Congratulations President–elect Obama. Good luck. You will need it. Now, time to get to work America.
First thoughts after the election.
Now Republicans know what General Custer felt like at the Little Bighorn. Out-numbered, surrounded and ultimately slaughtered.
Public financing of campaigns is now dead thanks to the Obama Campaign. No Republican will ever agree to it again, and if you hear the Democrats say they want to “tweak” the system, Republicans should say thanks but no thanks. In fact, let’s get rid of all limits. They are an affront to free speech. The influence of big money will never be removed from politics, so why are we kidding ourselves and enriching election lawyers to figure out ways around the laws. Any reform has within it the seeds of its own corruption.
As Joe Biden likes to say, “gird your loins” Republicans, because if Rahm Emanuel becomes White House Chief of Staff you will get a lesson in Chicago style politics real fast. You will see the silencing and intimidating opponents, including reporters who don’t toe the party line. After their victory over Republicans in 2006, Rahm stood before his election team and used his favorite phrase, “f—k them” to describe his feelings about Republicans. Whether he stays in the House as Nancy Pelosi’s hit man or moves to the White House as Barack Obama’s consigliere, you can forget bipartisanship. He will be ruthless. He will make Nixon’s henchmen like Chuck Colson seem like Boy Scouts.
In ancient times when a Roman general’s legions were defeated in battle, the general would retire to his tent and commit suicide. For leading the party to two consecutive thumpins’, the Republican leaders at all levels, state and national, should consider this option. Figuratively of course.
And I have a new drinking game. Between now and Inauguration Day, drink a shot of your favorite beverage every time you hear a pundit, reporter, news anchor or Democrat use the word “bipartisanship”. You will be an alcoholic in a week.
I will have a more lengthy piece later on what the Republicans need to do to return from the wilderness to which they have been cast by the voters.