For those who aren’t aware, the head of the State GOP in Washington recently unilaterally declared Sen. McCain the “winner” of that party’s caucuses even though only 87% of ballots had been counted. McCain was barely edging out Gov. Huckabee at that point and one side of the “no more frivolous lawsuits” party (that’d be the Huckabee side) quickly sent in a gaggle of lawyers.
The interesting thing here is how this Republican malarkey is a microcosm of the larger rips appearing all across the walls in the ‘big tent’ of the elephants’ party. The contest had three main Republican candidates left — McCain, the Establishment guy; Huckabee, the social cons’ guy; and Rep. Ron Paul, the conservative libertarians’ guy. And they are still going at each other as if McCain’s nomination was not an inevitability.
Just as in 1992, those three groups are finding they can’t really live together so nicely after all. Their coalition only works when the individual groups ignore the discongruous aspects of the others. In particular, it’s quite amazing that libertarians would ever even consider aligning themselves with nanny-state social conservatives. Yet align themselves they do. In the case of Washington State it is McCain-backer Luke Esser, the state party chair, pitting Establishment pachyderms against the “true” conservatives along the social conservative spectrum promoting Huck.
Unfortunately for those who choose to volunteer their time and efforts to the (now-formerly) “Grand” Ol’ Party causes, they’re finding they are unwanted if they don’t follow in lockstep with whomever manages to wind up in the big bus’ driver’s seat. The Washington State GOP’s slight of hand is simply the most clear example for dedicated party activists such as libertarian Greg Albert and the general public alike…
And this party still thinks it has the ability lead our nation?
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February 12, 2008 at 7:49 pm
c-rock
You are correct.
The GOP is going to impode soon. Dont worry, democrats will be along the same way soon enough.
February 12, 2008 at 8:04 pm
robnesvacil
Remains to be seen. Most folks on the progressive side would be just fine with either Clinton or Obama at the helm.
Same can’t be said for the increasingly shrill conservatives and their rants against front-runner McCain (and the McCain backers’ tricks in response).
February 13, 2008 at 9:36 am
c-rock
Ya,
but if they keep up the war, increase it, and such, will they be? Not alot of folks I know, are happy with democrats in 06.
Plus if they keep on destroying our currency, they wont be liked much either.
Yet,
lets look at what progressive ideals done in IL.
Despite Blagojevich making health care a signature issue, the health-care spending increases he’s spearheaded haven’t decreased the number of uninsured people in Illinois between 2003 and 2006, said Hynes, citing U.S. Census data.
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/788735,CST-NWS-hynes12.article
February 13, 2008 at 12:00 pm
robnesvacil
Much of the healthcare initiatives have been just kicking in during the past year+ so using 2006 as a cut off is a bit of an apples to oranges thing.
McCain wants to stay in Iraq 10,000 years (though his 100 year quote seems to get more air time).
Both Clinton and Obama have actual plans for removing our troops sensibly over the course of a few short years or less. Obama’s plan was introduced in the Senate and Republican obstinance has ensured it won’t see the light of day. Funny, the GOP Senators were all aghast over filibusters not that long ago — now they love ‘em.
February 14, 2008 at 10:06 am
c-rock
Ya right.
Democrats like war as much as the neo-cons. Both have committed us till 2013.
How many more men need to die Rob? You spend some time at their wakes when they come back?
February 14, 2008 at 10:32 am
robnesvacil
It’s clear you have no military experience.
They’re not camping — they can’t just shovel some dirt on the campfire to put it out and pull up stakes on their tents.
It took months to plan combat theater entry and it will take at least as long to extract them.
It’s now early 2008. Our President and the obstructionist Republican minority have declared that our troops will not leave under this Administration. They veto and filibuster anything and everything that even comes close to strategic redeployment.
That means any extraction cannot begin until 2009. A four year timeline is not unreasonable from that point — though Sen. Obama’s plan to extract several brigades a month every month til they’re all out would end up being faster than four years if it can be feasibly implemented…
–
Your ad hominem attack regarding my compassion for and loyalty to active duty personnel, veterans and those killed in action is beyond the pale and absolutely uncalled for, Carl.
Grow up.
February 14, 2008 at 12:42 pm
c-rock
It is called for. Young folks are dying, and you excuse it.
I am glad your offended. You should be. You do not follow your progressive ideals. You only support them when its convient for you.
I been to some wakes and funerals for these guys. At least I am willing to face what our policies are doing to our countrymen.
You hide behind your keyboard.
February 14, 2008 at 5:06 pm
robnesvacil
Crock, something stinks…
A-ha, it’s you talking out of your bum.
How have I excused the Republicans’ policies? And you don’t know the first thing about me — or you wouldn’t be bringing keyboards of all things.
Bring something substantial to the discussion Crock. Your hollow smears don’t do anyone any good.