Quote:
Originally Posted by filtherton
And there were lots of folks who claimed wholeheartedly that the 2008 election was proof that the Republican Party was dead. And folks who claimed that liberalism was dead following the 2004 elections (or was it 2006?). The point being that, while these narratives might be interesting and make us feel powerful emotions, they are really just part of the dog and pony show that is American politics. Newsflash: the republican party doesn't care about liberty or fiscal conservatism (see all social conservatives and the general republican attitude towards fiscal responsibility with regards to the military or closing tax loopholes). They just talk a good game when it comes to liberty and fiscal conservatism because they know suckers will eat it up and vote republican against their own best interests. It's the same thing with democrats and gay folks, or healthcare needing folks.
It's going to be business as usual. Establishment politicians giving lip service to their base whilst helping corporations and the upper upper class consolidate their wealth. Only this time, many of the establishment republicans will be going undercover as tea partiers.
Rand Paul. Ha! That's a good one. He's what happens when you remove anything interesting or worthwhile from Ron Paul.
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In 1994 this happened, and it was a tragedy for our country.
1994 did not have the Tea Party, which demonstrated to establishment Republicans the power of the primary. The Tea Party is getting blamed for a few senate losses, but thats immaterial compared to the massive wave of support they brought for house and state candidates. The Republicans took 19 state houses from the Democrats, some that haven't been Republican since the 1800's.
The difference between the Bush era majority and this one is that this one was given rather clear marching orders. Stop Obama, cut taxes, lower spending.
Now its possible the Trent Lotts of the Republican party will sucker them into not standing by their principles. This would again be tragic for the country, another opportunity lost.
But based on the emails I've been receiving and the 22 page outline by the future house majority leader, I think there is some hope for the house to not fall into this trap.
I'll revisit this in a few months. There is the danger of a lame duck congress and a lot of maneuvering before one can claim any victory or defeat.