As much as Democrats would love to paint conservatives as racist, homophobic, and intolerant faith-pushers, it’s interesting that few conservatives are focusing on these issues. As far as I can see, Republicans are succeeding by focusing on the issues that matter most to the folks. This is probably the only time I’d ever quote James Carville but, “It’s the economy stupid.” Fortunately conservative voices such as Joe Scarborough and the 2009 gubernatorial candidates in New Jersey and Virginia get it. The Democrats were the ones obsessed with social issues and they looked foolish at a time when nearly 20% of households have experienced a sharp drop in income.
The theme of the successful conservatives in 2009 wasn’t on social issues. They focused on conservative solutions to revitalize those states and it led to an evisceration of their Democratic opponents. Conservative solutions to the economy, our national debt, and foreign policy are the model for success and winning in 2010 and beyond. Joe Scarborough’s politics are a great example of the type of conservatism needed to rebuild and grow the party.
Scarborough is a fiscal conservative who applies this conservatism to all issues. His ideas are simple and yet profound. America is in debt, stop spending. Our troops have endured too many burdens, finish the job and bring them home. Gay marriage and abortion may drive primary voters in both parties, but Scarborough knows they are best handled by the states under the 10th Amendment’s guidance. Americans are out of work, stop the fake “stimulus” and incentivize small businesses to hire. This is the type of conservatism needed to build the party. To quote Scarborough, “When you’re out of work, how do two guys getting married in Vermont affect your life?” Social issues such as abortion, gay marriage, and prayer in schools should be left to the states. Conservatism means limited government and Scarborough has got his eye on the ball.
Joe Scarborough’s political philosophy and his brand of conservatism won in 2009 and will continue to win in 2010 and beyond. Focusing on solutions to the big problems and taking a federalist view on social matters wins. Conservatism means conserving our resources, a cautious foreign policy, and a sustainable budget. These are principles Scarborough discusses everyday on Morning Joe. Conservatives would be wise to listen up.
Steve Maley
Moe Lane
Dan McLaughlin
Neil Stevens
nt
Mike (Diary) Thursday, December 3rd at 5:45PM EST (link)K, first thing you should know about me: My name is Mike Sargent, and I am an intern for NewsBusters.org. My main responsibility is to watch all three hours of Morning Joe every morning, and I have done so since February of last year.
So I know a bit about Joe, by now
That said, what I say here is my own opinion and may not necessarily be the opinion of NewsBusters.org, the Media Research Center, or its affiliates.
My problem with Joe is not his brand of conservatism; if you look in his history, he came to Congress by running on social conservatism. Joe is, in fact, a great example of personal conservatism. The problem is this: He opts for intellectually lazy arguments.
He never argues that the federal government is not allowed by the Constitution to enact nationalized health-care. He argues instead that the government would be less efficient than the private sector.
That’s true, and we all know it. But it’s also irrelevant, as the currently proposed program is an overtly unconstitutional bill. They. May. Not. It’s simple, but intellectually more engaging.
Joe Scarborough’s brand of conservatism is a band-aid conservatism — it works for a while, but it eventually stops sticking. I’m not saying the guy is wrong, I’m saying he’s lazy. I want more from a conservative — and I demand more of conservatives, than vapid, repetitive arguments. Vapidity qualifies you to be a liberal or a moderate; conservatism is decidedly more difficult.
Scarborough's a solid conservative
joejharvey (Diary) Friday, December 4th at 8:47AM EST (link)It is almost impossible to get something like HC adjudicated in the court systems and ruled unconstitutional. If you wanted to argue that this healthcare bill is unconstitutional, you might as well start with Medicare and Medicaid. That will never happen and doesn’t resonate with people. Talking about why government run healthcare won’t work is accurate and people can understand the argument. I would say it is intellectually lazy to be using terminology like “Death Panels.”
Focusing on conservative solutions to the big issues and taking a federalist view on social issues is the way forward for the party. I don’t really hear anyone else besides Scarborough out there really articulating a way forward. Haley Barbour would be another person with good ideas for rebuilding. But that’s about it.
twitter.com/joejharvey
facebook.com/joejharvey
Joe, if you don't understand why Death Panels is not only effective
The_Gadfly (Diary) Friday, December 4th at 9:02AM EST (link)but also accurate, you’re going to have a short self life here. Also, telling social conservatives like me to move to the back of the bus doesn’t help build the party. We’re tired of that crap and we aren’t much in the mood for tolerating intolerance anymore.