Rep. Tom Price: ‘It’s Not Up To Rush Limbaugh To Decide Who Ought To Be In The Republican Party’
Rep. Tom Price: ‘It’s Not Up To Rush Limbaugh To Decide Who Ought To Be In The Republican Party’
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) went on MSNBC’s Morning Joe today and publicly distanced himself from Rush Limbaugh’s version of the Republican party. Price said that “it’s not up to Rush Limbaugh to decide who ought to be in the Republican Party” and such exclusivity is “counterproductive.” He also said that Vice President Cheney was wrong in saying that Limbaugh is a better Republican than former Secretary of State Colin Powell:
SCARBOROUGH: Congressman, do you disagree with Rush Limbaugh that Colin Powell should leave the Republican Party?
PRICE: Look, it’s not up to Rush Limbaugh to decide who ought to be in the Republican Party. There are all sorts of wonderful folks across this land who hold dear the fundamental principles that we, as Republicans — [...]
SCARBOROUGH: Congressman, do you believe that Rush Limbaugh or Dick Cheney are better, quote — I’m just using terms that we hear every day on TV and radio — that they are somehow better Republicans than Colin Powell?
PRICE: No. Goodness.
Watch it:
Price has been called one of the “rising” stars in the conservative movement, so it’s interesting that he is so willing to buck Limbaugh and Cheney. The other Republican to do so recently was Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ), who dismissed the hate radio host as just “a television personality.” (He has yet to apologize or backtrack, as so many of his colleagues have done.)
Transcript:
SCARBOROUGH: Congressman, Joe Scarborough here.
Do you believe that the Republican Party is big enough to hold both Rush Limbaugh and Colin Powell?
PRICE: Without a doubt. Without a doubt. If we — if we are concentrating on fundamental principles, those principles of economic freedom and economic liberty and opportunity, national security, and adhering to the social values that have made America great, then that’s a party that’s broad enough for the vast majority of the American people.
SCARBOROUGH: Congressman, do you disagree with Rush Limbaugh that Colin Powell should leave the Republican Party?
PRICE: Look, it’s not up to Rush Limbaugh to decide who ought to be in the Republican Party. There are all sorts of wonderful folks across this land who hold dear the fundamental principles that we, as Republicans –
SCARBOROUGH: But do you disagree with that viewpoint, Congressman? You disagree with that viewpoint that Colin Powell should not be a Republican? You want him to be a Republican?
PRICE: I’m an arms-open guy. I want folks all across this land who believe in the fundamental American principles that we embrace to join us and move forward in a positive way as opposed to the kind of exclusive decision that we so often see in Washington. It’s so counterproductive.
SCARBOROUGH: Congressman, do you believe that Rush Limbaugh or Dick Cheney are better, quote — I’m just using terms that we hear every day on TV and radio — that they are somehow better Republicans than Colin Powell?
PRICE: No. Goodness.
SCARBOROUGH: God bless you, Congressman. God bless you.
(LAUGHTER)
PRICE: This division that we seem to be embracing across this land has just got to go away. Look, we are all Americans, and we need to fight for fundamental principles. And that’s what will carry us — carry the day.
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Rep. Tom Price: ‘It’s Not Up To Rush Limbaugh To Decide Who Ought To Be In The Republican Party’ »
– - Sigh…..I’ve seen this movie ad infinitum and hate how it ends.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:33 amThe other Republican to do so recently was Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ), who dismissed the hate radio host as just “a television personality.” (He has yet to apologize or backtrack, as so many of his colleagues have done.)
Damn. Shadegg lasted the weekend. There’s a five-dollar bet lost.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:33 amWell, has he groveled yet? Has bent to kiss the ring of King Limbaugh?
May 18th, 2009 at 10:35 amOne wonders if this is the beginnings of the backlash against the uber-conservative faction of the Republican Party … one can hope…
May 18th, 2009 at 10:37 amcould it be that the right wingers are finally seeing that Limbaugh is a loon, even when compared to them?
May 18th, 2009 at 10:37 amPrice will be on his hands & knees, bowing before his all-knowing and all-powerful Flush Limpdick-begging for mercy and forgiveness, apologizing to his God, the de facto Rethuglic party leader within 24 hours.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:37 amI’m no fan of Price, but kudos for standing up to Druggie Limpballs.
The over / under is 72 hours on retractions, by the way.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:45 amShall we start the countdown? 9 . . 8 . . 7 . . .
May 18th, 2009 at 10:45 amuntil he “clarifies”? #1 Badmmodman has it right. This is getting so repetitive.
Once considered a rising star in Republic politics, he has just been downgraded to “shooting star” for shooting his mouth off about Lord Rush. This was his shining moment, now he must beg forgiveness or fade away.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:50 amNo, the uber-right-wing fanatics are now the Republican party. The few remaining traditional conservatives and moderates are the faction.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:56 amWhile I cynically believe that Limbaugh will get “fluffed” after this is all said and done, I have slight hope that MAYBE the GOP will try and trend back to sanity. Especially after they get drubbed in the 2010 elections…only time will tell.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:57 amI don’t know guys, the grovelling may have run it’s course.
Limbaugh doesn’t want to be the actual leader of the GOP because that would involve actual work and accountability—and it would be one hell of a pay cut!.
.
May 18th, 2009 at 10:59 amConservativeForProgress Says:
Of course it is not up to him to decide; but as a talk show host, he is entitled to express his opinion; and others are entitled to disagree.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:06 amHopefully crap!!! You are turly PROFOUND.
The GOP is so far gone that they cannot turn back. They will hang around for a while as a rump caucus, but will continue to fade away, until the party ceases to exist. It will take at least a generation before enough people forget, so the conservatives can reemerge as a new party.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:07 am@14. typo!!! you are TURDLY profound.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:09 amshoeless Says:
It will take at least a generation before enough people forget, so the conservatives can reemerge as a new party.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:10 amMaybe we should drop this insight on CFP. He seems bewildered.
Where have you been for the past few months? We have seen over and over again that Republicans are not allowed to disagree with Rush Limbaugh.
Fortunately for the rest of us, Limbaugh has no power over normal humans.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:11 amConservativeForProgress Says:
Of course it is not up to him to decide; but as a talk show host, he is entitled to express his opinion; and others are entitled to disagree.
Why is his entitlement to express his opinion be predicated on his being a talk-show host? Seig Heil herr conprog!
May 18th, 2009 at 11:19 amConservativeForProgress Says
May 18th, 2009 at 11:04 am
Of course it is not up to him to decide; but as a talk show host, he is entitled to express his opinion; and others are entitled to disagree.
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People were “entitled” to disagree with Al Capone, too. But if they wanted to do any business in Chicago in the 1920’s, they would quickly backtrack and grovel if they said anything against the guy who ran the town.
Which appears to be the scenario with Limbaugh. Perhaps YOU can explain why the engine for almost all GOP talking points seems to be Rush, and why almost every Republican who criticizes Rush in any way (or offers an opinion that doesn’t match Limbaugh’s) always winds up kissing Limbaugh’s ass within a week. This little pageant has been played out multiple times already — and always with the same ending.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:19 amAnother candidate for the “Limpology.”
May 18th, 2009 at 11:19 am.
Pre-dictable
You know, napkins are needed for these folks….
… What with all their (R)ushpublickin’.
.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:20 ammisscoleopteramolly Says:
People were “entitled” to disagree with Al Capone, too. But if they wanted to do any business in Chicago in the 1920’s, they would quickly backtrack and grovel if they said anything against the guy who ran the town.
Oh miss molly – as usual you nailed it!
May 18th, 2009 at 11:21 amScarborough is such a coward. He keeps trying to get these guys to say this about Limbaugh. Why doesn’t he just say it himself instead of making others do it for him. I wonder if that’s how he handled the dead girl in his office.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:22 amWow — Price simultaneously dissed Emporer Rushbo and Darth Cheney?? He’s really gonna pay for this…
May 18th, 2009 at 11:23 amFirst off…why should any of you who are democrats or liberals care what is going on in the Republican party? You have you’re own problems with Pelosi telling lies all over the place. Maybe you realize that come 2010…a backlash against this Socialism being installed…is going to sweep the Republicans back in power in the House?
I know…it’s time for personal attacks now…so let it begin as usual.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:23 amWhat are the odds of two repubs in a row criticizing King Limby and not kissing his ass a couple of days later? In Rushes party, independent thinking will not be tolerated.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:24 amRep. Price seen, clad in sack-cloth and ashes, crawling back under Limbaugh’s enormous gut in 5…..4…..3…..2…
May 18th, 2009 at 11:26 amOh, and btw: Joe?
What happened to Lori Klausutis?
just askin…
May 18th, 2009 at 11:27 amWhy would you care if Pelosi lies? You don’t seem to understand that none of us voted for her because we don’t live in her district.
And what difference does it make because Bush and Cheney told us we don’t torture so we didn’t right? Oh, and if this Price guy is one of your rising stars I don’t think we have anything to worry about. He’s doesn’t seem very bright. Which is fine with you die hard Repubs but the rest of the world is tired of stupid. Here, watch this.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:29 amThis is just such a mind-bogglingly stupid comment that it’s almost breath-taking.
In what universe does a partisan not care what his adversary is up to?
Just simple idiocy.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:32 amRealityCheck Says:
First off…why should any of you who are democrats or liberals care what is going on in the Republican party?
Ummm, for the same reason you’re hanging out at a Progressive site?
DUH!
May 18th, 2009 at 11:38 amWhat does any of this have ANYTHING to do with Pelosi lying. As a progressive I hope that the Limpballs and Darth keep on talking. The further they move to the right the more they are polarizing their own people.
As far as the torture debate goes, the issue is NOT if Pelosi lied, it’s not whether torture worked…the issue is how we hold these lawbreakers accountable. Look over here, look over there won’t work on this issue. It MUST be dealt with before we can move on.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:39 amPrice didn’t get the memo Rush Limbaugh is the Leader of the Republican Party and will be the Republican candidate for President in 2012. For entertainment President Limbaugh might have Sarah Palin as his VP choice as he’ll enjoy the extra benefits. Rep. Price and all the other GOP Law Makers better get with the program and join Rush. Look Christian Repuiblican base would love to see Limbaugh in the Oval Office and maybe he wont be high during Press Conferences. Yes drugs will flow like milk and honey as Rush will make sure there is a drug on every table and available to everyone.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:42 amLike all remaining Republicans, CFP works very hard at remianing oblivious to the happenings inside the Republican Party. Only by shutting down their higher reasoning centers can Republicans continue to be loyal party members in the poisoned atmosphere of the GOP.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:08 pmFirst off, we are all amazed that you Republicans have suddenly discovered the word ‘lie’, after 8 years of being totally incapable of uttering the word, as you digested an endless stream of lies from the Bush administration.
It’s fu(king hilarious.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:11 pmRealityCheck Says
May 18th, 2009 at 11:23 am
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“First off…why should any of you who are democrats or liberals care what is going on in the Republican party?”
– Even though it appears the Republican Party is old news these days, the fact remains that it’s still one of the two largest political parties in this country — and anybody who cares about politics in this country is going to care about what’s going on in both parties. And when one of the two parties appears to be run by a the host of a radio show (which says something about our culture) because no other Republicans have emerged as leaders for the party lately, yeah — we take notice. Even though you’d prefer we look the other way.
“You have you’re own problems with Pelosi telling lies all over the place.”
– Nice attempt at distraction with a shiny object. The jury is still out on what, if any, lies Pelosi told. That doesn’t have anything to do with the topic. But even if we WERE consumed with Pelosi’s credibility at the moment, we’re capable of multitasking, so we can pay attention to how FUBAR the GOP is, too.
“Maybe you realize that come 2010…a backlash against this Socialism being installed…is going to sweep the Republicans back in power in the House?”
– If the GOP plans to get swept back in power, they’d better get cracking. Despite all the bloviating from Rush, and all the cries of “Socialism! Socialism! Socialism!” from practically every Republican with a microphone, a majority of the American public support President Obama’s policies. And only about a quarter of Americans believe his policies are socialist. Less than a quarter of Americans self-identify as Republicans. And Rush continues to move the party to the right, alienating the moderate Republicans their party needs to get “swept back in power”. I see a lot of bravado from your ilk, making statements that confidentally brag about how the Republicans are going to rise, phoenix-like, from the ashes. And they may someday. But not while they’re on the track they’re on. I’m not worried about 2010, and I’m not likely to be worried merely because you suggest I should be.
“I know…it’s time for personal attacks now…so let it begin as usual.”
May 18th, 2009 at 12:22 pm– Please don’t confuse my shooting holes in all of your statements as any kind of personal attack against you. Just because I’m showing your assertions to be lame doesn’t mean that I’m calling you an idiot personally. But I can’t stop you from inferring what you will.
Jackie Says
May 18th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Price didn’t get the memo Rush Limbaugh is the Leader of the Republican Party and will be the Republican candidate for President in 2012.
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While I love your snarky scenario, I have to point out that Rush would never run for President. Not only would he have to take a ginormous pay cut, but as President he’d actually have to DO stuff — just bashing Democrats wouldn’t cut it.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:28 pmRush Limbaugh is GOP PARTY BOSS. This is an undisputed fact. Let there be no further discussion on the issue!
RUSH IS BOSS.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:30 pmRight, I can’t imagine Rush Limbaugh clearing brush.
May 18th, 2009 at 12:31 pmPrice, unfortunately for him, is a Representative in an ever changing political State. He MUST remain moderate in order to have any hope for re-election. We will soon see as we get closer to the 2010 midterm elections, more Repubes speaking out louder against Limbaugh and Cheney. It’s pure political survival folks!
As to our gleefully deluded troll:
“Maybe you realize that come 2010…a backlash against this Socialism being installed…is going to sweep the Republicans back in power in the House?”
That’s a good one! Here’s my prediction for the one who Checked reality at the door:
Americans after watching two years of posturing and obstructing realize that the Republican Party is now small enough to drown in a thimble and take even more seats from the Reps. The few seats that they still hold will be held by an even more extreme Republican representative, thus isolating the Republican Party even further and deeming it significantly more irrelevant.
Next!
May 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pmAny bets on how long until he says sowee to Boss Limbaugh?
May 18th, 2009 at 1:10 pmPRICE: Look, it’s not up to Rush Limbaugh to decide who ought to be in the Republican Party. There are all sorts of wonderful folks across this land who hold dear the fundamental principles that we, as Republicans —
Ok, Name them…………………. I’ll wait.
RIP
May 18th, 2009 at 1:24 pmSGT Stephen R. Sherman
C CO 1-5 IN (STRYKER)
KIA 3 Feb 2005
Mosul, Iraq
kdgamergirl Says
May 18th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Any bets on how long until he says sowee to Boss Limbaugh?
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The turnaround time on that has generally been just under a week (I think five days is about average). Of course, Shadegg is in the pipeline to crumple before Price does, so I think Shadegg is probably next.
On the other hand, if Shadegg and Price both manage to survive the incubation period, it might be indicative of some Republicans growing spines. And like the typical playground bully, Rush may fold if enough people stand up to him.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:37 pmIf it were for Limbaugh the KKK would be revived as the republican party.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:56 pmOf course Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ)needs to apologize, Rush is a radio personality, not a TV personality. That ended years ago.
May 18th, 2009 at 2:30 pmpeople love to topple tyrants when given the opportunity. Right now, republicans far and wide are soiling their pants in fear that limbaugh doesn’t go after them. It will only take one conservative with standing stating the obvious truths of the insidious nature of limbaugh and his negative effects on the republican party for the avalanche to start, and limbaugh’s day at the center of the black hole of today’s republicanism will be over. (And note, Powell does not have the standing to trigger the avalanche.)
May 18th, 2009 at 2:46 pmPluege (#47) is correct. If a few Republicans stand up to Limbaugh and don’t back down, a very worrisome trend could start. Limbaugh could become less influential and that could lead to problems for the Democrats. The longer Limbaugh holds on to his position as the “leader” of the Republican party the better it is for the Democrats.
May 18th, 2009 at 3:09 pmRealityCheck Says:First off…why should any of you who are democrats or liberals care what is going on in the Republican party?
Excuse me?!!! Which party was it that had the cojones to declare that the new name of the Democratic party was going to be the Democrat Socialist Party? I do believe it was the Republican party. We care what’s going on in your party because we don’t trust you as far as we can toss an elephant………and we’re always up for a laugh!
May 18th, 2009 at 4:44 pmFundamental principles….Fundamental principles….over and over in this report…This message here is the Republicans are the “good ol boys”…striving to uphold basic freedoms and opportunities for the American people…But to me…, they have only demonstrated once they are in leadership, they don’t follow their own principles….I just can’t trust them…
May 18th, 2009 at 6:14 pm#26 Reality Check: Listen up here dude. First off, if Nancy Pelosi knew that torture was going on, she, too, should be strung up with Cheney, DeLay, Frist et al. As far as 2010 goes until the Republcs disavow themselves of the extremists in their party, they will continue to lose elections.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:31 pm