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My Party of Cowards
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As Sotomayor hits Capitol Hill today, Republicans have a chance to act like statesmen. So far, says conservative talk show host John Batchelor, they've betrayed him.
The whimpering of the Republican officeholders at the rants of Limbaugh, Gingrich, Tancredo, and Cheney is now so panicky that it is no longer sufficient to presume it is because the politicians fear the Hispanic vote over Sonia Sotomayor or the generic party polls about torture and the bailouts. Rather, it is because the Republican remnants in Congress are arrogant adults who have, by their wordless toleration of the demagogues, become the thing they fear more than losing. They have become cowards.
After hearing out 100 hours of indecency hurled at the ardent and articulate Sotomayor by the Nouveau Demagogues and their choir, and hearing nothing in passionate rebuke from the GOP leaders on the Hill, it is time to accuse each and every one of the Republicans in Congress of betrayal. It is time to say they have abandoned the people who elected them to represent a political party that was built, at the heroic moment of its birth under the guns of the slavers, upon a belief in liberty for all. It is time to challenge them to speak up loudly for our better angels in the face of the conjurers or else confess their lack of interest in the history of the party and find another, less-demanding vocation.
It’s easy to spot the protocols of the Nouveau Demagogues—inflated indignation, preening self-pity, colloquial rudeness, and, of course, full TV makeup—and in the days after the nomination of Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, the aggressors have been as relentless, resourceful, and unopposed as serpents of the deep.
Where are the Republicans of Congress to challenge these two giddy character assassins as unacceptable cranks, immediately and loudly?
In the first hours, Rush Limbaugh deliberately smeared Sotomayor with the word “racist.” The presenting issue was the now-often-referenced 2001 Sotomayor speech at Berkeley, in which the judge committed the villainous, shocking offense of speaking incautiously and unwisely in public of gender and race. Limbaugh loaded the word “racist” like a dum-dum bullet and fired while trying to cover the gunsmoke with a flimsy equivocation: “Here you have a racist. You might want to soften that. And you might want to say reverse racist.”
Some hours later, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich one-upped Limbaugh by using his Twitter page to fling a misdirecting missile: “White man racist nominee would be forced to withdraw.” And then in a burst: “Latina woman racist should also withdraw.” Just in case his unoriginal ad hominem remained unclear, Gingrich added, with churlish sarcasm, “New racism is better than old racism.”
Where are the Republicans of Congress to challenge these two giddy character assassins as unacceptable cranks, immediately and loudly? Are they afraid of a couple of middle-aged multimillionaires? Are they ashamed of their own impotence? Don’t they see that their silence encourages the rascals? Don’t they have a Twitter page? What do you think Joe Welch meant when he told Joe McCarthy, “Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator?” Does the party’s history have no meaning to you on the Hill?
The smearing got worse when the demagoguery moved, incredibly, to accusing Sotomayor of the same sins as the Ku Klux Klan. First, the bilious ex-Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo said on CNN that Sotomayor was suspect because she associated with the Latino advocacy group La Raza, which Tancredo abused as a “Latino KKK without the hoods and nooses.”
Then on Friday came the ugliest turn so far, when Limbaugh, in a rambling monologue, as if he would out-mudsling Gingrich, proclaimed that President Obama’s nomination of Sotomayor was the same as a Republican president nominating the genuine Klan pariah David Duke. It was a breathtakingly stupid moment, cluttered with the illogic of a performer who calls himself “America’s piñata” and also claims to belong to something he calls “our side” and “our party.”
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Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
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Progressive2
A party of cowards, yes you're correct but it's what you get when your entire party is controlled and influenced by fearmongers.
You get people with fear for their own "leaders".
Let's face it their party has been hijacked by Neocons anything other then extremist rhetoric is considered RINO or left and should be removed.
The "base" believes that dumb Palin could have won but John McCain held her back because he was a "moderate".
How wrong is that?
The only way they'll realize that they're screwing themselves over are when the elections of 2010 are over.
Which btw is GREAT for Dems anyways.
jackee
McCain lost because he provided no contrast and did not represent conservative beliefs. Between two folks on the same side of the fence (at least that's how Obama portrayed himself), America chose the better story. Palin, if left unrestrained by the McCain machine, could have provided a contrast and yes could have won.
I think the reason that the GOP doesn't disagree with Rush/Newt/etc on the morning talk shows is because they don't disagree with Rush/Newt/etc.
citivas
Do you have any factual basis for your belief other than either delusion or wild optimism? There is fact, study and poll after poll that show that the a clear minority of the U.S. population considers itself "conservative" let alone "far right" and only a far right conservative would have voted for Palin or "doesn't disagree with Rush, Newt, etc."
Ritarita
Jackee-
You're walking down
A long long road to disappointment.
Good luck with the Palin thing.
If she runs in 2012 it will
Only benefit Tina Fey.
It's going to be a very
Long 16 years.
sippewissett
I know you WANT to believe that Palin could have won, but you also WANT to ignore the # of Republicans who fled the party and became Independents or Democrats.
Palin DID provide a contrast to Obama on several fronts, restrained or not by the "McCain machine". She is ignorant; he is informed; she is parochial; he is worldly. She is ill-educated; he is well-educated. She is semi-literate; he is insightful. She has narrow social policies; his are inclusionary. None of these contrasts were "restrained" during the campaign and the MAJORITY understood that and voted for excellence over mediocrity.
The fact that the Right-wing MINORITY agrees with Rush/Newt and Palin does not mean they can prevail in a democracy.
DemsDeBreaks
Well said, Progressive2. I keep wondering when a new party will form from the moderate ashes of Republicans who are not Evangelical zealots, bigots, or as completely out-of-touch with the reality of today's struggling middle class as Marie Antoinette. I have a feeling the GOP and Marie are going to have something in common.
hockeydog
DemsDeBreaks, I wonder about the same thing, only in the broader sense of how it relates to both parties. The author asks, "Where are the Republicans of Congress to challenge these two giddy character assassins as unacceptable cranks"?
In order for a person to challenge the character of others, that person must first be a person of good character him/herself. But, our Congress, on both sides of the isle have proven themselves to lack that very thing called "good character".
What we are left with, are either loudmouth cranks such as Limbaugh and Gingrich, or empty suits, who have already been bought by the lobbyists.
Character, or the lack thereof, is not defined by political party.
Kegan974
The party of former KKK Klansman, Robert Byrd salivating about those mean old Republicans? Are you kidding me??? Fools!
thetalkinghand
Who can't differentiate between a repentant ex-klansman Byrd and the politically-expediant ex-klansman Duke is the real fool, troll.
Banjo1
I'm curious about the word "troll" on this website. TDB does lean left, but it's hardly the Daily Kos where the Kids never expect to hear an opinion that does not mirror theirs exactly.
Str8UpNoChaser
Banjo,
Here's the thing. It's not about idelogoy. You're a "troll" if you refuse to address the actual subject of the blog and instead interject standard talking points. Please tell me what Robert Byrd has to do with Sotomayor? There is not connection. Therefore, it's trolling. At least that is the way that I understand it.
xbainx
Yes good one. Robert Byrd was in the Klan. And now the Democrats have the first black president. Byrd is also 900 years old, while Republicans are racist even today.
Banjo1
A good portion of what xbainx writes on any subject can be attributed to homosexuality. (Cue the repressed hillbilly gay comments).
Spasticula
Batchelor: "They GOP has become cowards."
(ahem...) Correction! The Republicans have always been cowards. Because they have ALWAYS been afraid to appear thoughtful.
FoolsLogos
They're not cowards if they actually agree with Rush and only denounce him out of necessity, because of his known status as a radical and power to sway millions of voters.
theblender
millions of voters? yeah, sure. NOT cowards? Oh, ok, just lost their integrity, huh? gad!
citivas
So what you're saying is their not cowards, their idiots. Nice choice.
Banjo1
I think you mean "they're," idiot.
citivas
Yep, good call...
Ottoheinz
ROFL at the grammar police who think they're actually making a good point...
marcyj
Yeah, Rush's infuence and power to sway millions of voters really worked out in the last two election cycles. He should be put on the endangered species list. Even though I'm an animal lover I wouldn't mind seeing him "fail".
jarussell
I think the fear runs deep in the party as we now know it. Fear of what, I'm not so sure. Is it fear of losing power? Fear of losing relevance? Fear of getting old and knowing that Father Time is watching? The image of Reagan is as sure as the fate of Reagan. Noone escapes that.
The whole issue of torture, or use of EITs is about fear too. When you're crippled by fear, when you're in a place so dark and cold and unfamiliar, it doesn't matter what the dance you do looks like-you just need to escape. It's the same principle that occurs when people use torture. The person that is afraid (ie, being tortured) will confess to anything, even Iraq and Al Quaida links. As sure as sunshine, if you want someone to say what you want to hear, scare them until they say it.
It's ironic too, that Limbaugh always always always screams, "They don't listen to everything I'm saying!!" or "They're only listening to sound bites!!!" Then he does the same thing with Judge Sotomayor. ANYONE who read the text of her comments or heard the entire speech she gave when she made the remarks about a Latino woman would know absolutely that she was saying the OPPOSITE of what she's accused of.
Oh well, I remain Republican and steadfast no matter what the idiot leaders/spokesmen of my party come up with next. I'll be here longer than them, and it can't get any worse. Can it?
Ritarita
I don't know-
Some stains are impossible
To get out.
Banjo1
Middle line is a little long. The level of banality is fine as usual.
Str8UpNoChaser
"It can't get worse can it"
Well jarussell, unfortunately it can.
All political parties are made up of coalitions. Everyone doesn't agree on everything, but they share some core values and opinions. The consensus for the party usually ends up being a compromise that all coalitions can agree with.
As it stands now, the coalition in charge of the GOP is a fringe coalition out of control. If the sane, reasonable, non bigoted wing of the party can't control the fringe, then it will get worse. Imagine the democratic party being led by the conspiracy theorists in their midst. It would be catastrophic to say the least.
I do feel that a big part of the problem was caused by the GOPinsisting that everyone "be on message". Everyone has to sing from the same sheet of music. Everyone repeats the same old talking points. Well now, people have gotten so used to that that they balk when anyone "goes off message". It is not natural for millions of people to all say the same thing using the same wording. The GOP needs to learn to accept differing opinions. It is healthy to debate an issue and reach a general consensus rather than giving everyone their marching orders. I fear that now that the fringe has had a taste of power, they will not be going away quietly.
Good luck to you. A legitimate opposition party is needed in order to ensure that Dems don't get out of line either.
Banjo1
There is a great more diversity of opinion in the headless GOP at present than in the Democratic Party under Great Leader.
Str8UpNoChaser
Really Banjo? More diversity in the GOP? Your fingers should've gnarled up in protest for you typing that. There is no rroom for diversity in the GOP currently. Rush/Hannity/Newt?O'Reilly say something. That becomes gospel for the GOP. Anyone who disagrees is bullied into towing the line.
Exhibit A - Colin Powell
Exhibit B - Arlen Spector, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins
Exhibit C - John McCain
At this point, the GOP tent is a pup tent.
jarussell
Trust me, it's only the party leadership and talking heads that are calling the shots as to whom says what and who is and isn't a power player. I live in northern PA, and can tell you that the hard-core republicans around here are fed up with the party and the line of bullshit. We had a huge number of voters go for Obama this time around. We're smart enough to know when the GOBs (good ol boys) are trying to blow sunshine up our asses, and we have enough common sense to know that Iraq was a lame attempt at revenge on the part of Bush Jr. Unfortunately, it's our brothers and friends and sons and daughters and family that are dying because of the egos of GWB and Cheney. Banjo continues the idiocy of empty talk by claiming there's more diversity in the GOP than the Dems.
Really, let's talk about that statement. You seem too smart to really believe what you're saying Banjo. How do you measure that statement? How do you justify it? It's crazy talk like what you're writing that makes people sick and tired of hearing the party 'line'. I call it verbal diarrhea; you open your mouth, you don't know what's coming out, what color it is, how long it will last or what it will smell like. You let it out because it's coming whether you want it to or not. Do yourself and all of us a favor and sound out what you write before you post it.
Kilgore-Trout
Any sane thinking conservative will be ditching this party of the Reichwing; while like the historical equivalent; it will attract the fringe and extremists. A third party should be formed soon and America will be the better for it.
Banjo1
The independents are already shearing off from Dear Leader and the Democrat Politburo. When the wreckage of Obama's spend and tax programs becomes clear to even these low information voters, the GOP revival will be in full bloom.
Str8UpNoChaser
Banjo,
Can we jump onm the Straight Talk Express for a moment please? If as you predict, voters will be running away from the taxing a spending of the Obama administration, why in the name of all that is holy do you think they would jump into the arms of the GOP? There is a record of the previous administration to consider. When given the opportunity to control everything, the GOP blew it. You can't hide from that. It is the height of hypocrisy to refuse to hold the previous administration accountable for anything after 8 years in power, but blame the new guy for not solving all of our problems in 4 months.
The fact is, you have a bunch of old white guys refusing to let go of their old ideological battles and join us in the new millennium. The same old tired playbook isn't going to work. If you learn anything from Obama's victory, it should be that people are hungry for new ideas and fresh faces. They are no longer insterested in remaining bogged down in the past. Instead they want to actually make progress toward a more prosperous future.
They also recogize that our current POTUS didn't "break it" and he's doing his best to be proactive about 'fixing it". He may not have perfect solutions, but at least he's trying things instead of debating the issues for decades.
Munodi
really banjo? Show us your proof that independents "are shearing off"
citivas
I don't know. Perhaps most people will have enough brain to recognize that our problems are more a result of the decades of debt and spend by the GOP. You think very little of voters if you assume they can't discern the fact that Republicans usually spend more than Democrats, are less fiscally conservative and created most of our crippling national debt we're dealing with now, even when times were flush.
medina83
it's Mitch McConnell of Kentucky right?
AiriqS
"It's easy to spot the protocols of the Nouveau Demagogues-inflated indignation, preening self-pity, colloquial rudeness, and, of course, full TV makeup"
Interesting article, but I think it is more about our Congress (both sides of the aisle). Pick any issue and all we get from these bozos is Nouveau Demagoguery.
TERM LIMITS!
Only in Washington
nutiket
John Batchelor--the quality and content of your writing again rivals that of my C - freshman English students from years ago. It's a good thing your radio audience dwarfs that of Mr. Limbaugh. Speaking of whom, have you ever heard of "satire"? It's a genre popularized by Pope and others about 300 years ago. You could look it up.
muddog
Mr Batchelor.
Since when has the G.O.P. had a real statesman in the last decade?.
The G.O.P. has been ridding on the coat tails of Limbaugh, Coulter, O'Reilly, Beck, Cheney, Faux News and all the other fear mongering, conquer and divide thugs who have kept the G.O.P. in power way to long.
The best thing to happen is the G.O.P. dies ( they are doing a good job of that on their own ) and something better comes from the ashes, until then please don't be surprised @ the bizarre statements and the childish, schoolyard bully tactics emanating from your party and the talking heads.
Where is the moderate wing of the party?
Where are those holding Limbaugh and his ilk responsible?.
When Bill O'Reilly spews hate towards an individual and now that individual is DEAD, what does that say about the party?. Where is the outrage???.
I am a life long Democrat and I am thrilled my guy is in the White House, one who I feel is truly trying to work with the other side, so much so he is pissing off his base, but what do we get in return from the right???? More of the same.....I prefer a diverse government, as diverse as the US OF A is but my gosh, how can you compromise and debate in a civil tone with the likes of Michael Steel?. Michelle Bachman?, Tom Tancredo?.
I think a 3rd party may just have to shake things up. I for one prefer ALL sides to be civil, but I am afraid the G.O.P. has no interest in such mature tactics...
Banjo1
Democrats expiating (look it up) on how to make the Republican Party better is rich. Save all this deep analysis for when your own implodes.
Str8UpNoChaser
Banjo,
Once again, you miss the whole point that is staring you right in the face. Sure, there are Dems that are red faced with laughter over the GOP's troubles. In all honesty, I've giggled a time or two myself. However, those that aren't hard line idealogues recognize the need for a true opposition party. If the GOP can't oppose without being bigotted and lying through their teeth, then we all lose.
lemonjus
Er, sorry Banjo...explicate is the word you might be looking for. Expiation is what the Republican Party should be doing just now. On account of the past 8 years, you know.
BasPos
Banjo, you're a malaprop. The Democrats are loving every word from the mouths of the present cast of Republicans. Palin will be remembered as the inspiration for some of our greatest political comedy and unbridled hate-speak. As long as the Republicans choose so well, they will slowly melt away like the witch in Oz;-)
Farmer-Dave
What have we wrought? In the race to make money we have created a medium that exists to continually inflame the public by mixing virulent opinion with carefully chosen or twisted facts.
The talking heads, with no one to answer to save their greedy bosses are paid highly to "entertain" and further addict their listeners with righteous anger. The rest of the video, audio and print media repeat the vitriol of these entertainers as if they were spokespeople.
How can an elected official who gets an occasional 15-second soundbite compete with "entertainers" spewing hate speech 30 minutes a day?
Until Americans recognize these pundits for what they are, tune them out and use their own brains to reason their opinions, we will continue with a bitterly divided political landscape.
robjh1
All they have to fear is fear itself. They will need to change or forever be lost in the wilderness. Mike Steele had his moment of truth and is failing miserably.
jsanderssr
The real cowardice here is the reluctance to call a racist a racist when the shoe fits. This laraza acolyte flat out says that a "wise latina" can make better decisions than some honkey cracker.
Batchelor, you and your ilk are full of it. You look and act like Mr Rogers on estrogen. Sleazebags and tax cheats that they are, at least the democrats don't cower and pee at the thought of a fight...
BasPos
This is an exceptionally psychotic post. You ape Tancredo then challenge the Republicans to stand up and fight. What should they fight, the inevitable?
theblender
Well written... can't say I think along all the same lines, but pretty close.
This user is no longer registered.
n--Y--vermillionPicachu
WOW. It's just mind boggling to hear this kind of straight talk from a Republican. I don't see how the Republican party can avoid a split. And I think that would be good for the country on a number of levels, not the least of which would be putting an end to the facade that Rush Limbaugh and Hannity and that ilk speak for everybody who belongs or has ever belonged to the Republican party. Character assasination, lies and inuendo were elevated to an art form by Lee Atwater, and his successor Karl Rove. When you have scum like that forging the strategy and tactics of a party where else do you expect it to go? I believe cowardice may be the least of the Republican parties problems, moral bankruptcy being first and foremost. I applaud Mr. Batchelor for being uncowered by the demagogues.
Thank you.
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