The Republicans should declare war on it.
Yes. It’s been waging war on them for decades. They really are largely Democrat operatives with bylines.
It could start with harsh mockery of Gail Collins and the New York Times by Scott Walker. He has nothing to lose, because they’ll continue to attack him regardless.
I’ve heard commentators explain that Republican candidates don’t argue with the press because their consultants always tell them not to do it. Who are these consultants anyway? Does anyone have any insight into their motives (other than money?)
My understanding is that any serious GOP contender will eventually hire inside the beltway consultants to develop their credibility in which DC works. At that point, it’s all down hill towards what Bilwick would refer to as state (read “all powerful federal” for US) stumper. The more successful candidate for either party will somehow manage to stay connected to someone powerful from their days outside Washington, which gives them advice that usually makes the difference in connecting with voters outside the beltway or without interest in DC. But you won’t succeed in fundraising without convincing the big donors that you can make the beltway work for the donors, and that requires the inside beltway consultants.
Democrats despise this too, which is why campaign finance reform resonates with so many. The idea being that without the big donors working the system, you could get a leader not beholden to special interest within the beltway. But such reform to get you there won’t come from leaders who got there with inside the beltway consultants. Those consultants will just borrow the title and like the idea that PPACA was about healthcare (it’s not, it’s about insurance companies and their money being controlled by DC), campaign finance reform will just be slapped on legislation that further empowers the Washington brokers.
Thanks, Leland.
I never understood why the Repubs let any of the major networks moderate the debates. Grab Hannity or Rush at least for the Primary Debates, that’s a no brainer. Insist on half debates being moderated by someone other than Candy, Rather, CNN, and the rest.
That war is long past due suggesting they don’t have the stomach for it no matter how much it would benefit them (see NJ Gov.)
It’s not called the stupid party for nothing. Then many really aren’t principled (large amount of party betrayals.)
Agree, I never understood why at least in the primaries, pick your own moderators and your own place.
For a moment I thought that agree was for me, then checked the timestamp.