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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

If the Republican Presidential Candidates Won’t Lead on This, What Will They Lead On?

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  June 2nd, 2011 at 05:00 AM  | 

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It would be unfair to say that the Republican Presidential candidates have not weighed in on the debt ceiling. Most, if not all, have in passing mentioned the issue.

But the time for mentioning the issue in passing is over. The Dow Industrials have fallen. The Fed wants to print more money. Obama is gutting NASA’s space mission to socialize healthcare and fund global warming nonsense. And Republicans on Capitol Hill are hinting loudly that they will raise the debt ceiling, but they want a big show of something first.

Obama is prepared to wait them out and blame them. No one seems to have their back. And the congressional Republicans will, as sure as the sun will come up tomorrow, go wobbly. They just will. It is what they do.

So it is time for the Republican Presidential candidates to start forcefully and constantly demanding bold change in exchange for the debt ceiling increase. Yes, some of them will say this is a matter they should not get involved in, but the nation they inherit, or not, cannot wait for their election or defeat.

The time is now. Republican Presidential candidates have a unique position to stand above the fray outside Washington, while also backing up the guys who are already there fighting the fight. Pressure must be brought to bear on United States Senators, a number of whom are looking to cut a minimalist deal with Democrats, save face, and proclaim bipartisanship at work.

If the GOP Presidential candidates do not get out there loudly on this issue — and I have a hard time believing they won’t race to the right of each other on this issue — congressional Republicans will buckle, a handful of Republican Senators will, metaphorically, slit the throats of the conservatives to get a deal with the President, and the debt ceiling will be raised with little to show for it. That will hurt all of the Republican candidates and do irreparable harm to this nation.

It is time to lead and speak boldly.

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  • ohiohistorian

    But they are as fearful that they will get beat up for this stance. It IS risky. But to not do so is riskier in my opinion.

  • davesinsanantonio

    Either stand up or shut up. We need leadership, not bipartisanship. We need someone who can not only lead our party, but the whole nation. Now is the time to show whether you are a true statesman or merely a politician. Do you stand for what is right and necessary for the good (and possibly the survival) of the country, or do you just want to get a cushy job to bathe your ego in.
    We will not be fooled, or pacified, by gutless wonders again. Take a stand and mean it, or take a bus back to where you came from, If you want our votes and support, you have to earn it by your words and deeds. We no longer trust you until you show exactly who and what you really are. Now is the time, we won’t wait any longer.

  • nunleigh

    and prepared, along with Congressional Democrats, to blame the Republicans for any and all economic woes no matter what happens with the debt ceiling. Someone better start pointing this out nationally, loud and clear, right now. Democrats are still using the worn out “Bush’s fault” line, and they desperately need someone else to blame. I can hear Debbie Wasserman Schlutz now, “We tried to warn them, but they played games with the debt ceiling, and now look were we are, and just when Obama’s policies were starting to pull us out of the ditch.”

  • http://teapartisan.wordpress.com Loren Heal

    We’ve been clamoring for someone to stand up, and this is the perfect opportunity.

    Herman Cain can highlight his Fed experience here.

    But mostly, all of them can grab the bull by the horns and say what most of us believe, that A) the debt ceiling does not need to be raised, but honored and B) CUT SPENDING.

    If Congress passes a Balanced Budget Amendment and something like Paul Ryan’s plan to help implement it (and the president signs the latter), then we won’t throw them all out for raising the debt ceiling.

    But Congressional Republicans will cave unless they know someone else will take the media heat.

  • djvu

    I’m with you 100%
    Have you read that Jim DeMint is considering – after prayer – to run? There is no doubt where he stands and he will say so. I say DRAFT HIM.
    Robert Palmer Smith author of DARKEST TRUTHS OF BLACK GOLD in which I didn’t hesitate for amoment to say where I stood.

  • Viator

    ?I absolutely do think the Republicans and Democrats ? any common sense fiscal conservatives who understand that we can?t just give another tool to big spenders ? I think they should vote against the debt ceiling; take the 6-8 billion dollars a day that the federal government rakes in ? use that to service the debt; pay highest priorities first then we don?t have to raise that debt ceiling,? Palin told CNSNews.com during an interview on the red carpet at MSNBC?s White House Correspondents Dinner after party Saturday night.

    http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/palin-both-parties-vote-against-raising

  • The_Gadfly

    I was about to add that it shouldn’t just be the candidates, although they have a somewhat higher level of responsibility on this point, it should also include the almost rans, fence sitters, and prominent conservative commentators.

  • jcmooreusnret

    “We will not vote to raise the debt limit without substantial cuts in spending”. This is absolute nonsense! Raising the debt limit means raising the debt which, of course means, spending more no matter what other cuts are made. The country is in debt up to the eyeballs now. Unconstitutional programs MUST be cut and should be cut NOW. The unconscionable debt being passed on to future generations is only to satisfy the lust for “free” government handouts of the present generation. This is absolute EVIL!

  • jlsankot

    I just don’t understand why we have to “compromise” on the debt ceiling.

    It’s very simple—DO NOT RAISE IT! Why do we have to “make a deal”? Do what is right for the country, for a “change”.

  • jtlfromfredmd

    I honestly feel that, concerning the debt ceiling, the wind that is blowing is behind our backs and the American people have had enough. They’ve had enough of Obama, and they’ve had enough of a government that is spending us into oblivion. Whichever candidate steps forward, they can’t wait for the MSM to pursue them…they have to pursue the MSM. This entire battle must be taken to a new level.

  • ag8tor

    This “bi-partisanship” foolishness is coming from the same group that was embarassed in 2008 because McCain ran his campaign on “reaching across the aisle”. How stupid can they continue to be. WE have the MAJORITY in the House. I don’t recall Pelosi et. al. mentioning bi-partisanship when she was helping ram O-care down our throats. The Reps are such wimps that they have offered olive branches nunmerous times and have been beaten with these same branches. What part of “the Dems don’t make deals that don’t benefit them and them alone” do the Reps not get. They have proven time and time again that they are unwilling to compromise on anything. It’s their way or the hiway. When do these goofy assed Reps finally reach the “ENOUGH” line. I think I speak for the majority of conservatives when I say “Screw’em”! From now on it should be NO GLOVES, NO HOLDS BARRED and the hell with what the Dems think. Sadly, like Erick posted, the Reps will cave and go along with this idiot in the WH and then brag about how they reached a compromise we all can share. I am calling out all the Reps in this do nothing Congress. Either lead as CONSERVATIVES or join your lib buddies in bringing down the nation. They should all be ashamed it has come to this point!

  • 4dees

    Many Americans don’t understand that most of the arguments and showmanship we see on the floors of the House and Senate are just that…..all for show!! They walk out of those chambers, arms wrapped around each other, patting each other on the back, walk into conference rooms, close the doors, and make compromises with our very lives and livlihoods all for their own glory and pocketbooks. This MUST stop. We have to make it very clear to all of our elected officialsl inside the Beltway that we are oin to them, that we’ve had enough of their arrogance and elitism, and if they don’t stand up for not raising the debt ceiling, then they are serving their last term.

  • Wubbies World

    Republican “Spineless” Leaders will prevail in their squishy capitulation to the Democrats. “They just will. It is what they do.”

    We need more metaphorical blood baths in primaries.

  • theillinoisguy

    Herman Cain
    http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8040921/how_an_expizza_company_ceo_could_be.html?cat=9

  • acat

    How much have they affected the country prior to entering the race.

    Don’t see where Romney has had any effect. Giuliani’s is all historical, same with Gingrich.

    Texas has shaped the debate, so I think Perry measures up here.. if he’s even in.

    Palin, though… Not on this particular issue, but “death panels” and “drill here drill now”, support for Paul Ryan when he was a voice in the wilderness, and her slap at the ethanol keep-the-gravy-flowing candidates .. yeah. She’s had more impact than many of the others.

    Mew

  • sundaycombo

    The power of the House resides in the power of the purse. If House members cannot spend then they cannot be of use to the folks that bankroll their elections-PAC’s and special interests.

    A good example is the Chamber of Commerce. You would be hard pressed to find a group that spent more money getting Republicans elected in 2010. And they are pressing for a “return on that investment” by insisting the GOP raise the debt ceiling.

    Let’s see if the new folks we sent to DC in 2010 hold true to the values they espoused or capitulate as so many have in the past.

  • ihateliberals

    has already shown the Democrats that all they have to do is wait it out and the Republicans will blink first. The 2010 budget fiasco ws the test the liberals wanted. Now they know how to handle Boehner. The second problem we have is that the alleged leadership is all Bipartisan bound Let’s compromise RINO’s. None of them will stand their ground. As soon as the going gets tough the Boehner gets going. I thought yesterday that I would have to eat Crow over how I felt about Boehner then today I remembered who he was. There will be no Crow dinner for me.

    As for the Presidential candidates it is a little early for them to weigh in on anything except to get things started and to see who the competition is. I would not expect any real rhetoric about anything before mid to late summer.

    My pray is tht the Spirit of Reagan will climb into one of these Bozo’s and show him how its done before its too late.

  • redpenny

    It’s simple—just don’t raise the debt ceiling no matter what.I’m fearful that the “Repub Leadership” will cave as usual but hope they’ve grown a pair and will dig in now or probably never!!!!!!!!!

  • acat

    The House has the power to not spend, specifically to de-fund. The power of the purse is two-edged.

    The actual reason the debt ceiling will be raised isn’t that the House *must* spend, it’s because too few of the gutless wonders in the House – nice guys, Rotarians, go to church on Sunday, built local businesses – have no *clue* that they can just as easily say “No”.

    Mew

  • Marcus_Traianus

    leader

    lead?er
    [lee-der]
    ?noun
    1. a person or thing that leads.

    2. a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.

  • wrenhal

    not sure where it is, but I know Herman has already spoken on this issue and he specifically was against it. I mean, come on. The number is arbitrary and really doesn’t mean anything.

  • charliesalmanack

    Our guys are going to fold unless we get very, very vocal on this.

    Very vocal.

    They have to made more afraid of us then the media hacks who will soon start (re)printing the drivel the White House slips them about Geithner shutting down this or that department because of those recalcitrant Republicans.

    And by “afraid”, I mean our guys need to fear 1) lack of financial support, 2) lack of grassroots support, and 3) threat of getting a primary challenge.

    Save and reform Medicare for the next generation via the Ryan (or a similar) plan. And block-grant Medicaid to the states, along with cuts to the outlays for that entitlement. Along with real cuts to discretionary spending, those elements have to be part of the deal.

  • wrenhal

    Why are you leaving Herman Cain out? He is an actual candidate, whereas Giuliani and Perry haven’t even announced.

  • carolina

    BO will prevail.
    People will vote in their best interest. Economic pain is not in their best interest.
    No one is inspired by a negative message (a big reason there is no ‘leader’ taking hold in the GOP field).
    I do despair.

  • carolina

    BO will prevail.
    People will vote in their best interest. Economic pain is not in their best interest.
    No one is inspired by a negative message (a big reason there is no ‘leader’ taking hold in the GOP field).
    I do despair.

  • acat

    otherwise I’d still be researching and writing and, to be blunt, you don’t pay enough, wrenhal.

    Here’s a (partial) list of candidates, draft-dodgers, and wish-fors I left out:
    Roemer
    Bachmann
    RonPaul! (spit)
    Walker
    Pawlenty
    Cain
    Johnson
    DeMint
    Christie

    Cain can move the agenda, and I agree that he’s got the ability to move it a lot more… but so do the rest of the pack. The difference at this point is that Palin and Perry have done so.

    If you’ve got cites for Cain moving the agenda that I missed, please share them. I like Cain, and would be happy to see him on the ticket in November.

    Mew

  • paramedichess

    Pawlenty has spoken in numerous interviews about the debt ceiling, and has been unapologetic that it should not be raised without a balanced budget amendment and cuts the size of the increase.

  • johnt

    One thing certainly, the cliff is rushing up on us. Cliffs don’t usually rush but this one is. Obama knows, is aware, will blame GOP, morons & leftist lunatics will agree, media will wallow in delight at America’s pain, and? And Obama will propose mega-stimulus package
    Keep an eye on Sara Palin and/or Bachmann. They’re the ones with the balls. They have contempt for the scum of the media, a big plus.

  • http://online.logcabin.org/about/ suzieQ

    are the same ones who have voted to raise the debt ceiling 19 times before.

  • realvoice2010

    to take the gloves off and demand a stop to this ridiculous, horrendous debt shoved on us with little or no jobs due to the “stimulus” and printing money. We are going to be sunk in 2014 if our POTUS people do not bring it all to a head. We are in dire straights now and don’t think we have a lot of time left to make our version of fundamental change.

  • realvoice2010

    that we don’t know what will exactly happen if the debt ceiling is not raised. The donkeys and their henchmen claim that we will default from paying our debts (mostly to china I believe). It’s necessary to cut spending drastically, without hurting medicare current recipients (although there is a lot of corruption in medicare and it should be heavily checked). We should go back to spending before or at 2008, and keep it that way. Can’t cut defense and medicare (for current recipients).

  • realvoice2010

    brought in this administration. It’s plain and simple. We have more and more young men sitting in their underwear in their parent’s basement waiting for more handouts for not working for whatever reason they can muster. The others, the block voters you know who they are will never change from voting donkey politics.

  • flannery

    Representative Bachman has been out front early and often opposing an increase in the debt ceiling. As a congresswoman she even voted against the President’s “clean bill” doing so. She has been a vocal opponent of debt increases and proponent for massive spending cuts.

    _________________

    Getting more votes than the other schlub doesn’t make any politician a leader.

  • altexas

    In any compromise with the devil, the devil wins.

  • spook

    The Republican leadership has been saying that they will only increase the debt limit if Democrats agree to spending cuts. How does that make any sense?

    If the debt limit is not increased the Democrats will have to cut spending. If they agree to spending cuts why do they need an n increase in the debt limit?

    What?s his name says that if the limit isn?t increased we will default. If so how does he think we will be able to pay the debt if he can borrow more?

    Since it his responsibility to pay the debt why doesn?t Congress call him before them and ask him to explain why he won?t pay it since we have enough money to service the debt at this time.?

  • spook

    The Republican leadership has been saying that they will only increase the debt limit if Democrats agree to spending cuts. How does that make any sense?

    If the debt limit is not increased the Democrats will have to cut spending. If they agree to spending cuts why do they need an n increase in the debt limit?

    What?s his name says that if the limit isn?t increased we will default. If so how does he think we will be able to pay the debt if he can borrow more?

    Since it his responsibility to pay the debt why doesn?t Congress call him before them and ask him to explain why he won?t pay it since we have enough money to service the debt at this time.?

  • rightwingmom52

    against raising the debt ceiling. He discusses this with Chris Wallace starting about the 2 minute mark.

    Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com

  • rightwingmom52

    http://video.foxnews.com/v/954878611001/herman-cain-talks-

  • acat

    … he seemed a little off his game in that interview, though.

    The Cain plan I like. Pay the interest on the debt, pay the armed services, pay for social security and medicare. Cuts come from everything else. (I assume he’s lumping the VA in with the armed services….)

    After that, though, Cain appeared to be saying it’s too late to not raise the limit… I do hope he has or will change his mind about that. It’s not too late, in fact it’s the perfect time to not raise the limit and to force the opposition (Obama) to prioritize – and then tie the results to him!

    Mew

  • rightwingmom52

    Cain was on Fox again this morning and said he was against raising the ceiling. Laid out the same payment plan. Then went on to say we should cut corporate tax rate to 25%, cut capital gains tax to 0, reform the tax code to a flat tax. I think that’s the gist of the interview (and hopefully accurate), but I was getting ready for work and listening from another room.

  • wrenhal

    http://patriotstatesman.com/2011/06/herman-cains-solution-to-422000-new-unemployed-americans_no-wonder-he-is-already-so-high-in-the-polls/

  • acat

    Is he still talking Fair Tax? (not a fan of the Fair Tax or sales taxes in general, but … getting rid of the stupid, unintended-consequence-riddled, manipulative, and abusive income and corporate tax codes would help balance the load…

    Dropping the capital gains tax would drive investment, and there’s almost no way for that to be bad – although it will be “uneven”.. at least at first. Voodoo economics.

    The more I hear about Cain, the more I like him. I’m not convinced, yet, that he can drive the conversation the way Palin’s been doing, but he’s definitely going to be hard to ignore.

    Mew