Comments on: Schneider: Martinez decision signifies problems for GOP

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:50:50 +0000

What's almost as funny as these people's rants about how bad Bush is (hey dolts, how many times has the US been attacked since 9/11? - You're welcome), are all of these posts about how racist the Republican party is. What a crock! This is a myth perpetuated by Dems who know that they can fool people. In the election it was the DEMOCRATS bringing up Obama's skin color, not the Republicans. Yet because they don't warmly embrace every slacker, rap artist wannabe, check collecting baby mama, illegal alien, they are considered racist. You get Bill, Jesse, Nancy, Al Sharpton, Hillary, Ludacris, you name it to say Republicans are racist and you all start repeating the mantra like good little mockingbirds. Good thing you all weren't lemmings near a cliff.

By: CanIcallyouJoe

CanIcallyouJoe — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:44:45 +0000

Ed Dugan @ 9:46
"Mel and his counterparts never understood. Most Americans don't want immigration reform, they want immigration, legal or illegal stopped! We don't need any more people right now, thank you."

So by your logic, any babies being born to people already living here should be denied citizenship and deported?

Basically, what you're incorrectly stating is that most Americans don't want any more people trying to make their lives better in this country – but only if those people have dark skin.

Careful.
Your ignorance is showing.

By: Jon in Talent

Jon in Talent — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:42:26 +0000

This not an issue for the conservatives. Sen. Martinez is a freaking rino and we are dumping them faster than you can dump a cup of coffee. Don't let the door slam you in the arse Sen.

By: elsie

elsie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:40:21 +0000

Is CNN recycling stories now? I am sure I saw this yesterday.

By: Mari

Mari — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:36:56 +0000

TO THE FAR-RIGHT: the GOP is self-destroying, their own lies, hate, fear and division, their own vile politics are destroying the party!

The Republicans are in trouble, because they do not "get" that America REJECTED their VILE politics! We are SO sick and tired of lies, of the hate being spewed by the extreme right...... like Hannity, Limbaugh, O'Reilly, etc.!

Until the Republicans figure out, that they have to offer some IDEAS and REAL SOLUTIONS, without destroying their opponents they will continue to LOSE!

AMERICA REJECTS THE VILE POLITICS OF THE FAR-RIGHT. HATE, LIES, FEAR AND DIVISION IS ......NOT.... WHAT AMERICA STANDS FOR!

By: Ken in Dallas

Ken in Dallas — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:36:12 +0000

Immigration reform, hmmm.

Most of us miss the point on this issue. Immigration reform is a red herring, a diversion; the real policy issue is the exploitation of imported labor for the purpose of lowering the American standard of living. Immigration reform could be done in such a way as to inhibit that kind of exploitation, but the sitting administration's laissez-faire policy has encouraged the exploitation of foreign labor, to the detriment of American workers.

It's not that I'm against international competition, but the US is the richest 5% of the world's population, and when one person expecting $7 an hour is in dollar-for dollar competition with 19 people working for $1 a day, he's not going to do well. For the US economy, free trade is suicide.

We have only two real options: protectionism, or foreign/trade policy intervention designed to raise the standard of living in the countries we trade with. If we do nether of those things, the American standard of living goes down the tubes.

By: John E Lexington KY

John E Lexington KY — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:35:02 +0000

The GOP drowned itself in New Orleans. McCain drew as many votes as a GOP candidate could. The party needs to take itself out in the back yard and end its misery. As presently constituted it will not lead any branch of government for the foreseeable future.

By: Maggie from Virginia

Maggie from Virginia — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:31:24 +0000

Minorities are quickly becoming the majority in our nation. The GOP has yet to accept this. Until they come to terms with this fact, they will continue to lose. It's time for the old guard to retire and bring in fresh new thinkers. Our nation will be better for it.

By: grahame

grahame — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:27:13 +0000

Basically what this comes down to is.

Democrats=Yes we can.
Republicans=No you can't!

By: Scott NYC Independent

Scott NYC Independent — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:19:29 +0000

The negative comments he may have been forced to make about our 44th President that were baseless and unfounded probably turned his stomach and it would be political death to switch parties while holding office. He'll be back as a democrat. The republican party is a party of separatist – if it walks, talks and smells like a duck even lipstick won't change the fact its a duck.

By: grahame

grahame — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:18:49 +0000

Dear Larry @8:32
That must really be a cheap Ouija board you have
If you consider the Republican cast of players in the last eight year comedy to be any good. My guess is you will hardly be able to wait for the next show. 'Republicans in bondage on ice.' What a joke you guys are!
Hey Larry can you pronounce "Self Denial?" or did you go to the same igloo school as Sarah (If I only had a brain) Palin????????????

By: Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:17:34 +0000

Hey Rob, of 9:28 fame, if the Dems don't fubar it, then what? Problem I see right now is that President elect Obama (not Barry as u say) is off to a running start in terms of the people he's appointing. So, if his appointments do their job well, then there's not much room to change out. Think about it, "my friend." Think of McCain's cheesy smile when he says that "my friend."

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:16:26 +0000

rm,

What part of the win in Georgia do you think is a dream–it happened,really,you will need to bring up the CNN post from last night.It's in black and white.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:15:28 +0000

Think about it. Reagan is the GOP's christ figure and he's to blame for the existence of the "Southern Strategy." The core of that theory is not a failure of outreach, it's encouraging division based on race in order to secure voters.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:11:03 +0000

"the failure of the Republican Party's outreach to minorities"

Now there's a euphamism at which we can all giggle hysterically. The GOP is full of racists. You need evidence? They just managed to get one elected in GA yesterday.

By: rbinny

rbinny — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:08:42 +0000

GOP is against immigration, Want to make english the "official" language of the U.S.
oppose universl health care and increases in the min wage, as well as being against MLK day. Good luck with bringing minorities into that tent

By: ran

ran — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:08:23 +0000

It is very simple, unless the RNC stops being controlled by the far right of their party they can expect a lot of loses in the future. We want a country that comes together not divided.

By: Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx.

Roofin Reality, Houston, Tx. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:07:03 +0000

Jeb is on his way.
Yes, another Bush to "save" the good ole USA.

By: Hanna

Hanna — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:01:25 +0000

"The base of the party is so racist and hatefull."

In other words, you're upset there are people in the Republican Party who believe illegal immigrants should be prosecuted for violating U.S. laws.

By: Lauren the Designer

Lauren the Designer — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:59:37 +0000

Actually...for me it was Palin that signified that there is a huge problem with the GOP. This just further enforces it.

By: Lou in Miami

Lou in Miami — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:59:29 +0000

Mel is a weak man and has not done anything significant for our state and I am so happy he is going away. He is scared of a hard fight.

As a Latino voter I been affected profoundly by the present administration policies and I do not see voting ever again for a GOP candidate. What I saw during the campaign was scary; I am taking about the base of the party and not McCain.

Bush and he’s team have gone so far down a road and created so much damage to his party, country and the world for that matter that it will take a lifetime to wheel back from that.

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:58:25 +0000

joe the troll,

There's many more than a,or one ROCK STAR,and Sarah is not the only person that may or may not,be running on the Republican ticket next time.

By: xargaw

xargaw — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:57:56 +0000

The GOP is the Party of old white people, racists and fundamentalists. If they want to attract minorities, people under fifty and "thinking" people of all faiths, they need to start addressing reality. Trickle down does not work, legislating one view of morality repels two thirds of the country, and privatising the country by handing every aspect over to corporations has failed Americans terribly. The only thing Conservatism has brought us is a full blown structural meltdown and potential depression.

By: RealityKing

RealityKing — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:54:21 +0000

We also need a media agenda that is centrist, one that tends to be bipartisan, and stop focusing mainly on the issues that have been so divisive. Getting the drift here CNN senior political analists??

By: Lynne

Lynne — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:54:08 +0000

The GOP needs to find some smart and progressive people to lead the party if they want to come back in 2010. Perhaps drop the idea of legislating morality and get back to being fiscal conservatives who believe in less government interference in our lives.

By: artvpp

artvpp — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:52:24 +0000

I understand the decision of Senator Martinez not to run for re-election in 2010.
The Republican party during the past eight years, has consistently moved its moderate positions, to ones more radical and intolerant.
In doing so, they have forgotten their roots and alienated minorities, especially the latino voters which tend to be more conservative with traditional family values.
On the other hand, the democratic party has done a good job in understading the needs of minorities and as a result, minoritites are now supporting the democratic party in larger numbers because they feel that their needs and concerns are in tune with what the democratic party preaches.
Finally, I still hope that Senator Mel Martinez will continue to have a role in the Republican Party, the country needs more moderates like him.

By: N. S. Huntsville, Al

N. S. Huntsville, Al — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:52:01 +0000

How can the Republicans think they will become anything other then the "GOOD OLD WHITE MAN" COMMITTEE? They only want white people in their group. And Latinos are waking up and realizing how prejudice the Republican party is.

By: DB25

DB25 — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:51:58 +0000

I heard that Martinez is actually a moderate senator and was willing to negotiate to get things done.....hopefully whoever takes his spot will do the same.

By: rm

rm — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:49:11 +0000

Larry @ 8:32am: wrote
In 2010 the Republicans will make huge gains,we have already seen the beginning of a backlash of the NO CHANGE Clinton administration return,last night in Georgia with a huge win for Saxby.People will get over the "ROCK STAR" of Obama,and realize trying to buy our way out of this by increasing the government is just going to drag it out.Common since will WIN out.
___________________________________________________

Nice dream you had. Did your dream in color or black and white?

By: Kentucky

Kentucky — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:46:49 +0000

I live in a rural southern white republican area, and I know what these rural white republicans think of Blacks and Hispanics. They dislike them as a group. On a one on one basis they will be kind to Black or Hispanic, but they dislike minorites, as a group. I cannot count the number of times that rural white republicans used the N word to refer to Obama. I wish a news organization had taken a hidden camera into a rural southern resturant or meeting place and expose how prejudice the heart of the Republian party has become. I was amazed at how many of my neighbors asked me if I was voting for that N--r, Obama. Ronald Reagan and Barry Goldwater are heroes here, because they fought against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Lincoln would be ashamed of what his party has become(Party of Jefferson Davis). How could any Hispanic or African-American be a member of a Party whose base dislikes them so much????

By: ed dugan

ed dugan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:46:31 +0000

Mel and his counterparts never understood. Most Americans don't want immigration reform, they want immigration, legal or illegal stopped! We don't need any more people right now, thank you.

By: Meh

Meh — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:44:54 +0000

The GOP is out-dated. They haven't kept in touch w. how people *really* live. This is a multi-cultural country. We are chock full of different sorts of people, with different sorts of religions. We are not all Straight, Christian White males. "Small town values" just don't cut it if you want to speak to the majority of people here. We are a melting pot.

By: anntique

anntique — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:44:49 +0000

If he is any Republican at all, he will retire early and let Gov. Crist appoint a replacement in the form of Jeb Bush. That will give Republicans the best position in the 2010 election, however, even that will not be enough to overcome Bush hatred and Democratic momentum. Obama does not seem to be making many mistakes. If he continues that course, Dems will make even bigger inroads into the Republican block in Florida.

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:44:23 +0000

Dave of illinois,

I hope EVERYBODY ,including CNN,reads your post....It's a FACT ,not an opinion.

By: Stacy from Loudoun County VA

Stacy from Loudoun County VA — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:43:42 +0000

Senator Martinez is doing the honorable thing and I for one am glad he is leaving office a proud statesman. Either that or Jeb Bush paid Senator Martinez one heckuva sum of money to retire to South Beach so that he could have his chance at Washington. I figure Jeb doesn't have much chance of being President Bush (thanks bro!), but Senator has a good ring to it.

By: Vigla

Vigla — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:41:58 +0000

Dave,

Comparing Georgia to Florida is like comparing peaches to oranges. Georgia is solidly Republican. Chambliss was going to win easily. Florida, on the other hand, is a much different story...

By: Sanity has Returned

Sanity has Returned — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:41:18 +0000

Only when people's wallets are being pinched, do they wake up. Free Market economies probably do well when 70% of the overall economy isn't based on shopping and credit and there are plenty of family wage jobs. I'm very proud of states like Florida, NC, Ohio, Indiana, NM and Colorado..They stepped up to the plate to elect real change..It's coming on 1/20/09.

By: Joe the Troll

Joe the Troll — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:41:01 +0000

"We are overpopulated with respect to our resources," Bull. HAITI is overpopulated in respect to its resources. We're the richest people on Earth yet we whine because we can't afford luxuries while people in countries raped by colonization die from lack of necessities. On another note, I get a kick out of Republicans that mock Obama for "rock start popularity" while other Republicans use that same phrase to describe Sarah Palin's main strength.

By: Randy, San Francisco

Randy, San Francisco — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:39:33 +0000

This is confirmation of the GOP's small tent culture wars mentality.

By: Jackson

Jackson — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:37:08 +0000

Thanks to the Uniter "that failure of a president" GWB, who has left the GOP in ruins – now the Dems are reaping the rewards. Must suck being a reopub these days, folks. What's GW's approval these days? 20% ? Sweet! Thanks GWB!

By: Lost Okie

Lost Okie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:36:51 +0000

So now do the Republican spokespersons like Rush Limbo, etc. start rooting against the economy to bring down the next administration? Would that be the patriotic thing to do?

By: Erik

Erik — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:33:17 +0000

With Martinez gone, the Republican Congressional Caucus will have just three minority members – Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, all Cuban-Americans representing south Florida districts in the House of Representatives. The GOP does not have a single Asian-American, African-American or Mexican-American in their caucus. Additionally, they have just one Jewish member – Eric Cantor of Virginia. Clearly, the Republican Party has ostracized itself from large segments of America. It is a completely white party.

By: JP

JP — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:28:21 +0000

When ever the press makes reference to immigration it uses terms such as "reform" and "issues". Why not call it what it is illegal immigration. I have a solution on how to stop more illegals from entering the country. We should implement the tactics that the Mexican government uses on its southern border for people coming in illegally. Do a google seach to see how they deal will illegals.

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:28:08 +0000

But the important thing this morning is that there will be no fillabuster proof Senate where the Dems would have finished the job the started by letting Fannie and Freddie run without supervision. Yes, despite pleadings from such wonderful people as Al "Chicken Little" Gore and Ludacris, Geaorgia voters were smarter the second time around. Now all we need is for Franken to stop being a sore loser crybaby and go back to whatever liberal stinkhole he crawled out of. That way we'll just have to stick it out for 2 more years, at which point Dems will have completely fubar'd the country, and the Republicans can gain back control and show those saps how to really save the country. And then 2 years after that we can send Barry packing so he can go to writing books for Oprah's book club.

By: Seattle Sue

Seattle Sue — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:23:32 +0000

Larry@8:32++++It will take more than two years for voters to forget what a rotten,terrible eight years Bush and the Republicans put us through.

By: JL

JL — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:22:05 +0000

GOP=party for whites ONLY. It's funni no one is willing to make that statement but just look at the GOP's gatherings the past 8+ years and it so CLEAR.

By: Phil in KC

Phil in KC — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:20:12 +0000

The Republican party has problems? They're not centrist enough? They have a problem attracting minorities?
This comes as a surprise to whom?

By: Rafael

Rafael — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:19:50 +0000

Hey Richard McDonald, I hope when this happens and we won't have anybody to pick produces and live in inhumane conditions and as a very patriotic american you will send your family to do it,

By: Lisa V

Lisa V — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:16:46 +0000

Only Republicans could lose tons of Senators and Congresspeople and still brag about it, as in: Well, at least now the Dems do not have complete control. The Republicans are having lots of problems right now.

By: Farrell, Houston, Tx

Farrell, Houston, Tx — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:10:32 +0000

The GOP hasn't step up to the 21st century and continue to run divisive campaigns. Palin sprewed out hate and divisiveness while campaigning which was ignorance due to lack of knowledge about issues that face our country. George W. Bush did a lot of name calling about enemies which did nothing to change our image and you would have thought the GOP would have stopped Palin when she did the same but no they sat by silently.