Republicans looking for a strong, new leader
BOSTON (AP) — Mitt Romney’s shadow looms over a Republican Party in disarray.
The face of the GOP for much of the last year, the failed presidential candidate has been a virtual ghost since his defeat Nov. 6. He has quietly weathered the fallout of the campaign from the seclusion of his Southern California home, emerging only momentarily for a private lunch at the White House with President Barack Obama on Thursday.
His loss and immediate withdrawal from politics, while welcomed by most, has created a leadership vacuum within his party. It’s left the GOP rudderless, lacking an overarching agenda and mired in infighting, with competing visions for the way ahead, during what may be the most important policy debate in a generation.
In his final meeting with campaign staffers at his Boston headquarters, Romney promised to remain “a strong voice for the party,” according to those in attendance. But so far he has offered little to the Capitol Hill negotiations over potential tax increases and entitlement program changes that could affect virtually every American.
He declined to comment on the Treasury Department’s recent refusal to declare China a currency manipulator, which was one of his signature issues over the past 18 months. He made no public remarks after his meeting with Obama, quickly fading away, again.
There’s no shortage of Republicans maneuvering to fill it, from House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio to a number of high-profile politicians looking to boost their national profiles, if not position themselves for a 2016 presidential run. That group could include former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, son and brother of presidents, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
Republican strategist Phil Musser is among those suggesting that the current void presents a breakout opportunity for the party chairman, Reince Priebus. The 40-year-old Wisconsinite largely played a supporting administrative role in his first two years on the job.
“To some degree it’s a challenge in as much you don’t have a standard bearer to rally behind that unifies central themes of the conservative movement,” Musser said. “The bottom line is that a little bit of messiness and frank family discussion is not a terrible thing after an election like this.”
Dec 3, 2012 at 8:09 a.m.
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Palin 2016!
Dec 3, 2012 at 12:38 a.m.
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I am actually interested what the main conservatives who are regulars here want for the future. Do they want to stick to their far right wing Tea Party angle? Or will they moderate? If they stay far right they stand no chance in 2016, as Hillary Clinton will undoubtedly run. So who will run against her?
I think that if they run another Bush, they are C R A Z Y. Running Ryan may be wise, but he is attached to Rmoney forever and that may not be wise either. I think Chris Christie may be the one, he should have ran this time, he would have probably won. I believe that Paul Ryan could have beaten Obama if hew was number 1 on the ticket.
The main problems for the republicans are ones that they either cannot run from, or simply don't think they have to. They will continue to lose elections on social issues and demographics. Like it or not this country has changed, the continued alienation of women and minorities will do nothing but lose elecions. You may control the house, but the senate and Executiuve branch will be in Democratic control for a long time to come unless they change their message/strategy.
Sticking with the current narrative is not a winner, no matter how many propaganda pieces you repeat/recycle from Maciver or Brietbart's websites. Common sense approaches and a massive shift in your approach to social issues are in order otherwise be prepared for a long stint of Obama , then Hillary, then.......
Getting beaten by 11 points in the women's vote by Obama is a bad sign. Especially when Hillary will be running and the economy is looking up. Republicans stand tough on wealthy tax breaks and the fiscal cliff comes, and they will take the PR hit, like it or not. Ever heard of the term "pick your battles'? Time for Repubs to do that.
Dec 2, 2012 at 5:14 p.m.
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Well lets try Nixon, no he is gone, well how about Walace no he is gone also, I got it how about Reagan opps I forgot he is gone also. Well let me get back to you on this one.
Dec 2, 2012 at 4:45 p.m.
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Herman Cain for president in 2016! With Michelle Bachmann for VP!
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LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec 2, 2012 at 4:22 p.m.
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Herman Cain for president in 2016! With Michelle Bachmann for VP!
Dec 2, 2012 at 2:53 p.m.
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His name is Paul Ryan. He has to distant himself from the whack bag loony toon trash that the Republicans have became.
Dec 2, 2012 at 12:42 p.m.
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The repubs have been in disarray for years.
Romney was never a leader in the party.
He was just the richest candidate.
Most repubs didn't really like him.
The only thing holding the "party" together is the cash infusion from the Kochs and their ilk -they are the ones dictating republican agenda.
Dec 2, 2012 at 11:37 a.m.
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The GOPs relevency is the real problem.
As long as it relates to a nominally small section of the populace,its influenece will diminish as its supporters age out and leave the electorates demographic.
Once this party can reorient itself to political relevency in the present day and age will it gain support and move in a direction that the constituency will benefit from.
What lacks the most with the political right is a coherent vision for the partys platform.
So long as the GOP looks back for answers, it will fail as the future will likely not resemble the days past.
Dec 2, 2012 at 10:05 a.m.
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The leaders of both of the political parties know how to win elections, not run a country. There hasn't been a true statesman in years. Too much money.
Dec 2, 2012 at 8:33 a.m.
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But they've already got Rush Limbaugh...
Dec 2, 2012 at 4:58 a.m.
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Until we can get rid of these Republicans and Democrats, the average American citizen is doomed.
Dec 2, 2012 at 1:34 a.m.
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Don't worry about 2016. If the Mayan calendar doesn't finish us off, Obama's lack of real-world experience will doom the country. At some point China or the European Union will try cashing some of those multi-trillion dollar checks of Obama's and the value of the US dollar will sink like a rock, or Obama's advisers will foresee that outcome and cleverly start printing extra dollar bills to redeem them. Welcome to the Obama/Weimar Republic. Don't forget your wheelbarrows.
Dec 2, 2012 at 1:06 a.m.
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How quickly they forgot Paul Ryan...he was just a heartbeat away from being President if Romney had won.
Dec 1, 2012 at 11:38 p.m.
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At least we know that wislady isn't a hired political poster like feduptaxpayer, kaysbrew, chief_ten_bears, and many others who left shortly after the election- paycheck ended. She actually believes the stuff she writes. She's well within her rights. But wislady- why do you think there were so many phony posters here? They weren't spereading what they considered truth- they were hired. Not good for your side.
Dec 1, 2012 at 9:39 p.m.
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Republicans need more than a new leader, they need a new message.
Dec 1, 2012 at 9:34 p.m.
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Some people don't even make sense.
Dec 1, 2012 at 8:54 p.m.
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Move over SARAH PALIN - I think WISLADY sounds like she wants to be a CANDIDATE! We know she is intelligent, open minded, and articulate. She has the special ReFIBlican blinders that enable her to stay focused and will help America prosper. I know that she agrees with Palin on the TWO Koreas. Yes, she agrees that "We've Got To Stand With Our North Korean Allies"
(Palin--->Nov. 2010)
Dec 1, 2012 at 8:02 p.m.
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Ya...the Repubs all just stand around saying, "what, me worry?"
In fact they will still be saying it after their 2016 defeat.
Dec 1, 2012 at 7:40 p.m.
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When will liberals ever take time to see who is writing this junk?
No one is worried about 2016, except the democrats.
Dec 1, 2012 at 7:39 p.m.
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Geez-This is so funny. Romney has become a "virtual ghost". The campaign is over-the only one who doesn't seem to know that is Obama. But then again that's all he knows how to do, isn't it? Are you guys waiting for Romney to tell you what to do? Should he have kept campaigning? We have a total mess going on in Washington but Obama can't straighten it out because he doesn't know how. It's his deal now-not Bush's-his. You wanted him-you got him-unfortunately so did the rest of us.
Dec 1, 2012 at 6:01 p.m.
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Totally agree....I vote for whoever I want to and vote both ways...
But the Republican Party need to be rebuilt from the bottom up...
And unfortunately with Mitt Romney's stupid comments on why he lost, as well as Boehner looking like he will continue to be a moron (like Nancy Pelosi is) ...things are not looking good...
Time to wake up..
Dec 1, 2012 at 5:52 p.m.
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The ReFIBlicans want a strong new leader...gee...I guess that would have to include one of these: 1. HoNeSt Scott Walker - Hope being a College Drop OUT won't hurt his chances. The Criminal Defense Fund I'm sure they can overlook. He has not been convicted YET. 2. Arnold da terminator - A perfect husband and so very loyal to his wife. Arnold is a real family guy. 3. Paul Ryan - Just because his own hometown did not vote for him should be no big deal. Even losing the State of WI for Mitt should be okay because he had some interesting "beefcake" pictures in Time Magazine. ALSO - some very interesting quotes(below) from Paul. Yes, Paul is da man, Better than Scotty and the Terminator.
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/Paul-...
Dec 1, 2012 at 5:36 p.m.
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I know!
I know!
Paul Ryan!
Dec 1, 2012 at 5:19 p.m.
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Run a liberal. Run Lincoln. Oh, wait a minute, he died.
Dec 1, 2012 at 3:19 p.m.
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America has changed. Grandpa's Old Party (GOP) with it's white, evangelical, elitist, rich, out of touch, far right leaning tendencies and ideals just doesn't work anymore. Time to change the game plan if you want to occupy the top spot.
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