What we find interesting in the wake of Congressman Todd Akin's (R-MO) comments, explained today in a way be Senator John McCain (R-AZ) when he said that he would urge Mr. Akin to abandon his quest and that "he would not be welcomed by Republicans in the Senate," is that what Republican Senators are actually saying is that they would rather would with the incumbent Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO). Mr. McCain made sure to emphasize the mainstream of the Republican party. Even Governor Jan Brewer (R-AZ), during today's panel, fell in line. But then of course she went a little too far saying the Republican Party is the party of women.
And frankly, she's the better bet for both parties. She has to stay mostly in a centrist stance due to the nature of Missouri politics so the Republicans have a shot of picking her off on some issues, but they can't say that of course. However, the obvious downside for the GOP of Mrs. McCaskill retaining her seat is that it also bolsters the President's chances of winning there as well, and that trumps all so they'll have the Super PACs dump a ton of money into the state. That seems like a basic campaign/Super PAC tactic that if you can't win the big seat, slash and burn everything else in sight with negative ads and tear down the target as much as possible while attempting to take all the smaller state seats.
Mr. Gregory asked Mr. McCain about the birther comment that Mitt Romney made on the trail this week, and he dismissed it as an attempt at humor, and then briefly reminisced about a time when you could do that in American politics. However, his assessment is off-base and understating it, so was Mr. Romney's comment, especially playing up and using it as an applause line. This is neither funny nor appropriate for an American candidate for President. Mr. Romney dealt the President a cheap shot and as much as you would like to say you don't want them as part of the game, they are and you have to deal with it. If Mr. Romney blows the dog whistle, make sure everyone hears it, and call it out.
The Romney campaign should know the perils of continuing in this vane. It's certainly not the way connection with people 'outside the convention' as Mike Murphy explained during the panel. He's referring to independents, who already have the perception that the Republican party doesn't show any advocacy for women's health issues, despite what Mrs. Brewer says.
Jeb Bush, during today's interview segment, said that the convention was a chance for Mr. Romney to reconnect with people. Mr. Gregory also made it a point during the panel because Mrs. Brewer also described it that way. What this admits on behalf of Republicans is that the Obama Campaign's attempt to define Mr. Romney has been successful up to this point. If the Romney campaign can not turn this trend around, it's going to be very difficult not only for him but the Republicans at large to expand the party as Mr. Bush said was a necessity given the large deficit in support from women, the Hispanic Community and African-Americans. He explained accurately that the demographics of the country are changing and that the Republicans need to change their message without changing their core beliefs.
It was refreshing to hear Mr. Bush say that education was a national priority, instead of the usual Republican rhetoric that when education is mentioned the word 'cut' isn't far behind. However, as a mainstream Republican, goes directly back to party orthodoxy on tax policy saying that it would be 'foolhardy' to raise them. What's ironic is that in the same breath he said there was too much orthodoxy in the political debate.
But that's what the Republican convention is going to be all about. If Chuck Todd is correct and he is a lot of the time, the ticket will get no bounce from the convention so why not just cater to the base. With Mr. Ryan on the ticket, they've put that front and center. Mr. Ryan was the co-author, along with Congressman Todd Akin, of the bill that qualified rape with the language 'forcible.' They can not keep running from deeds, it's not a winning strategy. As Mr. Todd also said, you won't see any bi-partisanship on behalf of Republicans because they've tied themselves to the lowly rated Republican congress with the Ryan pick. With that in mind, we think the Mike Murphy is incorrect when he says that both conventions will be about Mitt Romney. On the contrary, both will be about Barack Obama. Mr. Romney hasn't been specific on much thus far in his campaign so what will Republicans have to advocate? More drilling again? All they have is the tactic of railing against the current administration so that's where they'll go. Mr. Murphy admitted that Romney's biography is open to negative attacks. Why is that? Because it's true, that's why.
DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz; The Republican Governor from
Arizona, Jan Brewer; Republican Strategist Mike Murphy and NBC News
Political Director and Chief White House Correspondent, Chuck
Todd.
Thank you Neil Armstrong (1930 to 2012) for making us all believe that we can accomplish things that are bigger than our individual selves.
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