Republicans unveil new national council

Posted: Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:23 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Republicans

From NBC's Kelly O'Donnell, Mark Murray, and Abby Livingston
On a conference call with reporters and bloggers, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Sen. John McCain announced the formation of a new effort to help the Republican Party take its message on the road and come up with new ideas for the future.

The effort, called the National Council for a New America, will hold its first town hall in Arlington, VA on Saturday, with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. Other key movers and shakers are Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. McCain also said that his former running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, was contacted to participate.

On the conference call, Cantor and McCain stressed that the council isn't a re-branding effort for the GOP. "This is not a Contract with America," the senator from Arizona said. "This is a conversation with America."

Cantor, the driving force behind the council, said its other purpose is to have this conversation outside of Washington (although the first town hall is just a few miles away) and to have Republicans, independents, and Democrats all participate.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

The GOP is dead until it quits pandering to the extreme right.

http://www.political-buzz.com

Matt (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:29 PM)

What' we'll discuss there?
- I would whine and complain. Mention the word socialism (even though our president refuses to nationalize the banks or support 90% taxes on executive bonus that even some so-called conservatives voted for).
- I'll mention communism (in spite of faith-based initiatives in the whitehouse, attending church several times including Easter and even one seder. Well then communist except for recognizing religion - shut up about how that cannot be communism, my radio guy says it is).

- I'll mention teleprompters. Because why the hell should our presidents not just stick to plain old paper notes. Forget the town halls and 11 press conferences.
- I will complain about the blackberry. What the heck is wrong with the good old red rotary 3:00am phone I see in ads?
- And why should the government stimulate spending when so many job losses and an unwillingness of already insolvent banks to extend credit to businesses is creating more job losses. leading to even more insolvency, leading to even more job losses,... That is a horrible idea even though all countries in China, Japan, France, England seem to think it is a good idea. Let people lose their jobs. That's just the natural economic cycle like in the 20s or Japan in the 80s.
- And what's with the taxes. I'd protest them on tax day even though not a single one has been raised. Oh sorry, I notice from my paycheck that taxes have even been cut. Maybe I wont protest taxes then - at aleast not yet. I also dont like the teabags party theme.
- And what's with the recession and the 401K down. Please no one should bother me with the fact that it's curve was downward since Dec 07 and it cant turn in a dime on Jan 21? And so what if it the markets are now up net up by 2%, 7%, and 18%.
- The deficit is going to be $49 trillion. That's what I believe. Dont tell me about how we had a budget surplus in 2000 that became effectively $1.3 trillion in January.
- I will even threaten to secede.
- Did I forget to mention the word Barry? And Kool-aid? And yes teleprompter. What's coloring my eyes I cant seem to find a SINGLE thing good anywhere in sight.

There that should save them the time.

J. Richter (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:33 PM)

Most of the same old liberal bloggers will respond to this with their same old criticisms and mocking. But at least the GOP is getting out and talking to the people. The Democrat brand, even with media bias to help them, is far from perfect. The scandals with Rangel, Blagoyevich, Spitzer, John Edwards,..etc remind us of that. We also have a new Dem administration that can't get its message or people straight. Whether mess-ups between Obama and Gibbs concerning prosecuting Bush lawyers about torture, or not knowing that bail-out money would go to AIG execs, or having to correct Biden's panic statments about the swine flu and contact with others...or the many broken promises of this administration (tax cheat nominees, lobbyists in the administration, petty politics, public viewing of bills before signing...etc)...this brand is far from good.

Let's be fair (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:34 PM)

"...to have Republicans, independents, and Republicans all participate."

That about sums it up...

El Rushbo (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:35 PM)

Want advice? Bring back the Rockefeller Republicans. Fiscal conservatives who are liberal on social issues. Teddy Roosevelt should be the model for environmentalists, regulators and foreign policy. And the next time you're in power (if ever) stick to your principles and don't allow a joke like George W. Bush and Karl Rove to lead your party to the brink of extinction.

Accept the religious into the big tent but tell them that fundamentalism is not in charge of policy. Remind them that there is a separation of church and state.

Appoint non-activist judges (left or right are both wrong). Judges interpret legislation. Legislative's write legislation. If you want gay marriage then Vermont is the model, not some court decision. If California didn't want it, don't go running to the court for a do over.

Alan, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:37 PM)

Ooooooh mavericky.

Bristol's baby daddy. (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:38 PM)

A council for new ideas but then they invite the same old hags that are stuck in the old ideology. Good idea, but too stupid to do it the right way. Where's the common sense, typical republican!

Iowan who thinks for himself (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:38 PM)

"Republicans, independents, and Republicans" ???

Terry, St. Louis, MO (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:38 PM)

"conversation with America" - they've been blasting Obama for taking his message on the road and actually communicating with the American people. These folks are the most divisive, unbelievable Americans there are. They can't stand to be on the back burner and watching Obama's success from the "nosebleed" area. Yes, they indeed need to regroup. But THINKING would be nice as well.

Michigan Sue (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:41 PM)

If it took them this long to have this "conversation" with America, how much longer will it take for them to get anything done for Americans? Seems Canter & McCain would serve the country better if they started working with the majority and move this country forward. Having a conversation is moot at this point - the people spoke in November. But, did THEY listen???? What makes us think they'll listen NOW?

Guess elephants move slower than donkeys!

Connie - St Louis (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:43 PM)

On a conference call with reporters and bloggers, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor and Sen. John McCain announced the formation of a new effort to help the Republican Party take its message on the road and come up with new ideas for the future.

Now this is what the republican need to do. this is the first constructive thing they have done since the election. New Ideas, thank you john McCain, i never though i would be saying that!!!!

jeff D Evanston IL. (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:45 PM)

Oh, puhleeze. (my first post was chopped.....??)
What I was going to say is how hypocritical and divisive the GOP is. They were the first to belly-ache when Obama took his message on the road to actually communicate with the American people. And it's working! We like him! President Obama works WITH us not against us. He cares. Any "conversation with America" that the GOP tries to accomplish will fall on deaf ears.

Michigan Sue (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:45 PM)

I get a picture in my head in black & white of the right wing whack jobs wandering aimlessly across a field with their arms outstretched and the glazed look in their eyes… mumbling… brains… me need brains… brains are good… even though I don’t have any…

Only problem is George Romero is not there to yell ‘CUT’!

Night of the Living Rethugs rated PG (pretty gross) coming soon to a theatre near you!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:45 PM)

So...this will be a tour of the deep south? It's got so bad that the Republican's can be seen gathering in small groups and muttering to themselves. Not much of a "conversation." Don't wish to talk to anyone without the blessing of Rush or Newt. You've ruled out with talking to anyone outside of the far right. Everyone else is invited and encouraged to leave.

griff, seattle (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:47 PM)

Most of the same old liberal bloggers will respond to this with their same old criticisms and mocking. But at least the GOP is getting out and talking to the people.
Let's be fair (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:34 PM)
==========
What do you think Obama was doing with all of the town hall meetings he's held? Oh yeah, it's just showboating and campaigning when he does it. He wasn't talking to REAL AMERICA. It's only talking to "the people" when the GOP does it.

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:56 PM)

Lack of IDEAS. I still have not heard/read any solution(s) proposed by the GOP for solving our problems that is different from what led us to the problems over the past 8 years.

OLD WINE in NEW BOTTLE would not fly guys.

New Wave (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:57 PM)

What the heck? America has seen their message and received it loud and clear. That is why they are doing so poorly. Unless that message drastically changes, which I doubt it will considering who is behind this new committee, they will continue to become a smaller party and more irrelevant. Move toward the center GOP or perish.

eagle1776 (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:58 PM)

The President can barely breathe without a crowd of Republicans taking to the air and print to express their disdain.

If pressed, as they often are of late, they will own to a potent need and desire to BUILD THEIR PARTY.

Not once, have they expressed any interest in BUILDING THE COUNTRY.

Maybe if they did, their numbers wouldn't be shrinking.

Perhaps, if just one expressed an interest in building the country,

Linda, Montgomery, AL (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:59 PM)

>>>"Republicans, independents, and Republicans" ???
Terry, St. Louis, MO (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:38 PM)
==========
I saw that too. I figured it was a typo (they corrected it), though given it's the GOP I wouldn't put it pass them.

http://jawillie.blog.com

jawillie, Philadelphia, PA. (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:00 PM)

Ahh, copying Pres Obama. Until the GOP figures out that pandering to the extreme right and to an outdated ideology are their problems, they'll be wasting time. They're still in Ronald Reagan mode and the rest of the country has moved forward. Who will attend their town halls--republicans who already believe them. The GOP has done nothing to welcome anyone who has a more moderate view, instead they threaten any congress member if they vote for Obama's agenda, they get "pure" republicans to run against the moderate in a primary.

Instead of "talking to" Americans, they might try sitting in a room and watching/listening to tapes of their speeches, their comments, their press conferences, FOX station, Michelle Bachmann, Vivian Fox, Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Coulter--then decide what to do. They might study themselves and the beliefs they project on TV and radio, analyze how Americas interpret being called socialist, fascist, communist, then think about how intolerant their ideology is and how intolerant it sounds to many. They might also have some sensitivity classes for those who belittle immigrants (illegal or legal), miniorities, gays, those whose religious or political views differ. Otherwise, to use one of McCain's favorites, "you can put lipstick on a pig but it's still a pig."

Jody, Iowa (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:00 PM)

It's always great getting the other sides recommendations on how to win.

Before the next Celtics/Bulls game, I bet the Celtics will use the strategy that the Bulls pass along to them so they will be victorious.

Or can you imagine the Lakers giving advice to the Cav's on how to win. "Lebron, you need to..."

Just does not seem to make much sense, but entertaining I guess.

Sugar Ray, Dowingtown PA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:00 PM)

Appoint non-activist judges (left or right are both wrong). Judges interpret legislation. Legislative's write legislation. If you want gay marriage then Vermont is the model, not some court decision. If California didn't want it, don't go running to the court for a do over.
Alan, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:37 PM)

Sadly, its not that easy Alan. Courts interpret the constitution. All people are entitled to the equal protection of the laws. Affording people of the opposite sex special rights and privileges when they marry, but denying the same to people of the same sex, violates the guarantee under the US constitution (and many state constitutions) that all people are entitled to the equal protection of the laws.

If the legislature passes an unconstitutional law, its the court's duty to overturn it. That may be activism, but its the way things have worked in America since Marbury v. Madison in 1803.

an activist judge is not a bad thing (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:01 PM)

On most days, many of you are blasting the GOP for having no ideas. Then when they announce they're sitting down and formulating plans and ideas, you're still blasting.

Get over yourselves (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:04 PM)

Any "conversation with America" that the GOP tries to accomplish will fall on deaf ears. - Michigan Sue
----------------------------------------------------
Well, I guess that shows how open-minded we are, doesn't it, Sue? I'll listen to them just like I listen to Democrats. Neither party has a monopoly on good ideas.

Gretchen in West Allis (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:08 PM)

So, instead of looking to new leadership (Snowe, Collins), they're still trying to court new voters with the same old "negative" group that spews the same old hate, and fear-mongering rhetoric that put them there (in a death spiral) in the first place???
IDIOTS!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:11 PM)

Having a conversation with the public is one thing. Listening is another. The poster who said that the Republicans should use Teddy Roosevelt as a guide and return to the Rockefeller Republicans is correct. That was about the last time I voted for a Nat'l Republican candidate.

newdayDawning (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:14 PM)

"Cantor, the driving force behind the council, said its other purpose is to have this conversation outside of Washington"

I suggest they take their conversation to Mars. That may be the place for nuts like Michele Bachman to spew her stupidity. The Martians are noted for their love of the ignorant. The GOP is a bunch of fringe lunatics and liers.

The GOP is Stupid (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:18 PM)

Frankly this is good. Hopefully they will listen to what all the Americans have to say. Maybe they will start thinking some of the social issues from the Dems aren't all bad.

Can only HOPE!

SAM, USA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:19 PM)

On most days, many of you are blasting the GOP for having no ideas. Then when they announce they're sitting down and formulating plans and ideas, you're still blasting.

Get over yourselves (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:04 PM)

What new ideas? I must have missed the B-2 Bomber that flew over my head because what I read and and heard from them there are no new ideas other than rebranding themselves!!!! These idiots have no new ideas other than the retreads that have already been used, played, failed, and oh I forgot the big one FEAR MONGERING! You will never get a clue unless limpbag tells you to!!!

Terry, Disabled Vet, Des Moines, IA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:22 PM)

Not a bad idea ~ but the people mentioned who will lead and participate will not bring record crowds. The GOP is so afraid and or paranoid to think critically and creatively. The drumbeat of what was no longer resonates. The party is over until it gets in touch with reality.

JWH - Virginia (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:30 PM)

The same old retreads with a new schtick? Not buying it - especially with the good old boy Barbour in the lead.

Some day they'll wake up and realize that it's not the 1980's any longer.

Get over yourselves - we haven't heard any ideas...or is the formation of this bogus group the only idea they could come up with?

With geezers like mccain and barbour, I won't be expecting a hip hop campaign - or one directed to folks under 70 that aren't bible thumpers.

Jilli, Houston, TX (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:34 PM)

People won't listen until the substance matches the style.

Steeler Fan Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:36 PM)

To have a conversation with people means you have to LISTEN and the Republicon party is incapable of hearing anything that contradicts their ideology or principles. This is nothing more than a recruiting tool to indoctrinate individuals who are easily manipulated by people who have an authoritarian personality type. They give you your "talking points" and a list of words to use (like "liberal", "anti-american", "unpatriotic" or "socialist") against anyone who doesn't agree with them. They can call it whatever they want and wrap themselves in a thousand American flags but the "New America" they have in mind isn't one this American wants to live in. Haven't they done enough damage to this nation with their warmongering, fear peddling and war criminals?

Quite frankly, I've had enough of the GOP's idea of what America is and would rather they just went the way of the dinosaurs. This country would be better off if another party filled the vaccuum left by the GOP.

Heather, WA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:41 PM)

an activist judge is not a bad thing ... I understand. But in that case they are interpreting the supreme law of the country (or state), the constitution. If a judge finds that the state's constitution denies a gay person of the equal right to get married then the legal recourse for people who do not like the decision is to amend the constitution.

Alan, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:48 PM)

If the repubs are serious in having conversations with America, then why use the same old tired and divisive voices? Cantor (nasty little boy)? Barbour? McCain? Jindal (the spokesman of NO)? and jeez, Palin? C'mon, why not Snowe and Collins? I'll tell you why not, because the repub message is quite clear & I think the American people (at least for the most part) understand them - let's keep everything the way it was - tax loopholes for the rich, no healthcare for everyone, bully the world by threatening war, shove our religous views down your throats, etc. etc. - no thanks, we've heard enough.

JUST SAY NO (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:51 PM)

their credibility needs to be rebuild, they can do that by coming up with alternative solutions and work with the majority. anything positive would be appreciated but if this more bashing the dems, obama with palin, limbaugh, boehner, cantor, mccain, barbour, rommney rhethoric, then don't bother. we don't want to hear or see anymore hate. obama is right stop with the tricks, gimmicks etc. already, do what your constituents want you to do, and that is help solve the problems, not your way, but with a consensus

rene,euclid,ohio (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:53 PM)

WHERE'S MY PARTY?

I recall Ronald Reagan saying "I didn't leave the Democratic Party, it left me." The same now holds for Arlen Specter but in the opposite direction. I'm not sure I will ever be able to accept joining the Democrats but the Republican Party has left me as well.

So, where's My Party?

Where's the party that is fiscally conservative and doesn't just think about limiting spending when they're not in the majority?

Where's the party that accepts differences of opinions and respects the Rights to Freedom of Religion under the Constitution? Where's the party that doesn't require people to share the same religious dogma or they're not welcome?

Where's the party that believes the primary role of the Federal Government is national defense?

Where's the party that supports equal opportunity but not necessarily equal results?

Where's the party that balances Individual Rights with Personal Responsibility?

Where's the party that has elected representatives work as public servants, not public officials?

Where's the party that recognizes taxpayer money is not theirs to spend freely without the best interests of the entire country vs small but vocal special interests?

Where's the party that supports and promotes free capital markets but not without restraint and responsibility for their stockholders, customers and employees?

Where's the party that supports LEGAL immigration ONLY?

If anyone knows of such a party please sign me up!

John, Washington Twp, NJ (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:54 PM)

"Most of the same old liberal bloggers will respond to this with their same old criticisms and mocking. But at least the GOP is getting out and talking to the people."
Let's be fair (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 1:34 PM)

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

What a joke...President Obama holds town halls and the GOP accuses him of still campaigning. But the GOP holds town halls and it's talking to the people.

Nope...no double standards here!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:56 PM)

rene,euclid,ohio (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:56 PM)

Eric Cantor is another right wing nut, and after this last General Election, John McCain is not far behind. Rush Limbaugh was just calling for McCain to to over to the democratic party along with Arlen Spector. Is Rush Limbaugh going to participate. How about the head of the RNC, Michael Steele, is he going to be there at this new Town Hall Meeting. Do they realize that they are only copying what President Obama does. None of them have an original idea and if I hear just one time the word socialist or facist we will all know they still don't have an idea of their own. Just more whining!

Kate, Saratoga Springs, New York (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:58 PM)

If the Republican Party wants to rebrand themselves, they can all start with some old clips of Eisenhower, Goldwater, etc. These are the Republicans of old, before they went crazy right wing. I might disagree with policies from some old-time Republicans but I liked them, and that is what is wrong with this new right wing, brand....I don't even like them.

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:59 PM)

I am happy with Obama and Congress. I hope that one party rule does not result in corruption and incompetence; like it usually does. However, the Republicans have shown, loud and clear, that they are petty and have no ideas. What an impotent bunch of ninnies. Enjoy the political wilderness. I cannot wait to say "I told you so" next year; just like I can already say "I told you so" about the mess that Dubya left us with. By any measure, except that we were not hit after 9/11, Dubya was a huge failure. And as soon as Obama finishes his first term without a terrorist attack in USA, Dubya apologists will have absolutely nothing constructive to point to.

billy smith (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:02 PM)

Hey, Alan, NJ - I suspect that there are a great number of us Rockefeller/T-Rex Republicans out there - we just can't get a word in edgewise with all the extremists on BOTH sides who insist that it's their way or the highway. I'll be there are "moderate democrats" who would agree!

Mary, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:23 PM)

Rush will be there in spirit... a concrete statue that will be the center piece of the conversation... I can see it now!

Marc Taylor, Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:33 PM)

"This is not a Contract with America," the senator from Arizona said. "This is a conversation with America."

What a dork!

Why are they having it here in Arlington - this is not the "Real America". Just make sure you and your tens of people keep the noise down.

Jack, Arlington, VA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:40 PM)

"The GOP is dead until it quits pandering to the extreme right."

Yeah, I remember them saying that about Ronald Reagan.

Gary (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:41 PM)

GOP = Chrysler - both are bankrupt - one is morally bankrupt and the the other is financially bankrupt. It's time for a reorganization.

Jack Richmond, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:45 PM)

J Richter,

You rock.

Said it way better than I could have.

It is clear that most of the republican's must be out of work or something since none of them mention their reduction in taxes.

Julie, Palm Desert, CA (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:58 PM)

Good idea. They need to talk with us, out here in the grassroots, closest to the voters.

I am still willing to help them.

Cicero (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 4:00 PM)

GO GOP --- BUT DON'T GIVE IN TO THE LEFTISTS' DEMANDS OR POLICIES ---- WE DON'T NEED ANY MODERATE REPUBS TO RESIST OBAMA'S SOCIALISM.

WE NEED FIGHTERS TO STOP OBAMA'S AGENDA!

GO GOP ---- AND NO WIMPING OUT ... (Sent Thursday, April 30, 2009 4:02 PM)

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=1916558