Forget Rush, usher in Meghan

It's not the party faithful that win elections. It wasn't the liberal Democrats that elected Obama, and neither was it the conservative Republicans that elected George W. Bush twice. Even Ronald Reagan would not have been elected without the "Reagan Democrats."

It's the folks in the middle that decide.

People like Colin Powell, who recently said,

"I'm a little concerned," former Secretary of State Colin Powell says. "I'm concerned at the number of programs that are being presented, the bills associated with these programs and the additional government that will be needed to execute them."

Powell also seems to sound a note of warning to the young president.

"I think one of the cautions that has to be given to the president -- and I've talked to some of his people about this -- is that you can't have so many things on the table that you can't absorb it all. And we can't pay for it all."

I realize that Powell is a Republican, but so was Arlen Spector at one time, now Spector is a Democrat. Both of this guys are really third way people, more independent than party faithful.

Specter's party switch was a matter of survival, because he knew he would have a hard time in the Republican primary. It really doesn't mean that he has changed his views on any issues, or that he will necessarily change his votes on them, either.

Also, he must be feeling pretty slighted since he was stripped of all of his seniority. That move was not just embarassing to Specter, but to Harry Reid as well, since Reid made the promise only to have his own caucus revoke it. Specter's re-election is dependent upon his own personality more than his party, just like Leiberman's was.

I.e., appeal to the independent voters.

It is these people in the middle that decide the elections. You get their votes, with promises of economic recovery like Obama did, or promises of continued national security like Bush 42 did, then you win elections.

If I were a Democratic strategist working for the 2010 elections, I would pay some attention to Colin Powell's remarks. Far more attention to Colin Powell and others you can find in the middle, than I would to a Meghan McCain or a Rush Limbaugh, both of whom are really just part of what Chris Matthews likes to call the "Hardball Sideshow."

In mid-term elections, historically, the party in power tends to lose support. In looking at things the way they are now, with the midterms a little over a year away, there is little to make this voter think that things will be much different for 2010. The Democrats hold such strong majorities in both houses that they really have no way to go but down. They will lose their filibuster proof majority in the Senate and lose some seats in the House.

Those very voters who were promised economic recovery are now beginning to wonder where it is. So far, Obama's stimulus plan hasn't stimulated much of anything except the federal deficit, and, he is now moving on to healthcare, which is guaranteed to swell the federal deficit even further beyond its already historic proportions.

He needs to pay heed to Colin's remarks above, or face the possibility of being another one term Democrat like Jimmy Carter. A good guy, who really couldn't get much done.

If you look through history, you'll see that there is no such thing as a true conservative Republican anymore at all. Everyone who claims to be one is sadly delusional because this country has been leaning left(er) and left(er) since President Lincoln was in office.

He has become known as the "Progenitor of Totalitarianism" in TRUE conservative circles -- and by conservative, I mean the only true conservatives left in the country are those who are staunch 10th Amendment people (states' rights trump federal), 2nd Amendment people (keep and bear arms against the government), and absolute First Amendment people who truly believe in free speech and assembly, not just the lip service of it.

People who truly believe that you can say whatever you want and who DO NOT TRY to stifle opposing views because they are uncomfortable or unwanted. True Free Speech means that we can all say exactly what we want and that NO ONE has the right to squelch that.

Wake up, please! The citizens (most of them) of this nation have been asleep for more than a century. If the "middle thinkers" don't begin to realize what is happening, the politicians and those who control what goes on in this country by the inside of their billfolds, will make paupers of us all -- and in the name of "trusting the government." -- no more frightening a concept has ever been put forward.

I would suggest you watch real time with bill mahr, tonight. Ms McCain is on it and doesn't come across as the sharpest knife in the drawer.

jbann- Don't be so naive. Rush and Hannity or no more Republican than a middle of the road Republican. As for popularity, you whine and complain long enough you will surely find an audience. I would be curious to what either actually does other than stir the pot. They are just like Al Franken...just from the opposite spectrum. At least Franken put his money where his enormous mouth is and ran for office(then again..that may not be a good thing).

Vice President for $100 please.

What? Where did that come from? I don't remember talking about the VP. I think you left something out of your posting... maybe the first part of the thought?

So, Rush found himself addicted to pain meds after surgery... and overcame it. Sounds like he was pretty tough to cowboy up. He has his moments of stupidity like anyone else, but for the most part, he is correct and DOES speak more like a Republican than Miss twitter. Which was the main subject but feel free to talk about the VP, it's not my blog.

Drew,

You are wrong on so many points. The main one being the premise that republicans are closed minded and can be put into a tidy little box.

The bottom line is, republicans believe in freedom and liberals don't (except the right for abortion).

Another point that you have spent an article defending is that the party needs one single voice. Who says that republicans, democrats or independents need one voice.

I guess it is just the liberals way to put a label on someone , point a finger and label.

Most republicans I know are equally disgusted with this government and the spending of the last administration.

Believe me, your "progressive liberal" group can have Ms. McCain. She doesn't seem to speak for anyone, but just speaks.

Okay,so Drew....are you saying you're leaning toward becoming a Libertarian? http://www.lp.org/platform Read and think about it.Drew could be Greene County's answer to Glenn Beck!!