Bush Finds Party Faithful In an Ugly Mood

WSJ ^ | 2/12/04 | JACKIE CALMES

[TomServo]

WASHINGTON -- For all the attention paid to partisanship in this town, the more interesting -- and consequential -- fights here in this election year will pit Republicans against Republicans.

A new level of tension is emerging between President Bush and the congressional Republicans he expects to deliver his election-year agenda. Among the sore points, Mr. Bush's initiative to give legal status to immigrant workers who are here illegally, a bid to attract Latino voters, instead has roiled the party's conservative faithful. Republicans have been put on the defensive over the President's policies on Iraq. And record deficits and spending suddenly have Republicans questioning his fiscal stewardship.

[Maelstrom]

The average conservative funding those think tanks most certainly does scream.

Those think tanks are supposed to put our voices across. They have taken our money and failed in that purpose.

[dalebert]

I am not upset with Bush over immigration. Its the illegals and border issue that bothers me.

[KantianBurke]

"says Ed Gillespie, the Republican Party chairman."

Funny how he can hear loud and clear that "the people" want to keep the Dept. fo Education but when it comes to his party's base, he's as deaf as a doornail. RINO'S OUT!!

[futureceo31]

I seem to think that people who dont seem to respect the President never really did using perjorative terms as "Daddy Bush" and "son Bush". Just amazing to think that whatever Bush does, its still a million times better in all ways than what a Rat candidate would do, as they will end up left of whatever position the President takes and sitting out the election does not seem to achieve anything as we got Clinton for 8 years.

[futureceo31]

And somehow this is President Bush's fault. Amazing that in the 3 years he has been in office, we have just allowed this to happen..:)

[Maelstrom]

Yes

That is all we are a commodity on election day.

[futureceo31]

Every day, there are stories of INS stopping illegals coming into the country and sending them back. Maybe its not as much as one would want, but apart from killing them, there is only so much one can do. All they have to do is swim across the border and come right back.

[Dane]

Dane - you probably live in Wisconsin where illegal immigrants from Mexico havent impacted you yet. Just wait senioriz you will soon see what it is like to live in America and have to speak spanish to get a hamburger or a gallon of milk. Your kids will be put in classrooms where they will learn spanish as well as english and Cinco de Mayo is celebrated with more prominance than the fourth of July. Its coming your way buddy and you better get ready. How do I know - I live in Arizona where this has already happened. Maybe its time for you to wake up

Whatever. Your hyperbole was said by Ben Franklin over 200 years ago about German immigrants and 100 years ago by some about the Italians and thr Polish.

English is becoming the world language. Oh BTW, do you know where the biggest Washington's Birthday celebration is held. In the border town of Laredo, TX. I saw it on the travel channel.

Washington's Birthday Celebration Association

[Fitzcarraldo]

IF Kerry or some Democrat wins, the situation will be far worse - don't these folks realize that? Bush has to prevent some issues from being used against him in the election and if he has to use weasel words to slide around the immigration issue I can under stand that. He has been a staunch supporter of traditional marriage so you have to give him credit and as for the budget deficit you can thank Mr. Bin Laden for that.

[grumple]

Many articles have been written lately with the specific intent of trying to fracture the Republican base into not voting out of sheer disapproval for the Bush administration. This appears to be another.

[TXBSAFH]

I stand corrected.

[jmstein7]

Nah -- this is just a push-story (a story published for the purpose of CREATING a further rift).

We have enough to be concerned, but not enough to vote for a third party (or sit home) and screw ourselves even worse by putting the likes of KERRY in office.

[KantianBurke]

Am willing to bet that Rove and Gilespie simply calculated what percentage of GOPers were kool aiders, who weren't and how far they could pander and spend before it had any serious negative effect. A few quick mathematical formulas could probably come quite close to the mark. Smart politics but VERY cynical towards his core supporters. Its an action reminiscent of a husband figuring he can cheat on his wife to the point that she'll still stick around.

[Dane]

And you are totally helpless that you can't speak Spanish and only speak English in LA correct?

Doesn't sound like you are too helpless, although you try to convey that as hyperbolic rhetoric.

[jmstein7]

Exactly onthe money - this is a push-story intended to try and fracture the base.

[Constantine XIII]

Heaven forbid our great grandchildren eat more tacos than hamburgers. *rolls eyes* :-P

[Dane]

Many articles have been written lately with the specific intent of trying to fracture the Republican base into not voting out of sheer disapproval for the Bush administration. This appears to be another

Exactly. And it has been known for years that the WSJ's Washington beareau is liberal, unlike the editorial board on Wall Street.

[futureceo31]

No point arguing with people who didnt vote for Bush the last time around, and will not vote for him this time no matter what. AS this is one of the main conservative news sites out there, we are going to get trolls trying to cause dissatisfaction among us. CAlling one of the greatest presidents of the 20th century a traitor is just beyond me... And these are the same people that would call a perjurer, a liar, a rapist and a molester one of hte greatest presidents of the 20th century. It wasnt that long ago that the desk in the oval office, one of the most reverential places in the country was used for fellatio purposes. Am constantly amazed at people's thought processes.

[swampfox98]

How very sad. George Bush could have been one of the best presidents since Regan. With his overwhelming support from the Conservatives and the middle of the roaders, his Democrat opponent would have been blown out of the water before he even began.

Why why did Bush do and say these horrible things? I can't imagine Kerry actually winning the election, but Bush has made such a mess of things here at home, there will be little joy in Conservative Mudville on election night.

I am so angry that he has done this to us. He has betrayed the voters, the conservatives and America.

[Stu Cohen]

And you are totally helpless that you can't speak Spanish and only speak English in LA correct?

Not helpless, but I stopped riding the bus. More crap in the air now *shrug*.

I guess because one can survive, we shouldn't resist the surge of illegal immigrants into the country who refuse to learn English and gobble up social services desperately needed by American Citizens.

I mean since i'm not *totally helpless*, I should simply shut up? At least that is what I am infurring from your post. Do correct me if I am wrong.

Doesn't sound like you are too helpless, although you try to convey that as hyperbolic rhetoric.

See above. Once you're "too helpless", it's too late.