The Finch Formerly Known As Gold

8 November 2006

Tom Coburn on the election

Seen at the Instant Man's, and excerpted here:

Although this election represents a short-term setback for Republicans, it could be an important turning point for the Republican Party and, more importantly, the country. Every incumbent was reminded that the American people, not party establishments, hold the reins of government. Throughout our history, when the American people rise up and force change our country benefits. In our system, the wisdom of many individual voters still outweighs the wisdom of a few.

Many factors contributed to these election results. The American people obviously are concerned about the conduct of the war in Iraq. Members of both parties have an obligation to work together to offer creative and constructive solutions that will help our troops accomplish their mission.

The overriding theme of this election, however, is that voters are more interested in changing the culture in Washington than changing course in Washington, D.C. This election was not a rejection of conservative principles per se, but a rejection of corrupt, complacent and incompetent government.

I'll buy some of this, but not all of it. Clearly some voters, and not just in Blue-On-Blueland, have had it up to here with "conservative principles," and there's no point in denying it. On the other hand, it's equally clear that the GOP brought this on themselves — while they had no monopoly on either corruption or incompetence, they set the pace for both, and their complacency was utterly mind-boggling — and if it doesn't prove to be a learning experience for them, you can expect more Republicans to be turned out of office in 2008.

Posted at 1:32 PM to Political Science Fiction


Ah yes, the great ideology debate. It's mostly bunk if you ask me. The country can't bear extremism - the recent conservative power was mostly born of 9/11, not a desire to prevent gay marriage.

Just like this election does not mean the country is more liberal. It just means things were very broke and in need of fixin'.

Unfortunately for the GOP, it's running out of platforms - war is out of bounds for a while, Hispanics are heading for the Democratic hills, fiscal conservatism has been obsolete for a while, and an abortion ban couldn't even win in South Dakota - which signals an aversion for government interference despite overwhelming aversion for the subject being interfered.

Yes indeed, 2008 might just be an extension of 2006.

Posted by: Joel at 1:00 AM on 9 November 2006