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I am not surprised by the recent deflections from the Republican Party. As a former Regan Democrat, I can understand both the need for change and the unwillingness of the religious fanatics within the current Republican Party to change. Perhaps if they spent a little less time trying to enforce morality on the general population, they would see the absolute need to change. As long as people like Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, etc. are permitted a greater voice in the party than the actual duly elected candidates, the whole party is in danger of becoming irrelevant. This is America. It is not fascist Germany (right) or Communist Cuba (left). Maybe it's time for the Republican Party to take a long hard look at the things they really stand for and forget the rest.

I don't understand how everyone can hate Rush Limbaugh so much when he's not even in office and the liberal version of Rush–Al Franken–is a United States Senator! Rush Limbaugh isn't a threat: the people we've put in office are. The GOP's done some bad things, but most of the people commenting here in favor of the left don't make me want to vote for them, either. You're making it easier and easier to be an Independant, or a Libertarian, like Barr.

Good Bob. You have some conviction. In the case of the Republican Party re-making itself at that so called event in Northern Virginia. It is like putting embalming makeup and lipstick on a dead corpse after about 10 years. It still is putrified and still stinks.

I knew the Republican Party was in deep trouble when McCain announced his V.P. pick. It made his whole campaign theme of "Country First" a total mockery of itself. If McCain truly was a patriot who always put "Country First," he would have selected someone with the deep intellect, experience and education to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. The choice also mocked McCain's reputation as a maverick. Clearly he was coerced into choosing Palin for purely political purposes.

That is what is scary about the current Republican Party. The "puppeteers" are more concerned with keeping all their politician-puppets "in line" and obeying Party edicts than allowing them to be independent and vote the way their constituents at home would prefer them to vote. That in itself makes a mockery of our democracy and the freedom and values we hold dear as Americans. Is it any wonder no one is voting for them any longer?

The politics of fear and manipulation no longer work on our electorate. Thanks be to God.

I am not surprised by the recent deflections from the Republican Party. As a former Regan Democrat, I can understand both the need for change and the unwillingness of the religious fanatics within the current Republican Party that change. Perhaps if they spent a little less time trying to enforce morality on the general population, they would see the absolute need to change. As long as people like Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity, etc. are permitted a greater voice in the party than the actual duly elected candidates, the whole party is in danger of becoming irrelevant. This is America. It is not fascist Germany (right) or Communist Cuba (left). Maybe it's time for the Republican Party to take a long hard look at the things they really stand for and forget the rest.

Also, there is a very good reason that Specter switched affiliation to the Democratic party, here in PA you can only vote for Republicans or Democrats in the primaries and you can only vote for candidates in the party you are registered as, we have closed primaries. If you are registered as an Independent or any other third party you can not vote in the primaries at all. Those parties are not given any chance to win anything in Pennsylvania.

Until the Republican party begins exorcising some of its cancers ... Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, religious right ... it will continue its steep decline. Instead of attacking the Obama administration, which continues to receive high marks in recent polls, the Republicans would better suit themselves by adopting a more inclusive approach. The days of elitism vanished when Bush left office. Many Republicans haven't realized that yet.

it is a amazing that we have leaders that act like gang members instead of serving the best interest of American citizens. I am sick and tired of people focusing on a party. The party does help me get a job or create jobs. A certain party does not send my child to college, create affordable healthcare. I wonder if our so called leaders can focus on american interest instead of their personal agendas, like getting rich. I am just sick of it. I am glad to wake up everyday and have a strong feeling and evidence that we have a president that is working for us everyday.

One of the biggest problems in the Republican party is that the far right wing doesn't realize how much they resemble the very extemists they claim they want to protect us from. Ann Coulter once stated about Muslims "We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity." How is that language any different from the language Osama bin Laden uses?

Johnny DC this is the problem with you and your party it is all about the GOP first, revenge, self-indulgence and America comes in somewhere dead last, that' is why Arlen Specter changed parties.

Johnny DC May 2nd, 2009 11:24 am ET

Coming from a devout Conservative and Republican, I can honestly admit that Bob Barr is a true American. If only he had the support of more people.

Arlen Specter is a joke, and represents everything wrong with this country. He's senile and only interested in his own legacy, and it's never been more clear than this week.

Republicans are pulling all the stops....
To me till they apologize of illegal war!

Well, evidently Souter realized Obama is a one term president, why do you think he is stepping down. Get a new liberal on the court while they have the control, because they wont have it for long as people realize what a mess Obama is creating.

LOL Enjoy it while it lasts sheep!

Wishful thinking, Mr. Third-Party-President-Wannabe. The fact of the matter is the republican party is just fine. It's going through a bit of an identity crisis right now, thanks to the lousy leadership that was provided by our last president. As soon as the dumb-a-crats self destruct and the American people wake up and realize how corrupt and idiotic they are, the republican party will be back stronger than ever. The republicans just need to get back to the basic principles which made them a great party to begin with–limited federal government, strong national security (which means strong borders), and the realization that the free market (when left alone) is far more efficient than government will ever be.

What people are calling "having a vision" and "becoming moderate" is just another label for "Abortion on demand", "Gay Marriage", and "Wealth Redistribution in the form of higher taxes", In other words, a moderate Republican is nothing but a Democrat. Do we really want a one party political system? We're pretty close to that right now and I only hope we don't go so far in debt that we can't be fixed. A few more years of anything goes morally and financially and we may go past the point of no return. Hopefully the nation will start to wake up by 2010.

Fellow voters,
Don't give Arl Spec a free ride.. On Supreme Court votes, he helped saddle us with Clarence Thomas (remember Specter's harassing confirmation hearing interrogation of Anita Hill?) and backed Alito.
To his credit, he opposed Robert Bork. Just recently he flip-flopped on Employee Free Choice, and appears ready to caucus with the Blue Dogs to oppose necessary strong action on the climate crisis.

I also credit him for his residual functioning opportunism while his deluded ex-colleagues rejoice in their wilderness.

But PA Dem's should rise up and force him to compete in the primary with an actual and relatively more liberal Democrat. It could keep Slippery Arl on his new reservation for a while, and prevent DC power-brokers, Senate club boys and Gov. Rendell et al from subverting the democratic process.

I am another Pennsylvanian who will step up to say that the people of this state won't mind at all that Specter switched parties. I am a die-hard democrat, but have voted for Specter in the past and will again now that he has switched parties. He has always been one of the few Republican politicians that I genuinely like. Those in the Republican party that think he is done and that their right wing-nut will win are just engaging in wishful thinking.

As a side note, what would our former Senator John Heinz think of this new Republican party? I'm sure he would do just what Specter has done.

My husband and I should be the GOP's target demographic: married 15 years, 2 kids in public schools, fiscal conservatives (up-to-date on our mortgage, don't carry credit card balances), upper-middle class professionals with 6-figure household income, weekly church-goers, involved in our community, vote in every election, mowing the lawn at our home - a seeming portrait of "conservatism." If the GOP cannot make its case with us, they are so off the rails.

But there's no way we would vote GOP when we survey the ridiculousness that the GOP has become: anti-evolution (pray tell, how will this help U.S. students' slipping international science standards?!), anti-gay (our girls' godfathers are a stable, loving, upstanding, happily-married gay couple), global-warming deniers (what the heck?!), theocratic goons who think they know what's best for everybody, fringe yet must-be-placated GOP mouthpieces pandering to bigots on the radio and at Palin rallies (oh, did I forget to mention? We're an interracial couple who count immigrants among our friends. Yes, U.S. life certainly is more complex these days...) I could go on, but my blood pressure is rising.

Thank God the Democrats are the grown-ups who are handling things so pragmatically. It would be good to have a credible opposition party to keep the Dems honest, but at this moment, there doesn't seem to be one.

Over the years, the Republican party has changed dramatically.
It's time they took a really long look at themselves. They've become a bunch of egotistical 'me, me, me' types and a bunch of religious zealots. When they begin be inclusive instead of exclusive of most Americans, they may begin to have more followers. Right now, they seem to hate everybody who doesn't think and do exactly as they do. Let them stop mixing religious ideals with politics. Let them start thinking about ordinary Americans instead of cooperate America. Then, maybe they will be a party people will want to associate with again. Right now, they just look like a bunch of sore and arrogant losers.

As a former republican, who has been ind. for years, Barr speaks some truth. Until they get rid of the Hannitty, Beck, and Limbaugh nuts, I will never go back. My father is 86 and voted for Obama because he is so sick of listening to the republicans talk about abortion and how we should torture. First time in over 50 years for him! All republicans talk about are social ills and as a moderate who cares about many others things, the way the party is going my entire family will be gone from the gop soon.

People were saying exactly the same thing about the Democrat party not that long ago, and look what happened. All it will take is for a few ridiculously inept Democrats to spend enough non-existent money and raise enough taxes and take away enough personal freedoms, and America will not be able to vote the GOP back into office fast enough. What the GOP really needs to do is stop the thrashing and hand-wringing, and bide their time. All you folks who keep insisting that it should move to the center are ignoring the basic fact that most of America is nowhere near as far left as Obama and his cronies are, either, and yet he made it into office. The GOP will rise as the Anti-Obama, just as the Dems rose as the Anti-Bush.

There are many, many good people that belong to the Republican party. However, the party had been hijacked by Bush, Cheney and Rove; and the hijackers have done untold damage to America and the Republican party.

The Republican legacy is now linked with rendition, torture, illegal spying on American citizens, invasion of a sovereign nation under false premises, and near economic collapse will haunt the party for many years to come. It will be very difficult to redeem the GOP brand, and very difficult to sell that brand to the young and emerging voting blocks.

You idiots in PA, the Republicans targeted him becuase of his huge vote on the spending (stimulus) plan. A vote for Specter is a vote for borrowing WAY to much money for a country already in debt..

But I suppose you agree with that kind of spending. Obama is on track to spend and borrow more mone y than the last 43 presidents COMBINED!!!! But, I'm sure you all spend liberally around your own homes, file for bankruptcy, and repeat the process. So i understand why you support Arlen, The democrats, and their "lack of responsibility" ethic.. Us "right wingers" want to have nothing to do with that kind of behaviour...

People were saying exactly the same thing about the Democrat party not that long ago, and look what happened. All it will take is for a few ridiculously inept Democrats to spend enough non-existent money and raise enough taxes and take away enough personal freedoms, and America will not be able to vote the GOP back into office fast enough. What the GOP really needs to do is stop the thrashing and hand-wringing, and bide their time. All you folks who keep insisting that it should move to the right are ignoring the basic fact that most of America is nowhere near as far left as Obama and his cronies are, either, and yet he made it into office. The GOP will rise as the Anti-Obama, just as the Dems rose as the Anti-Bush.

arlon spector just sold out his republian supporters to save his skin. lets push for term limits since no one will vote these morons out of office. if the president is limited to 8 years lets place a time limit on these bozos

Is this the same Bob who convinced his girlfriend to have an abortion while leading the morale charge against the Democrats? Yes, I really really care what he thinks. Thanks CNN!

Claire, I really like TX. My youngest sister was born at Fort Bliss back in 1960. We left 3 yrs later for another tour and retirement for the military. Some people think just because you are in the military you are a republican. I come from a long line of military retirees and not one of them ever voted republican. I know with the republican party they changed the districts around to where they get more of the votes. That is how they won and lied their way to the top. God don't like ugly and I think now he is giving the republicans there time in the dessert. They belong there. They have done alot of damage to this country.

The Republican party is the political equivalent of the Heaven's Gate cult. Maybe a comet will show up soon with a UFO trailing closely behind and we will finally be rid of these idiots.

It's all so sad. Repulicans have lost touch with the American people. They wont budge one bit. This attitude will continue to ruin the party. Lets be real......Osama bin laden attact us and we start a war in Iran. Cheaneys contruction company is robbing us blind. Heed this the American people are not stupid only those who think we are.

If the Republicans were guided more by the U.S. Constitution and less by the Bible, they wouldn't have this problem.

Just from reading the comments I would assume most of those commenting are Dems, and fairweather types. If those who claim to have been Repubs but are not now, or are wavering or "ashamed" thus keeping their options open, really want to change anything (as opposed to the fictitious HOPE and CHANGE being marketed by the present administration, then they need to roll up their sleeves and get with remaking the party into a true reflection of bedrock American values. Either that or support the Libertarians – at least they are for Liberty – supposedly what your nation was founded on. If anyone was really interested to know the truth of how you got where you are, they should start by reading "Liberal Fascism" by Jonah Goldberg. His facts are impeccably researched, and he shatters more than a few illusions so pervasive today. Just so ya know, I am Canadian and am an outside observer ...

The confederated GOP has lost it way. they are really conservative ( no change at all). I am a Democratic and has most of the time voted that way. As for our party stay humble and do the people business. listen and keep listening. The Gop is big spender they buy all the latest gadget need or not for job like defense contractor they believe in big government to just in another way. In Georgia where Iam from that State GOP leader will not change on thing like rail service and Marta. they are so so Backwards .
They believe in Big business and tax cut as if they were Jesus. The stat is in the hole because of the latest roung of tax cuts .working people issue not even on the table. The F22 was only a job issues and welfare for defense contractor.. One Issue I think the GOP is right on is nuclear power (until) we find a better source that is clean. But we As nation mush move to keep energy prices cheep that is how we keep good job . The GOP is old and white male and few of color. If the GOP were young and white and of color and women they would win. until then they will keep on losing because this is the new America and they refuse to change!

That's what they get for being divisive running dirty campaigns filled with lies, and trying to manipulate people into voting, first with Sarah Palin, and then with Michael Steel, Sarah Palin did not get the Hillary voters and Michael Steele will not persuade the african american community
at least he is not doing a good job in reaching out to them, perhaps Mitt Romney will, and where did this meat head, Rush Limbaugh take it….up the creek without a paddle!
it's ashame, that the party of Lincoln is like Nancy Polosi said, not the grand ole party anymore.

"That party has become even more the party of fear, hate, secession and division. Until that changes, they will not ever again be a political force in the US."

Ever? Hardly. Voters have an extremely short memory and if the economny doesn't get going in the 12 to 18 months and Obama can't fix it, the mood will shift yet again.

as usual, in cnn comments, the left hatred comes out. sure is nice to know that these commenters know and speak for all republicans. as an independent, the hatred coming through here coupled with obama trying to nationalize every company so he can pay back the unions makes me want to vote republican!

Americans hate extremists, both abroad and at home. We also hate liars. If the Republican Party doesn't cast off the extremists and move more toward center on the political spectrum, they will do nothing but continue to deteriorate. if the Republican Party continues to allow liars like Hannity, O'Reilly, Coulter and Limbaugh be their surrogate spokesmodels, they will find nothing more than empty halls and voting booths in the next round of elections. If the party keeps trying to seek only those with political "purity" they will find fewer and fewer candidates who will fit the bill.

We Americans are sick to death of the hate, fear, and other nonsense the Republicans are trying to peddle. Get over it. Those who continue to support the Republicans (in fewer numbers by the minute) will hopefully someday realize that their political position is one which is very quickly losing its voice on the national stage. And rightly so.

If the GOP compiles a coherent platform that doesn't contradict itself, routs out the paranoid evangelical end-timers, decisively smacks down the racists in their midst, openly disavows the conspiracy theories, goes back to their financial tightwad roots, abandon their anti-gay policies and rhetoric, actually makes a sincere effort to be inclusive of blacks and latinos, embraces the protection of personal rights that they have tossed out the window, stops beating everyone over the head with the Bible, tosses Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin overboard, and starts acting like a party that the country should take seriously, they'll STILL be wrong about their approach to government. That's what wrong with the GOP.

The party of corruption and lies is dead! Bush, Cheney and Lumbug have destroyed the republican party.

The is a great time to be an American!

All that's happened with the GOP is its policies, attitudes, priorities, strategies and tactics have been tested by time – and failed. And the American people, having experienced the failure of the GOP, have rejected it.

That the GOP has failed is no surprise, given:

- its coddling of the wealthy at the expense of the Middle Class;

- its naivete about the consequences of completely unregulated capitalism;

- its obsession with trying to regulate the private lives of Americans (religion, sexuality and reproduction);

- its arrogance and naivete in foreign policy;

- its unwillingness to be accountable, take responsibility and *gasp* learn from its mistakes;

- its lust for greed and power over the welfare of the country as a whole

The GOP is in trouble because they are committed only to their party's power and not to the success of America. Imagine: they screwed up everything there was to screw up over the last 8 years, and they think that they should play a role in the dialog of fixing things, other than to say no?

Repubs are the party of Joe the plumber, katherine bachmann, norm coleman and the idiot woman from Alaska.

It is a failed, incompetent, negative, fear-filled party - one that happily is on its last legs.

that what they get for being divisive, running dirty campaigns filled with lies, and trying to manipulate people into voting, first with Sarah Palin, and then with Michael Steel, Sarah Palin did not get the Hillary voters and Michael Steele will not pertsuade the african american community
at least he is not doing a good job in reaching out to them, perhaps Mitt Romney will, and where did this fat piece of meat, Rush Limbaugh take it….up the creek without a paddle!
it's ashame, that the party of Lincoln is ..like Nancy Polosi said, not the grand ole party anymore.

I don't understand why the libertarian party isn't taking this opportunity to highlight themselves. So many people don't trust Obama's economic plan, so why not start electing third party representatives to step up and replace the republican party. They have proven that living with old policies is not going to make our world better. We need to benefit the world economically, and our nation morally. The best of both worlds.

N. Korea and Iran continue their nuke programs because they know Obama is weak and has taken no action. The nukes will be flying soon enough--afterall, man has never invented a weapon he didn't use. What will Obama's excuse be as your whole body turns green from the radiation????

why is Barr the only one who says the rethugs are in jeopardy, dont the rethugs know they are in hot water. The world is laughing at them. Keep talking about Palin and they laugh harder. Saw her on American Chopper and found her to be dumb as usual.

It is the left-wing media who does the nominating and electing by controlling the news and the 'debates' before the election. President 'Boy' would not have been elected with out them. He had no qualifications for the job. He takes credit whenever he can and passes the blame otherwise. He's a little 'boy' in "Toys 'R' Them'.

The Repubs make me ill, they are the nastiest most hateful cretins alive. I see that even in my own neighborhood, nasty, nasty, nasty. I wonder if they will ever change.

Specter makes me nauseated, he is so egotistical and only changed for his own good, I hope it backfires on him. In the meantime, maybe, just maybe, he will help get the Healthcare program passed. If not then what a waste. He need to take Byrd with him to the OLD, OLD folks home. There should be term limits and age limits for serving in Congress.

OK everyone, this is Newt. Everyone form a circle and on the count of three from Dicky, fire your automatic weapons straight ahead. Dicky will show you how to lock and load and hit what you are not aiming at. He is good at that and, besides, we Republicans really need to thin the ranks like we did during the last two elections.

We will make a come back! All we have to do is cut a few more taxes for the folks earning over $1 million a year and, like we did under good ole Bushy, we need to outspend every democratic controlled congress for the past 50 years.

Ready aim fire!

Thank you Bob Barr for all that you have done to fight for liberty. I hope in 2012 you run for your old congressional seat; that would be awesome.

I think that if we could find a charismatic leader, we could make a new party called the Constitutional Liberty Party. It would have to be led by someone like Ron Paul Or Gary Johnson, and wouldn't be feasible today without some mass exodus from the parties and a formal wedding of the Constitution and Libertarian Parties. Sadly, I think the American people are too comfortable with the status quo deep down inside of them. We declare for change but really seek "pragmatism," "consensus," and "compromise" to water down any bold new action.

spector is an opportunist and out for himself which anyone of us can understand and perhaps relate to in life. as old as he is, spector should just retire and take mccain with him into retirement. but it is voters who are at fault for continuing to elect these career politicians. as for the career politicians, they just laugh all the way to the bank.

Finally, a Republican saying something that makes sense and is true! The GOP is in serious trouble and has no one to blame but itself.

GOP is really in trouble, I agree, because look who is trying to improve their image. Georgre Bushs brother, Mitt Romney and a bunch more that supported the Bush administration that got us in this mess. There are going to have to be some true Republicans that is going to step up to the plate and support their fellows Americans. There is no way that the Bush supporters is going to take over again; unless they can come up with a good deception plan to tell the American people, but even than i think the voters are smarter than them. It would be good if Romney, Jeb, Alexander,McConnell would all retire and let America be America again. I support President Obama for defending the people against these big corporations that the past administration supported.

It's not the republican's fault. It's all those Democrats and the liberal news media who insist on telling the truth.

The Republican Party became the party run by big business while using the iconic Hollywood imagined hero, Ronald Reagan, as a foundation to attract voters. Then they controlled the god-fearing, xenophopic masses with threats of wild liberal lifestyles, terrorists blowing us up and immigrants stealing our jobs. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the wealthy elite abused our financial system, destroyed our environment possibly beyond repair, ruined our health with cheap junk food, sent our jobs to China and cut education budgets to keep the average worker in his or her place for a generation. Great job, Republican Party. Wonder what they'll dream up next.

The GOP is toxic. Their response to every item discussed is fanatical and non stop. There is nothing positive the GOP has to say. They are talking about abortion, homosexuality, etc. Social issues that were in many ways settled 40 years ago. Eight years of tax cuts, wars, isolation, etc. It did not work. I am sorry, but it did not work. We have to try something new. There is no reasonable logic to repeat the same behavior.

GOP you are hurting the morale of the country and many people are not going to give these new policies a chance. They negative response is not acceptable. And when you go home and see something positive you take credit for something you did not want. That is wrong. The public knows this and is tired of it. They do not want to be around you. Time for a change.

Forget the Republican Party, the whole country is in trouble! The Obama Administration and the Democrats in congress have set into motion a spending plan that will bankrupt the country. $1.5 Trillion dollar deficit this year. Doubling of the national debt in the next 5 years. This spending is worse than Bush (or any other previous president for that matter). If we don't do something quickly our economy will be crippled.

No need for new palrform for GOP. It's written all over Fox.

Only the right wingers in PA are upset with him. The middle of the road R are furious that the PA repubs threw Spector under the bus. Ad a D in PA, he can have my vote

Sit tight repubicans, just a few more months and everyone, well except the mindless lib drones and dependants, will see that everything you have been saying about Obama and his national socialism is true. Most Americans are good hearted hard working people, Obama is completely against them and will take thier money and rights.

People will begin to wake up and they will want to stop the destruction of this great nation. Bancrupting our nation, targetting our military members and trying to scare New Yorkers is just the begining, Americans will see that the libs and their media are decieving them and that they need to get the socialists out of power.

The Republican party has some very solid core American beliefs, but they are hurting right now because of the Bush disaster. Time will heal the party, but this is most certainly not cause for the Libertarian party to overtake them by any means. Time will tell, and the Republicans will be back.

Touching on this same subject is an op-ed piece by Bob Herbert which appears in today's on-line edition of the New York Times. Entitled "Out of Touch" it opens by commenting that Abe Lincoln, a Republican, supposedly said that you can't fool all of the people all of the time.

If both parties can read this with open minds, they just might learn what we average Americans really want from our politicians.

For 30 years the Republicans succeeding with a coaltion of corporations with rich white people and a religious middle class. They got the middle class to vote their cultural values rather than their economic interests – they were told that breaks for corporations and rich people would "trickle down". It never did. Now that the 2008 financial crisis has hit the middle class hard, they realize that while cultural values are still important, they pale in comparison to economic issues which hit them directly every day – affordable health care, alternative energy, affordable education, etc. The Republican coalition has fallen apart, I'm not sure how they glue it back together.

Don't look too much farther than Bush for the major reason behind the Republican's demise..

The GOP has bigger problems than merely image, image is just the advertising. they are lacking (IMHO) in integrity, inclusion, attitude, ideology and civility. The, thinly disguised, anger of the minority leaders in House & Senate are not childish, they are not good for country as a whole. We learned from both Reagan and Clinton that, if you want too get anything done, that is productive, you don't dictate you seek common ground. The could also learn this lesson from Obama, as he is a master of diplomacy and political compromise.

@Chipster, everyone was scared after 9/11, not just Republicans. The security measures put into effect had broad bipartisan support. Why don't you check the votes for the Patriot Act, the authorization for Iraq, and funding for these and other measures? As much as you'd like to blame Bush, EVERYONE approved, including those now whining the loadest about 'torture'.

Your theocracy comment is just a joke. The religious fundamentalists represent mainstream Republicans as much as Al Sharpton and Barney Frank represent mainstream Democrats. Both are on the fringe.

I don't think that the Republicans are in nearly as much trouble as Barr thinks. The last two elections were largely a refferendum on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the failing economy. History shows that parties almost unilaterally lose ground or majority when the economy slumps.

There are a lot of people (I am not one of them) who identify with the brand of conservatism that the far right espouses – I would prefer that they abandon the war against the failing family values in America and concentrate on the original Republican ideals of small government, state's rights, low taxes, and keeping government's nose out of my personal life.

I would challenge anyone who hopes the Republicans collapse to tell me who will oppose the Democrats once they are gone? Countries of a single party are destined for failure (Russia, Germany, Cuba, France); you may not like the other side of the fence, but our country is doomed without them.

After 4 years of Obama and his Marxist policies, people will be running from Democratic/Communist party. If anyone is truely going to be in trouble it is not the Republicans. Things have gotten real bad over the past 2 years with a Democratic Congress in charge. Now with the entire show being run by the Obama/Franks/Dodd/Peloci etc.. This country will be worse off in another couple years then it ever has been. Just wait and see... All of this spending is going to do nothing but tank this country as they raise taxes on corporations who will end up out of buisness or moving out of the country. They are a party of morons.

These Republicans really don't take any responsibility for the damage they have done. Nor do they really care. that is apparent when their entire goal is just how to win again. they never talk about helping to solve the problems whihc they helped create. Everything they think, say and do is all about them. How can we win again?
Disgusting.

The repubs dont need a makeover. They need ideas. As the country deals with many issues, the GOP continues to be a throwback, banking on racial tension, and outdated social ideas to get votes. Face it, younger voters dont care about gays getting married, they care about jobs, clean energy, fresh solutions. They dont want a war on marijuana, They dont want to be told how to think or believe, they want to see America's prominence restored, and education is a major component. They also havent forgiven the gop for the Bush years, nor should they. And the entire socialist arguement is stupid. If affordable healthcare is socialist, then sign me up.

For my money, Bob Barr's comments are one step above Megan McCain's (and Joe Biden's).

Any republican who wants to join the Dems are welcome. We don't march in lockstep and we don't demonize those who disagree. There is no place for reasonable, moderate republicans and we want you with us.

We have a wonderful leader who wants to help everyone. Join us.

Just what America needs ... another asinine observation from Boob Barr.

Oh, and Alex, would your list of charismatic leaders also include G. Washington, A. Lincoln, and FDR? What about R. Reagan?

I think it's time for all moderate republicans to switch over to the libertarian party and lets change this crappy 2 party monopoly going on. We need a viable candidate for 2012 and now is the time to start preparing. There's a lot of ex dems and reps out here, myself included who want a more moderate government and house full of statesmen rather than politicians. It's time that we the people took this country back!

Barr is right, the Republican Party is in deep trouble. But Barr was part of the problem and did enough damage himself.

Where are the Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine and Thomas Jeffersons of our time?
I am not a Republican and not a Democrat.
I am Pro Choice, Pro Second Amendment, believe in a strong adherent to a liberal interpretation of the Constitution (by liberal I mean free from prejudice or bigotry) and believe in extreme fiscal control and limited government. Government should stay out of what comes out of my mouth and what goes into my mouth.

The Republican Party of irrelevance is doing just the right thing, putting itself on the endangered species list. Let the party wither and die–good riddance to the American people.

Libertarian Party 2012

I'm a native Georgian; I had tremendous respect for Bob Barr when he was a US attorney in Atlanta; however, then he went into politics and the rest is history – I am no fan of Bill Clinton; but the money that went into trying to impeach Clinton back in the 90's when it could have been better spent on America and Americans was so obviously a hyper partisan bunch of bull. Barr was a Republican back then; he sure didn't seem to worry about limited spending and small government back then–

The GOP has a philosophy. They hate gays, blacks, poor people, workers etc. They also "borrow and spend". They also pre-emptively start wars based on lies and then call anyone who questions them traitors. However I believe the party is more dangerous than ever. If the GOP does come back, it will be even more hateful, full of disdain for the US worker and minorities. And oh yeah, they will tax the middle class more so the rich may pay even less than they do now. And for the capitalists out there, when the top 10% control 90% of the wealth, they don't pay 10% of taxes. They pay 90%. That is fair and equitable. If you don't like it, get your traitorous self out of my country. Then go find the magical land that will let you keep all your money.

Good on you Claire, however, some of us "old white guy Texans" are not Republicans either. I will admit to voting for Eisenhower but he was the first and LAST rep. for me. I am entering my eight decade here in the Lone Star State and totally embarrased by our so called "National representative" not to mention our pathetic excuse for a governor. Dear God I miss Molly Ivins!

I was all set to vote for McCain until he picked Sarah Palin. The other reasons were that they had no PLAN. Obviously the only plan they have now is hoping, praying and doing anything in their power to see President Obama fails. What they seem to forget is if Obama fails, we ALL fail. While I do agree with pro-life, no gay marriage, conservative spending, I will not join a party that is now wanting me and this country to fail. Nor will I join a party of religious zelots. Can't we all move a little to the center and TRY to work together for our common good. Anything Obama does wrong we can fix in the next election cycle, Until then let's try to get behind him and bring ourselves back to prospetiry.

I was a life long Republican, I lost my desire to be associated with the Republican Party in the late 90s and had it totally reinforced during the Bush White House. The Party of today does not resemble the GOP in any fashion. Like it or not I really do not care, the GOP today reminds me of the old Southern Democratic party of the 50s and 60s. It has gone to the extreme and actually is scary. My views have not changed since Nixon when I was considered a Conservative, today I am considered liberal by many in the GOP, problem is I have not changed, but the Party sure has.

NOT until "real & pragmatic" Republicans acknowledge the GOP has been hijacked by "brutally abrasive clinched-fisted Christian-Evangelical zealots", will the GOP begin to truly understand what it would take to turn the party around.

Limbaugh, need to be un-invited to the RNC. Limbaugh is one of the primary issue with the RNC, he keeps on opening his mouth which brings him down to a new LOW draging the RNC with him.

Personally, I don't have much sympathy for today’s GOP when they make it so obvious they'd do anything to stay on top including openly supporting the torture of prisoners. (or "enemy combatants" which is somehow supposed to make the idea sound better.)

I'm tired of these political parties, they don't care about the people they only care about themselves. To think otherwise is only to play one of their fools.

The nationalist wing of the GOP needs to split off and form its own party – call it the "Real American Party" if they want. It's apparent that ideological purity and 100% goose step formation is going to be a requirement for membership, along with a double-digit IQ.

i remember when i as a democrat use to have respect for some of the republican positions and when republicans were willing to listen to the dems and their ideas and compromise in most areas but now they eat their own and the price they are paying for their right wing side of their party the gop has been hijacked and is now coming for a crash landing the passenger list includes some of the following
palin, foley, gingrich, cantor, bohner, savage, limbaugh, hannity, coulter, etc. etc. just one question who's flying the plane

the problem with the GOP is pride, or rather, the absense of humility.

they have stuck with their fundamentalism, and have been too rigid and proud to acknowlege the changing nature of things. especially evident after this whole palin thing last year. they have kept their bread in the oven too long and it is burnt. you cannot unburn something, you just make more bread. the nature of their pride is steadfast to the extent that entertaining this is viewed as a threat to their existence – BUT – it is NOT – because the good news, is that the new loaf will still be bread, just something now that people can eat and digest.

the only thing to break the cycle of their pride is humility.

Bob Barr is quite right. He seems to be saner and more on point lately. What gives?

I disagree with Bob Barr that neither party has coherent philosophies. Democrats believe government can make a positive difference in people's lives and are generally more progressive on social issues than Republicans. Republicans (at least the ones in charge nowadays) are the ones who have no coherent philosophy except to obstruct the Obama administration and to wave the flag and/or the Bible in other people's face. The difference is the Democratic philosophy is more in line with what reasonable people want and the Republican philosophy is not.

The GOP knows they have to recreate their image. Whether embracing Separation of Church & State, we'll see. Actions speak louder than words. Definitely need to drop the hate speech and divisiveness... (Hence, why Sarah Palin should never be their leader.)

I'm not a Republican, but for the sake of our country, they need to shape up. Time will tell.

I'm a life-long Democrat who is sad to see the Republican Party wandering off in search of the mythical elephant graveyard. My party needs a loyal opposition, just like they need us. There was a time – a few decades ago – that there were Republicans I respected because they articulated a rational and reasonable alternative to the positions taken by my party. They were able to temper the inclinations of liberals like me into more workable and practical solutions to the issues we faced as a nation. They kept their eyes on the pocketbook of the country and they argued their positions with intellect and concern. Today the Republican's are willing to let the Limbaughs Hannitys and Savages of the country do their taking for them, and their voice of moderation has been silenced...too bad for all of us.

The Democrats try to get it right, but sometimes get it wrong.

The Republicans always try to it wrong...and usually exactly what they're aiming for...wrong.

This party was done for when they nominated Bush as president. If that was their best they are in for a long road to recovery. They sacrifice everything they supposedly believe in just to get reelected. Specter is a prime example on how the GOP thinks. He switched only because he knew he could win reelection as a republicon–although I hope he doesn't win as a democrat now–come on PA, please throw him out. You deserve better than that. Also, when a republicon has to publicly apologize to blowhard limbaugh (if that isn't humiliating enough) it's evident they don't have what it takes to stand on their own two feet and do what's right for the nation. I just hope that the 2010 elections see a further decline in this party that hates American.

The Republicans have been marching in lockstep against Obama. They look irresponsible and pig-headed...which they are!!! The American people want them to moderate and they refuse!

"Specter, who announced Tuesday he’s switching from a Republican to a Democrat, is making the move for political reasons, Barr said."

Wrong! Specter is moving for reasons of employment. When you see that the "company" you work for, i.e. the Republican Party, is about to go out of business you move to another company.

I remember a quote, from many years ago, something too the effect (I don't remember the exact quote) that we don't always get the president we want, but we use usually get the one we need. In my humble opinion we hit the jackpot with this one: He is not only an intellectual, but a pragmatist, as well and a humanist as well.

LET'S BE FAIR ABOUT THIS . . .
Sen. Arlen Specter (a maverick like Sen. McCain) was pushed out by the GOP because he voted for the $787-Billion "Economic Stimulus Recovery" in support of unemployed Pennsylvanians who are without healthcare. The GOP had a noose around Specter's neck for that vote and were about to give him a political lynching. So Sen. Specter did the "wise" thing and switched Party's so he can live to fight for Pennsylvania on another day.

I am a Democrat and I have been voting for Specter for as long as I can remember. Being a moderate, I find Specter (who also seems to be quite moderate and sensible) to be a solid representative of our state and a person who genuinely cares about the issues that are important to "ALL" Pennsylvanians.

Specter will be beat in the Democratic primaries by another "true" Democrat. Most Politicians are spineless and self serving, Specter fits the mold to a tee!

There are a lot of reasons Americans don't like Texas. First of all it gives people a sick feeling in there stomach to hear the state that wants to secede is the same that provided the man who created this entire mess. Texans need to sit back, shut up and let other people fix the mess that they are mostly responsible for creating.

Wow. He just slapped the Republican Party in the face. How amusing. And he's right.

All of this has already happened, in California. The state that made Regan slowly became more and more democrat, as republicans drifted to the fringes. Nowdays a republican can't win nomination unless he/she is way way right of what could win any statewide election. Arnold is hated more by the state republican party than by the democrats.... the republicans have voted themselves out of office... and put themselves in a place where they cannot generate any leader that can win statewide. This is what is now happening nationwide.

They are doomed.... Bush was the final nail in the coffin. That is the real funny thing... Bush did a lot of damage, but the most was to his own party.... and like an abused spouse the republicans can't bring themselves to blame him. "He loves me!" Lord...... well at least they deserve what their getting, and what's coming......

You folks kill me. The Republicanites didn't accidentally run our country into a ditch because they laid aside their principles. They have no principles. It was the corporatist plan all along and has been such for a century. There's a reason the Republicanites have generated three economic disasters in a century. It's always about feathering their own nests at everyone else's expense. There's a reason that corporations have become, in effect, super-citizens; they buy more political 'free speech' year after year via their 'campaign' contributions. It's legalaized bribery. If you ask me, a few liquidations are in order.

Karma is a killer and what the Republicans sent out over the past 8 years is returning to bite them in the butt. Moreover, this meltdown in the GOP will not end until they purge the fanatics and all the fiscally irresponsible people from the party.

I thought Rush Limbaugh and Fox News were leading the G.O.P.

That's what they get for being divisive running dirty campaigns filled with lies, and trying to manipulate people into voting, first with Sarah Palin and then with Michael Steel. Sarah Palin did not get the Hillary voters and Michael Steele will not persuade the african american community
at least he is not doing a good job in reaching out to them, perhaps Mitt Romney will, and where did this fat piece of meat Rush Limbaugh take it….up the creek without a paddle!
it's ashame that the party of Lincoln is like Nancy Polosi said, not the grand ole party anymore. COME ON GET REAL!

A prominent republican was predicting back 2006 that the GOP was headed for extinction due to their inability to understand or adapt to the fact that young voters and up and coming generations are not as easily swayed by the social wedge issues (gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research, etc.) that the republican party has come to depend on upon to influence elections.

People know that there really isn't that much difference between democratic and republican financial policies – so it really comes down to their social stands, and the GOP becomes the party of "NO!".

I don't really trust, Bob Barr. He has done such a rapid 180 on his views since defecting to the Libertarians that I'm shocked he doesn't have whiplash.

For Barr to be questioning the integrity of Specter's motives for his decision is ironic. Specter hasn't changes his views, just his party affiliation. Barr changed his views along with party affiliation.

Don't be too smug Democrats... I voted for Obama but he has shown himself to be a pawn in the pockets of the bankers/corporate pimps. The "middle" in this country has been pulled so far to the right that the Democratic party, leadership has become DINO by acquiescing to the so called "moderates"....In truth, the power centers of the party as it stands, are the same as the Republican party minus the fundamentalist Christian extremists. They are warmongering corporate shills.
Google:

"If you can get people to believe absurdities...you can get them to commit atrocities." Voltaire Google: Niels Harrit.

The issue is not Specter or Barr....it is the hateful ideology of the Republican party. They have been hijacked by the extreme right that cater to a fringe of southern and midwestern states and any uninformed citizen who will listen,.....and they insist on blaming others for their plight. I am amazed at their xenophoic rhetoric and absolutely crazy assertions. How folks like Bachman and Broun are elected is astounding. Quite frankly, am tired of hearing how they are "reforming". They would be much better off with demonstrating some level of collaboration with the President and getting control of their extreme members of congress/senate. But when your leader is a wingnut drug addicted talk show host who makes 40 million a year...is it any wonder the party is in a big Time Out!

But they have no trouble wasting their precious time in branding Obama a socialist and stuff. They are buried in their past glories in an ever changing world.

Republicans are enemies of the United States.

WELCOME BACK to the Democratic Party, Sen. Specter!

Don't worry about the 2010 elections, which you'll win. I recall what the good Rep. Allyson Y. Schwartz (representing suburban Philadelphia) said after the last national election: "Many of the suburban voters I represent see the Democrats as more open to ideas, more centrist, more pragmatic, and not so rigidly ideological as the Republicans have become." This sentiment is shared nationwide, I'm sure.

Also, as long as the Republican Party is anti-intellectual, it will stay in the minority. The bleeding will not end. The Republicans have adored the unreflective, inarticulate, not-even-mediocre George W. Bush, while they hurl vitriol at the brilliant, forward-thinking, capable Barack Obama. I'll take a magna cum laude Harvard Law graduate for my president over a hardly passing "gentleman C" graduate anytime!

People said they voted for Bush because he was just like them, and perceived him as someone with whom they could go out and have a beer ...and talked like them, too. Heck, I don't want my president to be like me...I want one who's even smarter and more eloquent than I am. Besides, with the way Bush ran the economy aground, who has money to buy beer ?

It's no wonder that the states on both coasts (those with the highest percentages of college graduates) are solid blue states. Why? Because the more college graduations happen, the smaller the Republican Party becomes. Guaranteed.

Go, Arlen! Go, Blue!

With best wishes,
A fan/college graduate from the great blue state of Maryland

OK...man leaves GOP to become libertarian and run for presidency- well...that hightened his chances of becoming president. Look, in my life time I have witnessed the 'death' and 'resurgence' of both parties. These are rehashed stories from when the REPubs won under Newt and the dems were never going to recover. As I've said, the best thing for a party is for the other party to win and be the majority. We, as citizens' will never be happy and we will always throw out whoever is in power at some point. So...sometimes you just have to sit tight and hold a breathe or two. It always comes around.

So, what image do they have to improve? Who can trust anything they say or do? We all know all they care about is themselves and grabbing power. They have proven they care nothing about Americans, nothing about the state of our nation, nothing about our standing in the world and their supposed leaders have been caught repeatedly lying and slandering anyone who disgrees with them.

They have no integrity, no believeable leadership, and anything they do will be judged with great skepticism. They cannot be trusted and when no one trusts you – you have nothing to build upon. The Republican Party has ulitmately destroyed themselves with their own tactics of negativism, hate, exclusionary policies, and constant slander of anyone and anything who dares to disagree with them. Who would possibly want to associate with people like that?

We will stay aligned with our President who has proved himself to be an intelligent, capable, and solution-delivering leader. America is recovering and moving forward. We will have reformed healthcare, improved education and finally be disconnected from our dependence on oil. Sounds like a great new America to me under a great honorable and capable President. That's the America I want.

Republicans have NOTHING to offer and no credibility left to do anything America will trust anymore. I want nothing to do with any America they propose.

The story points out some of the deepest holes the Republican party now finds itself thrashing about in because of people like Bush, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld, Rice, Mitch McConnell, Limbaugh, and various others.

Short-sightedness. Hatefulness. Warmongering. Liars and deceivers. Granted, there are those in the Democrat Party that fit the same bills, but nowhere has this country ever seen the likes of what we endured for the past eight years. And Rove is still allowed to fart in the wind and pretend he's talking intelligently. And Cheney is still allowed to breath oxygen that could go to some really good use. And McConnell is still allowed to spout his vehement rhetoric and act out his "I hold the keys" issues with psychoticism.

Not many years ago, the Republicans were a respectable bunch of people both in and out of Washington. Then, Bush happened and look we this country is today. Obama is not, was not, and will not be my personal choice for president, but he is a far cry better than any of the Republican offerings.

I have no pity for Republicans. They gave birth to Bush and Company and now they want to blame everyone else for even that fiasco!! I wish Obama well despite the fact I do not easily agree with much that he has to say.

Democrats will have to work very hard to beat Republicans in spending... warmongering... and so on. I am not sure it can be done in just eight years!!

No pity on the Republicans. They deserve what they get today because of what they gave over the last eight years.

For those of us who care about economic growth and taxes first, it might be easier to bring the Democrats around rather than to continue pretending that the Republicans are going to do anything about our agenda. Both parties are big deficit running over-spenders. At least the Democrats come down on the side of individual liberty.

I don't think the problem is they "lack a coherent philosophy, vision, and leadership" at all. Their ideology is extremely coherent–it's just that it is an obvious disaster in theory and is now, unfortunately for America and the world, a disaster in practice. They are all–Heritage Foundation, AEI, Club for Growth, Limbaugh, Hannity, Gingrinch, Fox etc. etc. still promoting the same b.s ideology they have since the 80's, as if the last 8 years never even happened. It's very coherent, and their leadership hasn't changed either. The fact it *is* coherent and hasn't changed is the problem. They're just sinking further and further into denial about their own ideology, and seem angrier and angrier about it. I think something like an exorcism is taking place.

Time for a third party. The GOP disgust me. Not for the obvious reasons- their bigotry, racism and ancient ideas. It's because they would rather have the economy fail or another terrorist attack, so that they can point and say 'See, I told you that Obama was no good.' And that's VERY scary. What American goes around saying that they wish for the failure of the U.S President which ultimately means the American people fail?!! For that reason alone, I will yet again put my support behind the Democrats. I would rather vote for a so-called 'socialist', 'fascist', 'terrorist' and a party that is so-called 'spending my future away' than vote for ANY member in the GOP!

Let's face it.....the Republican Party needs to be banned once and for all! If we all work together we can get rid of this filthy bacteria that is infecting our country. The Republican Party is nothing more than an American Taliban composed of robber barons and illiterate misfits, and they are our worst enemies. Let the war on terror start at home!

that what they get for being divisive, running dirty campaigns filled with lies, and trying to manipulate people into voting, first with Sarah Palin, and then with Michael Steel, Sarah Palin did not get the Hillary voters and Michael Steele will not pertsuade the african american community
at least he is not doing a good job in reaching out to them, perhaps Mitt Romney will, and where did this fat piece of meat, Rush Limbaugh take it....up the creek without a paddle!
it's ashame, that the party of Lincoln is ..like Nancy Polosi said, not the grand ole party anymore.

Barr is an opportunist

Has anyone noticed the Republicans talk about there "values", because after 8 years in power they certainly cannot talk about their accomplishments

The Republicans need to reinvent themselves. They need to quiet the religious wackos. They also need to do something about Rush Limbaugh who is driving more people away from the party.

What scares me the most isn't the hate, the racist attidtude, the fear mongoring, the need to take care of the rich, the need for war. What scares me the most is the intire country is telling you that you are wrong, and you just don't get it.

The only, theeee only way the republicans reverse this steep downward spiral is to send Rush packing and kick the extreme right (neo-cons and christian extremists) wing out for good. To much to ask for. Well so long and farewell.

I agree. The party must be in poor shape if an idiot like Duhbama was elected. Is this the best America has to offer?

You know what…let the Dems run it for a while. The Republicans had YEARS to get it right and they screwed it up with massive spending. Contract with America…yea…right. Not much accomplished Newt. Rush Limbaugh isn't perfect, but he is the true voice of conservatives along with Sean Hannity.

Scott Lara
http://www.jaxbloggers.com

Now that ex-felons can vote, the Democratic party will have a lot more voters. Enjoy while you can, Dems. Viva Jimmy Carter.

The Republic Party is the party of religious extremism. Agin science. The party of racism. The party of special tax breaks for the wealthy at the expense of the least able. The party that has more faith in guns than faith in policemen. The party that likes preemtive war.

Will things get better for the Republics come 2010? Stay tuned...

The Republican party chooses to dig in their heels and act like spoiled kids just screaming no to everything. What we are seeing on C-Span in the committee meetings is more of the same, which leads me to believe that they never had any serious brains in that party to begin with or they would accept the mess they made in Washington, and ask what can we do to work out the problems together? That's what being a statesman/woman is about. But with the base they have, it won't work for them to show a brain. I see their problem, but it was one of their own making, to just win at all costs. That cost them dearly. We need a two party system only if they chose to live in the reality of the 21st century, not the 20th. The ones who are left in Congress would be more appreciated if they were to act like they wanted to be there and go on with business. Maybe they can talk to some of the Democrats who have stuck it out these last eight years to help them settle down and get to work. Running around looking for a leader means they don't see themselves as one. Saying no means they don't have to think and come up with positive solutions.

I'm still a bit perturbed about Rep. Barr's serious PR miscue during the election, when he pulled a rather dirty political trick on Ron Paul.
But that aside, Barr is correct about the Republican Party. The arrogant Limbaugh "my way or the highway" approach is an insane scorched-earth policy. It's as though Rush is living in a delusional world where he thinks he can tell everyone who he can't persuade to go along with his way of thinking to go to hell and somehow he will emerge victorious.
His conviction and determination are admirable, but his egocentrism has led him down a path that was once traveled by Nero and Napoleon. With his "help", the Republican Party will soon go from critical to terminal.

History in the making folks. Our first African-American President and the extinction of an old political party...possibly being replaced by a whole new political party. It's kind of cool to be able to live and witness history in the making first hand.

The Republican Party is dead and can't blame anyone but themselves. Try this:

Care about the country as a whole more than the welfare of your "party"

OK?

Specter should have simply said that he finds himself subscribing to the principles he's seeing in the Democratic party. Period. I'm not defending those principles. I'm merely saying that if Specter doesn't expect people to see through his flimsy reasoning, he's going to be really surprised when he gets trounced in the next election. To say "I'm doing it to keep my job" is pretty much saying "I don't really cater to any principles at all."

I joined the Republican Party in 1982, when I first registered to vote. I will NEVER trust anyone in that party. Moderates are not welcome, and as far as I am concerned, any reform will either put wolves in sheeps' clothing in power, or a "real" moderate won't be able to stand up to the radical right wing.

To Tulsa L, You need some stronger medication.

The leaders of the GOP.

Rush Limbaugh

Sean Hannity

Newt Gingrich

Dick Cheney

Fox News

The GOP leadership wonders why the American people have turned on them. They don't have moderate republicans out in the forefront, people like Gov. Charlie Crist, Colin Powell, and others.

When your party look to cut taxes for the wealthy, have racism and bigotry coming from the likes of Hannity and Slimebaugh, You have no new ideas but to cut taxes and create deficits. You dont look out for the middle class, but you look out for the wealthy and big business.

They want to look out for the insurance companies, but there's millions of americans without healthcare.
.

Also, don't we wonder how obama is liking what his new best friend, Chavez, is saying about the United States in his latest tirade????
obama has created a hornets' nest in the world.
no question.

The Republican party should be in very deep trouble because they have completely forgotten about the Middle Class people of this country. The only people that they want to take care of are the wealthiest and corporations.

When was the last time anyone in the Republican Party tried to pass any legislation that would be beneficial to middle class people?

Have we heard any ideas or seen any bills that they have tried to pass that would actually create jobs for the middle class?

They only want to stick to the old ideas that haven't worked for the last 20 years. Obviously the Middle Class has not seen the benefits of Trickle-Down economics – only the wealthiest have benefited.

Why don't they try a REAL GRASSROOTS effort that will benefit people from the ground up – instead of that LAME Teabag stunt that is still pushing for benefits from the top down?

Chiptser summed it up pretty good, its amazing how far from their principles these people carried themselves, and now alot of new young people want to start being a new voice in the party and they want none of it, these old dried up greedy, stubborn geezers are really something else.....judging by the childish antics of the few supporters that are left, it really would seem they are on their death bed, with only a few extremists holding out, sad day for the party, and a sad day for Americans who thought they were on to something with less goverment and blah blah blah. Anyway, the more I learn the more I realize less government would be an absolute disaster, people need to be governed, end of story, look around you. New party? or new ideology, something has to give because right now their principles are irrelevant to the world we live in day to day. As for Texas, if it gets bad enough ban that peice of crap flag they wave, ya know, Gen Lee, who would in all reality be embarrassed at these idiots being the patriot and gentlement that he was. Yep, we know atleast some of you have an education, but as far as that little seccession rally, where I live we call that treason.... Id distance myself from these morons if I were a Texan, for everyones good, including my own. =)

The Gop Is not Just in Big Trouble But in GRAVE DANGER Of becoming Extinct!

This is the way it's suppose to be. One party rule with King Obama. It will happen. Change we can believe in. Good bye America.

The Republican party lacks a conscience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and they also lack moral fiber, ethical judgement, and a heart!!

The Republican party is not just the party of No but the party of hate. Not my cup of tea and don't much care about Pennsylvania politics bgut hope they stay to the middle. Only place to be. if something is to get done. Proud of my president and family and hope can stay to the middle too.

Good, maybe if they stay in trouble they won't be able to do any more harm to our country. It's time for the GOP to go away and for a new progressive party to take its place. No more corporate welfare, illegal wars, wire tapping, breaking the constitution, torture, lies and deceit – oh yes – no more in your face right wing hypocritical religion. These are all the trademarks of the GOP that must go down!

The biggest problem with the GOP is that they are too much like the Democrats. Dems are celebrating the defection but what they don't realize is that they are next. A lot of Americans are getting annoyed with the move toward totalitarianism and are defecting from both parties. I left the Dems for exactly the same reason Barr left the GOP.

Specter, on the other hand, is just a political hack who needs to be removed from office. He is just another part of the big (tell you what to do) government.

I will not beleive the republican party has any new ideas until they accept gay marriage.

For all the skeptics (the totally insecure narcissists and the cult followers of fundamentalist power mongers aren't reachable), Obama is not "charismatic". He is for real. When I heard him twice in town hall meetings it wasn't just that everyone really liked him and his ideas, they left those events liking each other! Leaders inspire their teams to work well together, reach for excellence in whatever position they have, just like a brilliant and inspired coach. What is intense is the hatred that those narcissists and cultists have for Obama. They hate him because he is for real. They cannot stand it. At least its exposing them as hatriots, torture defenders and bullies. Have any of you read their posts on the comments after articles covering the flu outbreak? If you are any type of normal, upstanding American (for that matter human), disassociate from this bunch. Speaking for myself, as an independent moderate, I am more and more rethinking my view of anyone who openly admits to enjoying the banter of people like Rush. It says something about a person when they enjoy something that has caused the death of police officers responding to a domestic call or killings in a Unitarian Church! I am sorry but why should we start being terrorized by insecure bullies. Also, I am a church member.

30 years of failed economic policy is the Republican party legacy. Even Bill Clinton bought into the misguided approach throughout his presidency.

I'm not sure if the kind of change we need can be accomplished with the way our government works today. Special interest lobbying has gotten completely out of hand. The best investment a Fortune 500 company can make is in lobbying. A 1000+ to 1 return on every dollar spent is quite an accomplishment.

Warning to all Washington, D.C. residents.

Do not pick up any rocks or stones any where in the area at any time...You may destroy the hiding place, and nest, of a Repuke like NEWT, No Chin MITCH McCONNELL, BONER, CHENEY, RICE, ROVE, DUMBFELD, BUSH Sr, BUSH Jr, McPAIN and his BIMBO DAUGHTER. They all like to live in dark wet nasty places out of the sunlight. They can not stand sunlight or any bright light. It drives them crazy and they start to whine immediately. The only way to get rid of them is step on them hard. With the Bush's you will have to hit them with the rock. Especially the scumbag Bush Jr..

Steve makes a great point:

Dumpt the religious right. They are either hateful or they blindly follow what is dished up for them by those who seek to control them. When will these good people finally figure out that they have been led wrong. That is unless they are hateful to start with. I wonder how much they follow the teachings of Christ. Never knew Christ to advocate the torture of people like the evangelical right feels.

Bob Barr is right. GOP in ‘very deep trouble’

- All because of Rush Limbaugh, George W. Bush, Dick Cheney.

Warning to all Washington, D.C. residents.

Do not pick up any rocks or stones any where in the area at any time...You may destroy the hiding place, and nest, of a Repuke like NEWT, No Chin MITCH McCONNELL, BONER, CHENEY, RICE, ROVE, DUMBFELD, BUSH Sr, BUSH Jr, McPAIN and his BIMBO DAUGHTER. The all like to live in dark wet nasty places out of the sunlight. They can not stand sunlight or any bright light. It drives them crazy and they start to whine immediately. The only way to get rid of them is step on them hard. With the Bush's you will have to hit them with the rock. Especially the scumbag Bush Jr..

The Republican Party has successfully alienated young people, women, blacks, and hispanics – leaving Grumpy Old White Men as the leaders and definers of their party. Having Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich and John McCain as your leaders does not bode well for you to bring in the bigger "tent" you'll need to win an election. I for one am glad to be a Democrat and am so very happy that my party stands for civil rights, women's rights and gay rights. I may not agree with everything the Democrats or Obama Administration is doing, but they are far and away much better than what YOU presented for 8 hate-filled years of Bush/Cheney.

Until the GOP stop the hate and fear mongering, nobody in the right mind will join this AWC (all white club).
I have a message to so-called GOPs hierachy: STOP scaring the non-white voters! Do something positive and don't just keep blocking the President agendas.
For now, your party will remain the PARTY OF NO. BTW, I finally watched the latest propaganda created by tanned Boehner and I finally concluded that GOP need a major overhaul...like right now
.
WANTED: GOP = DESPERATELY SEEKING NEW IDEAS.

The GOP did this to themselves they put people like limbo, glen beck, o'reilly and fox news as there leaders thats the only mistake they did and they keep on using the same book that karl rove used when they were steeling elections in 2000 and 2004 but the fact is the american people are smart enough to see through the GOP party and i hope we dont have a republicans president for a decade to come so that this country does not have to go back in the HOLE we are in now because of the GOP PARTY

What kills me is the rethuglicans say President Obama is spending too much money. He is spending money trying to rebuild this country yet the rethugs didn't balk at the trillions they allowed bush to spend rebuilding Iraq. What sense does that make other than the fact that the rethugs don't want America rebuilt.

Bill Maher called it on the Repubs a few years back when The West Wing was ending its run on NBC. Anyone remember Alan Alda's Republican nominee character? He was an anti-religious right, pro-choice, moderate California Senator. There was a memorable scene in which he told his campaign staff, after meeting with some religious nut big-wig, "When I'm President, those people aren't stepping foot in my White House!" Bill Maher then said "how come we can't get a republican like THAT!?" So true.

No this country is in big trouble Bob. The media will give you air time to be a critic of the GOP but the they will not give your party any credit either. It is time for a peoples party. Glenn Beck for president!!!!

Former Repuiblicans are idiots, too, so who cares what Bob Barr vomits up?

Everyone one of you politicians that leaves your own party,,,,,you are no different than the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam war. More than one North Vietnamese joined the South Vietnamese for one reason. The reason was to save their ass,,,,,,,this is what you politicians are also doing. I am sure all of you really feel good about what you are doing. You are disgusting.

Ditto to what Chipster said about the GOP.

And ditto to Claire's comments about our dimwit Governor in TX. God willing, he'll be gone soon. Unfortunately, not sure his perceived replacement (Kay Baily Hutchinson) will be much better. She's just a pawn for the old gray haired rich white men establishment.

I really wish Texans would pay more attention to John Sharp– the man HAS a brain & common sense!

GOP will disappear eventually, just a matter of time. This is the result what started when Nixon developed his "Southern Strategy" 40 years ago. Now all that's left is something akin to "KKK Lite"! This is bad for the country, there needs to be a viable opposition force in American politics! How about the "F**K The Beltway/Wall Street" Party?

There is nothing more dangerous than a scared rich white guy, their first reaction is to kill everything in sight to insure their own safety. That is essentially what the stewards of the Republican party are doing right now. The Republican party has no resemblance of its original philosophy.

between the "conservative christians" – which is an oxymoron in itself -

who are essentially anti-semitic zionists

and the AIPAC neo-cons

who are essentially anti-christian money-and-power-grabbing zionists

for their political expediency.

now, if only they can finish each other off,

humanity will be much better off.

let's get down on your knees and pray....

I am a life long democrat. I like a check and balance system. A weak republican party is not good for the country. The republican party needs a new identity. As an African-American male, the republican party has never appealed to me. Until the republican party learns that it must reach out to minorities, it will continue to lose. Most of the country is neither left nor right, but in the center. Until the republicans realize that, they will be in trouble. In order for the party to grow, it has to trim the fat. (Limbaugh)

All you need to know about the unraveling and continued irrelevance of of the GOP can be discrened by looking at some of the names of their "leadership" for their recently convened "National Council for a New America" : Arizona Sen. John McCain, the former Republican presidential candidate; former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney;

I get a shudder of disgust just seeing those names in print. Never in the history of our democracy has there been a party so committed to lining the pockets of corporate America while using fear mongering and hate to govern. Thank God the miasma of the Bush administration is over. Palin, McSame, Romey and anybody named Bush or Rove or Cheney just needs to go far, far away and to never be heard from again...except to be brought before an international war crimes tribunal, in the cases of Bush, Rove, Rumsfeld, Rice and Cheney.

The blackshirts are definitely running around disorganised right now.

All I hear is kick the rush, hannity, palin, and the rest group out of the GOP. Sorry to say. Who is going to kick them out? Aren't they the real GOP of today?

The GOP has Slush Slimebaugh as their Defacto leader. What does he bring to the equation?

He said " he HOPES THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FAILS."

I never agreed with the policies of President Bush, but I would never hope the President FAILS. If he fails our country Fails.
The Republicans put their party before the country.

They ran the country into the ground the past 8 yrs, and try to block everything that President Obama has try to do to dig us out of the mess.

President Obama has had a little over 100 days to right the ship they put us in.

The GOP problem is that it has been taken over by the right-wing – no tolerance for moderates. But they'll never be a majority party without the middle.

Their solution? Try to convince the middle that we're WRONG. That won't win elections either.

I can respect Bob Barr, sure we need less spending, less goverment.
There is nothing wrong with being financially responsable, and sure we could have less intervention in our lives as well. The only time goverment should really intervene with peoples lives if there are things over looked, sure the last major civil rights was the dissabilities act. The GOP hasn't been progressive for a long time, they are too involved with special interests, then again what lifetime elected official hasn't lobbied for his constituants right?

Bar is a libertarian, which is a Republican who does not worry about the agenda of the religious right. He is for small government which will frankly be no help in the next Katrina, allow companies to pollute at will and let the financial con men on Wall Street do whatever they want. Barr came from the same wing of the Republican Party that drove out Specter.

The republicans continue with their hate rhetoric concerning this flu outbreak making it a racial thing. They just don't seem to grasp the damage they are doing with this kind of talk. I personally believe it is the for the better. We as a nation must undo the incredible damage that has been done over the last 30 years in this country.

Watching the GOP march off the pier while Al Gore playing the global warming tune on his flute tells me that there " need to follow " is not what a two party system is all about.
Today I am hearing that we are going to restart of oil drilling plans, What comes around goes around...

One of the problems with the GOP is that they like to sit there and tell people that they are for smaller government and less involvement in people's life's. However, they are don't mind telling people what to do with their personal life's and how they live their personal lives. When you become involved in an individual's personal life and try to tell them how to run it and how to live it, then you're actually for bigger government and more involvement in individuals life's. GOP, sorry, but you can't have it both ways. Stay out of my personal life! If I wanted your opinion and your approval I'd ask for it.

Its funny to watch all these left wingers and fake republicans on here give advise to Republicans. Just like 1994 we will come back. Keep drinking the Obama kool-aid though it will help you idiots pass the time ...

i dont think he should be predicting what we Pennsylvanians will do seeing as hes not one of us and hes crazy enough to be libertarian and not independent of democrat. i also believe that while specter did in switch in part to help his reelection he also did it because he finally truly realized that the republican philosophy is truly stupid and that the democrats one actaully works.

Well
the GOP let the crackpots, fundamentalists and talk show big mouths run their party. They got what they deserved.

The GOP doesn't need to find a leader it needs to find a follower!

Doesn't everyone know that Rush is leading the way for the GOP. He is, whether they like it or not. The clown.

Of course, any organization with a lunatic in charge is on it's way out. Maybe the Republican's should re-think all the damage they have done to this country at home and abroad, and get their act together. Accept the blame and move on. Vote the other side once in a while. Get things done.

if the GOP let the conservatism take over the party, their candidates will loose badly in 20210.

They deserve what they are getting. So much for the war thirsty hate mongers. They should quit listening to Rush pill popping limpbals!

The GOP is a tumor that is being excised out of existence. They are shriviling up as the law of natural political science would have it. We have been mainly a two party nation throughout our history. However, Republicans constantly show the world that they are not for liberal democratic ideas and institutions. But we live in a pluralistic society and they can't stand that fact nor know how to deal with it. The Democratic party has and will always respect the views of others and listen to them to see what can be brought to the table to better the lives and conditions for all Americans, not just the few, the powerful, the mighty, the well connected old boys club that they have catered to since day one. Good riddance for all eternity GOP. Pray to God you don't get what you really deserve. America is now your judge and you have been found guilty of neglecting this great country and its citizens every time you are in power. Being American means more than being able to exert your will over other countries by force regardless of the cost or consequence. George Bush tried to be the Emperor of the World and probably still believes he actually was. What a waste of 8 years, lost capital, and lost opportunties you dumb ass republicans have caused. God Bless the Obama/Biden administration. History will show this is the turning point in America that made it possible for all Americans to have a chance at equality of opportunity.

Just for the record, the Republican wacko extremist Rush Limbaugh is a talk show host, and does not hold office; on the other side the Dems wacko extremists are Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader.

Finally, the only people claiming Limbaugh speaks for the Republicans are the Dems, take it from a Republican, he doesn't speak for me.

The last several months have been a disaster for the GOP. No message, Party of No, Rush Limbaugh, all of this is making the GOP sink like a stone. But lets face it, These are all self-inflicted.

And why was Specter facing a GOP primary challenger for his next election bid? The GOP was going to punish him for supporting various Democrat projects and programs. As a moderate he is simply too "liberal" for the modern day Republican party and he is not willing to just duck his head and do what the RNC says.

The RNC was threatening to withdraw support from, and run challengers against Senator Specter because he wasn't a rubber stamp for the far right. He voted how he thought best instead of falling in lockstep. The New Republican party does not allow any original thought. You follow the party line or else.

I do disagree with Barr when he said he didn't think that Pennsylvania will appreciate his switch. The people of a state do not re elect someone for 28 years if he does not have wide support. Most moderates do not care about the party they care more about the candidate specifically.

The GOP is in a big mess because they grew arrogant and tried to divide the nation with their politics of hate. They used religion as a tool to divide and conquer. God will not be mocked. The Party has been hijacked by extremists such as Coulter, Limbaugh, Hannity, Glenn Bevk and others who portray themselves as Christians while spouting hate and divisiveness.

The Party needs people such as Meghan McCain. I left the Party when Gringrich, Rove and their ilk hijacked it and embarked on their culture war. If I were to see people of reason and commonsense such as Meghan McCain dominate the Party, I may very well return. Until then – the GOP is so repulsive to me!

The republican party needs to get back to its actual conservative values, not this 'spend when we are in power, but hypocritically criticize others when they are' BS. They need to stop re-interpreting the Constitution when it suits them, they need to stop this scare-mongering, interventionist nonsense, and they really need to stop labeling everyone who disagrees with them a 'terrorist' or 'socialist.' Did you know that Reagan managed to overcome the Soviets without firing a single bullet? And he was working with a democratic congress too, he was able to overcome partisan bickering. He was called the 'Great Communicator' for a reason. He was not called 'the great hypocritic partisan whiner' as the current GOP should be called.

As a conservative, I'm sitting here thinking what would an "Ex-Republican" know about the Republican party now? Who cares what Bob Barr thinks. Why is this even a story?

Now, people may think i know nothing about politics because of my age but i have to say this article really reins true, the GOP has no vision or any leadership. and no Barr is not wrong, the people in PA should be very disappointed in what Specter has done, i know i would be. i also agree that they need a new platform and the HAVE to stick to it. Sure, were all human, we mess up but, they is no reason for this!!!

People like Bob Barr are one of the reasons why the GOP is down for the count in the first place. Imagine, a guy who sponsors the Federal Defense of Marriage Act...and who has been married three times, along with allegations of infidelity, and who has also been photographed licking whipped cream off of women at fundraisers (just wiki it). Gee Bob, real class act you are, great example for the kids. The chickens have finally come home to roost for the GOP. Good riddance.

Republican have screwed every member of their base by outsourcing all good paying American jobs in the middle of a war, importing illegals to steal good paying construction jobs, grinding down military families with a pointless unwinable war in Iraq, robbing retirees of 401K saving in an unregulated stock market, and have made no progress whatsoever in the religious issues like abortion, school prayer, and are rapidly losing on gay marrage.

Republicans are a one-trick pony – tax cuts – and since I make less than $250,000/yr, I'm getting more back under Obama anyway, which makes that republican one-trick pony a dead horse.

Here's news for you Repubs: you are conceptually bankrupt. We don't feel like paying you hundreds of thousands of dollars each every year just for you sit there in Washington and come up with absolutely zero useful ideas to forward our nation in the midst of a changing world, in which we are increasingly having to compete in.
You are going to have to change, or be relegated to the dustbin of history.

As a Republican I'm extremely sadden and disappointed by the direction the party has taken. Please: STOP LISTENING TO RUSH LINBOUGH AND HANNITY!!!!

If Texas is really threatening to seceed, please send me an address so I can make a donation to the cause.

The GOP does have a philosophy: "NO!"

So he's wrong about that.

the Republican attitude has always been, "F#@%k 'em, I got mine." Now they're seeing how little they share with most American people. Payback is a....

I am finding it harder and harder to find anyone who openly admits to being a republican – seems that they are suffering from amnesia when it comes to remembering all the good that the previous administration did for them – Time to put the GOP to rest along with there previous party The Whigs.

"inflicted on the Republican Party", don't you mean inflicted by the Republican Party on itself"?

What's going on with the GOP is well deserved and hopefully will continue.

It is always ironic to me that the liberal idea of tolerance of everyone who applies to this who actually agree with them. Outside of that? Not so much. Liberals are hypocrites.

Bob Barr is right,but he should try to smile a little more.It looks like he lacks any personality.When will Shaun Hannity accept the challange to get waterboarded for charity?Hes a loser and a liar.

The Rush Limbaugh Party is one of fascism, intolerance, war, appeal to the lowest common denominator, and an over all general childish behavior.

I see Republicans saying Specter is old and senile, but you were ready to elect the ancient McCain???

I am a liberal Democrat, but I believe in a multi-party system.

Republicans have been running on the same platform and trying to hold the same coalition together that was formed in 1980. Times have changed...they haven't.

Republicans should be much more concerned that the old-guard is in charge of the rebranding and redesigning of the party: Haley Barbour (the former RNC chairman who presided over the last two election losses), Jeb Bush (former Florida governor with an obvious right-wing religious agenda), Mitt Romney (the loser in the battle for the last nomination), John McCain (the loser in the last presidential election), and Bobby Jindal (the disappointingly cold and wonkish governor of Louisiana).

They seem to believe that they didn't get their message out in the last election. Actually, they did. The voters rejected it. They need a new message. Even though I did not agree with him, I think Reagan was probably the last innovative Republican leader.

I am an old Reaganite, but I tossed the GOP in the trash can when they abandoned our borders. I put the lid on when they nominated McCain, and walked away dusting my hands when he picked Palin. This was the best the GOP could serve up? Pathetic.

It seems even the republicans are opening their eyes (as Arlen Specter did) to the "Greedy Old Party"

I actually think the Republican's philosphies have been rather clear, which is why it was so easy to reject them in the last election.

First time I agree with Barr. The GOP is on the ropes, but it will not fade away. It will morph into something hopefully that has a plan, instead of living in the past. As for the Democrats, Obama is too far to the left for me. Socialism is not the answer either. I just wish there was more concern for the moderates instead of the wackos on the left and the right.

Well Barr fails to mention is that during the last election 200,000 registered Republicans in PA voted Democratic, so there is a good chance the people of PA will appreciate his switch to the democratic party.

Barr is dead on right. It appears that the republicons think all they need is to "re-brand," like sticking a different label on a cow pie will convince anyone it is quiche.

It is good for America for them to go away permanently. Three times in a century time span the very same republicon ideology crashed America.

“They have a charismatic leader and they have party discipline. The Republican Party has none of that,” he said.

Hmmm....could be describing the Democrats in 1980 vis a vis the Republicans.

Who cares what some irrelevent old white guy thinks?

At the core of the Republican disolution is Religion.

Many in GOP leaders positions now see this too. Did not our founding fathers warn us about mixing religion and politics for a reason? They did.

Christopher Hitchens best seller book, god is not GREAT, says it all right there in the book's subtitle: Religion poisons everything.

The GOP is in trouble, ya think? The GOP has imploded, couldn't happen to a nicer bunch! Now they are doing a road show, now that should be interesting to watch....GOP has-beens, what a joke the party has become.

Of course a defeated Liberatarian is going to say the "GOP" is in deep trouble. Might as well ask a liberal Democrat. They're much more enthused about the disarray in the GOP Party.

Nearly every comment is against the Republican Party , clearly their propaganda is not working any more. America makes mistakes, but more than any other country in the world we show the capability of correcting them. Long live America. At least the wise and thoughtful one.

persons of your ilk are frightening. i get flashbacks thinking about republican admin's, and what they have meant and done down thur history. which history will note you people are the party of war mongers, money skimmers, and down right low down people. start wars and then you discard the veterans history proves it. remember walter reed ? you people speak of "activist" judges and in my time i have seen and been in front of many "confederate" judges. the kind who puts the juris robe on, only to leave the HOOD in the closet. what i speak is gods truth. look how you attack this president w/ the code words like socialism its a bunch of crap. in your repub admin nothing has trickled down to the have-nots in my lifetime, just to you republicans "the greedy few". you people are an anti-social group of folks to others not of your kind . us GOB'S come first. i don't ever want to be part of your new world.

Of course the Pennsylvania voters will appreciate what Specter is doing - remember Rick Santorum? Too much extreme politics over the years has driven PA Republicans away. And why should the rump of the old party deprive all the voters (rep., dem. & ind.) of a senator who has effectively represented them for 30 years? PA now has a Democratic governor and two Democratic senators - a 100% flip from when George Jr. ascended to the oval office! Learn republicans, learn.

The GOP has always resorted to name calling and racism. It is hard to take them seriously. As long as Beck, Rush, Hannity, and the likes are their mouthpiece, this will continue.

It is absurd to suggest that the republicans get raid of the religious right. Only people with no guts or backbone abandon their principles to gain acceptability. Dems oppose enhanced interogation but embrace and condone the murdur of innocent babies. What a people with values.... They claim to be smart but think that marriage between a man and woman is the same as that between a man and a man. Even the muslims and Arabs they're pandering to seem to know better and hate the west mainly because of those so-called values of the Dems. Americans were called infidels long before Bush and that's not going to change even if you bow down to the Arabian King while you dissed ur own country. The religious are Americans who have right to their beliefs and the right to express them. That's not hate nor bigotry.

Republicans have finally become aware that their party has abandoned them. Let's pray the democrats become aware they too have been abandoned by theirs before it's too late. These parties do not resemble at all what the were just 20 years ago.Throughout the 20th century, and now the 21st, they both have pushed us farther and farther toward total government control. I realize some want that. But I still believe that is a small minority.

'...lack of any coherent philosophy, vision or leadership.'

Boy, Barr got that right. The "modern" GOP philosophy is to try to drag the country kicking and screaming back to the Dark Ages, a time when a handful of white popes and kings lived high on the hog (but their children still died of easily curable diseases because of their ignorance and religious bigotry)...and when everyone lived like serfs or slaves or was burned at the stake.

But such dark beliefs are hard to get rid of, we can only hope that some day, after more than 2,000 years, our gods will finally actually become light in whom there will be no darkness.

Well done Chrysler, another 8 billion dollar write off !!

May God have mercy on each one of us!!

Thank goodness the old Republican Party is gone. The new one will pick up the pieces after the dems and Obama destroy the country. Sadly.

Everyone is praising the Democrats! I for one do not see any difference in the Republicans and the Democrats. All of them are out to support their agenda anyway they can. Neither party really cares about this nation. They only care how much money they can scam the American taxpayer out of their money. Democrats are as corrupt as the Republicans. Get rid of both parties and get America back on track for what it once stood for.

The GOP is already finished. Constant talk of "possible demise of the republican party" etc are moot points. They are already dead men walking. They sold their souls to Rush and the religious boys. They have not even tried to work with the (elected!) president to get any thing accomplished for the American people. They have cried wolf one time too many on the scare tactics....now they make us laugh. GOP take your social issues and go away, we no longer care what you say about anything.

The Republican party is a bad movie made years ago, now that the Democratic party is bringing the high definition view to the American political scene, a rerun of the Republican movie on high definition, is still a bad movie.

Way to go, GOP!!!

The idea that the Republican party needs a 'make-over', needs to 'change its image', using P.R. to cover a small group of disorganized, self-centered, money oriented, short-sighted men with materialistic goals that have hijacked the party is the issue.

As with Palin's make-over and shopping spree, the Republican party will change when it realizes it is wearing the King's New Clothes.

Former representative Bob Barr talks about the republican Party being in real trouble and takes on Senator Specters defection as one of the symptoms but, a look at the statements of Kansas Rep. Lynn Jenkins who is trying to blame the Democrats for the economic mess would be a much better example of the republican demise.

The Republican Party once the champion of individual rights has become the party of greed and corruption and until that changes, they will continue to become more obscure.

Let the GOP die a well deserved death. The current Democratic party will more than suffice as the new corporate center right party. Then let us begin a new slightly center left party called how about "The Liberal Party" and regain the high ground and force the Democrats to come back to the center.

I need to ask...Bob Barr was a congressman, but is his opinion really this important?

As much as I despise the Democratic Party, the Republicans (esp with Limbaugh as a powerful symbolic figure head) are just plain scary.

A pox on both their houses!

We need a third party who can steal the mantle of the opposition from the 21st century Whig Party.

The GOP is irrelevant except as an obstacle to progress. The very idea of them gathering a bunch of "experts" to come up with "ideas" is ludicrous. They are an intellectually and morally bankrupt organization that should just wither away.

Is it any wonder that the GOP is so low in people's minds. Kind of reminiscent of the Great Depression and how Republicans, responsible for that event, were no longer in demand. Now the GOP has to perform a rapid makeover in order to put any best foot forward.

It's becoming persusive lately to move to the LIbs....if only to lighten the negative story telling.

Republicans brought this on themselves, by letting Right wing ideology and neo-cons hijack their party. To satisfy their lunatic fringe they have alienated thousands of moderates and millions of voters. So far the best they have done is sneer the term 'RINO'! at these folks and cause them to leave the party, and display a classic case of sour grapes. Well Republicans, your chickens are home to roost and your party is just a whisker from total irrelevance. Even as it stands, Obama can trample all over you and pass almost anything he wants without any of your cooperation. As long as Dems stay unified you might as well take your ball and go home:)

The current GOP leadership has nothing constructive to offer. They need to stay out of the way.

the GOP bus is broken and only turns to the right. It's no great secret that politicians and voters have chosen to not go in that direction. the exception is a small, but very high-profile, cadre of "old white guy politicians", hate-radio talk show hosts and ignorant red-necks who, let's be honest, are focused on the "God, guns and gays" issues. Fortunately for the rest of us, this small group is getting smaller and less revelent with each day. The GOP is self-destructing and they're either too dumb or too stubborn to realize it.

It's sad, really. Not the fact that Republicans are on the outs with America / Americans, at least for the time being. But the fact that so many of us believed Reagan when he said, 'come on; you can be one of US! A big guy, just like the Big Guys that run Corporate America! Just vote our way and you, too, can join the "opportunity society"!'

What crap. Once they got in power (the White House, US Senate, US House), they literally looted the country. Think about it: the US Treasury, gone; American world standing, gone; budget surpluses, gone; our children's and grandchildren's futures, gone. The social conservatives and economic conservatives screwed us to a fair-thee-well and are laughing at our gullibility.

We have no one to blame for this profound Republican mess except ourselves ....

Do YOU.. think maybe Bob Barr left the GOP because he wanted to do something about 50 Million USA people NOT having health care insurance.. and the republicans did NOT want to do anything about PEOPLE NOT having health insurance.....?.. You figure it all out....They to let 50 Million continue to go without health insurance for another 100 years....huh?

Mr. Barr is correct about the Republican Party; interestingly though, he seems to forget that it was even more so when he was in the party. The problems with this parth began when Pat Buchannan sopke at the convention and he was a loyal foot soldier, only for the wrong god.

For starters, how many people in this country care what Bob Barr thinks? This is the kind of bias that exists in the press by asking someone who is irrelevant a question that they know will give them the response they want.
No question the Repulicans have not done a very good job of following and marketing core principles while the Dems have been very effective at doling out the goodies and making more and more Americans dependent on government. Hopefully, the Republican party will get its act together and Americans will eventually realize that too much power in Washingtron and too much in entitlements and government dependency will hurt America and our grandchilldren in the long run.

I thought ROSEANNE had something to say!!

I bet you ask any self proclaimed conservative, what conservatism is about you would hear nothing about actually conserving.

The republican party is not about conservatism, most of its ideas are about hate/ignorance.

Most supporters of the party remind me of someone from the middle ages, someone who believes what their "leader" says and don't travel much.

Nobody else sees it?

The Republicans make a big show about being divided. They even "officially" fission into two or more parties. These "new" parties draw in undecided, disaffected, and Democratic voters. This erodes the Democrats' power base.

Then in the 2012 elections, at the very last second, these "splinter" parties "reconcile" and their electoral votes get thrown behind the most ultra-conservative candidate! A naked power grab, and America is locked-down.

I hope I'm wrong. I can already hear people telling me I'm paranoid. But they told me that in 2001 and 2004, too.

At this point Rush Limbaugh is my idea of the typical Republican; bloated, white, male, and intolerant of everyone. I love reading stories about the downfall of the GOP, I can't get enough of this stuff!

In response to Johnny DC: in regards to Arlene Spector, the reason why he left is because if a republican does not follow the RNC to philosphy and act independent in any way they come after you! Toomey does not have a chance to win because PA is just a huge Blue state! Spector will only win if he supports the Employee Free CHoice Act! If not, the democrat will win the primary and then win the election!

Spector will have his re-election problems no matter what party he's in. His switch was based solely on a political calculation that he had no chance in a Republican primary but some chance in a Democratic primary – and then some chance if he could win the Dem primary. But maybe as Spector comes up on 80 years old he should have just remained a Republican and announced his retirement. Rep. Joe Sestak is the real deal, and will beat Spector in the Dem primary.

They had the presidency, both houses and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court and it only took them 6 years to mess it all up.

I mean, how many Bob Neys, Jack Abramoffs, Tom Delays, Curt Sheldons, Larry Craigs, Mark Foleys, Ted Haggards and George 'makaka' Allens scandals did they need before they figured out they were messing up?

How many Iraqs, Abu Ghraibs, no-bid Halliburton contracts, warrantless wiretaps, hurricane Katrinas, exploding defecits and economic meltdowns did they need before they figured out they were messing up?

All they can do now is wait for Democrats to screw up just as bad and hope it's sooner than later.

Any clear thinking American is probably finding the Libertarian philosophy an attractive alternative to the thugs in the Republican party who want to control your life and the weenies in the Democratic party who want to manage your life, both of whom are out of touch with American values of individual responsibility, tolerance, minimal government, personal freedom and liberty, and equal opportunity for anyone willing to do the work.

I just heard Pat Roberson on MSNBC this morning talking about the republican party that they need to look back at 1966 when it was a strong party. Just goes to show you that the party is looking in the past. They have no vision of the future...I hope they all drown in the cesspool of the old ways..This is the 21st century..Wake up and smell the new ways of living.

The Republicans are in trouble now, but after the next terror attack due to Obama's decisions, things will change quickly. Remember the murdered people of 911.

They can start by telling Coleman to give it up. They can start by getting behind the repeal of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 5 per cent.
They should admit their past wrongs and their "borrow and spend" errors, assume repsonsibility and not leave it to the democrats to think up things to pull us put of this mess that was created on their watch. Their single minded mantra of tax cuts as solution to everything economic has not worked. Their total criticism of the new president is making us all tone deaf to it. And what are they doing except scrambling to assign blame to everyone but themselves and all jokeying to be the most blameless of helping their new Commander in Chief of getting things going thinking that will get them elected..

I think it's incorrect to think of certain class of "pundits" as leaders of the Republican party, I recall a poll which placed the number of Republicans that think if them as their leader at 2% for each given person, and about half of the Republican voters polled basically said that the party has to real leader. So a given pundit like Rush might have his audience, the people that consider him their leader is really a sliver of the Republican voter base.

The party still has the same leaders and vision that it's had since the 90s, it's just a matter of they were given a chance, and proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that their leaders were worse than the other guy, and that their ideology is complete crap. Might as well start a new party at this point, if I were running for office, I wouldn't want myself labeled as "Republican" after the last 8 years... it evokes too many memories of corruption and hypocrisy

I am fairly certain the Democrats will be in Power for the next 8-12 years – perhaps even more. The Republican Party has screwed up so badly that I don't see them in power for a very long time. And that's a beautiful thing.

No kidding GOP is in trouble. I've abandoned the Republican Party almost two years now. However, I also do not endorse the current administration. I'm an American lost without any real representation like many others I know. I'm glad the GOP finally figured it out. The fact they are recongizing the issue may be a sign that they finally get it and realize they are out of touch with the real world.

Low taxes and small government is an ideological statement. Maybe if the GOP actually proposed something that might work to address the real issues they might be able to build a following again. A first step is to look for competence versus cronyism. A second step is to make teh tax code simpler and more transparent to prevent politicians from selling out the taxpayer.

The real issues are value for our tax dollar and effective government, and competence versus cronyinsm. We can deal with what the tax burden adn size of government is after we get a handle on the three underlying issues.

Oh by the way GOP the free wheeling financial system your backed so strenuously sold you, me and the globe down the river.

The GOP needs to take a long, hard look at itself, litterally. Look at the photos of these men. There is a universal hateful scowl on each face., as if they are trying to frighten children into submission. They are spending all of their creativity on obsession with war and destruction. Just look at the videos they produce. Our Nation's citizens are above you, GOP. Perhaps better said is that the GOP is below our pay grade. We don't want your tax cuts for the rich. There has already been a "redistribution of wealth" under your watch. The wealth of this Nation has been directed to the rich and powerful because of greed. There is nothing wrong with wealth. There is nothing right with greed. We want peace, prosperity, universal health care, educational opportunities, and no more corporate interests taken above our citizens' interests. The GOP has created this financial mess we and the world are in. As long as they continue to waste their creative energies on fear, hate and war, there is no hope for them.

When the GOP's unofficial party leader is Rush Limbaugh, you can see why their image has become to look like a bunch of angry old whites guys–no wonder the party's in deep trouble and no wonder Arlen Specter left. “(Democrats) have a charismatic leader and they have party discipline. The Republican Party has none of that,” Bob Barr is right.

The Republican party is trying to "remake" itself I heard. Yeah right. You can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig.

For many of the liberal attack bloggers on here, Ron Paul is a proper conservative, and you must remember that. You'll be hearing his name more and more in the future, especially now he has over 100 co-sponsors of his HR 1207 bill which plans to audit the Federal Reserve banks to find out what is really going on in this country.

For those that don't know, the Federal Reserve is a private bank with an unknown list of owners. If you take my words as crazy, well either do one of two things: continue to be a mindless sheep, or learn about it.

The Republican Party is almost completely insignificant at this point. It's about time, they've never acted on what they "stood" for in the last 20 years.

In speaking of Specter's actions and leaving the republican party Barr says, “I don’t think that the people in Pennsylvania will really appreciate what he did,” he said.

I disagree, for those voters may see Specter's actions as taking a stand in fleeing an oppressive and draconian political party, where he cannot truly serve his constituents. If Specter were my representative that is exactly how I would perceive his move. Is the move politically expedient as some "bitter" GOP have tried to imply? Only to the point of his recognition of the necessity in taking such drastic actions in order to fulfill his duties to the voters in his state and the nation.

Barr fails to give the citizens and voters of Pennsylvania credit for their intelligence and appreciation of Sen. Specters years of service to them. I believe they will appreciate Sen. Specter and will support him in the future.

Like small government?.. well I'm gay and plan to get married... STAY OUT OF MY LIFE.

The GOP could begin with one simple axiom: no hate policies. This is one of the most hateful groups in the world. Their corruption is rampant and they make no apologies for their xenophobic, racist, sexist, anti-semitic and frankly, "anti" anything behaviors!

The republicans were down in the 90's druing the Clinton administration, too. Then, they came back and won the Senate and the House with ease. Obamas policies are going to ruin the dems and much of their support....it may take a few years for the people to realize it, but it will happen. People will not continue to BLINDLY follow Obama.

my advice to the republicans: when in trouble or in doubt run in circles, scream and shout.

If the Republican Party really wanted to change, get new ideas, and connect with more people they would start their "tour" somewhere else than in the south. They would go to San Francisco, Mass, N.H., places that they are not popular.

One should be judged by others – and not yourself or by a few arrogant, power-hungry and selfish people of their OWN group. Why can't GOP realize this simple truth? Ask others and not the people only within your own inner circle – ask ANYBODY ELSE other than you. All, including the rest of the world, would say you are NO GOOD. You have no brain, no solution, no principle and above all nothing, nothing at all for THE PEOPLE. You only have coined WORDS like 'low tax', 'liberal', 'national security' and 'bomb, bomb and bomb'. Just think – what is it that you really stand for? NOTHING!

With the conservatives now turning on Gingrich it means that they're now eating their own. I wonder if Newt is better fried or roasted on a spit. And do you think they fight over the eyes? Complete meltdown should be just around the corner.

I too am a former republican since Reagan. The Bush administration cured me of the disease. The only one these present day republicans represent is the right wing religious extremists; Rush is their defacto leader. The grovel before him and must pay homage for going against his radio drivel. Conservatism failed America, otherwise we wouldn't be in this horrible mess. I know the democrats aren't angels, but I trust them more than any republican.

The GOP is in trouble. One word comes to mind when I think of the GOP: Bush. The typical white male with conservative religious values that cater to the conservative rich, which supports the oil and pharmacy industry.

In a diverse America with diverse cultural backgrounds and increasing diversity in religion, you will not survive. The majority will speak as evident with the electing of President Obama.

New thinking and direction should focus on the middle and lower class. How can we improve America? How can we reduce our dependence on foreign energy consumption? How do we reduce healthcare disparities and improve healthcare costs in our nation and improve healthcare access?

I highly doubt the GOP will follow that direction.

I think George Bush sank the Republican Party as a result of his reaction to 9/11. After that, their approach seemed to be that the end justified the means, and much of what America stands for was a causality. In a very real way, he let Osama bin Ladin win.

What happened to Rush limbaugh's proposal of shipping McCain of to the Democratic. Would not this solve all the Republican problems in one stroke.

The Republican Party needs to go out behind the barn and get it on and the last man standing should be the leader of the party and he shall formulate a plan for the party to move forward.

Just a piece of friendly advice from a Democrat that believes in a two party system. I know you still call yourselves Republicans but you are not organized so you are not a party. Get it together and be somebody again. Just remember that the world is changing and if you are to survive the change you must be able to adapt. If you cannot adapt then you are doomed.

Mt greatest fear is that some radical right party will take it's place, although I think that has already become true in essence. As long as the term Republican Party exists, we can at least hope that it returns to a more moderate and conservative path, that the party of Nelson Rockefeller and Barry Goldwater will reemerge. This monstrous cadaver we now must confront bears no resemblence to the GOP that people used to feel comfortable with. Yopu have to really squint and look at it sideways to think it is anything like it was.

The Republican party does not understand that the U.S. is made up of more that just white people. They can go kicking and screeming or they can just go. Fear tactics don't work anymore!!

Chipster

You hit it right on the head of the nail....my sentiments exactly.

One additional comment – I know the media and a lot of Americans have a poor perception of Texas right now because of our impotent Governor ...... trust me, there are many, many, many Texans that are not old, white, hick cowboys. I am a native Texan as are 4 generations of people in my family and we have never been Republicans and would never even think of suceding from this wonderful Union, the United States of America.

Please don't blame all of us right thinking Texans....uhm, I mean correct thinking Texans !

I think Specter needs to retire at age 79, but not until Obama can pass the legislation that will help this country! The Republicans not only nearly caused our nation to capitulate, but actually care only for themselves, the wealthy, in everything they believe. We have a bright, articulate man at the helm now, who also knows the Constitution--thank God!

The GOP can start by curtailing the Obama is Hitler/AnitChrist/fascist/marxist nonsense. Deal with the issues that you dumped on the nation, and come up with something sensible.

Everybody is noticing this! GOP has no vision!

The republican party has been hijacked by some people in the fringest of their party: Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, O'reilly, Savage, Coulter, Gringich, Cheney, Palin, et.al. This is a very scary group of neofascists whose only goal is to see those who oppose them destroyed. Their brand of politics is fear, warmongering, blame minorities, more guns, anti-abortion, religion in our lives, etc. The republicans should abandon these individuals and instead persue issues that are of great concern to the rest of us. However, I must say that I am enjoying their implosion.

I would suggest. 1.Finding middle America,2. dump people like Rash Limpballs,etc. 3. Inclusion of all! 4. Separate from the religious fanatics and other intolerate people.

Just look at how the Dems have done it and use that as a model. If the "base" dosen't like it..too bad

It's my understanding that 250.000 people changed from Republican to Democrat in Penn. in the last cycle

I don't think Penn. will mind at all what Specter did ...

Did he check with King Rush before he spoke? Barr may be in trouble if he didn't ask permission.

Republican party with Rush Rascal as the leader has turned to a Party of Hate and a Party of Thugs and Illiterate. Sad to see this transformation. If POS Palin is a VP candidate and Joe the Plumber is the spokesperson and Rush the KKK leader is the leader God bless the Old Party (of thugs)

I am so disgusted with the Republican party, it is an embarrassment for me to carry my voter's registration card in my wallet. If they don't get their crap together, and soon, I will be jumping ship as well.

That party has become even more the party of fear, hate, secession and division. Until that changes, they will not ever again be a political force in the US. Thank God.

However, all of the Republican big talkers who seem to know how PA voters feel about Sen. Specter–spare me, OK? The Democrats (like me) voted for Specter before, and they will again.

It's more wishful thinking on their part. They are just hoping that the right wing nut candidate who they support for the nomination gets more than 10% of the vote.

Bob Barr is wrong.

The Republican Party does have leaders, one is a charismatic overweight male entertainer who has never held office and is subject to bouts of substance abuse; another is a skinny blond gal who believes that anyone who is of a different religion should be "purified."

The Republican Party does have a philosophy, it's "borrow and spend" (which for some unknown reason is better than "tax and spend"); along with "agree with me all the time on every issue or leave the party because you are not a 100% Republican and not a REAL American."

I'd like to come back to the GOP, but not with those leaders and not at those prices.

And if the republicans continue on the path they have chosen they will soon be a party of NO where. They push rush limbaugh to scream and whine about the smallest petty things. They have Coulter who does the same thing, even calling for people to kill democratic judges.

And then when you have Boehner and McConnell at the leaders in congress who obstruct and deny any and every bill put forward what kind of position are the putting forth.

I think it is time the republicans kicked THOSE TYPE OF REPUBLICANS out of the party and let they form then own. And get back to the things real republicans have fought for, for years.

The moderates and extreme wing of the Republican party need to fight this out ... perhaps two parties is the answer? If I were a moderate Republican I'd be pretty ticked off at the combination of religious extremists w/ their irrational fear of things like gay marriage combined with blowhards and nativists like Limbaugh, Beck, et al. That path only leads to increased marginalization ... they won't gain 'membership', only push people away.

I used to be republican. After the elder Bush, I changed to be independent. Now I am still independent and have no intention to be republican again at any time, no, not anytime soon. I think the GOP needs to wake up. It is 21st century. The people are seeing things through a pair of glasses of their own choice now.

As it is, the Republican party just sound like sore losers. They've wandered far from their ideals in the last decade that it's a little hard to make a principled stand, especially on spending. While Democrats probably went too far with spending, Republicans were big spenders too, if it had anything remotely linked to terrorism, it's as if they welded the money spigot open, and the money went to groups not known for frugality. Frugality was allegedly a conservative trait but Republicans did not represent that well.

It does not matter. The party in charge always screws it up anyway. The democrats will vastly overreach and take this as some sign to do "great" things and we will then vote them out of office because they too are idiots. It always happens this way. Both have grown way too big and unruly. They are a danger to us all at this point, because all that matters is staying in power. Good bye republicans, now if we can just get rid of the democrats too, we'd be fine.

The GOP is the ones to fear, not the terrorists of the world.......the GOP out of fear ruined this country.......in doing this they almost distroyed our Constitution........they have made us Hated around the World.......they broke the Laws and went against everything this country stands for.........I have more fear of the GOP than I do of the terrorist around the world.....

The Republican party will eventually bouncesback. This see saw back anfd forth between each of the two parties getting more popular has gone on for some time. The Libertarians make some good points. But he is misguided about Arlen Specter. We moderates in PA apprecaite what he has done. His own party was ready to turn against him after decades of service to his country. If they have no room for an independent moderate in the R party then lert the Dems welcome him. Its our gain.

The Republicans have become so out of touch with reality that nothing they do is relevant to mainstream American anymore. They can lay claim to one of the most disastrous administrations in the history of our country. Even though I usually vote Democrat, I'm not all together happy about this. The Democrats could become complacent and belligerent without strong competition to keep them in check. Honestly, I hope to see Barr's party use this to their advantage, maybe its time for a real shake-up of the two party system.

Thank goodness that right wing crapt is losing its appeal. Trying to stop progress is a fruitless and futile effort.

Sad to give up on my family's party, but no real choice. GOP is now the party of anti-science, anti-environment, anti-human rights, and pro-ignorance, pro-bigotry, pro-torture, pro-divine-right of dictators, pro-unrestrained greed, and pro-war. I hope it either redefines itself or disappears to be replaced by something 21st century, because we do need intelligent critique as a check to protect the future of the human race.

Bob Barr

You are correct on what The Republican Party is not. Yes the last 8 years have destroyed them and turned the party over to the Neocons who have predominated. Let them go down in smoke and start over with a new party within keeping of the true intentions of The Constitution. I have two suggestions for names 1) The Constitution Party 2) The Conservation Party.

The only way this will happen is if The Libertarian as well as all other like parties get together with the true conservative members remaining in The Republican Party. Ron Paul, who was torpedoed in the last election, comes to mind.

The Republican Party has been in hiding since the Bush Administration went out. If they want to be represented, then they need to "grow up" and get their act together. This country should have more than one party, but Republicans are actiing like "whiney little kids"! They complain, but they don't back up their complaints. They don't have anyone to blame but themselves!

I remember a time when the GOP was the party of traditional conservatives who fought to cut spending, were for less government, and embraced American values along with the Democrats. Now, they have become a parody of neoconservative values. And, as their numbers grow ever smaller, their members grow ever more fanatical. It appears their membership is rapidly become 2 groups: whites who are confused and scared because they see the US becoming more and more of a mixed race country, and those extremists who ultimately want to see our nation's government fail so they can create their own twisted tribes. It's sad because we really do need at least 2 viable parties. Maybe Barr's libertarians will step up to take the mantel. Though a dedicated Democrat all my life, I sadly think the GOP may be on it's death bed!

What goes around comes around. They are getting this payback for the last 8 years..the worst 8 years in our history. If they would drop the right wing loons and hateful social policies they would be better off. It is all about money and power not what is right. Pity.

"Republican Party: Banish the militant fundamental religious sects among you. Banish the war hawks. Remember the middle class in your 'dealings' with corporate America–be fair and balanced. Then they will return to you."

...er, we already have a party that's doing those things. The Democrats.

I don't think he will have a problem in Penn. that state went Blue this last election and I think Specter will win...we need more senators like him that can either vote along with Repblicans or Democrats.......now the majority of the Republicans vote NO on everything and anything the President puts forth........that is what is killing the GOP, they have got to be more receptive to this Administration and coming up with ideas to get this country United once again and back on its feet.......

Yes the GOP is failing and the only ones seem to see that is outside the party! But not shedding any tears here!

Bon Barr is right. The GOP does not have a leader, let alone a "charismatic "leader. Personally charisma scares me. All you need to do is learn from history and remember some of the "charismatic" leaders who had people lead into a hell on earth.

There is no republican party , they are trying to be the old democrat party, The new democrat party is now the old communist party .....are the old communists now going to become the old republican party ????

Wecome to change

The Republican Party should be in trouble. They have abandoned the principles of fiscal responsibility, doubling the deficit in the past 8 years. They became so gripped by fear after 9/11 that they discarded the U.S. Constitution, using 9/11 as an excuse for torture, privacy violations with no judicial review, due process, equal protection - all constitutional protections from an abusive government. What good is the Constitution if it isn't employed under the most challenging circumstances. That is the purpose of it. They used fear and cherry-picked information to manipulate the public perception.

They have become the Party of extreme religious fundamentalists, coming very close to proclaiming an American theocracy. I fear them more than the terrorists. Terrorists can only kill us. The Republican Party came very close to destroying the constitutional principles that have served us well for over 200 years.

Republican Party: Banish the militant fundamental religious sects among you. Banish the war hawks. Remember the middle class in your 'dealings' with corporate America–be fair and balanced. Then they will return to you.

They need to write a new party platform and stick to it!!!

Coming from a devout Conservative and Republican, I can honestly admit that Bob Barr is a true American. If only he had the support of more people.

Arlen Specter is a joke, and represents everything wrong with this country. He's senile and only interested in his own legacy, and it's never been more clear than this week.

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Who Cares ! More importantly, Go to PBS FRONT LINE Website type into their Search engine "Sick Around America" for the next battle, HEALTH CARE. A MUST SEE !
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GOP please take your fanatic right wing someplace else-your lack of America comes first makes all of us sick.