After the historic loss to the Democrats (and by historic, it was historically time for a party change), the RNC chair is up for grabs. Rumors are floating across the blogs as to who would be most suitable as a successor to Ken Mehlman, the man with the impossible task of uniting a party behind the liberal-moderate John McCain, all the while dealing with those who would see the status quo remain, the “Town Hall-Club for Growth” Republicans who are out of touch with the base. Mitt Romney is currently cruising with the National Review – déjà vu 2012. Will they never learn? Romney is the first name that pops up on the list of RNC Chair contenders – at least over at the Daily Kos. The article refers to Romney as the Rights Howard Dean. Enough said.
Chip Saltsman, former head of the Tennessee State GOP is rumored to be actively seeking the post - he’s liked enough over at RedState where the first choice is Newt Gingrich? Newt makes sense to the Beltway pundits who would like to return to a Reagan Era, which simply no longer exists. The Washington Post weighs in with its list of hopefuls: Jim Nussle, former Iowa Congressman, Katon Dawson, chair of the South Carolina G.O.P., Jim Greer of Florida and Saul Anuzis, Party Chair of Michigan ( The “well-connected in to the political chattering class in Washington, having spent years building relationships.” – quote from the Post Article, just seals the deal). The list goes on to include Duncan Hunter, among others that are in line with the traditional Washington Republican think – perhaps with the exception of Saltzman – however, one more name is being bandied about that is of real interest – Michael Steele
Michael Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and GOPAC Chair, is not only likable, but someone who would have the ability to bridge the gap between the Washington elite and the “rest of us”. Chairing GOPAC is no mean feat and this organization is critical to the survival of the Republican Party. Steele has performed remarkably in that capacity and would make a smooth transition to the GOP Chair – bringing the all critical "connect to the base" skills to the table. “Drill Baby Drill” – is exactly what the party needs – an infusion of youth and new ideas. The comments over at the Save Jersey blog are most interesting – and give insight into what the party needs in order to move forward – youth and inclusion.
So, who actually chooses the RNC chair? From Real Clear Politics:
“Technically, RNC chairs are elected by the full 168 committee members, made up of two representatives and a chairperson from each state, along with officers. Several recent chairs have taken multiple ballots to win their post outright. But in recent years, the incumbent Republican president has anointed a chairman who is elected by acclamation.
Some presidents have used the appointment to reward top strategists from their political campaigns; George H.W. Bush (Himself a former RNC chair) elevated Lee Atwater to the post in 1989, while George W. Bush appointed both Ed Gillespie in 2003 and Ken Mehlman in 2005. Other picks are used to promote current or former elected officials. Recent chairs include former Virginia Governor Jim Nicholson and former Montana Governor Marc Racicot.”
However, since there is no incumbent, the race is open and will be voted on by those 168 committee members in January.
Whoever is chosen as party-chair is in a historically well-favored position. Smart observers understand that this loss was bound to happen (history again) and with the shape this nation is in (as a result of bad management of Freddie and Fannie by the Democrats, while the Republicans either turned a blind eye, or wanted media approval so badly (Bush), they actually aided and abetted the process which resulted in the largest tax burden in history) the blame game will come soon enough - from those who cast “historic personality votes” for Obama and against anyone who was a “Republican”.
A great deal is riding on the Democrats ability to deliver on promises made, avoid a worsening economic crisis, carefully manage a war on a minimum of two fronts (while cutting defense) and so much more - no sane Republican would want to be in Barack Obama’s shoes right now. That said, while some conservatives are looking to salvage their political Beltway necks (McCain aide’s gossiping like hens instead of men in order to blame Palin for example), what the RNC needs is a chair that is savvy enough to reel in Washington - start adding to a grassroots base that is already on board and tap those Democrats and independents that are already looking ahead to 2012 – Michael Steele just may be the ticket. Will the Party leaders put aside their egos and power grubbing mind-think aside? Leadership - the Steele's and the Palin's - are needed to march forward. Those would would see Jeb Bush in the White House and Newt Gingrich at the helm are not simply delusional - but dangerous.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Kerry Possible Cabinet Position Vacant Senate Seat? - Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick No To Special Election - He Will Appoint Kerry Successor
Speculation over John Kerry’s (D-MA) possible inclusion in an Obama cabinet, has Massachusetts politician’s gearing up for a run at the Senate should there be a special election. From Attorney General Martha Coakley to former Governor William Weld, are expressing interest. Not so fast: Governor Deval Patrick has decided than allowing a special election that might not be in the best interests of the Democrat Party, he will simply change the law of the Commonwealth and appoint the next US Senator from MA. Who might Governor Deval Patrick have in mind – Ted Kennedy’s wife, Vikki and his nephew Joseph Kennedy II. Patrick is putting his political party’s interest ahead of the interests of the Commonwealth – nothing new. Deval Patrick, the original “Yes We Can”, man - came up through the same Chicago political scene as Barack Obama (both men have been guided by David Axelrod) and will be up for re-election in 2010.
Where is The Confidence in Positive Change under Obama Administration?
Nestled into the rolling hills of Western Massachusetts, a local Springfield television station has an online poll asking if there is confidence in the idea of positive change under an Obama administration. These non-scientific polls are just for “fun”, not necessarily used for much more – the question that was poised is not frivolous and what is of interest are the responses (considering the location). 51% feel that yes, there will be a positive change, 49% feel otherwise – which, considering the spread in Massachusetts, 36% for McCain, 65% for Obama – why the discrepancy?
It is a bit too early for buyer’s remorse to set in, or is it? What is telling is the content and reaction to President-Elect Obama’s speech. In his speech he talked about a unified country, a bi-partisan effort, hope and change (“yes we can”), and the kicker, “sacrifice and hard work”. He did not evoke John F. Kennedy or any other great Democrat leader, rather chose Abraham Lincoln, the first leader of the Republican Party, a Party that has stood for inclusion from its inception, of fiscal responsibility, of less government and individual freedoms. Some individuals actually believed that once Obama was elected, the taxes would be cut, and giveaways were going to increase. One young woman at a rally in Florida, was overjoyed because she would no longer have to pay for gas, or pay her mortgage, (video below), others questioned who on earth was going to do all this hard work and sacrifice? They failed to get the memo. Obama, in this speech, sent a clear message that he was going to govern his way; and not one of us has any idea of what that will mean until he actually gets to work. His intentions however, his policies, have been in place on his website since inception (granted changes occur time to time, but heck, this is politics!), leaving one to question why supporters were not better informed. This is especially true of the youth group, and those single women who voted in droves – they are anticipating a great deal, the problem is that the President-Elect is going to face challenges unlike any other president has to date: a financial crisis that will only worsen (Wall Street already gave its opinion of a Democrat at the helm, by posting the biggest post-election drop in history. This should come as no surprise, free enterprise despises over-regulation, higher taxes, (sacrifice) will stymie production, one should understand that those on Wall Street did read the memo.), there will be wars, as well as a general disregard for the United States from countries who lean Marxist or might be a tad revolutionary, there may even be an attack on our own soil; the President-Elect will have to deal with all of these situations, not like Carter - but like a Reagan in order to keep the country solvent and safe. This will leave little in the till and the result will be; social programs will wait – taxes will increase, across the board and the social services.
This scenario would have been no different had McCain won the election, all of these challenges would have been in place; the difference is, of course, the expectation of McCain supporters were not quite as high as those supporting Obama. They understand that the world view can change quickly and those whose friendship we desire, will so deride us, that there is a need to watch the war on terror, and that Wall Street reacts more favorably to Republicans (Warren Buffett aside). What each citizen must do now is exactly what the President Elect suggested; get ready for sacrifice, there will be hard times, we must work together in a bi-partisan manner, because, my friends, this is going to be one rough ride. For those still unsure of where Obama stands on the issues, BarackObama.com/issues, if you want to compare where John McCain actually stood on these issues (apparently George Bush was somehow involved according to Obama’s Campaign website), go over to the dark side and do an actual comparison. What one will find is that, there are some minor differences between the two, (McCain being more like Reagan than Bush), and that it would be of no surprise should President-Elect Obama, in an effort to move swiftly to the middle, borrow one or two ideas from the Senator from Arizona; as they work together to better the nation. That is one thing of which one can be fairly certain: McCain and Obama will work together. The promise of bi-partisanship and reaching across the aisle will have to take place; the stakes are too high to continue the level of partisanship this nation has been exposed to for far too long.
It is a bit too early for buyer’s remorse to set in, or is it? What is telling is the content and reaction to President-Elect Obama’s speech. In his speech he talked about a unified country, a bi-partisan effort, hope and change (“yes we can”), and the kicker, “sacrifice and hard work”. He did not evoke John F. Kennedy or any other great Democrat leader, rather chose Abraham Lincoln, the first leader of the Republican Party, a Party that has stood for inclusion from its inception, of fiscal responsibility, of less government and individual freedoms. Some individuals actually believed that once Obama was elected, the taxes would be cut, and giveaways were going to increase. One young woman at a rally in Florida, was overjoyed because she would no longer have to pay for gas, or pay her mortgage, (video below), others questioned who on earth was going to do all this hard work and sacrifice? They failed to get the memo. Obama, in this speech, sent a clear message that he was going to govern his way; and not one of us has any idea of what that will mean until he actually gets to work. His intentions however, his policies, have been in place on his website since inception (granted changes occur time to time, but heck, this is politics!), leaving one to question why supporters were not better informed. This is especially true of the youth group, and those single women who voted in droves – they are anticipating a great deal, the problem is that the President-Elect is going to face challenges unlike any other president has to date: a financial crisis that will only worsen (Wall Street already gave its opinion of a Democrat at the helm, by posting the biggest post-election drop in history. This should come as no surprise, free enterprise despises over-regulation, higher taxes, (sacrifice) will stymie production, one should understand that those on Wall Street did read the memo.), there will be wars, as well as a general disregard for the United States from countries who lean Marxist or might be a tad revolutionary, there may even be an attack on our own soil; the President-Elect will have to deal with all of these situations, not like Carter - but like a Reagan in order to keep the country solvent and safe. This will leave little in the till and the result will be; social programs will wait – taxes will increase, across the board and the social services.
This scenario would have been no different had McCain won the election, all of these challenges would have been in place; the difference is, of course, the expectation of McCain supporters were not quite as high as those supporting Obama. They understand that the world view can change quickly and those whose friendship we desire, will so deride us, that there is a need to watch the war on terror, and that Wall Street reacts more favorably to Republicans (Warren Buffett aside). What each citizen must do now is exactly what the President Elect suggested; get ready for sacrifice, there will be hard times, we must work together in a bi-partisan manner, because, my friends, this is going to be one rough ride. For those still unsure of where Obama stands on the issues, BarackObama.com/issues, if you want to compare where John McCain actually stood on these issues (apparently George Bush was somehow involved according to Obama’s Campaign website), go over to the dark side and do an actual comparison. What one will find is that, there are some minor differences between the two, (McCain being more like Reagan than Bush), and that it would be of no surprise should President-Elect Obama, in an effort to move swiftly to the middle, borrow one or two ideas from the Senator from Arizona; as they work together to better the nation. That is one thing of which one can be fairly certain: McCain and Obama will work together. The promise of bi-partisanship and reaching across the aisle will have to take place; the stakes are too high to continue the level of partisanship this nation has been exposed to for far too long.
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