GOP senators boycott convention
(PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Republican Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota says he wouldn't attend his party's own convention... if it weren't in his backyard.
Coleman was talking about his fellow senators who won't be going to the GOP convention. He says they're staying home "only because they have tough races". Coleman also faces a tough re-election bid this fall and probably should be concerned about tying himself to a damaged Republican brand as well. As one GOP congressman put it earlier this year: "the Republican brand is in the trash can... if we were dog food, they would take us off the shelf."
So far - several senators say they're skipping the festivities in St. Paul. They include Senators Pat Roberts of Kansas, Susan Collins of Maine, Gordon Smith of Oregon, Ted Stevens of Alaska and Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina. That's 5 sitting Senators out of 49 who will be no-shows.
And, the number of Republicans who want no part of the convention is actually even higher because three retiring GOP senators aren't going to attend and there are two others who haven't made up their minds yet.
One political analyst says during the conventions, those senators running for re-election won't be able to campaign anyway. He says the reason they're not going is they're afraid of being associated with party figures who are unpopular in their states - you know, like President Bush and Vice President Cheney.
Here’s my question to you: What does it mean when more than 10% of Republican senators are refusing to attend their own convention?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Sandra from Cordell, Oklahoma writes:
It doesn't take a genius to figure that out, Jack. They don't like McCain any better than us Democrats do. The man is not competent to run this country.......even if we weren't fighting in two countries and having serious economic problems.
Rob from Honolulu, Hawaii writes:
Jack, I remember a Democratic presidential candidate that decided against President Clinton campaigning on his behalf! The Democrats are worse! They would distance themselves and throw loyal Democrats under the bus if they thought it would benefit them – remember Joe Lieberman! Just wait, in the near future the Democrats will go out of their way to distance themselves from Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid!
Robert writes:
It means even party regulars are coming to realize that political conventions have become totally irrelevant. They are a waste of time, energy, and money that could be better used elsewhere, and is a graphic demonstration of the same fiscal irresponsibility these same people use back in Washington DC, which is why we're in such a mess already. You all are long since out of college. The frat party is history... get over it!
Theresa from Stone Ridge, New York writes:
It means that 90% have no scruples...
Marie from Toronto writes:
I used to take sleeping pills every night. Now I put on a DVD of John McCain giving a stump speech. It works equally well and doesn't cost me a penny. I can hardly blame anyone that makes an excuse not to attend this years RNC convention.
John writes:
It means that being an invertebrate has nothing to do with your political party.
Neil from Lake Forest CA writes:
I think they just don't want to be arrested in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport for having a "wide stance."
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Maybe there is hope for the republicans after all and these guys have a conscience over how they hood-winked America!
Knoxville, TN
And I'd wager there'll be even more "no shows" at the convention. They know McCain is the same as Bush–or will even be worse–and that's means reelection disaster for Republicans all over this country.
Rats off the sinking rat ship, Jack.
Wow. Like 5 guys not going to a convention in St. Paul. Way to rock the world there, Jack. It doesn't mean a thing – just like it shouldn't.
Over the years I have noticed that many Republicans love golf. My best guess is they had tee times set up a year ago and given the choice of playing golf or attending the convention, they chose golf. A wise choice. Tom
Dear Jack,
10% of Republicans boycotting the Republican convention means that they too realize that the mess our current President has made in this country will get even bigger if his "sidekick" John McCain is elected President in November. Bush and McCain are "two peas in a pod." They display many of the same characteristics-they are both clueless as to what's going on in the world. Americans had better wake up and see John McCain for what he really is-CLUELESS!!!!
Louisiana
who cares
What will it mean (at Denver) if and when 49% of the delegates see their candidate (the only one who can beat McCain) just barely lose the nomination? The Republicans will unite as always, well before November. This time the Dems won't. And you are not helping.
Two words Jack: Plausible Deniability.
If I was not at the scene of the crime, I am not guilty. They are giving themselves a political alibi they hope to use for November. They are the same people that are calling themselves “GOP” instead of “Republican”. Stay as far away from Bush and McCain for their own political survival and prey the weather the storm.
It means, they know a loser when they see it. They don't want to be associated with Bush, Cheney or McCain.
Jack,
maybe they want to get reelected. Thus, they have to distance themselves as far as possible from the current administration.
It is obvious that these people are appearing vulnerable at the GOP convention in this year of elections. In Oregon Senator Smith comes up again for review and is he scared of being thrown out of office. His campaign commercials are replete with bipartisan cooperation with the democrats, Kerry, and Obama. Those scared of being thrown out of office will think that St Paul and Minnesota is THE place NOT to be so as to be even considered as a republican up for reelection.
Even Republicans recognize the Titanic when they see it. Iceberg ahead!
They are too embarrassed by the current administration, the stupidities of their fellow party Senators, and the ineptness of their current Presidential candidate?
It just means that more republicans are going to be backing Barack Obama because they really don't like where McCain is standing on the issues and at his age he will be lucky to make it through one term.
It means that they want as few ties to Bush as possible. They realize that this man was the biggest disaster to hit the Republican Party since Hoover. In fact he makes Hoover look like a success.
Jack – Isn't it Obvious –
They are against McCain, his "War-Lord" attitude and his Big Oil cronies - And if he is elected president, don't be surprised if that 10% sides with the Dem's (remember the 60 % needed to have a "bullet-proof" majority in the senate) -
Jack, even the republicans candidates don't want to be in the same building as the president and vice president. It was a huge mistake by the GOP convention to have the vice president speak to the faithful. Most of them don't want to be any way near that!
Jack
It means that even Republican senators can think. Sometimes!
Jack
Boynton Beach FL
I assume these are far right wing conservatives that don't support the McCain nomination. I don't think it matters and I don't think they will be missed.
Senators boycotting the RNC is a sign that even Republican are becoming fed up with the current state of the party. As long as the GOP nominates a "Bush Man", they should boycott the convention.
If the percentage gets bigger, like 30 or 40%, it would really mean that they see the writing on the wall and want to distance themselves from McCain and Bush. Right now, it just means they have a difficult campaign ahead of them and don't want to leave their home areas. If you've seen the looks on the faces of Sen. and Gov. McCain has been campaigning with, they look slightly embarassed and nervous. They know what's ahead for anyone associated with McCain. And anyone that accepts his VP slot, knows that someday they will be running things, even if McCain is still sitting in the oval office. However, McCain will have his finger on that button, scares the heck out of me!
It means that there are a few smart Republicans.
It means that alot more Republican's are dissatisfied with McCain's Nomination.....and the agenda of the Bush Administration, then previously thought.
I will wager that alot of these Republican's are Obamacans.
And we are glad to have them onboard!!!!
Obama/Biden '08
Jack: It means that their jobs are on the line and the first rule in politics is to take care of business for yourself.......and the party later. Because if they don't get re-elected, they will have to support themselves instead of their political affiliation.
It means a number of the people responsible for the mess our country is in don't want to be seen returning to the scene of the crime. They have backed this administration right down the line and are now embarrassed to admit it. They are trying real hard to avoid any responsibility for the results of their work over the past 8 years. I hope the media shines the light on these roaches.
It means that the Republicans for Obama membership base has expanded. Either that or Bob Barr is making some headway. Ron Paul anyone?
No onne wants to be a Republican anymore. We're living in an outdated democracy with an objective media that only wants what's best for the country and the Democratic Party.
It means they are probably missing a good party!
It means that these 10% of Repub senators are planning (hopefully) to 're-make' the party along the lines of the once glorious party of Lincoln and T.R. – – –
Only time and their integrity wil tell !
Jack
Very simply put it means that these senators do not agree with their canidates position on the issues that the current administration has shoved down our throats for the last eight years. They recognize that we need a change not the same old thing.
It means that they have stopped drinking the kool aid.
It means this is a ridiculously patrician question. Thanks Jack!
Jack:
Perhaps they see the Republican "brand" as not what it used to be. What did it used to be?
It means those Republicans don't need distance glasses because they can read the writing on the wall.
If by boycotting their own convention you mean that these Republican Senators will actually be vacationing in Aruba or Cancun at the time, I'd say it means they're doing business as usual.
I wish it really meant something, but it does not. I wish it meant there was a revolt against big business, that they will support big business only as it delivers back to working people in the way of jobs, products, services, and profits. But truthfully, it probable means nothing.
I am a 42 year old life-long Republican who supported Bush in 2000, but voted democrat in 2004. I am now so ashamed of Bush that I wrote and published a poem about how embarrassing it is to be GOP these days. Without a doubt, if you are a red faced Republican (pardon the pun) "It's GETTING UGLY out there" (-:
–
David Elton
Spokane, Washington
It means, finally, some of the Republicans know a loser when they see one.
It means they will need a well deserved rest after joining the democrats in Denver. They will need the rest and maybe another job after november.
Would you want to be associated with the crooks that have bankrupted this country over the last 8 years. My fear is that the same people that were fooled 4 years ago will do it again. It will be the end of this country for ever.
I think a lot of republicans don't see John McCain as a republican. He keeps saying he will buck the system, and I, and a lot of congress, thinks that means the whole system. John McCain sees himself as a King and everyone is his servant. He has no intention of getting along with anyone on either side of the aisle unless they listen and follow him. That will be clear at the convention, and it will be clear in his choice of vp.
Donna Sherman, Scott City, Missouri
Jack,
It means that 10% of the senators learned from their mothers not to associate with criminals and people of bad character. One would have to believe that at least 10% of the GOP isn’t all bad. It’s the other 90% that lie, steal and bare false witness as the normal way of serving up, I mean serving our country.
Mike C
Wethersfield CT
I have to laugh at the yard signs I'm seeing for this year's candidates.
There are a bunch with a D next to their name to show their party, a few with an I, and a bunch with no letter at all.
I wonder what party they could be with?
Most of those people are in heated, very tight races. I really cannot blame them for not wanting to be seen as part of the GOP brand's leadership. The current GOP leaders just might be next year's FBI's 10 most wanted.
The rats are bailing off a ship that already sank! They know the mess they have made of everything, voting for whatever Bush wanted, and are now trying to save themselves. Too little, too late! They are still rats!!
It means tht finally Karma has finally kicked in regarding the wicked republicans and they are getting exactly what they deserve.
when no republicans attend the convention i will feel there is hope
Unfortunately, I don't think it means that much. It seems the Republican propensity for self-delusion knows no end. I know and am related to dozens of conservatives who mindlessly continue to justify the Iraq war, obviously a political and military catastrophe, as making perfect sense. I've heard conservatives actually ask me to point out what is so bad about the Bush years! Yes, there are millions of American's who swallow every morsel of tripe they can get from the GOP and I don't think their appetite is satisfied yet. The Republican leadership understands what's happened to their party, but so far they've done a fanstastic job of keeping the wool over the eyes of GOP voters. Ignorant Republicans, Jack, will make this another close race.
Scott, Bend, Oregon.
I bet Larry Craig won't be there.
Just like most of the Right, they too are dissatisfied with the nominee. John McCain is Bush and Bush is McCain. Even the Republicans have had enough. Time for a change and maybe after four or eight years of Democrates the Republicans can be electable again.
Apparently those 5 guys don't wear underarm deodorant and have been told to stay at home. Well either that or they can't afford the gas to get there. Either way it is no great loss. They were just about as effective in congress as they will be at the convention. Worthless.
Well, it means that the Republican party has lost its way, they no longer stand the principle of limited gov't that they used to endorse. ; thanks to the neoconservatives… I'll be attending "Rally for Republic" Convention with real conservatives like Ron paul.
Jack, if so many senators refuse to attend their own election, it means they do not approve of McCain as Presidential candidate for the GOP, and they feel that backing so many issues made unpopular by the GOP in the past years may be political suicide. The fact is, McCain will win the election and those who do not attend the Republican Convention and back him and his views, will be remembered in later years as the GOP gains more power.
Jack,maybe they are all gone on a 5 weeks vacation!!!! Houston Texas
Look at their presumptive nominee. He's a joke & a scary one at that. We're lucky he didn't start a war with Russia last week, the way he shot off his mouth. He still may. If he's not offering his wife up for the Miss Buffalo Chip contest (such incredible disrespect) he's taking on this angry militaristic persona, sometimes coming within inches of accusing Obama of treason. This man scares me, a lot!
They know the real story which is, as H. L. Mencken stated long ago: "The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to mediocre men. As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. As we move toward a lofty ideal, on some geat and glorious day, the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron." Now, it seems clear, based upon our 8-year state of failures, we reached our lofty ideal, only to perfect it even better in President John McCain.
Let's see. 5 guys won't attend a convention to celebrate the nomination of a candidate who still has not sold a large share of the 'party faithful'? Sorry, Jack, that was a yawner of a question.
To me it means that there are 10% of the Republicans that have realized their on a losing side for a change. What percent of these are running for office this term? It also means in my opinion that these people want nothing to do with their parties nominee and his Bushy platform of tax cuts for the rich and more wars.
Jack – Many Republicans have been forced to see how much Bush, Cheney, Rove, Limbaugh have damaged this country. McCain was, at one time, a maverick to be admired and respected but, to get the nomination, he has become just another underhanded, dishonest Republican. I am embarassed for this once-decent man. After watching the Saddleback debates, I have come to realize that John McCain is the past and Barack Obama is the future. This is hope for our great country
Jack,
It means that they will still be recuperating from attending the Democratic convention in Denver.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
For this election, the president's coat tails are black with a white stripe running down the middle - too pungent for the senators of his party who are up for reelection. I also notice the word "Republican" is missing from most of the red-white-and-blue campaign posters littering the land. There seems to be a common theme here.
Jack
It means they are fed up with the republicans just as much as we are I mean just look at what their party has done to us and this country the last eight years so if some republicans are fed up with their own party what does that tell you?????????
What good is a convention anyway when the candidate is already selected? It is a waste of time and money.
It means the other 90% are running out of time to make the same wise decision this 10% has already made. Maybe they all thought (secretly) that John McCain would ask them to be his VP thus rescuing the GOP!!! Hey it does not hurt to dream!!!!
It means they are distancing themselves from John McCain.
It means the same thing as when I don't go to Ford Field to see the Lions lose. It's hard to have faith in your team when common sense is telling you it's a lost cause.
Jack,
I would like to think it is because they have doubts about McCain but the reality is they are probably just doing the political expedient to get re-elected themselves.
They aren't stupid, they are just going where the wind blows and right now McCain is just a blow hard with no wind.
Luwanna Guysville Ohio
They must have canceled the early bird special.
They know that Bush has and that McBush (McCain) will lead our nation one step to closer to failure. they need to rethink who should be their leaders.
It means that the Democrats aren't alone in being divided. Time for the USA to move on from a 2 party system.
They will be out looking for the "Real Maverick – John McCain".
It means they are embarrassed to be seen there, and that could be pretty embarrassing for McCain.
If McCain were my "fearless leader," I'd be running for cover, too.
It also means that the Democrats will have a little more cannon fodder.
Uh, provided Billary behaves in Denver.
I think they should be required to attend....period...they need to practice what they preach. For years, we were told to "stay-the-course" when things got tough in Iraq....now they want to "cut-and-run" when things get tough on the campaign trail.
The only way they can get my respect is to face the music, even when it ain't playing their song.
Hey Jack, simple question = simple answer
would YOU want yourself associated with the last 7+ years of Bush-Cheney? all one has to do is watch Lou Dobbs' show to see how totally incompetent every department from the CIA (9-11) to the FDA (poisoned food and drugs) to the CPSC (lead poisoned junk from China), in their administration has been.
these Republican Senators just want to do the "Sergeant Schultz"...... "I Know no-thing...NO-THING!!!"
Jack, if you were running for election or re-election woul you want to participate in a photo-op aboard Captain McCain's sinking ship?
It's more proof that McCain is a neo-conservative. Not to mention these party conventions are all dog and pony shows. I bet you'll find most of the other 10% at Ron Paul's Liberty Conference across town at the Target Center. Heck, we might see more than that.
Dr. Paul should have had a liberty conference in Denver next week too, he'd have gotten 10% of the Dems too.
Their boots aren't tall enough or have a hole in them and can’t keep their feet from being "muddied” by all the convention rhetoric.
Every vote counts don't piss off anyone and don't be seen with Dick Cheney.
That's the same 10% that were running away from George W. Bush when his approval ratings started dropping while John McCain never distance himself from Bush. To attend the GOP Convention with both Bush and McCain could possibly mean dooms day for their own political asperations now and in 2012.
I can't believe they can find someone to be McCain's VP. Honestly who would want to be associated with that loser of a campaign. The GOP are embarrassingly out of touch with our problems and ill equipped to help solve them.
I guess even a Republican can get sick and tired of a Republican president if that president is Bush and he’s running for a third term. But then again they may just want the time to raise more money.
Jack this is like supporting a football team that has little to no chance of winning... There will be some who just won't think it's work goung to the game when they know their team is goung to lose. The Presidential race is like the superbowl of politics. It's about enthusiasm and energy and excitement about your team.. But McCain has none of those in his favor. He has a lack luster offense, weak defense and an outdated play book. I donlt blame the republicans for staying home... For them, the commercials are just going to be better than the outcome of the game!
It's a crisis of conscience. The neo-cons have been proven wrong about everything. Only the Corporate Gnus Media has failed to see it and report it. Those that aqre not attending the convention have found their heart and are voting with their feet.
because it's election season jack!..the gop senators doesn't want to be affliated with g.w.bush!..they are trying to win their seats back and this time its very hard for all of them..also they are distancing themselves from john mccain..
It means they are scared and possibly a little mad also. It is my understanding they are getting no help from the party. The party will be spending all of its money trying to get Obama defeated.
Now if only McCain would stay home!
Jack,
Are they FORCED to attend the convention?
Jack B.
Bloomington, MN
Hey Jack
It means that there are some Repubs that I can have respect for!
Cinti, Ohio
...and plenty of Dems are skipping their convention, too. This is hardly a "GOP problem"....even so, the question would never be "What does it mean that Dems are "refusing" to attend their own convention", right, Jack?
Maybe these 5 senators are hoping that their boycott will appeal to the voters in their state enough to get them reelected, otherwise they wouldn't have a chance.
It says that the Republicans stink and they don't want that stench on their skin. Yuck!
Jack
The resons that they won't be there is that they are redoing there resume so they will be able to find a new job at McDonlds.
Jack: I don't think it means much of anything. The Republicans think that just by not being seen with George Bush, etc, they will hoodwink people into thinking that they are not responsible for the mess we are in. It's like when they blame the Democrats for the energy crisis, not stopping the war in Iraq, and for the bad economy when the Democrats have only been in the majority for 2 years. They think the voters are stupid and will fall for the same bull crap over and over again. Some of us will fall for it though. You only have to look at John McCain's poll numbers to see that. Anybody with a brain will see that almost 8 years of Republican domination has been very harmful to our economy and our Country. Look at the mortgage crisis. The value of my home keeps falling lower and lower everyday. Lucky for me I don't owe that much on it. I just can't sell it and relocate like I want to. It's going to take a miracle to get us out of this mess.
The number should be 100%. George Bush has killed their good standing.
It is not a boycott.
It is the prudent thing to do.
The nominee is set.
Why take time from their campaigns?
“the Republican brand is in the trash can… if we were dog food, they would take us off the shelf.”
That just about says it all Jack. Even Mr. Kerry would have a hard time blowing this election. Can't you just hear the profanity, when some of these Democrats that managed some how to lose the election, are at the gym working out on the big bag? I still think you and Lou Dobbs should be running in the election.
I think it means not all the Republicans are willing to drive their party down even further by electing someone who's not offering anything thats very different from Bush. Looks like theres hope yet for the Grand ol' Party.
They want to keep a clean image and win their own elections. Plus, they don't want photo ops with the losers, it might be damaging to them down the road.
They've known for months who their presidential nominee was going to be so why should they go to the convention? It's kind of like going to a football game late in the 4th quarter after your team is leading 72 – 0. National conventions aren't fun anymore as the media and corporations make the decisions for us well in advance of convention time.
Brownwood, Texas
They realize they are standing on the deck of the Titanic.
Jack, if I were a Republican with a voting record supportive of the Bush/Cheney Administration even 20% of the time over the last 8 years, I'd have plastic surgery, an identity change, move out of the country or failing that, I'd go to the Convention, support McCain and when ousted and unemployed, CLAIM INSANITY. The evidence would certainly be irrefutable!
It wouldn't surprise me one bit if more than 10% don't show up at
the convention. I'll be really surprised if very many Republicans are
elected this time around. People are sick of Bush, Cheney and all
the rest of the crooks who should be in jail instead of walking around free and causing more trouble. Especially since McCain is proving himself to be just another Bush Republican who lies and schemes to get into the White House. He accused Obama yesterday of wanting to be President. Excuse me, Senator McCain, but aren't you also trying to be President? Since when is it a crime to run for President? McCain is making less and less sense, so the other Senators want to stay as far away from him as possible.
Having listened to Senator McCains recent remarks aimed at the Russian Federation, be afraid, be very afraid.
It means that maybe, just maybe, some of them have seen what a miserable party it has become in the last seven years.
It means they care more about their own interests and have no loyalty for their party. But can you blame them for the latter? The only reasons to be Republican anymore is for lower taxes($$$) and fading Religious ideals!
It means getting voters to associate themselves with the party that has done America so much damage is going to be quite a political dirty trick indeed.
If these 5 drama queen's really want to make a statement, they should all get together, and become independent's!
Although the conservatives have had a good measure of success in spreading lies about Obama and are able to easily convert the more gullible of the country wide citizens. It is much harder to do this when dealing in the smaller numbers each candidate will have to speak to and therefore the lies will not have such a beneficial effect and in the smaller forum or maybe even backfire.
By distancing themselves from McCain and their party they are also hoping they won't get painted with the same brush and disassociate themselves from the Federal lies.
Jack,
It's because they know that those attending the convention have their own circle of Hell reserved just for them. I assume they believe there will be some sort of redemption in not attending.
tampa, fl. they got better vacation packages to go to hawaii from their lobbyists, see question 2.
Jack,
They are running away from any connection to Bush in order to save their own butts...
C.I., New York
It means Obama '08!
Boise, ID
The GOP are giving a party, and nobody wants to be seen there. What does that tell you?
At first I thought that the Republican party was coming out from under the sedative en masse.
But then I looked at the cast of characters you named.
I guess my bottom line is that these folks have found a way off welfare without working for a living . . . . . .
(they'd rather not miss, "the price is right."
C'Mon Jack,
We all know the Republicans are 10 million dollars short paying for the convention, They are just trying to help a fellow Senator out by slashing the bill!
Maybe 10% of them have some common sense.
That while they're out of touch with the electorate, they're not suicidal, brain-dead or fond of being associated with others of their ilk!
To get right to the point they are distancing themselves like the democrats did when they lost the 96 elections. After awhile most turn in to crooks after they have been in power to long.
They know that were is strong feeling against the GOP this year.
The Senators who do not attend their Convention are doing so only because they feel that their own re-election bid, might have a chance.
The Republicans not attending their convention are traitors. And if their own Party cannot trust them. Why should the American people?
Nothing, when they start calling for Bush/Cheney removal from office they'll get my attention as maybe respectable individuals.
Better question Jack: What does it mean when no one will be watching the GOP convention.
Oh and how cute McCain will announce his VP on his 72nd Bday, hope she can blow out all those candles.
They know that there is strong feeling against the GOP this year.
The Senators who do not attend their Convention are doing so only because they feel that their own re-election bid, might have a chance.
The Republicans not attending their convention are traitors. And if their own Party cannot trust them. Why should the American people?
Who could blame them. I get bored listening to John McCain speak for more than 60 seconds. John McCain inspires me to turn the TV off.
I think it means that those who will not attend are not true to their party. If that is the case I would not vote for them anyway, if they don't have the guts to stand up and support their own party then they deserve to lose in their states. Is that what a good political figure does, hang your own party out to dry, shame on them.
Rose
AZ
Rats invariably desert a sinking ship.
It means that they know they are failing big time the job that their constituents sent them there to do. They will have to go home to try and convince them to vote for them again. Being at the convention is not going to do it.
This administration has caused the Republican Party to split apart; sweet karma
It means not all of them are sheeps. Country first, party second, hope they see the light.
No matter what they do, they are tied to the Republican "brand". They can give all the lame excuses they want to, it doesn't change the fact they turned their backs on their own party just to save face, then after elections they return to the Republican "brand" of . At least, though, they can make a speech without a script...McCain can't say anything without it being written down for him.
I think it is pathetic that Republican congressmen and women will not support their candidate for president. Maybe that should tell voters that McCain is not the choice to make when entering the voting booth this fall? The choices we have this fall are poor and poorer. Please bring on the VP's and give us something to look forward to this election!
It means that 10% don't care for McCain or they have a lot of fundraising to do and can't be bother with McCain's troubles.
Conventions used to be meanigful. Things were actually done there. The modern era has seen the COronation type where everything iis dopne elsewhere and he only benfit id lobbyists parties. of cousre, if MCCain wins, they might reget the absence.
They do not like McCain nor do they trust him. Mr. Flip Flop man and he will take us into another war. His recent statement toward the Russian Federation is very scary. Be aware everyone.
Maybe it means they're back in Washington waiting for Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats to come back and vote on something meanigful. Maybe even get something done.
Tells me that they don't want to be associated with Shrub Bush and McBush, can't say that I blame them. These two jerks are two peas in a pod. Maybe they need to get a ranch together in New Mexico, then again people in New Mexico probably wouldn't the in their state.
Going to fund-raisers and dinners with the lobbyists is much more important. In case you haven't been paying attention, "K" Street is now our seat of government.
It means trouble with a capital T for the republican convention and republican party. If I was a republican and wanted to stay in office I would not be caught dead near President Bush or Dick Cheney especially at the convention. McCain is already being accused of following in the president's footsteps, he has a picture of him hugging the president circulating the Internet. Bush and Cheney being at the convention only substantiate what they're saying.
Jack add Diane Feinstein to the list of non-attendees (broken ankle) . Now the Republicans are willing to injure them not to attend their own convention. They should save the money, have the delegates register their votes from their home state, have McCain hold a small town hall and call it a day.
We hope Gorden Smith does stay home and saves his money because we are voting him out.
Papo
I would assume my senator is using the time to polish her resume but retirement planning would be a better investment.
Jack:
Unless you disclose how many democrats are sitting out of Denver and you disclose how many have historically attended the conventions in the past, I cannot wiegh in on this question. I was not of the understanding that attending the conventions by elected officials was a requirement.
There is not a single Republican that deserves to be elected after the disaster of the last 8 years. The GOP politicians that are running for office don't want to go to the convention. Why would they want to be tied to the failed policies of the last 8 years? This is their thinly veiled attempt to distance themselves from George, the worst president we have ever had, Bush. The GOP needs to pay the price for blindly following an inept president for 8 years. If a Republican is elected we can just stamp "STUPID" on the forehead their electorate.
The Republicans are right. They have lost their way and their principles. They should not be elected again until the party reforms. Right now the Republicans are still trying to sell their failed policies of the last 8 years. That is why McCain has resorted to character assignations because that is all he has. There is no change in his policies from George Bush.
Vote wisely!
Whenever I see a group of people running away from something, I assume ther is a fire or some other life threatening danger. What could possibly be so intimidating as to scare 10% of the republican's finest away? John McCain isn't really that ugly and Joe Liebermann isn't planning to attend. Ted Stevens won't be there but Dick Cheney will. Okay, I think I figured it out.
tom
las vegas
It means that even the rupublicans recognise that this election is all about Obama!
50 some years a republican!!! Never again!!! Go Obama!!!
They realize the party is over. They are taking the money they stole from hardworking americans and moving oversea's to be with their rich oil friends. Have a nice life !!!!. Jerks !
It means McCain will have support from ninety-percent of republican senators compared to the roughly fifty-fifty split among democratic senators between Obama and Clinton .
It means that many of them think that they cannot sell trash to the American people and have the American people buy it. However, John McCain is doing just that. What does that say about the intelligence of the American people? Could those Senators be wrong?
Geronimooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
It doesn't take a genius to figure that out , Jack. They don't like McCain any better than us democrats do. The man is not competent to run this country.......even if we weren't fighting in two countries and having serious economic problems.
It means that even the GOP knows that they deserve to be ran out of Washington D.C. The country is in a mess and the GOP has had 8 years of control over congress. The blind loyalty they have shown for Bush has lead us in the wrong direction and while he sits in Crawford "taking a knee" and watching the clock run out on his term McCain flip-flops back and forth on his love/hate relationship with Bush.
P.S. GOP someone has to go to the convention or McCain might be the only one there. I would hate for him to miss the 75,000 waiting for him in Invesco Stadium. Oh that's the democratic convention.
My bad.
With a number as high as 10 out of 49 Senators or 20% publicly not supporting their parties nomination, how is it that legislation cannot get passed? There must be a lot of "closet" rubber stampers.
It means good ol' "W" will be seeing a few less pink elephants.
Maybe they intend to collectively gather at some undisclosed location during the RNC and yell at the TV while McCain yells at the clouds.
They are running for their politcial lives from the party that has bankrupted our country, started war with lies and deceit, continues to be untruthful. continues to use the "my way or no way" approach, etc.
It means that thier the only true Republicians.Why go to a DEMOPUBLICIAN Convention.McCain as Pres.Leberman as VICE Pres. I don't see why any republician would want to go to it.
Means they think as I do. John M Cain is toast.
Dear Jack:
The dominos have started to fall.
At the rate they are going the republicans will loose many seats in the next election.
When the American people realize that their choice is four more years of fighting the wrong war in the wrong country against the wrong enemy.
An economy down the gutter.
Gas and food prices climbing every day.
Our nation’s debt being owned by China and Saudi Arabia do you really think the intelligent American citizen will vote for four more years of the same?
It means that the American voters are awake now. They cannot bear any more pains in their daily life. They have turned to be allergic to Republican brand. The senators boycotting the convention want to show they are with the people in a bid to keep their seats in the senate.
Good riddens!
It means that they are as big a phonies as the rest of their party. If the Republicans were popular right now, they'd be there with bells on. What they fail to remember is just because you don't go to the party doesn't mean it changes your party affiliation or how you voted for the issues.
they know they have supported the wrong bandits. wont do them any good to stay home, the new moto is ONE TERM and your gone. that's the old white hair guys problem, he got to dam comfy...
Doesnt mean anything to me Jack. I cant tell the difference in either party. They just figure new ways to screw the American people. Nothing new!
They're skipping because they know that McCain is not the same old republican. He is a new kind of republican, one that understands the issues and will, at least, attempt to fix them.
It means they think they can fool us again. I wish those 10% of the senators had this new found awareness when they were writing blank checks to Bush. People would have shown some mercy on them it that was the case.
– Nuwan from Houston, TX
After being spoonfed Bush's lies for eight years, perhaps their not eager to support his well-trained poodle?
What is the need for a convention? McCain is the GOP candidate, Obama is the Dem. I will vote in November, the convention will not effect that vote..
Charlotte
Clovis, Ca.
Bruce in L.A.:
It means they're auditioning for "Survivor: USA" . New season to start November 4th.
The people who still support the Republican Party will not miss a few Senators. They will be busy trying to pursuade the American people that $9 trillion in debt is not that bad, that if we don't fight them over there we will have to fight them over here, and all the other hogwash we've been fed since 2000. It will be amazing if the podium doesn't collapse when the Republicans speak with all the trash they will be trying to feed us.
You left out Ron Paul, Jack who will be holding a rally for Liberty on 9/2 and will be drawing 'other' Republicans who hope to create an new enthusiasm and direction of which way this country should me heading other then the McSame route.
It means that all the REP senators will still be recovering from the birthday bash in Ohio. After all, what's more important, a convention or a birthday party where the guest of honor can keep everyone entertained with stories about his POW days. That's is only claim to fame.
I give them credit Jack, it means they don't want to be associated with the hippocritical right wing, nor do they want to hear more lies about the great work that has been done in keeping America first. Good for them!
Possibly these 10% have heard the voice of the American public and know they aren't going to be favored if seen partying.
It means they know a loser when they see him and they don't want him to take them down with him. Republicans are responsible for the financial mess we're in. They refer to themselves as the Peoples Party! They left out the word Rich.
I don't think much of them at all.....their fear of attending their party's own convention because Bush is coming...Cheney is coming...reminds me of a bunch of kids hearing their first ghost story. For another non-news story, it is kind of crumby, but what are you gonna do if you are trying to compete with the happy clan at Time magazine?
the beautiful ct river valley
Jack, I think it means that Bush the Decider's own people are ashamed, of his administrations despicable and criminal conduct. I'm a staunch Republican and saddened but I see the promise Senator McCain brings, to my party and country.
Could be that they are voting Democrate this year.
They want to be re-elected? I don't know what platform they will run on. Small government? That's past. Moral values? That's past. Control spending? That's past. Tax cuts for small business so they can compete? That's past.
I know, drilling for oil off the coast of the U.S. although, none of them are from the states where they want to drill.
It means that they know more about McCain than the average person and don't want any part of his 'new administration' because they know the last 8 years haven't worked. Theymay just be the smart Republicans, ones that can actually think for themselves and not just talk like puppets with the 'party line'.
And if the media eventually start examining McCain ( and not just accept his every word) with the microscopic level of intensity that they examine Obama, my guess is that the pecentage of intelligent non- attendees may just go up!
I think the real question should be... why is ANYONE attending the GOP convention?
The no shows at the convention tells me that those with elections coming up don't want in any way to be connected to the dismal republican party OR Bush/Cheney....trying to save their own butts an careers. It'd be hard going back to being a "working" person if they lost!
It means that it must be a slow news day!!
They must know something that the GOP doesn't want the rest of the country to know. Could it be that their convention will be a joke? Could it be that some of their own people can't stomach any more of their lies and pandering and McBushs attack dog methods to get elected? Could it be that they're sick to death of their own party, and don't want to be hypocrits anymore? I hope they throw their big party and noone shows up!
I hope it means that the republican party is in dire straits. I've read thousands of blogs all over the internet, and by far the majority of them put Sen. Obama way ahead of Sen. McCain. I just can't figure out why he isn't farther ahead in the polls. Can you shed any light on that?
Let them boycott. If we all did the right thing by vowing to throw them all out on there butts in November there would be noone there anyway.
It means they are politicians Jack, they put their own self interest ahead of everything else. Are you really surprised? Come on Jack, it scares me when you start questioning the motives of Politicians. 🙂
Rats jumping off a sinking ship. You have to admit, it's pretty funny. bush and now his would-be successor are so reviled by their own party that no one really wants to show up for the convention for fear of catching some fatal political disease.
If only 10% of likely Republican voters stay home in November, we could be in pretty good shape beginning in January, 2009.
It probably means that they are seeking future employment!!!!
Who would ever want to be associated with McWar, Bush, Cheney
Rumsfeld or Rove......HELLO...Give your head a shake
I can name that tone in three notes: (1) George W Bush; John S McCain; and (3) Economic Depression
It means that besides Sean Hannity and the fox team, not too many Republicans are impressed with their present candidate or their present President and I have to say...do you blame them?
Only 10%??? I would have thought a lot more than 10% would have had enough good sense to distance themselves from Bush and Cheney. But then, they're Republicans and the words Republican and good sense rarely end up in the same sentence.
Just goes to show that the notorious Republican organization and unity of the last eight years has finally begun to crumble. Our country was not meant to handle such a militaristic and idealistic group as these Neocons. They don't listen to the people's needs, and if you as me this return to normalcy is none too soon.
It means some of the rats are smart enough to jump off a sinking ship. Although, if Norm Coleman truly thinks his party is in the trash can, why is he still running as a Republican? Guess some of those rats aren't so smart after all. Apparently, he doesn't realize that the lure of the stinky cheese, also known as party money, is sitting atop a nasty trap!
Melissa
Reno, NV
Jack,
They have mislead you! The lobby has actually spent more.. . $80,000,000...and 9/10ths!
Those 10 percent of Republicans that refuse to attend the upcoming convention are realist. Collectively, they are all aware that the last eight years has made it difficult for any "wise minded" republican too attend this convention with zest and a feeling of accomplishment. Instead they may attend the convention under the cover of paper bags.
hey Jack,look at the polls in their states and figure out why ! just wait till middle august to see republicans endorsing obama. survival Jack.
Jack,
I believe it means that at least SOME of the Republicans are finally injecting a note of REALITY (uncommon for the GOP) into their lives, and in this case reality dictates that if they want to get re-elected, they do not want their faces flashed on ANY network during the convention. The name of the game here is SURVIVAL of the SMARTEST--and that does NOT include being associated with either Bush or McCain, much less both!
I don’t blame them..if i was in their shoes I wouldn’t attened either. I would be embrassed by the way the GOP has treated the American people, and our kids future. The GOP policys of the last eight years will affect us for years…the damage has been done.
They don't have a canidate they believe in. What is going to be more suprizing is the amount of voters both Democrate, and Republican that stay home because neither party has a canidate they believe in.
It means that a number of Republicans want to distance themselves from George Bush and the Republican brand since they are facing the voters for re-election.
It means they want to neutralize their guilt by association.
They know that they stole the election back some years ago from Gore, President Bush has continually messed things up over the years and Senator McCain stumbled into the Republican nomination. Those that are up for election or re-election are hoping that it will look as if they have distanced themselves from the Republican party but everyone knows that they are wolves in sheep clothing.
They are like scared little kids at Christmas time who are afraid to have their picture taken sitting on Santas' knee.
They don't want to have their picture taken with President Bush.
This is symbolic of the fact that he is the worst President in the history of the country.
Bob
Louisville
It seems that a few of them aren't entirely shameless after all.
Jack, when more than 10% of Republican senators are refusing to attend their own convention, it means that after they pressed the self destruct button (BUSH) some were being held out to reconstitute the party after they complete the self destruction cycle 8 years from now.
It means that 10% of Republicans are smarter than the other 90%.
Just another Attraction at the Big Top Show !!
Must be election year for them that don't show !!
That the GOP has been sussecfull in telling americans that the Dems are fighting while there is a grand canyon separating the GOP.
There is NO WAY Congress or Senate will listen to the meager public citizen appearing before them with substantial facts about an issue when lobbyists are able to spend UNLIMITED amounts of money to persuade thought of the law makers! (Been there and was not able to persuade)
I wouldn't want to be seen with that pack of losers either.
Rockford, IL
Either they are being honest, and fully realize the Rep. party is not the one of past yrs ago or more likely they want to look like they're for a real change in the party and of course want to get re-elected to that cushy, well-pensioned, cross-my-palm with money job. And once back in guess what?
I think they just don't want to be arrested in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport for having a "wide stance."
It is good to know that a lot of republicans don't like McCain maybe there is hope Mr. Obama after all, maybe they are seeing that their is going to be the same crap, as there was with Bush I hope so because I don't think that the country can much more of the same stuff, or afford it too time for a change.
Jack
I used to take sleeping pills every night. Now I put on a DVD of John McCain gving a stump speach. It works equally well and doesn't cost me a penny. I can hardly blame anyone that makes an excuse not to attend this years RNC convention.