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Right to Blame for GOP Image Problems
Andrew Kohut: Right to Blame for GOP Image Problems
Monday, 25 Mar 2013 11:28 AM
By Dan Weil
The Republican Party has moved itself so far to the right that it’s losing relevance with voters, says Andrew Kohut, former president of the Pew Research Center.
“In my decades of polling, I recall only one moment when a party had been driven as far from the center as the Republican Party has been today,” he writes in The Washington Post.
That was the late 1960s to early ’70s, when the Democrats were influenced by left-wing Sens. Gene McCarthy and George McGovern. Theirs was known as the party of “acid, abortion, and amnesty,” notes Kohut, who also was formerly the president of the Gallup Organization.
“While there are no catchy phrases for the Republicans of 2013, their image problems are readily apparent in national polls,” he says. “The GOP has come to be seen as the more extreme party, the side unwilling to compromise or negotiate seriously to tackle the economic turmoil that challenges the nation.”
The dominance of the right wing has clearly hurt the GOP’s popularity, Kohut notes. A Pew Research Center poll last month showed the party’s favorability ratings have dropped to a 20-year low.
Only 33 percent of Americans view Republicans favorably, while 58 percent view them unfavorably. As for the Democrats, 47 percent have a favorable view of the party and 46 an unfavorable view.
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/gop-voters-losing-relevance/2013/03/25/id/496165?s=al&promo_code=12EDA-1
Monday, 25 Mar 2013 11:28 AM
By Dan Weil
The Republican Party has moved itself so far to the right that it’s losing relevance with voters, says Andrew Kohut, former president of the Pew Research Center.
“In my decades of polling, I recall only one moment when a party had been driven as far from the center as the Republican Party has been today,” he writes in The Washington Post.
That was the late 1960s to early ’70s, when the Democrats were influenced by left-wing Sens. Gene McCarthy and George McGovern. Theirs was known as the party of “acid, abortion, and amnesty,” notes Kohut, who also was formerly the president of the Gallup Organization.
“While there are no catchy phrases for the Republicans of 2013, their image problems are readily apparent in national polls,” he says. “The GOP has come to be seen as the more extreme party, the side unwilling to compromise or negotiate seriously to tackle the economic turmoil that challenges the nation.”
The dominance of the right wing has clearly hurt the GOP’s popularity, Kohut notes. A Pew Research Center poll last month showed the party’s favorability ratings have dropped to a 20-year low.
Only 33 percent of Americans view Republicans favorably, while 58 percent view them unfavorably. As for the Democrats, 47 percent have a favorable view of the party and 46 an unfavorable view.
http://www.newsmax.com/Politics/gop-voters-losing-relevance/2013/03/25/id/496165?s=al&promo_code=12EDA-1
Well they sure haven't done anything to dissuade this idea, that much is for sure.
Let's hope this unpopularity shows itself at the polls in 2014.
Hillary 2016 :)
“The GOP has come to be seen as the more extreme party, the side unwilling to compromise or negotiate seriously to tackle the economic turmoil that challenges the nation.”
Yes, that pretty much sums it up and it will remain this way until they get voted out. Well hopefully, there are so many gerrymandered in, that may not happen either any time soon. Hopefully the republican party will take action to right itself? Im not holding my breath.
Yes, that pretty much sums it up and it will remain this way until they get voted out. Well hopefully, there are so many gerrymandered in, that may not happen either any time soon. Hopefully the republican party will take action to right itself? Im not holding my breath.
I saw a discussion on TV during which a political analyst observed that whereas the republican party used to be two rather separate branches - the fiscal/policy conservatives and the social conservatives now the two branches have merged completely. He admitted that formerly the two branches did overlap on issues but the republican party used to attract fiscally conservative democrats or democrats who favored the republican policy on military issues or political issues. Now, the pro-life republican is a pro-gun republican is a no-tax republican is a no same-sex marriage republican is the evangelical Christian republican and all the way down the line. And, I think he makes a valid point.
And what I see as a real problem is the fact that, in my opinion, the republicans don't see reality. I know I harp on the polls and Nate Silver but I do so because I am honestly fascinated by the fact that the republicans never saw what was coming and yet it was clearly there for anyone to see. They really thought Romney was going to win and they maintained that belief even after it was clear that he didn't win. And now, when the polls say that the majority of American favor same-sex marriage I saw a republican argue that the polls are wrong. I don't know what you guys think and I do acknowledge that polls aren't always right on but when all of the polls indicate that our country has shifted significantly on this issue I tend to believe the polls. I am just confounded by this type of behavior. Is it really as simple as they cannot accept the fact that America is changing in very fundamental ways?
And what I see as a real problem is the fact that, in my opinion, the republicans don't see reality. I know I harp on the polls and Nate Silver but I do so because I am honestly fascinated by the fact that the republicans never saw what was coming and yet it was clearly there for anyone to see. They really thought Romney was going to win and they maintained that belief even after it was clear that he didn't win. And now, when the polls say that the majority of American favor same-sex marriage I saw a republican argue that the polls are wrong. I don't know what you guys think and I do acknowledge that polls aren't always right on but when all of the polls indicate that our country has shifted significantly on this issue I tend to believe the polls. I am just confounded by this type of behavior. Is it really as simple as they cannot accept the fact that America is changing in very fundamental ways?
Speaking as a Republican here . . . a lonely Republican. I still think favorably of the Republican party. I am not a fan of some of the far right social ideas andw would like to see more moderate views there as well as wanting the Republicans in Washington and elsewhere to work with the Democrats better. But I still have faith in the party and trust them.
Is it really as simple as they cannot accept the fact that America is changing in very fundamental ways?
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I do believe that is the case for many of the extreme right.
Just like they want to deny the diverse make up of people that *are* this country, they deny global warming because they don't want Government restrictions that may adversely affect them, yet they demand Government restrictions when it comes to their beliefs that are based on religious dogma.
I think the more moderate Republicans see the writing on the wall, so to speak and hope to reform the party in time.
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I do believe that is the case for many of the extreme right.
Just like they want to deny the diverse make up of people that *are* this country, they deny global warming because they don't want Government restrictions that may adversely affect them, yet they demand Government restrictions when it comes to their beliefs that are based on religious dogma.
I think the more moderate Republicans see the writing on the wall, so to speak and hope to reform the party in time.
I really don't think there are many moderate republican left. There really isn't any room for them. And the few that may be left certainly cannot affect the selection of candidates in primary elections as was made crystal clear in the last couple of election cycles.I see them as having painted themselves into a corner with very limited options left.
I tend to agree with you on that, but 'hope springs eternal'.
We cannot deny that nearly half the population are conservatives and my guess is maybe half of them would be content with a more moderate party. That is enough to make things work. If 3/4 of the population is onboard with the Government as a whole and if the Government has enough moderate (sane) conservatives to have a voice, the Government can do its job and the people can feel a little less like we are on the brink of civil war.
This secessionist, anti Obama rhetoric is extremely dangerous to our country and we need to get a grip on it. It is hate mongering and unpatriotic. I have to believe that the majority of Americans don't really want to take that path.
We cannot deny that nearly half the population are conservatives and my guess is maybe half of them would be content with a more moderate party. That is enough to make things work. If 3/4 of the population is onboard with the Government as a whole and if the Government has enough moderate (sane) conservatives to have a voice, the Government can do its job and the people can feel a little less like we are on the brink of civil war.
This secessionist, anti Obama rhetoric is extremely dangerous to our country and we need to get a grip on it. It is hate mongering and unpatriotic. I have to believe that the majority of Americans don't really want to take that path.
All I know for sure is it seems that they are miles away from what the people say they want. It seems they care not what the majority wants, but what the party expectations are for them to keep their job. So what do you do when those you elected to serve your needs are bowing to a different god? I have heard certain ones come out and voice their agreement to things like same sex marriage and even immigration, and then by the next morning, there is a statement stepping it back. Clearly being controlled by the party line. I see that as the main problem.
If the Republican party would just do everything that the media & the Democratic party wanted them to do, they'd be the most beloved party in America.
There you go Republican Party. I solved your problem for you. Shut up, drink the Kool-Aid, get into line, empty your pockets, and do what yer told.
There you go Republican Party. I solved your problem for you. Shut up, drink the Kool-Aid, get into line, empty your pockets, and do what yer told.
They've been drinking a whole lot of their own special brand of UnKool-Aid for too long already.
Lemon flavor I think.
I think what El is getting at is that believe it or not, those of us that are Republican still trust and believe in conservative policies more than Democratic leaders and their policies. That is the case for me.
I always think it is interesting that when I post on the CE, you'd think I'm one of maybe 3 Replublicans left in the country. When I'm out and about in the 'real world' it never feels that way to me. Heck, I got called a liberal at a party recently when politics came up and I voiced an opinion!
I do agree that I don't like bashing of presidents. I may not be a fan of Obama but he is still our president deserving of respect. I have noticed for years that people love to slam whomever is president. I heard hateful things about Clinton. That's really my first memory of serious nastiness. And ironically, wasn't that about the time that shows like Limbaugh and such became popular? Oh, and Bush bashing has become an All American past time. And now Obama also gets the viper tongue in his direction. But, the division between the parties is getting worse and worse. The contentious mood is overwhelming to me sometimes. I think we all need to check ourselves and try not to contribute to it. I can respect other people's opinions and always hope they can respect mine. I'm more conservative than many here but less so than others in the country. But we are all Americans entitled to believe as we do.
That was a little preachy. sorry. Feeling deep tonight.
I always think it is interesting that when I post on the CE, you'd think I'm one of maybe 3 Replublicans left in the country. When I'm out and about in the 'real world' it never feels that way to me. Heck, I got called a liberal at a party recently when politics came up and I voiced an opinion!
I do agree that I don't like bashing of presidents. I may not be a fan of Obama but he is still our president deserving of respect. I have noticed for years that people love to slam whomever is president. I heard hateful things about Clinton. That's really my first memory of serious nastiness. And ironically, wasn't that about the time that shows like Limbaugh and such became popular? Oh, and Bush bashing has become an All American past time. And now Obama also gets the viper tongue in his direction. But, the division between the parties is getting worse and worse. The contentious mood is overwhelming to me sometimes. I think we all need to check ourselves and try not to contribute to it. I can respect other people's opinions and always hope they can respect mine. I'm more conservative than many here but less so than others in the country. But we are all Americans entitled to believe as we do.
That was a little preachy. sorry. Feeling deep tonight.
I think we have all agreed (except maybe for Vance) that the Republican Congress is not doing their job. That many of them behave in an infantile and contentious manner and that they are sooo determined not to work with the President that we are now as a country falling apart.
Congress hopes they can end up blaming the President for this and while he does at times disappoint me, he at least is holding his ground and trying to make it work.
It goes back to that Norquist pledge. They will not give in on taxes and as a result we have the sequester and the consequences of the sequester will come to all of us.
I know there are decent and fair-minded Republicans who would do their jobs if they were not being run by the ultra conservatives.
As long as the ultra's have power, they will try to force the States to deny the rights of people, shut down planned parenthood, continue to pretend that the country is made up of just white wealthy Christians and leave in place the tax loopholes for corporations, which indeed does cheat this country.(Paying taxes is patriotic. I would really love to see how say, Texas could govern without the Federal aid that comes from our taxes...impossible.)
We have been through this so many times and I think we all get tired of going round and round. I am not against Republicans or conservatives, I am against that group that is holding this country hostage.
I don't think anything stated in this thread is disrespectful or for that matter than we are all in such tremendous disagreement.
We all agree that things are falling apart. We agree that Congress is largely responsible. I am in agreement with some that Obama is not doing a stellar job, but honestly I do see him trying and he seems to be continually rebuffed.
I am still waiting for him to pull that rabbit out of a hat.
Congress hopes they can end up blaming the President for this and while he does at times disappoint me, he at least is holding his ground and trying to make it work.
It goes back to that Norquist pledge. They will not give in on taxes and as a result we have the sequester and the consequences of the sequester will come to all of us.
I know there are decent and fair-minded Republicans who would do their jobs if they were not being run by the ultra conservatives.
As long as the ultra's have power, they will try to force the States to deny the rights of people, shut down planned parenthood, continue to pretend that the country is made up of just white wealthy Christians and leave in place the tax loopholes for corporations, which indeed does cheat this country.(Paying taxes is patriotic. I would really love to see how say, Texas could govern without the Federal aid that comes from our taxes...impossible.)
We have been through this so many times and I think we all get tired of going round and round. I am not against Republicans or conservatives, I am against that group that is holding this country hostage.
I don't think anything stated in this thread is disrespectful or for that matter than we are all in such tremendous disagreement.
We all agree that things are falling apart. We agree that Congress is largely responsible. I am in agreement with some that Obama is not doing a stellar job, but honestly I do see him trying and he seems to be continually rebuffed.
I am still waiting for him to pull that rabbit out of a hat.
I personally was just talking out loud. I think that there was a period of time in which just about every other if not every post was something about the evil of the Republican party and appreciate Rivll that when I posted how I felt here initially that you made some thoughtful comments. I like open mindedness and finding common ground. I find myself much more open to what that person has to say as one's guard comes down. It's hard sometimes to keep your guard down.
I personally feel that the problems in Washington are equally Republican and Democratic in origen.
And there is and has been for some time a very conservative group of Americans that have never wavered in their opinions. They will never be accepting of gay marriage, they will never be pro choice, etc. Some go to my church. :>) I'm a complete liberal at a church meeting as I am in the middle regarding these subjects. You see our new pope that at one point was rather moderate getting more conservative in his public opinions because that is what many in the church want still.
But do agree that the 'tea party' is awful and it is time for them to go.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts tonight while i sit here waiting for my son to finish what seems like 10 tons of homework he neglected to tell me he had until bed time. sigh.
I personally feel that the problems in Washington are equally Republican and Democratic in origen.
And there is and has been for some time a very conservative group of Americans that have never wavered in their opinions. They will never be accepting of gay marriage, they will never be pro choice, etc. Some go to my church. :>) I'm a complete liberal at a church meeting as I am in the middle regarding these subjects. You see our new pope that at one point was rather moderate getting more conservative in his public opinions because that is what many in the church want still.
But do agree that the 'tea party' is awful and it is time for them to go.
Anyway, those are just my thoughts tonight while i sit here waiting for my son to finish what seems like 10 tons of homework he neglected to tell me he had until bed time. sigh.
You are right. I felt protective at tims because you were/are clearly a very good human being and you have a right to your opinions and I didn't even disagree with all of them. I don't know what happened but as it got more contentious I would get fed up with the more provocative statements from others and find myself getting sarcastic and mean too.
The thing is, initially I really liked everyone. I thought el was hilarious and really everyone, even when I thought their opinions were way off, were still held in regard by me.
I'd get preachy and appeal to folks to be respectful then I would go off on someone..
I guess I realized our opinions don't change anything and in the end mostly we ended up hurting each other and it hasn't been much fun.
I remember thi\ose long nights with late HW. Whew, glad that is over.
Have a goodnight,sm.
The thing is, initially I really liked everyone. I thought el was hilarious and really everyone, even when I thought their opinions were way off, were still held in regard by me.
I'd get preachy and appeal to folks to be respectful then I would go off on someone..
I guess I realized our opinions don't change anything and in the end mostly we ended up hurting each other and it hasn't been much fun.
I remember thi\ose long nights with late HW. Whew, glad that is over.
Have a goodnight,sm.
"It goes back to that Norquist pledge. They will not give in on taxes and as a result we have the sequester and the consequences of the sequester will come to all of us."
I understand your statement, but it's curious.
Everyone seems to have forgotten that the Republicans 'gave in' (caved) and accepted various tax increases earlier in the year, in order to avoid the "Fiscal Cliff". Remember that? Republicans in Congress, in a nut-shell, said, "Okay, fine. Raise taxes in order to avoid the fiscal-cliff, but when it comes time to raise the debt-ceiling, we want spending-cuts in order to lower the deficit".
Democrats agreed, and tax increase(s) ensued. Then, when it came time to cut spending (Debt-Ceiling time-frame), Democrats in Congress demanded MORE tax increases, when they'd just promised to NOT ask for any. They'd promised spending cuts, but reneged, and turned it around and asked for more tax increases.
Does no one else remember that?
Everyone's making it look like the Republicans are just saying NO to tax increases (Yes, they're saying NO, but that's because they already GAVE some). That's not the case. They GAVE some, and asked for spending cuts in return, and the Democrats said no.
I just don't get why everyone is giving the Democrats a pass, for basically lying, and reneging on the deal they agreed to. Obama even agreed to it, and suggested the sequestor as a sort of "dead line". He's the one that suggested it, yet it's being made to look like it's the Republicans.
It just doesn't make sense to me, how everyone seems to forget the actual details, and simply remember what's easy & convenient. "Republicans hate women, black people, and raising taxes... period". Seems to be the way Republicans are viewed these days.
I understand your statement, but it's curious.
Everyone seems to have forgotten that the Republicans 'gave in' (caved) and accepted various tax increases earlier in the year, in order to avoid the "Fiscal Cliff". Remember that? Republicans in Congress, in a nut-shell, said, "Okay, fine. Raise taxes in order to avoid the fiscal-cliff, but when it comes time to raise the debt-ceiling, we want spending-cuts in order to lower the deficit".
Democrats agreed, and tax increase(s) ensued. Then, when it came time to cut spending (Debt-Ceiling time-frame), Democrats in Congress demanded MORE tax increases, when they'd just promised to NOT ask for any. They'd promised spending cuts, but reneged, and turned it around and asked for more tax increases.
Does no one else remember that?
Everyone's making it look like the Republicans are just saying NO to tax increases (Yes, they're saying NO, but that's because they already GAVE some). That's not the case. They GAVE some, and asked for spending cuts in return, and the Democrats said no.
I just don't get why everyone is giving the Democrats a pass, for basically lying, and reneging on the deal they agreed to. Obama even agreed to it, and suggested the sequestor as a sort of "dead line". He's the one that suggested it, yet it's being made to look like it's the Republicans.
It just doesn't make sense to me, how everyone seems to forget the actual details, and simply remember what's easy & convenient. "Republicans hate women, black people, and raising taxes... period". Seems to be the way Republicans are viewed these days.
"Republicans hate women, black people, and raising taxes... period". Seems to be the way Republicans are viewed these days. .
Mostly because it appears to be true.
Mostly because it appears to be true.
""Republicans hate women, black people, and raising taxes... period". Seems to be the way Republicans are viewed these days. . "
"Mostly because it appears to be true."
Totally NOT true, as with anything that tries to lump everyone of a same group in the same category. As with every group, not all Republicans can be lumped together.
"Mostly because it appears to be true."
Totally NOT true, as with anything that tries to lump everyone of a same group in the same category. As with every group, not all Republicans can be lumped together.
They "gave" some?
I am concerned mostly about the Corporate loopholes. The money that really should be coming from these billion dollar corporations would make a very big difference in our economy. They are taking enough and they need to pay their fair share. Yet no one wants to touch them...it makes me think that these corps. have way too much political clout. I think some many Republicans are too closely aligned to them and in protecting their assets are contributing to the economic downfall of this country. Furthermore, I do believe the President is obligated to them as well. There is some serious corruption going on while these guys play games.
El made that silly general statement about Republicans hating women. The intended policies of a few have contributed to this perception and it is easy to feel like women's rights are under attack when those extremists go public. In regards to race, the main problem is again these guys don't seem to see America for what she is. A very diverse country. It is not made up exclusively of wealthy white people with Christian values.
I do believe many are racist but the policies affect all low income people and harping on race is a smoke screen. As long as they divide us, we will never be united against their corrupt and self serving politics.
I am concerned mostly about the Corporate loopholes. The money that really should be coming from these billion dollar corporations would make a very big difference in our economy. They are taking enough and they need to pay their fair share. Yet no one wants to touch them...it makes me think that these corps. have way too much political clout. I think some many Republicans are too closely aligned to them and in protecting their assets are contributing to the economic downfall of this country. Furthermore, I do believe the President is obligated to them as well. There is some serious corruption going on while these guys play games.
El made that silly general statement about Republicans hating women. The intended policies of a few have contributed to this perception and it is easy to feel like women's rights are under attack when those extremists go public. In regards to race, the main problem is again these guys don't seem to see America for what she is. A very diverse country. It is not made up exclusively of wealthy white people with Christian values.
I do believe many are racist but the policies affect all low income people and harping on race is a smoke screen. As long as they divide us, we will never be united against their corrupt and self serving politics.
Republican Congress????? The Senate is controlled by Dems.
Did you know that in a poll that the Ryan budget got a majority approval rating from people. They those same people were told it was by Ryan and the approval dropped to about 1/3. This is the stupid American vote we are talking about here.
Maybe the D's have shifted so far left that with the help of the media the that it appears R's have shifted right. I don't know one issue where R's have move far right on since Bush was in office.
And whoever said R's hate women and blacks-**** off. Pathetic piece of trash.
Did you know that in a poll that the Ryan budget got a majority approval rating from people. They those same people were told it was by Ryan and the approval dropped to about 1/3. This is the stupid American vote we are talking about here.
Maybe the D's have shifted so far left that with the help of the media the that it appears R's have shifted right. I don't know one issue where R's have move far right on since Bush was in office.
And whoever said R's hate women and blacks-**** off. Pathetic piece of trash.
And whoever said R's hate women and blacks-**** off. Pathetic piece of trash. ."
Most apparently DO that is a fact you cannot debate. whether you choose to admit it honestly or not.
Its not only race it's religion (can't tolerate anything except hard core christian values), sexuality (God hates fags right, Jesus said so in the bible?), guns (yeehaw can't have any gun laws that would violate mah civahl rights), immigration (shoot those illegals with my gun).....
Anything that is not WASP is well not OK.
Most apparently DO that is a fact you cannot debate. whether you choose to admit it honestly or not.
Its not only race it's religion (can't tolerate anything except hard core christian values), sexuality (God hates fags right, Jesus said so in the bible?), guns (yeehaw can't have any gun laws that would violate mah civahl rights), immigration (shoot those illegals with my gun).....
Anything that is not WASP is well not OK.
lol, cracking me up, girl.
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