Factions threaten to destabilize the GOP in 2008

[babylonsister]

Factions threaten to destabilize the GOP in 2008
By David Lightman and William Douglas | McClatchy Newspapers

* Posted on Wednesday, October 17, 2007


WASHINGTON — Some Republican social conservatives are talking about maybe dropping out and forming a third party. Economic conservatives are angry that the GOP Congress and President Bush went on a six-year spending spree. Then there’s Iraq, and the question of whether the party is too rigid in support of the unpopular war.

This is the mess that is the national Republican Party, vintage October 2007 — a fragmenting coalition in search of a center that might hold. As voters prepare to pick a 2008 presidential nominee, the GOP confronts a central quandary: Can anyone bring these factions together?

Even that question divides the faithful.

The prevailing view for the moment is that unity is just months away, thanks to the prospect that New York Sen. Hillary Clinton may become the Democratic nominee.

“Nothing will bring Republicans together better than the prospect of Hillary Rodham Clinton,” said Fergus Cullen, New Hampshire's Republican chairman.

Others aren't so confident, particularly if the current GOP poll leader, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, is the nominee.

“He’s stated a pro-abortion-rights position,” said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, a conservative group. “There is nothing more fundamental to social conservatives than the preservation of human life. Right behind that is the issue of marriage, which he is vulnerable on. It gives social conservatives very little to be motivated.”

more...

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/227/story/20552.html

[Ian David]

1. Let's donate money to Republicans running as third-party candidates! n/t

[ixion]

2. Nothing will bring Republicans together better than the prospect of Hillary Rodham Clinton,”

Which is why the GOP/DLC would just love to have Clinton run.

[tanyev]

3. Nothing makes Republicans happier than having an enemy to do battle with.

[niceypoo]

4. No matter who wins the nomination, the republican smear machine will go nuts

It is what they do

[FormerDittoHead]

12. There's got to be some more vunerable than others. Who do YOU think tops the list?

My brother has a lesbian friend whose girlfriend is Republican who is voting for HRC in the Wisconsin primary (you can vote for anyone regardless of your party affiliation) solely because she thinks that Clinton would be the one easiest to beat in November.

I think that speaks volumes.

[wyldwolf]

5. Nothing will bring Republicans together better than "progressives"* smearing Democrats

Which is why the GOP/"progressive"* movement just loves smearing Clinton.

[ixion]

6. what movement? who's smearing? I'm stating my opinion, if you don't mind

thanks.

[wyldwolf]

7. ..and I am stating mine... if you don't mind... but it is a fact...

... the "theory" being pushed by "progressives"* that a Hillary nomination will rally the GOP troops is void of any facts. Further, it is my opinion that continually repeating that factually-challenged argument is a smear and that "progressives"* are working with the GOP against Clinton.

[ixion]

8. it is not a fact, it is your opinion

and there is ample evidence to believe that it will happen.

To imply that I am working with the GOP is factually-challenged, as you say, since I am not, hence there can be no facts to back it up.

[wyldwolf]

9. If it isn't a fact and there is ample evidence to support it, be the first to present it here.

[ixion]

10. the first? I don't think so...

however, in short, the GOP has had it out for Clinton since Bill was in the WH. They accuse her of being a murderer (for Vince Fosters suicide) among other things. They will accuse her of being socialist. They will accuse her of being a member of the East Coast Intellectual Elite (whatever that is). Be assured, they will pull out all the stops. That there is a palpable hatred of Clinton, fired by Rush and his thugs, is evidence that, collectively, you'll see all sorts of faux outrage by the GOP once Clinton secures the nomination.

You may not consider this evidence, but I do.

[FormerDittoHead]

13. Yawn. This reverse psychology stuff is getting old. n/t

[Gravel2008]

11. Why would social conservatives need to form a new party?

Isn't the Constitution Party already there for them?