GOP: 'I'd choose Rush'

Posted: Monday, May 11, 2009 9:07 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Republicans

"If I had to choose in terms of being a Republican, I'd choose Rush Limbaugh," Cheney said when asked about whose vision of the GOP he'd side with. "My impression was that Colin was no longer a Republican."

The AP: "Even as Cheney embraced efforts to expand the party by ex-Govs. Jeb Bush of Florida and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and the House's No. 2 Republican, Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, the former vice president appeared to write his one-time colleague Powell out of the GOP."

Video: Cheney continues to defend interrogation tactics on a recent national TV interview.

The Washington Times: “Former Vice President Dick Cheney on Sunday continued his verbal attack against President Obama, saying that the country is more vulnerable to a potential terrorist attack since the Obama administration took power.”

A DNC Web ad tries to make fun of all the old GOP faces who appeared on the Sunday shows yesterday -- Cheney, Gingrich, McCain.

"[T]he National Council for a New America is composed of two distinct bodies: an informal Member caucus of House and Senate lawmakers, and an advisory group of current and former Republican governors as well as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)," Roll Call writes. "But marrying the two groups in a way that is compliant with the ethics rules has been a tricky endeavor, with Cantor and his staff organizing both entities."

EMAIL THIS

Comments

PATHETIC. Powell, a decorated war hero, Former Chairmen of Joint Chiefs, Mastermind of first Gulf war and former SoS and Cheney takes RUSH???
You have got to be kidding me. The GOP is out of touch. If I am Powell I LEAVE ASAP

Nj (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:12 AM)

Rush is correct 98.9%

Obama is correct 23.7%

Pelosi is always correct - because she changes her answer.

Pelosi the Tortorer (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:15 AM)

How dare Darth Cheney slam Mr Powell. I hope Mr Powell will come out and talk about what a wackjob Cheney is! The man needs a muzzle, Flush too! We all know Darth Cheney has no morals or values, and this just proves how sick the man really, really is.

cindy, las vegas, nv (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:16 AM)

Oh brother. FR had to go and mention the evil "Rush" word. The obamabots will be foaming at the mouth to see who can be the first to spew the most hate.

Jamey (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:16 AM)

Darth Cheney has spoken...it's Rush Limbaugh over Colin Powell.

Let's see...one is an ultra-conservative blowhole who respects only those opinions that mirror his and would rather talk endlessly on his radio program instead of throwing his hat in the political arena.

...and Darth Cheney will take him over the retired general who served with distinction and who, when asked by the Bush Administration, chose to serve again as Secretary of State who is a moderate and is therefore deemed RINO.

...and the GOP wonders why they are the minority in government.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:17 AM)

KEEP IT UP. OLD GOP WHITE GUYS IN DENIAL!!!!!
*************************************************

Andrea, New York City (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:18 AM)

I find it disgusting how War Criminal Cheney keeps shooting off his arrogant ignorant mouth trying to justufy his illegal torture program. I'm not surprised that the War Criminal would choose Lush Limburger over Powell since the repugnant ones party is nothing but a bunch of torture crazed religious extremists. Ergo:

Republican = Taliban!

Can you imagine the whining 8 years ago if Al Gore had done what War Criminal Cheney is doing now trashing the new administration? Yerah they'd have gone ballistic and called Gore unpatriotic and every other slur in the book.

Prosecute War Criminals Bush and Cheney!
Go Atlantis!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:18 AM)

The signposts have been pointing for some time now, but this makes the issue crystal clear. When the GOP chooses an extreme talk radio show host over a moderate man of substance with a long record of service to this nation, I no longer recognize the party, nor can I continue to affiliate myself with it.

How very sad this has become. As many of us, moderate conservatives, move to Independent status, the GOP will be left in a radical echo chamber, excluding all who cannot nod their heads in unison.

Robbi (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:27 AM)

Oh brother. FR had to go and mention the evil "Rush" word. The obamabots will be foaming at the mouth to see who can be the first to spew the most hate.
Jamey (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:16 AM)

------------------------------------------

Sorry, Jamey...when it comes to Rush, as ye sow, so shall ye reap.

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:30 AM)

This morning on 'today' David Gregory reported that Dick Cheney said it is his job to speak out and be an activist voice for the Repub party. 'Cheney, and of all people Rush Limbaugh, are the two loudest voices against Pres Obama, saying the country is less safe with Obama's policies. "ARE these two CLOWNS for REAL?" Cheney and Limbaugh are the two biggest COWARDS of our lifetime--Neither one of them served in the military--But boy they are Quick to sent other people there, while they run & hide. What gall these Repubs have. They are all a Bunch of Cowards! "This is just a few of the republican draft dodgers>>Former Attorny General under Bush- John Ashcroft-he recieved 7 deferments to avoid the draft "coward". John Boehner, Repub Ohio did not serve in the militay, John Cornyn-Repub Texas did not serve,-Rudy Giuliani-did not serve, Ronald Reagan-did not serve-"he was too busy making war movies in Southern California--Karl Rove-avoided the draft "he was too busy being a republican". AND Rush Lindbaugh-he NEVER served, he was 4-F "which stands - 4 feeding his fat face."

gepa (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:31 AM)

The Republican party's reaction to America's rejection of Bush-era policies/philosophies has been to embrace those policies even MORE, and kick out anyone who looks moderate. They are reducing their party to only the most ideological base. They are re-defining themselves out of existence, and I could not be happier.

Take a look at the demographic data from the 2009 elections; the ONLY place the GOP gained support was in the SOUTH. This year, more Southern white people became Republicans, and pretty much more of every other group became Democrats. That should tell you something about the direction in which the GOP is heading.

Linda, Boston MA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:34 AM)

"Former Vice President Dick Cheney on Sunday continued his verbal attack against President Obama"

If Cheney does for the Democrats what he did for the Taliban, we are in for Democratic majority rule for the next two decades. Obama must be tickled to have this failure of a strategist attacking him.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:34 AM)

"My impression was that Colin was no longer a Republican."
------------------------------------------------------
Here's a newsflash for the former Vice-President: There are many, many, former Republican supporters that would accept Gen. Powell's vision of Republicanism over that of Mr. Cheney's. What's more- the current GOP leadership knows this, and can't do a darn thing about it. So they pretend that they can get along without all of us that have run screaming from the GOP over the last couple of decades. Good luck with that.

And did my eyes deceive me- or has Joey Scar seen the light as well? His recent rant against the GOP failures made me wonder what exactly had gotten into him?

Suburban Mom paying attention, IL (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:36 AM)

And the difference between Powell and Cheney,Powell is a real soldier,Cheney took a deferment,five times.Powell was a leader in Nam,Cheney was learning his craft from Nixon.Powell is respected around the globe,Cheney is the lowest rated ex-VP in modern times,and most despised.Powell was used by Bush and Cheney,they showed him no respect,and had him lie for the chickenhawks Bush an Cheney.Love war,as long as someone else's kids get killed.I have to LOL when i think about how much damage people like Cheney and Rush are doing to the Gop'ers.I do see this party for what they are.Southern,White,Old,Racist,Fear mongers,living in the past,Reagan worshipers,Rush ditto heads.Yesterday reminded us of one thing.The stooges are alive and well.Larry Moe and Curley,AKA,Dick,John,and Newt.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:42 AM)

Waterboard Cheney!

Hoffmann (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:47 AM)

Once again, Eric in Salinas has gone mad. A kook from the land of the weed. You can see Texas through his ears.

This is 2009 and Obama is at war with his own administration, scaring New Yorkers, pissed at his teleprompter operator, knows Pelosi is lying and has to take on Rush and Hannity in an everyday battle.

Add in the fact that he's started another war and doesn't know how to finish the first one Bush started when he said he would. PLUS where do the detainees go when Gitmo closes?

Seem like Obama ought to figure a solution before he opens his yap. More Barackababble from both Eric and Barack.

Fortunate Son (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:48 AM)

Oh brother. FR had to go and mention the evil "Rush" word. The obamabots will be foaming at the mouth to see who can be the first to spew the most hate.
Jamey (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:16 AM)

I think you have that backwards. limpbag and his idiotic followers are the ones that foam. This guy gets real close to blowing a major gasket and he is for nothing but Party first country second, oooh I forgot his pills as well!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:49 AM)

Keep it up Dick! Rush, keep bloviating! Tell us how Colin Powell has "keeping America safe" all wrong. Yup! This IS the Republican party. The pro-Torture party of Chicken Hawks. We had decades of anti-government rhetoric and failed policies.

Fear, hatred, distortion and division. It's all they've got.

thebob.bob (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:55 AM)

Cheney and Limbaugh like two peas in a pod.

Seattle Sue (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:56 AM)

It is hard to believe how so many of you are ignorant as to the real facts on interrogation and Guantanamo Bay. Your hatred for Bush and Cheney has blinded you to the reality of the world and, along with Obama, is putting the US at greater risk.

BubbaRight (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:56 AM)

Why is anyone, by which I mean our media, paying attention to Cheney? He lied about everything he could when he was in power - from Enron to Iraq - caused a CIA spy to be outed (wasn't that treason?) and shot someonw in the face but didn't report it for day. He is a walking misery who should be treated in only one way. Ignore him.

Angela, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:59 AM)

Poor Liberals, they will now go mad with hate-crime threats to all normal Americans. We will be called all kinds of names and insults. Wait for the next round of Tea Party activity. Tea-bagging is a liberal type of activity, Tea Party is something else. Wait and see. Support the Constitution and not left wing loonies!!! Bill Badman

Bill Badman Mohave Valley, AZ (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:00 AM)

Be independent. Let your conscious and education of the issues, be your guide, not a political party.

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:01 AM)

Powell has certainly done much for our country but his own actions and positions have made it clear that he is no longer a GOP supporter as he supported the Obama canadacy. Chaney is just calling as he sees it, and acuuratly I must say. Powell is no longer a strong GOP member because that is what Powell wanted and not becase Dick Chaney said so. Dick Chaney is just pointing out the obvious - he is not making it so.

James Hill (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:01 AM)

Each time this buffoon opens his mouth he speaks louder of the GOP and what they really stand for. Keep talking Dick, you're like a fireman running around a fire with a can of gasoline in your hands!

Rick P (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:03 AM)

RIP GOP - you've lost your collective minds and soon will be gone for good. THIS is the best way to turn a moderate republican in to a democrat....

DD (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:04 AM)

First a big tent Republican Party was only to happy to exclude blacks from both their ranks and from society, when they deliberately chose to become the party of racial backlash. Then they went after hippies. Then they went after gays and the non religious. Then they went after the uninsured worker and then they went after Hispanics. And now they're going after each other - the snake is trying to swallow itself tail first.

The moral of the story is, there's no honor among thieves. Those who were willing to disenfranchise their fellow citizens are being given the same treatment. Talk about the law of Karma.

These Republicans have devolved into very unpleasant people and seek to conserve the worst aspects of America - ignorance, bigotry, incivility and cruelty.

Dolmance (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:04 AM)

Question, what branch of service did shoot you in the face cheney actually serve in? What branch of service of Powell serve in? Who is the one that is more believable on service to the country?

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:05 AM)

I think you have that backwards. limpbag and his idiotic followers are the ones that foam. This guy gets real close to blowing a major gasket and he is for nothing but Party first country second, oooh I forgot his pills as well!
Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:49 AM)

Terry - are you going to be on Obama's Special Bowling team? I hear he is looking for a TeaBagger and you qualify!

How bad did it hurt when you shot yourself in the foot? Were you on the PT boat with Kerry? How many women and children did you kill?

Obama the King (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:09 AM)

Why would Cheney want more Republicans like Powell who endorse and vote for democrats? That kind of logic would only make sense to people living in INGSOC Liberal land.

Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:13 AM)

With his remarks Sunday choosing Limbaugh over Powell, Cheney solidifed what many of us feel is wrong with the GOP; he showed his true nature. His sympathies are with those who spew radical hate and prejudice and who feel only republicans are entitled to rule this country regardless of the fact that voters decided otherwise. In my eyes, Cheney is an evil man whose fear lead him to the dark side and now he wants the rest of the country to be as afraid as he is. We should view him as the pathetic figure he is, the one whose fear cost him his soul.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:13 AM)

I'm not sure what a "tortorer" is, but I'm pretty sure it's not meant as a compliment. Nancy Pelosi could have set up impeachment proceedings against Bush and Cheney, but chose not to because of how it would have diminished the power of the presidency. This, especially after the incredibly partisan impeachment of President Clinton by the Republicans which was far more vulgar than Clinton's vulgar actions.

If I was in charge of spin for the Democrats, I might choose to keep Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank out of the limelight. This is not because of their legislative talents, of which they have many, but because of the negative factor both register among the American electorate.

Let's face it, it took a perfect storm to elect a man of color president, but we have a long way to go as a nation before we can accept a forceful woman and an obviously gay man in positions of power.

The criticism of Colin Powell is far more complex. A national hero to be thrown out of the Republican Party? They should be polishing and dusting off every hero they have to compete with the collection of cowards they have commenting over the airwaves. I am proud to have General Powell on my side. I know he didn't need a gaggle of deferments to keep him from fighting for his country...

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:17 AM)

Maybe Cheney can shoot Rush in the face. Rush won't feel it since he's always doped up with his "oxys."

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:21 AM)

Keep talking Cheney, your side just dropped another polling point to 20 for the GOP and lower for you. Maybe Cheney will drop below zero. That would be appropriate. Maybe he will shut up so he will do less damage than he and his boy Georgie did already to the nation and the once Grand Old Party.

eagle1776 (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:23 AM)

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:23 AM)

Obama the King was in line at the deferment office with Cheney, Limprod, and the rest of the cowardly Republicans. It's easy to support torture when you refuse to serve. What a jerk, to say such rubbish about a wounded veteran. Terry has far more right to his views than this "king" of crap...

Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:25 AM)

So why is this entitled "GOP: I'd choose Rush" when it only quotes cheney as making the statement? Unless Cheney's name was changed to GOP, this title is not only erroneous, but perfidious as well.

That said, Rush is a talking head who panders to his audiency, whereas Colin Powell has shown himself to be a moderate, level-headed man. I pick the latter over the former.

Britton Holdaway (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:26 AM)

I find it interesting that former VP Cheney never gets asked "how safe was the United States in the first 9 months of your administration?" Giving him every drop of the benefit of the doubt, he may feel some guilt in not paying more attention to the forewarning of a terrorist attack.

Cathy from the Ozarks (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:28 AM)

American Patriots (i.e. Collin Powell) are ONLY partiots as long as they are towing the Republican party line. Rush Limbaugh is somehow a great Patriot and fine America, and worthy of GOP love for doing what? Alienating others and towing the party line! The statement by Cheney that Limbaugh was more of a Republican leader than Powell, just confirms what most Independents know (that Cheney and Bush, as well as other ultra-conservatives) have run the party over the cliff. The Republican party rebuilds itself how...? By purging itself of those who seek to make one-issue voters out of good people (abortion, gay marriage, etc...). There is nothing wrong with people chosing to not practice abortion or chosing to be gay or lesbian. There IS something wrong with them chosing to dictate lifestyle to others. Once purged of those alienating issues, fiscal and life value conservatives can go back to living their own lives and quit seeking to control others. Then they will be free to vote for smaller government and other conservative issues, but do so without alienating others. That is the manifesto that the reformers in the Republican Party should be moving toward. It may not get them back into the Whitehouse any time soon, but it will get them back to being a relevant party which promotes ideas that enough people can get behind.

Jeff, Evansville, IN. (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:30 AM)

Well, the GOP is in full regression mode. Looks like their is no room for differing with Rush Oxy, to do so is to be unrepublican. Message to non-caucassian,can't sit at this table. Move-one, this is my party.

Mwendwa Gakurahia (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:35 AM)

Well, we know where Cheney would side... The "Only I can do it and everyone else will screw it up" part of the part is where Cheney stands. It seems that no one can do what Cheney and Limbaugh can do because no one understands their logic; why because they don't have any.

S.B. Stein E. B. NJ (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:35 AM)

Although it was nice to hear Joe S acknowledge the short-comings of the GOP, he still parroted the Cheney line that the USA is less safe now than it was pre-Obama. For once can't somebody give real evidence that we are less safe? There has been none thus far, and considering that the GWB-Dick Cheney team released Gitmo prisoners who went right back to their violent ways, the "less-safers" just have no credibility.

njva17420 (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:40 AM)

Cheney keeps getting more and more DISGUSTING all the time.! Cheney had what? 5 DEFERMENTS, and Limbaugh used the excuse he had a boil on his behind to get out of serving the country.! Will the GOP get out those infamous Swift Boat Veterans and tell the World how unpatriotic Powell is now.?!!

Brad WI. (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:43 AM)

Of course Cheney sides with Rush. Rush has power without responsibility or accountability. Cheney modeled his role as VP after Rush.

Dave, Syracuse NY (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:46 AM)

Seattle Sue (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 9:56 AM)
A very large pod.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:47 AM)

What a jerk, to say such rubbish about a wounded veteran. Terry has far more right to his views than this "king" of crap...
Tim Stocken, Highland Lakes, NJ (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:25 AM)

Like the crap that came out of your mouth about McCain?

So now the second admentment only protects democrats - just more of the same from the leftist wackos. Freedom of speach only applies if you speak leftist wacko barackabbable.

Why is someone so weak that they have to call themselves "wounded vet" - shouldn't it be "baby-killing vet" - thats what Pelosi, Reed and Kerry call you!!!

Not me - I'm proud of our vets (even the brain dead ones like Terry) - its the leftist wackos that call you these names - you should be mad at them!!!

Obama the King (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:53 AM)

how's the search going for them WMDs Dickie ? just think,nobody but the wreck of the RNC and the Faithfull have any use for you. Carry on !!!!!!!!!!!!!

NJG (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:54 AM)

limpbag party (GOP) has now become the party of no minorities and full of draft dodgers and people who have never served this country! Or shall I go one further the "OLD SOUTH" of racism and bigotry! Cheney fits all the above!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:55 AM)

Here we go again shoot you in the face cheney stating Powell (a solider) who disagrees with the "Party" is not loyal! Sound familiar?

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 11:03 AM)

Why would Cheney want more Republicans like Powell who endorse and vote for democrats? That kind of logic would only make sense to people living in INGSOC Liberal land.
Dave, Tn (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 10:13 AM)
___________

What, better the party should follow the lead of a drug addicted talk radio host who has never held elected office, never run for elected office, and, until a reporter caught up with him in the 1990's was never even registered to vote???

Yeah, right, follow THAT guy's actions, and not the actions of a war hero, an honorable man, and someone who has served with distinction in presidential administrations.

The state of the Republican party would be astoundingly laughable, if it weren't so tragically pathetic.

Jackson, Seattle (Sent Monday, May 11, 2009 11:05 AM)

Next >>

SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.):

Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private) Remember me?

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=1927989