November 6, 2008
Posted: November 6th, 2008 07:45 AM ET

From
Will Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin be the new face of the Republican Party in 2012?.
Will Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin be the new face of the Republican Party in 2012?.

NEW YORK (CNN) – The Republican Party faces a long list of problems with no clear national leader and an identity crisis that will play out during a period of good will for the first African-American elected president.

Barack Obama not only won a clear majority of the votes Tuesday night, but he won with a coalition that dramatically recolored the Electoral College map and creates an opportunity for Democrats to have the upper hand after a long period of Republican electoral dominance.

It is the combination of Obama's success among young voters and Latino voters that many Republican strategists see as particularly troubling to their party's long-term health.

"We learned from the Ronald Reagan years how generational support for a candidate can ripple through the demographics for years to come," said one leading GOP strategist close to the McCain campaign.

In other words, young voters who were attracted to Reagan in 1980 remained loyal to Republicans as they aged, providing the base on the party's presidential success over the past 25 years.

Full story

Filed under: GOP • John McCain


D in MD   November 6th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Thank you Indiana Joe – No wonder Todd Palin looked so sour when McCain announced Obama was the winner. Todd knew what he was going home with…a sore loser. Oh my.

GOP   November 6th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

The Republican Party must return to what it has always stood for and defended: The Constitution of the United States - which guarantees freedom and personal liberty to each American, their right to work and prosper. NO WHERE does it guarantee government hand outs! The GOP will fight like hell to keep it that way - count on it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

M. WINNERS   November 6th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Advise to the GOP for bringing the party back form the dead from one of their own...

Ditch the "social conservative" and "family values" delusions that have been the divisive hallmark of the the party starting in the 80s. Like religion, praying and family-only decisions "normal" Americans want to keep those issues and their personal moral positions out of the public domain and political discourse.
Instead, focus on running an efficient government with common sense regulation, modernizing our crumbling infrastructure, encouraging job creation thru "green technologies" and maintaining a strong military and LEAVE MY RELIGIOUS, PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE ISSUES TO ME.

informed voter   November 6th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

GOP needs to re invent itself. They don't seem to ralize that this country is not full of old white men and women who want to worship them. It is a country of diverse colors and cultures. It is a country of different religions. If they accept this and move away from neocons the likes of Hannity and Limbaugh. Move away from spreading hate speeches and towards solid financial policies. Embrace other religions while keeping personal ideologies out of it and focus on big issues while learning to live and let live. They could make a big comeback but they need to form a new base that is not evangelist idiots who think non christians are going to hell. The new base should be fiscal conservatives who talk about a free market economy.

Old white chick for Obama   November 6th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Angry MArine,
I am a white woman who voted for Obama. I was pro-McCain until his pick of Palin. Am I a racist? Am I a sexist?

paul (staunch Moderate)   November 6th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

The GOP at one time stood for LESS government in our lives. Since the mid-90's it has been the party which interferes the MOST in our lives. They are the ones forcing their Protestant religious morals upon a country with a VAST host of religious beliefs.

It used to stand for LOWER spending, yet for the last 10 years has DOUBLED the national debt and doubled deifict spending.

They need some serious Diversity Training. The country is no longer a WASP majority – yet the convention and campaign rallies were filled with nothing but a SEA of white faces.

They need to go back to fighting FOR freedom rather than fighting AGAINST it. It is the GOP who have fought rigorously to DENY a list of freedoms to a very large portion of the populace over the last 15 years.

Those are just the basis of addressing a resurgance of the party.

indiePA   November 6th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

If Palin is the new face of the Republican Party, they should (once again) be ashamed. The GOP has already foisted a folksy moron on the American voters once and she would do nothing but follow in the pattern. I'm sure she's a smart person, but she has not, for an instant shown me that she is professional enough to lead the U.S. back to the heights of diplomacy. If the party goes back to the far, far right, they will not attract anyone to support them except those who feel that religion should rule and individual rights should perish. Bad karma!

Chris in NC   November 6th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

A big part of the GOP melt-down is its refusal to move to the so-called "center". Some of you folks don't seem to understand that right wing extremism is no more appealing to the average American than the wackos on the far left. Yet the GOP leadership is so immersed in its own neo-conservative, theocratic/patriotic hype that it truly believes they are what's best for this country. That, my friends, is what you call out of touch with mainstream America, and mainstream America rejected that ideology in 2006, and now in 2008.

Anita of georgia   November 6th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

The republican party has very little to offer younger voters. The republican party benefit older voters that are mostly likely well establish. They caters to the rich and upper income people, or groups of supporters that vote on faith based issues or single issues, and most of all low information voters. The ones that will believe anything that will come out of the mouth of the candidates running for office. I can't believe some supporters could be so informed or maybe they want a reason for not being informed so they will have a reason for not voting for the other candidate, although they know the information is not true, but they repeat it anyway.

justin   November 6th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Dear Values

We will see a change, its just too bad it will be a change for the worse. Nothing good will come from an Obama Democratic administration. But there is a good chance I will be raising you and your family from the so called "Extra Money" money I have. Hey atleast I can say I am patriotic.

Ian   November 6th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

That's right, keep reporting that there's really a difference between both parties. What is congress's approval rating again?

Sarah, Kansas City, MO   November 6th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Get over Reagan. He has been out of office since 1988 and when he left office the country was in severe debt and running a large deficit. He would have made a great king but he was hardly a great president. And I voted for him for his second term. The republicans need a new leader and they need to politely tell the far right christianists to go away, they have wrecked the party. Because of them I could never consider voting for a republican for federal office.

In order for the republicans to become winners again they are going to have move to the center and give up the religion stuff. Religion does not belong in government or politics. This stuff about the democrats having to move to the center from the left without the republicans doing same is a double standard. Most Americans are slightly left or right of center. When republicans only listen to far right and want to govern from there, there will only be continued abandonment of moderate republicans from the party. Not a good way to win elections.

Mike in Columbus   November 6th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Angry Marine...

Think you have your helmet on a little too tight sweetie pie. Stick with one cup of coffee a day, and get some more fiber in your diet, and you will feel a whole lot better. The fiber will help you get rid of some of what you are full of. Also, try getting your information from a few other sources, rather than just fox news. Now turn that frown-upside-down, and look in the mirror and say, "I'm good enough, I'm getting smarter, and someday someone will like me." Hope that helps.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   November 6th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

The "Greatest Generation" is dying off, the "baby boomers" which helped create this mess of an economy is aging, and folks, it is the age group 18-45 will decide how they want to save this country. There was an editorial in the AZ Republic this morning from a WW 2 vet, who basically stated that "If I had know what I know now, I would never have put myuself in harm's ay in the rer of a B-29 for 35 missions over Japan to defend my US Constitution." My answer to his statement is that apparently he does not understand what democracy is all about. I'm from that "war baby" so-called "silent generation", and a veteran, but I at least keep an open mind. Both my children are in that 18-34 age group and voted Obama as did I.

Dave   November 6th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Why does anyone belong to the GOP? Why does anyone belong to the Democratic party? Winston Churchill nailed it when he remarked anyone that is under 40 and a liberal doesn't have a heart and anyone over 40 and a liberal doesn't have a brain.
The current GOP is in name only. The GOP was hijacked by the neo-cons when Bush Sr. rose to power and was forced into the VP slot by those who strongarmed Reagan into it (because he did not like him in the first place). That's when I became an independent. The Bush family and Clinton family are basically like a mafia. So glad they are no longer in power.

Noah   November 6th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Hey Lyndon, you know what sounds alot like Fascism? Creating a civilian security force. Suppressing free speech by bringing back the Fairness Doctrine and going after anyone who dares speak out against the dear leader Obama. You are so blinded by Liberal ideology. The country will never be center left. We largely reject your beliefs. Even Obama had to reinvent himself into a moderate to get elected. He ran away from his Liberal record because he knows Americans would not vote for an radical Liberal like you.

KG, Twin Cities   November 6th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

My husband is Hispanic. He said to me Tuesday, as we voted for Obama, that he is tired of only mattering every 4 yrs in November. Our daughters voted for the first time. In the next presidential election, our son will be old enough to vote as well. Will these four members of my family matter to the GOP then or just me, the sole caucasion?

Si se puede, baby!

Barbara NY   November 6th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

The GOP needs to do more than regroup. McCain's presidential campaign looked like a Marx Brothers movie. The Right has hijacked the Republicans and has them in a headlock. They need to stop existing through Ronald Reagan (a lot of the current economic crisis can be traced back to his policies). They need to stop speaking political double talk when they speak to us–thanks to information technology we can find out the truth. My father was a lifelong Republican and he would no longer recognize the party he once supported.

Sandra   November 6th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

The Republican Party should start fresh with new faces. I'm sure they'll be new up and coming men and women who will start to emerge as time goes on. Change is good for everyone.

Dave   November 6th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Well, they put the wrong guy in as the nominee. Should have been Romney. Especially when the economy tanked and McCain was then toast.

Independent Dave, Iowa   November 6th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

The mainstream GOP needs to distance its self from the hate of the likes of Limbaugh and Dobson and change its mentalaity from "Drill Baby, Drill" to "Innovate Everyone, Innovate!"

The GOP needs to move into the 21st century!

Mike Dallas   November 6th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

As long as Republicans allow the stranglehold of the rabid right social conservatives, the party will continue to lose elections by 6%, one of the highest in history.

Palin was supposed to represent the best of this category. That went over really well, now didn't it. She appealed to the right because of her anti-abortion stance, that of course, would be the same reason 60% of America has rejected her.

So, keep coming up with excuses such as the liberal media, the economy tanked and everyone ran to the dems, Ayers and his 40 year old activity, Wright win Palin had a witch doctor preacher, pregnant teenager, yet pledges abstinence, etc.

So, continue right on down the path the party is trodding, run Palin again, in 2012 rally round her and consider the flaws the doings of the evil leftists.

Please.

Pretty please!

John   November 6th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

I am a Republican. I voted for McCain in the primaries and was going to vote for him in the election; UNTIL he selected Palin. She is ignorant and has no grasp of reality. She spends too much time in her cold backyard staring over towards Russia.

The fact that she was elected in Alaska is actually something that goes against her because the people up there just re-elected a CONVICTED CRIMINAL.

With all the competent and intellectualy superior women the Republicans have he picks her... . If someone mentions her name in 2012 I'll vote Democrat again.

I wish the best to the new President because, if he screws up our country will go to hell and that means ALL OF US.

By the way, to that "smart" Marine, that posted that Bush was doing a fine job until 2006... WAKE UP! He lost control of Congress because his approval rating was less than 29%, and we were (and still are) in a downward spiral with a sinking economy, a war we shouldn't be in (and I've been to Iraq twice) and Enron-like scandals left and right.

Let's just hope this change rights the ship and we can be what we once were. (and I would be saying this if McCain had won also).

ran   November 6th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Palin is not the answer. She is part of the problems. Republicans please get it this time. We want our politics to be about real issues not your obsessions; those belong in your own homes and your churches;that is if you don't want an abortion don't have one. If you don't like Gays.Don't hang out with them.

Your agenda does not belong in our politics. So stop thinking it does and get own with you simple minded lives and leave our politics for real issues.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   November 6th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

A lesson in diversity is what the GOP needs, indeed! Just recall that scene in Grant Park Tuesday night, or any of the other venues where Dems gathered to celebrate the Obama victory–there were folks of all hues there, embracing, dancing, being in each other's presence with no fear or bigotry. Juxtapose that scene with the scene at the Biltmore where McCain gave his concession speech–a bunch of angry white folks, to be sure. Same thing was true of the conventions of the respective parties. Republican party will not get the overhaul it needs until it fairly recreates itself as a party inclusive of all and for all.

beth   November 6th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

I really doubt that Sarah Palin will be considered again as a presidential candidate. She hurt the Republican party's campaign. She's divisive and (I can't think of a kinder way to put this) not very intelligent. She will go back to her job as Govenor until Ted Stevens is given the boot. Then she may take over his position. I think that she may have ghosts in her closet that may need to be found. She may be a nice person, but I have some really bad vibes about her. I was a Hillary supporter and really considered voting for McCain after Obama won the primary election. Once he named Palin as his running mate, that was done with. I guess it was a mixed blessing though because I have really come to admire Barack Obama.

SENATUS POPOLUSQUE ROMANUS   November 6th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

PALIN – JOE THE PLUMMER for 2056 !!

The Republican presidential team with the highest IQ.... :-)

Joe the Butt Plumber   November 6th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

I hope Palin is the new face of the republican party. That should keep them out of power for a long, long time.

Super Obama Club   November 6th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

To all you McCain supporters:

Obama won because your guy sucked.

George W. sucked too.

Find another Reagan and maybe you'll have a decent shot in another four years. Or, run Palin for Prez in 2012 and go down in flames once again.

Maybe the Repubs need a liberal to run their campaigns?

Paul Wall in Dallas   November 6th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

If the GOP hopes to survive it must move to the middle. Trying to appease xenophobic, homophobic, radical christians (which are every bit as scary as radical islam) will only hurt your future as a party. the party lost many more votes than it could have possibly gain because of appealing to hate and what is the worst in humanity. You can make it if you let the radical right make their own hateful, bitter little party and gain 10 times as many moderates that you lost with this ticket. In the meantime supporting and not sabotaging the new president would be a good idea.

Helene   November 6th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

We don't need the GOP anymore. They are totally irrelevant these days.

dwayne   November 6th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

I guess the GOP will become the party of Joe the Plumber!

KJL   November 6th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Enough of Palin. The GOP needs to avoid religious fanatics and find intelligent leaders. They don't need symbols, they need thinkers.

Michael in Houston   November 6th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Indentity Crisis. How about a flat out failure. Why does anyone still belong to that party, I have no idea! Conservatism is so 20th century. How conservative are you when most of you suppress yourselves as well as others. The Repub Party leadership is a bunch of bible thumping, greedy, racist, women supressing, war mongering bafoons and until that changes, good luck on winning any elections in the near future

Lyndon,CA   November 6th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

The GOP is lead by Fascists, comprised of Fascists, and for Fascists.
It will not change anytime soon. It espouses a unique brand of fascism. The American brand. They wrap themselves in the flag and proclaim a self righteousness through religion to the detriment of other voices which embody America. Their core belief is intolerance.
In the seventeenth century, they were called Puritans. Now they are called Republicans.

Debi   November 6th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Angry Marine:
Please get over your hate and anger.
It only makes the Republican Party less appealing to white people that voted for Obama.

By the way, 98% of the black vote went to Obama, but counted for less than half of the total electorate.

So, what about the remaining major half of the electorate?
Were they also racist?

What about the woman that refused to vote for McCain because of Palin?
Were they sexist?

ANGIE   November 6th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Republicans Get off your far right horses, Join the Rest of the Country and realize THERE IS NO BLUE ANTI-AMERICA, AND NO RED PRO AMERICA, BUT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WE ARE ALL ONE NATION UNDER GOD! And for godsake you call yourselfs conservative Christians Then Republicans time to put the Hate and Fear cards away. I think Election night proved ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Move back to the center republicans and Maybe you will be Hired again!

Sanjaya   November 6th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Frank the Tank - I agree completely with what you said.

On a similar note, I am a left-leaning independent but I cannot stand that so many people think that all Republicans are stupid racists or all Democrats are all wackos/hippies. Obviously both sides have some good aspects and some bad aspects. I know many college educated people who just simply believe the fiscally conservative ideology is the most logical way to run government. I think people get so caught up in the labels of "Democrat" and "Republican" that they start dealing in absolutes..."either you are with us or against us".

"Only a Sith deals in absolutes" -Obi Wan Kenobi

Lisa M   November 6th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I notice that they are talking about the young people who were attracted to Reagan.

I remember Reagan. I remember campaigning for a different candidate.

Trickle down economics works in a perfect world. When you find one, please let me know.

Corporatism does not work. Quit bailing the the corporations. If they want to leave the USA, let them with the understanding that they no longer have our protection nor can they work on defense projects(lucrative business)

Keep your religion, I'll keep mine. Quit thumping the Bibles, if you got'em, read'em. (New Testament too).

Quit speaking for me. I have a voice. I will use it if I choose. Your remarks belong to you not me.

No, all of my complaints aren't about the Republicans. I have bones to pick with the Democrats too. But we expect the Dems to be spendthrifts and start wars that we don't belong in, etc.

May I reiterate-quit giving my money to the corporations. They make more than I do. Let them live within their funds. The government could try that too. BTW you can put my money back in the Social Security excess, give me a major break on my taxes or quit the poor tax(Social Security) and just take the payments out of the General Fund.

Where the heck are the grown ups?

Beverly, NYC   November 6th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

As long as the Republicans are lead by conservatives,division and hate they can expect to remain in no man's land politically. Too see where they've gone wrong, they need only review the last 5 months of McCain's campaign look at the faces in the crowd, all white, contrasted with the diversity of Obama supporters. They should examine the rhetoric of their talking heads like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh to name the worst spreaders of hate and division. Then decide, do they want to be the party of Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, Cheney & Rumsfeld or is it time for the old guard to hand the reins over to younger generation of Republicans like Pawlenty and Jindal. My guess is the old guard will not go without a fight, it will be business as usual while expecting a different result. Good luck with that guys!!!

California Gold   November 6th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

The GOP faces more than just an "identity crisis". The party has suffered from a lack of identity. They have had no clear, sensible platform that a cross section of society could embrace. It takes more than the rantings of zealots to be considered leadership. What happened to the GOP was the Buffett Effect: people said they would vote GOP but Warren Buffett's sensibilities prevailed in the voting booth. Can the GOP learn to stop clinging to the lunatic rantings and move into the 21st century?

s   November 6th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Sow negativity and that's what you will reap. Better learn it, Republican Party.

ST   November 6th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Angry MARINE VETERN

Get over it already! Obama was not elected because of his skin color. He was elected because we thought he would be the best man for the job. How do you explain why so many whites voted for him?! Were they being racist against McCain?! I don't think so. I think McCain ran a horrible campaign and it showed. He was not what is best for America right now. We need someone who will think about us before they will think about themselves. McCain is not that person. This country will not be ran by white males forever.

It's time to move on and grow up. Some of you sound like 5 year olds on the playground that didn't get their way.

J.C.   November 6th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

CPAC excludes Senator McCain for the 2009 conference but invites Governor Palin instead. This tells us that GOP doesn't learn their lesson. In such an anti-GOP environment, it takes a moderate McCain to fare as well. If GOP chooses to go more extreme right, they might as well disband. Why centrists fare better? More people are very tired of partisan politics than ever.

Carl   November 6th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

After reading some of these posts, I've come to a few conclusions.

1) Like George Carlin says, there are a few winners, and a whole lot of losers. This forum is no different. There is a severe lack of respect and intelligence from many people here. Not knowing that Lincoln was a Republican or that Glenn Beck is no longer on CNN or your unending name calling shows me how warped your mind is right now.

2) A country divided is EXACTLY what Obama and McCain and their 2 parties want. The scariest thing for them is a united America standing up for their rights. About 95% of the bloggers here are just lost. Time for you to see the light.

3) Stop this "blah blah person/middle aged woman for Obama" nonsense. We get it, and he is now President-elect. Now is the time for you to support his cause and to make sure he does what you voted him into office. Your nonsense is getting old so grow up...

Boisepoet   November 6th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

What does the GOP offer?
1. You have to be Anti-Choice or the party will not support you.
2. You have to be anti-gay, or you will be an outsider.
3. You have to support tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, or you will be called a socialist and anti-American.
4. If the tenor of the recent campaign continues, you have to be uneducated and from a small town, otherwise you are an elitist (right Mr. Buckley?)

They are diminishing their own importance by continuing to narrow the requirements of membership and embrace of fundamentalist Xtian rhetoric.

Angry MARINE VETERN   November 6th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Joe the engineer
YOU are a moron, just like most of the other people that voted for obama, it is idiots like you that always have to make everything about RACE, instead of making it truly about what it is(MORALS), which obviously you have none or you would not have voted the way you did. SO CALLED CHANGE< does not happen right away, The clinton years ran smoothly, because of the way Bush Sr. left everything when he left office, other than the bright idea the dumbacrats came up with called (NAFTA) which caused thousands and thousands of american workers to lose their jobs. George W. did a great job, until the dems took control in 2006 and the economy once AGAIN went south. So , Gee i wonder which way it will go now. And it is pathetic to me all of the people, most of whom had never even voted before now only voted for obama BECAUSE he was BLACK..But thats not racist, things in this country are only deemed racist, when it is against black people, not the other way around...GET A CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doodler57   November 6th, 2008 11:59 am ET

And another final word....
People like to believe, they like to hope, and they yearn to be inspired and led... Obama promised all of that and more ....
The GOP simply looked like a bunch of grumpy old men and women... give people something to inspire them, rather than bludgeon them with fear, and the party might go somewhere....

anthony   November 6th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Noah,

The Republicans need to stop running against the liberal bogeyman in every election. The reason Republicans lost to Bill Clinton twice was that Bill Clinton was never the liberal they insisted that he was. Remember, in cooperation with Republicans who were in charge of the Congress then, he actually balanced the budget and left a surplus by the time he left office. All the while people like Rush railed against liberals and their tax-and-spend policies, Republicans were branding themselves as the borrow-and-spend, culture-war and religiously intolerant party. Thanks to Bush and Palin, they are also branding themselves as the party of incompetence. This election was not about liberalism vs. conservatism. The country is in bad shape and we want people in charge who are more interested in governing and solving problems, instead of people who are obsessed with calling people liberals.

Art   November 6th, 2008 11:56 am ET

The only thing that concerns me about Palin now that we know her is that she is overseeing one of America'f greatest natural resources and ecomonic resources. SHe has demonstrated that she is incompetent to make decisons for AMerica over our oil, fishing industry, wildlife and habitat etc. Salmon make up a large % of econmic gains for America. She has no respect for the environement. I would like to see her impeached as she is incompeteent to manage the resources of her state. Someone needs to hold her acccountable with the federal laws she is required to follow. Now that her actions have been brought to light, we need to closely monitor her activity and agenda. I'm sure environemntal groups will be all over her....

Debi   November 6th, 2008 11:54 am ET

You almost feel sorry for Palin and the Republican Party until you realize they, together, brought this on themselves.
I would say the same about the Democrat Party had that party been in power a majority of the last 8 years.
Let's hope the hateful people in both parties stand up for America instead of their own interest.
I think it is time for this country to move past it's "every man for themselves" attitude and move into a "Today we are all American's" attitude.

hooverguide   November 6th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Whether it was the maverick John McCain or the GOP party counselors, choosing Governor Palin was the end of any hope for victory in 2008. Banking on stealing the diverse Hillary Clinton supporters by choosing just any woman was beyond insulting. Every woman I know was initially energized by her selection, but as soon as her overwhelming lack of credentials and substance bubbled to the surface, the GOP was doomed. Take a good look at the faces in the rally crowds at GOP events - there is your answer to the problem. Too old, too white, too rigid, too exclusive. We, the people of this great nation have moved into the 21st century. Perhaps you should consider joining us.

Blue balloons   November 6th, 2008 11:53 am ET

The republicans have 4 years and a few hundred million dollars to re-tool, revise, and re-strategise to find a way to save grace and redeem the party philosophies. If they squander away their time like they did the last 8 years, they will lose again in 2012. And here's a friendly bit of advice: Don't let Sarah Palin or Rudy Giuliani be your front runners.

Seattle Sue   November 6th, 2008 11:52 am ET

I'm happy to see the effects of Ronald Reagan wearing off. I lived in California when he was Governor, I didn't like him then and didn't like him as President and I still don't like him!

Film Professor   November 6th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Republicans who think Palin is the future of a viable party are seriously deluded.

This woman cannot speak a grammatically correct or coherent sentence. Obviously in places like Alaska, someone like her, with ambition and a pre-set agenda, can triumph over people who favor a more thoughtful approach to dealing with the complex issues in our world. Please remember that this same state has been electing Ted Stevens for 40 years, and even apparently re-elected him despite 7 felony convictions.

David   November 6th, 2008 11:46 am ET

Just remember this: 34 minorities at their political convention. 34. Nuff said.

Doodler57   November 6th, 2008 11:46 am ET

As someone who has observed US elections from both Canada & the UK for 40 years, it strikes me that Republicans don't have an identity crisis – if they don't know what they are for, they know what they are against.
What the GOP DOES have is a demographic crisis; the US populance knows what you stand for and an increasing majority of women, blacks, hispanics, and youth simply don't like it. A party that concedes at least 20% of the electorate (and increasing) before they start will have trouble getting elected.
Americans, and America is changing – the Republicans need a message that has relevance for that audience. There is a conservative, perhaps even libertarian position that might resonate with these groups, but, right now, the GOP is stale, white, elderly, male and dying on its feet...

Melissa Petoskey, MI   November 6th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Mark my words, because of this alleged dissarray in the GOP, the Obama administration will not only find difficulty in reaching across the asile, the republicans will muster everything they have left to block any piece of legislation that comes across the table. I wish them (Obama admin) the best still.

Elaina   November 6th, 2008 11:45 am ET

I am sad for our country that I hear many republicans (Mccain and Bush) supporters who refuse to acknowledge Obama as their new president and vow not to support him. Some even claim they will do everything in their power to make his job impossible. While I am so elated for our country in having Obama as our next president, I am sad that some Americans cannot see how destructful this divisiveness is for all of us and the country we all love and should be united in. I am a former republican and now independent who has come to the realization that it is time to do away with the two party system and look solely at who is best to run our country and speaks for the majority of Americans. We should all hold our politicians accountable as that is part of our job in our democracy. But to go out of ones way to cause failure or make it more difficult, is not American or a united country at that. Bush has made some terrible mistakes as president which he should be accountable for. Many AMericans had to endure 8 years of dissatisfaction with Bush as he ruled in support of the minority and himself. We had to exists in the midst of his incompetence and lies, which no one made him do. If Obama turns out to be a liar and incompetent in his postion, he should be impeached as we should have done with Bush. However, I don't think he should be judged as such before he has even taken office. Although I did not vote for Bush, I supoorted him until it became clear he was making detrimental decisions to our country. Obama NEVER made his job difficult just out of spite or pure dislike. He spoke out against his polices that were detrimental to Americans and our nation. He was speaking on behalf of what we now know was the truth and the feelings of the majority of Americans. He did not begin critizing Bush before Bush took office or had a chance to implement policies. And Obama did not cause Bush to fail. Bush did that to himself. Please fellow Americans, support our country by supporting our newly and continued elected officials, regardless of party. Give them a chance to lead our country and keep it running for all of us. We have a chance to move our country into a new era. We may not all possess the same beliefs or share the same values, but we need to find a way to support our country as a melting pot and a strong united nation for the benefit of future generations. America is great because we can live out our own values and beliefs so long as they do not infringe upon others rights to same. Choose freedom and unity!

Republican   November 6th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Ok democrats, history was made and it is history now. Now forget about palin and mccain. Lets concentrate on "change you talked about". As we are all geared up for the change, lets now keep our focus on Obama/biden for their change process and lets concentrate on what biden said" Next one year is crucial for obama, world will test him"

GA voter   November 6th, 2008 11:44 am ET

I am a democrat and so I don't know why I am helping here, but I can't see these entries and not say anything.

The very first thing you do in order to fix a problem is to "identify the problem". It seems like the Republicans haven't yet figured out what the problem really is. They are saying that they lost this election because of what happend in September to Lehman Brothers and others. They are clueless. Listen to Obama's convention speech (given before September) or his speeches back in July or his speech back in February after Super Tuesday. He has said, "Under Bush Administration, the average family salary has gone DOWN by $2000."

Republicans didn't lose becuase the "Wall-Street" failed in September, 2008. They failed because the "Main-Street" has been failing for last 8 years when the government was controlled by Republicns in Executive and Legislative brances (yes i know it was only 6 of last 8 years).

That is THE reason Republicans lost. If you want to deny that, then go ahead. We (democrats) will continue to win.

patriot   November 6th, 2008 11:42 am ET

I don't see any alternattive for conservatives emerging. Bob Barr was smart to ditch the GOP, but the Libertaians were stupid to embrace Barr as their presidential candidate given his decidedly anti-libertarian record on drugs, gays, war, role of religion, etc. The Libertarian party too, appears to be sinking fast.

wiscon   November 6th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Dez, what lies are you talking about? are you calling queations and bringing up past events and past comments about obama lies? those weren't lies, they were just something you didn't like hearing. lets see if obama can move from being 90% on the left to a little more to the center. America is in the middle, and he better remember that or it is gonna be 4 quick years.

Rave   November 6th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Where is Joe the Plumber now a days. Whose toilet is he fixing (or cleaning). I can't believe he can get away by questioning a Presidential candidate that he is planning to buy a business that makes more than $250,000 – when he owes back taxes to government, medical bills, doesn't have plumbing license .... Is he doing something else to make that $250,000 ?? Like Drug dealing maybe??
He doesn't represent anyone in this country. He is a total fake.

Ansky#1   November 6th, 2008 11:39 am ET

It’s surprising that folks haven’t commented more regarding the quote that one of Palin’s handlers made while actually defending her rogue nature, i.e., that she’s “not good at process questions”. Just another example of how the “not ready for prime time” (to use a SNL term) so-called journalism major, who should be able to deal with those questions if not for the fact that she had to attend numerous colleges over many years to eke out a degree, simply doesn’t have the intellectual capacity, ethics, or tools to lead this nation, not now, not ever. The fact that those radio idiots were able to use up all their “Sarkozy” material punking her with lines such as “my wife is hot in bed” and referencing a porn film points to her incredible stupidity – she makes Bush look like the leader of Mensa! That total lack of awareness and hasty vetting on McCain’s part in choosing such a vapid, ethically challenged potential leader for this country was his biggest error.

The inconsistencies of Palin’s messages when it suits her are astounding – “reformer” vs. violator of ethics laws (Troopergate – don’t think for a minute that the personnel board probe was independent in any way, when she could fire the lot of them if she didn’t like the conclusion), potentially of tax code (reimbursement for staying at home and for modifying forms for children’s travel) and of improper pipeline bidding (to a Canadian company no less, wait until that one runs its course!) – wanting to make Obama's pastor a campaign issue when she was exorcised from witches by a nutjob pastor – making anti-American claims when her husband is a member of a secessionist party and has used her Oval Office (to what end?), anti-socialist vs. distributor of checks to all Alaskans, “plain-values purveyor of transparency” when she cleaned out high end stores above and beyond guidelined purchases and had staffers place them on their credit cards, etc, etc.

Glad she’s going back home where she belongs, to a place where dirty politics is king, and population doesn’t really care about the ethics of their leaders – she and Ted Stevens can hire Joe the Plumber and stuff ballot boxes.

Charles Atlanta   November 6th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Just like 2008 Nobel Price winner Professor Krugman said "Republican party becomes a party of stupid". They need to think about neo-con economy principles because they apprently show not working at all. They need to be "knowledge liberal" to be open-mined to learn new things. The cannot be a party of slogon and need to bring substances. Young generation can find everything from Internet so lying, misleading, labelling opponents simply won't work. They need to move into 12st century.

patriot   November 6th, 2008 11:38 am ET

The once-grand old party has been reduced to a pathetic little ragtag band of the paranoid, the selfish, the religious zealot, the bigot, the dim-witted, the greedhead, the anti-intellectual, and the war monger. The GOP has no plan for America. Their bellicose leanings and hatred of government have gotten us into the messes we are in now.

Warren from TEXAS   November 6th, 2008 11:37 am ET

I feel sorry 4 the GOP if Palin is the hope 4 the future. She is nice 2 look at but when she speaks I just say 2 myself what n the hell is she talking about.

E   November 6th, 2008 11:36 am ET

I can't wait to hear more about Palin's complete ignorance and how the media kept it hidden. Only more evidence that teh media is NOT leftist.

JW   November 6th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Their biggest mistake would be to go even farther right, with Palin. She's another Bush. The GOP is so out of touch with the US electorate.

MBFLA   November 6th, 2008 11:34 am ET

The GOP needs to run bright people for top office, stop lying, quit being the party of hate , become more diverse and expand your base beyond the top 1% of the wealthy ,recognize the reason for the separation between church and state, get out of our bedrooms and relationships, realize women have the right to reproductive choices, etc. Other than those few things, you are fine.

country first   November 6th, 2008 11:34 am ET

the republican party blew this election with this foolish idea, surly they learned from such a major mistake, i would never vote for this woman for anything, let alone for my president.

Gayle   November 6th, 2008 11:33 am ET

This message is to “30-m-PA-Democrat-voted McCain”. You need to get over it already. The bottom line is that we have a new president and it’s not McCain. Move on why don’t you. A win is a win. Stupid

Frank the Tank   November 6th, 2008 11:33 am ET

And many republicans aren't stupid, just as many democrats... Both parties have their idiots, it would be interesting to see what the average grade level would be for both parties since there exists so many stupidity references to republicans...
Frank- working on my doctorate...

Druid Marxist Obama Supporter   November 6th, 2008 11:31 am ET

The GOP doesn't face an identity crisis. It faces a crisis created by the hippie druid liberal anti war pro abortion left. Don't worry liberals, the GOP scientists will be hard at work finding the antidote to you who are a viral infection to OUR traditional society. Enjoy it while it lasts – I'm sure you've got the spliffs and urbainte parties all lined up. Your time is coming – starting in 2010.

Jack   November 6th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Oh please select Sarah to lead the GOP, we haven't had this much fun in a while.

J.C.   November 6th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Palin is what Hillary is not, except for the ambitious part.
There is nothing wrong with being ambitious.
But both lack convictions.

Tariq   November 6th, 2008 11:30 am ET

if you want to reclaim your identity....remind McCain Palin supporters that they were Americans first before republicans and instead of despairing over the fate of the party think of the other Americans who share your goal for the US no matter how different their path may be. In working for bettering America (either with or in spite of the elected democrats), you will find your identity as an American and hence ...as a Republican.

Kevin   November 6th, 2008 11:29 am ET

John McCain picked Sarah Palin and now he wants to attack this woman....I did not like Gov. Palin attacks on Obama, but she was doing what she was told by John McCain and friends.

djak   November 6th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I am against the division of this country by the political parties and I am not affiliated with any party. One piece of advice I would give the GOP is to promote unity, not division. Many, many republicans and independents were turned off by the negative and divisive campaign led by McCain. Let that serve as a lesson and take this opportunity to do things differently.

Frank the Tank   November 6th, 2008 11:28 am ET

For those of you proclaiming a GOP extinction, that will mean an eventual split of the Democratic party... Sometimes it seems as if unity isn't always on the platform, get rid of the republicans and see what happens... One party can't exist in America especially in a world of differences, look at our founding fathers who aspired not to have them... After the Federalist party watched the sunset, we had a split of the Democratic Republicans... It does happen...

midge from ohio   November 6th, 2008 11:27 am ET

Give Sarah Palin a couple of years and she will blow them all away. She is the hope and the future of the GOP.

Byron   November 6th, 2008 11:26 am ET

I cannot understand as to why the GOP is stuck on Reagan. Let it go, find a new way. We are in the 21st century, technology is light years away from the 1980's and this party is still talking about Reagan. The party is too old for America's youth.

Dez   November 6th, 2008 11:26 am ET

The GOP doesn't face an identity crisis; they face a lying crisis. Their campaigns have been based upon lies and fear. The internet changed all that. They would have won again this year if we had to depend on MSM as we have had to do in the past. You can't even lie about being married anymore because of the internet. No more campaigns based upon LIES.

Tony   November 6th, 2008 11:25 am ET

You lost, not only this election, but all ethnic minorities and anyone with half a brain. What did you really expect after 8 years of pandering to the most demanding, most rigidly ideological, least educated demographic in the country? You made your bed now go take a long, long nap.

Bill in California   November 6th, 2008 11:24 am ET

This is not the end of anything much less the Republican Party. This country wasn't formed to supply the need of every individual only the opportunity to achieve indepenence. Revel, party and enjoy your new found voice. But as with all parties dissatisfaction and rancor will grow with the new EMPOROR. How soon we forget the flags waving the high praise for President Bush for kicking butt after 9/11. We are a fickle people and the one next to you celebrating may very well be spewing the same venom at you at the end of four years.

ANA G. LOS ANGELES. CA   November 6th, 2008 11:22 am ET

BYE BYE PALIN!!! GO BACK TO ALASKA AND STAY THERE.

New Day   November 6th, 2008 11:21 am ET

I think Palin might be a good leader. She needs to drop the smugness and smears and pick up a civics book (maybe even read the news on occasion) but, she seemed to identify well with some people.

Here's a tip from a NYC person recently moved to PA: If you want my vote, dont come to my state and call me a northeast elitist. You might have had a chance to connect with us better if you dont insult us in order to get a few misguided cheers from people in small towns that know nothing of the northeast, and base their opinion on what they saw in "Escape from New York."

Cynthia; Bham   November 6th, 2008 11:21 am ET

Some advice for the GOP – you watched how President Elect Obama ran his campaign and should know by now that is how you run a campaign and now all they have to do is sit back and watch the Obama Administration and see how one should to be ran.

ChrisB   November 6th, 2008 11:20 am ET

The GOP needs to purge their ranks of their geriatric, self-serving, corrupt, and ideologically ossified Old Guard. Their core constituency is sadly out of touch with the rest of this country, and the world, which might explain why many Republicans voted for Obama in this election. I think an infusion of new blood will revitalize the party. Maybe Sarah Palin represents some of that new blood. Time will tell, and that's something the GOP has plenty of right about now. I'm interested to see what they come up with.

sabuc   November 6th, 2008 11:18 am ET

Palin would be just as effective as Joe "the plumber" or Tito "the builder! I hope this is the last week we have to hear of Palin and crew.

BTW, was her wardrobe given to charity as promised?

Bobby   November 6th, 2008 11:17 am ET

How come Obama isn't going to his grandmothers funeral? As always he's putting his politics first!!!

Christine CT   November 6th, 2008 11:16 am ET

Revision is necessary, and has been for a long time. I was a registered Republican for the majority of my life until W. I was having a hard time rallying around radicals like Rush, Hannity,, now Palin, and others who used the word conservatism as code for their hidden agenda. Other words that make me nervous are when the discuss "founding fathers", "the base" and Moral majority. All I saw from this was the use of these principles as weapons of hate and diviseness. They talk about less government and fears of socialism,but are hypocritical in how they use religion to invade politics and government, especially when it comes to the denial of rights of fellow Americans that are different than "the base.
My spirituality is my own, it doesn't have to be, nor should it be, anyone else's.
Frightening concept. As Americans, we are not all blond, blue eyed. We're all immigrants in one way or another. We all have different ideals, but the part of our consitution that says "all men are created equal", and "Separation of church and state" should be ahdered to.

Tony   November 6th, 2008 11:14 am ET

SO GLAD TO SEE THIS INCOMPETENT, INCOHERENT, IMBECILIC, BABBLING DIMWIT SENT BACK TO ALASKA!

Victor from the new world   November 6th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Just as dinosaurs... It's time to GOP's extinction. They are not fitted to this world anymore.
This and the future world is a world of open minds, the world of those who wants peace...

carson   November 6th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Mccain big mistake is he didn't put country first.. .

obama secret successful is putting country first ...

pray2008pray   November 6th, 2008 11:08 am ET

GOD BLESS EVERYONE'S PRESIDENT (REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRATS, AND INDEPENDENT)--–Obama is going to be all of our President. And there's nothing that can be done about it.

President Bush is all of our president and we need to respect him as well.

Sanjaya   November 6th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Just a couple responses.

1. Palin's picture is on the article because (if you read the caption) they are wondering if she is the "new face" of the party (I hope not). This goes with the article perfectly...so stop the whining.a

2. How is CNN being biased with this article? Its news. Its not degrading the party, just pointing out where its at.

3. The GOP (like others have said) just need to get back to the basics of what there party stood for, conservatism. I think if they try to become more open minded and tolerant, establish a new leader (NOT PALIN) that can transcend the party and promote smaller government without trying to scare my vote out of me, the party would actually become very attractive for many left-leaning-independent americans. Maybe not change our votes, but I could respect a party like that.

Archie h.   November 6th, 2008 11:08 am ET

The GOP was scuttled by 8 years of incessant liberal demonizing smear and a hostile biased media. Mission accomplished media ! Can anyone name one item of bipartisan cooperation in the last 8 years?

Here we go   November 6th, 2008 11:07 am ET

The reptilians aren't dead, they'll crawl out of the slime once again. You already got McCain supporters blaming Obama for the stock market tanking, before he even gets into office. Trust me, its just the begining. These silly people will blame Obama and the Dems for every rainy day in America for the next for years.

Sam Benegal   November 6th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Elect Palin as new Leader of GOP.....She is the future.....

Fox News reports that Palin didn't know Africa was a continent and did not know the member nations of the North American Free Trade Agreement - the United States, Mexico and Canada - when she was picked for vice president.

Palin leaned on some low-level staffers to put thousands of dollars of additional purchases on their credit cards. The national committee and McCain became aware of the extra expenditures, including clothes for husband Todd Palin, when the staffers sought reimbursement, Newsweek reported.

Perhaps the most dangerous allegation for Palin are reports in The New York Times and Newsweek that when she was urged by McCain adviser Nicole Wallace to buy three suits for the Republican convention and three suits for the campaign trail, she went on the now-infamous shopping spree at swank stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.

A Republican donor who agreed to foot a majority of the expenses was stunned when he received the bill, Newsweek reported. Both the Times and Newsweek report that the budget for the clothing was expected to be between $20,000 and $25,000. Instead, the amount reported by the Republican National Committee was $150,000.

jeff in MA   November 6th, 2008 11:05 am ET

GOP needs time to rebuild. Its too soon even make an educated guess as to who will lead the party. Somebody will pick up the pieces, somebody always does, but it might take two Obama terms for this to happen (as a democrat I'm okay with idea). Right now the GOP needs to lick its wounds and celebrate Obama's presidency like the rest of the world.

Lisa M   November 6th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Sorry, Blue Voice from a Red State,

Won't run for any office, already got my hunny bunny.

I am a Registered Republican like my grandfather was.

I have watched the slipping of the Conservative Ideals fall from the GOP since before Ron Reagan.

I voted Libertarian this time, but I do prefer that Obama rather than McCain was elected. (I have issues with Libertarians also).

Sarah Palin is a very scary candidate and totally unprepared to be that close to the Oval Office.

The one thing that Obama has is resources to work with. Biden for all that he is a Dem espouses a lot of ideals that I agree with.

I do understand that the old conservative ideals are old style and not majorly attractive, but somebody has to start taking responsibility. I truly believe looking at history that the Conservatives and Liberals have changed parties several times over the years and the "Liberals" are now running the GOP into the ground.

Vincent, Great Lakes, Illinois   November 6th, 2008 11:03 am ET

To all of those negative people who say spiteful things about Obama, who insist of calling him names...

I will take a page out of your Conservative Handbook:

If you don’t support the President you are Un-American. There are planes and ships leaving the U.S every day, be on one. If you don’t want to do that, just drive north or south. The majority of American’s have spoken. If you don’t like it, leave.

You all told us that four years ago, it is now time for your own words to come back to bite you in the butt.

Frank the Tank   November 6th, 2008 11:03 am ET

Rework, refigure, reset, the Democratic base has done a great job in the last eight years to offset the Republican majority in government whereas the GOP has been hanging on. There are many common sense Republicans that look forward to a new direction and not be forced to subscribe to a leftist agenda. Parties evolve and my message is that the GOP better start working, let's see how this shapes up!!!

Joe The Engineer   November 6th, 2008 11:02 am ET

I am hardcore democrat and Obama suppoter but I dont like that repubs are scape goting sarah palin for their loss. She is an average person from Alaska, mccain bought her knowing everything, now they cant blame her.

Dont let them blame you Sarah, fight back. we dems are with you.

Cathy Brandes   November 6th, 2008 11:01 am ET

What did they expect after the tone of their campaign. If the GOP were smart, they would look to Senator Obama's campaign for a lesson in a job well done!

Robert, Houston, TX   November 6th, 2008 11:00 am ET

An interesting thing to note is that alot of the GOP analysts keep trumpeting that Obama's win was a reflection that the American people are really "right of center". If that truly is the case, then the GOP needs to analyze why the "right of center" have crossed over to the Democratic ticker. The answer is that the people have rejected the policies of the extreme right. And only once they digest that can they work to clean up their party and bring people back. There are true conservatives who believe in fiscal conservatism and less government intervention. But the Republican brand has been hijacked by the extreme right who spend spend spend, who don't want to tax to cover that spending, and who want the church to legislate their policies to the american people.

Dawn   November 6th, 2008 11:00 am ET

Ah yeah;nothing spells success as the GOP trying to find themselves. They are going to have to work with President Obama and Vice President Biden. Remember they had all worked together in the Senate...

Reading the Post of pro-Palin and anti-Palin...You know how close that this woman almost dividing our Country. She needs to go through all her stumps and see by calling Obama a terrorist, a socialist and shy of being a communist. We were founded on some socialism values and many elderly are recieving Social Security.

We are a Country of diversity, and it seems that the world congrats the President elect Obama. Remember he had mentioned that in Afganistan that we were bombing civilians...

I wish us alot if of Luck...

Chipster   November 6th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Hi Everybody!

The election is over. Give it a rest already! Let's just move forward. Don't drag all this political rhetoric around with you. We have a lot of work to do so we need to focus on working together to get it done.

Kelly   November 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

It's so true what John King has said. I'm a registered Republican, a product of Ronald Reagan's Republicans and remain loyal to the GOP until today. Even though 8 years of Bush Adm. has disappointed me greatly, and Obama's new direction for the country is making all the senses, it's still difficult for me to cross the party line. If the GOP cannot come up with a new sense of direction and still choose to ignore the voices of younger generation of moderate conservative, the party will lose more and more of its members. I, for one, will see in next 4 years how Obama will handle the job. If he's doing what he's promised during his campaign, I'll vote for him next election.

Paula   November 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

In a word-DIVERSITY. Most Conservatives belong to churchs that exclude entire groups of people. That line of thinking is followed into their politics. American has always been a melting pot and has always struggled with diversity. Ethnic group against another has always been the case.
Democrats are seen as the party for ALL of the people and that has why they prevailed. Don't know if the GOP will ever learn this lesson.

Lu from Houston, TX   November 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

GOP needs common sense, a heart for solving social issues for the benefits of the average person, a heart to end poverty and violence, and a focus on the truth.

Proud to be American   November 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

GOP has to change the faces of their party and not divide American people as with us electing President Obama <== love that..... America and the world has made a statement. The USA is a diverse nation and for a Party to represent the people it must consist of all of us..... One love, One people, One Nation and United we stand... God Bless America

Noah   November 6th, 2008 10:58 am ET

The Republicans are the party that freed the slaves. We are not racist, that is such vile Liberal thinking. The GOP has appointed more african americans and latinos to high offices than the Democrats. Colin Powell, Condoleeza Rice, Clarence Thomas, Gonzales, and on and on. The problem is that Liberals make any conservative African American feel like they are an Uncle Tom and a traitor. Your party says they are for the blacks and Latinos yet all of your policies seek to keep them in their place and unable to move up and be succesful.

danilko   November 6th, 2008 10:56 am ET

CNN laid off Rolland Martin for his reverse racism he trashed HIllary CLinton from the very beginning and use the race card any time someone criticize Obama. His only goal was to see an African-American being elected president read aricle on New York times about how Obama campaing decided that their winning strategy was to portrayed Hillary as a divisive and partidan policitican who will not bring the counttry together: that is what Obama define as being a new kind of politician trashing his own party members the same thing he did to Alice Palmer in Illinois.

Counting the day until 2012 to see Hillary run again and defeat Obama

Georgia Gal   November 6th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Proud Southern American Woman,

You're right it was McCain's job to deliver the middle of the country, but you know why he didn't? Because he picked an ultra-conservative as his running mate. I'm not liberal by any means, nor am I a conservative – I'm a 40-year old, white, female, moderate independent and I'm the type of person they needed to go after and they didn't.

Random Dude   November 6th, 2008 10:55 am ET

McCain had numerous good candidates like Rice and Romney. I believe Romney would have won him the election.
Palin was a disaster. If she runs in 2012, The dems will win Roosevelt style

values   November 6th, 2008 10:54 am ET

To Justin , you are a moron and Glad I don't have to deal with the likes of trash like you. Get ready for change you clown.

Noah   November 6th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Obama ran on a conservative platform in order to win this election! You Liberals are too ignorant to admit it. Obama ran as a supporter of less abortions, lowering taxes, maintaining the 2nd amendment right to own a gun, invading Pakistan if we have to, keeping the military in Iraq until 2010 or 2011 when the Iraqis can take over, for free trade and NAFTA, etc etc. All of these things are conservative values not liberal. Look at California, one of the most liberal states in the country. They voted to ban gay marriage! So clearly the country is still center-right. Liberals should be ashamed

The Other Campaign Strategist from 115th St. & Amsterdam Ave.   November 6th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Democratic leadership

It’s time to consolidate the party’s appeal to “real America”. By this, I don’t mean a geographic area (like Ms. Palin or Mr. McCain). Rather I mean Americans that are …

Ethnically diverse … Americans of latino, white, asian, black descent. Take more of the map in 2012 by expanding the coalition. America isn’t going to be only a “white” country.

Fiscally conservative … as measured by a balanced budget … NOT simply TAX CUTS as was the reflective refrain from the Republicans during this and every past election.

Moral & supportive of churchgoing citizens … demonstrate where the Democrats are good and decent and promote right vs wrong … fair vs unfair …. This doesn’t mean mindless charity.

Promote intelligence. Show tangible improvement in public school student performance and interest in education … math …. Science … the arts …

Focus on Congressional accountability. In your own way, embrace McCain’s anger, “I will make them famous, you will know their names!” Take this a step further though and create a routine way to convey to each congressional district whether their representative was part of the problem or part of the solution and throughout President Obama’s term, communicate this within their ENTIRE state. Bolster or kill that representative’s chances for Governor, Senator or other statewide advancement.

Do these things and America will work for years … The Obama Administration will have fixed America. He will be worthy of Mount Rushmore and the $500 bill which will be introduced into circulation.

Liberal and Proud of It   November 6th, 2008 10:53 am ET

RealityKing wrote "Americans will once again come running to rally around [the GOP] as they realize that the only thing worse than a Republican is a Liberal dubiously enforcing socialistic tenets."

This is an example of what I meant when I said Conservatism hurts our country. Nothing that Obama has proposed is socialist. Can the Conservatives you know even define socialism – or Liberalism or Conservatism? RealityKing has no idea what socialism is, but he smears the new administration with the label anyway. He imagines that socialism occurs when the government tries to help citizens achieve a better, happier life (which, by the way, has nothing to do with socialism). His Conservatism is building a world where there is no place for individualism except at the top of a giant corporation. The rest of us would merely be corporate drones, doing as we are told and terrified of losing our jobs. His Conservatism sees suffering and does nothing, sees children who lack medical care and does nothing, sees hard-working full-time employees who cannot afford to pay the rent and does nothing, sees pregnant women who can't afford pre-natal care and does nothing.

Obama 08   November 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

See Justin,

That's the central reason the GOP lost, that frame of mind. Think outside the box!!!!!!!

Conservative James, Phoenix, AZ   November 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Why is the GOP out of touch? Take a look at the demographics of Mr. Obama's vs. Mr. McCain's rallies.

Even at the park in Chicago when President-Elect Obama spoke. I saw men and women of all ages, from a 6-8 year old girl to people old enough to be their grandparents. I saw many different ethnic groups. I saw many different skin colors, standing, united.

Did you see the crowd at Mr. McCain's concession speech? They looked like they stepped out of a WASP convention. They resembled the hateful religious fanatics who love to force their view of morality down everyone's throats.

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   November 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

PS–

Has Karl "Rasputin" Rove been run out of town yet?

Was he trailing at the end of the Palin convoy back to Alaska?

Someone please let me know.

S. Boatman   November 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I Hope Sarah Palin Is The New Face Of The Republican Party! Then We Can Be Sure The Republicans Are Not Back In Power For A Long Time!

mdc   November 6th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I have been a republican for 22 yrs, I voted strictly democrat on Tues. The platform that the republicans presented did not offer any solutions for the topics that are important to me. My family is not better off after 8 yrs of Bush. And 4 more years of the same type of government was not appealing. While the conservative base anchors the party, they need to attract the middle in order to win. Hard core conservatives are not going to attract that group. They do need to restructure their identity in order to come back and win. While I was not sure where my vote would go, I was decided after hearing Palin speak those first two times. She had no business in national politics and definitely in the white house.

Jack   November 6th, 2008 10:50 am ET

After running one of the most divisive, negative, and rage-stirring campaigns I have ever seen, can it be any wonder that the GOP was beaten so roundly. This does not speak to the majority of voters, and quite clearly, it accomplished nothing except to create a sub-culture of extreme anti-Obama-ism that I find incredibly scary. Obama was the obvious choice in this election, and McCain supporters need to find a way to turn their disappointment and anger into something constructive. Be part of the solution rather than exacerbating the problems.

Lilarose in Bandon, Oregon   November 6th, 2008 10:49 am ET

Why, oh, why don't I feel sorry for the Republicans?

Maybe it is time for this old party to call it quits. Maybe their belief system is antiquated. So many of McCain's followers are older in age.

The Republicans don't seem to change as the world changes.

No Diversity   November 6th, 2008 10:48 am ET

If Sarah Palin is the new face, the Dems will have control of everything for a long time. Palin does not bring diversity to the Repubs, she only brings out the base which is not enough to win a national election.

30-m-PA-Democrat-voted McCain   November 6th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Identity crisis? McCain got 46% of the vote (55.6 million votes). Obama barely won this one.

Liviu   November 6th, 2008 10:47 am ET

If the GOP keeps identifying itself with the 65years+ right wing radicals, it will be harder and harder for them to rebalance the power in Congress as the biological clocks are ticking...

Blue Voice from a Red State   November 6th, 2008 10:47 am ET

Quoting Lisa M:

"GOP has forgotten what conservatism really is: It is small government, protection of resources, lower taxes for everyone, paying what you owe and not spending what you don't have.

It is conserving our defense and offense.

It is being responsible."

Lisa, the GOP needs to run YOU as their next candidate. Better yet, Lisa, will you marry me? ;-)

Rob Johnson   November 6th, 2008 10:45 am ET

I'm no Republican, but they can do a lot better than Sarah Palin.

Bobby Jindal and Mitt Romney are two examples of intelligent, reasonable Republicans who could help the GOP regain credibility. They are more conservative than I am, but they are people I respect and could imagine myself voting for.

If the GOP nominates Palin in 2012, they will be digging a hole for themselves that could take a decade to get out of. The American people got a good look at her in this election, and they don't like her.

If she does run, she will have 30-40% of the vote locked up tight because the conservative base of the GOP loves her, but the independents and swing voters will never, ever go for Palin.

White Christian Mother for Obama   November 6th, 2008 10:44 am ET

please please please do not put Palin back into the nomination in 2012... I cant stand that woman and I think most of the USA has had enough of her and happy to see Obama win and the election over so we can be rid of her!!!

UGH what a thought... Please dont torture us CNN with the Palin 2012 issue!!!

Fred the moderate   November 6th, 2008 10:43 am ET

I have watched them emplode for years and stray away from their original identity to become the mess they are now! I hope their future doesn't include the likes of Rush, Couliter and Palin. They need to return to the Rockerfeller principals of small government, individual rights and freedoms, fiscal responsibility and the adherence to the US Constitution. Then they may find their leader and even their way.

values   November 6th, 2008 10:42 am ET

For the most part Conservatives are nasty hatefull people . They don't love anyone they just want to control. They are not the majority anymore so change or be changed.

Marie Ontario   November 6th, 2008 10:42 am ET

The GOP has taken itself to the edge of self destruction with their base now being the extremist fringe of society. They cannot change their party around with those currently left at the controls.

What the GOP have to do is have some of their more senior members who abandoned them this election take over the controls and develop a more centrist oranization.

Conservatism is not the answer as they only talk a good game but never play by their rules and tend to go directly opposite. There are some parts for conservatism that may still be useful but for the most part liberalism an socialism is what will bring the U.S. back to it's world leading role.

Voice from a Red State   November 6th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Palin's new best pal, Randy Scheunemann, was Donald Rumsfeld's top deputy. That this man had ANY job in the McCain OR Palin campaign is a stunningly sad commentary on John McCain, Sarah Palin and the Republican party. Randy Scheunemann should never work in government again....however, since corruption breeds more corruption, I'm sure we'll see him emerge as Sarah Palin's campaign manager in 2012....in time to see Palin crushed in the primaries .

Caribou Barbie is too unprincipled, and too dumb, to be considered for the top job in this country. She is a one trick pony, practicing winking and being folksy, without a shred of the intelligence or insight needed to lead this country....and her desire to team up with a muckraker like Scheunemann shows how poor her judgement really is.

Now, back to the business of pulling this country out of the deep ditch it is in. Let's hope we can do it, or God help us all.

tulsa   November 6th, 2008 10:41 am ET

RealityKing,
Get over yourself. The people of the country have rejected what the Republican party has become. That includes a lot of Republicans.
We do not want the division that has been sowed by the far right since Gingrich and Delay started the whole K Street project and then Rove's "permenant Republican majority".
Those wedge issue politics have been thrown out along with the corruption, greed and imposition of ideology by the far right.
It's a new world my friend. Grow up and get on board. We need all Americans to pull together as one now.
One Nation. Of, by and for the PEOPLE.

justin   November 6th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Well Now that Obama has won I plan on doing the same as all the other Democrats. I have quit my job and will pull my lawn chair up to the curb and wait for my free paycheck. I no longer need to pay my morgage, Obama will let me live there as long as I need to. I cant wait for all this free money and free programs I can join. I can recieve so much more being unemployed under Obama than I can Working for a living.

Liberalism will tear this country apart from the inside. 4 years from now we will be worse off than we are now, then maybe some of you will wake up.

I truely hope Obama con do something possitive with this country, but have my doubts. I do hope I am wrong and we see great things from our next President.

Glenn Beck is no longer on CNN you moron. Do you homework, he moved to Fox News because they are more of a republican station. And Obama is shutting down all the conservative talk shows. Looks like they got to CNN already.

USA United Socialist America

Larian LeQuella   November 6th, 2008 10:40 am ET

To further list some faults that doomed the repubs:

- Whoring the entire party out to an extremist, fundamentalist faction!
- Running a campaign on fear and hate.
- Not putting the smackdown on hicktards calling for an opponent's death just because of ideological differences...
- Calling anyone who didn't think like you "that other America that isn't real"...
- Not letting McCain be himself.
- Not understanding that BORROW and Spend isn't sound fiscal policy.
- Thinking that the GOP belongs in your bedroom, bathroom, in your phone, behind your TV, instead of staying the pluck out.

I could go on, but hopefully the GOP will recover from their delusions and remember that the entire country is a centrist country with right leanings, not fundieland.

Randy, San Francisco   November 6th, 2008 10:40 am ET

The only way the GOP can be competitive again is to move towards the center, become more receptive to Blacks, Latinos, and Asians, and abandon cultural war issues as a litmus test. The GOP will remain a minority party if it remains a captive of the hard core extremist right and neo-conservatives. The GOP will continue its losing streak if Sarah Palin become its standard bearer in 2012.

FL Rep for Obama   November 6th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I think we will see younger Rupublicans working in the background during the next 4 years, planning for 2012. From my state, I think Rep. Adam Putnam is one of those. He just stepped down from the #3 position...why? Perhaps to begin a master plan (like Obama's) to regain the WH in 4 years. Regardless, the obvious the Rep party needs to appeal to young, educated Americans ACROSS the races. Did anyone else notice the different colors of faces that were at Grant Park? It was a stark contrast to the ALL WHITE faces in Phoenix. This white, Christian, Republican voted for the President-elect, Barack Obama.

QUESTION: Any idea when they will call MO and NC? My 8th grader needs to finish his election project!!!

SMILE PEOPLE...we still live in the greatest country in the world. Let's work together to help ourselves!

thomas   November 6th, 2008 10:38 am ET

The reason the Republicans lost was because for the last eight years they acted like someone who had too much to drink at a party. They were too drunk with power, they did whatever they wanted regardless of how it affected others, and they listened to no one and then before they left they trashed the place..

eugene   November 6th, 2008 10:37 am ET

The republican party will be absolete in 8 years because 96%of their voters are white,compare to 64%of the democrats voters are white,the demographics in this country has changed,the minority vote was 27% this election,mccain won the white vote by 13%but still lost and a landslide,if mccain would have won the white vote by 13% in the 80s then mccain would have won by a big margin,the republicans would have to beat the democrats by 25% with the white vote in 2012 to even have a shot of winning the whitehouse,the republicans have to get rid of these neo-cons,like rush limbaugh,and sean hannity and so on because these people are destroying the republican party,the moderate republicans have to kick these people out of their party before the gop become absolete,because the minority vote is going to keep climbing,that means the gop will never captured the house or the senate or the white-house ever again.

Cathy   November 6th, 2008 10:36 am ET

We have never had a one party system and this is good as the two party or more system fosters debate and better plans. As such a diverse country, we will never agree totally, but the system works. If the Democrats start messing up, they get put out of power. Same for the Republicans. Live in a one party nation for a while and realize how that party becomes corrupt, and as they say absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Lost in Texas FOREVER   November 6th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Just look at the DNC and tyhe RNC and you can tell part of the problem right there. The GOP needs to work on it's diversity image problem. I appluad Sen McCain for being one of the few if only GOP candidate that even went to the NAACP rally and talked with African-Americans...even though he told him he didn't think he would get thier votes, he at least went to talk to them. What he should have done while there was try to convince them WHY he should get their votes. The country is moving more to the center than the far-right that is trying to hold on to the old Rush Limbaugh tyupe of conservative ways and this election showed that America wants more change, more diversity. If you saw Obama's speech on Tuesday night, saw the crowd, and then saw when Biden and his family came on stage, THAT is what America looks like. The GOP needs to go that route and maybe they can get back on track.

I voted for the guy with one house and one spouse   November 6th, 2008 10:35 am ET

All these high flying GOP insiders all relieved about dodging the bullet and expect a comeback in 2 yrs if Obama doesn't govern from the middle, make me ill. Obama was never left of center to begin with. Being against unnecessary war isn't as much a left trait as it was a conservative trait. Raising taxes is not a left trait as much as it was a means to pay for unexpected things like 2 WARS. Look, raising taxes a bit has to be done to pay for these wars, not continuing to put it on the credit card and expect the next 2-3 generations to pay it off. To continue to have debt, bad job market, bad housing market, it's just not good for this country. Cutting spending would seem the right thing to do and I suspect that is where the debate will come into play. Permanent tax cuts for those who didn't keep their end of the bargin by producing jobs, should end. With deflation looming on the horizon and not enough wiggle room for the feds to keep lowering the interest rate, we are in for a rough ride. This country just got too greedy.

Female Voter   November 6th, 2008 10:35 am ET

What about the "Bradley effect" guys? What happened? hahahaha

Kristy   November 6th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Here's what Republicans seem to stand for:

1) Banning same-sex marriage.
2) Working to end abortion.
3) "Winning" wars.
4) Eliminating taxes.

The first two really have more to do with morality and religious beliefs, personal choices.

The third, continued support of a war that even members of Bush's staff have openly agreed shouldn't have been waged, is short-sighted at best.

And the last, while they think taxes aren't patriotic, would mean the end of our democracy–a term Republicans seem to be confused about these days.

I hope they figure it out and broaden their platform. We need, at the very least, a strong two-party system. God speed Repubs and I hope y'all figure it out.

Lori   November 6th, 2008 10:35 am ET

After being a loyal CNN follower since the network began, I have switched my television coverage to MSNBC. CNN is clearly Republican biased, I can't stand Cambell Brown or Lou Dobbs, and the refusal of CNN to run Obama's closing argument infomerical was just plain old bad journalism. So, bye bye CNN, you've lost a devoted fan.

As far as Sarah Palin, I hope she stays in Alaska. I don't want to ever hear her voice and stupid comments again. What a dolt. Suffers from illusions of grandeur, in my opinion. She's competent enough to govern Alaska, though she abuses her power, but she does not belong with the big dogs in D.C.

BS not Maverick   November 6th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Obama 012!

Sam Benegal   November 6th, 2008 10:34 am ET

GOP should elect Sarah Palin as their new leader. She will turn GOP a truly neo-con party......

What GOP needs to do a little research... Why Republican Guliani was elected Mayor of NY city where 4 out of 5 voters are registered Democrats? Why voters in deeply Democratic state of California elected Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger????

Peggy the Unemployed   November 6th, 2008 10:34 am ET

I think the Republicans (and some of the unsuccessful Democratic candidates) have found that "politics as usual" just isn't going to work anymore. Many of us don't have jobs, health care and are one step away from the streets, and we don't want to hear negative campaigning, innuendoes and outright lies. We want to hear what our leaders are going to do to help us. And I don't mean handouts, I mean what are they going to do to permanently solve the problems or at least come up with long-term solutions.

Team America   November 6th, 2008 10:33 am ET

I saw the Popular vote figures last night...Obama received roughly around 63 million votes, and McCain received about 56 million votes. I think this represents a pretty divided nation. When you look at how the country voted, is it so much that the GOP is in an identity crisis? Or is it more that people were not going to vote for McCain based on his party affiliation with an unpopular President Bush??

Based on those voting figures, personally, I think people were alittle skeptical about Obama. But, people wanted to go in a different direction, and did not want to vote for McCain based on his party affiliation with Bush. I think Bush hurt McCain's chances big time. I'm not convinced the GOP needs an identity overhaul, but I strongly believe based on the voting numbers that any Democratic nominee was going to win the election. Just my personal opinion.

Noah   November 6th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Abraham Lincoln was a Republican, and was the man who ended slavery. I simply cannot stand by and let some uninformed Liberal lunatic say otherwise. You are an intellectually bankrupt coward

cool onlooker   November 6th, 2008 10:33 am ET

They sure can regain their identity as long as Palin is never, ever on the ticket again. Period.

Healing takes time, but not tolerance of absurdity.

Should learn something from the Dem's optimism. Root hope on the future generation. From the ground up.

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 6th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Well, the Republicans are a dying party, unless they take a good long and HONEST LOOK at themselves! However with people like Hannity, O'Reilly, Limbaugh, Savage, Reagan & other hate-mongers controlling the airwaves and the GOP I seriously doubt that the Republicans will ...... change!

Republicans have been running vile campaigns since George W.'s 2000 campaign, they 'think' that vile, evil lies will win them an election BUT they FAILED this year and also in 2006.

Republicans have NO CLUE that our Nation IS a diverse Nation. That we, the People, reject their vile politics and will continue to. Of course the Republicans will not ask me, an Independent what I think but IF they did I would tell them that they are WRONG to continue to spew....... LIES, HATE, FEAR AND DIVISION!

The AM Radio-hate-mongers and 'Faux News' are SO out of touch its really, silly and amusing! They wont GET IT, until their ratings drop to the lowest possible.

We, the People, see our Nation in a crisis, and we need leadership that WILL UNITE US not continue to tear us apart! The Republicans like to JUDGE and CONDEMN. They like to 'believe' that ONLY they are PATRIOTIC, ONLY THEY ARE CHRISTIAN, ONLY THEY ARE PRO-LIFE! THEY ARE WRONG.

TRUE PATRIOTISM IS ABOUT UNITING OUR NATION, WORKING TOWARDS A 'MORE PERFECT UNION' SEEING OUR FELLOW CITIZENS AS PART OF US, RATHER THAN DIVIDING PEOPLE INTO 'THEM VS. US'!

TRUE CHRISTIANITY IS LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF, AND.......NOT BEARING FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR BROTHER/SISTER!

THE REPUBLICAN-LIES-HATE-FEAR-AND-DIVISION WILL FAIL OVER AND OVER BECAUSE WE, THE PEOPLE REJECT THEIR VILE POLITICS!

pam Eugene OR   November 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

It is time for the GOP to rethink a lot of things, most importantly their support for Palin!

Vik   November 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Well maybe the GOP needs to stop their hate monger ways and try to be more inclusive of people. Personally whenever one of them opens their mouth, all I see are ignorant, racist, hate anyone who is not like them, think like them, or in their eyes "patriots". You'd think people who stand for the Christian base would "love thy neighbor", but it's just not so. When you stop having people like Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, or Ann Coulture represent you, then things will change.

SIMP   November 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

The GOP needs to lose that symbol, (GOP) it sounds so racist to me.
If they allow palin to be the front runner in rep party in 2018, because she won't be able to beat Obama in 2012 if she decideds to run again, then lets hope she has matured. I cannot stand this woman, she is a nasty lying inexperienced person. I could not believe how she would stand in rallies and tell so many lies. She was a complete idiot and she didn't know enough to try to down talk Obama.I don't care what anybody says, she was part of the reason mccain lost.

President Obama!!!

AL   November 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Unfortunately the past 8 years has come to back to haunt the republican party. They can blame Sarah Palin's interview with Katie, they can blame her for the expensive cloths, make-up and hair, they can blame her all they want but what they really need to do is look in the rearview mirror.
The past 2 presidential elections were a joke! Hanging pimples, 3 months before we knew who won, popular vote went for one but the electoral map went for the winner. Amazing this year we did not have any of that.
John McCain never spoke on issues and President Elect Obama did.

Indiana Joe   November 6th, 2008 10:32 am ET

McCAIN and PALIN FANS PLEASE READ THIS, from Fox last night:

One of the most astounding and previously unknown tidbits about Sarah Palin has to do with her already dubious grasp of geography. According to Fox News Chief Political Correspondent Carl Cameron, there was great concern within the McCain campaign that Palin lacked "a degree of knowledgeability necessary to be a running mate, a vice president, a heartbeat away from the presidency," in part because she didn't know which countries were in NAFTA, and she "didn't understand that Africa was a continent, rather than a series, a country just in itself."

Palin was apparently a nightmare for her campaign staff to deal with. She refused preparation help for her interview with Katie Couric and then blamed her staff, specifically Nicole Wallace, when the interview was panned as a disaster. After the Couric interview, Fox News reported, Palin turned nasty with her staff and began to accuse them of mishandling her. Palin would view press clippings of herself in the morning and throw "tantrums" over the negative coverage. There were times when she would be so nasty and angry that her staff was reduced to tears.

After reading this, ANYONE HAS A DOUBT THAT PALIN WASN'T READY? I thought so... McCain's choice WAS SHAMEFUL, a DISGRACE! Is she the NEW LEADER of the GOP? Are they that DESPERATE?

CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA... HE DID PUT OUR COUNTRY FIRST !!!

NW mom   November 6th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Sarah Palin was selected because Republican men don't use their heads when dealing with women, they judge on appearances, and McCain fell for another pretty face. She is cute, but she has none of the qualities necessary for public office – intelligence, maturity, thoughtfulness. She said this election was in Gods hands, and Sarah, God has spoken – and God chose Obama.

Debby   November 6th, 2008 10:31 am ET

There will always be a Republican party. People said the same thing after Clinton got elected, and then they made a comeback with 8 years of Bush. I love how the news media says first black president and they conviently forget to say Obama is half white and was raised by his white mother and white grandmother. Obama's father didn't even come a generation of slaves. The media has made this Presidency a circus.

Jim Colorado   November 6th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Can anyone look into the future and see Sara Palin in a presidential debate with Barack Obama after his 4 years in the white house? Makes you think who would sit beside her to help her with the answers.

ford c   November 6th, 2008 10:30 am ET

let's hope the republicans, especially palin, learn to talk straight and leave the negativism, and PLEASE leave the sarcasm in the garbage where it belongs.

Andy J, NY   November 6th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Turner in GA-

We don't have one party because not everyone believes the same things, nor should they.

Not everyone believes in the leftist, progressive agenda.

People will always have different points of view and different ideas on the role of government.

For how "tolerant" the liberals and democrats claim to be, they seem to be only tolerant of people who line up with them ideologically.

Pathetic and hypocritical

Erik from Real PA   November 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

The GOP needs to make sure that Sarah Palin has no leadership role in party activities. The woman is an unintelligible loon.

kirk in upstate new york   November 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

Obama and Pelosi have an opportunity to do something courageous.

Stake out the middle ground. Don't ramrod things through. A wise person once said, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should".

I'm a die hard Democrat, but like Obama said – we're ALL Americans. Why not state to the congress and house: THIS is what we are looking for and stake out a Middle of the Road policy track that is aligned with the country. Those Republicans and Democrats who are willing to participate in this path will become a member of the a new caucus – The American Caucus.

Doug R.   November 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

The Republican party...morals, ethics, character, values, integrity, and patriotism.
And then there's Ted Stevens (R- Alaska) recently found guilty of 7 different felony charges. Lies to the American people about it all. Stevens is a convicted felon. Stevens is a criminal. Stevens belongs and should be in federal prison.

norb   November 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

If the Republican party thinks Sarah Palin is the future of that party. Well, that's good news for the Democratic party. If that's the best they can do, look for a third party to come into play. The "real" world is a little more complicated to expect a small time mayor to run the United States. The Republican's have lost the youth base and will have to start from the ground up. It's going to take a lot more than a Sarah Palin.

Donkey Party   November 6th, 2008 10:29 am ET

I mean seriously folks, Palin was playing "Redneck Woman" as her theme song at her campaign events. Does she really think America wants another redneck in any office??? Palin will go down in history as nothing more than an extreme right-wing folk hero, that is of course if the truth about Trig's birth never comes to light, otherwise she'll go down in history as just another lying, manipulative, abuser of power.

Will the Real Maverick Please Stand Up?   November 6th, 2008 10:28 am ET

They need to ditch the religious extremists.

Liberal and Proud of It   November 6th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Conservatism has held back this country for two centuries. Conservatives fought
FOR slavery,
AGAINST the vote for women,
AGAINST the vote for minorities,
AGAINST regulation of giant corporations (how's that working out, by the way?),
AGAINST workplace safety measures,
AGAINST the 40 hour week,
AGAINST overtime,
AGAINST medical benefits for children,
AGAINST social security,
AGAINST medicare,
AGAINST food and product inspections,
AGAINST product safety regulations,
AGAINST equal opportunity for women,
AGAINST equal opportunity for minorities,
FOR outsourcing of our jobs, and
AGAINST regulation of the credit industry.

While Liberalism was eventually able to win those battles, Conservatism fought as long and as hard as they could to block them for generations.

Conservatism is like global warming: it is not good for this country or for the world. We need two American parties that will try to make America a better place to live. There is no place for Conservatism in that formula.

J.C.   November 6th, 2008 10:28 am ET

GOP actually has an excellent record on promoting diversity.
General Powell and Secretary Rice are two examples.

I look for the day when we no longer depend on partisan politics.
No more party, just all Americans for America!

RealityKing   November 6th, 2008 10:27 am ET

No worries for the GOP. Americans will once again come running to rally around them as they realize that the only thing worse than a Republican, is a Liberal dubiously enforcing socialistic tenets..

Peggy   November 6th, 2008 10:27 am ET

Sarah Palin is not what this country needs to move forward. Her looks and her ideas are so in the past. She is like a woman that stepped out of the 50's – 60's. She is narrow-minded and too extreme. Women have come so far in the last 40 years, please do not let us go backwards. The Republican Party needs a forward thinker and she is NOT it.

Adam   November 6th, 2008 10:27 am ET

The biggest issue I see for them is that they used to be the party of ideas. Now they attack anyone with an education as being an elitist. Since when did being educated become a bad thing? They turned into the party that will "win at any cost" and that has hurt them. It has turned them into what could almost be termed zealots.

TW   November 6th, 2008 10:27 am ET

At the Dem low point, they always had 'love they brother' on which to build – and they have.

What do the Republicans have?????? Corruption????? Mistaking us into war? No fiscal understanding??????

Sadly, the right's foundation became unbridled corporate/CEO welfare over the past decade. Real hard to build anything from a platform of selfishness..................

mitch   November 6th, 2008 10:27 am ET

the right-wing evangelical nutjobs who refuse to unite behind our newly elected president have one thing to learn from, for the next 8 years. they will find out what its like to wake up everyday as a 'minority'.

Marcus   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

No clear national leader?? What about the amazing Sarah? 4 weeks ago republicans were swooning over her.

Kpawlak   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Wow! Hey guys, the election is over. Your guy won. Are you starting the biased bashing for 2012 already?

Mitch, you are a poster child for the left wing whack jobs. Get a clue.

Steve in Arizona   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Oh, gee, where's my hankie?

I spent the day yesterday at work listening to the conservative talk radio shows. Rush Limbaugh sounded like a spoiled baby with a full diaper. He and Hannity were blaming everybody and everything EXCEPT the fact that McCain ran a dirty campaign. All you had to do was listen to the people in the audience at his concession speech, booing at the mere mention of President Obama's name.

Both McCain and Palin were full of hate during this campaign. You could see it in his body language at the debates. Mrs. Palin had a hard time formulating intelligent answers and using high school-level grammar.

Plus, Mr. Limbaugh, your party has been in power the last 8 years. Look around you. This country is in a shambles that may take years to fix.

THAT is why you lost. Get over it. Unite behind our new president, if you are mature enough.

N. S. Huntsville, Al   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Conservative activists are meeting in Washington this week to debate the party's future. GOP governors will also meet for a post-election meeting in Miami next week that will involve a great deal of public and private soul-searching.

The GOP is not trying to reach out too any one that is against there agenda. And the problem is they want to stay with this REAGAN BS I didn't think Reagan was all that either. The GOP never reached out to hispanics or blacks, so why would they think that the hispanics would vote for them? The blacks won't becuase we know there a bunch of klans who HATE minorites, affirmative action. I say get lost know one is into the old ways of the Republican party.

If you look at Obamas rallies look how diversified it is. People of all walks of life, not just black and white, asians, hispanics, cubans, etc... And the GOP can't handle all those races. They don't even like muslims or people of different religions. I don't follow racist parties so they will never ever appeal to me.

freddie   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Please STOP putting her picture up! C'mon! CNN you need to start talking about the person who actually WON the election! Frankly, I've seen and heard enough from this rediculous woman to last me a lifetime! Get her off the stage already!

Proud Southern American Woman   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

People should stop blaming Palin for McCain's loss.

Let's keep it real: Had Palin NOT been on the GOP ticket, Obama may have won by over 20% nationally, as the Republican base may not have shown up, at all!

She did her job – it was McCain's job to deliver the middle of the country...and he failed miserably!

Stacy from Loudoun County VA   November 6th, 2008 10:26 am ET

The Republican Party will now do something the Democrats had to do during the Reagan years. They are going to have to redefine and reinvent themselves, and do some heavy introspection.
This is about 1980 in reverse and the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. I am a Democrat, but good Republicans lost in this election simply because they are GOP and bad Dems won because they rode Obama's coat tails. Things will begin to equalize in the next election cycle I feel. Congrats to President Elect Obama, that was simply awesome!

Lisa M   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

They are having an identity crisis because they forgot what "conservative" is defined as.

It is not anti-liberal, it is not God and Guns, it is not anti-abortion.

It is small government, protection of resources, lower taxes for everyone, paying what you owe and not spending what you don't have.

It is conserving our defense and offense.

It is being responsible.

M. WINNERS   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

I'm a registered Republican of many years who voted Democrat. Here's the reasons why and what the GOP needs to do to bring the party back from near extinction:

1. Lose the evangelical religious right – McCain was correct. They are devisive for the sake of control and need to be isolated as the power hungry whack jobs they are.

2. Stop trying to scare the bejeezus out of America about everything. Be honest in your arguments, not scary.

3. Small business is a big part of America but not the desire of the majority so chill out on making the delusional picture that it's the "dream" of American citizens. A vast majority of Americans go to school to work for a established companies not start them so know your audience rather than try to make one up...

4. Drop the family values mantra and get back to running the country. I do not whant or seek a political party's advise on how my family is raised or how we interact so give it up. Remember, no infrastructure or regulations equals no jobs equals no family to have values...

ST   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

I think the GOP needs to stop allowing religion to determine their policies. They are also very closed minded. The Repubs don't accept anyone that does look like them or think like them. This country is made up of so many different types of people. I just don't feel that this is embraced by the Repubs.

tigerakabj   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

If Sarah "the Ignorant" Palin is the face of the GOP now then they will soon go the way of the Whigs. She didn't earn the VP; she was hastily selected by one confused man who wanted to win at all costs.

Given the racism, hatred, and pure ignorance that spewed forth from the rallies, they will have a hard time deceiving people into thinking they are not an exclusionary party.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

The Republican party self-inflicted enough damage upon themselves, that it is going to be quite some time before they occupy the WHite House or control congress.....stupid is as stupid does.

vicki   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

I totally agree with "nov 6th.

Chi4Obama   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

I think the Republicans should seriously consider having Sarah Palin at the top of their ticket in 2012.

This will help to virtually ensure that President Obama gets reelected.

Sarah Palin has been the Democratic gift, that has kept on giving.

Andy J, NY   November 6th, 2008 10:25 am ET

wow.

you liberals are awful tolerant, unless, of course, the views being expressed aren't in line with your own. In those cases, people are labeled racists, bigots, equivalent to terrorist zealots, stupid, morons, etc.

You aren't tolerant, you are ideological bullies.

Jeff   November 6th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Uh, guys, anybody recall 2002, 2004....what was being said about the Democratic party? Granted, a lot was lead by Rove and his megalomaniacs, but the pendulum has been swinging pretty wildly since at least the Reagan years.

The Republicans WILL eventually straighten out. The first question is "when?" And the second one is, "Will the Dems have any self-discipline?"

Let's hope for all our sakes the answer to #1 is "soon" and the answer to #2 is some form of "Yes." We'll ALL be better off for it!

Donkey Party   November 6th, 2008 10:24 am ET

I take great solace and warm comfort in knowing that if Palin is the face of the RepubliCON party of the future, that the Democrats will have a lock on the White House for many years to come.

therealist   November 6th, 2008 10:24 am ET

This exact same topic is on almost every media outlet in the country this morning. Obviously the liberal talking points for today..

CNN Stop Dodging the Stories   November 6th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Why are these stories not on the Ticker??

1. Obama's aunt being an illegal immigrant living at taxpayer expense in Public Housing. Why is she not deported today?

2. Obama insisting that his replacement in the senate be black. Is this the "unity" candidate?–Source: Chic. Sun Times (Michael Sneed)

3..Status of Palin e-mail hacker who was indicted-how many years will he go away for?

4. Why did Obama sell gays out by not supporiting gay marriage in California-again, is this the unity candidate?

CNN–these are relevant stories and you are obliged to cover them.

Boise, ID   November 6th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Repubs keep spewing how Dems like to "Tax and Spend". I don't believe that, but it's much better than the Republican policy of "Borrow and Spend".

Purple Nurple   November 6th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I guess the Grand Old Party is no longer "grand", they are just the "old party"

Ruby   November 6th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I really dont know how she got the Governor's position. Did she pay the people in AK to vote for her. Some of the projects she wanted started two months before she took Office.

More digging on her is needed, CNN!

katiec   November 6th, 2008 10:22 am ET

The republican party lost all respect of the American voters by
running the sleeziest campaign in the history of our country.
They threw away all honor and integrity to try and win and
we let them know it would not work this time.
They now have to prove to our country that they will put
our future ahead of their pettiness and work with the
Democratic party. They have ignored our countries needs
for survival bowing to their special interests etc.
It is now time for the politicians to be part of the
United States of America.

Goddess   November 6th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Republicans only spoke to the Rich and white. Ignored the Hispanics, Asians and other people of color. They just managed this year to try and "speak" to women but chose the wrong woman to do so. Palin only spoke to a small portion of Americans. She ignored the rest or called them anti-american (or worse).

The Republicans got what they deserved.

We're Screwed '08   November 6th, 2008 10:21 am ET

The Republican party had a true conservative running in the primaries – Dr. Ron Paul. They booed him and shunned him, and they wonder why they have an identity crisis?

Instead of having someone who represents the "supposed" conservative values of the party, they elected someone who wanted to spend just as much money as Obama... heck, he even stole Obama's mantra. Give me a break. Obama and McCain may as well have just run on the same ticket.

If the Republican party wants to get back into power, they had better take a long, hard look at what they stand for. Neo-conservatism is a joke.

edd   November 6th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Yep, a clear mandate. The people have spoken and they are tired of the Republican Party's way of thinking.

Manny G   November 6th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Congratulations to Obama for winning the Presidency by a landslide.

On the other hand Sarah Palin did an outstanding job and she MUST run for President in 2012 and she must pick a female vice president.

Everyone loves Sarah Palin for her sincere honesty. That is what made Sarah Palin great. If Sarah Palin does not run for President in 2012 then we all will be very disappointed her.

Obama for President 2008
Palin for President 2012….

Noah   November 6th, 2008 10:19 am ET

The Democrats have elected only 3 Presidents in the past 40 years, and you are trying to say Republican party is the dead party? HILARIOUS!!

Noah   November 6th, 2008 10:18 am ET

The Republican party is not dead. Conservatism is alive and well. As evidence just look at the campaign that Obama ran. He did not run on his extremely liberal record, he ran away from it. He chose to move more to the center-right because he knew he had to in order to get elected. Don't believe me? Look at some of the issues he ran on: less abortions, lower taxes, strong free trade (NAFTA), said he holds the right to invade Pakistan if terrorists are in our cross hairs, pro 2nd amendment/gun owner rights, etc. These are all conservative ideals, not liberal ideologies. So this country is still a center-right country. Obama's election does NOT signal a move to the left. As further evidence, just look at all of the states that had a vote on banning gay marriage. All of those states voted in favor of banning gay marriage. That is a conservative principal, the idea that marriage is between a man and a woman. So, sorry to all you extreme Liberals but your candidate betrayed you and you beliefs in order to get elected by a conservative country

Democrat Against Pelosi   November 6th, 2008 10:18 am ET

CNN being pro-Republican is a ridiculous statement.

GOP won't (at least shouldn't) disappear, but I honestly don't think that they will have a significant candidate to impact the 2012 re-election bid.

Joe The Engineer   November 6th, 2008 10:17 am ET

After 8 years of bad policies, after so much of suffering still some people voted republican patry. Its shows people dont care if they dont have food to eat when it comes to black and white. Its pure racisim, they dont want black person to run the country. I am in minnesota, at my work i saw white people were not even talking to anyone, they are so upset and angry over the results not because democrats won but a black person won the election.

Barbara in NC   November 6th, 2008 10:14 am ET

I don't think it will help the GOP improve their image if you all keep using the Pitbull as their mascot. She is divisive – this country needs unity.

Jim in Bisbee   November 6th, 2008 10:13 am ET

If the GOP is to recover, they need to return to the center. Moderate Republicans need to vote in primaries for all offices to keep the rabid radical Republicans from being the heart and soul of the party.

Hannity, Rush and Ailes don't represent regular folks. McCain was better than other GOP choices, because he was more of a centrist and could cross over, but he screwed up by choosing Palin. Hindsight is 20/20.

JIM...TX   November 6th, 2008 10:13 am ET

The Republican party needs to reinvent itself badly. The "Reagan" years are long gone. The world evolves, the Dems did so too but the Republicans haven't moved on. Old stale ideas will keep them down unless they change from exclusive to inclusive.

GA Independent   November 6th, 2008 10:13 am ET

It would be really nice to see a Republican party that stepped out of the religious/wing nut stuff and stuck to issues that SHOULD be political like taxes, spending, etc. Palin and Gingrich aren't candidates that this Independent would ever consider to vote for dog catcher, much less a serious office...

Turner, GA   November 6th, 2008 10:10 am ET

I think the repulican party is an old party that will eventually be washed away. Why not have a United America? We all have different ways of thinking, that makes us unique. Let's be one party, one nation, united under God, with liberty and justice for all!

mitch   November 6th, 2008 10:09 am ET

whats the crises of identity about? their identity is obvious. right-wing religious zealots , no better than those who attacked us on 9/11.

nov 6th   November 6th, 2008 10:09 am ET

What???????

CNN is soooooooooo pro Replicans,,,,,

CNN Never talked about AIP and Palin's tie to them.

CNN Never talked about Palin's Witch Hunt(Her Paster), if it was Obama the type would be on 24/7.

CNN shame on u.

as long as u have people like Lou Dobbes and Glenn Beck , You Are
NOT worth Watching.

Maggie from Virginia   November 6th, 2008 10:09 am ET

The GOP needs a lesson in diversity.

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