GOP leaders let demagogues set tone, (Veteran GOP) lawmaker says

[kpete]

Source: Associated Press

GOP leaders let demagogues set tone, lawmaker says

By BEN EVANS
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Too many Republican leaders are acquiescing to a poisonous "demagoguery" that threatens the party's long-term credibility, says a veteran GOP House member who was defeated in South Carolina's primary last month.

While not naming names, 12-year incumbent Rep. Bob Inglis suggested in interviews with The Associated Press that tea party favorites such as former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and right-wing talk show hosts like Glenn Beck are the culprits.

He cited a claim made famous by Palin that the Democratic health care bill would create "death panels" to decide whether elderly or sick people should get care.

"There were no death panels in the bill ... and to encourage that kind of fear is just the lowest form of political leadership. It's not leadership. It's demagoguery," said Inglis, one of three Republican incumbents who have lost their seats in Congress to primary and state party convention challengers this year.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_REPUBLICAN_CRITIC?SITE=TXWIC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[niyad]

1. too bad he didn't speak up years earlier

[AlbertCat]

3. too bad he didn't speak up years earlier

He didn't LOSE years earlier.

Even when Repugs are right.... they're wrong. "It's all about me... me....me..."

[GoCubsGo]

6. Actually, he did, and that's what got him voted out.

Granted, he didn't speak up over "death panels", but he did support a carbon tax, and did speak out against the climate change skeptics. He also voted against the Iraq "surge", and spoke against offshore drilling and warrantless surveillance. Also, he dared criticize Joke Wilson for his "You lie!" outburst. Voting FOR the "stimulus bill" is what ultimately got him primaried out. I'm not a fan of Ingliss, but I hate to see him go. His successor will be much, much worse. Here in South Carolina, they fight over who is "the most conservative."

[notesdev]

2. Sour grapes

Inglis voted for TARP... that's all the reason anyone needs to toss him out on his head.

[apnu]

4. That and pissing in the ear of the fastest growing population in America (Latinos) ...

... is going to kill them in the long term. The possibility of a GOP take over this year may be the last time in a generation they see a majority of anything but assholery.

[kenfrequed]

5. Feh now he speaks up...

Why is it these people don't speak up Before they retire or lose a primary battle?

[Kweli4Real]

7. Because ...

They haven't lose their primary battle or retired yet. As someone stated above, it's not about what's right; it's about what's right for ME!

[Scurrilous]

8. K & R

:thumbsup:

[DeSwiss]

9. Now he speaks up when its too late. K&R ...n/t