Fred Barnes: Turnout Is Destiny (Karl Rove's new assignment is to get the faithful to the polls)

The Weekly Standard ^ | May 1, 2006 | Fred Barnes

[Tench_Coxe]

"First, Rove's magic won't affect the biggest issues dogging the Bush presidency and causing Republicans to be disheartened: Iraq and rising gas prices. But the second problem--President Bush's sagging job approval among Republicans--is one that Rove can address by emphasizing policies that appeal to Republicans and by creating strong fears of a Democratic takeover."

Um, Sorry Fred. I know you're trying to avoid the elephant in the room. Then again, one of your co-writers said with a smirk on Fox Sunday a few weeks ago that he wholly supports leaving the border wide open.

So apparently does President Bush and a goodly number of Republicans.
Fears of a Democratic takeover might motivate the Bots. Perhaps along with getting the illegals to the polls, Republicans will not have much to worry about.

I am a Conservative first and foremost, and if an appeal to faction is all Karl Rove's got, well then we may see a loss of seats.

[cripplecreek]

Just deemphasize the fact that they intend to turn Every town USA into Mexico City.

Distraction does seem to be the strategy. It's going to fail.

[Random Access]

If the democrats win the House they will impeach President Bush in time of war.

If they really want to get out the vote, they are going to have to have more of a platform than "we are not Democrats". That will get them some votes, but it is not going to do the job.

They need to address the fundamentals. Smaller government, smaller budgets, fewer taxes, more individual freedom, secure borders, and national security to name a few that they seem to be overlooking.

[Owen]

The party in power usually loses seats in the off year election. The GOAL is to limit the total to a handful. Bucking historical norms is difficult in an altogether way, but holding the number in check is doable and worth doing.

Remember. Always. It is not and never will be what you get. It is what you prevented from happening. Defeat of the Democrats ALWAYS, no exceptions, takes priority. Avoidance of too much a move to the left is just as powerful as trying for a move to the right.

[KoRn]

"Sorry...we'd like to go to the polls, Fred, but we can't afford the gas."

LOL!

[kingu]

Message to leadership: STOP GIVING OUR COUNTRY AWAY.

This message brought by the more than 66% of ALL Americans who are sick and tired of playing 'coddle the illegal alien.'

[reaganandme]

What's in it for me Karl?

Not hearing the phrase "Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi."

[cripplecreek]

GOPs fault not mine.

[nickcarraway]

This article is total bunk. Rove has spent six years kissing up to everyone left of center, and making it clear Republicans are lower than dirt. Why would he change his theory now?

[Onelifetogive]

It's when Republicans are either inspired or angry that they show up in large numbers and win elections.

I hate to be nitpicky, but I think the anger needs to be directed at the other party in order to indicate a big turnout...

[nickcarraway]

I don't buy that. They may make a lot of noise, but at the end of the day, they will never vote on impeachment.

[peyton randolph]

They may make a lot of noise, but at the end of the day, they will never vote on impeachment.

---

Why? President Cheney as an incumbent available to run for re-election in '08.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

causing Republicans to be disheartened: Iraq and rising gas prices.

Really, Fred? You missed all those marchers toting the Mexican flag?

[Onelifetogive]

I think that if we want to shake up the GOP establishment, we replace some RINOs in the primaries inastead of electing Dims in the general election...

[nickcarraway]

I wouldn't mind him running in '08, but I doubt it will happen.

[SunnyD1182]

The Republican message will be very simple in this year election campaign:

If the democrats win the House they will impeach President Bush in time of war.

This will bring Republicans and Republican leaning independents by droves to the polls.

This message does nothing for me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Fear mongering the electorate on the notion that Bush would be impeached under a Democratic Congress is not going to get the GOP more votes this November.

We shouldn't be afraid of impeachment anyway. Last I checked, impeachment required hearings and all sorts of investigations. If that happens, the Democrats will lose a whole lot of their potential talking points for 2008, because the truth will finally come out in an official venue.

If the GOP wants to win this November, it can start by actually doing something good, and something that resembles GOP principles. Sadly, that's not going to happen, so like many others, I really could care less whether this Congress falls to the Democrats or not. It's not going to be the end of the world if the Democrats win, and it may even restrain spending because the government will be at a stalemate.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

I think that if we want to shake up the GOP establishment, we replace some RINOs in the primaries inastead of electing Dims in the general election

Let's hope that useless putz, Lincoln Chafee goes down in the primary. That guy just sticks in my craw.

[peyton randolph]

I wouldn't mind him running in '08, but I doubt it will happen.

---

However, the Dems' fear of Cheney running as an incumbent prez will prevent them from impeaching Bush.

[lawdude]

"Sorry...we'd like to go to the polls, Fred, but we can't afford the gas."

Yup, I saw George out there this morning, pole in hand, personally putting the $3.29 9/10 sign on the gas station sign.

IDIOT!

[VRWC For Truth]

Bush can get a two-fer. Cut taxes by 10% and cut government spending. The tax cut WILL help with the cost of gas. He's got the WOT. How about the War on Socialism?