GOP Insiders: Palin A Campaign Asset In '10
Democratic and Republican Insiders disagreed this week about whether outgoing AK GOP Gov. Sarah Palin would be more of an asset or a liability campaigning for Republicans "in competitive 2010 races."
A solid majority of Democratic Insiders said Palin would be more of a liability, while a smaller majority of Republicans thought she would be an asset.
The GOP responses were probably the most intriguing because they reflect two ongoing debates with in the party. One, of course, is over Palin herself and her future in the party; many Republicans see her as a force, others almost hold her in contempt. The other argument focuses on whether Republicans are more likely to win elections by turning out the base or attracting independents and even a few disgruntled Democrats. Palin, who is practically a rock star to the party base but remains a polarizing figure for many non-Republicans, seems to embody that discussion. Still, she remains one of the most intriguing politicians of the day.
As one GOP insider put it: "Just like the movie with Cameron Diaz, there's just something about Sarah. Don't ask me to explain it, though."
Meanwhile, when it comes to paying for health care reform, Democratic and Republican Insiders were generally on the same page in assessing the political downsides of some of the tax options that are being discussed. Pluralities of both agreed that the most politically risky option would be to generate revenue by limiting the tax break on itemized deductions. At the same time, Democrats and Republicans concurred that the least politically risky option would be to limit the tax benefit for wealthy individuals with employer-sponsored health plans.
Not surprisingly, a sizable share of Democratic Insiders thought that limiting the tax benefit for so-called "Cadillac" plans--many of which have been negotiated by their allies in organized labor for union members--was also a non-starter. As one Democratic Insider predicted, "Telling people they can 'keep their plan if they like it,' then taxing them for doing that, will backfire."
For all the results and comments in this week's Insiders Poll, click here.
(National Journal's JAMES A. BARNES)
Republicans should ask themselves this question:
Is it wise to take "helpful" advice from Democrats when their goal is to ultimately and totally defeat you?
Whatever happened to the wisdom of 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend'?
Lesson of 2008. Republicans need to move toward the right and away from the moderates.
RHINOs are used by the left and media and they will not hate them any less.
Why doesn't the GOP just get advise on Sarah's liabilities to the GOP from Olbermann or Letterman?? Does the GOP have any doubts about Sarah's ability to raise money for the party? We need more Sarah's and less spineless RINO's. Sarah is the Dems biggest fear which is proved by their ruthless non stop attacks and dirty unwarrented ethics suits that they keep filing. Why are they trying so hard to crush her....Answer...she is the GOP,s biggest asset.
JoAnn, you got that right!
Notice, there is no "stop Mitt Romney before it is too late" campaign going on by the democrats!
Jackie Mason has a great V-blog on those who hate Sarah:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tW3oE5Z-LVM
Sarah Palin is the driving force behind the resurgent conservative movement. She is going to be one of the most influential people in American, and even world politics for years to come.
Palin is already inspiring women in Africa:
http://thespeechatimeforchoosing.wordpress.com/2009/07/13/sarah-palin-inspires-african-women-to-run-for-president/
Can't wait to see her get to work taking America back from the communists.
Lets see now, Churchil consulting with Hitler on how to defeat Germany? Right! Makes sense to me. Oh, you Brits have a secret weapon? Play it safe and don't use it against us because some of our people find it offensive. God, how do we get rid of the RINO's?
Of course the RINOs would want to ignore the rock star VP candidate that had 58 million votes behind her in 08! [/sarc]
There is something about Sarah as the GOP insider said but said he couldn't explain. Try this. She is not afraid of the democrats or the media, but I repeat myself.
GOP “insiders”: Palin will be a campaign asset next year
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/07/17/gop-insiders-palin-will-be-a-campaign-asset-next-year/
Sometimes it's really that simple, isn't it? I feel a little stupid for not thinking of this myself/earlier, though.