Posted on 02/16/2002 7:27:55 AM PST by TLBSHOW
Today, ladies and gentlemen, you cannot shout "Freedom!" in a crowded election. That's what this phony campaign finance reform bill will mean if it becomes law, which is why there is a huge debate going on inside the Bush White House over whether the president should veto or sign the bill. It appears right now the president is going to sign the thing - and this is what's troubling.
Mr. President, remember the brilliant address you made to the nation explaining our course of action in fighting world terrorism? I say the same kind of approach is called for with this deceptively named campaign finance reform bill. You enjoy an amazing level of trust with the American people. They trust you. They believe in your honesty and integrity. You could explain to them just why this bill is unconstitutional, and why it ought not ever see the light of day. The First Amendment has just been amended here in wanton violation of the Constitution.
Folks, when John McCain was running for president in the Republican primary, I said, "If Russia passed a new law that restricted free speech and competitive elections in the way that the McCain-Feingold bill does, and then claimed it was reform, our state department and human rights groups would denounce it as repression of the Russian people. The New York Times and Washington Post editorial pages would rail against these efforts as anti-Democratic - which they are." This bill is un-American, wrong and against freedom, and I say this knowing that it would make me even more powerful than I am now. Think about that.
President Bush has demonstrated that he has the resolve and the courage and the principle to face down the evil of terrorism. He's shown that he is committed to doing what's right regardless of what the European Union, congressional Democrats or even the media has to say about it. He's doing the right thing. He's following his instincts. Well, let me suggest that this assault on the Bill of Rights requires no less resolve and courage by the president to prevent a severe blow to our liberty.
To me, this is gut-check time, Mr. President. One of the major reasons you were supported over McCain back in the primary season in the year 2000 was your stand against this very bill. Stand up for free speech. Veto this bill.
Bush has a unique chance to advance the conservative cause that many liberals have come to see as the sensible way now that 9-11 made them grow up quickly. Liberalism has always been the politics of young/immature people, so in moving forward it makes no sense to take a step back just to show that you are a nice guy. It just gives voters pause to think maybe the Demonrats can do the compassion stuff better. New converts will be back in the Democrat camp in no time flat, urging compassion for the terrorists due to their childhood and poverty. Bush wants to be like Ronald Reagan, but he just can't help being like his dad. In trying to appease the liberals and alienating conservatives, he'll end up losing both.
The GOP needs to realize that the Demonrats aren't demonizing them based on what they actually think. The Dems know the GOP embraces diversity in their party and don't want to poison and kill children. But no matter how compassionate the GOP is they will *always* be called heartless greedy racists. And they can never out-spend the Dems with liberal programs. Time to ignore the rhetoric and not play into their hands. Bush is getting cocky now and will lose his core support if he doesn't get a clue quickly.
Spending his political capital trying to become more liberal is just an insane strategy, that sells out conservatism just as it's catching hold again with the Reagan Democrats.
I don't think the White House sees it this way. In fact, I think they see it exactly to the contrary.
I would like to see GWB veto the bill, but I tend to think it more likely that he will sign it because it does have some popular support and (this is the important factor) because he doesn't have to worry about the support of fans like Limbaugh. If he does sign the bill, Limbaugh will either quit talking about it or claim that GWB was correct to sign it. The one thing that Limbaugh can't do is quit supporting Bush.
The White House doesn't ever have to worry about losing Bush's core supporters like Rush. That is why they will be considering instead the views of the more moderate swing voters.
The top of this thread with Rush's plea fits nicely on a single sheet of paper, with room to add personal remarks. The number is a fax, I just tested it, and I just hope it is the correct one! ;-)
LOL! You're joking, right?!! This man has taken on the whole world in a fight against terrorism at the risk of losing his own life, and you say he has no guts???!! HA!
(I imagine you fancy yourself to have guts?!)
Your new pursuits see through it anyhow. Though you may kiss up to them now, you're not worth liking or trusting if you'll turn you back on them or even the Constitution for the sake of political convenience.
Your respect for your President and Commander in Chief in time of war is overwhelming.
How patriotic of you.
Your new pursuits see through it anyhow. Though you may kiss up to them now, you're not worth liking or trusting if you'll turn you back on them or even the Constitution for the sake of political convenience.
That's all true enough, but Rush Limbaugh isn't like a spouse. He's really more like a pom-pom girl and he isn't going anywhere. As long as GWB doesn't do a 180 on the only issue that Rush cares about (marginal tax rates), Rush will dance to any tune that Bush calls. Any tune.
He would still be seen as a bad joke from Texas without our support in the election, and he needs to honor his pledges and our Constitution.
His failure to watch his right will lead to a drop in the polls and a 3rd party challenger in 2004.
"I solemnly swear ...to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of the United States." Presidential oath of office required by the Constitution. That's what. To sign into law a bill he knows is unconstitutional is a violation of that oath.
Now seriously folks, how many of you people think that the mainstream press doesn't already have that cut cued up and ready to replay ad nauseum, and are salivating over that play button even as we speak?
The RATS are can't wait for Dub to veto this. "No new taxes!" Remember? It cost Poppy his second term.
However, today, I called the "Domestic Policy" number at the White House - 202-456-5594.
There is no one there to take your call, but you can leave a message - AND YOU CAN BET YOUR SWEET BIPPY I DID JUST THAT!!
I applaud Rush for taking such a courageous stand - and challenging the President to veto this bill.
What dreamland are you livng in?? Tom Daschle will destroy everything that Bush wants - that is Tom's only goal in life. And ... the only reason Tom is supporting this measure is because he thinks Bush will veto it. I hope Bush calls Tom's bluff. If you think for one minute this can be passed and then taken back, and the repubs applauded for writing a better bill, you're sadly out of touch with reality.
Well, there is of course the possibility that someone from the right will challenge Bush in 2004, but it's not very likely. Anyone who did would almost immediately be viewed as a fringe candidate a la Bob Smith.
From the White House's point of view, the vast majority of the President's conservative base is composed of persons very similar to Limbaugh. Some of them wish that he was more actively employing a pro-life agenda, some of them wish that he was more actively working to reduce the scope of government, some of them wish that he wouldn't shake hands with Ted Kennedy, etc., but aside from an exceptional few, all of them are solidly behind Bush and will stay that way, particularly so long as his polls are so favorable.
It's interesting that this article concerns Limbaugh's remarks because he is such a perfect example of the Bush's core conservative base. Limbaugh is erroneously viewed by many as someone who must be respected by GWB and the White House. The opposite is in fact true. Limbaugh knows that his entire career would be doomed if he began bad-mouthing GWB. He's a total captive and that's why it's somewhat ironic that he is telling GWB that it's "gut check time."
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