An Obama reach out to the moderate, i.e. sane, Republicans helps to isolate the fringe Repubs's.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

And make them seem out of step and time with the brighter lights in their own party.

Plus, it helps rebut and undercut those who keep trying to label him and us as far left loonies, Socialists, Marxisits, etc.

A lot of people just are not thinking strategically and may not be aware how important it is for us to stake out the frame for the administration.

I don't really care who does what or what they are called, I care about what they will DO.

[No Elephants]

1. I'm glad he will hear a lot of different voices in private. One thing we don't need is another

echo chamber or another echo chamber President. He'll still make up his own mind. He's nobody's sheep.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

2. I think that is what Obama has to do too

In fact, he already did that VERY effectively during his campaign and was helped a lot by the fact that McCain/Palin didn't really seem to be trying at all to broaden their support beyond their "base" and the mythical PUMA block. By any measure, Obama came out of the campaign looking far more sensible and reasonable than McCain did, which is why he was able to win the support of a lot of moderate (and even some conservative) Republicans, as well as independents. I expect that that he will continue crafting policies and proposals to appeal to a wider audience as President. The Republican Party has always been held together by approximately 3 coalitions and if we can sway at least one of those coalitions (the moderate and even the fiscally conservative Republicans are ripest for the plucking) then the Republican Party will left with pretty much only the social and religious conservatives (fundies) and a small cadre of neoconservative intellectuals (although we might win some of them over as well) neither of which will be seen as "mainstream" enough to win broad support in future elections if Obama is successful.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

4. I wonder what it would take to get Collins and Snowe to jump ship?

I don't think Maine would be mad at them at all. Maine has some severe poverty issues.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

6. I've read some previous discussion here about them

the consensus being that they have been lifelong Republicans and that neither of them are likely to actually leave the party and/or become Independents. I've heard that Collins, in particular, is not as "independent" as she is often perceived to be as well. That being said, we will probably be able to reach out to them (and probably some other moderate Republicans) and win their support on some major issues, hopefully negating obstructionists like McConnell and Lott and the need for a filibuster-proof Senate (which, unfortunately, it doesn't look like we are going to get :( ).

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

7. Similar to Lincoln Chafee. I'll always be grateful to RI for making the hard choice of booting

him even though they love him in order to get a majority the last time around. He too had very very strong long standing and familial Republican roots and his entire family was highly revered.

And guess what? He just switched. If Jack Reed gets a position, maybe Linc can become a RI Senator again - as a Dem!

[Proud Liberal Dem]

9. I think we should take anybody we can get

ANYBODY who is at least genuinely interested in talking about and solving our country's problems, regardless of their political persuasion, should be welcomed into the discussion. THAT is what I believe Obama is about and what will ultimately get our country back on track.

[cali]

3. Absolutely, Phoebe

I wish more people would think stratgically.

[mmonk]

5. I wouldn't mind seeing jobs for sane Republicans.

Hagel, Chafee, Snow, etc. just to show that party how to act.

[Peacetrain]

8. Its not the label, but the actions and the polices you support..K&R

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

10. Exactamundo, mon ami!

:toast:

I truly believe that I will not be disappointed in this administration and I am going to trust and have faith in Obama and Biden until they give me a very clear reason not to.

[Peacetrain]

11. I put this in another thread.. the republican party destroyed themselves

with Limbaugh and their ilk.. trying to make their party as small as possible, and shoving out any moderates. or even base people who does not follow their strict definitions .. it was something we could never have done all by ourselves.. they imploded.. I really respect Obama, because there is a place at the table for everyone..

He may not use your ideas, but he will at least listen.. and that is huge..

:toast: