The non-partisan Politico.com asks the question:
Why is the GOP sinking?
Polling indicates that Americans are not buying the escalating criticism of Obama by Republicans -- quite the contrary. Is it something they said, or is it just that Obama is so popular?
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John Hostettler, Former Republican member of House: "The wandering in the wilderness has begun"
Sherrilyn Ifill, Professor of Law, U. Md.: "They're looking less like a Party, and more like a group of disgruntled kids in the schoolyard throwing spitballs at the class president."
"Americans get the big picture. They know that this financial crisis is not going to be solved in 3 months. They trust that Obama and his team are working on it."
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary: "People can both have strong feelings of approval for someone and still be uncomfortable with his or her policies "
"There's no question that President Obama is very popular - and that's understandable -- for goodness sakes it's only been about 10 weeks since he took office. It will take some time to see if his policies remain as popular as he does. I think the Republicans are right to point out that there are many who are questioning those policies and from what I've seen they've kept the arguments to the merits of the proposals, and that's good for everyone."
David Boaz, Executive VP, Cato Institute: "The Bush-Hastert-DeLay Republicans really ran the brand into the ground."
"It may take a long time to recover the partys credibility on fiscal conservatism, integrity, and limited government. Note that even amid economic crisis and Obamas popularity, smaller government with fewer services is still more popular than larger government with more services.
Bruce Bartlett, Washington-based author: "In politics, as in sports, you cant beat something with nothing."
"... If I were still a Republican, I would tell party leaders to stop listening to talk radio, stop watching Fox News, and stop treating every issue as an opportunity to attack Obama. Cut the guy some slack. Give him credit when it is due."
Alan Schroeder, Professor of Journalism, Northeastern University: "If Republicans expect to counter the president's popularity, they must first cure themselves of Obama Derangement Syndrome"
"Barack Obama has been fortunate on a couple of fronts: first, in replacing the most loathed president in recent memory, and second, in the relentlessly ham-handed nature of his Republican opponents. As long as the alternative to Obama remains the Limbaugh-Beck-Bachmann black-helicopter crowd, this president will continue to stand tall."
The Arena - POLITICO's daily debate with policymakers and opinion shapers | POLITICO.com
Why is the GOP sinking?
Polling indicates that Americans are not buying the escalating criticism of Obama by Republicans -- quite the contrary. Is it something they said, or is it just that Obama is so popular?
--------------------
John Hostettler, Former Republican member of House: "The wandering in the wilderness has begun"
Sherrilyn Ifill, Professor of Law, U. Md.: "They're looking less like a Party, and more like a group of disgruntled kids in the schoolyard throwing spitballs at the class president."
"Americans get the big picture. They know that this financial crisis is not going to be solved in 3 months. They trust that Obama and his team are working on it."
Dana Perino, Former White House Press Secretary: "People can both have strong feelings of approval for someone and still be uncomfortable with his or her policies "
"There's no question that President Obama is very popular - and that's understandable -- for goodness sakes it's only been about 10 weeks since he took office. It will take some time to see if his policies remain as popular as he does. I think the Republicans are right to point out that there are many who are questioning those policies and from what I've seen they've kept the arguments to the merits of the proposals, and that's good for everyone."
David Boaz, Executive VP, Cato Institute: "The Bush-Hastert-DeLay Republicans really ran the brand into the ground."
"It may take a long time to recover the partys credibility on fiscal conservatism, integrity, and limited government. Note that even amid economic crisis and Obamas popularity, smaller government with fewer services is still more popular than larger government with more services.
Bruce Bartlett, Washington-based author: "In politics, as in sports, you cant beat something with nothing."
"... If I were still a Republican, I would tell party leaders to stop listening to talk radio, stop watching Fox News, and stop treating every issue as an opportunity to attack Obama. Cut the guy some slack. Give him credit when it is due."
Alan Schroeder, Professor of Journalism, Northeastern University: "If Republicans expect to counter the president's popularity, they must first cure themselves of Obama Derangement Syndrome"
"Barack Obama has been fortunate on a couple of fronts: first, in replacing the most loathed president in recent memory, and second, in the relentlessly ham-handed nature of his Republican opponents. As long as the alternative to Obama remains the Limbaugh-Beck-Bachmann black-helicopter crowd, this president will continue to stand tall."
The Arena - POLITICO's daily debate with policymakers and opinion shapers | POLITICO.com