's missed the boat as well...plus his Mormon roots make him damaged goods regardless of his running mate...except maybe Palin. That's actually an interesting combo in some ways. I hadn't really thought of this until now. But I don't think he's got much of a shot at nomination anyway.

[Stuck in Seattle]

I too wish the Repubs. would get their shit together and oust these far right nutters. Its bad for everyone.
Just what have these "nutters" done to negatively impact anything...anything at all? Have you listened to some of the Dems out there in Congress and at the state level? Maxine Waters. Kucinich. And many many more. And even they can't do much more than vote the party line because they can't draw any votes for any bill that alienates too many people.

[wolf_chatter]

Just what have these "nutters" done to negatively impact anything...anything at all? Have you listened to some of the Dems out there in Congress and at the state level? Maxine Waters. Kucinich. And many many more. And even they can't do much more than vote the party line because they can't draw any votes for any bill that alienates too many people.

the extreme far left isn't running the party ragged SiS. Repubs are in a full on fight for their lives right now.

The far left doesn't set the agenda and so far it looks like the Tea Party may just be well doing that.

I want a party of centrists on both sides running the show. It's bad enough these days with the group we have in there to get anything done. Can you imagine adding a bunch of Tea Party people to the mix? Cripes they can't even agree with their own party.

If we had a bunch of people that werent 180% degrees from each other maybe some compromising could get done and this country could move forward.

[Stuck in Seattle]

the extreme far left isn't running the party ragged SiS. Repubs are in a full on fight for their lives right now. You must watch MSNBC or something. This is just the liberal's wet dream interpretation of what's going on. Do you even know why they are called the TEA party? Or about the schism between the libertarians and religious TEA Party members? Fight for their lives? Are you frickin' kidding me? Everybody to the right of Pelosi thinks the Republicans are going to win the house and maybe handily. The Senate is now in play, though Angle and O'Donnell might be the difference between a close senate or a republican senate. The TEA Party has not only pulled the Republicans a little to the right, they've pulled the Dems to the right. But it's the dems that are fighting for their political lives right now. Palin is more popular than Obama in a poll I saw a few days ago.

The far left doesn't set the agenda and so far it looks like the Tea Party may just be well doing that. The far left doesn't set the agenda? Obama Care, Cap and Trade and increased taxes. That's what the Dems fought for for two years. Now that they need to get elected they are running from those positions like crazy. That's the legacy of the far left, not moderates. Just what major policies are the TEA Party forcing on Republicans that they opposed 2 years ago?

I want a party of centrists on both sides running the show. It's bad enough these days with the group we have in there to get anything done. Can you imagine adding a bunch of Tea Party people to the mix? Cripes they can't even agree with their own party. Governing imposes moderation and cooperation. It's just that moderation and cooperation that pisses of the base of both sides, but it's the only way to accomplish anything.

But you will NEVER and I mean NEVER see a majority of moderates from either party. The long term members of the Senate and House tend to be in "safe" seats where they have to cater to the base...and the base for both parties are not moderates. Is Barney Frank a moderate? Is Pelosi a moderate? She's running the house. Has Reid acted like a moderate since becoming the head of the Senate? Sure, he's talking moderate now that he's fighting for his political life, but he had to go left if he wanted the big gig...so he stepped away from his Nevada roots and pushed the liberal national agenda. Olympia Snow will never be a dominant Republican nor is a Dem "moderate" going to run the show for the Dems when they are in power.

If we had a bunch of people that werent 180% degrees from each other maybe some compromising could get done and this country could move forward. We aren't close to 180 degrees apart. The dividing lines are quite small, which is what tends to make the stakes so big. It's just Wedge Issues.

[Stuck in Seattle]

Oh, and I forgot that there may be a record breaking number of Republican governors after this election and many state houses are also expected to swing R. Just what makes you think it's the Republicans with the problem right now? I'm baffled.:confused:

[Howl Raiser]

I tend to stay out of the political discussion here but...

The Tea Party isn't a political party and I don't think they aim to be. The Tea Party isn't an arm of the GOP, but rather seeks to purge those from the GOP who preach less government, but vote otherwise.

Tea Party is an ideology that seeks to defend and return this county to the roots of our Constitution. And I don't see how that's a bad thing at all. I don't see that as being considered 'extreme right'. The Constitution is what made this country what it is, and for whatever reason, we seem to have forgotten that.

No government in the history of the world has ever taxed their way out of a recession, and the rate this country is spending money, it's completely unsustainable. The Tea Party is against wasteful and reckless government spending. Left or right, this is an issue all should agree on, because if something doesn't change, the economy of this country is going to completely collapse.

In regard to Mrs. O' and witchcraft...come on. That's 20 years ago. Obama snorted coke 20 years ago and that apparently wasn't an issue for those in the media, but this is? The witchcraft thing is smoke and mirrors and it's meant to take away from debating the issues, which from what I've heard of her, she is very well versed on. O' Donnell has stated that in spite of her personal views, she will always vote to defend the Constitution. So she could be a witch for all I care...so long as she backs up her vote like she says she will.

It's the same thing with the derogatory term 'Tea Baggers". Rather than debate the issues, some choose to throw insults. Whether you agree or disagree with the philosophy, those the in the Tea Party have the right to express it. If you disagree, then disagree but debate the issues...and leave the juvenile insults for the playground.

JMHO :)

[BustNChops]

Another part of me hopes that the moderate wing of the Republican party regains some element of control and returns a modicum of rational thought and governance to a party that is being run off the tracks by it's radical wing. This is better for the country in the long run...

Am I missing something? It is 9/23/10? It is the left that has had control now for what, 6-years (?) (2-years presidency). You have a GOP that is trying to tighten things up and keep a slow, but steady movement. There is a lot for them to do, they are off track and have been for some time and I agree with that. BUT, it is the fast moving train that the radical left is fueling that is much much more accurately described above in your quote. The train is already off the tracks. It is the radical left that is the driving force behind the movement of the GOP and the Tea Party and Independents to change things comes Nov. Ultimately, this change has been building for decade(s) and the result of poor leadership on both the left and right. The current radical left is just the straw that is breaking the camels back.

I agree 100% that this country would be much better off in the long run.

The Tea Party is not a branch of the GOP. They are causing havoc for both sides and dong what they want. I for one believe it to be good (to this point). It will be interesting to see how they affect things come Nov. 2.


I too wish the Repubs. would get their shit together and oust these far right nutters. Its bad for everyone.

Again, I just don't get what these far right nutters are doing except causing anxiety within their own party. Are "right wing nutter" guys like Jim DeMint slowing down the radical left from driving this nation off a cliff? Shame on him and his conservative stance! The Right can't get anything done, so all they are doing is trying to block what is too far left. That is bad for everyone?

[Stuck in Seattle]

I tend to stay out of the political discussion here but...

The Tea Party isn't a political party and I don't think they aim to be. The Tea Party isn't an arm of the GOP, but rather seeks to purge those from the GOP who preach less government, but vote otherwise. Yes, it's a movement not a party. But as I wrote above, insisting on ideological purity prevents good governance and hurts the ability to develop big majorities and hold them. Are we conservatives better off having a moderate R in Delaware or losing with a candidate like O'Donnell? Like Reagan said, anyone that votes with me 80% of the time is my friend. Well, Castle probably voted with us 60% of the time, but that's still better than putting in somone that will vote with us 5% of the time. And that's what is likely to happen in Delaware...and perhaps here in Nevada as well.

Tea Party is an ideology that seeks to defend and return this county to the roots of our Constitution. And I don't see how that's a bad thing at all. I don't see that as being considered 'extreme right'. The Constitution is what made this country what it is, and for whatever reason, we seem to have forgotten that. It's not a bad thing, but it does draw every right wing/libertarian loon out of the woodwork. The movement isn't racist as the media tries to portray it, but probably 15% of them are bigots. That shouldn't taint the whole enterprise, but the media will do what it takes to find that 15% and hang them around the TEA Party's neck like an albatross. If only they were as anxious to do the same with socialists and communists on the left I would have no problem with that at all. But that would hurt their cause.

No government in the history of the world has ever taxed their way out of a recession, and the rate this country is spending money, it's completely unsustainable. The Tea Party is against wasteful and reckless government spending. Left or right, this is an issue all should agree on, because if something doesn't change, the economy of this country is going to completely collapse. But we don't all agree on this. Every liberal on this board seems to want higher state taxes and likely won't complain about higher federal taxes either. The LIKE big government.

In regard to Mrs. O' and witchcraft...come on. That's 20 years ago. Obama snorted coke 20 years ago and that apparently wasn't an issue for those in the media, but this is? The witchcraft thing is smoke and mirrors and it's meant to take away from debating the issues, which from what I've heard of her, she is very well versed on. O' Donnell has stated that in spite of her personal views, she will always vote to defend the Constitution. So she could be a witch for all I care...so long as she backs up her vote like she says she will. Yes, everyone hates "gotcha politics" when it's their candidate, but think it's justifiable when it's "the other". Nice analogy with Obama's cocaine use being a youthful indescretion while O'Donnell's little dabbling with "witchcraft" 20 years ago is a sign of unsuitability. She is not a great candidate, but Castle brought this on himself by voting for Cap and Trade. Even democrats are running from that position. It was a stupid move and he deserves to be out on his butt. But it's sad a more moderate R wasn't put in this slot.

It's the same thing with the derogatory term 'Tea Baggers". Rather than debate the issues, some choose to throw insults. Whether you agree or disagree with the philosophy, those the in the Tea Party have the right to express it. If you disagree, then disagree but debate the issues...and leave the juvenile insults for the playground. It's a sad day in journalism when respected pundits and broadcasters sink to this level of sophomoric attack. It comes straight from Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals".

5. Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule, and it infuriates the opposition.

13. Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.

That was their goal with Palin and it's been their goal with the TEA Party. The good part of this is that it shows their fear. The down side is that it still works with the moderates...and they know it.
JMHO :)

The treatment of the TEA Party combined with the obvious lack of curiosity about the radical left (including ACORN and ANSWER) points to an ever less objective main stream media that is actually leaning towards activism. No wonder they are less trusted than ever before.

[Stuck in Seattle]

Oh, no! The evil TEA Party is tearing the right limb from limb:

From a poll by the notoriously right wing news channel CNN:

The president’s approval rating now stands at 42 percent – an all time low in CNN polling and 8 points lower than where Obama was only three weeks ago. Moreover, 56 percent of all Americans think the president has fallen short of their expectations…

In even worse news for congressional Democrats, likely voters say they are considerably more likely to vote for a candidate the president opposes than one he supports. On the other hand, 50 percent of voters said they would be more likely to vote for a Tea Party-backed candidate while a third of Americans said Tea Party support would dissuade their vote for a candidate.

But it's the Republicans that are tearing themselves apart and it's the right that is out of step and needs more moderation.