Chambliss lays out his vision for the GOP: We’ll pressure moderates to turn to the right.
Chambliss lays out his vision for the GOP: We’ll pressure moderates to turn to the right.
Fresh off his victory in yesterday’s run-off Senate race, Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) told Glenn Beck today that he had won a “big victory on basic conservative principles.” He lauded Gov. Sarah Palin’s (R-AK) efforts on his behalf, and told Beck that he would push moderate Republicans to move rightward:
BECK: Yeah. Do you think the Republicans are going to get it? … I mean, do you think you are going to be able to hold 40 together on some of the big issues of the day?
CHAMBLISS: [...] Having that tighter margin I think is going to give us an opportunity to go to some of our moderates who have not always voted with conservatives and say, look, you know, this is the opportunity we have to define our party, this is the opportunity we have to ultimately move back in the majority. If we don’t stick together, then it’s over. Our movement’s going to be delayed and delayed. But if we do stick together and then what you’re going to find in your state where you’re elected as a moderate, you are going to find folks rallying around you.
Listen here:
A recent Gallup poll found that only 35 percent of independents want the Republican party to become more conservative. In total, 61 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of the party.
Transcript:
CHAMBLISS: We had a great turnout and a big victory on basic conservative principles, and I hope we take something away as a party from this particular runoff.
BECK: I don’t — you know, that leads me to my question because I don’t think that the party gets it yet. I really don’t. I mean, they are a party that tries to distance themselves from Sarah Palin. You saw how popular she is down in your state.
CHAMBLISS: She is electric. She brought just all kinds of people to us, you know, whether it was Joe the plumber types or folks sitting in their coats and ties. She just packed every house we were in. On Monday we had four different stops around the state and when she walks in the room, there’s an electricity you just can’t believe.
BECK: Yeah. Do you think the Republicans are going to get it? I mean, I heard you say yesterday, you said, “I’m going to be the 41st senator to stand up against, you know, gun rights being taken away,” et cetera, et cetera. Do you really think we’ve got 40 other Republicans, Senator? I’m just so afraid. I mean, if you are a student of history, I’m sure you are, you know that during the Great Depression when going tough and they were promising free bread and free everything to people, I mean, the Republican party was called the “Me too” party because there were a lot of people that just defected and said, “Yeah, yeah, me, too, I’ll do that, too.” I mean, do you think you are going to be able to hold 40 together on some of the big issues of the day?
CHAMBLISS: You know, Glenn, I think that having 41 and hopefully we’re going to have 42 if my buddy Norm comes through but having that tighter margin I think is going to give us an opportunity to go to some of our moderates who have not always voted with conservatives and say, look, you know, this is the opportunity we have to define our party, this is the opportunity we have to ultimately move back in the majority. If we don’t stick together, then it’s over. Our movement’s going to be delayed and delayed. But if we do stick together and then what you’re going to find in your state where you’re elected as a moderate, you are going to find folks rallying around you. Whether we can do that and sell that to them, I don’t know. But I think it does give us the opportunity to do that.
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57 Responses to “Chambliss lays out his vision for the GOP: We’ll pressure moderates to turn to the right.”
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Fashion...
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:32 pmAlready claiming a mandate to take the country in the wrong direction. The more things change...
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:33 pmWe are the goon squad
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:34 pmAnd we're coming to town
The Senators' comments portend what may well be the greatest boon for the progressives in this country. Bravo for a move towards the right. All one has to do is check out the electoral map!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:36 pm"...this is the opportunity we have to define our party..."
The modern conservative movement has defined itself by its opposition to many things that most Americans want: Social Security, Medicare, clean air, clean water, a forty-hour work week with opportunities for overtime pay, among many other things. To define yourself as a conservative is to define yourself to be in the minority opinion in this country.
We tried it the Republicans' way. The result was an illegal war in Iraq, millions more unemployed, and a horrendous debt that will take generations to pay off. Americans who love their country do not vote Republican.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:37 pmHey saxby you lil turd the only reason that you won is that you were in georgia remember your gov said to pray for rain when yall were in a drought yeah how'd that work out for ya your state will be left behind when the rest of the nation moves foward...oh by the way the only way you will get moderate rethugs to vote with you is if they are thinking about leaveing office the next election
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:39 pmThis country felt the pain of Chambliss' party and flatly said "PISS OFF". Because the majority of voters in Georgia can still be duped into voting against their best interests is not a mandate for the right. It is up to the Democrats who now have the advantage to take the lead and, well, lead! These righty bastards need to be sent into the wilderness until they realize this is about America, not their self-centered, screw everyone else, gimme gimme gimme party.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:40 pm"... this is the opportunity we have to define our party, this is the opportunity we have to ultimately move back in the majority..."
they - his type - really don't care about the country.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:40 pmCHAMBLISS: She is electric.
Well hook her up to the grid.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:45 pmThe majority of the voters in Georgia are a bunch of f_cking idiots, just saying.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:46 pmThe Moderates, some of whom face re-election in less than 2 years, will be looking to be on the side of "getting stuff done" and not the side of obstruction.
But don't trust the hardliners to read nuance.
PEACE
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:46 pm"moderate" conservatives have been running screaming towards the middle left since their asses got handed to them on 06 & 08. they realized the new rapeublican ideaology introduced by ronnie raygun has been thoroughly rebuked by america. sexy saxby doesn't seem to "get it" that he's an anomoly...sent to washington from a state that, for the most part, still doesn't have a cutoff age for sleeping with your sister.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:51 pmAs a liberal Democrat, I like Chambliss. Prior to this runoff election, I must admit I knew very little of him. The more I read and learned of him I grew to like this man.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:52 pmHe is like one of those Palin gifts. Those gifts that keep on giving. I believe after this runoff, he will be in the limelight more so than his last term. He is a cariture of a man, and thats putting it mildly. I believe that he will be a constant source of entertainment and amusement for the Democrats and the rest of America (Georgians that didn't vote for him included). He should be encouraged to speak, for when he speaks it speaks volumes about the base and it's ills.
He is representative of the race bating, intolerant, and frankly racist elements of the GOP base. His win is our gain.
He is what we will point to, constantly; mind you not because we will make issue of this man. He himself will, everytime he opens his mouth.
I wonder if that's why the Obama team didn't fight hard to defeat this man. HMMMMMMM.
"If we don’t stick together, then it’s over. Our movement’s going to be delayed and delayed."
That's an excellent rendition of how republicans define "constipation", Saxby!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:55 pmThis line of logic just escapes me.
It is akin to General Motors saying that they would not be in the mess they are in if they had just built more, and bigger, SUV's.
More of the same of a losing formula does not make for a successful outcome.
But, hey, what do I care. Republicans, you just keep on pushing that logic if it makes you feel better! The voters, I think, feel differently.
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:55 pmAddition to #14 -->
"constipation" definitely equals "delayed movement"
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:57 pmThe movement has ended with a big old diarrhea stain on the world centered on America. And Saxby wants to insert a suppository?!?!
December 3rd, 2008 at 6:58 pmBeing in the minority will present more opportunities than controlling all three branches for six solid years? Sort of optimistic, isn't he?
The second tier loser may be electric, but how much political capital does that really translate into? He's riding the wrong coattails, I'd say.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:01 pm"electric" is that repukelican code for "hillbilly white trash from the north slope who stole 150 grand worth of designer duds from the base"?
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:02 pmShhhhh... don't say that too loudly.
Republicans who think the future of their party's success lies in a further lurch rightward are the best thing liberals have going for them.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:05 pmI see Saxby still believes in the moral minority. Too bad when he was part of the moral majority, they couldn't get sh!t done then either.
Just ask Joe Lieberman about that road down down center-right lane. It sure has done wonders for him! *snicker*
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 pmChambliss lays his vision for the GOP: We’ll pressure moderates to turn to the right.
A sound strategy for remaining the minority party.
Americans have decided to move past the partisanship - and if an agenda, popular with voters, is stymied because of republican footdragging, they'll pay for it in the polls -- again.
Moderates will be abandoning these tactics. They know their best chance for re-election now, is to be seen as problem solvers, not roadblocks.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:14 pmThe one horseman of the Apocolypse
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:14 pmHow stupid does one have to be in order to generalize the results of a Senate race in Georgia going to a Republican?
A right-winger winning in Georgia is a sign that Republicans need to move to the right in order to regain their majority?
Good thinking, Sad Saxby. I say run with that.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 pm"Chambliss lays his vision for the GOP: We’ll pressure moderates to turn to the right.»"
Turn away dope...More hoods and burning crosses will be you undoing.. I'm sure the moonshine and turnip greens will keep you warm at night along with the rest of your Dobson-loving flock in the ever shrinking area in the south where stupidity rules...
Have a great time and don't bother us anymore..AMF!
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:17 pmPalin believes abortion should be illegal in all circumstances. According to at least five different polls listed in Pollingreport.com, about 10% of the American public agree with her on that. This is just one of the reasons why I agree with Chambliss that Palin should take a leading roll in the Republican party in the years to come.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:18 pmSeeing as how Palin is so "electric," these "basic conservative principles" must include:
1) abstinence that results in teen pregnancy out of wedlock
2) dropping out of high school
3) women wearing the pants
4) lying and believing in lies
In addition to the tried and true principles of racism, homophobia and religious bigotry of the Christian variety.
If Sackless Shambles (whoever came up with that moniker deserves a gold star) can just convince enough moderates to embrace more of these principles, that would be very interesting. But I don't think it would result in any kind of republican renaissance.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:20 pmSure thing sax buddy, you lead the way.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:27 pmYou're so .... influential.
This is the same Chambliss who despises veterans & hates the troops, right? What a loser. He really defines the "Un-American" comments Palin & Bachmann spew. Interesting (but not surprising) that Palin, who loves to label people anti-American, can campaign for a man who is so anti-veteran, anti-troop, anti-American. Wonder how Palin would feel when/if her son gets back from Iraq & Chambliss launches another totally negative campaign against Palin's son, even if he's a quadraplegic? Would Palin still kiss his feet?
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 pmHe saying this after the run-off he had to be in because he didn't get over half the votes to begin with.
All these types are deniers. I've been catching Huckabee here and there pitching another book saying the same things. They're in denial.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:31 pmUh, has he not heard but the rest of the country has had enough of the right for awhile....except the south, where he is, of course, they like the abuse.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:32 pmThe win a victory in the reddest of all red states in a special election and all of a sudden they have turned the corner and it's going to be a new day for the Republican party. Oh hell, let them have their fun. They have lost so badly I'm willing to allow them to fantasize for a while. Then when reality hits, it's really going to hurt!
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:35 pm#Bozo The Neoclown Says:
“electric” is that repukelican code for “hillbilly white trash from the north slope who stole 150 grand worth of designer duds from the base”?
And who is mysteriously still wearing those designer duds even though she was supposed to have returned them all.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:38 pmStates to avoid:
Georgia, because of Saxby Chambliss and the loonies who elected him.
Alaska, because of Sarah Palin and Ted Stevens and the loonies who elected them.
Minnesota, because of Michele Bachman and the loonies who elected her.
Connecticut, because of Joe Lieberman and the loonies who elected him.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:39 pmYes, Saxby, do all you can to fuel your party's losses in 2010.
These guys are clueless.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:40 pmOh PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do. 65 Senate seats at the end of the 2010 election would be awesome!
I'm sure he has all those polls (we never saw) that said that the electorate voted for the Dems and Obama these last 2 elections because the Republicans just weren't conservative enough.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:53 pmchambluster must have a bug in his pocket...who are the "we" he's talking about......I think he's in this pretty much alone at this point.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:02 pmIt doesn't matter if we have 60 or not or what party they belong to. PUBLIC PRESSURE matters. Look at the original bailout. They voted it down, saw the market tank, turned around and voted yes. It will be a job for Obama to encourage those who don't pay attention politically to harass their senator when they don't come through with a little help, after long last.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:07 pmRave on, Saxby. As long as you and your ilk continue to steer your party into a ditch on the right side of the road, progressives have their job made easy for them.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:25 pmPress on, chickenhawk.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:40 pmDelusional illusions of grandeur. Freaking morons.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:45 pmIf he runs RIGHT far enough he will drop in the Atlantic. Go fo it dickhead.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:56 pmralph the wonder llama Says:
How stupid does one have to be in order to generalize the results of a Senate race in Georgia going to a Republican?
Pretty stupid. "If y'all were redneck morons like me, we could take back the whole dang country, you betcha."
It's just too bad that all the people who turned out in the general and voted for Obama couldn't be bothered to vote in the runoff. He'd be whining a different tune right about now.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:16 pmyes AbleCluster we know. Do you feel like an asswipe or not. Electronic used car salesman and all
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:37 pmChambliss is such a pig anyway.
But most of all he is a GOP pig. The GOP, with the help of the internet, has proven to be a group of wrong-headed and ill-intentioned shit for brains.
If Chambliss thinks this tactic will work, then I am betting that it won't work; sort of like the Bush always gets it wrong thing.
My guess is that moderates will not appreciate the bullying, especially from a low life piece of shit like Chambliss, and will either vote with Dems or will convert completely, thus crushing the hopes of Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Grover Norquist, the GOP and the neocons for a permanent republican majority.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm"Tom Delay, Newt Gingrich, Grover Norquist, and the GOP" is the punch line of a very sad joke.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:12 pmReally Saxbaby, you and Sarah just keep chanting "drill baby, drill" and you two will be running the country in no time. You two really have your fingers on the pulse of the country. Geniuses.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:31 pm"...this is the opportunity we have to ultimately move back in the majority..."
Earth to Saxby! Earth to Saxby! The reason you are in the minority now is because your party veered too hard to the right and your conservative policies have been abject failures and a curse on America. Exactly what part about an election loss by a margin of 8 million votes don't you get Mr. Chambliss??
Just saying . . .
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:06 pmDecember 4th, 2008 at 12:18 am
FoxNews and the Republicans (but I repeat myself...) insist on saying that Sarah Palin won it for Saxby.
They just keep gulping their own Kool Aid down!
December 4th, 2008 at 12:24 amNext campaign just use the slogan "CHANGE"!
December 4th, 2008 at 1:41 amGood Luck Bro!
I'm sure he'll have no trouble convincing his Georgia-born, inbred, sister-f--cking, Deliverance buddies to "Go Right."
Fortunately, for the majority of the United States of America, "Liberal" is no longer a 4-letter word.
"Right" is "Wrong." We all know it.
December 4th, 2008 at 2:16 amThe Chambliss victory might seem like a victory for the GOP, but it really was a victory for the DNC 50 states strategy, the sole fact that the race in Georgia went to a revote and that the GOP still had to use a lot of resources to win it proved that the strategy was fantastic, it forced the GOP to use huge resources on their safe havens leaving the battlegrounds vulnerable.
December 4th, 2008 at 8:00 amTuesday's election in Georgia seemed like a downer at first; but I hadn't appreciated how much of a silver lining Chambliss might be. You go Mr. Senator. Perhaps a national tour with you and Palin might help steele the party.
December 4th, 2008 at 9:13 amCrikey - whatever ol' Saxy is smoking - well, it must be good shit.
December 4th, 2008 at 10:24 amAnthony....he will be entertaining. Like the other Georgia rep who assalted the capital policeman. (Then actaully ran for president.....HAHAHA LOL) He will be the gift cause his objective will cause more repugs to loose in 2 years!
December 4th, 2008 at 12:26 pmBeep Beep
December 4th, 2008 at 2:08 pm