Palin, Beck, Limbaugh fail in N.Y. congressional race
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Democrats took a beating in the New Jersey and Virginia governors' races... but the far right got their clocks cleaned in that congressional race in upstate New York.
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/11/04/art.crist.jpg caption="Florida Governor Charlie Crist has been accused of being Republican in Name Only (RINO)."]
In defeating Conservative Doug Hoffman, Bill Owens will be the first Democrat to represent Congressional District 23 since the Civil War. Hoffman was aggressively supported by a bunch of the right wing's loudest voices - Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.
They tried to make this race a symbol of how the Republican Party has strayed from its conservative values. Pressure from the right-wing of the party helped push the Republican candidate out of the race last week - because she just wasn't Republican enough. Some even saw this contest as a struggle for the soul of the GOP. At least the results don't suggest Sarah Palin won that fight.
Nevertheless, it seems like conservative activists are just warming up. They have their eyes on a list of so-called RINOs - or Republicans in Name Only - for the midterm elections, people like Florida's Republican Governor, Charlie Crist, who's running for the Senate.
And some warn that Sarah Palin could be entering dangerous territory if she leads the movement against well-established figures like Crist. After all - Florida is often a key state in the presidential election. And, there's the issue of Palin's ability to control a group of activists once they're fired up. You could make the argument Palin entered dangerous territory when she left City Hall in Wasilla.
Here’s my question to you: What does it say that the likes of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh failed to get their candidate elected in the N.Y. congressional race?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Pat writes:
Who cares? They are patriots in name only. These blowhards would sell their own family to al Qaeda if they could make a buck for themselves. They are and have always been in it for the money and the power. They don't give a damn about the people of this country. It's just a big chess game to them.
C. writes:
It doesn't say anything about Palin, Jack, but it does say a lot about you. Calling people like us "the far right" shows your agenda. We are average working people who are tired of growing government intrusion into our daily lives. By the way, why do you always read so many more of the leftist comments than you do the ones from conservatives?
Jeff from Connecticut writes:
Absolutely no one knew who Hoffman was two weeks ago, yet he came very close to winning! That's amazing! This was a victory in spirit for conservatives!
Thom from Michigan writes:
It confirms that Americans are not the complete idiots I thought we were for listening to talking heads and giving any credence to their rantings. It confirms once and for all that they are mere entertainers to those who listen and are simply boors who do not care how they make a buck as long as it benefits them financially. The real losers are the sponsors who waste their money paying for their garbage shows day in and day out. Palin, Limbaugh and Beck are merely clowns in the circus of life. They are there for laughs.
Ed writes:
Mr. Hoffman believes in smaller government, less taxes, strong defense and individual liberty. And the Democrats call that "extreme". I think it’s the Democrats who are out of touch with Americans.
Simpson from Atlanta writes:
If folks would open their eyes and deal with reality, it would say the same thing it said in the last election. The fringe loves the fringe, but elections are won from the middle.
Shawn writes:
It tells me that Palin, Limbaugh and Beck are more "wind" than sail.
@jackcafferty on Twitter
What does it say that the likes of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh failed to get their candidate elected in the N.Y. congressional race?
It says to me that the fringe of the GOP are going to get MORE Democrats elected.
Works for me!
Jenna
Roseville CA
That they're not as all powerful as they think they are, thank God.
Jack,
I guess it says that the people of this district in New York are must not real, patriotic Americans. That means that they are fairly intelligent, moderate. non hate spewing people. It means that their good sense carried over to the ballot box.
Let's see, you've got an out of work TV weathergirl/ex-governor, a failed commedian, and an oxycontin addict and your surprised that a "majority" of voters in a given district ignored them?
Bill D
Champaign, IL
The windbag, the bookseller and quitter of every job she's had at state level and voicing their agenda. I haven't heard Rush in 15 years but I'm sure it's the same, Beck is a bookseller with a goofy look on the cover, which is tell of it's contents. Palin, another bookseller, who spouts canned thoughts of others and when she says something original it make no sense. Why would a reasonable person listen to what they have to say? None of them have had a new idea since their debut.
I think it just says that in a congressional race local issues trump all. also you can't read much from an off year election with low voter turnout.
the REAL test of how far right the Republican party has gone will be next year in Florida. will be interesting to see IF they throw the very popular Charlie Crist under the Tea Party bus and thereby give the Democrates a chance in that senate race like in District 23.
It means that the people in NY realized that electing someone hand-picked simply because of their "conservative views" instead of the candidate that was selected by the constituents and supported by the RNC was a dumb thing to do. The voters realized, as the extreme and LOUD ultra-conservatives did NOT, that both parties should be open to a range of voters, not just those that spout the extremist line. They looked at the whole candidate and saw someone with extremist views, and no other qualifications, and rightly said, "no thanks!"
It doesnt' say a whole lot for them them does it Jack? They are performers and that is all. Making money from controversy and shouting out hateful remarks that spur hateful people on.
I am so happy that Huffman did not win because if history proves anything it will prove that Mccain's selection of Palin was the worst thing to hit the republican party. This woman destroys any and everything that she touches. She is a divisive person whose sole pupose in life is to be in the limelight. How ironic that conservative base that called obama a rock star now claims to have one in sarah palin. should the republican party want to follow this woman and her team of idiots rush, beck , cantor, amey the democratics should buy a ticket to get front roll seats to see the destruction of the party first hand.
It simply says the voters have figured out Palin, Beck and Limbaugh are opportunistic sideshow entertainers and have no real contribution to make (except to their own pocket book).
Jack, it means the the American people aren't as dumb as some people thought and that the three idiots you mentioned don't have as much pull or reach as some people thought. These are both good things, so what it really means is: there's hope!
Jack, as a RINO myself, it tells me that there's still hope in this old world for good people.
It doesn't say much look it is no secret that mid-term election are not as important to people as The Presidental Election. If you look at history every President have had seat changes even Reagan so this is no surprise but i am surprised at how The GOP is treating these as reflections against President Obama so early doing his term. That is like claiming the championship before the game is played without having any real practices. They have done nothing to help with the economy Palin Limbaugh and that is what people are looking at who is helping and who is not who is doing and who is just talking. Those are the factors that people look at when they are voting and after the 2012 election we will seat changing again if whoever was voted for doesn't keep their promises or fail to deliver
Most of us have learned that these people are empty suits and hot air. They are more entertainment than they are meaningful mouths to listen to and glean from. None of them is smarter than a 5th grader!
I believe Scozzafava and many other so called republicans were a wolves in sheep's clothing. That is what I have gleaned about many republicans. They were liberals disguising themselves as conservatives only to decieve voters. The liberals were successful! The conservatives got blind sided. Atlas, awakened the sleeping giant. There is change in the air to save America and it smells like conservatism. If you need a job then wish for healthcare. That makes sense only to liberals.
Jack: It tells me that new yorkers are smarter than the three amigos took them for.
Jack, Republicans should breathe a big sigh of releaf. A Hoffmann win could have led to a purging of all moderates from the party. resulting most likly in a party able to win only twenty percent of the vote in a national election.
Jerry Wilson
This was a case of the dumb and dumber trying to show important they were and it backfired on them. People could give a damn less about those three jerks all of them have a bad case of diarrhea of the mouth. The combined IQ of all three wouldn't equal the number in a dozen donuts.
Jack,
Exactly what do you mean "by the likes of Sarah Palin,Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh. If you stated "by the likes of Reverend Wright, Barack Obama & Jesse Jackson" you would be taken off the air, fired and called a racist by the "likes" of Al Sharpton.
Maybe all that hot air coming out of them is just that. You know the Dems lost in New Jersey and Virginia but the lost by the right is 10X worst than the Dems losing the state races They gave Obama another vote to push through his agenda. Thanks Sarah, Glenn, Rush, and Timmy!
It tells me that Republicans are divided and are just as disgusted as Democrats with the likes of Palin, Beck and Limbaugh. At the urging of GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava, who dropped out of the race, many Republicans voted for the Democrat Owens. Hopefully, for the sake of the country, those who follow and believe every outrageous statement by the three outlaws will wake up and follow the course of truth.
That they are not the gospel according to Every one just the far far far Right .
I paray everynight that some common sense non hating people will say no to SArah and Rush- two of a kind.
It says that Ms.Palin, Mr.Beck & Mr.Limbaugh are not as big a deal as their egos would lead them to believe.
Jack: It shows that no one really pays attention to those loud mouth idiots.
if losing Virginia and NJ doesn't say anything about the President than losing NY 23 doesn't say anything about Palin, Rush and Beck. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
That even though the crazies are in charge of the asylum of the Republican party right now, that even a few less crazy people in their party will only go so far, because some section of their minds has a little sanity left in it, which is telling them no to go down with a sinking ship, or you will drown too! Because only the Joker wants to see the world burn, a few people in their party just aren't that interested in following a few fools jump off a cliff!, to prove their flawed ideology!
It is consistent with their essence.
Would you vote for anyone recommended by a bunch of clowns. Get real Jack.
I hope it says that their audience is small and that their influence is
smaller. (I'm trying to be nice).
It means that there a whole lot of sensible, responsible adult Republicans and Democrats out there that will not stand for the politics of the juvenile delinquents of the right wing lunatic fringe and will not send them to Washington to pass crackpot legislation.
I hardly think that 49% to 45 % is getting their clocks cleaned jack. Even though the republican candidate backed out of the race last week she still recieved 6% of votes thanks in large part to absentee ballets. Being that she was a 'republican' you can bet that that 6% would've gone to the conservatie candidate rather than the liberal one.
Bill hoffman got 45% og the Vote to the 49% the TAX-Government take over of the private sector got 49%. The Traitor of the Republican party was not running got 5%. For the ones, should realize the People they work for are now deciding if they stay in Business or leave New York now. Just with the mandates and New taxes that are coming. They were not running for office. It's a two way Street- Obama failed in New Jersey, And Virginia. What did you guys get?
Wow..I cant see why anyone would want Sarah Palin near their campaign. She is dynamite , will blow them to pieces.
It shows that there is intelligent life in New York after all.
Go Phillies!!
If the GOP has to rely on the likes of Palin, Beck and Limbaugh to get someone elected, then they are far more desperate than anyone imagined.
Palin, Beck, Limbaugh, did indeed fail. What does it say about these three? That they do not have the power they think they have! NY-23 electing the first Democrat in 100 years...... says it all....... those three are the "Three Stooges" of politics!
From Fremont, Ca
Jack it's got to be the funniest thing since Palin was thrust onto the national spotlight when McCain picked her as his VP pick.
She just doesn't seem very bright. She gets involved in this congressional election, and the result is a Democrat for first time in about 150 years. Adds another Democratic vote to healthcare and other issues for the Democrats. Amazing what Palin can accomplish when she tries.
It just shows that's how much their opinions count to the American voting public. Don't these fools think the people know how to add two plus two?
It is very true – the election proved that the "Conservatives" should not control the Republican Party. In the only place they were active and ran out the Republican they lost.
Of course their spin all day is that they didn't really loose but of course in the only race that mattered – Governors have no vote in national politics – only representatives and Senators do they lost a seat to the Democrats thay Republicans have held for well over 100 years.
"What does it say that the likes of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh failed to get their candidate elected in the N.Y. congressional race?"
It says to me that there's still hope for our country and that more people are remembering how to think for themselves rather than take the word of people who literally make their living off of political strife.
Aloha Jack,
It says good looks, hot air and hotter air on drugs ain't enough. The tide of thinking in this country is moving rapidly away from idiots who preach what they preach and the echo of cheers from their supporters is barely audible!
It doesn't mean very much – New York Republicans are generally a moderate lot – a whole bunch of RINO's, to use the right-wingers' speech.
Now, if they score victories with their teabagger candidates in the Bible Belt, that will secure the fact that moderate Republicans are no longer welcome in the GOP. This kind of looks like the Brown Shirts vs. the Black Shirts to me......
Matt
Saint Augustine, Fl.
It tells me that they believed their own publicity. The tea party, "real" American, "we want our country back" movement doesn't really have any teeth politically. It's more like a bad tv script than a real grassroots movement. The conservatives that won last night did so partly because they purposely avoided that fabricated bandwagon and let things shake out politically in their usual fashion. Extremism is destructive no matter what the base philosophy is. People get nervous around wild-eyed, over zealousand especially negative rhetoric. They may get caught up in the spin for a moment when in the fold of a frenzied crowd, but when they're on the way home in the SUV, I think everybody re-evaluates in silence and is glad to get away from the fray. Hoffman lost any chance he had the moment he tried to hok up to the Glen Beck wagon. The conspiracy theories didn't help either.
It's says that most people don't care for their opinions. Which is a relief. They only appeal to those who are radical right-wingers. In other words, people that are already on board with them. Liberals condemn them, independents and moderates reject them. Jack, how many people do you know that have listened to them open-mindedly and decided that they [Beck and Limbaugh] are right? As we saw in the election, Palin only revved up her base, and failed to bring in other people.
But who knows? Maybe Hoffman was just a really poor candidate.
What do you expect from the Three Stooges?
It says a fraction of the population is paying attention to them for entertainment value but main stream America will elect practical people. WE have been badly burned by Bush's Neo-con ideologue zealots and aren't likely to make that mistake again real soon..
It is because they are almost as far to the right as the Fuehrer...the bitter hate game doesn't play with the younger, rational people in this country.
It means they were flapping their jaws for nothing, no one was listening, surely that is not a surprise to anyone. Those three people feel so in charge and important, hmm.I would say not so much!!!
Win some...lose some.
What's it say that Obama and his team of loonies invested heavily in Virginia and New Jersy and got their clocks cleaned?
Obama is a one termer...get used to it.
Considering they had to fight how the RNC supported a Democrat? And how they didn't go stump for Hoffman in person two or three times?
I think it says a lot less than how the likes of Mr. Obama and the DGA failed to get both their candidates elected in New Jersey and North Carolina.
The NY-23 race is the only critical race to take place this week. It shows whether the conservative right with all its support from party head, Rush Limbaugh, can carry a district that has been republican since the civil war. Rush and company not only lost by 6000 votes or 5 percent directly to Owens, they also did not garner the 6000 votes the republican candidate got, making it a 12000 votes difference against Hoffman or nearly 10 percent. With all the money and muscle from Rush and friends (Palin, Beck, Pawlenty, etc...) in a Republican stronghold, it would appear that Rush's Dixiecrat mentality does not play well in the North. This vote is the real wakeup call for the republican party. Its called divide your party and lose.
why is cnn even talking about these people. they are pouring hate in this country like I have3 never seen before. are you people trying to destroy this country or are they just paying you more than the good people?
It says Larry, Moe and Curly are in charge of Hal Roach Studios. It also says they fired up that 20% of the voting public that couldn’t elect a dog catcher. Gov. Crist can only hope they go after him so he can send them back from whence they came. Jack, what is the mentality of the people that even listen to these loons. If they ever do get in charge of anything, we are in deep manure.
It says much of nothing Jack because they already have what they want. Beck has his Tea Baggers, Limbaugh has his Political Party and Sarah Palin has her……. she has her……. Oh I’ll have to check on it and get back to ya. “Wink Wink”.
It means I still have some hope for my home state.
The fact that they actually had a candidate in a race anywhere should make us all sit up and take notice. These folks are like the KKK on steroids. What happens to people of color, the LGBT community, Liberals, and atheists, just to name a few, if this movement takes root? And our great recession is providing fertile ground.
The pendulum swinging from far left to far right conceals the fact that it's usually somewhere in the middle.
It just confirms that all three are full of it and are really buffoons that intelligent people don't listen to.
Jack, Doug Hoffman just was not the right candidate at this time. Give it time - the democrates will spend their way in to oblivion, socialists that they are. The worm will turn, and it will turn on the democrates.
It doesn't say anything about Palin, Jack, but it DOES say a lot about YOU. Calling people like us "the far right" shows your agenda. We are average working people that are tired of growing government intrusion into our daily lives.
BTW, why do you always read so many more of the leftist comments than you do the ones from conservatives?
It says to me that maybe, just maybe, some Republicans are finally waking up and seeing what that group of three like. They are all DANGEROUS people.
What does it mean, Jack? It means that the far right nuts jobs are leading the way for the GOP to be re-titled the GOB: Going Outta Business.
It means that everyone should stop listening to them.
Mr. Hoffman believes in smaller Govt, less taxes, strong defense, and individual liberty. And the Democrats call that "extreme" I think its the Democrats who are out of touch with Americans.
It show they're too far right for the people. Too far right for the good of the country, and serve as nothing but entertainment.
The Homeland Terrorists Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh should quit running their mouths like Sarah Palin quit running Alaska. No one in America wants the Goverment, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin or Rush Limbaugh telling them how to live their lives and what their values should be... America is too diverse for their fake Conservative Christian linch mobs and we certainly arent going to support their radical, dangerous, hateful politics.
It tells me that Palin, Limbaugh and Beck are more "wind" than sail.
From Boca Raton, Florida
The question has a simple answer. Glenn Beck is a comedian, Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer and Sarah Palin is the leader of the No Nothing Party.
Absolutely no one knew who Hoffman was two weeks ago, yet he came very close to winning! That's amazing! Did you know Hoffman Jack?
This was a victory in spirit for Conservatives!!
I am so relieved, Jack. I was wondering where to move in case the inmated do take over the asylum.
Just says that they shouldn't be taken seriously, especially when it looks like they fail to learn that before the Great Depression and Franklin Roosevelt, The Republican Party was a semi-liberal party and the Democrats was a conservative party. It's common sense when you consider the Democrats of the 1800's started the slave trade. It's ridiculous that a civil election of one district would attract such nationwide attention and politicians from both sides of the spectrum, especially conservatives in this case, shouldn't mettle in the affairs of election.
I tells me that the three stooges are still alive and entertaining me.
Lansing, Michigan
Hector Hernandez
Jack,
Sarah Palin was right in calling out Dede Scozzafava for being a liberal. Did you not notice that Dede ended up endorsing the Democrat?
David
Reston, VA
Well, if Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh and the likes of them get their way and anyone they endorse wins ANYTHING, then we can all be sure of one thing. The lunatics are definitely running the asylum.
It mens they are not ready to start a third party.
It says a lot- Palin, Limbaugh and Beck are not as powerful as the media claims they are. So quit complaining about these three individuals and just get to reporting the news again!
Jack, this means that the country has not gone completely insane, and am I glad of that!
It says that Larry, Moe, and Curly live on in Rush, Glen, and Sarah.
Knuckleheads never die.
Jack,
You left out that the Democratic candidtate is a moderate and the Republican candidate was a liberal. It makes sense that the Dem was elected. No one said the district was for fierce conservatives. Most people in this Country are moderates. I am one of them. We need a third party to represent us.
Ann Marie, Windsor, CT
Vero Beach, FL
The people of Northern New York, being largely of the same stock and being as close to Vermont as they are, share the same great good sense, Unfortunately, being too close to Alabany, they did not overwhelmingly defeat Mr. Hoffman. But a win is a win, and it is solid.
I surely hope that Palin, Beck and Limbaugh try the same tactic in Florida since it will achieve the same salubrious result.
It says, NY hasn't lost their minds!!
It says that they're idiots in my opinion. The only real differences between Scozzafava and Hoffman politically are that Dede is pro-choice and pro-gay. She's not for tax increases and she's pro-gun rights. She was right to endorse Bill Owens, who's policies and opposition to ObamaCare suggest he is a blue dog. America is just as tired of theocrats like Hoffman and Palin as the are socialists like Pelosi. Palin was the reason I, a republican, voted for Obama. A person who is willing to break away from supporting their parties candidates because of petty social issues is not a true Republican. Republicans should be secular and not endorse based on religiously influenced oppositions. Ronald Reagan was pro-life and against gay marriage, but he certainly did not alienate those who disagreed with him. He united them on more important issues like the economy, which is what republicans should be focusing entirely on.
hoffman an unknown with no political footprint did better than dede would have done she was polling in the 20's Palin was right and Hoffman might have won
No body likes a carpet bagger! Even when the LOUD crew yelling approval. It's like kissing a pig with lipstick.
Dear Jack, It means that those spineless jellyfish who think that they control the minds of the spineless Republicans and Conservatives are nothing but a bunch of 'hot air' buffoons. If Rush, Palin et al think that they can play mind games with mindless people they are dead wrong. Even non-thinking people who follow those clowns have feelings!
It tells us that the GOP defacto leaders, the three-headed monster of Limbaugh-Beck-Palin aren't interested in Reagan's Big Tent philosophy of building a political party. Indeed, they have metaphorically set that sucker on fire and are going to heap a bunch of RINO's on the conflagration to keep 'er going until the 2010 midterms. I think I will be investing in whoever makes Ambien, because there are a bunch of moderate Republicans who will be buying it in bulk over the next twelve months. Talk about watching your back? Ouch!!!!
rhia
Portland, OR (aka Little Beirut)
It means they are not ready to start a third party.
It tells me that the three stooges are still alive and entertaining me.
Lansing, Michigan
The vote in NY23 shows that the wingnuts in the Tea Party movement aren't representative of the views of most Republicans, never mind most Americans.
It says there are still sane voters out there who don't listen to a bunch of bubble-headed boobs.
The election in Northern New York proves that the American people aren't as stupid as Limbaugh, Palin and Beck think we are.
Lynn
Oregon
It means there may be hope for humanity.
Palin and her hinch men will do nothing but excite the Dems agian just like 08 and cause another problem for her party, everybody should stay away from her.
The conservative party like Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh., lead the moronic mass of our population by misinforming and criticizing President Obama's Administration through the use of “fear” and “moral” tactics in order to accomplish their own selfish and greedy agenda.
Well Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh you underestimated the American public. It looks as though they are more educated and less like ‘sheep’ than you figured.
Just remember that ”fear” and “values” do not keep people from losing their jobs, homes or put food on the table!!!
The pendulum swinging from far left to far right conceals the fact that it's usually somewhere in the middle.
Darren in Fairbanks, Alaska
That they are not as influential as the media might think. But sure, throw in some more pointless figureheads and they will loose some more.
It says even republicans are a lot smarter than I gave them credit for.Thank God they see those clowns for what they really are,self promoting,self indulgent blow hards who use fear to sell themselves.
What is says is that the population of New York State is more intelligent and better educated than the the populations of of the other states that had elections. I have not checked the stats. I don't have to.
The farther south you go, the lower the education levels and IQ's.
Jack
You seem to be missing the point.
The Democrat won with less tha 50% of the vote
against an unknown who entered the race late and
was far from a charismatic 'polished' politician.
Coming as close as he did is a powerful message
that should not be overlooked.
I am a strong Gov. Charlie Crist supporter.
Ed Varchal
Melbourne, FL
A lot has been made about the gubinatorial races in NJ & VA. Those are state races and compare apples to oranges. The true test about how people feel on the national level are races in the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.
The fact that these extremists put their weight behind a candidate in a solidly Republican district and lost shows that not even Republicans want such extremists representing them.
Nothing, Jack. Scozzafava was a RINO who had no problem endorsing the Democrat after she dropped out. Palin et al had it right.
it means about as much as pres. obama backing the dems that lost.
Could it mean, Jack, that folks are actually paying attention to the issues and not listening to extreme right-wing conservative "celebrities"?
It's the same reason Angelina Jolie or some guy from "High School Musical 10" endorsing a candidate Does. Not. Matter. The same goes for sitting and non-sitting presidents. It's the reason Obama going to Jersey and Va. did nothing. He wasn't on the ballot. Voters only want to hear from the guy or the gal running. It's that simple.
It says that these three space cadets are idiots and that any Conservative running for political office should keep their distance from these dweebs.
Jack –
It tells us the same thing yesterday's elections in NJ & Va tells us – just flip the coin over! Obama & the liberal wing of the Democratic Party were rebuked by the moderates & Independents voters in those states. Similarily, the far right extremists (Limbaugh, Palin & Beck) were wiped out in upstate NY. with their 'true believer conservative' candidate.
Better stick with the winners in the center ( & tonite the New York Yankees).
That's not good, Jack. I was hoping that these clowns had established themselves as the voice of the Republican party. This might be a bad indicator that Conservatives are actually using a little reason instead of sealing themselves off into a rigid backward ideology. That could lead to trouble because then who will lead them? I can't think of one GOP leader that could fill that vacuum.
It shows that they do not have any power, are not listened too , and are all a bunch of rabble rousers and wind bags without a voice. Grand Haven, Michigan.
If Sarah Palin had any ideas on how people get elected,she would have used them herself.Jack ,the media gives Rush limbaugh the air to make the noise without which he is just a windmill,disturbing to the ears but harmless.
Theo-Germany.
Extremist Conservatives losing NY-23 means the same thing as Extremist Liberals losing their highly funded gay marriage proposition in Maine. Moderates were last night's winners. The whackos from both parties need to shut up, wise up, and listen to mainstream America.
What it says, hopefully, Jack, is that Americans have the sense to avoid "authoritarian" figures, the type that were studied and outlined in depth by Eric Fromm prior to world war II. These characters, that believed in "your with us or against us," "the end justifies the means" vis-a-vis torture, and in preemtive strike, brought the world nothing less than utter devastation.
It says "their" candidate was not the choice of the electorate. I wonder if they've finished their collective tantrum over all those naughty voters.
They couldn't even find a candidate to back who's semi-intelligent, lives in the district he's to represent, and doesn't look like Icabod Crane.
Conservatives meet Moe (Beck), Larry (Linbaugh), and Curly (Palin) – your 3 stooges.
I think that this says loud and clear that the Republican party wants more than these big mouth so called conservative yahoos dictating how they're party is going to be run. If the conservative Republican core continues its love fest with Palin, Rush and the likes of Beck they will dig the party further into a ditch and alienate their moderates and independents.
EJ in Tacoma
It says a lot- Palin, Limbaugh and Beck are not as powerful as the media claims. So quit complaining about these three individuals and get back to reporting the news!
It says that we in New York know what some in other parts of the US should and will learn, that each of them is self serving. They don't care about anything except how or what it will do for them!!!
Jack, I am a moderate, slightly left leaning, and have been praying for years for a viable 3rd party. Now it seems the only 3rd party that is coming along is led by the likes of Palin, Beck and Loud-Mouth Limbaugh! I've hear God answers prayers in 3 ways: Yes..No..and if you insist! Be careful what you pray for.
Paul H.
Midland, TX
The Palins, Becks and Limbaughs are like disoriented ships. They are loudest when they are lost in the fog.
give her some time and she,ll be back on bridge to no-where
It seems the NY 23rd district has more people looking for "free" programs than orignally thought. The Conservatives need to get their message out from a less divisive voice and people still do not know who to turn to for leadership.
What does it say that the likes of Barack Obama failed to get the Virginia and New Jersey candidates elected? It says that voters aren't being swayed by a candidates "popularity". Voters aren't worried about what some star or political figure-head says, they are looking at the issues and voting for the candidate they think will do the best job.
Losing NY23 tells us that the voters were not fooled by a carpetbagger who was not conversant with the issues. Hoffman made a fool of himself at the podium because he couldn't answer the simplest questions regarding issues important the NY23 constituency. Palin/Beck/ Limbaugh now know that they just can't unleash know-nothing clones parroting right wing talking points in every district in America and expect them to be real factors in the 2010.
Jack,
I just wonder why you guys in the far left media have just refused to get it. You guys are deliberately twisting the New york 23 story to suit your liberal narrative. The new york story is not about conservative vs moderates in the republican party but it is between conservatives and liberals in the party. You people are not even condemming the selection process that brought about the initial republican nominee. Please help me tell Wolf and Gloria that they are dead wrong in their analysis.
Godfrey
Edmonton, Canada.
Palin and her ilk belong in a past age. Unenlightened Republicans requesting their support will get nowhere. She should invite Limbaugh and Beck to her home in Alaska where they can keep an eye on Russia, write books and ride the road to nowhere.
Hopefully it means that Sarah Palin, Glen Beck, and Rush Limbaugh are losing whatever power they held in the Republican Party. If that's true, then it's a step in the right direction for rebuilding the GOP into a smarter political machine. Republicans may not have accomplished that yet, but at least they seem to be learning not to turn to delusional small town mayors and entertainers for party leadership. Then again, maybe I'm just an optimist.
It's a doggone shame that the Democrats are sleep-walking with their majority in Congress and allowing the likes of Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and those clowns at FOX NEWS define the democratic legislative agenda. It does not help that they have a laid back president as the leader of the party. Unless the democrats in Congress revolt and replace their inept leadership exemplified by Pelosi and Reed, what happened in New Jersey and Virginia last night will be a picnic come 2010.
As a moderate republican, I am delighted with the results of NY-23. I believe in smaller government, but somehow the new republican party has forgotten what smaller is, or what is the role of government. A war on terror costing 100's of billions of dollars, and takes away my privacy, in order to defeat terrorists who were armed with box cutters. A common sense lockable entry into the pilot's compartment would have avoided this whole mess. The mixing of church and state, going into my bedroom, and telling my wife what she can and can't do with her body. Even I can't do that and Thomas Jefferson would never approve of this. Huge multi-national corporations have the rights of an individual, and effect my life more than the government ever has. Yet they are too big to fail, and I pay to bail them out. Yet, my party tells me they can not be regulated and controlled by the only institution which can match them in size, wealth, and power. The only proper role of Government is to do what we as individuals can not do ourselves. We do not live in a capitalist society, we live in a corporate society. The former abuses of government are are greatly overshadowed, by these corporations which have no loyalty to any country, or people.
A New York republican is not the same person as a Florida republican , a new york republican will be able to read a book ,Palin has a hard time think of the last book she has read, a Florida republican speaks spanish and came from Cuba,Limbaugh want to send them back.
In the past 30 years I’ve voted mostly republican because I like their economic policy, small government, and less regulation. However I am pro choice and pro-gay if there is such a thing so I don’t like that far right stuff. The republican conservatives are turning me off big time. That’s why the first Bush lost his second bid for pres if you ask me. I wish the republicans would drop that part of their platform and I‘m glad they lost NY even though I really wish there were more republicans in the house and in congress.
Jack! It says a lot. Hoffman was not a credible candidate and he was endorsed by the most extreme and lunatic fringe of the GOP. I fear what these people agenda.
It looks like the talking heads of the vast right wing conspiracy are not as influential as some Dems make them out to be.
What it seems to sat to me is that the voters in N.Y. with some common sense. The fact of the matter is that Palin, Beck, and Limbaugh are extremists of the worst kind. And it's for that reason alone they, and anyone they support, should be avoided like the plague as far as voting is concerned. (And perhaps just in general, too.)
Obama and the Dems failed in NJ and VA, who's the bigger loser?
Your own Fareed Zakaria said "The problem with Sarah Palin is not that she doesn't know the answer to a question but that she fails to understand the question itself". I would add that there is a chunk of the American electorate that fails to understand why that is a problem. She is a voice for the willfully ignorant who wish to round up everyone who disagrees with them and put them to the torch
Jack! its clear the writting is on the wall the greatest loosers in N.Y. congressional race are Palin, Beck, Limbaug, the electorates had a simple answer to their kind of divisiness "put-up or shut-up" . What Palin, Beck and Limbaug have done is continually twists the language of conscience into its opposite. They have no choice becauce they understand what they exercise in unjust, and cannot survive except by pretending to be the opposite of what it is.
It tells me they don't represent the 23rd congressional district in NY, that's for certain! With all the talk about big Republican wins, I would say the fact of a district electing its first Democrat since the Civil War cancels out the 2 Republican governorship victories, one of which occurred in a state where that is no surprise (Virginia).
Jack,
This is all one big mess. But don't blame me I voted for Ron Paul.
Dan in Texas
Jack, Palin, Limbaugh and Beck just discovered that America isn't quite as dumbed down as they imagine. Their little experiment must have demonstrated to any serious candidates that being 'endorsed' by these nuts in a district populated by right thinking Americans is a sure fire kiss of political death. Americans still think, therefore they will steer clear of nuts!
I think it proves that they are wrong in their belief that if you yell at people loudly enough, you will make them pretend to feel a way that they don't, even in the privacy of a voting booth. Trying to replace the Republican candidate for "not being Republican enough" (the No True Scotsman logical fallacy) showed the moderate Republicans that when they don't get their way they stamp their feet, try to get unqualified zealots into office, and are happier shooting themselves in the foot than behaving like adults and accepting compromise. For some reason, they seem to think that if they behave like this and tell moderates that their votes are worthless that that will somehow make the moderates not moderate anymore– in their favor. It might make them not moderates anymore, but not by turning them to their side.
I hope they keep trying nonsense like this because the voters won't go for it and they'll lose even more power than they already have.
Jack,
As a resident of Northern New York's 23rd Congressional District, I was appalled at the treatment given Dede Scozzafava, a Northern NY native, long-time NYS Legislator committed to solving the unique issues in our area. Doug Hoffman does not even live in the 23rd and is basically clueless about who we are are what our needs are here the North Country.
Sadly, Palin, Limbaugh and Beck are even more clueless about our issues and tried to use us to promote their own agenda. Thank God we had the good sense to tell them to take a hike. Now a Democrat has the seat held by a Republican for 150 years and the person who would have done the best job for us in the U.S. Congress was forced to step down by these idiots.
I doubt they'll have learned their lesson and will continue to meddle
in matters that are none of their business.
Joan
Chaumont, NY
It says nothing. Palin, Beck, and Limbaugh..... what a trio. A know nothing, a mental patient, and the most arrogant idiot on radio. In my opinion these people are more dangerous to the well being of this country than Al-Quaeda. The sooner we stop reporting or worrying about their words and opinions the sooner they will fade away into oblivion.
It's great news that the 3 Stooges are still alive.
So the far right-wingers want to become even more exclusive? Brilliant!
Stephen
Virginia Beach
It means squeaky-wheel extremists are hell bent on cramming ideology down the Republican message, regardless of the consequences. It means the political center continues its slow decay, leaving us to marvel at the cold reality at the poles.
Jack,! its clear the writting is on the wall the greatest loosers in N.Y. congressional race are Palin, Beck, Limbaug, the electorates had a simple answer to their kind of divisiness "put-up or shut-up" . What Palin, Beck and Limbaug have done is continually twists the language of conscience into its opposite. They have no choice becauce they understand what they exercise is unjust, and cannot survive except by pretending to be the opposite of what it is.
Barack Obama made three trips and five stops in New Jersey to help an incumbant governor and you focus on a House seat where the conservative candidate was only in the race for one month. Then you make the election in New York a referendum on Sarah Palin.
Mr Cafferty, you can spin the results any way you want but no matter how you cut it President Obama and the Democrats lost on Tuesday.
It says that working class people, who predominate in upstate NY, are tired of being told what to think and do by outsiders. People in unemployment lines don't care about party affiliation. They will vote for whoever will take better care of their problems. Republicans haven't supported working class needs for a long time.
It seems to me you guys spend alot of time running down an entertainer and a unemployed politician. If they are as stupid as you claim, why do you spend so much time worrying about them. Long live King Obama
The conservative party like Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh., lead the mass of our population by misinforming and criticizing President Obama's Administration through the use of “fear” and “moral” tactics in order to accomplish their own selfish and greedy agenda.
Well Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh you underestimated the American public. It looks as though they are more educated than you figured.
Just remember that ”fear” and “values” do not keep people from losing their jobs, homes or put food on the table!!!
Giuliani.
The American people are a bit uneasy about the Obama policys by the way the vote went yesterday–BUT they really dislike the conservatives ideas by the way they shot down the neo-con's big guns. America needs to remember–THE PROCESS IS SLOW & hopefully the government will work this out.
It probably doesn't say very much, Jack. These right-wing kooks will continue to try these tactics all over the country. They are hell-bent to eliminate anyone in the party who doesn't agree with them on their narrow agenda. This is the best thing to happen to the Democrats since Obama's election. And the Republican Party will be relegated to the political dust-bin. And by the way, this Republican is now an Independent..
Jack,
I think the bigger question here is what does it say about CNN's left slant and moreover, your lack of ability to give us an unbias opnion? Americans are sick and tired of CNN and Fox shoving their political agendas down our throat.
Americans are perfectly capable of making their own decisions as to who they elect and this question is insulting us by masking itself as an unbiased questions all-the-while setting yourself up for the juicy anti-right responses you'll receive. I don't care what you or CNN think whether you slant for the right or the left, just give me the news!
Jack, I think we last night saw what could be the start of a 3rd political party, one that might actually gain some real power. I really suspect Representative-Elect Bill Owens is going to be one of those "Blue Dog" Democrats, while remembering that a moderate Republican bailed out of the race and endorsed him. I think that, given a bit of time, we will see the Blue Dog get together with the moderate Republicans, the "Republicans In Name Only" and form a moderate political party that could (I HOPE!) eventually take control of Congress and maybe, just maybe, get stuff done.
Dave
New Carlisle OH
Extremists have a huge emotional commitment to their cause - hopefully, the Republicans will decide that reason must trump emotion. But then, the tooth fairy seems more likely.
Jim, Craig, CO
I grew-up as a moderate Republican and am thrilled that the Democrate candidate won in New York. I think the Republican party better understand that moderates are madder than hell and aren't going to take it anymore.
What it says Jack is exactly what Tip O'neil said so many times during his time as speaker of the house: ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL!! It's one thing to offer your support to a candidate. It's another thing all together to openly meddle in the local politics of that congressional districts' neighborhood. If I were a conservative resident of that district, I would be looking to string up Sarah Palin up by her thumbs for recklessly coming into MY town and losing my solidly conservative representation! This debacle would be a precautionary tale to anyone else. But, to Limbaugh, Palin, et al, it won't even phase them. They are about as enamored of their own convictions as Narcissus was of his own image!
Jack, What this shows is what the rest of American knows already...that Palin, Beck & Limbaugh are out of touch with reality. They spew hate and America is fed up with the neo con zealots. Did they not hear the American people speak last November?
The new governors of New Jersey and Virginia should thank their lucky stars that this dynamic trio didn't campaign for or endorse them!
It means common sense prevailed and sent a message that this country is tired of hearing hate filled extremists. Stuff a mop in it.
San Angelo, Texas
Jack,
Although talking heads would like to believe that they have great influence over the public, the fact is that almost all of us have a brain that works just fine. We are able to make decisions based on our own study. We do not live in a bubble, being told everyday how wonderful we are. We live in a world that requires us to make important decisions, that have a real impact on our lives every day.
By the way, Jack. Do you have some sort of childish crush on Palin? You don't seem to have anything that you would rather talk about, and you get giddy and just light up every time you mention her.
I really hope this is a wake-up call for the Republicans and that they realize that extremism of any kind is not a good thing. I hope they realize that letting the Rush Limbaugh/Glen Beck crowd question the president's love of America, the Democrats loyalty and in general exaggerating minute points to the point of outright lying is not getting us, any of us, anywhere. The president has gone out of his way to pull Republicans and Democrats together and has gotten nothing but scorn and disregard on the part of Republicans. This is not the way to run a party, much less a country. Democrats, liberals, homosexuals and feminists love our country too, no matter WHAT the ultraconservatives think. This is OUR country also. Homosexual marriage and abortion are nonproblems. Two wars, a major recession, read depression, a nuclear deficit that does not seem to be controllable, bank failures, job loss, home foreclosures are gigantic problems that we really need to come to grips with. Questioning each other's moral authority, place of birth and love of country are not the way to do this.
It means they don't have as much political clout as their over-sized egos would have them believe.
It says that when the far right, however influential they may be portrayed in the media, attempt to force their agenda on a moderate district, they get their hand slapped. Sarah, Glenn and Rush – keep up the good work. We dems need your kind of lunacy!
It means that people do not listen to them as much as they think. People are smart enough to make their own choices and not just vote for somebody because they are told to by likes of Palin, Rush, and Beck.
I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what the GOP is so happy about. Sure, they gained 2 governors, but they lost 2 seats in the house. At this rate, I hope Sarah and Rush and Beck keep up the good work!
Jack, This is a joke, right? Scozzafava tried to run as a Republican and was caught by the voters to be a Democrat in words and deeds, she then did what no other candidate in modern history has done and endorsed the opposition! So now the Democrats try to hold this race as an example of a Sara Palin defeat!? This smacks of desperation, when a candidate has to pose as a the other side to get elected, and then sabotage the election when caught.
It would be funny if not so dangerous... can we trust our future candidates not to be a shill, is this the wave of the future?!
I'm glad to see some people still have a brain and make up their own minds instead of listening to blow hards. Limbaugh and Palin who have no expertise in anything but, stirring up issues by putting spinn on everything that OBama does. People with little brains, fear and no common sense listen to Limbaughs, Palin. I still looking for a Clarebell clown suite for Beck which is the only thing missing on his show.
Del Jones
Des Moines IA.
It shows that they do not speak for Republicans, at least not all of them. Republicans typically stood for fiscal conservatism and a strong military. Some stand for government staying out of peoples lives and others stand for social conservatism. These two groups have at times cooperated to promote the joint agenda as long as neither interfered with the other locally. As of late fiscal conservatism went out the window, so many were unwilling to support being told how to live and voted Democratic in the last major election. New York is not the bible belt and social conservatism not not an easy sell and these old libertarian and/or Rockefeller Republicans do not like to be interfered with.
Only the liberal media would spin it this way. Sarah Palin backs a candidate and its a "slap in the face". Barack Obama actually campaign several times in both Virginia & N. Jersey and it is a split decision
I love them the Three Stooges, Palinites convinced they have power, I just feel sorry for the people that listen to them. They elected Obama and will serve the Democratic party well in 2010.
I'm glad to see some people still have a brain and make up their own minds instead of listening to blow hards. Limbaugh and Palin who have no expertise in anything but, stirring up issues by putting spinn on everything that OBama does. People with little brains, fear and no common sense listen to Limbaughs, Palin. I still looking for a Clarebell clown suite for Beck which is the only thing missing on his show.
Del Jones
Des Moines IA.
Hopefully it says that the three stoogies are still in the entertainment business and not running the country. Egads. It is certainly time for education reform.
Its says that Palin, Rush, and Beck just made passing Heath Care Reform a little easier. I'm pretty sure the Democrats will take the two losses in VA and NJ if it makes HCR more likely to pass. After all, that's way more important.
Jack, this year was my 1st time ever voting, but it doesn't take years of voting for someone to realize that a group of people attacking someone within their party is wrong and foolish. In my opinion, it means that their attack on the moderates will discourage anyone other then the base to vote for their candidate the do support. Not only because it makes the party look like it in chaos but because it cut off the party from other ideas and values. Here in Virginia , Bob McDonnell, now the so-to-be repulbician governor is somewhat a moderate : he agrees with Obama on some educational issue, and wants to spend sereval billions of dollar on expanding transportion. If they attack Deeds could of had a chance.
Will from Williamsburg, Virginia
I think the NY23, NJ and VA votes show what is always shown: that all politics are local and voters usually vote with their pocketbook. Endorsements from Presidents and Beauty Queens are irrelevant.
Yup – the Far Right Conservative media elites were shown to not be able to turn out a win – yet again!
Republicans need to wake up that these Right Wing Media Elites (Limbaugh, Beck, Palin, etc...) care NOTHING about Republicans winning – they ONLY care about their ratings, book deals and speaking fees.
These Media Elitists make their money by getting attention and increasing their fan base – not by getting Republicans elected.
They actually do better the more Democrats there are in charge.
So Republicans – be very wary of these Right Wing Media types – they don't have your best interest at heart.
It means that our voting populous is not as dumb as I worried we might be, given the loudness of the far right wing nuts and their over-representation in radio and on Cable TV broadcasting.
It means a long sigh of relief; and hope.
Thank you to the folks that took the time to vote in New York Congressional District 23!
Reno, Nevada