GOP Caucusgoers Paper Doll

.... love to buy a Paper Doll that we can call our own.....

This should really be the Republican Party theme song this campaign season.

The Des Moines Register talked with 10 likely GOP caucusgoers about their dream candidate. And what they found is unease with the current GOP presidential field, and varying degrees of serious dissatisfaction with The Decider and Congress.

Of the ten interviewed, seven say they aren't committed to a presidential candidate as yet.

Their ideal candidate.... the intellectual capacity of Newt Gingrich (smart enough not to get caught in his sexcapades like Clinton).... the leadership of Rudy Giuliani (the leader of the 9/11 24-7 parade).... the communication skills of Fred Thompson (he's bombing on the campaign trail like a librarian at a Hooter's convention).... and the toughness of John McCain (his 2000 Straight Talk Express is in the ditch).

This isn't a "dream" candidate, it's a "wishful thinking" candidate. OK, the opinions of ten caucusgoers isn't up to Gallup standards. But, it is indicative of the turmoil in the GOP ranks.

The Paper Doll song laments.... rather have a Paper Doll to call my own, than a fickle-minded real live girl. But, the weak GOP field may give them just that, a not-so-fickle-minded real live Hillary.

GOP Splinters

Are the Senate Republicans stalled, their leadership sails slack as they bob about in the legislative doldrums?

So says Robert D. Novak in his "McConnell's Immigration Failure." (WaPo)

While Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV) was up to his elbows in dirty deeds, convoluting the rules of procedure and twisting arms trying to pass The Decider's amnesty for illegal aliens bill, Bush's Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell (KY) was not only above the fray.... he ended up voting against it, and "abandoned his post, staying off the floor during final stages of the debate."

As it turns out, the fury of the switchboard-crashing number of calls coming into the Senate, threatening to never again vote for anyone supporting "amnesty," changed the minds of some GOP senators facing reelection, like McConnell.

So it seems McConnell faced the music and voted against the bill.... music conservative columnist Novak sees as a sour note, "It is difficult to exaggerate the pessimism about the immediate political future voiced by Republicans in Congress when not on the record."

Seems like Novak needs to quit talking only to Bushistas, and instead listen to Republican senators like Jim DeMint (SC) who didn't support the legislation and exulted in an email to supporters.... "We did it."

Even Republican former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who may yet throw his hat into the presidential ring, told contributors that the vote was "a soaring victory for the American people" in the defeat of the "Bush-Kennedy-McCain bill."

These are strange times, unexplored waters for many GOP politicians.... the party of political discipline that heeded President Reagan's admonition to speak no ill of another Republican.... an open break with their party leader and president.

It will be interesting to see if GOP supporters of the legislation who didn't change their vote despite the loud and intense pressure of their constituents... Lindsey Graham (SC) who is up for reelection, and presidential candidate John McCain (AZ).... will pay the price in 2008. One can only hope so.

The U.S. voters should find joy, not the reflected dejection of Novak or the gloomy outlook of McConnell who tried to have it both ways by trying to appease Bush while justifying his defection.... "This isn't a day to celebrate.... It wasn't the people's will. And they were heard."

You bet we were heard!

Let freedom ring