Time for Republican smackdown

Peggy Noonan:

(Republican) Party leaders say they're aware they're in trouble, aware of a sense of stasis in the country. They are going to solve the problem, they say, by passing legislation. They're going to pass a budget. And they're going to pass an immigration bill, too. People will like that.

But no they won't. The American people are not going to say, 'I am relieved and delighted our Congress passed a budget.' They will be relieved and delighted if Congress cuts spending. They would be relieved and delighted if Congress finally took responsibility for the nation's borders. They won't be impressed if you just pass bills and call it progress.

Party leaders are showing a belief in process as opposed to a belief in, say, belief. But belief drives politics. It certainly drives each party's base.

One gets the impression party leaders, deep in their hearts, believe the base is . . . base. Unsophisticated. Primitive. Obsessed with its little issues. They're trying to educate the base. But if history is a guide, the base is about to teach them a lesson instead.

Republicans: When you've lost Peggy Noonan, you've lost your base. And you about to lose in November. Big time.

Here's at least one - usually Republican - voter who sees no reason to go to the polls this election.

Of course, the Democrats will take 2006 as a sign that America is becoming more liberal.

Wrong again. But if they didn't make a habit of being wrong, they wouldn't be Democrats.
- posted by total @ 5/11/2006 08:16:00 AM .