Posted on 09/17/2010 5:08:46 AM PDT by ejdrapes
A striking admission from NRSC chair John Cornyn, buried in today's New York Times article about the GOP and the Tea party: Mr. Cornyn, who has been on the receiving end of anti-establishment anger, argued that the Tea Party had helped Republicans in one important respect, by moving the debate away from social issues. While Tea Party supporters tend to be socially conservative on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion, most say they don't want to talk about them; they believe that by spending so much time on those issues, the Republican Party failed to focus on fiscal conservatism. While social issues tend to be polarizing, Republicans can win on economic issues, Mr. Cornyn said, because the Democrats have been in charge as the economy has gone south. "As I've traveled," he said, "I've talked to a lot of folks who are basically independents who say: I'm fine with the Republicans as long as we're talking about fiscal responsibility. Where I go off the reservation is when you talk about social issues." That seems to be a clear admission from Cornyn that the focus on social issues demanded by social conservatives is driving "a lot" of independents "off the reservation." Very candid.Cornyn: GOP's stance on social issues alienating independents
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
We need a new leader of the NRSC.
Social issues are not the biggie this cycle, although it will never go out because it is part of the GOP. But why start a new front when we are already busy and on the right track to win?
He is trying to rehab his damaged rep, but he isn’t completely wrong about this:
“While Tea Party supporters tend to be socially conservative on issues like same-sex marriage and abortion, most say they don’t want to talk about them; they believe that by spending so much time on those issues, the Republican Party failed to focus on fiscal conservatism.”
TOO MUCH GOVT and TAXATION are two of the basic planks of the TPX.
The biggest “social” issue discussed at the Tea party rallies I have been too are illegals and the immigration problem.
Cornyn is Exhibit A.
What is it with this guy? The republicans are having huge success this year and he’s trying to shrink the tent. This guy obviously fears the correction to the right that the base and tea party are forcing.
The polls seem to suggest that independents are moving right despite the social issues.
Ken Mehlman always said the same thing that Cornyn is saying - maybe for the same reason.
And we need the Tea Pary Express in TEXAS in 2014..
And we need the Tea Pary Express in TEXAS in 2014..
Then stay the hell off the reservation. Apparently you don't belong to this tribe anyway.
...once again a leader in the GOP falls into the trap down by the liberal media........
Hey Cornyn, the independents make up about 40% of the Tea Party you schmuck, they are losing jobs and money just like everyone else......pay attention or get out of the way!
Yes, indeed. Maybe he would prefer to lose the votes of social conservatives and see where that takes the GOP.
With friends like these...
Cornhole is trying extra hard to get booted from the NRSC chairmanship, isn’t he?
I am counting down the days until DeMint takes over.
If the Republicans take control of at least the House of Representatives and don't focus exclusively on economic issues, the Democrats will be back in power in 2012.
The one exception is immigration policy. But, that's because I consider it to be an economic issue -- and that's how it has to be framed.
SOCIAL ISSUES ARE THE DEMOCRATS #1 issue.
So far, the Dems control all social issues because that is what they use to manipulate all issues.
I do believe the GOP is itching for a 3rd party. In that case, the GOP would never get another vote from me.
The GOP heirarchy agrees with the democrats because they are Dem lite.
Folks, we are being sandbagged. The GOP would rather lose than allow conservtives to lead.
Sounds like Cornyn is planning to retire after this term. He certainly will be challenged by a conservative Texan otherwise.
It’s a game. The GOP stands for nothing. It’s all about money and POWER.
Is that dufus still on stage? Where is the hook?
He sees the looming shadow of irrelevancy.
Hierarchy.
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