Head Strong: Sorry, but for me, the party is over

Philadelphia Inquirer ^ | 2/21/2010 | Michael Smerconish

[americanophile]

It took only the single tap of a computer key, and just like that I'd exited the Republican Party after 30 years of active membership. The context might sound impulsive, but I'd been thinking of becoming an independent for a long time. I just hadn't expected that a trip to renew my driver's license would mark the end. Just before my photo was snapped, I was asked if I wanted to register to vote. For me, the question was borderline offensive. I first registered after turning 18 in the spring of 1980 and haven't missed an election since. And I'm not just talking presidential races. I mean all elections. Congress, town council, school board, whatever.

"I'm already registered," I offered. Next came the unexpected question of whether I wished to change my political affiliation. I'm not sure why that is asked of someone renewing a driver's license, and I question whether it is even appropriate for most. But in my case, it was the only impetus I needed.

Years ago, I grew tired of having my television or radio introduction accompanied by a label, with some implied expectation that what would then come from my mouth were the party talking points. That was me 26 years ago, when I was the youngest elected member of the state delegation to the Republican National Convention, but not today. I'm not sure if I left the Republican Party or the party left me. All I know is that I no longer feel comfortable.

The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn't fit neatly within its parameters.

[americanophile]

"I will miss casting a ballot in the spring, as current state election law prohibits unaffiliated voters from voting in GOP or Democratic primary elections. Instead, I'll join the others who bide their time until fall, when we can temper the extremes of both parties.",p> This makes no sense of course since he'll end up getting an even more extreme candidate by his own logic - and will have to vote for him or the 'extremist' from the other party, but in any event it's good news. Closed primaries...they're a good thing.

[GeronL]

The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn't fit neatly within its parameters

What party is he talking about?

Surely not the party of Dede Scozzafava, Lindsay Graham, John McCain and Ron Paul?

Cz, I think I'd rather join the party he describes than the Republican Party any day.

[ansel12]

The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn't fit neatly within its parameters. Instead, the GOP has extended itself to its fringe while throwing under the bus long-standing members like New York Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, a McCain-Palin supporter in 2008 who told me she voted with her Republican leadership 90 percent of the time before running for Congress last fall.

The same old, same old, the guy is too liberal, he will probably start calling himself a libertarian at some point.

[Talisker]

This is just the latest Rat/RINO strategery to try and head off the Palin avalanche. Hillary will also inevitably try to grab everyone in the “middle” - she believes that’s her ticket in. So, her people keep trying to make more “middle” to grab later. You know, Smartest Woman In The World, and all that.

[Cindy]

Libertarian leanings.

Yep.

You’re correct.

(Never heard of the guy before; have already forgotten him now.)

#

http://www.google.com/search?&rls=en&q=Michael+Smerconish+%2B+LIBERTARIAN&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[smokingfrog]

If he thinks Barry is not a socialist, he hasn’t been paying attention.

[Marty62]

The solution for his personal problems is not taking the route of dropping out.

The radicals of the 60’s and 70’s did exactly what everyone suggest.
They infiltrated the Dum Party, colleges and University, Government.
And one day 11-4-2008, we woke up tho find that they had taken over the country.
I have no sympathy for anyone that would rather quit than fight.

Third party is NOT the way, rescuing the Rep from the Rino/Progressive (use to be call Rockefeller Repubs) is the only solution.
The Democrat Party is gone, it is now in the control of the Destroy America at any cost bunch.

[Nextrush]

Smerconish was an Arlen Specter fan and he deserves to leave along with Alen.

[ari-freedom]

“The national GOP is a party of exclusion and litmus tests, dominated on social issues by the religious right, with zero discernible outreach by the national party to anyone who doesn’t fit neatly within its parameters.”

I wish! I guess he didn’t notice the CPAC

[MetaThought]

Ah, yes. Another Obama voter "leaving the Republican Party". Shock! Horror! TEOTWAWKI ? /

In Philly, Conservative Talk Radio Host Backs Obama

[Brugmansian]

OK Smerconish...buh bye. Have fun in the C-Span caller “I’ve been a Republican all my life but” line.

[TChris]

We never have anything but the writer's word for it.

Isn't it now standard blabber for liberal writers to begin "I've been a Republican all my life, but...", then continue the liberal screed?

I give these articles as much credence as manifestos from serial killers.

[FrankR]

"I was asked if I wanted to register to vote. For me, the question was borderline offensive. I first registered after turning 18 in the spring of 1980 and haven't missed an election since. And I'm not just talking presidential races. I mean all elections. Congress, town council, school board, whatever. "

MR. SMERCONISH'S OPUS

Gosh, I was almost to the point of shedding a tear; this guy dramatizes his little anecdote like he just broke up with Bo Derrick.

Of course, the drama was just a vehicle to draw attention to the fact that another RINO is jumping out of the wagon for safer ground.

What DID this wonderboy of the left want of us...a sympathy card?

Did he think his intrinsic value to the Republicans was so great that it warrented a story in the Philadelphia Inquirer? Pullleeeezzzzzeee.

This crap happens at the onset of every election cycle; there is always a series of articles about people jumping parties, whether they are true, or not, is up to the reader.

He cast his first ballot in 1980...my son was 14 in 1980..so I am not impress with "Mr. Voter Smerconish".

The kenyan uses threats all the time to try and get his way - the latest being "reconciliation" to cram his healthcare debacle down our throats - but if his threats are equal to his promises, we don't have anything to worry about.

As far as Smerconish goes, he can join the foreign legion and vote for Jimmy Carter again for all I care...goodbye and good riddance, media rat.

[TChris]

I have no sympathy for anyone that would rather quit than fight.

Ditto that.

And I have serious contempt for anyone who would stay home in protest rather than exercising their privilege of voting, which thousands have bled and died to preserve. Purists who stay home have voted for the winner.

[ari-freedom]

“The same old, same old, the guy is too liberal, he will probably start calling himself a libertarian at some point. “

the problem with libertarians is that they have no room for national security hawks. So, the social liberals try to mess up the GOP (see: CPAC).

[DHSMostWanted]

What's going to happen is that after the Dems lose the majority in the fall, Hillary will resign as Secretary of State. She will then announce that she is running for President by years end.

[AlexW]

This sounds like a sniveling cry baby that can not get his way, so he is going to pick up his toys and go home.

While I abhor the RINOS of the Republican party, I really have no choice but to stay a Republican, even if I want to think of myself as independent.
I would never in a hundred years be a Democrat.

[TruthHound]

“I think President Obama is earnest, smart, and much more centrist than his tea party caricature suggests.”

This guy is either a liar, a loon or a DU plant. No ONE Who ever espoused conservative values could say that with a straight face.

[bruinbirdman]

"Ah, yes. Another Obama voter 'leaving the Republican Party'. "

As a Rino Obammunist supporting talk show host (60 stations), he discovered his broadcast opportunities were fast deteriorating.

yitbos