Florida GOP Primary Results
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-02-01/florida-gop-primary-results
GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney now heads west. Following his resounding victory in Florida’s GOP presidential primary yesterday, his campaign is focused on the caucuses in Nevada Saturday. His Florida win is largely credited to a barrage of attack ads unleashed in the days before the vote. The target of those ads, rival Newt Gingrich, had hoped to build on his stunning win in South Carolina last month, and despite his poor showing in Florida the former speaker vows to press on. Join us for analysis of yesterday’s vote, what it means, and what’s ahead
Guests
Craig Shirley
republican strategist, Reagan historian; president and CEO, Shirley & Banister Public Affairs; and author of the new book, “December 1941: 31 Days That Changed America And Saved The World.”
Beth Reinhard
reporter, National Journal.
David Frum
columnist, Daily Beast/Newsweek,former speechwriter and special assistant to President George W. Bush and author of "Comeback: Conservatism That Can Win Again"; and co-author of "An End to Evil: What's Next in the War on Terror."
Comments
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Two listeners complained and criticized the show for the blather about campaign tactics with no comment on the policies and issues proposed by the candidates.
First, I enjoyed the show, even the bickering between Craig Furley and David Frum. In fact, the bickering highlights the strong differences that exist in the Republican Party. I believe Susan Page cut it off when Craig wanted to revisit an earlier topic.
In fact, the policy issues were addressed when Craig, or was it David, indicated the differences on policy between the front runners were few and those few were not major differences.
Some voters believe if we truly listened to Ron Paul or Rick Santorum we would become enlightened and send them or votes. Others believe that Newt's command of policy should inform us all. Others believe a hands on governor and a hands on business man would present a refreshing point of view if only we would listen. I'm sure if we all listened carefully, we would be no closer to a consensus candidate.
The two listeners are naive if they don't recognize campaign tactics trump issues. I may be disappointed by that fact, but I recognize it. This problem is more serious when campaign positioning takes over policy debates in Washington. With the 2012 election in front of the Washington political establishment, neither the Republicans nor the Democrats have motivation to resolve our pressing issues. Just look at how both sides failed to address the debt ceiling issue twice in one year. Campaign tactics and campaign positioning are key to a successful race.
For the record, I am a Republican, though most of my fellow Republicans consider me a RINO and tend to ignore my position. On the other hand, when they want my money or my vote, they expect me to put aside my beliefs and vote in support of theirs.
Dear Diane,
Please do not invite David Frum on your show again... ever!
To accuse Rep. Paul of running for president as a sham to build "the family business"... Really?!
I've followed Rep. Paul for almost 5 years now, and while I don't agree with everything he says, he is 100% sincere in wanting to help this country. You can watch videos of him on YouTube from 30 years ago saying the same things he's saying now--predicting the problems we have today. He has stood alone for years in congress pleading with them to follow the Constitution (not making money for the "family business"). Shame on Mr. Frum!
Personally, I think Rep. Paul is a national hero whether he wins the election or not!
-James
Shows like this are required to stimulate an interest in fake elections making a mockery of democracy. David Frum seems to have shifted his rhetoric after changing jobs. He has seamlessly taken on the line of his latest employers. Shirley sounded like the cryptofascist hack he is beside the new davidbrooksinized Frum.
Susan McPaper Page performed one of the most excellent jobs of moderation I've witnessed in the longest time on today's DRShow. Soon it will become the Susan Page Show. Her curbing of Shirley just as his racist talking point about "our broken welfare system" was introduced was masterful. The subject was clearly outside the whores' race bounds. And any idiot knows that SNAP is the only surviving welfare program left and that about one fifth of Americans require it to eat. (Unemployment benefits are insurance that helps employers mothball a ready workforce, and cutting Medicaid could lead to epidemics and plague. We are already throwing elderly hospital patients in dog kennels.) The United States is demonstrably a failed state when the lack of campaign platforms is considered. Romney will be the nominee and he will draft David Petraeus as VP to win if he is smart. Next comes marshall law as the Olgarchy intensifies and services break down. That's exactly what the cutters have promised their overlords. Ron Paul and his fanatic 7% of conservatives will have no impact on this final coup. They will sit in their gold buying pawn shops, gun stores, tax preparation offices and day care centers passively as resisters like me are killed and deported to labor camps. Theirs is the holy liberty to remain bone idle.
"he's now offered a series of explanations of those events that are facially laughable and that have since been contradicted by witnesses."
Many people have come to Ron Paul's aid to give a factually based research on the racist newsletters that I believe are not laughable.
http://www.fox19.com/story/16458700/reality-check-the-name-of-a-mystery-...
Yep. It is that Swamp thing that connects S.C., GA, Tallahassee and Jacksonville. The northern reaches of the St. Johns river, I think they call it. All part of the Bob Jones university alumni. They hunt the same territory.
I guess Romney had his 'Macaca Moment' today, with his comments. Hey, you are going to 'misspeak' and do your locker room talk, when your campaign advisers are sparing with your backers. Trying to "stay on the message" that is good for this primary, can get you in trouble with your other upcoming supporters. Depends on who your Super-pac is and what they want you to focus on, and who the voters are. It is easy to forget you are not in the posh locker room, when you are calling out to whatever coliseum you are working. Primary's are a b. They will give knowing looks, and winks and nods during the caucuses. Imagine how hard it is for George Allen to be nice in Virginia. I can't wait for his song and dance. As if the poor virginians don't have kids in the National Guard coming home with PTSD and other physical ailments. Like they said back in the 70's, about George Allen, "Keep him away from your dogs and horses. The girls will have to take care of themselves. He was 'special' don'tcha know! Still is, but I bet he is being coached right this minute. He will probably appear with some Irish Setters or Beagles, and have the Blue Ridge and a couple of mounts behind him. Won't that be special.
Ain't that the truth!! I can feel the red dot on my forehead right this minute. A convenient accident, the usual stuff.
David Frum must have a Super-pac behind him. Those who lie and manipulate the most, always accuse others of lying. It's the High-class Road way of the Regurgitons.
Like a number of other commentators I found the bickering behavior between the guests Craig Shirley and David Frum to be very juvenile, disappointing and frankly bad radio.
I hope next time they are invited to the program they can find a way to articulate there very intelligent insights without resorting to such childish behavior. Its beneath such a fine program. Worth of Cable news perhaps, but surely not the Diane Rehm show.