November 17, 2008
Posted: November 17th, 2008 06:20 PM ET

From
CNN

Watch Sen. Shelby in The Situation Room.

(CNN) – Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby scolded fellow Republican Sen. Jim DeMint Monday over his recent criticisms of John McCain.

"I think my friend Sen. Jim DeMint should keep this stuff in the caucus and not be out beating up on fellow republicans," he told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

The comments refer to DeMint's recent statement - first reported by CNN - to a gathering of conservatives in South Carolina, during which he said the Republican party has strayed from its own "brand," and directly faulted McCain for the GOP's across-the-board defeat on Election Day.

"We have to be honest, and there's a lot of blame to go around, but I have to mention George Bush, and I have to mention Ted Stevens, and I'm afraid I even have to mention John McCain," he said Friday night.

Earlier: DeMint says McCain betrayed conservative principles

"McCain, who is a proponent of campaign finance reform that weakened party organizations and basically put George Soros in the driver's seat," DeMint added. "His proposal for amnesty for illegals. His support of global warming, cap-and-trade programs that will put another burden on our economy. And of course, his embrace of the bailout right before the election was probably the nail in our coffin this last election. And he has been an opponent of drilling in ANWR, at a time when energy is so important. It really didn't fit the label, but he was our package."

In the interview Monday, Shelby suggested the blame does not rest with McCain but instead with President Bush.

"I wouldn't blame John McCain. John McCain has not been president of the United States. He ran a spirited campaign. We lost. I hated to see us lose but there were a lot of things working against us," Shelby said.

"I think the GOP, the Grand Old Party, the republicans, they will regroup," Shelby also said. "This reminds me 16 years ago when you had the big history by president Clinton and they said that the GOP was finished. We were back in a few years, we will be back again."

– CNN's Peter Hamby contributed to this report

Filed under: Jim DeMint


KW, Vail AZ   November 17th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I agree with Shelby that John isn't why the GOP lost in recent election, however, I don't think all the blame can be dumped at Bush's feet either. For six years Shelby and other Republicans, while controlling the Congress, went along with everything G.W. Bush wanted. So, if you republicans are looking for someone to blame, look at the man in the mirror.

John   November 17th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

go ahead gop hack away thats why we the people don't like you guys anymore. your all bad apples.

Texas Trail Kitty   November 17th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

John McCain is, quite possibly, the only Republican NOT responsible for the party imploding. Between George Bush's incompetence and the Republican's being unable to update their thinking, that party is lucky to have anyone in power. Unlike the Republican party and its standard bearers the Democratic party and President Obama recognized that there is no such thing as a 'base'. President Obama made the entire electorate his 'base' THAT's why he won. So all of you Republicans had better get a clue. Also clearly there is not enough of your 'base' to keep you in office so you people need another game plan and next time, try playing nice. Seriously, you lost some voters by your outright lies about President Obama and the distortion of almost every aspect of his life.

blaising   November 17th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Does anybody see the relevence of these mouth-breathing radical righties??

Oh yeah...I forgot...they're now the party of Deliverence country.

YEE HAW!!!!

Skipperdog   November 17th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

To paraphrase the famous Grover Norquist, I look forward to downsizing the republican party to the size it can be taken to the bathtub and drowned.

lovable liberal   November 17th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

There's so much dirty laundry that needs to be aired that it's hard to keep it all out of sight of the public. The three factions of the Republican Party – bullies, fundies, and wealthies – are going to fight it out, and they won't always be able to obey Ronald Reagan's eleventh commandment.

I'm having fun with the schadenfreude!

catmom   November 17th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

That's another problem that Republicans have, not facing reality. They refused to check Bush and our country is paying for it now. They refuse to hold Bush and his administration accountable for anything all the while blaming Democrats for all that is wrong with the country. Republicans have even gone as far as blaming Jimmie Carter for problems occurring now.

To all of the posters who are whining about how bad Obama is going to be as President, what do you call the shape our country is in today? Are you saying Republicans have done a wonderful job leading the country? You all are so afraid that Obama will turn out to be a wonderful President and will make Bush and Republicans look worse than they already do. Get over it Bush and Republicans have been a total failure for the past 7+ years. Republicans allowed this to happen because they never bothered to hold him accountable. Obama is the best thing to happen to America. Give him a chance and you'll see.

California Gold   November 17th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

I sure hope the GOP can reconstitute into something better than what we have right now. With DeMint, Palin and far right wing proponents in the media, I just don't know many Republicans that are drawn to that brand of politics.

Phil-Little Rock   November 17th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

I think he doesn't take into account that the economy wasn't in the toilet back then as it is now. It'll take a long while before the American people totally trust the GOP with any of their purse strings again.

Reality Check   November 17th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

If the GOP follows the "sage" advice of those like Demitt, they will be hanging out with the Wigs soon.

Republican   November 17th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

A country that was founded on Christian values now talking about all the "hate" that Christians show. History repeats itself. Instead of suffering religious persecution in countries abroad, they are now suffering that same persecution in the land that was supposed to be free... Its interesting to see the shift where Christians have gone to being so hated in the US especially when this country was founded to allow that very freedom....

Darren   November 17th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

This guy is the typical fo down here. I'm in Georgia, and nowhere is the crappy state of education more evident down here than in who these people elect.

Ask the people form Alabam what Shelpby has done for them – seriously, ask them. They can't tell you, because the elected leadership down here does NOTHING but point fingers at 'libs'. The people down here are just to stupid to know any different.

Lori   November 17th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

The best way to conquer a foe is to divide them–well done whomever, the Republicans are dead. Let's just hope the democrats don't follow–I really don't pay this much in taxes to live in a third world nation.

Tifoso   November 17th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

The public as a whole has voted against the Republican candidate in four of the last five presidential elections - 92, 96, 00, and 08. The GOP won in 04 as a result of the power of incumbency. GOP lost the popular vote in 00 but won due to the Electoral College and help from a GOP Supreme Court and Ralph Nader. Those facts tell us that the Rep "brand" is out of step with the majority of our voters. The Dems won in 08 with votes from young people. The GOP is chasing a rainbow if it thinks these voters will move to the GOP column anytime soon. The post-Reagan GOP has been losing its grip on the electorate. The slide will continue.

Marie   November 17th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Why did I vote for Obama since I am a registered Republican who has voted Republican for over 50 yrs?

George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, Iraq, waterboarding, Abu Grahib prison, illegal wiretapping, no capture of bin Laden, no energy policy, executive signing statements, etc etc etc.

When my Republican party loses the religious right wing, they will get my vote. In other words, I don't care about gay marriage or abortion, but I do care about being blown to pieces by an IED!!!!

Thanks, but no thanks...   November 17th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Thomas,
Since Sen. DeMint is sadly representative of too much divisiveness in the GOP, I would not be so sure about that 2012 thing...

Michael, Houston Texas   November 17th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

How about blaming that dim wit you, the faithful RNC chose for VP, Sarah Palin. She lost it for you guys. If I remember, McCain was in a dead heat prior to chosing that clown. Place blame where it needs to be placed. You Republicans are so misguided and delusional that you cannot even get the blame game correct.

ED FL   November 17th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

It is funny Shelby calling the kettle black. All of a sudden he is a pinnicle of honor and prestige. I can remember when this not so honorable man took the democratic's peoples money and votes and went to DC. then like a two faced scab[like he is ] turned around and changed parties to the GOP[ WHICH HAS MANY MEANINGS]. Live it up old man the south is rising again to their old heitage of Democrats and they will not have room for likes of a turncoat like you.

suzyku   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

mccain IS a disgrace, not because of his conservative politics but because he sold his soul to the devil, sold out his "country first" ethics and sold his integrity and ethics, all in the name of blind ambition! He has proven he has no character and certainly no judgment. He was more than willing to thrust that moron, sara palin, on this country even though she was and is unfit and unqualified and by doing so he has shown that he, too is unfit!

Greg   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

McCain was the only Republican who had any chance of winning that election.

Part of his problem (besides the failing economy) was that he enlisted the help of the same individuals who ran the Presidential campaign of G.W. Bush. Their influence was obvious and it led to the horrible decision to tab Sarah Palin as VP.

If McCain would have run the campaign he ran in 2000, and picked a decent VP candidate, he would have fared better.

If the Republicans want to win in the future they better find a way to come up with a new message. The same old wedge issue politics ain't gonna cut it any more.

change   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

In 2012 the GOP will offer up another unqualified candidate to push the the republican hate agenda. Then all the right-wing bigots will crawl out of the woodwork to support their new zealot until the country is ran into the ground again. At which point the dems will have to bail them out again while they all cry, and call each other names.

JIM...TX   November 17th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

EW you ARE DUMBfounded for sure! Just as us "liberals" are talking Obama for 2 terms you idiot Republican's are calling for his head and belittling everything he's doing BEFORE he sets foot in the WH. GET OVER IT. Obama is going to be our President an hopefully it WILL be for 2 terms. He'll need it to clean up you right wing nut jobs mess!!!

paul (staunch Moderate)   November 17th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Maybe the GOP needs to find and ask those of us who changed our registrations during this campaign. We'd be more than happy to tell you why we jumped ship.

Drill, Baby, Drill   November 17th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

Too much politics. Not enough statesmanship.

BC   November 17th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Hey, great! The GOP really should embrace the views of the far-right lunatic fringe and ignore what real Americans are interested in. They will cease to exist as any kind of real political force in the great country – which is fine with me...

Ken in Dallas   November 17th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Republicans eating their own again (snicker).

They just don't get that it's their philosophy, their approach, and their mendacity that have been repudiated this year.

If Republicans think this is the way to regroup, we may be free of their influence for some time to come.

Stop looking for someBODY to blame anywhere but in your mirrors. What's to blame for the Republican defeat is the fact that their power has been based on misdirection of an ignorant electorate. Their strategy won't work again until the American people are once again fat, dumb, and happy. That will be a while.

David Newport, OR   November 17th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

RIP GOP. As long as you continue to seek the path of divisiveness and dissention, this is the best you will have.

Ken   November 17th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

What a crock - so many Democraps whining about Republican "hate" when all you've done for the past 8 solid years is spew venom and hatred. The fact is, John McCain lost because he was only slightly to the right of Obamajesus - it was a choice between Socialism Light and Socialism - and thus most Republicans sat this one out.

Thanks, but no thanks...   November 17th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Senator DeMint should be ashamed of himself. Sen. McCain gave up so much to accommodate the far right in his campaign, and this is the thanks they offer?! Nonsense.

Rick   November 17th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

After 8 years of listening to the democrats whine, complain and criticize about everything George Bush does, I'm kinda looking forward to whining, complaining and criticizing everything that Obama does.

And it will be even more fun is watching the Obama administration implode, which it will.

MICK IN MESA   November 17th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Dick Shelby (R-AL) and his Neocon repugliCONS to their Wall Street cronies:
Want a bailout? Is $700 Billion enough?

Dick Shelby (R-AL) and his Neocon repugliCONS to the Auto Industry workers:
You want a $25 Billion Bridge Loan? DROP DEAD!

Now that's sticking to the GOP principles – You betcha...

Mark   November 17th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

"I wouldn't blame John McCain. John McCain has not been president of the United States. He ran a spirited campaign. We lost. I hated to see us lose but there were a lot of things working against us," Shelby said.

If "spirited campaign" means one of hate and intolerance then the GOP succeeded.

bill   November 17th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

knock yourself out republicans.you backed bushes failed policies.for eight year.its time for the chickens to come to roost.if you dont want to help barack straighten.bushes mess out. THEN GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY.WE HAVE HAD IT

Sherry in Kentucky   November 17th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Times, they are a changin'. The country is becoming more and more moderate. Republicans are known historically for being pro-slavery, anti civil-rights, pro segregation, anti-social security, etc., etc., etc. They have come down on the wrong side of every major decision for many, many years. It's time for the GOP to adapt or die.

WhoCares?   November 17th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

LOL..Don't go after fellow Republicans and then in the same statement bashes President Bush.

Sorry to let you know this champ : Bush is fellow Republican.

Terry, Dallas Texas   November 17th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Note to all the people still posting comments about Obama's supposed fake birth certificate and his aunt and how they are hiding this or that etc.

The election is over and Barrack Obama is the next POTUS. All your ranting and spewing will not change it. Thre will be no do-overs nor will the results be overturned. I suggest you get over it and get on with your lives.

Erik from Real PA   November 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

The re already is an alternative to the distasteful new GOP: It's called the Libertarian Party. The LP advocates for fewer taxes, smaller government, free-market economy and minding our own business overseas. Sounds like our grandparents' Republican Party. The mistake the GOP made was in pretending to care about so-called "values" issues.

Christopher Boyce   November 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

DeMint does not get it. As bad as McCain campaigned, he was still probably their best shot at holding onto the executive branch. Yeah, their party was viewed as flip flopping on the issues, but voters still rejected some of the Republican Party's core philosophies- deregulation, deficit spending, and militarism to name a few big ones!

Thomas Paine   November 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Don't help the auto industry and let them go out of business while 3,000,000 lose their jobs. Then see how many republicans will be in congress in two years.
One in every 10 jobs is auto industry related that means 10% of the work force will be losing their jobs. Now we will have at 16% unemployment.
Way to go Shelby.

Andrew   November 17th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I know – God forbid free speech, huh?

Peter (CA)   November 17th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Brain G @4:44,

You sir have crystallized my thoughts on this subject so much better than I ever could.

Paul C.   November 17th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

This is not 1992. Obama is not Clinton and at that time the Democrats were the majority in the house for 40 years. But I can hardly blame the GOP, if I were in their camp I'd be trying to paint everything in a rosy picture. The "Contract With America", what nonsense that was, was a direct result of bitter and disaffected righties who to this day still can't let go of the fact that the unknown governor from AK defeated their hero Bush Sr., who I might add was not that bad of a president and I respect him. And to the few and I mean few right wing loners posting here, get over it, you lost, your days of controlling the government is over and it will probably be at least 10 years before the GOP ever gets a majority. You've gone from the party of Reagan and Bill Buckley to Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh. So yell at the wind all you want but asides from being an amusement and a prime example of sore losers, no one is listening!

Randy - Denver   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

i find it interesting that there are people in the GOP who blame McCain for the disintegration of the republican Party. What they fail to see is that ANY OTHER Republican would have been CRUSHED, not just defeated like McCain was. McCain brought a lot of the independant voters out to support him, none of the other Republican Candidates could ahve done that (could you see independants voting for Huckabee or Rommney and their radical religious views? How about Guiliani and his one horse band 9/11 was bad and I was there!, or maybe Fred Thompson and his well i am a famous TV actor and so was Reagan so you can trust me to lead? The only one, besides McCain that could ahve even made it a race was Ron Paul and too many republicans, while they mouth the words about personal freedom and fiscal responsibility, could not find it in themselves to vote for someone who actually meant that. No McCain is one place you cannot put the blame in the Republican party, I would say him and paul are about the ONLy places you cannot put the blame.

Amber   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

The black community DID NOT vote FOR Prop 8. OLD PEOPLE DID.

OLDER BLECK VOTED FOR PROP 8. OLDER WHITES VOTED FOR PROP 8. Blacks in the under 30 set voted in the same percentage numbers at the white under 30 set on prop 8.

So there is No. Animosity. Between. Blacks & Gays.
Except for what Sean Hannity tells you to believe.

Dont listen to these fools who want to to cause DIVISION and SEW DISCORD.

Peter (CA)   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

"Obama discriminating"-What's your agenda?
I got a robocall before the election asking me to vote no on 8 and included a clip from Obama saying that it was an intolerant measure.
What more do you want now??

Corbett   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

This comment about betraying the Republican "brand" exemplifies one of the biggest problems with the Republican party. "Brand" is a marketing term used primarily by commercial businesses, who make money.

First of all, the goal of a political party is to provide candidates who support certain policies. Money is important BUT IT IS NOT THE BOTTOM LINE.

Secondly, when you product has the lowest approval rating of any product in the history of your industry, there is no amount of "brand awareness" or "clarity in brand communication" that can help it. YOU NEED A NEW PRODUCT.

And you should be very careful on how you design it and market it. Because if you let Sarah "Bush" Palin design a another product based on small government and Christian values that increases government spending exponentially, allows for the systematic predation of teenagers and defends the torture of innocent people, then you will have another rotten steak and there will be no amount of "sizzle" that can sell it.

Woman Against Palin   November 17th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

The Republicans live in the Dark Ages. Most Americans are forward thinking. The Republican party is doomed unless their "base" is no longer the evangelical christians. Religion and politics don't mix, people don't like it. Keep your religion out of my politics. Period!

Obama's Aunt Fanny   November 17th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Good start, now go rank that fool Broun about calling Obama Hitler. Next, put Ben Stein in a rest home. GOP, just go away for the next four years. Go look for yellowcake and WMDs. Try to find McCain's birth certificate. Take Rush's pills and give them to Cindy.

60 year old, white female for Obama   November 17th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

The infighting among the Repulicans in the senate, with Huckabees' new book taking on his formal rivals, the governors trying to edge Palin out, the controversy and rift between the religious right and the few thinking Republicans left, Palin negotiating book deal for over 7 million dollars( perhaps a title could be The Audacity of the Power Hungry) and now McCain meeting with Obama!!!

Sadly this soap opera will continue over the next four years as they try to pander and lie to gain the Latino vote.

Maybe there is a chance for a third party!!

Wynter   November 17th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

The real reason the GOP lost its mojo is simply because they got drunk on "power at all costs". Anyone Democrat they could destroy the would do so, no matter the lies, and deceit used. The served their own needs, not the people's. They may have entered politics a long time ago with idealism and honor, but they were quick to trade it in for a good sound bite or attack ad against whomever was in the party's crosshairs at the time.

This is a country built by the People, run by the People, and owned by the People. Politicians need to realize who really has the Power and it ain't them. Each and every one of them has made mistakes in their attempts to gain the power of their office. But the true power is in following the correct course to serve the needs of the People, not their own pockets or party. If they do the right thing, for the right purpose they deserve their position.

Wynter

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   November 17th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I THOUGHT OBAMAS AUNT WAS MOVING INTO THE WHITE HOUSE WITH THE OBAMA FAMILY!!!!!

Maggie from Virginia   November 17th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Chat,

You're already a fool. No need to fool you.

Greg   November 17th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Shut up Richard. Jim is the one of the only guys in Washington interested in addressing the truth and getting to the root of our problems. Get in line behind him until you're really interested in doing what's best for the country.

justin   November 17th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Umm i think prop 8 should be re voted because everyone should be treated equaly.. im not gay but why does it matter . We have no reason to judge anyone. And religion has nothing to do with it . i think people have rights to love and marry who every they want.

Jon Davis   November 17th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Jim DeMint is a deFool. I voted for Obama, but McCain was actually the only thing relatively good about the Republican Party this year, even though McCain did drop most of his "maverick" positions in order to get the support of right-wingers like DeMint. But without McCain the Republicans would have lost even more seats, and the current Republican minority needs all its remaining members. Hey Senator DeMint, why don't you push a few more Republicans into the Democratic Party or into independent status like Jim Jeffords?

Kathy from Seattle   November 17th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

As Stephanie Miller would probably say – This has been another edition of "Republicans Eating Their Own"

country first   November 17th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Good. He need only look in the mirror ot to the man he was following that cost the Republicans. It was the extreme right that coOpted the Republican Party. That is not the Republican parties values. John McCain was the real candidate, that offered experience, knowledge and true heroism.

It was koolaid drinkers that switched sides and joined the entertainment/tv/hollywood crew for their "symbol" and played the presidency of 08 with racism.

...how low we go and then you have a Republican over react to and show why John McCain did lose.

Luis, Seattle, WA   November 17th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

DeMint is an idiot...we all know that.....so he has no basis to accuse McCain of anything. I am sick of the extremist right wing portion of our party. If they do not like it....let them start their own party and let's see how far the go without the center right or the center left of our Party. Idiots!!!

Red, Red WHINE!!   November 17th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

I agree 100%.

It's not McCain's fault that ALL republicans suck! And it's not Bush's fault that ALL republicans suck! It's just a simple case of all republicans sucking!

Joel   November 17th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Oh, for the love of...

If I hear one more right-winger say that McCain lost because he wasn't conservative enough, I'm going to scream. This is insane. McCain lost because people rejected the Right. If True Conservatism were the panacea, Tancredo and Romney would have done a lot better.

Conservatism lost this round. It's not invincible. It's not magic. It's not the Revealed Word Of God. Deal with it.

EW   November 17th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Tolerance is the last virtue of a dying nation.

Dexter in Houston TX   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I haven't voted a straight Democrat ticket in years, but I am glad I did this time around.
Republicans please get off the stage until you can get your act together...you are making fools of yourselves and this great nation!

DX in TX

Laura   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

The Republican party simply no longer represents the majority of the people. Conservative principles are not a mandate for a government which is supposed to be "of the people, for the people, by the people".

I really think that pandering to a base that would teach "creationism" in school, deny global warming while the Republicans themselves can't figure out how to use the tools of technology to win an election demonstrates how backward thinking the Republican Party has become. Playing the blame game is not productive.

There are plenty of smart, technologically savvy and forward thinking Republicans but they need to show some vision and leadership if they want to prove that conservative principles are relevant. And they need to help educate that right wing base of theirs to move forward.

tom   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

when we as a nation put a end to the hate and violence that comes from christains then we can all live in peace. that also will end the republican party because they wont have anybody voteing for them

MikeH   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

TROLL ALERT!!!

There are numerous trolls posting today, like 'mike' and that hammerhead blathering about Obama's aunt.

DON"T FEED THE TROLLS! Ignore their outrageous post, they hate that.

On-topic now, Senator Shelby is an example of what the Republican party needs to be like. DeMint and Chambliss are examples of what the Republican party is. So long as these Lester-Maddox-loving gomers run the Republican party, it will continue to destroy itself, and America if we let it.

Thomas   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

After 4 years of an Obama administration, the voters that moved over to the dems will be chomping at the bit to back the GOP candidate in 2012...

Chuck, Tennessee   November 17th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

One person here called DeMint a "gutless coward." Well, he voted against the stimulus package, the bailout, is against the automaker bailout, and stands up against many other government giveaways that will break us all. I hope he stays in Congress for a very long time. I don't care if you call it Republican, Conservative, etc, but this country needs a party that will stop flushing our money down the toilet.

Bipartisan_?   November 17th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

What do you think as American people, Mr. Obama used his rhetoric putting everyone down, and tearing people apart, during primary and general elections, and criticizing the sitting president, to get elected, because he himself had no records of his own to show, but now is coming to everyone else with experience, knowledge and tested leadership skill... for help? He is calling it "bipartisanship," or is it his own inability, or lack of confidence, or inferiority complex?? Only time can tell.

Brian G, Sugar Land, TX   November 17th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Watching Republicans bicker is more fun than my dog eat peanut butter.

And the visual is not dissimilar...

EW   November 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I'm dumbfounded at all of these liberals are foolish enough to keep clamoring for a two-term Obama and we haven't even seen him in action yet. It is even more mysterious at where all of these liberals were 4 and 8 years ago that are now saying we have to work together. All I heard for 8 years from liberals is how bad conservatives are.

The best part is that now teh liberals have no one to blame in Congress except themselves. No more scapegoats to hide behind.

My crystal ball tells me that there will be a dramatic change in the makeup of the House and Senate in two years because liberals couldn't make good on thier campaign pandering.

Julie   November 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Message to Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt. . . You're pathetic. Why don't you tell us your real agenda? Get a life.

Agnes Fleming   November 17th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Do the Republicans simply not get it: global warming is a fact of life, it is real, and it is accelerated by human activity. Was Sarah Palin after all just a reflection of how dumbed down conservative republicans have become? Either they get with the program, or they find themselves out of business.

Mike   November 17th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

McCain lost because Obama smartly resorted to fear mongering politics. McCain lost because he failed to stress that it was Democrats and Republicans alike that put our Nation in this mess. McCain lost because Obama bought the election. As a 3rd party voter, I'm infinitely disappointed that Obama chose to lie about not using public donations for the election. McCain is the only Republican that would actually agree to such a thing and Obama failed to do what's right, long term. So now, as in every race past, the election will go to who spends more. What a great allocation of resources. (sarcasm)

EJ   November 17th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Is Alambama Sen. Richard Shelby so against helping the U.S. auto industry because foreign automakers Honda, Hyundai , and Mercedes-Benz have plants in his home state of Alabama?

I'm sure no tears would be shed by the foreign automakers if the U.S. auto industry goes belly up.

RJ in NYC   November 17th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

What I find amazing is that almost everyone posting here is a hate mongering LIBERAL. The anger and venom you spit at those who you think differently from proves you are truly the "one sided" "hate mongering" " idealogues" you claim everyone else is. So much for CNN being unbiased LOL, that is a joke. Look how all you Libs hang around in here.....

57 million people voted for the Republican party. You Liberals are nuts... It is not like the vote went 90/10 against republicans. Please save your drivel and "change" the country. The clock starts in January '09 so you better start moving!!!! And when you accomplish nothing in four years are you going to still say it is the ghost of Gorge Bush's fault?

chat   November 17th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

You call it "CHANGE".

We call it "Recycling of Old Washington".

OBAMA has no CHANGE DNA at all.

He is good at doing shows though. And making propoganda for himself. But he can not fool people like us.

John Q. Cynic   November 17th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

You can't blame John McCain for the losses the republican party suffered, the blame goes to the entire party. The republicans forgot that we stepped into the 21st century, and many Americans are seeing republicans as the past millenium party, and they don't fit into modern American philosophy. I believe many Americans are tired with the parties evangelical far right movement that have taken steps closer to a theocracy, and that's a mistake. I have no problem telling my rep that I'm not a christian, I flushed that primitive part of myself years ago. Their self rightous attitude doesn't work with people who can think for themselves, it's time to flush the evangelicals because they're a wart on American society. Sorry bible thumpers, time to step into the real world.

RMKING FL FOR OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Shelby scolds DeWitt for public negative statements about a fellow repub...But isn't that what Shelby is doing? Publicly criticizing fellow repub. And you wonder why they are falling apart.

TomT   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Here is to Ron and Who's hiding Obama's auntie?

Darn it, another "turrorist" that slipped through. I bet anarchist Obama auntie is sitting in a Chicago basement cooking up some explosives with potatoes and sweet yams. Man, imagine the security risk. Before you know it she will blow up a babymilk factory. Hahahahaha... trembling in my boots here.

Hello, wake up. This article is about two republican senators having a public discussion and maybe disagreement. What's next? Are you going to bring in Micky Mouse and his deviant friends, like Donald Duck who runs around half dressed with three underage nephews?
Maybe the Grinch has a secret agenda too? Imagine if he ran his sled into Whoville fully loaded with bricks and firecrackers???? Woooohoooooo. Get real, make comments like a halfway literate adult or swallow it. T

WELCOME TO THE OBAMA SHOW   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

OK OBAMA SUPPORTERS LETS SEE WHAT YOUR MESSIAH DOES!!!

I AM 100 PERCENT SURE ALL THE OBAMA SUPPORTERS VOTED FOR HIM FOR ONE OR TWO REASONS.

1. YOU HATE BUSH.

2. HIS SPEECH FOR CHANGE.

WHAT HAPPENED TO EXPERIENCE, BACKGROUND, AND CHARACTER. I GUESS THAT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING!!!!!!!!

Democrat for McCain   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

THE RIGHT WING OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS RUINED THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. THE REPUBLICANS WILL NOT LAST ANOTHER 2 ELECTION CYCLES. ONE ISSUE PARTY (ABORTION) AND NO YOUNG PEOPLE SPELL DOOM.

DJ in TX   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

As a Democrat, I actually do not want to see the Republican party go away. I actually like some checks and balances. With the majority in Congress, I actually hope Obama doesn't give in to everything Pelosi or Reid's wants.

I agree with Sen Shelby. If there is to be any infighting, it should be done in house, not publicly. I also believe as long as Republicans cater to the far right, they are going to have some issues. If they leave the social stuff to the individual states vs trying to have something added to the constitution, they'll be better off. I'm not saying give up on their cause, but fight it at state levels vs federal levels. Conservatives state they want government out of lives, then stay out of them. Trying to FORCE the social issues down our throats, doesn't seem to fit the Conservative rhetoric of government out of our lives. I'm a Democrat and I like fiscal conservatism. But I also believe government can and should help when necessary.

Barb   November 17th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

My grandparents (on both sides) were staunch Republicans. Both of my parents supported the party. When I turned 21 (that's what it use to be) I too joined the Republican party.

No more-I traveled, I saw the world, I met people of all different races, colors and creed which meant that not only my eyes were opened but so was my mind.

Unfortunately the Republican party has a very narrow tunnel vision of what life and the world is about. They refuse to come into the modern everyday world and so I could not long tolerate their straight laced bias opinion of life as it is.

I proudly am a Independent and will vote for the individual running for a position whether it be local or national. I choose what they stand for and not what is written down on paper.

Brian from Fort Mill, SC   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

I agree with Shelby on this one. Bush has completely trashed the Republican brand, so John McCain didn't stand a chance.

Rashawn   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

And the Republicans said they had the election in the bag because the Democrats were not unified like the Republicans....

HHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMM.....

Jim West   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

The Republican's loss in this last election was due completely to their support of President Bush. Running against the Bush record was impossible. That does not take an Einstein to figure out.
John McCain could have walked on water, and it would not have helped.

Thirsty   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Every time I hear or see Jim DeMint, I think of Crème de menthe and then I want to go get drunk.

thomas from Alabama   November 17th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

It is not just Mccain it is also Republicans like Shelby, I live in Alabama and this guy has an average amount of intelligence. He has only appealed to old southerners who want everything to stay the same. The only reason he is still in office is the democrats down here are border line conservative, in which those old southerners would rather support the good ol boy party of the Republicans. The state needs new leadership instead of sending hillbillies like Shelby to capital hill.

susan   November 17th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I think that is exactly why OBAMA did withdrawal already. He won’t have to vote "present" again. He leaves it to Bush to do.

Notice that Biden is not resigning until Jan 20th? Obama
made sure he has Biden to vote for his cause.

NO BAIL OUT FOR AUTO INDUSTRY !!!! The Obama / Union trash.

Mike   November 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Who can believe it? The GOP imploding on itself. Looks good on them. Until they can figure out that the base is not what is good for the US, then maybe they can start to build in a fashion to reinstate themselves in some form of majority. Likely won't be in the White House for about 8 or 12 years.

Andy   November 17th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

The GOP stands for nothing but failure. Just take a look at the red ink Raygun years and the Bush debacles. GOP=War, Unemployment and recession/depression. The Republican party should be abolished and eventually it will as voters wake up.

Matt   November 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Jim DeMint is a coward who does not have the courage to run for president himself and has the nerve to berate a person who did. Gutless coward who should lose his job the next time he is up for re election.

SJC   November 17th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I don't believe anyone failed the Republucan or party or their right wing ideals. Bush lived up to them admirably. Just look at who still approves of him as president; the right wing ideologues who worship Ronald Reagan and everything DemInt espouses.

The problem was that the Bush administration exposed the failed and discredited ideology. Yes, bad luck had something to do with it. 9/11 and the subprime mortgage meltdown were not caused by him but showed what militant go-it-alone foreign policy and blind deregulation can do.

Sorry to say this to Reagan worshippers, but if he were president during these events he would have done the same thing Bush did. It's not Bush et al who abandoned conservatism, it's that conservatism is a failed ideaology that has no place in this century.

jet   November 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Hey …..does anybody think that BO resigned from the senate so that he didn't have to vote on the Auto/Union Bailout? He didn't want to put his name on that …

just like all the other times that he voted “present” when he was there. He is a coward….He will NEVER be able to run this country!!!

Simmy   November 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Demint is demented. The Republican Party will be back again, but not soon – there are too many mean-spirited members. Just some of their comments on this blog and judge for yourselves.

Shut up about Sen. McCain, own up to your flaws, and move on!

Charles L. Shaw, Liverpool, NY   November 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Come join the Libertarian party, get the GOP to return to the core values of Freedom and Liberty for all.

Ian   November 17th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Well let's see...campaign finance only succeeded in moving the campaign money elsewhere, increased the size and role of the federal government, and further limited the effectiveness of third parties by forcing them to spend more money on lawyers and ballot access than advertising.

s   November 17th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

The Republicans lost because they do NOT represent the majority, silent or otherwise. They are out of way touch with minorities who now are an integral part of America. Their slash-and-burn, partisan politics was rejected for what it is. And for what it isn't–unifying and cooperative.
If this continues, they will have to change their party mascot from the elephant to the dinosaur.

Dan   November 17th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

One point raised against McCain is worth examining and that is campaign funding. The rules reducing the free speech/money of entities such as corporations or unions is a good thing for the country. The fact that Pres. Obama raised so much money from many small donations is also a good thing. If both parties can use many small individual donations as the future model, there will be no quid-pro-quo in campaign financing.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   November 17th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

The GOP is grave digging.

William   November 17th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

The circular firing squad continues. Look for the Republican party to become more reckless, divisive, irresponsible and more obsessed with the "Dark Ages" than ever before in its next evil incarnation. Nothing embraces ignorance and arrogance better than the Republicans!

sbjvbj   November 17th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I suggest we ask Sen. Shelby what the Democrats should do about Sen. Lieberman.
Another thing, it's obvious the Big Three are not located in his state. If they were he would be singing a different tune.
Anybody who would just say let em go aren't thinking very far down the road. If Wall Street deserves another chance after their major screwup, then certainly the Big Three do.

johnrj08   November 17th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

The Republicans have no brand. It's a fragmented mob of factions, running the gamut from moderate centrists to extreme, right-wing fundamentalists. As long as that party feels it has to pander to its extreme right faction, it will never win another national election.

Zak   November 17th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

I think GOP stands for Grouchy Old Party

LaJuan   November 17th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

YEAH without a doubt GRAND and OLD party.

How pathetic!!!

E   November 17th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

I love watching Republicans eat their own...

Maggie from Virginia   November 17th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

The GOP is a dying breed. That's why all the attacks on Obama backfired. You reap what you sow.

Brian from Fort Mill, SC   November 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Obama Discriminating Against Gays November 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Obama told us he was the unity candidate? So why does he not embrace us gays? He walked away from us on Prop 8 and said nothing while we marched for our rights over the weekend.
-------------------–
What you're talking about is pretty much out of his hands. This is a state problem, not a federal problem. You shouldn't blame this on him. Rather, you should blame whoever put prop 8 on the ballot in the first place.

Barack Obama is not the president-elect of California. If anything, you should look at Arnold. At least he's the governor.

PL   November 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

I'm sick of hearing how the BLACK community voted against prop 8. New flash blacks make up 28 percent of Califronia population and I find it hard to believe that all of them voted against the measure. Get Married or do something, but get over it. Blacks are not anti gay and believe me they have more in their community than any other race.

bill for barack   November 17th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

While John McCain certainly didn't run the best campaign possible, giving in, as he did, to the politics of fear, hatred and racism, there is so no way that he could ever have beaten Obama.
You can thank Bush for that.

AppleinAZ   November 17th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Yeah the "Grand Old Party" will be back to screw up America so a Dem has to fix it again.....HELLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOO, don't kid yourself buddy!

thomas   November 17th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

No doubt about it. Once the democrats get things up and running again, some republican maverick will come along to tear it all down again.

Obama supporter #2   November 17th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

"Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt?

Obama's aunt is an illegal immigrant who was deported 4 years ago but failed to leave. She's been living on taxpayer money in Public Housing.
Now she's disappeared somewhere in the U.S.

Who's hiding her illegally and why????"
________________________________________________
OMG, This is to funny CNN and I could not stop laughing.

KIR   November 17th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Since you anti-Obamans have nothing else you can attack Obama on, now you resort to attacking the illegality of his aunt. Please find something else worthwhile attacking Obama on. You're really stretching now.

bill for barack   November 17th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

While John McCain certainly didn't run the best campaign possible, giving in, as he did, to the politics of fear, hatred and racism, there is so no way that he could ever have beaten Obama.
You can thank Bush for that.

Washington Observer   November 17th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Let all the Republicans gather in a confidential caucus; sit around a very large circular table; and then all point fingers at each other. The only decent republican left is the one in Alaska; she was honest and a breath of fresh air. The Republican insiders and power brokers, including Mitt Rommney's staff, have tried to smear her and hold her up to ridicule. I would take governor Palin over any of the stuffed shirts - the insider Republicans need to look in the mirror if they want to find blame

Allen in Hartwell, GA   November 17th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Maybe if the RNC and GOP implode we can do away with the Democrats also, and have straight independent voting. If we could do away with the Electoral College also then we could have true representation of the people.

Candia   November 17th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Erm, not that I mind Republicans pointing fingers at each other, but: If DeMint shouldn't criticise McCain because he's a fellow Republican, wouldn't that also mean that Shelby shouldn't criticise Bush? Last I heard, Bush was a Republican, as well!

Anne   November 17th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It is so nice to see the Republicans fighting about who lost the election and worrying about how they can regain power rather than worry about how to get this country back on the correct path. At this rate they deserve to lose every election cycle. Our country is facing some pretty serious problems currently and they do not include worrying about the Republicans regaining control.

Minneapple gal   November 17th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Well karma is something else. Im glad the republican party is folding. They do NOT represent nor reach out to the REAL americans that survive day to say
REpublican party are RACIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SOUTHERN HOTTIE   November 17th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

@Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt? November 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Obama's aunt is an illegal immigrant who was deported 4 years ago but failed to leave. She's been living on taxpayer money in Public Housing.
Now she's disappeared somewhere in the U.S.

Who's hiding her illegally and why????

****************************************************************************

Who is hiding your brain?

Please take your inane, juvenile comments and post them on FAUX news. Say hi to that loser Hannity.

Laura, Boston   November 17th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

John McCain was once again defeated by George Bush even though he ran again Obama.

If the economy didn't take a nose dive in September this race would have been a lot closer. But because of the severity of the economy and the record of George W. Bush, John McCain didn't stand a snoball chance in H*ll!

Sen. DeMint hasn't been in the Senate long enough to know that John McCain is a powerful republican figure. He needs to realize that being bi-partisan is the correct way for the party to head. I guess he must listen to Rush Limbaugh 24/7 so he believes one needs to be a totally right wing conversative to be a good republican and that "my friends" just isn't correct.

As to Sarah Palin...she wasn't given a chance. The media was against her from the get go! I hope she listens, learns and takes in every bit of knowledge being governor offers her so she can play a more active part in her party. Do Meet the Press, O'Reilly, Face the Nation over the next 4 years. You'll see a different more confident Sarah Palin.

Catholic-mom-4-OBAMA   November 17th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Oh man, there are some cynics on today! And a few nuts. Honestly, WHO CARES ABOUT OBAMA'S AUNT??!! We have enormous problems, thanks to Bush & the Republicans!

The Republicans lost because they are a bunch of hate-lies-fear-and-division mongers!

As long as the GOP continues their vile bullying, they will continue to LOSE!

ln1959   November 17th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

First of all the repubs did this to themself. They went with everything Bush said and did not stand up to this little man. The country got upset and got rid of the repubs.

Obama Discriminating Against Gays - No ones Discriminating Against Gays but Gays. The country is going through to much right now to worry about a man and man or woman and woman getting married. Secondly, the reason it was 90 percent blacks voted against that prop was because they voted straight Democrate. So stop your discriminating. Don't you think there are black gays and les that didn't realize they were voting against that prop. Guess your were listening to Rush Lim also.

Gary   November 17th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

It wasn't long ago the Republicans tried to blame Obama for all of Cicago's problems.
Well if thats the case, DeMint, Graham and Sanford better get back here to S.C. and help solve ours. We have low student test scores, high crime, job loss and a lot of poor people who need help.
Graham especially, try and pull your self away from your buddy and get back to S.C. where you were elected to serve.
You hardley have any advice we should be listening too.

SBP, Syosset, NY   November 17th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

OMG, the hard core Conservatives STILL believe global warming is a hoax.

Heck, what do 99% of the world's scientists know? If it stands in the way of big business, they REFUSE to believe it! Oh well, kinda like evolution.

White girl   November 17th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

OMG! I forgot all about his aunt!! That is so much more important than everything else going on in the world! So glad that's the priority in your head!
Seriously you idiot, shut your computer down, clock out for the day and go home!

Greg Smith, Clifton Heights PA   November 17th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

The reason that John McCain lost is because this Country has alot of idiots who vote for Democrats. The Democratic Party MUST be put out of Business. America get smart and vote Republican.

Haramzadah   November 17th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Whats better than Repugs getting knocked out in an election? Repug infighting!

Fight! Fight! Fight!

And fade into irrelevance you useless hate-mongering insects. ;-D

just a thought   November 17th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

shelby can call it spirited if he wants, but it just shows he still can't admit that the republicans and john mccain ran a dirty and awful campaign.

Angie   November 17th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

CHANGE. AND THAT IS PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA!

rm   November 17th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

@Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt:

She needs to be protected from ignorant people who will probably try to hurt the lady. You sound like one of them she needs to hide from...

snugglebunny   November 17th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

The Republican party will not be in existence in 10 years.

Maggie in NYS   November 17th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Who's hiding Obama's Aunt – why don't you as PRESIDENT BUSH?

Sam, Lincoln,NE   November 17th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

For openers, who the hell cares about Obama's aunt? I wish the right wing idiot posting under the name "Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt" would crawl back under his rock.

As for Senator Shelby, I don't think it's his place to criticize Senator DeMint or anyone else for expressing an opinion over why the Republicans lost so big. It was equal parts George W. Bush and his policies, John McCain and a poorly run campaign, and a party platform that is beholden to religious fanatics and totally out of touch with what the vast majority of this country wants. Despite their empty promises, the GOP has never been the party of the "big tent" and never will be so long as they continue to promote the hateful, exclusionary policies of pseudo-Christian right wing fanatics who want Armageddon to start sooner rather than later.

Turner, MD   November 17th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

"Who's hiding..."-3:45
Obama's aunt is packing her things to migrate into the white house! That's your answer so you can shut up about it now! Who cares?

Lynn in NM   November 17th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Can't anyone in the Congress and Senate just shut their mouths and get on with business??? I am so sick of all the fighting, that we should fire the whole lot of you. No wonder this is the do-nothing Congress! Get ready for 4-8 more years of this disgusting display of infantile behavior.

Joy Remson-Johnson   November 17th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Shelby needs to quell the dissent because soon Republicans will start calling the good ole boys from the South like him who came up during the Newt Gingrich Republican rise. They all stood by Bush and voted consistently with the man. They hold much of the blame for putting party above the nation and the ideals of fiscal conservatism and smaller goverment that they said they stood by. They need to be tossed out and new blood needs to replace the old GOP guard, but this is just a suggestion from a Liberal, so what do I know. Anyways, if your in Georgia help toss out one of the good ole boys by electing Jim Martin for Senate in the run off December 2.

JL   November 17th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Honestly, calling global warming a farce because they think it will hurt the economy...what economy? Turning on eachother and blaming their most recent presidential candidate? ouch!

Either you get real, GOP, and come up with solutions that will truly help voters, rather than trying to fool us and divide us, or we will not vote for you. Period.

For years, you have been lieing about your opponent's character, trying to turn us against eachother using social issues like gay marriage, and tearing our country down with your "with us-american/against us-unamerican" mentality. Well, obviously by our votes in the last 2 elections, we are no longer that gullable, even though you still think we are.

If you do not drop your smoke screen and get a real message and a real strategy (rather than hate-based tactics), you will keep losing, GOP! And it's no one's fault but your own.

tj21   November 17th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Obama also said in one of the debates w/ Sen. McCain that he opposed homosexual marriage. The people of CA voted to end this disgrace against real marriage. There is nothing further to discuss; the people have spoken.
Now, on to other matter at hand: Oh please! Out of everything that McCain may have had some blame for, the failure of the Republican party in the elections is hardly one of them. The fact of the matter is, what candidate wants to be put in the precarious situation of having to demonize his party's own office holder in order to get elected? McCain was in an impossible situation. If anything, how ablut blaming Mark Foley, Tom DeLay, Karl Rove, or better yet, how about blaming Bush? His incompetence and arrogance may have cost his party not only the White House, but the House and Senate for years to come. If Obama is only marginally bettr than Bush, he probably will win a second term in a landslide.

rayjay   November 17th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Mabe just worry about getting the country on its feet and working again not trying to blame and run the other direction. The poeple voted you in to better life for them. Smarten up or get out.

boered1   November 17th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Wow the back biting and back stabbing continues in the GOP self pity party!

the fact is the GOP has strayed too far right and the Average American is no longer buying the "for God and GOP" line of crap. The tighter they cling to the radical religious right and try to take rights from Americans and limit personal freedom the worse it will get for the GOP. I support them on fiscal responsibility but when they try to force their religion down my throat as the law of the land I resist voting for them no matter what my basic agreements with them are. GW bush ended it for me when he said God told him to invade Iraq, the GOP lost it when they told me that "religious freedom" only applies to Christians (fundemental ones at that) and that portions of the Constitution and bible should be ignored. Now the left needs to be careful and realize that opposition to the radical religious right does NOT mean we buy all the redistribution and removal of our gun rights malarky either.

Anni, Uyo.   November 17th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Lord, when we are wrong help us to be ready to correct ourselves: and when we are right, pls help us to be easy to get along with.

The Stallion & The Champ vs. The Old Mule & Winky Half-baked Alaska   November 17th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

All I ask as a Democrat is that the Republican party bank their future on FAILIN' PALIN.

Carter in ATL   November 17th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Seems to me like Shelby recognizes that the truth hurts! I hope he understands that most people feel the same way as DeMint! Either way McCain lost and so did most of the GOP senators. Who cares who's to blame? It is what it is!!

insanity   November 17th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Michael November 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Unfortunately, the GOP has been highjacked over the last 28 years by faith-based extremists. When they jetison these scoundrels and realize that there are great things to be accomplished closer to the middle of the political spectrum and stop fanning the flames of social wars, they may find new relevance
----------------------------
I agree with you Michael, but I think the republican ideology is flawed and not relevant to the 21st century. I was listening to Bobby Jindal the other day, and he was going on and on about how there are conservative principles to every problem. What he doesn't realize is that there needs to be pragmatic solutions and not blind ideological principles.

Jindall is the future of GOP, and if that's what the future looks like, they have no chance.

Vicki5   November 17th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I think we should have a 3-party system. The Republicans can split into two different parties, which seems to be what they are doing anyway. One of them can be more of an Independent party??? I'm just thinking, then it would be more difficult to filibuster and hold up progress in this country. In my opinion, it should be 3 parties or 1 party, but the two party system (without 60 seat majority) gets us nowhere.

ron   November 17th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt?

"Obama's aunt is an illegal immigrant who was deported 4 years ago but failed to leave. She's been living on taxpayer money in Public Housing.
Now she's disappeared somewhere in the U.S.

Who's hiding her illegally and why????"

I say you take it upon yourself to start a nation wide search. Forget about all the real problems the US has we need to mobilize the National Guard and make finding this woman a priority. Thank you for bring this to our attention you clown show.

Steve   November 17th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

The Republicans continue to shout each other down and blame each other for a debacle in the recent election. Now they are blaming each other for blaming each other. Obviously these people are VERY slow leaners. Even though they lost the election by constantly playing the blame game, they continue to play it.

We Americans don't want to hear who's fault it is. We couldn't care less about who's fault it is. We want action. We want problems solved. We want a plan for the future. We don't want pandering to the religious reactive right, or the liberal, licentious left. We want moderation. We want public service, not political self-gratification. We want thoughtful administration of our laws and our funds. We want stability. We want our laws to be reasonable, even-handed, and obeyed, not only by our peers, but by our politicians.

Is that too much to ask? Apparently so, if you're a Republican. If you can't stop blaming each other, and you can't come up with a plan of action, then you have no business being in office. Hopefully a younger generation of Republicans can reclaim the party, and restore it to its former greatness.

Somewhere in Texas   November 17th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

The Republicans lost because the Republicans proved they stand for nothing over the last eight years. McCain and the rest of the Republican congress members along with Bush can take that blame equally. I am a conservative and have voted Republican for years, but after the last eight years I'm pretty sick of the Republicans. I voted for McCain because I though he was the lesser of two evils, but only by a smidge. I'm not heartbroken that he lost. True conservatives – meaning those that believe in fiscal restraint and restraint of federal power – have no party. We are outcasts.

Spencer/NY to VA   November 17th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Fighting in the ranks. I love it. Keep it up guys. While the rest of the country gets back on track, I can count on you republicans to keep up the bickering amongst yourselves.

Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN   November 17th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

I agree with Shelby concerning DeMint. McCain is not the sole reason (or even a significant reason) why Republicans are not doing well. Republicans need to take a deep, long, and hard look at what the party stands for and how they will evolve with the rest of the nation. I believe strongly that McCain sold out his moderate-conservative values to please the right-wing extremist of the Republican Party-the same people who are now scapegoating McCain and Palin for destroying the party. If Republicans do not begin moving to the center on both social and foreign issues, then the party has no future.

Jon   November 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

The Right is against redistribution of wealth, but apparently don't have a problem with redistributing the blame. Don't worry Republicans, there's plenty of blame to go around for everyone, you can all have a piece.

Concerned for our Country   November 17th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt? November 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET wrote:
Obama's aunt is an illegal immigrant who was deported 4 years ago but failed to leave. She's been living on taxpayer money in Public Housing.
Now she's disappeared somewhere in the U.S.
Who's hiding her illegally and why????

What does this have to do with the subject. What's next. The people of the United States voted in Barak Obama in as our new President. Get over your anger and be an American. You people are so bitter it's scary!

Kevin   November 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Baracks aunt has not disappeared. It has been noted in a few publications that she is living with relatives in Detroit while she fights extradiction. People, if you are going to go off topic, at least get your information correct.

Optimistic Again   November 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

As long as the Republicans move further to the right to "satisfy their base", they will continue to alienate the center, and they will never recover.

As long as intolerance excludes more people than it includes, it can't win.

Mike from Newport, KY   November 17th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

What is needed is for the Republicans to get back to the basics of fiscal responsibility, differentiating between issues/items that should be resolved on a state level and those that need to be resolved on a federal or national level. After the last 8 years of GWB, I don't believe that any R could have won the White House. It certainly didn't help that a Republican light – John McCain – was the party's eventual choice to run for President.

Time to get back to basics and make sure that the message being sent is consistent, clear and concise.

Amber   November 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

To "Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt?" -
What in the world does your comment have to do with the subject at hand? Please, stay focused. Don't let your bitterness about the election get the best of you. We are talking here about the problems in the GOP, not about Obama, and most certainly not about Obama's aunt. Your worthless comment does not even deserve the correction that it needs. Keep your conspiracy theories to you dark basement and in your own poisoned head. It's a new day in America!!!

Jackie   November 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Well, that's what happens when a liberal runs for president and gets defeated by a radical liberal.

Next time around, I hope we have better choices. A real conservative and a conservative Democrat.

Anonymous   November 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I do fervently hope the GOP will rebuild itself around Sarah Palin!
Yes, I am a Democrat, how did you guess?

Laverne   November 17th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

To the person who said Obama is discriminating against gays:
1. Obama made it clear during his campaigning that he does not support gay marriage, but did support civil unions.
2. This is a state issue, so he should stay out of it.
3. Obama does care about all people and can do so without supporting gay marriage.
4. There are other states that allow gay marriage, maybe one should think about relocating if it means that much.
5. For once and for all, Obama is not POTUS yet, he is President elect. Where is the rage for Bush and Swartgenegger certainly did not come out in support.

Greed is not good   November 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

The GOP is all confused right now. The Neo-Con right-wing lunatics are fighting with the moderates. The GOP lunatics don't believe the scientists or global warming...rather only what Rushbaugh tells them to believe. Many people once upon a time refused to believe the earth was round also.

carol   November 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Is this man for real, spirited campaign....McCain ran a negative campaign nothing spirited about it unless he saw something different
from the rest of us!!!!!!!
Why can't members of your own party be allowed to say what they think about one of their own.....as for things going against them he was right.
Number one is all the negativity and secondly is Sarah Palin and her rabble rousing antics, plus a badly run campaign from the start.
They all need to go back to the drawing board and re-think how they should re-group as a party and start thinking on more inclusive ideas and change the faces in their crowds, more diverse and not so prone to one group.

Ben - Portland, Or   November 17th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

You know, there's enough blame to go around. You can heap the blame on everybody from Rove to Atwater clear back to Nixon, but the real problem with the republicans is that they're straying too far from center, campaigning on wedge issues, and basically polarizing themselves right out of relevance.

They built a formidable and impressive machine in the 80s, but they've spent too much time and energy on keeping control and not enough on listening to voters or recognizing the need to meet in the middle to get things done. The single driving force behind the republican party has been control, control, control, but what have they done with it?

Kpawlak   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

It's beginning to appear that a majority of the times I read the CNN Ticker it seems like a place for liberal and Dems to use as a punching bag towards predominantly negative stories about individual Republicans or the party in general.

Come on CNN the election is over.
Your credibility is waning.

Joe Unger, San Francisco   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

As they say, it's the economy, stupid.
McCain was neck and neck with Obama until economy went into a tailspin and Obama then pulled ahead. If the economy had remained fairly steady until after the election, McCain may very well have been elected. The party in charge always gets the blame for bad times, making it easy for Obama to say we need a change and for voters to simply say throw the bums out (and get new bums in there).
Obama didn't really say much other than platitudes and he killed the changes for gay marriage here in California when he came out against gay mariage.

Tim   November 17th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Soros? Please. The Scaife Family/Foundations have given 10x as much to rightwing/conservative foundations over the last 30 years. Nice try on a boogeyman Repugs!

Republican voter   November 17th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

You can't gropu Shelby with DeMint, "blue is my favorite..."-
At least Shelby knows what it means to be bipartisan when necessary.

Michael   November 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Unfortunately, the GOP has been highjacked over the last 28 years by faith-based extremists. When they jetison these scoundrels and realize that there are great things to be accomplished closer to the middle of the political spectrum and stop fanning the flames of social wars, they may find new relevance.

jerry rubin, Whitefish Bay, WI   November 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Sen DeMint is way off base. If he sticks to what is presently the "base" the GOP will be out of every branch of Government for a long long long time and other GOP good people know it.

Warren from TEXAS   November 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt? Who cares?

Tulsa   November 17th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

The GOP has only itself to blame. Just look at the photos from the Dem Nat. Convention and those at the RNC.... The Republicans have remained the party of old, white males and the neo-con brown shirts.
They bring nothing respectful or intelligent or new to the table. Let them bicker and tear themselves down as long as they want. Just stay the heck out of the way of the new administration. You all have had your way and it has done great harm. Take your OLD party and go.

and to"Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt?", grow up. there are many problems to deal with and this isn't one worth considering.

Red State Republican who voted for CHANGE!   November 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

I love sitting back and watching this party crumble...its a karma thing!

Republican voter   November 17th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Jim DeMint is a a jerk- i am sorry, but he is. I don't think he represents the GOP either- he is an extremist and needs to see the reality of the world these days. John McCain was just fine- he had some ups and downs during the campaign- but doesn't need to be blamed for the state of the GOP these days. It's the DeMints that do, frankly.
Signed,
A republican

Independent In NY   November 17th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Shouldn't he mention the fact that congressional republicans enabled Bush by voting in lock-step with everything Bush proposed?

Truth Hurts   November 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

What do Obama's aunt on his father side have to do with this conversation? And the republicans need to stop airing their dirty laundry!! That's one of the reason why they lost because they are not a uniform party!!!

Rorschach   November 17th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

DeMint and his fellow right-fringe loonies would do the GOP a favor if they'd drop out of the party and form their own. Call it the "Tin Foil Hat Party". They can dedicate themselves to the memory of Joe McCarthy, swear allegiance to Limbaugh, and campaign on the platform that they will never rest until every pinko commie socialist is in leg irons, and demand birth certificates from every member of Congress, the Cabinet, etc etc ad infinitum. That'll keep them busy for awhile.

Lost in Texas FOREVER   November 17th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

Didn't the GOP god Ronald Reagan once say that NO Republican should speak ill of another one? I guess with all the in-fighting that rule has gone by the wayside, too.

Obama Discriminating Against Gays   November 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Obama told us he was the unity candidate? So why does he not embrace us gays? He walked away from us on Prop 8 and said nothing while we marched for our rights over the weekend.

Is he afraid of the black community which voted against our basic rights by 70-30?

How can he not support human rights unless he's just another slick politician who won't walk the talk. Are we not human? Speak to us president elect Obama. Where's the tolerance all of your followers talk about????

AEK   November 17th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Could it be that the reason the Republicans lost the race for President and several others is that the Party does not represent the American people anymore? Even exit polling for those who did vote for McCain indicated that many were voting against the Democrats. The party of Lincoln has been in trouble ever since they started pandering to the Christian right wing faction of the party that forced Sarah Palin on the ticket and sealed Senator McCain's fate.

Nick   November 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

The party is falling apart. They can rebuild, but the internal fighting has to stop.

Janice Illinois   November 17th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I don't believe that there is need in America for two parties, Why we are all Americans , Why does two words, ReP. And Dem have to devide one country to the point of nothing getting done or resolved and that is what is happening for years now.

Blue is my favourite colour   November 17th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Shelby, DeMint, and GOP. I wouldn't count on that come back any time soon.

Larry, Hazleton, Pa   November 17th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

May I say with all due respect – I certainly hope not – What BushCheney have done to this country under the banner of Republican should never be allowed to even come close again. They (republicans) have to change there name and ideas if they want my respect ever again.

Lesley   November 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

I agree. This is a major reason why Repubs have lost their appeal. They attack and blame and don't have any ideas for moving their party forward. They keep chasing their tails.

Who's Hiding Obama's Aunt?   November 17th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Obama's aunt is an illegal immigrant who was deported 4 years ago but failed to leave. She's been living on taxpayer money in Public Housing.
Now she's disappeared somewhere in the U.S.

Who's hiding her illegally and why????

World Peace Begins With Me   November 17th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

It's like blaming Jesus for the KKK.

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@CNNPolitics: RT @@psteinhauserCNN: Source: President Obama to head to Copenhagen, Denmark to attend a global climate-change summit. http://bit.ly/5w8oXA
Updated: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:55:39 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Thanks! RT @IsCool: RT @@KuhnCNN: Compiling my political tweets of the week. Any nominations?
Updated: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:29:41 -0800
@KuhnCNN: Compiling my political tweets of the week. Any nominations?
Updated: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:38:20 -0800
@PrestonCNN: I-95 overnight traffic between DC and Mass was brutal. Good luck driving today.
Updated: Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:53:07 -0800
@wolfblitzercnn: I am really happy the Wizards won tonight, especially because of owner Abe Pollin's death. He really loved his team.
Updated: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:11:46 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP