Gap widening between Bush and conservatives

Townhall.com ^ | January 23, 2004 | Jonah Goldberg

[Apple Pan Dowdy]

It will be interesting to see here whether we can discuss this very real and threatening issue without "bashing" the President we all love so much. We seem to keep sweeping all this under the table, fearing that to discuss it will hurt Bush's chances for re-election (which we do not want to do). But just how long can we go on pretending to ignore it? If we speak up, will the President hear and respond.... I think he will.

[Lazamataz]

Gap widening between Bush and conservatives

Ain't that the truth.

Expect him to strenuously push for, and sign, a much more restrictive Assault Weapons Ban.

This ain't your daddy's Reagan.

[Agnes Heep]

If we speak up, will the President hear and respond.... I think he will.

Bush being what he is, I don't think so. One of his chief virtues is that he has his own set of beliefs to which he remains faithful to the bitter end--kind of like the Andy Reid of politics. If the beliefs are sound, all is well. Otherwise ...

[William McKinley]

Funny, if he were going to do that, I would have expected him to say he was going to do that. Everything else which has been disappointing he pretty much just did what he said he was going to do.

[Lazamataz]

Funny, if he were going to do that, I would have expected him to say he was going to do that.

He said it.

[section9]

I disagree Laz. Why should Bush alienate his base by signing the AWB. That thing is buried and will stay buried by Tom DeLay. Bush does not want it on his desk. Bush made a promise to sign a renewal if it reached his desk. If it sunsets, too effin' bad.

As to Jonah's article, I agree with much of what he says, but I believe that Bush has begun to respond after setting the table for centrist voters with the Ed Bill and the Granny Bill. Domestic spending is set to grow by 1% this year in the 2005 budget.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[William McKinley]

Please find a quotation from him where he said he was going to "strenuously push" for a "much more restrictive" assault weapon ban.

[TLBSHOW]

I wish we had discussed it a year ago. But sometimes wishing doesn't work! In the end truth will win!

[carton253]

Could you provide some proof that the President is going to strenuously push for and sign a much more restrictive Assault Weapon's band.

Thank you!

[Lazamataz]

Could you provide some proof that the President is going to strenuously push for and sign a much more restrictive Assault Weapon's band.

You are asking for proof of a future event.

If I could do that, do you think I'd be wasting time with you morons?!??! I'd be cashing my Lotto checks!

Nice try, though.

[biblewonk]

Not all conservatives are fiscal conservatives. The statement about marriage is more important than any ideal about small government held by some conservatives.

[Lazamataz]

TLBSHOW AMNESTY!!!!

Wow, maybe Bush is right. Amnesty for our forgotten. :o)

[mr.pink]

You see, conservatives in New York City have suffered more and for longer than conservatives in the rest of America. Trust me, I grew up on New York City's Upper West Side.

Poor Jonah...always painting himself a victim right out of the gate.

Please Jonah...tell us how you have suffered.

[William McKinley]

You said he said that's what he was going to do.

[carton253]

You are asking for proof of a future event.

Why shouldn't I ask you for proof since you are posting as if it is an already done deal. I'm just asking you how you've come to that decision.

[Pietro]

"In fact, on Medicare and education, for example, the Dems think Bush is being stingy"

Its important to keep this in mind as we debate.

I am certainly disappointed in several of W's decisions, however, politics will not support a straight-jacked idealouge. And of course, the alternative is major-bad-worse-to the nth f'in' degree.

I'm all for this debate w/i the conservative movement, its what distinguishes us from the libs (that we can debate intellegently) but we must never loose sight of the fact that the demonicrats cannot be allowed to return to power.

[Lazamataz]

I disagree Laz. Why should Bush alienate his base by signing the AWB?

Why should he alienate his base by gutting the First Amendment with CFR? Why should he alienate his base by declaring "Open Border Season"? Why should he alienate his base by signing massive new prescription drug benefits? Why should he alienate his base by proposing Universal Hillary Care?

The answer: Cuz he doesn't care. He doesn't have to. He is counting on the calculus that for every conservative he loses, he'll gain two squishy moderates.

I don't blame him, but I can't vote for it.

[Lazamataz]

Why shouldn't I ask you for proof since you are posting as if it is an already done deal. I'm just asking you how you've come to that decision.

Informed speculation.

[Lazamataz]

You said he said that's what he was going to do.

You said I said he said that?

[The Mayor]

Good article and I agree. I support Bush on most things, I do not like the excessive spending at all.

But just like I said to my wife the other night, he gives in to the demonrats, signs an education bill with teddy kennedy, and in no time he is being accused of not spending enough.

The dems will never be happy no matter what, give them nothing and we get attacked, give them what they want and it's not enough, and still get attacked.

I say givem nothing..