Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
The Washington Examiner's Phil Klein, one of the best journalists on the right, makes the case in his new book that conservatives will need to have a very different relationship with a Mitt Romney White House than they did with President Bush (or rather, than they did with Bush until Harriet Miers).
In his book, Klein writes:
“There’s always some argument partisans will make to discourage conservatives from criticizing Republicans. In the coming months, those of us who criticize Romney from the right will be told we should save it until after November, or else we’re just helping Obama. When we do so after the election – should he win – we’ll be told he deserves a honeymoon period and needs to rack up a few accomplishments first before moving to items on the conservative agenda. Eventually, it will be that we can’t weaken him before the midterm elections, and then later, that we have to loudly support him, or else he’ll lose reelection to an even worse liberal boogeyman (or boogeywoman) in 2016.”
You can purchase it here. It's just $2.99 and well worth the price.
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Comments:
May '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Wait until after November, agree. If he doesn't get elected there is no after November. IMHO there are some conservative commentators who are simply in love with the sound of their own voice who need to zip it until after the election. The constant b*tchng from some of them really isn't helpful.
Apr '12
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
We are forced to bear the burden of the Bush (plural) years and the same aftermath from a Romney presidency would likely harm the Republican brand permanently and set the conservative movement back.
Klein is utterly accurate in his assessment.
A man with the temerity to attack conservatives from the right in order to win the Republican nomination had best govern from the right or suffer an angry electorate.
Sep '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
This conservative has learned his lesson after Bush. I think the characterization of Romney as a "businessman" is right on. I have found businessman Republican types probably as far away from my worldview and still be voting for the same guy. I have developed some level of contempt for this type. He's voting the right way (Romney vs. Obama) but for mostly the wrong reasons. The businessman is secure and fairly well-to-do, they are not affected so much by illegal immigration, they see no real problems with growing infringements on personal liberty, and in many cases they make me wonder how much of their Republicanism isn't just a self-serving stand against brazen wealth re-distribution by Democrats.
The businessman type also likes to take either a moderate tone with critics, as though it is a customer service problem, or a dismissive approach "it's just politics". They seem utterly uninterested in moving the debate.
In this election, we have the opportunity to expose the left. Wouldn't this be a much better country if more Democrats would move to the center and abandon leftists and socialists in their ranks? Make them move to the center!
Sep '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
To me this has a whiff of elitism. First, I don't know of anyone who is advocating staying home. And it sounds as though you think people who listen to these guys have no minds of their own. A host of a talk radio show, for example will only attract people who basically agree with him/her. Those who are disinclined to agree with a particular host won't listen. Rush's popularity, Levin's popularity is a symptom, not a cause.
I want Romney to win, but I don't want anyone to "zip it". This is un-democratic (as though we all have to march in lock-step because he's "our" guy) and it is also bad for long-term strategy, because debate is suspended and then, well, read the paragraph above. There is never a good time to complain.
Mar '11
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Nothing I can disagree with. If conservatives don't pressure him, he won't govern conservatively. I simply don't trust Romney because of his proven history while governor of Mass, including his... flexible positions on social issues.
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Franco: This conservative has learned his lesson after Bush. I think the characterization of Romney as a "businessman" is right on. I have foundbusinessman Republican types probably as far away from my worldview and still be voting for the same guy. I have developed some level of contempt for this type. He's voting the right way (Romney vs. Obama) but for mostly the wrong reasons. The businessman is secure and fairly well-to-do, they are not affected so much by illegal immigration, they see no real problems with growing infringements on personal liberty, and in many cases they make me wonder how much of their Republicanism isn't just a self-serving stand against brazen wealth re-distribution by Democrats.
The businessman type also likes to take either a moderate tone with critics, as though it is a customer service problem, or a dismissive approach "it's just politics". They seem utterly uninterested in moving the debate.
· 54 minutes ago
Nicely and accurately expressed, Franco. Businessmen are rarely concerned with the rights of others. When it comes to politics, they tend to be mercenary.
Sep '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
We must continue to give our strongest support to the Tea Partyers in the House. "Don't roll over for President Romney."
Apr '12
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Franco
The businessman type also likes to take either a moderate tone with critics, as though it is a customer service problem, or a dismissive approach "it's just politics". They seem utterly uninterested in moving the debate.
In this election, we have the opportunity to expose the left. Wouldn't this be a much better country if more Democrats would move to the center and abandon leftists and socialists in their ranks? Make themmove to the center! · 2 hours ago
Excellent points. Thank you for making them, Franco!
May '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Franco
I want Romney to win, but I don't want anyone to "zip it". This is un-democratic (as though we all have to march in lock-step because he's "our" guy) and it is also bad for long-term strategy, because debate is suspended and then, well, read the paragraph above. There is never a good time to complain. · 2 hours ago
One nationally syndicated radio host, and one nationally syndicated columnist come to mind immediately with whom it seems every day there is something Romney did that they are dissatisfied with, or failed to do to their satisfaction.
As Robert E. Lee was (probably apocryphally) reported to have said to his generals when they were squabbling with each other "Gentlemen, the enemy is out yonder."
First win the election, then on November 7 we can get to work on the next step which will be holding the new administration to account.
Sep '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Nick Stuart
One nationally syndicated radio host, and one nationally syndicated columnist come to mind immediately with whom it seems every day there is something Romney did that they are dissatisfied with, or failed to do to their satisfaction.
As Robert E. Lee was (probably apocryphally) reported to have said to his generals when they were squabbling with each other "Gentlemen, the enemy is out yonder."
First win the election, then on November 7 we can get to work on the next step which will be holding the new administration to account.
First, please name names. I wonder how many columnists and radio hosts would be busily distancing themselves and complianing had a more conservative candidate won the nomination. The behavior exhibited - by far more than two pundits - in 2010 give me some indication, as well as the recent lamentaions from Lugar and his acolytes. I find it laughable that the statist wing of the GOP wants complete solidarity and no complaints when it's their guy who's the nominee. It's also an indication, once again, that they think people in general are easily influenced and stupid - especially conservatives.
Sep '10
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Nick Stuart
Franco
As Robert E. Lee was (probably apocryphally) reported to have said to his generals when they were squabbling with each other "Gentlemen, the enemy is out yonder."
First win the election, then on November 7 we can get to work on the next step which will be holding the new administration to account.
I'm no expert on the civil war, but I do know that there are different strategies and tactics and that some plans are better than others. Robert E. Lee's admonition can also be interpreted as Shut up and do something - anything!
Doing something/anything for the sake of agreement isn't a good strategy, and to my ears, it's absurd. Because generals disagree - even vehemently - on an approach, doesn't mean that the best approach should then be everyone compromising on a hybrid plan.
What you are suggesting is that we all get on board and nod our heards at whatever the Romney folks are saying. Not me.
And I think it is fantasy to think that individuals can be convinced to act collectively based on other people's (yours) theories on what is best for them.
Apr '11
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Which social issue was he flexible on while governor of Massachusetts? He was solid on marriage, on life (particularly on stem cells), and on religious liberty. Is there an issue that I'm unaware of?
Apr '11
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
One important difference is that Bush did not run on a small government program. Newt had so tainted the small government brand that there was almost no demand for it within the party. Bush delivered essentially what Bush's backers promised (minus the lack of nation building; 9/11 was a surprise). The things that Bush wanted to get done in his first term, he mostly got done; tax cuts, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, faith based initiatives, global AIDS reform, Medicare Part D, and NCLB. He said he'd be great on gun control, but the serious Bush achieved victory on that waited for the second term.
In Bush's re-election campaign, he said he'd reduce the deficit, and he did (Bush's TARP measures get included in spending totals, but they were loans and his bailouts got repaid). Learning from Bush doesn't mean that it's sensible to assume that the candidate's perpetually lying, just that knowing whether someone is a conservative or not doesn't tell you a whole lot about them. Klein draws the wrong lessons.
Edited on May 26, 2012 at 12:27amApr '11
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Franco
I want Romney to win, but I don't want anyone to "zip it". This is un-democratic (as though we all have to march in lock-step because he's "our" guy) and it is also bad for long-term strategy, because debate is suspended and then, well, read the paragraph above. There is never a good time to complain.
Pressuring Romney might be valuable. Mischaracterizing things from more than ten years ago is probably less valuable. If a pundit regularly attacks Mitt for pre-gubernatorial statements, about which nothing can be done, you can feel reasonably confident that he's indulging himself rather than making America a better place.
There was never a good time to complain with Newt-like toxicity. The time for complaining in the manner of Santorum/ Perry/ Bachmann/ Paul etc. was during the primaries. Today, disagreeing about policy is useful. Klein's desire to manufacture disagreements is regrettable, but legitimate.
Oct '11
Re: Phil Klein on Conservatives and Romney
Mitt will not run to the right unless we push him there. If he follows his natural inclination and tries to please everyone, then he, and we, will lose. Our best hope of carrying this election is to carp loudly at Mitt and his apologists every chance we get. Push them right, because they won't go there on their own.
The constant whining from under the bed by those who think we can win by playing socialist-lite really isn't helpful.