Posted on 01/21/2011 7:01:55 AM PST by Brookhaven
It's one of the most treasured spotlights -- and one of the most thankless tasks -- in American politics. For one night this year, a Republican will become the face of the party and offer a response to the president of the United States after he delivers the State of the Union address.
The spotlight is intense; despite the fact that the response gets a far smaller audience than the president's address, it's still watched by everyone in Washington, and by millions more around the country. It can highlight a rising star in the GOP, like last year's address in which Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell shone. Or it can be easily mocked for one outstanding feature; think of the parodies of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's performance, or of then-Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine's seemingly independent eyebrow.
The honor comes with a requirement not unlike the Hippocratic oath: Above all, just don't screw up.
(Excerpt) Read more at theatlantic.com ...
If I was picking, it would be either Paul Ryan or Rubio. I would prefer Ryan because he can just pick apart the BS out of Obama’s mouth in a way few can. He’s the easiest to listen to wonk in recent history. Rubio is the easy choice politically, but he’s a newbie and really would only be able to answer platitudes with our own platitudes.
They really shouldn’t give a response. Nobody watches responses and there are nothing but potential downsides to giving it.
Let that witch, Murky, do it.
If I was picking, it would be either Paul Ryan or Rubio.
I like these two. I would like Alan West as well.
Ryan, Allen West, or even Chris Christie.
PALIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
They really shouldn’t give a response.
I’ll second that. It’s a waste of time - except it gives libs something to make fun of. Has there ever been anything good that’s come from one of these?
If we MUST have one, how about Congressman Joe Wilson - with a two word limit.
I suppose you are right, there are at least as many downsides as upsides. If nothing else, instead of a "response" it should be what the GOP would propose instead.
Reportedly Christe turned down the opportunity.
Paul Ryan or Allen West! Either one would be great!
Rock ‘em and sock ‘em with Bachmann.
Nobody is going to be in the mood to give a rebuttal, not after holding hands for an hour and helping Obama with his rehabilitation program.
That’s too bad. I don’t know if his formidable PR skills transfer to a televised speech or not, but the Big Man can work a room like few other politicians I’ve ever seen. He’s got that great combination of preparation with facts, unflappability, and straight no-nonsense talk that really works.
He’d be too liberal for me to ever vote for as President, but man, would I love to see him be Press Secretary. Verbal beatdowns, Soprano-style, issued daily.
}:-)4
Ryan, Allen West, or even Chris Christie.
OOOOHHHhhhh!! I forgot all about Christie..That would be an awesome.
Was Palin’s speech intrinsically disaterous? I thought everything she said was right on the mark.
But she can’t deliver the Republican Response speech because that would be a huge endorsement for by politicians that are not ready to endorse her.
Heck, how about Jeb Bush?
Bachman would be great! They hate her so much it would drive them totally bonkers.
She’s a tough well-spoken pol.
Good choices. I would pick Ryan this year and Rubio for 2012 just for the reasons you give. Ryan knows the budget issues and Rubio is a good political figure who can have an influence on the 2012 elections.
Cucinelli of Virginia - he’s making them cry here.
My first thought was Paul Ryan. He can lay out exactly what was BS about Obama’s speech and present a real alternative. He knows what he’s talking about, and it shows.
On the other hand, just for giggles, I’d like to see Issa up there going over a list of investigations...
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