"Country First" was the official theme of the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
"Our convention will showcase a cross-section of leaders who will highlight John McCain's long commitment to putting our country first -- before self-interest or politics," said McCain 2008 Communications DirectorJill Hazelbaker. "The speakers will address John McCain's unmatched record of service and sacrifice for America, and his vision for moving our nation forward to keep us safe and get our economy back on track."
Things didn't exactly work out as the Republicans had hoped, but the theme of the Convention - country before politics - was commendable and inspirational. It now seems, at least for some Republicans, they consider the convention theme and their general election loss a cause and effect relationship.
Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell is running for the chairmanship of the Republican National Committee and is now urging Congressional Republicans to oppose the Obama Administration's stimulus package. And one of the big reasons to oppose it? It will make it harder for Republicans to win elections. From Think Progress:
While only a few details are known, one overlooked issue is that it could create a major electoral advantage for Democrats at taxpayer expense. That would be unacceptable for what is being touted as a nonpartisan measure, and gives Republicans yet another reason to oppose it if not restructured. […]
But most federal employees, that are not political appointees, vote Democrat. Since Washington, DC is the seat of government, whenever new federal bureaucrats are created many live in Maryland and Virginia. In 2008, Virginia went Democrat for the first time since 1964, and Mr. Obama won it by 130,000 votes. Creating 600,000 new jobs might help cement Virginia in the Democrat column, making it harder for Republicans to retake the White House.
Word of advice for Mr. Blackwell; when you so openly admit you are fine with vast numbers of Americans being unemployed as long as it helps your party's electoral chances, you come across as a craven, immoral political hack.
Ken Blackwell has some opposition in his run for RNC chair. Of course, there's Chip "Barack the Magic Negro" Saltsman running hard for the position. There's also Katon Dawson, current chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party. He provided these assurances to his supporters in a YouTube video the other day:
"I can assure you that Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid will understand that Katon Dawson will become their worst nightmare," he says in the video.
Yessiree, "Country First"
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