Posted on 07/14/2014 12:07:47 PM PDT by Viennacon
WASHINGTON — Regardless of whether Sen. Rob Portman or Gov. John Kasich runs for president in 2016, the Republican convention in Cleveland will give both a chance to enhance their national profile as they try to highlight what they believe is their pragmatic brand of conservatism.
At a time when Republicans are hoping to temper the image of a party in the grips of social conservatives and tea party activists, analysts say Portman and Kasich can help Republicans present Americans with a more soothing alternative to former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
Portman can emphasize his support for conservative goals, such as overhauling the complex federal tax code and reducing federal spending, even as he bucks party conservatives because of his support for same-sex marriage.
And Kasich can offer what his allies claim is a conservative approach to government, even though he has clashed with tea party conservatives by expanding Medicaid to tens of thousands of low-income people in Ohio.
“I think it highlights the governor and his brand of conservatism and his brand of governing,” said Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Genoa Township. “It will naturally show off Ohio’s success over the last several years, its continued success, and I think that’s probably a good theme for the party as it tries to regain the White House.”
Kevin Madden, who served as an adviser to Republican Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, said “because they are statewide representatives in the mother of all swing states, Portman and Kasich will be able to have a platform to shape some of the conversations about the party and its agenda when the convention is at center stage.”
(Excerpt) Read more at dispatch.com ...
Topped off with these two clowns. And why the hell are we having the convention in a blue state? What's next, convention in Maine, spotlight on Suzy Collins?!
The only spotlight on these two knuckleheads should be that of a machine gun nest. I've said my piece.
Kasich has done a good job in Ohio. He’s not conservative, but he is a good executive.
Portman is an elitist who offers nothing to the citizenry.
"their pragmatic brand of conservatism" = liberalism
If anyone thinks the Republican Party is conservative, I have some prime swamp land to sell you.
The party will continue to lose elections and will continue to wonder why.
Have you forgotten Kasich's support of the semi-auto ban as a US Congressman during the Clinton regime? I surely won't! Kasich is a backtabbin pimp. Just what the GOPe needs more of.
Exactly. It’s “pragmatic” now, until Kasich or another RINO clown gets the GOP nomination. Then they’re EVIL, RIGHT-WING, ANTI-WOMAN and ANTI-CHOICE monsters.
We've having a convention is a SWING state (sorry, I refuse to use the colors that the media tells me to, and even so, Ohio is a 50-50 state, not a safe Democrat one) because you win elections by convincing swing voters to support your vision, not by preaching to the choir in a state you're guaranteed to win no matter how badly you do nationally.
The GOP doesn't win elections by drumming up support only in Texas and Wyoming, and the RATs don't win elections by drumming up support only in Massachuttes and San Francisco. (see Walter Mondale and John Kerry).
In short, I have no problem holding the convention in Ohio. I DO have a problem with having a backstabbing RINO scumbag like Portman get a major speaking slot and having him represent the face of the party.
Portman is as boring as they come. He may be a good man, but he has zero chance of inspiring voters of any age.
Not just a blue state. CLEVELAND -- where both McRomneys got zero minus a gazillion votes, and Odinga got 159%.
The GOP-e is "Stuck on Stupid" on steroids.
Well, conventions for the GOP don’t have to be in red states. Reagan was nominated in 1980,in Detroit. Barry Goldwater was nominated in San Francisco in 1964. The convention is not necessarily in a place which is a party stronghold, for either Dems or Republicans.
That doesn’t conflict with what I said. Ohio is in MUCH better shape today, than before Kasich took office.
I said he’s not conservative. Kasich is more of an old school Democrat. Portman is a poster boy for GOPe, useless and only concerned with self interest.
I understand that, but I am noticing this trend, where the House Speaker is from California and such. How about a convention in Texas.
“Portman is as boring as they come. He may be a good man, but he has zero chance of inspiring voters of any age.”
...then he fits the GOP Presidential mold perfectly.
Actually, ME is among the “more conservative” of the northern states. Angus King says he will switch sides if the Republicans otherwise win the national Senate majority. And Susan Collins is the best a Republican can hope for in ME.
A rinofest...pass.
Last time I watched a bit of the rinofest and this one I will pass entirely. I wanna see Sarah Palin speak if she doesn’t its not worth watching.
Still the Cleveland convention in 1924 ratified Coolidge; the one there in 1936 was a little less successful with Nancy Kassebaum Baker’s father as the nominee.
Natalie Portman is still around?
Is she going to be in the new Star Wars?
For the first time in memory, I do not expect to bother even to watch the 2016 conclave, but I like the downtown lake section of Cleveland.
As a citizen of Ohio, you are spot on. Ohio is a 50-50 state - and never to be taken for granted. Kasich is running again for governor this November, and I expect he will win. He also is neither true conservative nor true liberal, but a moderate. He has put our state in a good financial situation, but of course, like everyone I’ve voted for - he has his warts. I wish Portman would get primaried. The true evil we need to get rid of is Sherrod Brown.
How about SUPPORT of people's rights to civilly, peacefully decide for themselves how to deal with open homosexuals among them?
I will vote for Republicans who uphold my constitutional rights to decide for myself, and I will REJECT Republicansm in both primary and general elections, who plan to use government to punish me for exercising those rights.
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