Moderate Myth

[Tigermike 3,053]

Moderate Myth

John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger are . . . conservatives!

BY RUSH LIMBAUGH

Friday, September 3, 2004 12:01 a.m.

The common--in fact, the universal--"analysis" surrounding the Republican National Convention was that the president was showcasing moderates like Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and a populist like John McCain. Of course, it wasn't that long ago when each of these men was horribly maligned by the same media that now holds them up approvingly as centrists: Mr. Giuliani as a heartless mayor hell-bent on cleaning up New York City's streets; Mr. Schwarzenegger as an Austrian immigrant with Third Reich sympathies; and John McCain, as one of the Keating Five.

But during the Republican Convention, one journalist after another, one so-called political expert after another, told us that these men were given prominent roles to soften President George W. Bush's harsh, conservative image and help him appeal to the undecided and independent voters who will determine the outcome of the election.

Well, let me suggest that the media have it all wrong. They don't understand the Republican Party. They don't understand conservatism. And they don't understand President Bush.

There was one central theme in the Schwarzenegger, Giuliani and McCain speeches. And that theme was conservatism. They were all unabashed and unashamed advocates of conservative principles and policies. In fact, none of them mentioned any of the issues that supposedly define them as moderates.

Sen. McCain, the most liberal, spoke almost exclusively of the president's wartime leadership and the need for the nation to unite behind him. He did not use his appearance before a national audience and a fawning media to argue for his pet projects, like rolling back the Bush tax cuts (which he opposed); promoting ever-more government control over free political speech (such as 527 political action committees); or breaking up media companies. None of Mr. McCain's populism was displayed Monday night.

Mr. Giuliani delivered a stirring and courageous speech on Tuesday. He defied Democrat politicians and media pundits who warned against mentioning 9/11--as if it's not the most important event of our time. He spoke of that horrible day with the class and firsthand knowledge that only the nation's mayor could. He pointed repeatedly to President Bush's tremendous leadership in fighting terrorism, including in Iraq, comparing him to the great Winston Churchill. And unlike Mr. McCain, he also took on John Kerry directly, detailing his equivocations and flip-flops on matters of war and peace, and pointing out how such indecision and expediency endanger America's security. At no time during his speech did Mr. Giuliani discuss his known support for such liberal causes as gay marriage or partial-birth abortion. Not a word.

Gov. Schwarzenegger's speech was spellbinding. He spoke of the American Dream, and the opportunities it afforded him and millions like him. He lauded liberty and capitalism. No doubt to the consternation of his one-time media admirers, Mr. Schwarzenegger described how, in 1968, he observed a presidential debate between Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon. He compared Humphrey's domestic agenda to the socialist economy he had escaped in Austria, and Nixon's positions with the freedom agenda with which he wanted to be identified. And so, Mr. Schwarzenegger became a Republican. And, of course, in Reaganesque style, he used humor like a rapier to dissect Mr. Kerry and his party, which must have been a shocking disappointment to the media. But again, like Messrs. McCain and Giuliani, Mr. Schwarzenegger said nothing of his more liberal views on the environment and social policy. And all three invoked numerous times the name of the most conservative president in our lifetime, if not in American history--President Ronald Reagan.

The media have tried to convey the message that the Republican Party is using its moderate voices to misrepresent what it really stands for and to present a false image of President Bush as a non-conservative. That may be what the media wants America to believe, but that's not what Americans are believing. The moderates are carrying the conservative message: that the Reagan Revolution lives and the Republican Party is the party of conservatism.

Our philosophy reflects America's core values. Even the Democrats recognize this, but they can't--save for a brave Georgian named Zell Miller--openly admit it. That's why their convention was an elaborate charade of veterans and law enforcement intended to camouflage the McGovernite liberalism of its nominee and delegates.

The Republican Convention celebrated President Bush's exemplary wartime leadership and Reagan conservatism. That's why the party is energized. That's why the polls have moved in Mr. Bush's favor. That's why Mr. Kerry was forced to shake up his campaign staff, and may be doing so again soon. That's why George Bush will win a decisive victory in November. And through it all, the media, because of their liberal bias, missed the story.

Mr. Limbaugh is a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/fe...ml?id=110005563

[Tiger Al 0]

John McCain is a Moderate Conservative.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a Moderate Liberal Populist.

Rudy Giuliani is a Centrist.

[BamaGrad03 0]

Where is Lefty Socialist on that picture?

[Tiger Al 0]

Where is Lefty Socialist on that picture?

There was no listing for "Lefty Socialist." Are you sure the name's spelled correctly?

[Tigermike 3,053]

So now the dots are reliable? It wasn't long ago you were looking down you nose at them. :unsure:

John Kerry is a Moderate Liberal.

Obviously the "dots" move because of campaign rhetoric. Since the DNC convention John Kerry's "dot" has moved toward the center.

I recently sent the following message to that web site and asked why.

You now show: John Kerry is a Moderate Liberal. Not too long ago you had him listed as a Populist-Leaning Liberal. What has happened to cause Mr. Kerry to move toward the center?

It would seem that Mr. Kerry's entire senate career would have more import on his ranking here than his rhetoric in the past two to three weeks. Or am I missing something?

Thank you,

Needless to sayI have heard nothing from them.

[CarolinaTiger 0]

now playing... "The Return of the Dots"

[Tiger Al 0]

I only put them there to stave off any attacks because I'd dared to disagree with Limbaugh. Without the pictures, I'm sure most people here, in their heart of hearts, knew Limbaugh was trying to sell something by saying that those three were not moderates.

If you remember, it wasn't where the dot was located, it was that there were different candidates with the dot located in the same spot but they were labled different things.

If you are right with the dot/rhetoric influence, then these graphs are meaningless for all practical purposes, though, they might get you into the ballpark. I thought they were based on voting history and would then be more reliable.

[Tigermike 3,053]

I thought they were based on voting history and would then be more reliable.

I did too Al, but you can see that Mr. Kerry's "dot" has moved. That is why I sent the message.

[Tiger Al 0]

Do you have the picture of where it was before? If not, how far has it moved? I wonder if Bush's has moved toward the middle, too? In fact, I'll bet everyone's would the closer it gets toward the elections. Let's keep an eye on it and see if after the elections their dot moves back away from the middle, whoever wins!

[Tigermike 3,053]

It was here.

[Tigermike 3,053]

George W. Bush is a Moderate Conservative.

It does not appear if President Bush's "dot" has moved.

[Tiger Al 0]

Let's remember these and look back about this time next year and see if the dots move much.

[Tigermike 3,053]

Let's remember these and look back about this time next year and see if the dots move much.

After Mr. Kerry looses the election, will he still have a "dot"?

He probably will, if he hasn't given up his Senate seat.

[Tiger Al 0]

Let's remember these and look back about this time next year and see if the dots move much.

After Mr. Kerry looses the election, will he still have a "dot"?

He probably will, if he hasn't given up his Senate seat.

Actually, I meant the winner's dot. I suppose the losers will still have them. I think Bill Clinton does. Once you have been "dotted", it's hard to lose it. It's kind of like being in a gang!