Posted on 05/17/2009 8:20:57 PM PDT by Maelstorm
The chairman of the Republican Party says the GOP is open to supporting pro-abortion rights candidates.
Appearing Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," the head of the Republican National Committee responded to a question from moderator David Gregeory about the viability of a GOP politician who isn't strictly anti-abortion.
"We've had wonderful pro, pro-choice candidates," Steele said. "[Former] Governor Christie Todd Whitman [of New Jersey], for example, was a very successful Republican governor. ...
"I look forward to working to build a strong pro-life coalition within the Democratic Party since that's -- this is the direction the president wants to go."
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
By the way, political parties are mentioned nowhere in our Constitution, and George Washington strictly warned against the dangers of party factionalism in his Farewell Address.
Steele was a pro life lieutentant governor under Robert Ehrlich a pro choice governor.
If any one cares, Ehrlich was possibly the best governor in the history of Maryland.
Steele is right. Abortion is way down on the list when most consider who to vote for. You don’t win hearts and mind by acting morally superior and that anyone who is prochoice is evil/garbage/dirt bags that you don’t want to associate with.
I have to sadly agree with the Dems on one thing. They found a good salesman in Obama. Their salesmen in the last two elections, Gore and Kerry couldn't sell the goods (ideology). I even read one quote of Obama’s that said “You give it to me, I will sell it.” He did.
Since the vast majority of America really doesn't follow politics, but are enamored by looks, cool and other nonessential requirements...maybe the Repubs should take a page from their playbook. Find a young, vibrant candidate to sell conservative principles. (and since the vast majority are pretty superficial, good looking with a nice build.) One who speaks well and can use an Ipod. Do I think these things are important? No, but a lot of people (especially the young) do.
To continue trotting out the “Old Guard” as nominees and sending them on “Listening Tours” is futile. The “Old Guard” isn't really conservative for the most part.
I saw a lot of young people at the TEA party I attended. I think choosing the candidate that “sells” conservative values can win. Let's face it..Obama didn't win by a landslide. Thanks for letting me rant. :)
They elected a man from DC who cares more about him and his buddies continuing to get slice of the pie than fighting marxists.
This is madness.
It’s a reality as soon as parties begin to form at all. One could complain that George Washington was too high minded to see this coming, but it’s vain now.
I’m sadden by Michael Steele. I don’t know where the old one went. He is running around like a puppet. The leadership at the GOP would do well to first try not to offend its base when trying to appeal to “moderates”. I don’t expect everyone to feel as strongly as I do on the issue of life but I do expect that if they are going to be in office that they won’t be working with planned parenthood and NARAL behind our backs. Those types should not be welcome in the party period. If they want to vote Republican that is their business but don’t expect us to woo them or cater to them. Democrats don’t cater to religious conservatives except to lie to them long enough to get their votes.
McCain is and always has been pro life. Bad example.
There are a lot of sitter-outers that would be glad to come into the tent as soon as it began to stand for something substantial.
Guess you don’t know the McCain of a decade or so ago....
I’ve been really disappointed with him lately and I was extremely excited when he was nominated. This isn’t the Michael Steele I remember.
I just don’t know how you can say what you’re saying on the same thread that has an illustration of a partial birth abortion? LOOK AT IT. SEE THE BRUTALITY OF IT.
THIS IS WHAT GIULIANI ADVOCATES.
I heard a recent interview between Rudy and Hannity. Rudy still backs partial birth abortion.
Many aver that McCain could have gained the needed spice in the last weeks simply by saying he now opposed bail outs, even after he had supported them. There was nothing to choose between in that arena.
I don’t know what has happened to him. I thought he’d be a strong articulate conservative voice and he just goes to pieces now. I do agree with him refusing to endorse Christ.
He needs to learn who he represents because as of yet he is making it much harder for many of us to want to call ourselves Republicans if only to not be associated with such incompetency. When Newt was leading the charge in 1994 I was a new Republican. I’d been a Ross Perot supporter in 1992. It was the GOP acting on Principles that made me feel at home and cheer their victory as my own. I’m sure I’m not alone. Where has my Party gone?
McCain was clearly Pro-Life. He just didn’t have enough fight in him and like Steele to a lesser extent he felt the need to mute his message in hopes of attracting crossover votes. Conservatives win nothing by dulling their swords. They just look like idiots. Democrats almost never say stupid things like this. They never say that they need to do more to appeal to conservative voters.
I’m not a single issue voter. I disagree with Rudy here but I have disagreements on a position or three with just about anybody.
The Republican elites only stand on principle when it involves leftist ideas.
Only if we want to be more like the Democrat party. I say hell no to that.
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