In our current political climate, can a (R) be elected WITHOUT using violent rhetoric

[justiceischeap]

We all know by now the "2nd Amendment solution" line, the "bullets not ballots" phrase, "Don't Retreat--Instead, RELOAD" comments and so many more I don't really care to track done and post. Is it possible in the current US political climate for conservative republicans to get elected without using some sort of overly-agressive rhetoric towards their candidate? Can we, as a group, find a similar comment made by all Tea Party/ReThugs running in the last election cycle who uttered some sort of phrase similar to those above?

[rfranklin]

1. Because their base is so small and shrinking, they have to use violent language...

to get attention and distract voters from the facts. And I don't just mean gun language. This was first promulgated by Newt Gingrich with his memo to fellow Republicans about villifying the Dems at every opportunity with perjorative words.

[Zywiec]

2. "bullets not ballets"?

Who knew they felt this strongly against the arts?

:shrug:

[justiceischeap]

4. I apparently, subconsciously, feel that way about the arts.

Thanks for the correction. :)

[LynneSin]

3. Didn't work for Christine O'Donnell and especially Sharon Angle

n/t

[el_bryanto]

6. Well, there are two issues; getting through the primaries and getting through the general election

While violent language may not persuade those in between the left and the right, it is absolutely crucial to winning over the teaparty right. You have to convince them that you see Democrats for the enemies of America that they are.

Bryant

[Stevenmarc]

5. No because they put all their eggs in the fear basket

[Johonny]

7. There are some areas of the country where a Republican would win over an opponent

no matter what. There are some districts in the US so over populated with Republican voters the candidate rarely even has to run on anything other than the party logo. So yeah some people don't need to use fear to get elected because their district is safe.

[Zax2me]

8. Perhaps you missed the last election...

When we got our ass handed to us while our 'base' - however defined, sat at home on election day.
So of course they can win without violent rhetoric - they just did.
They can't win ANY way when we turn out to vote.

[cali]

9. can you really see Olympia Snowe using violent rhetoric?

[DoBotherMe]

10. Their whole platform is violent

Their aim is to harm the defenseless. That is how they campaign. Dana ; )