Post by Right Wingnut on Oct 19, 2010 21:55:18 GMT -5
Sarah Palin's political instincts should not be taken lightly. On Monday, she warned the GOP of the consequences of ignoring the message of the tea party.
"I think more of the machine within the GOP is going to understand that this 'we the people' message is rising, and it's resonating throughout with the independents, with hard core conservatives, with moderates, because it's just so full of common sense and time-tested truths that can put the economy on the right track," Palin said.
"Heaven forbid that the GOP machine strays from this message," she said. "If so, the GOP is through."
When asked if that meant Republicans would be wise to kick the few remaining moderates out of the party, Palin contended that it would not be necessary — though many of her endorsements have aimed to do just that.
"This is all about an independent message, moderates who just believe that government's proper role is very constrained and restrained, according to our Constitution, that our states' rights, our individual rights should be more powerful and made more manifest than a growing federal government — their — their power," she said.
"So moderates can embrace that," Palin added. "Independents certainly can."
I suspect this gave many in the establishment wing of the party a sever case of heartburn. However, it appears as though Sen. McCain agrees with Palin.
Speaking on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the former Republican presidential candidate said tea party members have “struck a chord” with Americans and that his former running mate Palin is calling for fiscal control in Congress.
“What Sarah is saying,” said the Arizona senator, is that “we’ve got to get a fiscally responsible majority in Congress of Republicans and act in a fiscally responsible manner.”
McCain said his party betrayed its base with out-of-control spending and was repudiated in the 2006 and 2008 elections, “as I know very well.” McCain, of course, lost to Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election but appears headed for an easy re-election to his Senate seat on Nov.
I fully expect many others in the party to follow suit as soon as "the coast is clear."
Update: More from [a href="Hot Air:"]Hot Air:[/a]
“I have faith they will shake things up because that’s why we’re sending them there.
“And this is kind of — I think some in the GOP, it is their last shot. It is their last chance. We will lose states and be disappointed from them if they start straying from the bedrock principles that can grow our economy. If they start straying, then why not a third party? That’s what people are going to start asking.”
Rush agrees:
“WOW. Just heard Limbaugh’s opening monologue, where he gave the GOP establishment both barrels. Seems he doesn’t just fear a return to business-as-usual after November, but actually expects it. He’s openly warning that this will create a third party for 2012. I’ve issued the same kind of warnings myself, but he seemed a lot more . . . definite about it. I wonder what he knows that I don’t?”