The thing that worries me about the recent Republican manuvering.

[coloradodem2005]

The right wing is losing control and the moderate Republicans know it. But the moderates could bring the party back to the center and it may be in a bid to keep control so they can still let some more socially conservative legislation through. Particularly with McCain I have concerns about that. Could all of this be more insidious than we thought? Though it could also be the sign of a fracture and that the party is tearing itself apart. What are your thoughts?

[Carolab]

1. I think that as long as there are corporate lobbyists

there will always be a middle that both parties will flow to, but perhaps there is some splintering along "religious" lines due to the extreme fundie influence

[lala_rawraw]

2. No, this is really very good...

The moderates are fighting to keep control and rid themselves of NeoCons. It is that simple in my opinion and that is why the 7 dems have gone along... I think you are about to see this chess game turn because of Rove's miscalculation. It took me a few days to get through the Owen Horror, Horror, Horror.

I am thinking clearly again and I see a good strategy ONLY if it plays out the way I imagine it will. Otherwise, they can all collectively kiss my arse.

[Carolab]

10. Could be both.

Running from the Dominionists AND the neocons--IOW, the extremists in the party.

[Carolab]

13. Will Pitt's take on it

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/052505X.shtml

(He thinks both--a clash between the two extremes...)

[KT2000]

3. I think McCain

is using this to launch his presidential bid.
Dems just better hold his feet to the fire if they make deals with him. If he waivers in any way the Dems need to scream about it.

[Michael_Bush]

6. and when the Dems scream that McCain is bad

he will run that footage in his campaign commercials.

This is one of those times that is only going to become clear later on how the various strategies turn out.

I think preserving the fillibuster for the Supremes was wise move. If they don't nominate any, we win, if they do and we make our stand there, the public will, in their so short term memory, remember we were reasonable. I would rather lose over district courts than the Supreme court, if we only have one chance, that is the place to use it, defending the Supreme Court in the Supreme Battle...I can see the headline now.

[Blue_Roses]

9. well said

:thumbsup:

[KT2000]

11. I agree with you

I think that there are people on both sides who realize how bad things really are and an agreement had to be made to preserve the country from a permanent block on the Supreme Court. But a stage has been set and the Dems really need to keep their spines because they will be tested for sure. They better keep the tapes of the "agreement press conference" fopr Democratic ads.

I suspect that McCain will come to the fore on other issues as the "man of reason" and it will lead him into the election as a candidate.

[LittleClarkie]

8. One thing I heard on the radio from a Conservative that sort of made sense

was that the primaries are the territory of those most motivated to vote, which would probably be the social conservatives. That may be a sticking point for McCain, and also may be why Hagel came out against the deal.

What do you think of that logic?

[KT2000]

12. Sounds reasonable

as a political party strategy but I think McCain is going on his instincts.

The division and vitriol that is the fuel of the Republicans should produce a pretty fatigued populace by the time the election comes around. I think we are instilling some doubt as well.

I see McCain positioning himself as the "leader with reason" by brokering the filibuster issue and others to come. He is aiming for crossover votes from the Democrats.

Just my sense of things.

[Erika]

4. The GOP party of old believed in small gov't and fiscal

responsibility. I think they want to get back to that. They know Bushy tying himself to religious theocrats is killing them. Rove saw them as a base to exploit, and he did so. But now they are a liability rather than an asset.

I know McCain wants nothing to do with the far right wing.

[coloradodem2005]

7. Well, I always found McCain acceptable when standing next to Bush.

But I still don't entirely trust him because he has been too close to Bush.

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. I'd say the GOP is fracturing