Commentary: Stop throwing dirt on GOP 'grave'

[hank scorpio]

Editor's note: Ed Rollins, a senior political contributor for CNN, is Senior Presidential Fellow at the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency at Hofstra University. He was White House political director for President Reagan and chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

NEW YORK (CNN) -- My message to the national media and political pundits on their premature obits on the Republican Party: Quit throwing dirt on our graves!

We may be feeble, but we are not dead and to paraphrase a quote from the Terminator: We'll be back.

Being older than dirt myself, I have a perspective others might not have. I have been amazed recently at all the stories in the media regarding the perceived end of the Republican Party. It might be wishful thinking on some of their parts. This week's Time magazine cover story titled "Endangered Species" is the epitome.

The defection of Sen. Arlen Specter to the Democrats after polls showed he would lose badly in a Republican primary, and the rocky start of new Republican National Chairman Michael Steele has created a feeding frenzy.

Ironically in 2001, after Sen. Jim Jeffords switched to the Democrats, Sen. Spector wanted a rule change that wouldn't allow senators to change their parties between elections. And how many of you can name the last four Republican Party chairmen? Or Democratic Party chairmen for that matter.

Another debate heated up over the weekend when former Vice President Dick Cheney commented on former Secretary of State Colin Powell's Republican credentials on "Face the Nation." Cheney said he thought "Colin had already left the party." He also said he thought Powell's endorsement of Barack Obama was "some indication of his loyalty and his interests."

Obviously Cheney took the Obama endorsement as a betrayal by a man he recommended to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and whose nomination as Secretary of State he certainly had to approve in his role as vice president. But neither Cheney nor Powell are the future of the Republican Party, so the debate is no longer relevant.

As bleak as things might seem today for Republicans, I have to put things into context.

I became a Republican in the summer of 1972. I was involved in running President Nixon's re -election campaign in California and became part of his administration at the start of his second term.

In very short order after my arrival in Washington in January 1973, the Nixon administration came apart at the seams with a daily soap opera of criminal charges, congressional hearings, federal indictments and the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew for bribe taking, followed 10 months later by the resignation of Richard Nixon who was about to be impeached by the Congress.

I was demoralized and ashamed of the leaders of my new party. But I wasn't going to quit because I still believed in the principles of strong national defense and smaller government, and in the idea that working people should do better than those who don't.

In the aftermath of all this, Republicans got slaughtered in the midterm elections of 1974, losing 48 House seats and five Senate seats. Republicans had only 144 House members in the 94th Congress.

Two years later, Jimmy Carter was elected president and I was convinced Republicans would be in the wilderness the rest of my political life. After the first 100 days, President Carter's approval rating was 69 percent -- higher than President Obama's.

And four years after that I was working in the White House as an assistant to President Ronald Reagan -- who defeated Carter by a landslide and won a Senate majority and a philosophical majority in the House. For 20 of the next 28 years, a Republican was in the White House.

In spite of losing five of those seven presidential elections, hardly anybody was saying the Democrats must move to the right. No, they nominated Mondale, Dukakis, Gore and Kerry -- all liberals and two of them "Massachusetts liberals."

When the Republicans controlled the House from 1994 -2006, Democrats like Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Henry Waxman Charlie Rangel, John Conyers and Rahm Emanuel weren't saying we need to move right to win. They stuck to their philosophy. And they fought against Reagan and they fought against the Bushes. And eventually they did win -- or we lost by being inept.

So Republicans must stick to their philosophy too. I am not predicting here that Obama will fail like Jimmy Carter. What I am predicting is the Republican Party is not extinct and will after a period of time become a strong opposition party.

I am also predicting that in the 2010 midterm elections, new governors and new senators will come on the horizon and in short order the mantle of leadership will be passed. In that election, 36 Senate seats and 36 governor's races are up for grabs.

Just as Karl Rove was wrong when he bragged that Republicans would become a permanent governing majority for the foreseeable future, my friend James Carville is wrong in saying we will be in the wilderness for the next 40 years.

We may be down for awhile, but what we won't become is a "Democratic Party lite!" We are a party that wants smaller government and lower taxes. Obama and the Democrats do not. We are a party that wants to encourage small business.

We are a party that has a large constituent group that believes in a social agenda and we will not abandon them. We are a party that believes in the Second Amendment -- and every other amendment for that matter -- and don't feel they need to be altered by the Supreme Court or the Congress.

The need to find a new generation of leaders is an ongoing challenge that falls to both parties on an ongoing basis. Equally important, we as a party have to become more technologically competent in our campaign tactics -- and our message has to relate better to young voters.

We also need to reach out to constituency groups that have not been traditional Republicans. The Democrats have their leader in Obama and we will find ours.

We now have a serious challenge in the battle for the direction of the country, and the future of our children. In one sense the country is blessed to have two divergent views and two distinct parties. That's what makes our democracy strong.

Nice piece except for the "We are a party that wants smaller government and lower taxes".

[Cap'n Cat]

News flash to all Conklodytes: We will never have small government. We never have, we never will.

Start playin' with the cards you're dealt and we might get some shit done around here.

[Wedgebuster]

No need to bother to throw dirt on something that continues to dig it's own grave deeper and deeper.

[BlueHen86]

Nice piece except for the "We are a party that wants smaller government and lower taxes".

It's a good philosophy. Unfortunately, both parties are more interested in obtaining and holding power.

[Appaholic]

Nice piece except for the "We are a party that wants smaller government and lower taxes".

It's a good philosophy. Unfortunately, both parties are more interested in obtaining and holding power.

Nailed it! Niether party is concerned for the nation as a whole, only concerened with doing the minimum to retain power.

[guinzone]

GOP was dead in '68 and '92 and we came back and kicked some serious ass after each of those bad years. If the conservatives take back the party, then the GOP will be just fine in 2010. Jindal-Palin-Romney are three that ring a bell.

[AZGrizFan]

GOP was dead in '68 and '92 and we came back and kicked some serious ass after each of those bad years. If the conservatives take back the party, then the GOP will be just fine in 2010. Jindal-Palin-Romney are three that ring a bell.

We'll be fine because the liberals can't help but shit all over themselves when they get power and the country quickly tires of their schtick.

[AshevilleApp]

GOP was dead in '68 and '92 and we came back and kicked some serious ass after each of those bad years. If the conservatives take back the party, then the GOP will be just fine in 2010. Jindal-Palin-Romney are three that ring a bell.

Nixon won the presidency in '68. Last time I checked he was a Republican.

[BlueHen86]

GOP was dead in '68 and '92 and we came back and kicked some serious ass after each of those bad years. If the conservatives take back the party, then the GOP will be just fine in 2010. Jindal-Palin-Romney are three that ring a bell.

They're working for the Salvation Army now?

[Ibanez]

GOP was dead in '68 and '92 and we came back and kicked some serious ass after each of those bad years. If the conservatives take back the party, then the GOP will be just fine in 2010. Jindal-Palin-Romney are three that ring a bell.

Holy Shit. Sarah Palin? Are you joking? Please say you are joking? A nine year old could see through her bullshit.

[Cap'n Cat]

Mmmmmmm. Smell the Conktosterone and watch the flexing of beer muscles in this thread!

You go, girls!!!!!!!

[Ivytalk]

Mmmmmmm. Smell the Conktosterone and watch the flexing of beer muscles in this thread!

You go, girls!!!!!!!

Laugh it up, Fuzzball! (to coin a phrase)

We'll see if you're meowing the same feckless tune after the 2010 elections.

[Cap'n Cat]

Mmmmmmm. Smell the Conktosterone and watch the flexing of beer muscles in this thread!

You go, girls!!!!!!!

Laugh it up, Fuzzball! (to coin a phrase)

We'll see if you're meowing the same feckless tune after the 2010 elections.

Here we go. Someone keep a list, please, of how many times Conks use this lame retort before November of 2010.

Thank you,

Cap'n Cat

[Ivytalk]

Laugh it up, Fuzzball! (to coin a phrase)

We'll see if you're meowing the same feckless tune after the 2010 elections.

Here we go. Someone keep a list, please, of how many times Conks use this lame retort before November of 2010.

Thank you,

Cap'n Cat

Note to self: Keep getting under Cap'n's skin. Goal: To skyrocket to top of "Cap'n's list of CS posters we'd like to deport back to AGS or decapitate" list.

[Cap'n Cat]

Here we go. Someone keep a list, please, of how many times Conks use this lame retort before November of 2010.

Thank you,

Cap'n Cat

Note to self: Keep getting under Cap'n's skin. Goal: To skyrocket to top of "Cap'n's list of CS posters we'd like to deport back to AGS or decapitate" list.

IvyYap,
You can't get under my skin. To the wise and wonderful Cap'n, you are the elevator music of CS.com and, in that way, I do enjoy you.

[Ivytalk]

Note to self: Keep getting under Cap'n's skin. Goal: To skyrocket to top of "Cap'n's list of CS posters we'd like to deport back to AGS or decapitate" list.

IvyYap,
You can't get under my skin. To the wise and wonderful Cap'n, you are the elevator music of CS.com and, in that way, I do enjoy you.

L'il Friskies: I'll know I can't get under your skin when you stop responding to my posts. Love, IT

[guinzone]

I meant 1972..

[Cap'n Cat]

IvyYap,
You can't get under my skin. To the wise and wonderful Cap'n, you are the elevator music of CS.com and, in that way, I do enjoy you.

L'il Friskies: I'll know I can't get under your skin when you stop responding to my posts. Love, IT

Hark, is that the Carpenters I hear now?

We've only just begun to live,
White lace and promises
A kiss for luck and we're on our way.
And yes, we've just begun.

[Wedgebuster]

I meant 1972..

Uh-huh, Nixon again, followed by Ford after the "I am not a crook" happenings.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

... a 2010 comeback??? really??? you really think that???

let me lay the groundwork for 2010 for you gents:

1. redistricting is coming in 2011... which means if you are a viable candidate who has yet to run for the House... you're waiting for 2012.

2. the right track/wrong track number has gone from a historic low to most americans thinking we're back on track... that's an important indicator on whether the public is determined to dump the incumbent party.

3. the GOP brand is in shambles... approval ratings nationally at 19-25%... not good.

4. thusfar, their recruiting has been weak... except for Crist in FL... who they'll try to kill in a primary for not being extreme enough... or for being a closeted homosexual.

5 the senate seats up in 10:
GOP vulnerable seats:
New Hampshire (Gregg)
North Carolina (Burr)
Florida (open)
Louisiana (hookers and diapers Vitter)
Kentucky (Senile Jim Bunning)
Ohio (open)

GOP leaners
South Dakota (Thune)
Alaska (Murkowski)
Missouri (Bond)

GOP Safe
SC (DeMint)
Georgia (Isakson)
Alabama (Sessions i think)
Iowa (Grassley)
Oklahoma (Coburn)
Kansas (open)
AZ (McCain)
Utah (Bennett)
Idaho (Crapo)

Dem vulnerables:
Colorado (Bennett)

Dem leaners
CT (Dodd)
Arkansas (Lincoln)

could turn interesting with good gop recruiting
Delaware (only if Carper gets in)
Nevada (but give em hell harry is likely safe)

Safe Dem
Washington (Murray)
Oregon (Wyden)
California (open)
Hawaii
ND (Dorgan)
WI (Feingold)
IL (it won't be Burris, but whoever beats him in the primary is safe)
Indiana (Bayh)
PA (Specter or Sestak - but Toomey isn't winning)
MD (Mikulski)
NY (Gillibrand)
VT (Leahy)

the math just doesn't work for the GOP to get anywhere near a majority in 2010... not even close.

[wkuhillhound]

... a 2010 comeback??? really??? you really think that???

let me lay the groundwork for 2010 for you gents:

1. redistricting is coming in 2011... which means if you are a viable candidate who has yet to run for the House... you're waiting for 2012.

2. the right track/wrong track number has gone from a historic low to most americans thinking we're back on track... that's an important indicator on whether the public is determined to dump the incumbent party.

3. the GOP brand is in shambles... approval ratings nationally at 19-25%... not good.

4. thusfar, their recruiting has been weak... except for Crist in FL... who they'll try to kill in a primary for not being extreme enough... or for being a closeted homosexual.

5 the senate seats up in 10:
GOP vulnerable seats:
New Hampshire (Gregg)
North Carolina (Burr)
Florida (open)
Louisiana (hookers and diapers Vitter)
Kentucky (Senile Jim Bunning)
Ohio (open)

GOP leaners
South Dakota (Thune)
Alaska (Murkowski)
Missouri (Bond)

GOP Safe
SC (DeMint)
Georgia (Isakson)
Alabama (Sessions i think)
Iowa (Grassley)
Oklahoma (Coburn)
Kansas (open)
AZ (McCain)
Utah (Bennett)
Idaho (Crapo)

Dem vulnerables:
Colorado (Bennett)

Dem leaners
CT (Dodd)
Arkansas (Lincoln)

could turn interesting with good gop recruiting
Delaware (only if Carper gets in)
Nevada (but give em hell harry is likely safe)

Safe Dem
Washington (Murray)
Oregon (Wyden)
California (open)
Hawaii
ND (Dorgan)
WI (Feingold)
IL (it won't be Burris, but whoever beats him in the primary is safe)
Indiana (Bayh)
PA (Specter or Sestak - but Toomey isn't winning)
MD (Mikulski)
NY (Gillibrand)
VT (Leahy)

the math just doesn't work for the GOP to get anywhere near a majority in 2010... not even close.

Thank god, Jim Bunning is not in my district. Eastern Kentucky are the insane half of the state that keeps electing this wackos.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

... a 2010 comeback??? really??? you really think that???

let me lay the groundwork for 2010 for you gents:

1. redistricting is coming in 2011... which means if you are a viable candidate who has yet to run for the House... you're waiting for 2012.

2. the right track/wrong track number has gone from a historic low to most americans thinking we're back on track... that's an important indicator on whether the public is determined to dump the incumbent party.

3. the GOP brand is in shambles... approval ratings nationally at 19-25%... not good.

4. thusfar, their recruiting has been weak... except for Crist in FL... who they'll try to kill in a primary for not being extreme enough... or for being a closeted homosexual.

5 the senate seats up in 10:
GOP vulnerable seats:
New Hampshire (Gregg)
North Carolina (Burr)
Florida (open)
Louisiana (hookers and diapers Vitter)
Kentucky (Senile Jim Bunning)
Ohio (open)

GOP leaners
South Dakota (Thune)
Alaska (Murkowski)
Missouri (Bond)

GOP Safe
SC (DeMint)
Georgia (Isakson)
Alabama (Sessions i think)
Iowa (Grassley)
Oklahoma (Coburn)
Kansas (open)
AZ (McCain)
Utah (Bennett)
Idaho (Crapo)

Dem vulnerables:
Colorado (Bennett)

Dem leaners
CT (Dodd)
Arkansas (Lincoln)

could turn interesting with good gop recruiting
Delaware (only if Carper gets in)
Nevada (but give em hell harry is likely safe)

Safe Dem
Washington (Murray)
Oregon (Wyden)
California (open)
Hawaii
ND (Dorgan)
WI (Feingold)
IL (it won't be Burris, but whoever beats him in the primary is safe)
Indiana (Bayh)
PA (Specter or Sestak - but Toomey isn't winning)
MD (Mikulski)
NY (Gillibrand)
VT (Leahy)

the math just doesn't work for the GOP to get anywhere near a majority in 2010... not even close.

Thank god, Jim Bunning is not in my district. Eastern Kentucky are the insane half of the state that keeps electing this wackos.

bunning is YOUR senator... he's elected statewide.

[wkuhillhound]

Thank god, Jim Bunning is not in my district. Eastern Kentucky are the insane half of the state that keeps electing this wackos.

bunning is YOUR senator... he's elected statewide.

It effin sucks. I have to hear McConnell's mouth full of conk**** for another term since these insane Kentuckians (except for me) voted for that douche. Kentucky needs some fresh blood in the Senate and Congress.

[BlueHen86]

Seems to me that the party that is more united wins elections. In 2000 and 2004 the GOP was united behind Bush, while the Dems were somewhat disorganized in their support of Gore and especially Kerry.

Right now the Dems seem united behind Obama while the GOP is a mess. The GOP will be back, but they have to get their house in order first, and that may take more than 2, or even 4, years.

I think we are looking at an 8 year Obama presidency. The good news for the GOP is that I don't think Biden is electable as President.

[Cap'n Cat]

Seems to me that the party that is more united wins elections. In 2000 and 2004 the GOP was united behind Bush, while the Dems were somewhat disorganized in their support of Gore and especially Kerry.

Right now the Dems seem united behind Obama while the GOP is a mess. The GOP will be back, but they have to get their house in order first, and that may take more than 2, or even 4, years.

I think we are looking at an 8 year Obama presidency. The good news for the GOP is that I don't think Biden is electable as President.