Beware perils of overreaching, GOP is warned

[Moloch]

Moving swiftly to consolidate their control over government in the wake of their big election triumph, President Bush (news - web sites) and Republican leaders in Congress are facing a different kind of threat--themselves.

Political analysts warn that overly aggressive efforts to push a conservative agenda could leave Bush and his allies vulnerable to charges of political overreaching, and ultimately cause a voter backlash.

So far, no such backlash is in sight. But Bush and Republican congressional leaders have wasted no time since the Nov. 2 election to tighten control and lessen dissent in the party ranks as they maneuvered to press the president's agenda, leaving some GOP moderates chafing over how they were treated.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=2027&ncid=2027&e=6&u=/chitribts/20041129/ts_chicagotrib/bewareperilsofoverreachinggopiswarned

[w4rma]

1. I'm a little sick of big media's only criticism of Repugs as "warnings"

that something they might do might harm them politically.

[ooglymoogly]

5. it was a token gesture for dem ears

they know they, i mean the repukes and their mouthpiece the free press (delete free) have no worries on the vote shredding front.

[Ernesto]

9. Exactly......

With a nation so well divided, there are plenty of Dems who spend big $$$$$$$$ on news consumption.
We are better informed than your typical mush-brained fundy, IMHO.

[MallRat]

2. Yeah. Look at what all that overreaching has already cost them!

I mean, they've been forcefeeding a rabidly ultraconservative agenda down our collective throats for four straight years, and now they ONLY control the White House, the House, the Senate, the Judiciary, the intelligence community, the military, the majority of governorships, and the mainstream media!

Yeah. Huge backlash. :eyes:

-MR

[Bono71]

4. As if invading a country in the hotzone of all hotzones on a

hunch (if not an outright lie) that said country had weapons and wanted to use them on us, was not overreaching.

[GOPBasher]

19. Exactly.

I agree. And welcome to DU! :hi:

[cali]

11. There will be a backlash

I'm not about to advise patience. God knows, I'm lacking in it, but the backlash cometh. Yes, they've been shoving it down our throats for years now, but they've been able to disguise it as compassionate conservatism, or they've adeptly blamed everything on Clinton, or that they didn't have enought thugs in the congress. Well, they've now run out of excuses. Economic woes? Their fault. A new terrorist attack? Yep, their fault. And on down the line. In addition, the values bullshit, is just that- bullshit. I completely doubt the thugs will be able to hold onto their majority for many more years. I think we'll begin to see the reversal of fortunes starting in 2006.

[tavalon]

18. You are completely right

and you are completely wrong. Right about the backlash, wrong about the reversal of fortunes in 2006, unless the vote fraud issues have been resolved. If that's the case, then we will see a huge backlash that will actually translate to change in leadership in Washington. Otherwise, it will just be voting for show, not even really worth anyone's time. Kind of like in Ukraine, except without the outrage.

[RaleighNCDUer]

20. As I was about to, you said it. n/t

[LakeCohoon]

30. Actually, he is right

If the overreaching is perceived as such, it will ensure a spanking in ’06.

Perception though, requires one to pay attention to what the hell is going on.

[AndyTiedye]

24. There Already Was A Backlash, But it Was Diebolded into Nothingness

with a lot of help from the GOP media. They steal more votes every year.


   We Make Democracy DIE

[The Doctor.]

43. We now have 'backlash minimization software'....

Make no mistake - we can rail all we want, but so long as these machines are about - they are insulated from 'backlash'.

[bunny planet]

53. You are so correct. The fundies are already starting to complain and .

after all, they think they control the Republican party. If they aren't happy with the way things are going soon, they they will leave the Republicans in droves and start their own Jesusland party.

[Dr Ron]

12. Vote not on issues in 2004

There was no backlash yet because so many people voted based upon terrorism, buying the argument that Bush would keep them safer. This (hopefuly) won't last forever. Polling has shown disagreement with Bush on many policies, and a backlash remains possible if the Republicans continue to move towards the right.

I also wonder if the Democrats will be able to take advantage of the fact that the Republcans now promote big government.

[reprobate]

26. Democrats can't take advantage.

Because there is no democratic party anymore. There is the repuglican party and the party formerly known as democrats.

Both parties are owned by the same capital. The only purpose of the democrats now is to provide us with the semblance of an opposition. But THERE IS NO OPPOSITION.

Show me ANY example of the dem raising their voices in opposition effectively against the repugs in the last four years.

In other words, the Democrat Party is dead. Well, maybe not COMPLETELY dead, just MOSTLY dead. (with apologies to Billy Crystal and the Princess Bride).

Sorry, but I can see no effective dem party in the near future. Money is the one thing that binds them all togather, and until the profit motive is removed from politics the wealth will rule. That's why I'm looking seriousl at the Dean group and building a party from the bottom up based on individual internet contributions. It's little enough to do.

Unfortunatly, I don't think the nation will last long enough for a new party to grow into anything effective. We are under attack economically and monitarily. We are bankrupting ourselves with givaways to the rich, a savings rate of zilch, and a war of ill repute, started with lies and thought up by a bunch of ideologs who couldn't think their way out of a third grade multiple guess exam.

It's quite possible we will have to be destroyed before we can be rebuilt as the nation we were supposed to be.

[ilovenicepeople]

35. I agree reprobate, there is no Left/Right only US/THEM

but many here are still chanting "Hope is on the way","Kerry's just hanging low waiting to pounce at the right moment""If we put on the Nazi uniform we can appeal to more in the middle" and simular horse pucky.

[Carla in Ca]

46. I think you have a good point

A lot of people voted for * because he will make us safer(gag) but they will soon forget that if the economy goes south.

[IowaGuy]

3. Sorta seems to me that about 50%...

of the people in the country are already backlashing ...not "in sight"?? Whoever it is that's paying these "political analysts" is getting screwed.

[Richardo]

6. Oh they will - they'll overreach their asses off.

And Democrats have to be there every step of the way, cataloguing every example and hammering on them (dammit!) come the 2006 campaign.

[Bono71]

7. so true...and if the don't hammer them, dems need to hear

from us

[UpInArms]

10. I would love to write to a representative

Dem as a constituent, but I have only pukes in my stupid red state.

I can write 'til I'm blue in the face and get only pap crap in return.

[0007]

36. Know how ya feel, but I still go through the exercise, I write nasties

on their pap crap and return it to 'em. You'd think they'd take me off the mailing list!

[UpInArms]

41. I continue to write - call and generally

let my opinion be known to them all.

My pukey congressional rep (who really pisses me off) has me on a first name basis -

sent me a response stating:

You know I support * and think he is doing a fine job!

Made me want to tear my hair out.

(edit for typo)

[jokerman93]

8. I wouldn't hold my breath

Unless you believe in miracles and think the Dems will suddenly stop rolling over to keep their carreers intact.

Frankly, I'm starting to think the one party system has already arrived, there just isn't going to be a press conference.

[htuttle]

13. Oh, no boys, go ahead and overreach! You are Masters of the Universe!

Try to fulfill your wildest dreams! Aim high! Thousand Year Empire, and all that.

Just let me get clear first, because I think I smell ozone...

[The Backlash Cometh]

14. There is too a voter backlash and that's me.

Here, I'll start the wave:

:hi:

[LynnTheDem]

15. Wait until the ignorant 51% realize what bush's stance really is

As we all know and the rightwingnuts don't know, the rightwingnuts think bush's platform is X, when in fact it's Y. THEN won't the rightwingnuts be surprised! bushCartel will surely see backlash then.

http://www.pipa.org/OnlineReports/Pres_Election_04/html/new_10_21_04.html

[Seabiscuit]

27. So how will "the ignorant 51% realize what bush's stance really is"

... when all they listen to his Hate Radio, Faux News and their weekly "hate sermons" from their fundie ministers???

They're hardly going to read buzzflash.com, etc.

Ignorance, infortunately, is on the increase in Amerika.

[Seabiscuit]

28. So how will "the ignorant 51% realize what bush's stance really is"

... when all they listen to his Hate Radio, Faux News and their weekly "hate sermons" from their fundie ministers???

They're hardly going to read buzzflash.com, etc.

Ignorance, infortunately, is on the increase in Amerika.

[Mari333]

16. Give them enough rope...

I, for one, will watch them destroy themselves , and enjoy it.

[JerseygirlCT]

17. I do think that's what's happening

a small example: read in the local paper the other day that Istook is witholding pork money usually given to Simmons (CT) b/c of Simmons' support for Amtrack. More likely, b/c he hasn't completely towed the party line. All very well and good, but the 2nd district has been hotly contested for years and years. All this is likely to do is give the Dem candidate plenty to go on next time. Simmons basically ran on "bringing home the bacon". Now he can't. Hopefully that means another Dem in the CT delegation.

Another example is Hastert's "majority of the majority" doctrine. This will push aside all the moderate Republicans. Their constituents may very well decide on a new face if the old one isn't getting it done.

I do think they'll overstep themselves thoroughly. The only questions are will we be ready to take advantage of that and make a strong case for change in the Congress? And how much damage can they do before we can do that?

[Arianrhod]

21. I don't trust "moderate" Republicans to do the right thing.

They will toe the line, just as they did under Newt.

[JerseygirlCT]

33. I don't either, but

the point is just that -- the rw guys are pushing the moderates out and splitting their own party. The seat isn't likely to go to a rwer here -- more likely a democrat (if they put up someone good). By pushing the moderates away, they're helping us in the long run, I think.

[Arianrhod]

50. Oh, I agree with you on that.

The more extremist this government gets, in the long run it will backfire on them. The Freeps in my office are exulting over the prospect of taking over the Supreme Court. They have no idea of what that will do to them.

Pity.

[chicagojoe]

22. Glad you mentioned Hastert.

Hastert is my Rep. We're working hard here to destroy his career.
This area is swinging from right to left.
We'll get him.

[JerseygirlCT]

34. I hope you do!

what a jerk

[Chipper Chat]

37. Yes, let's "daschle-ize" Hastert

Send top Dems into Illinois to campaign for Hastert's opponent.
Frist set such a fine example of how it's done!

[chicagojoe]

51. Excellent Idea !!!

Hastert doesn't care about anyone but a few friends he has in business here. I know this first hand. He's a pal of the father-in-law of one of my in-laws.
Any time I've written to him with a concern as on of his constituents, I get back a VERY condescending reply. He's EXTREMELY
"us or them".

[Beacho]

23. The greed head corporate fascists

Warning the religiously insane fascist to watch their step

Boo-Yah!

[Kellis]

25. Warnings???

What is needed is to impeach that bastard and his crimianl cronies.
Our country is headed towards disaster with no opposition in sight from our so called leaders that are left in the WhiteHouse.
The USA is an outlaw,on the verge og bankruptcy and our social infrastructure is almost gutted.
Religious fanatics are now who you see as talking heads on msm-its outrageous.
The only consolation is that the people who voted for that bastard will be the ones most affected by his unqualified running of the government and they can't blame this on the dems this time.

Not much of a consolation prize when I will be living in a facist theocracy for the next 4 yrs(unless ofcourse Madsen is able to prove fraud-which I highly doubt * & CO. would let happen)

[ElectroPrincess]

48. Agreed ... however hate radio is still nurturing thousands

of Right Wing Radical Nutcases. It's astounding how often Rush degrades "liberals" into "communists." It's pure hate mongering propaganda. Still, there's a few thousand nutcases who ALL believe that Rush reveals the truth and those of us who show any progressive viewpoints are evil and immoral Hollywood-type elitists.

In the meantime, CNN is showing off Cooper's cute a** and Paula Zahn in a black leather jacket. They mesh hyped local news (Peterson Case) as all important in order to drown out the ongoing degradation of the Iraqi occupation and other social justice world tragedies.

Finally, what will be left of the CIA after Goss guts all progressive voices and replaces them with loyal Bush-Co. brown-shirt corporatists?

Damn, it's going to get a whole lot worse before the average MSM deluged, dumbed down Americans gets off their complacent a**es.

[belle]

29. Yes, very Greek.

[Rush1184]

31. Anyone think they care about over reaching...

Really, It is not like Cheney is going to run for president. They care about pushing their agenda, and they know that it will take longer to change it back that it took them to instill it, so they do not care about a back lash in 2008, the changes will be done by then. If they lose after that, so what, they can fight back in four more years, we all know the memory loss that occoures in the heads of american voters.

[Niche]

32. They were SHOT DOWN today by Supreme Court reg. Mass. Gay marriage!!!

:party: :bounce: :toast:

[petepillow]

38. Let them bury themselves in their own filth...

just like my sig says. left unchecked, they'll doom themselves. I'm just praying that they don't completely doom us all in the process.

[liberal_patriot_md]

39. have they learned nothing from star wars?

Governor Tarkin: Princess Leia, before your execution, you will join me at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.

Princess Leia: The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.

Hmm . . . sounds a little familiar, doesn't it? And we all know how it turned out for that evil empire.

[maseman]

40. Already Backlashing

The repujes have already started in-fighting with the Intelligence bill The 9/11 commission and a number of (R) Senators are real pissed that it didn't pass. If it doesn't pass, the Dems need to use this as part of the platform of 2006. "See, the Repukes couldn't even pass an intelligence bill to protect us from terrorists while owning congress and the White House." Get ready folks, it will get real verbally bloody.

[The Doctor.]

42. Riiiiight... there's no 'voter backlash' so long as

They control the machines.

Duh!

[Cobalt Violet]

44. Voter Backlash? Nothing a little fraud won't fix.

I don't think anything will be done about the fraud. So why should they worry about a backlash.

[Learning2Fly]

45. Vote counting fraud

could be eliminated by a system of mail-in ballots. Scrap Diebold!

[muchacho]

47. it;s pathetic...

that the Dems only workable strategy seems to be that Bushco become so radical that it makes them look sensible without having to do a thing.

It might work but it doesn't speak well for the future of a viable Dem party.

[Swamp Rat]

49. I smell a Faustian ending.

[genieroze]

52. How can there be backlash when they OWN the voting machines.

Why do these bubbleheaded morons in the media even try and look "fair and balanced" Why don't they get a clue that the pubs don't care because the voting process is bull$hit smoke and mirrors.

[pokercat999]

54. So far, no such backlash is in sight.

Might that backlash appear as a mushroom cloud :]