GOP 'Pledge' makes closing argument to voters (1 Viewer)

[Ockham]

By JULIE HIRSCHFELD DAVIS (AP) – 40 minutes ago

STERLING, Va. — Pushing toward big gains on Nov. 2, House Republicans promised to end a slew of Democratic policies and restore Americans' trust in government as they rolled out a campaign manifesto designed to show they're listening to an angry public and are focused on creating jobs.

"The land of opportunity has become the land of shrinking prosperity ... Our government has failed us," Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California declared. "We will take back our country. We will restore for a better future. This is our pledge to you."

At a hardware store in suburban Washington, senior House Republicans in shirt sleeves showed off the 21-page document they say would guide them should they gain a majority of seats in the midterm balloting five weeks away.

The "Pledge to America" was filled with familiar proposals to slash taxes and spending and cut down on government regulation, as well as repeal President Barack Obama's health care law and end his stimulus program. In a show of unity, Senate Republicans and Haley Barbour, chairman of the Republican Governors Association, issued strong statements of support.

The unveiling capped a private debate among Republicans that had pitted those who favored making an agenda public against others who argued it would merely open the party's candidates to criticism in a campaign that has been tilting their way.

LINK

While long, (8000 words), familiar and with obvious holes - this is a first step of "getting back to basics" by the GOP they're selling to voters. Critics on the Right however, are seeing it as watered down beltway business as usual.

Redstate says:

"At a time when America needs a bold, simple, fresh plan for putting America on the path to fiscal and constitutional sanity - we get instead an almost 8000 word term paper of inside-the-beltway regurgitation that lacks the one thing the American people seem to be dying to have… actual leadership. Harsh? Hardly."
I give credit to the GOP for seeing the writing on the wall left by the Tea Party: get back to basics or else. The GOP isn't jumping into that pool head first... they're wading in and they should. A vast swing to the right with some "bold" plan espousing cutting Social Security, Medicare and the Dept. of Ed. is a sure fire loser. The missing parts like a pledge to cut earmarks, to pass term limits, or to cut corporate tax to the levels the rest of the world uses is missing. Republicans need to understand however, they can't wade in the pool forever. This is a nice first step but it needs some concrete follow up and not on November 3rd --- sooner. We don't need a bold "let's change Washington into Conservative Utopia" - that's what Obama campaigned with a "Progressive Utopia" and we all know that hope and change went down the toilet quick.

Pledge to America - full text.

 

[Boo Radley]

until, like all parties, they are actually in power. Then, . . . what?

 

[PeteEU]

Love it.. expose their own hypocrisy.. hope the Dems exploit this.

 

[Ockham]

until, like all parties, they are actually in power. Then, . . . what?

Quite right - and normally I'd say we have a two party system so it's a choice between two different types of bad. However, the emerging tea party is just as adamant about kicking out Republicans who play ball, grow government and spend spend spend as they are about Democrats. If the Tea Party has longevity, we actually may have a Republican party that is forced to change - not today, not tomorrow but over the next 3-5 elections. That may just slow the Dem GOP patty cake fest down and put people in office who back up their words with actions.

But I appreciate the cynacism. Where was it in 2010? Cheering Obama?

 

[sokpupet]

Remix and generalized pap, SSDD, where are jobs?, nothing about banning earmarks!

The late Sam Francis identified the two political parties of America as the evil party and the stupid party, often switching labels. Today, with this "new" contract they are stupid.
Stupid and Evil Political Parties - Vox

 

[Objective Voice]

I'm currently in the process of reading the GOP Plan, and so far I haven't found anything of real substance that goes contrary to what the Washington Post has already summarized herein. To that, Ockham is correct. The GOP is treading very lightly here. From what I've read of it and based on the summary article, there's really nothing groundbreaking in this 21-page pledge that either hasn't already been attempted and shown it's not that easy to fully implement, i.e., not adding attachments to bills before a vote, or IMO that's really going to change things for the better, i.e., repealing health care reform.

Many of the things the GOP are upset about, i.e., spending, TARP, stimulus, will eventually stop on its own, i.e., stimulus spending is only a 2-year program (2009-2011), TARP will end fully once the banks have all stabalized and repaid (most if not all of) their loans (and several large banks already have), and unemployment benefits are limited and have expiration periods anyway. So, when you get down to it there's really nothing along the lines of limiting government spending/fiscal responsibility that the GOP has to "tackle" that won't end on its own in short order. The small business tax issue is a different story, but even here you have to wade through the GOP double-talk.

On the one hand they want to give more tax cuts/credits/deductions to small businesses, but that's what the Obama Administration is doing right now atleast in the short-term. Long-term might be a different story (i.e., taxes under health care legistlation), but no one really knows exactly how this will play out. However, if I understand health care reform legislation correctly, most small businesses would be exempt from paying any new taxes under healthcare reform and few would see a tax increase. Only large corporations would be affected where higher taxes under HCR legislation is concerned and even then they would only pay a tax if they don't provide health insurance coverage to their employees.

I'll keep reading, but so far I really don't see anything Earth-shattering in this new "Contract w/America". Good ideas, but I really don't see anything new that either hasn't already been promised by both parties and said promises have been broken or aren't currently attempting to fully implemented (i.e., posting bills online or waitng 72-yrs before voting on same).

 

[sokpupet]

This says it all:

 

[Objective Voice]

Yep, sokpupet...that about says it all right there.

 

[Boo Radley]

Quite right - and normally I'd say we have a two party system so it's a choice between two different types of bad. However, the emerging tea party is just as adamant about kicking out Republicans who play ball, grow government and spend spend spend as they are about Democrats. If the Tea Party has longevity, we actually may have a Republican party that is forced to change - not today, not tomorrow but over the next 3-5 elections. That may just slow the Dem GOP patty cake fest down and put people in office who back up their words with actions.

But I appreciate the cynacism. Where was it in 2010? Cheering Obama?

I don't really believe that. Frankly they've had a lot of opportunity to be mad and throw people out, but haven't until now. Makes one wonder why now as there is nothing new here. Second, republicans are more the focus, and are simply rebranding republicans and not democrats. So, it is more part of the republican party than the democrat party. I think this will hurt republicans in the long run, but it is hardly equal distain among the tea party members.

 

[apdst]

Remix and generalized pap, SSDD, where are jobs?, nothing about banning earmarks!

The late Sam Francis identified the two political parties of America as the evil party and the stupid party, often switching labels. Today, with this "new" contract they are stupid.
Stupid and Evil Political Parties - Vox

Yeah, the Dems have done a great job, so far. Right?

 

[apdst]

Love it.. expose their own hypocrisy.. hope the Dems exploit this.

Pray-tell, how could the Dems possibly exploit this? What are they going to do, tell us about all the great things they've done since they took over?

 

[Boo Radley]

Pray-tell, how could the Dems possibly exploit this? What are they going to do, tell us about all the great things they've done since they took over?

Been there; done that. How did it go once they were in charge?

 

[Moot]

It's just another one of the GOP's pamphlet full of jingoism and lacking in substance.

But then look who wrote the GOP plan.....a lobbyist who worked for AIG, Pfizer, Exxon, Comcast....

GOP 'Pledge To America' Director Lobbied For AIG, Exxon, Pfizer, Chamber of Commerce

The Republican Party's 21-page blueprint, "Pledge to America," was put together with oversight by a House staffer who, up till April 2010, served as a lobbyist for some of the nation's most powerful oil, pharmaceutical, and insurance companies....

Until early this year, Wild was a fairly active lobbyist on behalf of the firm the Nickles Group, the lobbying shop set up by the former Republican Senator from Oklahoma, Don Nickles. During his five years at the firm, Wild, among others, was paid $740,000 in lobbying contracts from AIG, the former insurance company at the heart of the financial collapse; $800,000 from energy giant Andarko Petroleum; more than $1.1 million from Comcast, more than $1.3 million from Exxon Mobil; and $625,000 from the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc.....

GOP 'Pledge To America' Director Lobbied For AIG, Exxon, Pfizer, Chamber

Surprise, it's another contract on America.

 

[Ockham]

It's just another one of the GOP's pamphlet full of jingoism and lacking in substance.

But then look who wrote the GOP plan.....a lobbyist who worked for AIG, Pfizer, Exxon, Comcast....




Surprise, it's another contract on America.

I'll take it over Obama's Euro-retrashing of America any day. :shrug:

 

[Councilman]

It's not the Contract with America but it's a good Start.
It is my fondest wish that the "Dims" (no spell error) continue to be arrogant, and point crooked little fingers, call the opposition, names, and continue to dismiss the Tea Party, and in all things put the Trifecta of Doom Obama, Pelosi, Reid and their Socialist/Marxist Dim Party ahead of what's good for America and the "WE THE PEOPLE" because it will make their down fall come November sweet beyond belief.

Knowing that the Wicked Witch of the West is going to have to give up her new plane and go back to flying commercial flights and move out of her $18,000 a month office and reduce her bloated staff.

I Think the Republicans have learned they have been going in the wrong direction allowing the Dims to run wild and unchecked because they were being namby pamby march mallow milk toast long enough.

This may not be everything we want but it shows the "TEA PARTY" is having a serious impact and the Obama agenda is going to be not only be stopped but his Anti-American plans and ploys are going to be rolled back.

I'm not going dancing in the street but it's a good start.

We are now hearing that Obama's inner circle is deserting the sinking ship of Obamania.

Even Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod along with his entire failed economic team are on the list rats baling on the Amateur in Chief, and may I add for the good of the Nation.

The Conservatives are on a come back, and I for one welcome it.

Those who stand for nothing fall for anything

 

[jambalaya]

I frankly think they should have kept their mouths shut until after this coming election and let the Tea Pary do their dirty work. I agree it gives their opponents something to attack. But I like to see goals and focus. But I haven't read the pledge so I don't know.

 

[Boo Radley]

I'll take it over Obama's Euro-retrashing of America any day. :shrug:

Have some national self esteem. Be big enough to handle some criticism.

 

[jambalaya]

It's just another one of the GOP's pamphlet full of jingoism and lacking in substance.

But then look who wrote the GOP plan.....a lobbyist who worked for AIG, Pfizer, Exxon, Comcast....



Surprise, it's another contract on America.

It's the Democrats that have a Contract ON America the Republicans had a Contract WITH America. The big difference is America doesn't know what is in the Democrat's contract on them. The Democarats secret contract mostly comprises of stealing the peoples money through taxes, destroying the free enterprise system and converting as many people as possible to dependence on the government.

 

[The Prof]

"Pledge to America" Unveiled by Republicans (Full Text) - Political Hotsheet - CBS News

introductory vision statement---the economy and the constitution

stop job killing tax hikes, tax deductions for small biz, congressional approval required before any regulation that adds to deficit, repeal and replace obamacare, undo its mandate, non discretionary spending returned to 08 levels, budget caps, cancellation of all unspent tarp, fix fannie and fred, citation of constitutional authority for every bill to be voted on, 3 days allowed for reading of bills, support for troops, sdi, sanctions against iran...

that's a pretty good start

seeya in november

it's gonna be LOUD

 

[Barbbtx]

I'm currently in the process of reading the GOP Plan, and so far I haven't found anything of real substance that goes contrary to what the Washington Post has already summarized herein. To that, Ockham is correct. The GOP is treading very lightly here. From what I've read of it and based on the summary article, there's really nothing groundbreaking in this 21-page pledge that either hasn't already been attempted and shown it's not that easy to fully implement, i.e., not adding attachments to bills before a vote, or IMO that's really going to change things for the better, i.e., repealing health care reform.

Many of the things the GOP are upset about, i.e., spending, TARP, stimulus, will eventually stop on its own, i.e., stimulus spending is only a 2-year program (2009-2011), TARP will end fully once the banks have all stabalized and repaid (most if not all of) their loans (and several large banks already have), and unemployment benefits are limited and have expiration periods anyway. So, when you get down to it there's really nothing along the lines of limiting government spending/fiscal responsibility that the GOP has to "tackle" that won't end on its own in short order. The small business tax issue is a different story, but even here you have to wade through the GOP double-talk.

On the one hand they want to give more tax cuts/credits/deductions to small businesses, but that's what the Obama Administration is doing right now atleast in the short-term. Long-term might be a different story (i.e., taxes under health care legistlation), but no one really knows exactly how this will play out. However, if I understand health care reform legislation correctly, most small businesses would be exempt from paying any new taxes under healthcare reform and few would see a tax increase. Only large corporations would be affected where higher taxes under HCR legislation is concerned and even then they would only pay a tax if they don't provide health insurance coverage to their employees.

I'll keep reading, but so far I really don't see anything Earth-shattering in this new "Contract w/America". Good ideas, but I really don't see anything new that either hasn't already been promised by both parties and said promises have been broken or aren't currently attempting to fully implemented (i.e., posting bills online or waitng 72-yrs before voting on same).

If they do what they say they will for small businesses, we'll see the economy and jobs grow at astounding rates.. More jobs= more taxes paid.

 

[liblady]

If they do what they say they will for small businesses, we'll see the economy and jobs grow at astounding rates.. More jobs= more taxes paid.

which is what?

 

[RosieS]

What this Pledge says is that GOP pockets are open to receive special interest money once again so that the special interests may dictate the GOP agenda once again.

Not a thing new with that.

Regards frm Rosie

 

[Josie]

I don't have much faith in the current GOP.

 

[Moot]

It's the Democrats that have a Contract ON America the Republicans had a Contract WITH America. The big difference is America doesn't know what is in the Democrat's contract on them. The Democarats secret contract mostly comprises of stealing the peoples money through taxes, destroying the free enterprise system and converting as many people as possible to dependence on the government.

Well, when you find this secret contract, be sure to let us know. LOL

 

[Barbbtx]

I frankly think they should have kept their mouths shut until after this coming election and let the Tea Pary do their dirty work. I agree it gives their opponents something to attack. But I like to see goals and focus. But I haven't read the pledge so I don't know.

Some thought they should just let the Dems hang themselves.
However, being known as the party of NO doesn't sound so good. They really needed to get their ideas out there and so far I think the Pledge is excellent. They kept social issues out except for a promise to permanently ban all federal funding of abortions which I think polls showed 70% of Americans would be for that. The real focus is on jobs and the economy from the summary I've seen.

It just feels good to think "finally, someone is listening! thank you tea party!"