Posted on 02/07/2007 5:48:59 AM PST by Mike Bates
What many conservatives regard as the nightmare scenario -- President Hillary Rodham Clinton -- is increasingly seen by veteran Republican politicians and strategists as a virtual inevitability.
In GOP circles, the Democratic front-runner is seen as so strong, and the political climate for Republicans so hostile, that many influential voices -- including current and former lawmakers, and veterans of President Bush's campaigns -- have grown despairing. These partisans describe a political equivalent of the stages of grief, starting with denial, then resentment and ending with acceptance.
For now, these Republicans say the party needs good luck, including a change of fortune in Iraq, and a revival of organization and leadership in the conservative movement to avert another Clinton presidency.
"If the conservative movement and Republicans don't understand how massive the Clinton coalition is, she will be the next president," former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said in an interview last week, after giving a private talk to GOP lawmakers. Clinton will win, he added, "if we don't use everything available to us and motivate our base, the people that believe in us."
In his closed-door comments to conservative House members, DeLay warned of the wealth and political potency of the Clinton fundraising network.
"We do have to get our act together, and I'd agree with Tom DeLay on that," said Rep. Steve King of Iowa. "At this point, short an inspirational Republican nominee, then I would agree that it's going to be very difficult to beat Hillary if she wins the nomination."
Those comments echoed those by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich last month on Fox News:
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
Jeez, if this is true I'm embarassed to be a registered Republican. Then again, they roll over for everything else the MSM and Dims throw at them.
Ya know, RNC--there was a time when there were things in this country worth fighting for--or have you turned Fwench on us?
My big question is, why hasn't Al Gore stepped into the ring?
This group of GOP politicians really makes me sick to my stomach. No spine, big egos and all cowards.
LOL! Check out the look that Lieberman's giving Kucinich, like "you poor little demented imp of a man".
My statement only applies if she wins. I will never give up.
If, and that's a BIG if, Hillary is the Rat nominee in 2008 the Repubs must go after her on policy and issues. That's where she's most vulnerable. All the scandal stuff won't play anyhow because the DBM will bury it, and as for her "personality," just smile while she goes off on one of her infamous ranting jags.
The concern I have is a repeat of '92, where a third party conservative emerges and pulls votes from the Republican candidate. That could throw it her way.
Except those are not considered the core conservative principles anymore by those who proclaim themselves to be conservatives. Anti-abortion, pro-marriage amendment, interventionist foreign policy, prayer in schools, teaching creationism, all are trumpeted ahead of smaller government and lower spending.
Good one!
Of course she is beatable.
She's shrill, unattractive, and just generally unpleasant. She can't handle tough questions; she's never been exposed to them.
I've been fighting against the attitude that a Hillary presidency is inevitable here for a long time. That attitude strengthens her chances.
We can't take anything for granted, but that includes the idea that Hillary will win.
I don't think she will be nominated, much less elected.
Not to be picky, but that's not really where we are taking it.
DON'T WE LOVE THE OPTIMISM OF THESE REPUBLICAN PUKES!!! BOTTOM LINE, NO SENSE IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE GOP IF THEY'VE ALREADY GIVEN UP. ROMNEY, MCCAIN OR RUDY WOULD HAVE A GREAT CHANCE OF BEATING HILLARY PERON RIGHT NOW!!
I don't think he emotionally could take another loss:
Expose her communist roots and she will be toast - I hope.
They should - but they won't. I keep hearing the opposite. They keep saying what a good, strong candidate she is.
Sounds like Lyndon Baines Johnson. . . .but with more money.
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