South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford: Conservatives didn't lose election, GOP did

CNN ^ | November 11th, 2008 | Mark Sanford

[MadIsh32]

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) -- For all Americans, this election represents another glass ceiling broken, and in the words of my 16-year-old, "That's very cool." The election of the first black president is an inspiring and transformational moment for our country.

I am happy for President-elect Barack Obama, and for many who supported him. They and, in many cases, their ancestors fought for this day for centuries as they experienced first-hand the unthinkable wrong of segregation. As an American, I wish him every success.

Beyond the presidential race, it goes without saying the Republican Party took a shellacking nationally. Some on the left will say our electoral losses are a repudiation of our principles of lower taxes, smaller government and individual liberty. But Tuesday was not in fact a rejection of those principles -- it was a rejection of Republicans' failure to live up to those principles.

I believe in the Biblical notion of taking the log out of your own eye before worrying about the splinter in someone else's. Accordingly, let me focus on my own party and the way Ted Stevens personifies what went wrong in the election.

As a senior ranking Republican from Alaska, he was a proud champion of pork barrel spending and bridges to nowhere, and stayed so long that he developed a blind eye to ethical lapses that would be readily seen by scout leaders and soccer moms alike.

Republicans have campaigned on the conservative themes of lower taxes, less government and more freedom -- they just haven't governed that way. America didn't turn away from conservatism, they turned away from many who faked it.

[MadIsh32]

Mark Sanford needs to be on the 2012 ticket. He GETS it in every single way, he is on point both in regards to the role of the federal gov't, to deficits, to right to life issues and is very intelligent

He will beat Obama in 2012

[Da Coyote]

“...Conservatives didn’t loose election, GOP did.”

Amen, ditto, bravo.

[NonLinear]

*** SC Ping! ***

[perfect_rovian_storm]

I love Mark Sanford and I love my second home (soon to be only home) in the perfect state of South Carolina.

I’m happy to see him throw his hat in the 2012 race. DeMint too, if he wants. The more conservatives, the merrier.

I still lean towards Sarah, but I really like all of the guys in the running so far. Much better than 2008.

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

But Tuesday was not in fact a rejection of those principles -- it was a rejection of Republicans' failure to live up to those principles.

Bingo.

[Force of Truth]

I agree that the base is more important than independents, but the Republicans have to welcome in more libertarian ideas in order to win over the younger voters, who are now active in a larger block.

[NordP]

Headline = TOTAL TRUTH

[SC Swamp Fox]

South Carolina Ping

Add me to the list. | Remove me from the list.

[fieldmarshaldj]

One of our best and brightest Governors, period.

[MadIsh32]

100 percent agree

And Sanford is the one to do it. He takes pigs to the SC legislature to mock the amount of pork they want

He was on Capitol Hill telling Congress not to give states anymore bailout money

He is certainly rooted in the “campaign for liberty” but unlike Paul, has the charisma and communication skills to get the message across

This is our guy for 2012.

[thesetruths]

Why do we have this endless trotting out of “I wish him every success.”

I do NOT wish him every or any success with his agenda of overturning every single abortion restriction in this land, and robbing the rich to “spread the wealth.” I also do not wish him success with his domestic army, nor anything else I can think of.

I am going to blow a gasket if I read that one more time and I’m sure I shall so....gasket, consider yourself blown.

[word_warrior_bob]

I’ve been all for Sanford, Mark Sanford AND Fred Sanford. I’m big fans of both.

[dragnet2]

Tuesday was not in fact a rejection of those principles -- it was a rejection of Republicans' failure to live up to those principles.

The party elites will never get it.

[WatchYourself]

Yeah, McCain lost because he was not a conservative, and though he tried to fake it, wasn’t able to convey conservative ideals. The easiest way McCain could have destroyed O’s 95% argument was to counter with “100% of Americans will not see their taxes raised.... 100%”

[ZULU]

A MASTERFUL speech.

I LOVE this guy. He hit the nail right on the head.

I think its really time for Sandford, Palin, Pence, Jindal, etc to cut themselves loose from the sinking Titanic that is the GOP and strike out to form a new party - one which more closely reflects the principles the GOP is alleged to represent.

[ThomasMore]

Sanford and Mom for President/Veep 2012

[HardStarboard]

>>>South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford: Conservatives didn't lose election, GOP did<<<

My vote for CNN truthful headline of the political year!!

It should be our mantra until Hell Freezes!

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

"Voters will not elect Republicans who act like Democrats; they’ll just vote for the authentic Democrat instead."

[Revolting cat!]

The election of the first black president is an inspiring and transformational moment for our country.

Barbra Streisand. And through such shallowness, Guvnor, you got yourself a committed communist as POTUS!