The Value Of McConnell's Occasional Candor

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_10/026298.php

THE VALUE OF MCCONNELL'S OCCASIONAL CANDOR

snip/

McConnell was candid once more in a new interview with National Journal, explaining what he sees as his "single most important" task in the near future.

"{W}e need to treat this election as the first step in retaking the government. We need to say to everyone on Election Day, 'Those of you who helped make this a good day, you need to go out and help us finish the job.' <...>

The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.... Our single biggest political goal is to give our nominee for president the maximum opportunity to be successful."

This wasn't just some throwaway line -- McConnell is explaining, on the record, how he intends to approach the policymaking process in 2011 and 2012. And as far as the Republicans' Senate leader is concerned, all of his efforts will be built around destruction.

It's tempting to think responsible lawmakers, when asked about their top goals, would talk about job creation, national security, immigration policy, energy, etc. But not Mitch McConnell. He sees destroying the president of the United States in the midst of multiple crises as his "single most important" goal. This is what the administration is supposed to negotiate with next year.

Even Joe Scarborough characterized McConnell's comments as "embarrassing" and "pathetic." He's right.

This comes, by the way, on the heels of several other high-profile Republicans admitting last week that they have no intention of compromising with the White House on anything.

The obvious takeaway here is that GOP leaders have literally no interest in actually solving problems or passing legislation. None. But the larger truth is that President Obama, who's spoken a bit lately about the need for "humility," needs to realize that Republican obstinacy and extremist tactics aren't going to get better after the midterms; they're going to get worse.

McConnell and his cohorts have made abundantly clear that Americans' welfare and the nation's future pale in comparison to the Republican quest for power. The president stands in the way. If he's not prepared for what they intend to bring, the showdown isn't going to go well.

—Steve Benen

[Kdillard]

1. If even Joe Scarborough finds your comments embarassing you know you messed up.

[OHdem10]

2. I do not believe he messed up. He told his truth. Most important

goal is to make Obama a one-term president.

Also said as reported on MSNBC. Need to lower expectations
We will not have time to make all the changes the Teabaggers
want. Lower expectations.

This same bunch have hounded Obama because he did turn everything
around in the first years.

Gop already setting expectations low so Media will not hound
them.

[babylonsister]

3. He did tell the truth as he sees it, and as the rethugs see it.

I hope everyone is listening but know they're not. Otherwise, the rethugs by rights shouldn't/wouldn't get a single vote. They're innvested in doing nothing at all to bring down Obama. I think bigotry beats progress this year unfortunately but it's be lovely if I were proved wrong.

[Kdillard]

4. He messed up because this should be on every Dem facebook and

Twitter account amd social networking site. We need everyone's eyes to be opened if they are thinking about voting GOP or sitting out this election.

[Parker CA]

5. Kick and Rec for exposure to the GOP's true agenda!!

[JohnnyLib2]

6. I'm convinced McConnell wants to run.

As unlikely as that seems. Seeing him step into the spotlight in this way would fit right in...



:scared: :banghead:

[babylonsister]

7. Mr. Personality? Hmmm. And yuck. nt

[harun]

8. Dem's should use this in ads saying McConnell is out only for political gain, not

improving the country.