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Nicolle Wallace

Republicans Get on Board

Article Page - Wallace Obama Inauguration Mario Tama / Getty Images Even some former Bush aides are smitten with the new president. Now, will lefties let the GOP inside the tent?

No American could watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama this week and not feel pride in the splendor and strength of our democracy. No one watching could miss the drama of this moment of challenge and self-examination for our nation—of seeing a man so well-suited to meet the expectations of the office he fills. The presidency is now within reach for any man who dares to dream big enough. It is no longer an office attainable by members of one race, and, hopefully, in short time, it will no longer be an office available to one gender.

Obama deserves our thanks for letting Republicans root for him, as well. He has created a space within his wide net of support for those of us who fought for John McCain’s candidacy by honoring the McCains at a dinner the night before his inauguration and by listening to McCain’s ideas on national security, climate change, and government reform. The Obamas have also returned the civility and warmth directed at them by president and Mrs. Bush in a way that sets this transition apart from others in recent history. This generosity of spirit has had a ripple effect throughout Republican circles. Two former senior aides to President George W. Bush said to me over the weekend, “I expect him [President Obama] to be there for eight years.” A former senior official of Bush’s re-election campaign predicted that he would contribute to Obama’s re-election effort. When I heard that, I said, “He hasn’t even been sworn in yet.” It didn’t matter. One former White House colleague who I ran into in a greenroom this weekend said, “I’m pleased with everything Obama’s done—it’s the press that’s driving me crazy.”

Two former senior aides to President George W. Bush said to me over the weekend, “I expect him [President Obama] to be there for eight years.”

Republicans seem to be growing more and more comfortable with Obama, and they aren’t shy or stingy with their praise. From Obama’s appointments, to his outreach to conservatives in and out of elected office, to his discipline and calm—Republicans of all stripes are impressed. President Obama was wise to tap into our hunger to be part of the solution. It will most certainly help extend his honeymoon and will prove useful when he seeks to put together bipartisan coalitions to solve big problems like immigration and entitlement reform.

The test is whether the far left can stomach our support. It’s an open question: Will they recognize that Republican support only strengthens Obama, or are they too consumed with anger and hatred for the right to accept our support of this new president? Will they be able to accept a president who listens to us, or will they mobilize, through left-wing blogs, groups like Moveon.org, and their allies in Congress, against any efforts on the part of the Obama administration to forge bipartisan solutions?

There are several issues on the horizon that will force members of Obama’s base to make this choice. Nancy Pelosi voiced her support for repealing the Bush tax cuts before they expire, putting her at odds with Obama’s economic team, which prefers allowing them to expire in two years. The Obama administration prefers a national economic discussion about a balanced package with something for everyone—tax cuts for businesses to win over Republicans and small-business owners, and government spending to win over Democrats and other key members of Obama’s coalition. Some Democrats are intent on investigating members of Bush’s national-security team. The withdrawal of troops from Iraq will likely take place at a much slower pace than Obama’s supporters on the left would like. Finally, the responsible disposition of prisoners at Gitmo will take every minute of the year Obama has promised and possibly longer. In its handling of these issues and many others, the Obama White House could find that keeping its political coalition together will become one of its greatest challenges.

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January 22, 2009 | 5:58am
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rjcrawford33

Well, Obama shows every sign that he is indeed reaching out in the ways that Bush never even contemplated beyond rhetoric. This is so un-newsworthy that I wonder why this is even published here.

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6:54 am, Jan 22, 2009

lloydpweaver

The real question Independants and Republicans want an answer to is whether President Obama can control Reed and Pelosi.

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7:51 am, Jan 22, 2009

cajola

Prez Obama is doing what he said he would and be inclusive of all people, it's about time as Bush never did that he only wanted his own crowd involved.

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7:58 am, Jan 22, 2009

funkychicken

"The test is whether the far left can stomach our support. It's an open question: Will they recognize that Republican support only strengthens Obama, or are they too consumed with anger and hatred for the right to accept our support of this new president?"

Deception probably isn't the best way to begin the reconciliation process. Anger and hatred? Calling Limbaugh and Coulter, calling Limbaugh and Coulter, please come in.

Come on, Nicolle, time to set aside those childish things.

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8:56 am, Jan 22, 2009

converseleigh

Having lost the election now the Republicans are demanding a level of inclusion never considered in the last 8 years for the loyal opposition. According to them there was no such thing as a loyal opposition. Oh and the left is churlish if they don't leap at the opportunity to let the clowns who trashed this country back into the big tent. But with the president setting a tone of reconciliation no doubt the Republicans will be invited to the show. Sit down and try not to do anymore damage.

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9:31 am, Jan 22, 2009

Jaibones

McCain staff nitwits like Nicolle Wallace explain with perfect clarity why there is a President Obambi. She isn't qualified to run a campaign for Alderman.

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10:41 am, Jan 22, 2009

Czarkazem13

"Obama deserves our thanks for letting Republicans root for him, as well."

You mean not running a campaign like John McCain and Sarah Palin based on fear and prejudice?

"It is no longer an office attainable by members of one race, and, hopefully, in short time, it will no longer be an office available to one gender."

Or one religion, or even - dare I say - no religion. Or is that too much? Though it is debatable if we had gay presidents.

"A former senior official of Bush's re-election campaign predicted that he would contribute to Obama's re-election effort."

Re-election?! I guess the Republicans are drinking the Obaminade too.

"Republicans seem to be growing more and more comfortable with Obama, and they aren't shy or stingy with their praise."

Not when I listen to Right-wing radio. Hannity, Limbaugh and their ilk, seem to think the nation is about to end. Of course they somehow equate liberals with Marxism or socialism (or the fact that Marxist - ie: communist - is the same as socialist).

"The test is whether the far left can stomach our support. It's an open question: Will they recognize that Republican support only strengthens Obama, or are they too consumed with anger and hatred for the right to accept our support of this new president? Will they be able to accept a president who listens to us, or will they mobilize, through left-wing blogs, groups like Moveon.org, and their allies in Congress, against any efforts on the part of the Obama administration to forge bipartisan solutions?"

You mean will this "far Left" put the U.S. first or act like the - heh-em - the "far Right" (or just Right) the last eight years, right?

The Bush administration talked a good game when it came to forming broad coalitions with the Democrats, but that was it - just talk. Their actions were completely different.

Either way, it's nice sentiments, but where was this from Republicans when they controlled everything. In the end, this comes off insincere.

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10:47 am, Jan 22, 2009

ardeth

As far as Republican participation is concerned, I think what Obama said the other day to a large group of White House guests is apt. To paraphrase: Feel free to roam around. Just don't break anything.

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10:50 am, Jan 22, 2009

troyriser

Those Republicans 'getting on board' with Obama's euro-style socialism and ineffectual 'softpower' foreign policy are not Republicans. It's telling, too, this fawning, pro-Obama article was written a former McCain campaign advisor and GOP communications director. Much is explained.

Don't get me wrong: Like most Americans (and most Republicans), I want to give this President a chance, of course, but I strongly doubt raising taxes in the teeth of a recession and sitting down for tea with lunatic Ayatollahs is the road to Utopia.

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10:57 am, Jan 22, 2009

ChrisNichols

converseleigh

Are you kidding me, the Democrats cried about not being included for the twelve years they were out of power in Congress. Here is something you idiots on the left won't admit or can't figure out, Bush isn't a conservative, he gave the Democrats everything they wanted and did nothing for the people who voted for him. When Bush was in office the left suddenly became fiscal conservatives, then when Obama and the rest of the donks said they were going to continue defecit spending, all of a sudden it's okay again. zombies.

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11:04 am, Jan 22, 2009

drstedman

"No American could watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama this week and not feel pride in the splendor and strength of our democracy."

This is incorrect. I live in Louisiana, and the people I work with all failed to feel that pride..

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11:06 am, Jan 22, 2009

cherylmc85048

Traditionally the democrats biggest problem has been the liberal - moderate infighting...unfortunately when dems don't have an outlet to consolidate their ire (can you say Dubbya???) they spend too much energy fighting within the party.
Perhaps in these times -- when we have extraordinarily serious issues --- liberals and moderates (even if they have an R by their name) can all get along.....a girl can dream!

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11:23 am, Jan 22, 2009

VinceP1974

I'm awed by the level of deception going on.

Obama could be as "inclusive" as he wants. He knows the Dems in Congress have the Legislative process locked-down and the GOP shut out.

That's is where "inclusiveness" matters... during the Legislative process... The Office of President has almost nothing to do making law... so he could be having DeMint over to play darts and discuss policy till the cows come home.. Harry Reid aint going to let him have any say in Legislation and neither is Stretch in the House.

I have to shake my head at the stupidity of Republicans.

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11:38 am, Jan 22, 2009

Bettie

Let the GOP inside the tent?? Gee Nicole, remember Tom Delay and Bill Frist?

Face it, YOU are outside, trying to get in on the fun.

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11:46 am, Jan 22, 2009

Aetius

Ah, Nicolle Wallace betraying Republicans and kissing up the Democrats. What a shock.

Spread any bullsh** rumors about Sarah Palin lately, Nicolle? How did Sarah Palin not know that Africa was a continent when whether or not to divest Alaska state oil money from Sudan was one of the big issues of her first gubernatorial term, Princess?

Elephants have long memories, dear. Unfortunate for you.

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11:51 am, Jan 22, 2009
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Republicans Get on Board

by Nicolle Wallace

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