Scozzafava debacle sparks purity test debate within GOP
After four years of stunning electoral defeats, the Republican Party appears poised to capitalize on some big-mo building developments.
A lot of independent voters are angry about budget deficits and the sagging economy. There's a strong anti-incumbent sentiment.
President Barack Obama's ambitious domestic agenda -- combined with the unpopular war in Afghanistan -- could continue to depress his poll numbers.
Some pundits have even argued that the GOP might reclaim a majority in the House or Senate next year.
But now in-fighting within conservative movement, a muddled GOP brand, and fierce divisions among tea party activists are threatening to banish Republicans back into the wilderness.
Over the weekend, North Country Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava appeared on CBS' Face the Nation to debate the GOP's future with Dick Armey and Ed Gillespie.
A new Washington Post poll found Republicans and Republican-leading independents deeply divided.
No one' s sure who leads the GOP, or what the party stands for.
The debate over a new "purity" test for Republican candidates threatens to expand the rift. Here's former Vermont Governor Howard Dean leading a discussion of the idea on MSNBC.
This muddle could have huge implications next year for half a dozen North Country races.
Republicans are trying to mount challenges to Democratic congressmen Bill Owens, Scott Murphy and Mike Arcuri.
There's also talk of conservative primary challenges to Assemblywomen Dede Scozzafava and Janet Duprey.
Democrats, you can bet, are poised to capitalize on any GOP infighting in those contests.
Will Republicans be able to rally behind strong, electable candidates? Or will the big tent continue to contract?
Your comments welcome below.
Labels: election10
posted by Brian Mann @ 11/28/2009 10:16:00 AM
13 Comments
13 Comments:
Okay, I'm clueless on why Howard Dean and MSNBC would be considered sources for information on the Republican party....
I agree. I don't know why MSNBC and NBC News are even considered news outlets. What's MSNBC's tag line... "The place for politics"? Doesn't sound like news to me, yet NBC News people are all over the channel. MSNBC is nothing but mout pieces for the far, far left loonies.
A couple of points.
1. I grab information from all over the spectrum. Why? Because that's the way to understand how different people think about particular issues. So here's my suggestion. Watch the clip, then comment on its actual content.
2. Howard Dean is particularly interesting on this topic because -- despite his own fairly liberal stances -- he helped to develop the Democratic Party's 50-state strategy, which welcomed in dozens of conservative Blue Dog Democrats.
-Brian, NCPR
Howard Dean is a pro-gun fiscal moderate. He just happened to be against the war before it was cool, so he's seen as a lefty crazy. Doesn't matter that he was right.
As expected, the usual "conservative" suspects, whose true identities remain anonymous, turn the thread into a debate about news sources.
I believe (and my beliefs are not infallible), that the germane issue of this thread is - "Will Republicans be able to rally behind strong, electable candidates? Or will the big tent continue to contract?"
Recognizing that I am fallible (liberal), it is solely my belief, based upon watching hours of FOX News, that the Republicans will rally behind a strong, electable candidate. May I suggest one campaign slogan: "Sarah Palin - she ain't no pal of terrorists!"
Well, we won't include Sarah and her husband Todd's associations with a certain Alaskan separatist group. Go GOOGLE that.
But seriously, (not wanting to lead this thread down a rabbit-hole), but who pray tell, will the RepCons find as candidates, that are not already the laughing stock of our nation, esp. those who watcvh MSNBC?
How about Dede running for anything as a Republican?
Or how about any Republican who doesn't hate women or poor people.
And as far as purity is concerned, this is childish. Grown men and women who claim to be pure anything are liars.
Most so called pure Republicans are beginning to sound like Muslim terrorists.
I have said it before and will say it again. As a result of the recent NY-23, Republican registration will be lower in the district a year from now than it is today. Brian, I would be interested in knowing what percentage of national Republican numbers are Southern voters. The Republican party has become a regional party, and that sensibility does not sit well with many long time Republicans.
I'm sorry, apparently my thinking was too abstract. Why not talk to some Republican or conservative movement leaders for their thoughts on the so called "purity test" rather than the "how to win big" thoughts of Howard Dean and MSNBC (The "Conservatives are stoopit!" channel)?
The incorrect assumption is that conservatives are not strong and electable candidates.
The reality is that Doug Hoffman blew away Dede Scozzafava. Had Hoffman had the support of the Republican party from the beginning, NY23 would have a "R" next to it at this moment.
Let the primaries begin!
NY23 opened the door for conservative challengers all over the nation, and in many districts, they will prevail.
JDM
At November 30, 2009 2:31 PM , Anonymous Bret4207 ..
If you only listen to the Conservative talking heads then you will see you through your own eyes. A most subjective, and not very accurate, view much of the times.
If you listen to the "talking heads" from the other side, then you will see how others see you. That has much more value in telling you where you are and what you need to do to change the perception.
Do you also think that no one should listen to conservatives when they talk about what the Democratic Party is about? I believe you are also saying that no one should listen to Fox TV or its repeating of the Mudge report if looking for sources on the Democratic Party or Obama. A most interesting concept. The old " kill the messenger" routine for all. Interesting.
Anon:..."The reality is that Doug Hoffman blew away Dede Scozzafava."
Hello! she was not running. She dropped out. Get it? The reality is, Owens won.
If Republicans or Conservatives want to run Hoffman again, then so be it. Democrats would rather run against him than a more viable candidate. Face it, he has serious flaws as a candidate.
7:47- intersting point and I'd agree if it weren't this subject, but if the idea is to find out whats sparking the "purity test" then wouldn't first hand info be best?
"if the idea is to find out whats sparking the "purity test" then wouldn't first hand info be best?"
Your right. Then you have to decide how much of what you are told you believe. Do the actions and the words match? for example, if someone says you do not have to be pro-life to pass the test, then I would only believe that if you can show me a candidate who is pro-choice. But you are right about the primary source.
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