Mr. McCain mocked Tea Party-allied Republicans in the House for believing — wrongly, he said — that President Obama and Democrats will get the blame for a default if Republicans refuse to increase the nation’s debt ceiling.
By that flawed logic, “Democrats would have no choice but to pass a balanced budget amendment and reform entitlements and the Tea Party Hobbits could return to Middle Earth,” he said, quoting a Wall Street Journal editorial.
“This is the kind of crack political thinking that turned Sharron Angle and Christine O’Donnell into G.O.P. nominees,” he jeered, referring to two losing Tea Party candidates for the Senate in 2010.
Why is it that when RINOs fail, it’s never their fault? Remember the “crack political thinking” that swept McCain into the White House?
Oh wait, I almost forgot! When the economy tanked, McCain panicked ― he suspended his campaign ― and then he went on to lose the White House.
More to the point, “blame” is not the key issue in this debt limit fight. (Although there will be plenty of blame to go around if Republicans in congress ultimately fail to prevent Democrats from spending us into bankruptcy and taxing us into abject poverty.)
Tea Party Republicans and Tea Party activists delivered a massive victory for the Republican Party in November. Those “Hobbits” were determined to clean up the tsunami of debt that has flooded this country.
Does he ever stop to consider that we have him to thank for everything that Zero has wrought? And McCain has the nads to condemn the Tea Party! What a looser.
John McCain, correctly observing that his party has been hijacked by lunatics.
McCain and the other soon to be extinct Rhinos are reacting the only way they know how too. With fear, anger and confusion. McCain like his fellow Rhinos, and democrats know that we the Tea Party People will no longer tolerate “business as usual”, that our numbers continue to increase everyday, while theirs decrease. For decades the Rhinos lived and roamed the field uncontested. But now a new political predator has emerged into their private and what they thought once protected little preserve. But McCain and the remaining Rhinos either can’t or don’t want to change their dysfunctional behaviors to meet this new threat which has claimed so many of their fellow Rhinos. They are demanding that the new political animal called the Tea Party politician accept the old values, and behaviors of the old Rhinos and to live in submission to the democrats and liberals. To live by the Rhino’s number one rule, submit and survive, and you will prosper and live long. But McCain is confused, these new Tea party politicians refuse to sell out their character, values and promises they made to the people who sent them to Washington. So McCain is now angry and has joined with his old protectors the democrats in a futile attempt to blame the Tea Party for wrecking their once uncontested little political world. But it want work this time. The Rhinos and democrats may sell us all out again, but their “business as usual” actions will only drive more people into the ranks of the Tea Party. And McCain and the other Rhinos will find themselves as being nothing more than another trophy for us Tea Party people to hang on our walls. A sell out could very well be the final catalyst that brings about the third party. But it was really sad and depressing to see McCain an old man who desparately trying to cling to the past, while blaming others, and refusing to reflect upon his own failures in serving and advancing the conservative cause.
As far as government spending habits, the deficit, and fiscal responsibility are concerned, the “Tea Party” segment of congress-critters are the only people in Washington with a lick of sense, and whom agree with the majority of voters. The current situation was created because Washington has been out of control for decades, and none of it can be blamed on the “Tea Party” freshmen. Not a dime of it! Everyone else there just wants to continue their corrupt “business as usual” and pretend that American’s economy can keep on going this way.
@Ditto: Amen brother! Now pass the biscuts, and gravy please.
Gary G Swenchonis, Ditto,
if we can measure your words to the work of the TEA PARTY,
IT IS EXCELLENT AND BOTH SO WELL DEFINE,
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN, AND MAKE ROOM FOR THEM IN ,THE WHITE HOUSE,
AND LET THE POOR HOPE NOT FEAR, LET THE OLD PEOPLE KNOW THEY ARE BEING PROTECTED, LET THE VETERANS SLEEP IN PEACEFUL DREAMS, NOT BAD STRESS, LET THE MILITARY ABROAD KNOW WE CARE AND RESPECT THEIR COURAGE. LET THE RICH ENTERPRENEUR WHO CREATE JOBS KNOW THEY CAN TRUST AMERICA TO HELP AND APPRECIATE THEIR EFFORTS, LET THE UNEMPLOYED KNOW THERE WILL BE JOBS FOR THEM, LET THE CHILDREN KNOW THEY WILL BE ABLE TO RECITE THE CONSTITUTION IN SCHOOL,
LET THE UN KNOW THEY CANNOT TAKE OUR AMERICA,
LET THE ENNEMIES KNOW THEY HAVE LOST THEIR WAR.
LET THE ALLIES KNOW WE WILL WALK TOGETHER IN PEACE AND NOT DIVIDE AMONG US.
LET THE ACTION BEGIN TO GET THERE
@ilovebeeswarzone: Well written words Bee, and also well-meaning and all true. But to do all you said which I agree with lays a long and difficult journey ahead of us all. We have a government that has become used to getting what they want, and when they want it no matter the cost to all of us, and our nation. Many of our politicians act like the pampered and spoiled children that we all have allowed them to become over the decades. And whenever you try to rein in, be it pampered children, adults, and or animals the unwanted behaviors will always increase in intensity, and duration. Because like children, politicians have grown accustomed to to their parents(us) getting angry and then forgetting about the consequences. Many of the politicians have still not gotten the message, and or hoping that we will forget again all of their inappropriate and dangerous behaviors. The smart politicians have realized that it’s a new political era in American politics, and are changing their behaviors to match the new rules in politics if they want to survive. But it will take years, possibly even decades to correct many of disastrous mistakes that they all have made in governing our nation. And one thing is for certian, the libdems and some Rhinos will not give up easily in running our country into bankruptcy, and giving up jobs that they once thought that they would hold until they retired. Thanks!
@Gary G. & Bees
Tea Party folk will need to network and support their fellows in the same way that “Progressives” and unions have in, order to re-establish responsible government leadership by, for and of the common people.
For too long “Progressive” elites and their proteges have taken over our governments, and they will not give up their power willingly. “Main Street” small businessmen will be important to have on board as well. It was small town people from all walks of life who gave us some of the most profoundly pro-American Statesmen. Farmers, ranchers, merchants, entrepreneurs, clerks, tradesmen, and other middle class workers with callouses on their hands and patriotism in their hearts. They loved this nation and strove to make it stronger. They also worked with compassion for their fellow man, so that they too might have the chance to achieve the American dream.
We all can remove this progressive scourge of would-be Lords from our high government offices, local, state and federal, but we must stop considering only the lessors of evils the two major parties provide us, and be ready to vote instead for those who hold our ideals. We must in primary battles not shy away from voting for like-minded individuals whom the corrupt and biased media claim are “unelectable”. For that kind of propaganda is specifically designed to discourage the people from voting for candidates that average citizens would prefer. We must also act as truth squads and defend these candidates from vicious, false and unfair media attacks. That means flooding mailboxes, phone lines or emails with demands for fair treatment and even so far as threatening to boycotting sponsors if need be to prove to the networks, new rooms, and newspapers, that we are very serious and not to be trifled with.
McCain was a “war Hero”.. thanks for that service. BUT, NOW, he’s a mentally challenged IDIOT….. time He was RETIRED ….. He all but HANDED Obama the White House in the WORST run Campaign I have EVER seen!! He’s a Rino… so, what use is he NOW?? Go home, and Garden, John.. you’ve done your “duty”.. now leave saving what’s LEFT of America to someone who WANTS to see such done.. obviously, you both DO NOT.. and DO NOT KNOW what needs doing… Both, ERASE your PRIOR Patriotic accomplishments…. go before you destroy US and embarrass yourself further….
Mac is correct. The Grand Old Party for better or worse has been hijacked by the Tea Party. The question is are Palin/Bachmann losers like Angle /O’Donnell? Can the T.P. remain viable long enough for Mario Rubio to lead? What happens when Romney secures nomination and possible POTUS? Will the T.P. survive?
HANKSTER How are you? Did you see the tribute going up for C.B. in St. Louis?
@rich wheeler:
That is hardly the case, Rich. I get the feeling that you don’t truly understand the issues all that well, particularly the entire “debt ceiling” issue that has been going on for weeks now.
The current “deal”, shows a “cut” in spending of only $2.5 Trillion over the next decade. Do you realize that actual spending increases over that decade was projected to be around $9.5 Trillion? So, that leaves us with still $7 Trillion in spending increases to deal with. And even if tax increases were to be enacted, like what the Dems and Obama have proposed, that still only takes care $700 Billion -$1 Trillion, and that assumes no negative effects from such tax increases. We are still left with $6-6.3 Trillion in spending increases.
If the GOP was well and truly ‘hijacked’ by the TEA Party, the debt ceiling wouldn’t be raised at all, and the government would learn to live within it’s means, or it would only be raised by a very small amount, and the spending “cuts” would have been much, much higher.
You make the mistake of assuming that the TEA Party people, including those associated with it in DC, actually had a real voice in these discussions about the TEA Party. Hardly the case at all.
J.G. The T.P. has less than 20% of the members of The House and less than 5% of the Senate. This small number of dedicated Reps. has changed the debate for better or worse.Boehner has given this minority a disproportionate voice within the G.O.P. If this agreement is struck over liberal Dem. dissent I believe T.P. should be happy*.The future is uncertain.The current T.P. candidates are unelectable for POTUS.
* I agree with Krauthammer
@rich wheeler:
No, he hasn’t. None of those “TEA Party” congress people have been in support of even his “plans”.
And that is why I stated that I don’t believe that you understand the issue all that well. But don’t feel left out. Most people in the country, including many in Congress, don’t really understand what is actually at stake in regards to the debt ceiling fight. The current “deal” only favors the GOP establishment types, who still long to spend money, but not nearly as much as the Dems. For the TEA Party to be happy about any deal, spending would have to be reduced by monumental amounts, like say, $7-9 Trillion over the course of ten years.
You do understand the difference between actual spending cuts, and the spending increase “cuts” that any deal thus far discussed has included, don’t you? If not, I refer you to my discussion at the following;
Until, and unless, you understand the difference, you don’t really understand the issue at all, nor why it is a loser “deal” to the TEA Party.
J.G To get 7-9 Trillion you suggest without revenue increases are you prepared to make major cuts in Defense as well as social security and education? Scrap EPA FDA SEC ETC?
@rich wheeler:
You can get nearly $9T in cuts over ten years simply by freezing the rate of growth.
@rich wheeler:
Again, Rich, I don’t think you really understand the issue here. Let me put it this way; If today, they came out and stated that $9.5 Trillion in spending will be cut over the next decade, that would hold spending, for those ten years, at their current levels. Nothing would actually be cut from the budget itself. Only the increased spending.
Do you understand what baseline budgeting is, and how it relates to the federal government’s budget? Apparently not, else you wouldn’t have made such a comment like that.
John and Aye I understand what you are saying.We are capping Govt. spending by freezing the rate of growth.. Sounds simple. Can we cap the salary increases of the likes of Dimond,A-Rod and Hannity?
@rich wheeler:
Close. The current “deal” being discussed “cuts” nearly $1 Trillion immediately over ten years, with another $1.2-1.5 to be determined. So, let’s say that they get the max, of $2.5 Trillion. That still leaves roughly $7 Trillion in spending increases over ten years, due to the process of ‘baseline budgeting’. As I stated in the other topic, the rate of spending increase, overall, only falls to 3.5% from 4%. Still a massive amount of new spending.
And, what’s more, that $7 Trillion in new spending, at 3.5%, is not offset by a similar percentage increase in revenues, due to the starting points, of revenue and spending, starting off at different points. To keep up with that $7 Trillion in increased spending, revenues must increase by around 6% per year, meaning GDP must increase at a growth rate of 6% per year. Show me a ten year period where GDP grew by an average of 6% per year. So, not very likely.
And, that is only to maintain an annual deficit of $1.5 Trillion per year, for the entire decade. Do you want $15 Trillion added to the total debt of the country in 10 years? Do you want a total debt of around $30 Trillion, by 2021, when the GDP, if it could achieve a growth rate of 6% per year, would only reach $26.5 Trillion?
Do you now see why people have called this ‘unsustainable’, and that drastic action needs to be taken? Do you also see why I say that anyone who considers themselves part of the TEA Party is very likely to be severely upset if this “deal” passes?
Again, the only real winners in this whole debt ceiling discussion, if the current “deal” passes, will be the establishment GOP members, and most of the Democratic Party.
@Ditto: Sir I could not agree with you anymore! You said it extremely well. For too long we conservatives were willing to listen to the Rhinos snivel and drivel as to how they could do nothing more than compromise. We were late in organizing ourselves at the community level, like the left and democrats as you say. My wife and myself are extremely active now and have been even before it was cool to stand up and say enough is enough. We just came from a meeting here in our small town of others who think like us, and want the Rhinos gone for good. I really believe that we are at a pivotal point in our nations history. And that we do have a long road ahead of us. But this debate has shown us the Rhinos who are refusing to recognize that they are on the soon to be extinction list, for refusing to change and blame us the Tea party people for wrecking their way of life, and how business was done as usual. And like you say, organizing your community is much easier at the small town level than at the large city level. Or I should say it has its advantages. I used to organize at both levels. Big and small. But I always enjoyed the small town level much more personally.
Biden, the Rhinos, and the libdems can call me a Tea Party Terrorists any day! I take that as a compliment considering the sources! The days of the rhinos and libdems snuggling up in the same bed and playing hanky panky with each other are far from over, but its a good beginning! There is a hunger out here in the general public that is demanding a new type of politican, and a new political direction. Perry who rarely mentioned his faith has now found it for some odd reason. Tea Party? Rommey is stuck in the polls, and is resorting to every trick he can think of to no avail. Down to earth individuals who speak from the heart, and say what they mean are more popular than ever before. People have become sick and tired of political correct politicians who change their stance on issues from speech to speech, and or change their values as easily as they change their clothes. Many Americans have finally woke up to the fact that our nation was, and still is headed for ruin. And who helped to get us to this point? Both the democrats, and the grand old party with their new vision of a softer and more gental conservative party, compassionate conservatism. If these pampered and petulant rhinos, and libdems don’t wake up, and or if the Tea Party assimilates into the Rhinos we will all be suffering in the grips of a depression that will make the the great depression look like a small recession.