Denialists, Whiners, and Wackjobs -- There’s more than one way to be a Republican
Denialists, Whiners, and Wackjobs
Nov 18, 2012 10:00 PM EST
Theres more than one way to be a Republican.
by Paul Begala
I used to think Republicans were a monochromatic monolith specializing in Group Think, though without the Think part. The Republicans reaction to the reelection of Barack Obama, however, has shown a surprising diversity in GOP thought. At least five distinct -approaches have emerged.
The Vince Lombardi Republicans. Political parties exist to win, this group says. If you dont win, you cant enact your agenda, cant protect your values, cant advance your cause. The Lombardi Republicans are pragmatic. They saw President Obama win 72 percent of the Latino votethe fastest-growing segment of the -electorateand they had a Ven a Jesús moment. Right-wing radio and TV personality Sean Hannity, who used to assail even the modest DREAM Act as amnesty, now supports a more comprehensiveand dare I say, -liberalimmigration policy. Since the election, Speaker John Boehner has looked with favor on passing immigration reform, and GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is reportedly working with N.Y. Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer to fashion an immigration compromise.
-snip-
The Sour Grapes Republicans. For a movement that aspires to macho stoicism, there sure are a lot of whiny wusses in the GOP these days. I hate whiners. I coach my kids in baseball and basketball, and I have two inviolable rules when they lose: dont blame the other team and dont complain about the officials. Sour Grapes Republicans do both. Donald Trump, the village idiot of a city of 8 million, took to Twitter to call President Obamas reelection a total sham and a travesty, to propose a revolution in this country, and to allege (falsely) that Obama had lost the popular vote. Clearly, Trump is living proof that hair spray causes brain damage.
-snip-
The Flat-Earthers. When you listen to Flat Earth Republicans, youd think they actually won. Karl Rove, the legendary Republican bogeyman, led groups that spent $300 million in opposition to the president and congressional Democrats. Ninety-four percent of that money was spent supporting candidates who lost. Roves analysis after the election: We did good things this year. Really? Its not like they spent the money trying to do something truly good, like artificially inseminating zoo pandas or inventing untraceable email so Army generals can make love as well as war. No, Rove spent hundreds of millions and lost bad. Thats an abysmal year. But you wouldnt know it listening to Flat Earth Karl.
-snip-
Complete article:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2012/11/18/begala-more-than-one-way-to-be-a-republican.html