Comments on: Pawlenty: GOP's 'clearly' been damaged

By: Chipster

Chipster — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:51:56 +0000

Paul from Kissimmee, the LAST thing this country need is Reagonism: Voodoo Economics, deregulation of the airlines, discarding truth in advertising laws, seizing property of "suspected" drug dealers without judicial warrants (sound familiar?)...Ed Meese, who claimed that no one would be a suspect if they weren't guilty! Well, he said that until HE was a suspect.

Just Say No? That isn't a policy. It's a cliche.

Cutting school funding using deceptive practices, like declaring catsup is a vegetable?

Reagonism? No thanks, Bush was horrible but not as dangerous as Reagon because Reagon was charming and capable of making great speeches.

By: Fla.

Fla. — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:41:37 +0000

First of all, the Republican Party is NOT the party of fiscal discipline. They have no credibility in that regard after the past several years.

Also, Gov. Pawlenty only adds to the sad & troubling state of his GOP by denying the good people of MN their second US Senator over Republican games. His obstructive nonsense equates to nothing more than taxation without representation.

By: david

david — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:37:53 +0000

GOP damage began when mccain selected palin since then it has been downhill for the GOP. if GOP can't get their act together by EOY 2009, obama wins a second term. governor sanford needs to resign, senator ensign of NV needs to resign and any other GOP politicians that keep screwing up royally. rush needs to shut his pie hole as does newt otherwise the GOP will be down to just the 20 million, or so, palin supporters.

By: Mark Ramsey MD, Milwaukee WI

Mark Ramsey MD, Milwaukee WI — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:37:43 +0000

This is not about kicking someone when they are down. This is about right wing zealots who say gays are threatening the institution of marriage while they are out having extramarrital affairs! They are hypocrits and liars!

By: DawnL,CA

DawnL,CA — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:37:19 +0000

It's not the cheating(well..., yes it is) it's the hypocrisy, the nerve of these holier-than-thou "family values" statements from these hypocrits that make me grit my teeth. Get off your high-horse GOP & maybe in the next 30 years REAL AMERICANS with REAL lives (not paid for with MY taxes) might-just might start to pay attention to what you have to say. I said might.

By: Rightsaid

Rightsaid — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:32:14 +0000

The GOP has a lot more to answer for than Sanford.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:28:58 +0000

The last time the Republicand were a fiscally responsible party was the 1950s: Nixon blew the finances apart; Reagan and Bush senior blew the finances apart; and Bush junior was the most financially irresposnsible president in US history. At least Clinton tried to clean the mess up and was more financially reponsible than anyone since Eisenhower. Obama has been left a huge problem by Bush and he has had to salvage the economy before bringing things under control. If the Republiocan's sincerely believe in fiscal responsibiulity they should vote for a 100 billion reduction in defense expenditure. How many would sign their name to that? None.

By: Roscot

Roscot — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:26:59 +0000

These Republicans are using taxpayer money to get laid, flying thousands of miles on my dime to get a piece...and you have whimpy turds out there speaking NICELY (like fairies) about them, like they are the best people in church...if this country gets any softer, I am going to try to hump it.

By: Legna

Legna — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:24:50 +0000

Don't want to hear about hypocracy from any democrat. Especially after u c all the hypocratical promisses made to the voters by the current administration....Just wait and c how many jobs have been created, how many people's taxes are increased,how many businesses are eliminated, higher gas and power bills,lower medical costs,and a safer country. HYPOCRACY will b redefined!.??!!!!

By: Roscot

Roscot — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:24:33 +0000

Why wait for Republicans to get up before you kick them...do they deserve to get up? What a jellyfish!!!

By: m00finsan

m00finsan — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:24:33 +0000

Hey, Tim! Quit jabbering with this bobblehead and sign Al Franken's election certificate already!

By: Roscot

Roscot — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:23:20 +0000

Get rid of Democrats and Republicans...all are a bunch of fairies.

By: Andi

Andi — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:21:27 +0000

Pretty obvious Pawlenty is gearing up for a White House bid. Laughable

By: Allen

Allen — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:17:52 +0000

The GOP and their supporters claim Democrats, liberals, center –left voters, etc...are immoral, yet the GOP has been extraordinarily corrupt (both politically and morally) for the last 20 years...when they get caught they blame democrats or say it’s no big deal...and then they label Democrats as hypocrites!
Anyone who still listens to, or belongs to the Republican Party, has got to be nuts or brainwashed. The GOP is a morally bankrupt party.
Also, why is it that when the news about Sanford’s affair was reported on Fox News, that they listed as a Democrat? They sure as hell knew what party he belonged too when he was fighting in court not to take stimulus funds!

By: Rob

Rob — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:15:59 +0000

So Gov. Pawlenty thinks that straight couples deserve to have an "elevated status" in our law above gay couples? I guess he missed that old Declaration of Independence thing about everyone being "created equal" and the Constitution's guarantee of "equal protection" for all citizens. As a conservative Republican, I am embarrassed by the current crop of phony GOP politicians who just pander to bigotry by invoking their hogwash about "family values." All Americans deserve the same standing under the law -- there is no privileged class with "elevated status." Republicans need to return to their traditional support of individual freedom: the right of each American to run his or her own life without Big Brother (or Big Governor Pawlenty) dictating to them.

By: givemeabreakinCA

givemeabreakinCA — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:11:16 +0000

It still amazes me that some people continue to rant and rave in defense of republicans and their "do as I say, not as I do" way of governing. There is a reason the majority of Americans do not like or respect republicans. We have had this religious dogma shoved down our throats long enough. I believe Republicans will become more and more regional in the next few years. And where is this insane idea that they are going to retake the majority in congress coming from? What a joke.

By: If America forgave Clinton, why not Sanford? senator asks | csmonitor.com

If America forgave Clinton, why not Sanford? senator asks | csmonitor.com — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:10:38 +0000

[...] on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) of Minnesota said Sanford was guilty of serious political mistakes. [...]

By: Pat F

Pat F — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:10:18 +0000

@R in Maine: What are you yapping about? I am a proud Republican – fiscally conservative, serious about national defense and patriotic. I don't just love this country when it votes my way, and I have been proud of my country many times in my adult life, and NOT just when it hands me goodies for nothing.

Pawlenty may think we're damaged – but the good, honest, hard-working Americans that make up the Republican Party are alive and well and waiting for a candidate that lives up to our best expectations, instead of down to our worst ones.

No lies there, sparky.

By: A Kickin' Donkey

A Kickin' Donkey — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:08:54 +0000

I've tired of Republicans leadership hiding behind Jenny's skirt.

How many of them dodge the question about Sanford resigning as Governor by claiming that the thing they care most about are Sanford fixing his relationship with his wife and kids ... give me a break .... do they actually think we believe this ??? It is the latest empty statement-de-jour.

It ranks right up there with .................. "our children & grandchildren"

By: Rob

Rob — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 20:02:21 +0000

Jenn,

I guess you don't pay much attention to current events.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:58:25 +0000

This is just an example of how messed up Christian people really are. Jesus was a liberal. Obama is trying to save our country you ungrateful idiots. It is collapsing because they hold values which do not reflect the reality of modern life. The republicans have destroyed everything America stands for. Who do they think they are fooling.
Go reread your bibles. You people have another think coming when and if judgement day comes. Especially those who use his word to manipulate the less informed.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:57:03 +0000

Clinton and the dems recovered AND so will the republicans!

By: Republicans are the American Taliban

Republicans are the American Taliban — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:56:32 +0000

How much is being spent by the GOP to keep the rightfully elected Senator Al Franken from being seated???

By: renobill

renobill — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:48:38 +0000

I don't know why the Repukes are concerned. Just have Limbaugh, Hanretty, Cheney, etc. say that it's un American NOT to cheap on your wife, and the sheep will rejoin the flock.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:47:57 +0000

Bev, you need serious help! Are your still drinking the koolaid?

By: lilacs

lilacs — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:46:38 +0000

Every time we have republicans in power for any period of time they get us into deep debut and the the democrats have to repair the damage while fighting the republicans lies and more lies. Everytme I have been laid off or lost a job because of bad economy it is alla republican that has been in power and left a mess for someone else to clean up. No more reganimoics or bushisms,enough of the the republican party. The party of no moral values, cut taxes for the rich and the spend, spend ,spend on wars based on lies and more lies, and support corprate welfare, and big goverment. After all it is the republican party that tell everyone what they can and cannot due with there bodies, how to worship , whom they can and cannot married. The democracts are not perfect but at least they try hard to work for the american people and do act like they are hoiler then thou.

By: T

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:45:29 +0000

How can we go back to Reaganism? We don't have any enemy to stand up to nearly large enough. We'd have to provoke one first.

Of course, that might be the plan.

By: Pete

Pete — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:36:58 +0000

Well, either way say what you want about Sanford, he needs to resign, period. I said that about Spitzer and he did so. Then Senator Ensign needs to resign also. Let's clean up the Senate, governorships, house, etc., if you cheat or whatever, you need to resign...Dem or Rep. Just get out, get another job, no more lingering on the public dole.

By: Larry Mac

Larry Mac — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:33:43 +0000

I get the feeling that the country is done with both of these old parties. But the 2 parties don't quite realize it and some Americans don't quite realize it. I believe that for many Americans the problem is what to do about the Democrat and Republican parties.

By: Peter E

Peter E — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:31:41 +0000

Next week on CNN: Pawlenty caught in sexual scandal. The past decade has shown us that politicians most vocal and critical of a behavior are the ones who get caught doing it soon afterwards!

By: Shannon

Shannon — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:31:20 +0000

"With two prominent Republicans falling prey to sexual scandals" "Falling prey"? What, are these men victims?! I'm quite sure they all CHOSE to engage in sexual scandals. Let's not make this passive, please. These men knew exactly what they were doing. They were not helpless pawns. They are hypocrites and they deserve what they get for it. As for Tim Pawlenty, he's just giddy that his potential rivals at the republican primary are being knocked down one by one; it gives him more room for leverage. Look up the man's record people, he's been a terrible governor for us. He just took away money from our schools to cover his butt on the state budget.

By: AKoslik

AKoslik — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:30:40 +0000

I could care less about Sanford's affair - what bothers me is the GOP's use of so-called "family values" as a party platform. They seek a moral high ground but drown in the fetid waters of their own behavior. I'm tired of moral posturing. I'm tired of the culture wars. I'm tired of the hypocrisy. If the GOP wants to mire themselves in their own regressive culture (Christian fundamentalism, anti-choice activism, anti-gay rights) then they have the right to do so. They just need to stop judging how other folks, with different belief systems, choose to live their lives...

By: Denna

Denna — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:30:38 +0000

Let us hope that the GOP and the Democrats all learn to now kick each other when they are down. I do suggest that the GOP stop running on the 'family values – high morals' ticket. I am sure that you all have family values, as do Democrats. The problem is that you wrap yourselves so tight in how morally upstanding you are that when one or two of you stumble, and you always do, it looks a hundred times worse than when a liberal stumbles. Next election cycle, how about just sticking to how your party is better able to run America than the Democratic party. Although, in the face of the mess W made, you may have a hard time selling that one too.

By: Scott

Scott — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:30:22 +0000

Please, enough with praising the wife...rarely is only one partner of a marriage the sole fault, and it's not like we have his side of the story as to why he strayed. Sure, she is the more sympathetic of the two, and spouting how she's focused on the kids and god sounds great to the masses, but remember how she quickly said she didn't really care what happened to his career as governor, so one has to wonder just how supportive she has been to the marriage. And, as a Republican, I just don't see how various marital issues affect the party. It's not like the Republicans are in touch with the morals of most Americans anyway, and their stunning defeats recently attest to that. But, I will admit that until the GOP figures out how to craft some fiscal and foreign relations policies to match the current environment the party will remain on the outside looking in, and this sort of hyprocisy will remain media fodder.

By: arc, Lugano CH

arc, Lugano CH — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:30:10 +0000

McCain's selection of Sarah Palin was the death knell of the past election cycle. The fact that many continue to support her as the leader of the party is only perpetuating this 'damage' as Pawlenty describes it. The first course of action in rebuilding the party would be to distance itself from her. She hurts the moderate/centrists of the party every time she opens her mouth. Be done with her.

By: PULEEEZZZ!! lets tell some truth

PULEEEZZZ!! lets tell some truth — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:29:56 +0000

ONE more case of republican Incompetency. It makes me think of Home Land security under Bush.. Great Job, Brownie.. Right.. New Orleans almost wiped off the earth.. They dont get it. We need eductated, competent people to lead. Not the 'drinking buddies' that the Republicans hand us. The whole Family Values shtick is now gone from the repertory of faulty political reasonings so common in the republican party. As far as "spend and tax" demos, thats another lie.. Reagan, the Bushes, and yes, Clinton put us in the mess we're in. Give Obama a chance to bail out the US.. McCain and please no, Sarah Palin wouldn't have known where to begin with the mess G.W. handed us under the name of patriotism

By: Limbaugh is a liberal

Limbaugh is a liberal — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:29:52 +0000

The GOP is not in trouble because they're moral hypocrites. They are in trouble because they are just whiners who never offer any workable alternative plans. They criticized Obama's budget, and yet their own alternative was only a 16 page outline with NO numbers. How can you have a budget with no numbers? They criticized Obama's health care reform for costing too much, and yet their own 'alternative' never made a cost estimate, was only a 3 page outline that borrowed 80% of its content from Obama's health plan. If they put even half the effort into coming up with real plans that they now put into criticizing Obama, they wouldn't be the laughing stock of the nation!

By: Doc

Doc — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:28:07 +0000

Reaganism coming back??? Do you mean to say a Republican Administration is going to give us the second largest tax hike in US History – just like Reagan did??????

By: Henry Miller, Cary, NC

Henry Miller, Cary, NC — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:26:58 +0000

The damage to the GOP has more to do with the hypocrisy of its bible-thumpers than it does with their marital indiscretions. If they'd quit trying to ram their bible-belt "values" down everyone's throats they'd solve two problems at once.

By: Shocked and Sad

Shocked and Sad — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:26:53 +0000

Thank you Willow for: 'How is forcing one set of religious beliefs on others granting Constitutional freedom for all?
I say to all Religious fanatics: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu; Islam... all of you... stop corrupting the spiritual work of God by using his name as a shield for your power grabs. God's many messengers were sent to teach love and peace. All the rest of the hateful preaching comes from men who do not know God under any name.

By: Jim Q.

Jim Q. — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:26:45 +0000

The problem isn't that the guys cheated. The problem is that they, and their party, make private morality into a political weapon. Democrats cheat as well, but there's no relish in it, because they don't make such a big deal about their own holier-than-thou status. Conservative Republicans politicians reap what they sow—they set themselves up as having unique moral authority, and when discovered to be merely humans, everybody and their mother comments on the hypocrisy. Instead of "returning to their values," which is nothing other than a call for more assertion of their moral authority, the Republican Party needs to seriously consider whether moral politics is a good idea in the first place. Does it lead to better political decisions? Does it lead to better politicians?

By: Reaganism??

Reaganism?? — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:25:31 +0000

The comment about bringing back Reagan to this country, Reagan destroyed the EPA by allowing companies to opt out of what they wanted to, he also rose the deficits to record levels and had the largest tax increase in history. He allowed the companies such as Monsanto to manipulate the worlds renewable seeds sources resulting a 90% extinction of the worlds renewable food sources, and yet for some reason he's still a icon for the GOP. Obama's allready a better President, least he's investing in America and given up on "trickle down" economics (which after 30 years obviously didn't work).

By: D. Tree

D. Tree — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:20:37 +0000

Republicans need to stop acting like they own good values – its never going to work because there are good and bad people in each party.

By: renea

renea — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:20:07 +0000

I feel the GOP just need to come down off their high horses, a politician needs to be able to reach people thats not on their level. It seems to me they cannot identify with poor people everyone is not rich like them so they are going to need government help. they are going to need a boost like food stamps, medicaid, uemployement benefits. job training, not just be told to go get a job and get off welfare like they want them to.The same with gay rights, abortion yeah they may want everyone to be straight and not have abortions but everyone is not the same i do not condone this but i feel the GOP just donot know how to handle these issues.

By: here we go

here we go — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:18:06 +0000

What "values" is he talking about. I personally don't think they had many. They have been toting their "values" all these yrs, and look what has been their record. The only reason they spoke out, is one apparently being "blackmailed" and the other had to explain his "disappearance". They go in public and make apologies, but in the same breath they continue with the "values" thing, give me a break....

By: Dre

Dre — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:12:05 +0000

The GOP will not have an other chance at the White House with the way they been acting lately. Also with the help of those rightwing nuts going after Obama with every thing he do trust me they don't stand a chance and they are so stupid they thought the American people were not watching.

By: pcs / North Carolina

pcs / North Carolina — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:09:03 +0000

David E. wrote June 28th, 2009 1:22 pm ET

"I am not taking sides here, but it has been my understanding that liberals are the most compasionate, kind, and understanding people who take the high road.Until you disagree with them."

What do you think about "Rush, Hannity, O'Reily, Ann coulter and the other Rethuglican religious fanatics who preach hate and division. They sound cool , isn’t it !!

By: George Arlington, TX.

George Arlington, TX. — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:07:08 +0000

When your leaders entertwine religion and politics WATCH OUT.

By: Michael

Michael — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:05:51 +0000

Jenn,

The point you are missing is that yes Democrat politicians commit the same dishonest hypocrisy, but as individual politicians. The entire Republican party runs on the plat form that they are all moral beacons and therefore put their party, not just individual members, up for scrutiny.

Clinton was wrong and a hypocrite, not his party. Stanford and Ensign were wrong and hypocrites and so is their party because their party runs on a message that "we are holier than thou".

By: NWisconsin Boy

NWisconsin Boy — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:05:06 +0000

Never mind the affair.. Sanford is just a lousy Governor, esp. for fighting against stimulus money for his state, and disappearing like he did. His political future is dead in the water. He should resign..it might give his party a fighting chance to retain the Gov post in the next election.