The Briefing Room
General Category => Politics/Government => Topic started by: mystery-ak on February 20, 2014, 11:39:28 pm
-
http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/02/20/Cruz-FL-Event-Catches-Fire (http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/02/20/Cruz-FL-Event-Catches-Fire)
(http://cdn.breitbart.com/mediaserver/Breitbart/Big-Government/2014/02/20/ted-cruz-event.jpg)
by Matthew Boyle 20 Feb 2014, 3:14 PM PDT
SARASOTA, Florida—The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) just held its winter meeting here, and the wealthy beachfront communities that dot the coast are typically considered one of the beating hearts of the Establishment GOP's donor community.
Tonight, though, it's Cruz country.
An event originally scheduled as a small rally for potential 2016 presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) mushroomed into a major political event after nearly 2,000 people RSVP'd online.
“We are shocked at the level of interest that we’ve received for doing this rally,” Sarasota GOP chairman Joe Gruters told Breitbart News.
“It’s obvious that the state is aware that he is listening, and they’re excited about what Ted Cruz is saying and it certainly cuts across the bow of the establishment in D.C., which is maybe not trying to ‘stifle’ what Sen. Cruz is saying but certainly that Cruz is getting so much attention at the local level in a county like Sarasota shows you that he’s a major player and that people should watch out for and everything that the guy is doing,” he added.
Cruz opened his remarks here with one his signature phrases. “I spent all of last week in Washington, D.C.," he said. "It is great to be back in America.”
Following what will now be a sizable rally at the Sarasota Hyatt – participants are already lining up “like Black Friday campers at Best Buy,” one organizer emailed – Cruz will attend a $500 per person VIP fundraiser and, to wrap up the evening, a $5,000 per couple private donor dinner.
The fundraising proceeds are going to the Sarasota County GOP party.
Organizers say 1,800 people signed up for the rally and at least 200 for the dinner.
It's unusual for an event like this to catch fire, Gruters said, because the community is known less for its conservative activists than its business-minded GOP donors.
“We are a center right community,” he said. “If you look at all of our individuals and officials on a local level, they’re all pretty much just barely center right. The interest and the energy that’s being created as a result of this event is that Cruz—to me, it’s just amazing. From my standpoint, Ted Cruz is a serious political player—and it’s amazing he’s able to attract these large crowds.”
When reached by phone early Thursday afternoon, organizers told Breitbart News they were still rearranging chairs because they needed to ensure there was enough standing room in the venue so as not to break the fire marshall code.
Originally, organizers had planned on having a rally with several hundred people where Cruz would receive the Sarasota GOP “Statesman of the Year” award. Past winners have included Sean Hannity, Donald Trump and Haley Barbour. But when the party announced the event online, an unexpected swarm of GOP activists from the grassroots sought to ensure they had the opportunity to get in to see Cruz in action. “If you have a single candidate rally and you get 500 people in the room, it’s a great day,” Gruters said. “To have almost 2,000 in the room for a single candidate—it’s amazing.”
Gruters also made a strong pitch for other GOP officials to make a stop in his back yard.
“I like to say ‘Sarasota is the new Iowa,’” Gruters said. “If you want to be a serious presidential candidate, you better stop at Palm Beach and you better stop at Sarasota because we have the donors and we have the base activists. My question to everybody is: ‘Go to a rally somewhere else and see how many people you get,'” he said.
-
Hmmm doesn't look like he is an embarrassment to anyone but the GOP establishment.
-
Real republicans applaud Ted Cruz. We have few true republicans who vote with the platform of the party in mind or even the constitution they made an oath to protect as leaders right now. The real republicans know this and turn out for someone who does.
-
It's unusual for an event like this to catch fire, Gruters said, because the community is known less for its conservative activists than its business-minded GOP donors.
“We are a center right community,” he said. “If you look at all of our individuals and officials on a local level, they’re all pretty much just barely center right. The interest and the energy that’s being created as a result of this event is that Cruz—to me, it’s just amazing. From my standpoint, Ted Cruz is a serious political player—and it’s amazing he’s able to attract these large crowds.”
My goodness, don't all these people realize that Ted Cruz was responsible for the government shutdown? :shrug:
-
My goodness, don't all these people realize that Ted Cruz was responsible for the government shutdown? :shrug:
My goodness, don't all these people realize that Ted Cruz was credited with the government shutdown?
-
My goodness, don't all these people realize that Ted Cruz was responsible for the government shutdown? :shrug:
Yep. It's an instinctive reaction.
Drivers slow down for car wrecks, too.
-
Yep. It's an instinctive reaction.
Drivers slow down for car wrecks, too.
Wow..everyone is wrong about Cruz except for the Fab 3 or is that 4 here on TBR..
-
Wow..everyone is wrong about Cruz except for the Fab 3 or is that 4 here on TBR..
I'm just joshin'.
Lots of Republicans love Cruz. He's an important facet of the Republican Party.
I wish those who love Cruz thought the party was big enough to include people like John Cornyn and me.
-
Wow..everyone is wrong about Cruz except for the Fab 3 or is that 4 here on TBR..
Ted Cruz and company have The Washington establishment REALLY worried for the first time in a LONG time!
And that includes those who post here!
And although I have no way to know it for sure I would be VERY surprised if they don't have some special interest in keeping things as they are in Washington.
-
Ted Cruz and company have The Washington establishment REALLY worried for the first time in a LONG time!
And that includes those who post here!
Nobody's worried about Ted Cruz. If he expects to have a national impact, he will have to learn how to get along with other members of the GOP. So far, he thinks he can lead without the consensus of other GOP politicians.
-
I'm just joshin'.
Lots of Republicans love Cruz. He's an important facet of the Republican Party.
I wish those who love Cruz thought the party was big enough to include people like John Cornyn and me.
I have no trouble with Cornyn other than the fact I wish he was more conservative...but I wish that on all Repubs..including you...lol
-
I have no trouble with Cornyn other than the fact I wish he was more conservative...but I wish that on all Repubs..including you...lol
I think John Cornyn has been a senator long enough, Thank him for his service, and want him to come home now! Working very hard to arrange that!
-
I'm just joshin'.
Lots of Republicans love Cruz. He's an important facet of the Republican Party.
I wish those who love Cruz thought the party was big enough to include people like John Cornyn and me.
:beer:
Damned right there's room for you, Sink!
-
I'm just joshin'.
Lots of Republicans love Cruz. He's an important facet of the Republican Party.
I wish those who love Cruz thought the party was big enough to include people like John Cornyn and me.
Former Rep. Steven LaTourette said Cruz should leave the party. I wonder how many agree with him? The party is big enough for everyone, but everyone is not welcome. Cruz comes to mind.
-
Former Rep. Steven LaTourette said Cruz should leave the party. I wonder how many agree with him? The party is big enough for everyone, but everyone is not welcome. Cruz comes to mind.
You know....you have to remember that just today, John McCain came to the conclusion that Barack Obama is the most naive, inept POTUS on foreign policy since Jimmy Carter.
IOW...he STILL thinks Barack Obama loves his country and is as much a Patriot as you or I.
ERGO....it must follow that there are other 'gentlemen' of the rulling class in the GOP that don't see the destruction of the free market system and the systematic takeover of personal choice and freedom through the Affordable Care Act as a threat to the Constitutional form of government.
Mr. LaTourette certainly fits the definition.
-
I think John Cornyn has been a senator long enough, Thank him for his service, and want him to come home now! Working very hard to arrange that!
See. Here ya go. Cornyn doesn't toe the TP line (even though he votes 98% with the Tea Party), so he's too old to be a Senator, even though he's a solid conservative.
Let's replace him with a guy with no legislative experience who thinks it's cute to compare sitting Senators to turtles, or a lunatic who aspires to an office he barely campaigns for.
If Steve Stockman somehow drives the primary to a run-off, will he take the buck-ninety-eight he has in his campaign fund and run off to the Middle East again?
-
I think John Cornyn has been a senator long enough, Thank him for his service, and want him to come home now! Working very hard to arrange that!
Yeah Bigun, the biggest problem with Cornyn, McConnell, McCain, etc - is that they've been there TOO LONG! They are out of touch with ordinary Americans trying to survive in this "Great Recession" - the one that these career-for-life politicians have created over the decades they've been living high on the government teat!
They may have had high ideals when we first sent them to Washington, but over the years they've just turned into big fat bloated ticks.
-
Former Rep. Steven LaTourette said Cruz should leave the party. I wonder how many agree with him? The party is big enough for everyone, but everyone is not welcome. Cruz comes to mind.
That's not me. Cruz is a Republican I voted for.
But he's going to have to learn something 5-year olds get in Kindergarten: how to play well with others.
-
Yeah Bigun, the biggest problem with Cornyn, McConnell, McCain, etc - is that they've been there TOO LONG! They are out of touch with ordinary Americans trying to survive in this "Great Recession" - the one that these career-for-life politicians have created over the decades they've been living high on the government teat!
They may have had high ideals when we first sent them to Washington, but over the years they've just turned into big fat bloated ticks.
So Republicans should support raising the minimum wage?
What policies do they not support that would help "ordinary Americans trying to survive in this "Great Recession"? Are you aware that the recession ended FIVE YEARS AGO?
Are you aware that the great hero of the GOP--Ronald Reagan--raised taxes THREE TIMES in his presidency? McConnell, Cornyn, even McCain--none of these Senators has voted to raise taxes on "ordinary Americans."
-
See. Here ya go. Cornyn doesn't toe the TP line (even though he votes 98% with the Tea Party), so he's too old to be a Senator, even though he's a solid conservative.
Let's replace him with a guy with no legislative experience who thinks it's cute to compare sitting Senators to turtles, or a lunatic who aspires to an office he barely campaigns for.
If Steve Stockman somehow drives the primary to a run-off, will he take the buck-ninety-eight he has in his campaign fund and run off to the Middle East again?
Sink, the problem is the "legislative experience". That's all these guys know how to do - is create more and more laws, and how to play political tit-for-tat with the other side so they can all stay in Washington for life.
And when do they ever UNDO any of these laws? Never! They don't enforce the ones they've got so they have to make a big show about making new laws. It's like a snake eating it's own tail!
-
[[ I think John Cornyn has been a senator long enough, Thank him for his service, and want him to come home now! Working very hard to arrange that! ]]
If I was advising one of Mr. Cornyn's primary opponents, I'd suggest they run a TV ad that said, "It's time for Mr. Cornyn to earn his FOURTH pension!"
-
Sink, the problem is the "legislative experience". That's all these guys know how to do - is create more and more laws, and how to play political tit-for-tat with the other side so they can all stay in Washington for life.
And when do they ever UNDO any of these laws? Never! They don't enforce the ones they've got so they have to make a big show about making new laws. It's like a snake eating it's own tail!
Congress makes laws; the Executive Branch enforces them.
By my reckoning, the GOP House tried FORTY TIMES to repeal Obamacare. They couldn't do it because they didn't have the Senate or the Presidency.
Sometimes, I think some TPers live in a fantasy world in which simply desiring something strong enough will make it so. Do you know how politics works?
-
[[ I think John Cornyn has been a senator long enough, Thank him for his service, and want him to come home now! Working very hard to arrange that! ]]
If I was advising one of Mr. Cornyn's primary opponents, I'd suggest they run a TV ad that said, "It's time for Mr. Cornyn to earn his FOURTH pension!"
Cornyn's opponents don't have any money. They can't run TV ads.
-
So Republicans should support raising the minimum wage?
What policies do they not support that would help "ordinary Americans trying to survive in this "Great Recession"? Are you aware that the recession ended FIVE YEARS AGO?
Are you aware that the great hero of the GOP--Ronald Reagan--raised taxes THREE TIMES in his presidency? McConnell, Cornyn, even McCain--none of these Senators has voted to raise taxes on "ordinary Americans."
No, they should not support raising the minimum wage - that will only make it worse. Obamacare is a raise in taxes, and these old-timers aren't doing anything to try to stop it. They're not FIGHTING anymore - Lord, they're not even trying to create a facade of fighting anymore. They have become ineffective at keeping the promises they throw so loosely at us come re-election time...it's just lip-service and we can see right through it.
We don't want Republicans to smile and call each other "my friend across the aisle" and yield compromises that the Democrats never, never, never reciprocate to. The Republican party seems to be content being the loser party.
And how about that strategy of treating the guys that we send to Washington based on their promises of changing the way things are done - and when they try to do something - they are scorned, mocked and ridiculed even to the point of telling them they should leave the party? How's that any way to treat a significant number of your base?
We're mad at the empty promises, the out-of-control spending and the scorn. The anger is palpable now.
-
Nobody's worried about Ted Cruz. If he expects to have a national impact, he will have to learn how to get along with other members of the GOP. So far, he thinks he can lead without the consensus of other GOP politicians.
Considering the fact that the proceeds of this event with these 2K people are going to the Sarasota County GOP, it seems to me he is getting along with local grassroots GOPers just fine. It's only the Washington Republicans like McCain who hold him in disdain, which the rest of us consider a badge of honor.
-
Considering the fact that the proceeds of this event with these 2K people are going to the Sarasota County GOP, it seems to me he is getting along with local grassroots GOPers just fine. It's only the Washington Republicans like McCain who hold him in disdain, which the rest of us consider a badge of honor.
Ted Cruz gets along with grassroots Republicans just fine! It's the Washington elites and the consultants who have a problem with him.
-
No, they should not support raising the minimum wage - that will only make it worse. Obamacare is a raise in taxes, and these old-timers aren't doing anything to try to stop it. They're not FIGHTING anymore - Lord, they're not even trying to create a facade of fighting anymore. They have become ineffective at keeping the promises they throw so loosely at us come re-election time...it's just lip-service and we can see right through it.
We don't want Republicans to smile and call each other "my friend across the aisle" and yield compromises that the Democrats never, never, never reciprocate to. The Republican party seems to be content being the loser party.
And how about that strategy of treating the guys that we send to Washington based on their promises of changing the way things are done - and when they try to do something - they are scorned, mocked and ridiculed even to the point of telling them they should leave the party? How's that any way to treat a significant number of your base?
We're mad at the empty promises, the out-of-control spending and the scorn. The anger is palpable now.
I suggest you watch the results of primaries over the next six months. A few TPers will defeat a few incumbents, but all the big-name targets (McConnell, Cornyn, Alexander, even Lindsey Graham) will likely win outright in their contests.
Unlike Ted Cruz, who was an accomplished Solicitor General for the State of Texas, these challengers have no relevant experience, and some are outright losers who are obviously novices in the political realm. They have little or no money, and even the support of the TP PACs won't help much.
The TP is intent on devouring other Republicans. Most Republican voters are not on board with that, and you're going to see the results.
-
I suggest you watch the results of primaries over the next six months. A few TPers will defeat a few incumbents, but all the big-name targets (McConnell, Cornyn, Alexander, even Lindsey Graham) will likely win outright in their contests.
Unlike Ted Cruz, who was an accomplished Solicitor General for the State of Texas, these challengers have no relevant experience, and some are outright losers who are obviously novices in the political realm. They have little or no money, and even the support of the TP PACs won't help much.
The TP is intent on devouring other Republicans. Most Republican voters are not on board with that, and you're going to see the results.
Was this thread about the Tea Party? I was under the impression we were discussing Ted Cruz and his appearance in FL. I'm glad you consider him "accomplished."
I guess we should just appoint you to determine who should be allowed to run and not run in GOP primaries. Then things wouldn't be so messy and your heroes wouldn't have to defend their records. Personally, I welcome all competition in the party. I think it's healthy for politicians to have to explain themselves, even if their competitors are just sparring partners. If some moderate were running a primary campaign against Cruz or Paul or Lee, I wouldn't be whining about it. I'd welcome it, in fact.
-
I can only hope that the electorate sorts this out. Since I was a boy, there has been something inside me that has felt this nation - this Nation - was a Divine inspiration. If you understand what I am saying, no explanation is necessary. If you don't, no explanation is possible. Currently, we are being tested in ways unlike any time in since the Civil War because it is our collective soul is at stake. Our world is the most perilous ever in ways we can not comprehend. Our Nation is on the precipice of collapse and totalitarianism, an unfathomable thought a half generation ago, could actually be in our future.
All I know, is the leadership we need must come from the right. I pray, I trust, we will find that person. I will not bicker with those who want the same outcome as me.
(Drama now parked.)
-
I can only hope that the electorate sorts this out. Since I was a boy, there has been something inside me that has felt this nation - this Nation - was a Divine inspiration. If you understand what I am saying, no explanation is necessary. If you don't, no explanation is possible. Currently, we are being tested in ways unlike any time in since the Civil War because it is our collective soul is at stake. Our world is the most perilous ever in ways we can not comprehend. Our Nation is on the precipice of collapse and totalitarianism, an unfathomable thought a half generation ago, could actually be in our future.
All I know, is the leadership we need must come from the right. I pray, I trust, we will find that person. I will not bicker with those who want the same outcome as me.
(Drama now parked.)
I share your belief that the coming forth of this nation was divinely inspired and pray daily that our Father in Heaven will help us restore it to that which He intended!
-
And when do they ever UNDO any of these laws? Never! They don't enforce the ones they've got so they have to make a big show about making new laws. It's like a snake eating it's own tail!
They undid the sequester cuts...oppps that didn't help my argument.
The GOP ended AFDC. They let Clinton's AWB sunset. They have undone numerous tax increases and forced the Anointed One to make Bush's tax cuts permanent. They ended most late term abortions, They cut food stamps and unemployment in troubling economic times. They eliminated the Iraq War Resolution after Saddam was hung. They undone a lot of stuff. They've been trying to undo Obamacare but they need a majority to do that because of some silly thing called the Constitution.
-
Far to many folks are selling Cruz short. His appearance there , and else where , reminds me a lot like Reagans early days on the trail. Far more similarities than dissimilarities.
-
Hmmm doesn't look like he is an embarrassment to anyone but the GOP establishment.
No, he is not. It seems a lot of people who got their social security payments gutted because of medicare costs rising because of Obamacare in Florida. Are simply not going to take the republican establishments line of bull anymore.
-
The GOP ended AFDC. They let Clinton's AWB sunset. They have undone numerous tax increases and forced the Anointed One to make Bush's tax cuts permanent. They ended most late term abortions, They cut food stamps and unemployment in troubling economic times. They eliminated the Iraq War Resolution after Saddam was hung. They undone a lot of stuff. They've been trying to undo Obamacare but they need a majority to do that because of some silly thing called the Constitution.
More people are on welfare and food stamps than ever. That's some "undoing."
-
Quote from: Lando Lincoln on February 20, 2014, 09:47:40 PM
I can only hope that the electorate sorts this out. Since I was a boy, there has been something inside me that has felt this nation - this Nation - was a Divine inspiration. If you understand what I am saying, no explanation is necessary. If you don't, no explanation is possible. Currently, we are being tested in ways unlike any time in since the Civil War because it is our collective soul is at stake. Our world is the most perilous ever in ways we can not comprehend. Our Nation is on the precipice of collapse and totalitarianism, an unfathomable thought a half generation ago, could actually be in our future.
All I know, is the leadership we need must come from the right. I pray, I trust, we will find that person. I will not bicker with those who want the same outcome as me.
(Drama now parked.)
I share your belief that the coming forth of this nation was divinely inspired and pray daily that our Father in Heaven will help us restore it to that which He intended!
2 Chronicles 7:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
-
They undid the sequester cuts...oppps that didn't help my argument.
The GOP ended AFDC. They let Clinton's AWB sunset. They have undone numerous tax increases and forced the Anointed One to make Bush's tax cuts permanent. They ended most late term abortions, They cut food stamps and unemployment in troubling economic times. They eliminated the Iraq War Resolution after Saddam was hung. They undone a lot of stuff. They've been trying to undo Obamacare but they need a majority to do that because of some silly thing called the Constitution.
How does talking points from the left apply to this subject exactly?
-
2 Chronicles 7:14
New International Version (NIV)
14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
It wasn't alcohol induced but I was feeling particularly... maudlin when I typed that...
-
It wasn't alcohol induced but I was feeling particularly... maudlin when I typed that...
I know of which you speak... at some points lately it seems inevitable to me that maudlin can take over temporarily.... I don't necessarily like it, but it does happen.
-
More people are on welfare and food stamps than ever. That's some "undoing."
Now how in hell is that the Republicans' fault?
-
How does talking points from the left apply to this subject exactly?
When you can't refute the truth, attack the messenger. Good job.
-
They undid the sequester cuts...oppps that didn't help my argument.
The GOP ended AFDC. They let Clinton's AWB sunset. They have undone numerous tax increases and forced the Anointed One to make Bush's tax cuts permanent. They ended most late term abortions, They cut food stamps and unemployment in troubling economic times. They eliminated the Iraq War Resolution after Saddam was hung. They undone a lot of stuff. They've been trying to undo Obamacare but they need a majority to do that because of some silly thing called the Constitution.
I was listening to Hannity today for the first time in a while. There was a woman on supporting whichever Tea Party candidate is running against Sessions in the GOP primary (Pierson, I think). One of the reasons she used to criticize Sessions was that he voted to cut benefits to poor people. I almost drove my car off of the road. Nancy Pelosi could not have said that Dem talking point any better.
-
Now how in hell is that the Republicans' fault?
It just is. The far right is an absolute spiral right now, and instead of focusing on Democrats, they are wasting money on candidates who won't win primaries, let alone a general election.
-
Would Mitch McConnell be different IF he had a majority?
What does his past tell us?
-
Would Mitch McConnell be different IF he had a majority?
What does his past tell us?
LMAO...we know the answer to that...
-
It just is. The far right is an absolute spiral right now, and instead of focusing on Democrats, they are wasting money on candidates who won't win primaries, let alone a general election.
Your theory has some problems. I like what I am hearing from candidates other than the established GOP and I am far from, far right.
-
I was listening to Hannity today for the first time in a while. There was a woman on supporting whichever Tea Party candidate is running against Sessions in the GOP primary (Pierson, I think). One of the reasons she used to criticize Sessions was that he voted to cut benefits to poor people. I almost drove my car off of the road. Nancy Pelosi could not have said that Dem talking point any better.
I argue with rats too, so if I worded the point poorly let me correct it by calling it "making the tough choice to reduce the cost of popular programs like UI and foodstamps." The point is the GOP does accomplish corrections to legislation for the good and the rats don't.
-
Your theory has some problems. I like what I am hearing from candidates other than the established GOP and I am far from, far right.
The fringe right stands on a point so far removed from the center that they see the GOP and the rats as nearly identical and the fact that almost all the elected representatives come from the two major parties is lost on them. rat majorities in the Senate and a rat President do not give them pause. The far right believes they are the center, and a majority, despite claiming only a dozen US Senators and several dozen Congressmen as their own.