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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.
Scott Elliott is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He writes about education, city and suburban issues, politics, business, workforce and consumer issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2010 > April > 16 > Entry
Martin Gottlieb: Republicans’ dance with with Tea Party hard to watch
2010 ELECTION
If the Republican Party and the Tea Party were on “Dancing with the Stars,” their best dance would be about troubled, secret, unrequited and closeted romance. It would be too awkward for Judge Len.
The Tea Party people don’t like it when you say they are a dance partner of the Republican Party. Last year, after attending the first big Tea Party rally in Dayton, I felt I needed to describe what it was, given that the Tea Party was new. I referred to it as an “anti-Obama” thing, having no idea I was saying something controversial.
But many attendees took issue.
This isn’t about party, they said. We’re mad at the Republicans, too, most specifically, over President George W. Bush’s bank bailout, but also about other aspects of the Bush years.
Tea Party leaders insist they invite Democratic speakers to their dances (and get some acceptances).
OK. But the main organizer locally is a former campaign aide to J. Kenneth Blackwell, the most conservative big-name Republican in Ohio. And the only politician among the speakers at that first rally was perhaps the most conservative elected Republican in Montgomery County, Seth Morgan. And, after all, the event was promoted by likes of anti-Democratic Fox television.
Since then, the Tea Party and the Republicans have fought the new health care law in tight enough unison to please any dance judge.
In this primary season, the candidates coming out of the Tea Party movement are Republicans. Congressman Mike Turner’s opponent, Rene Oberer, is one. Meanwhile, it’s been hard to find a Republican candidate who isn’t eagerly asking the Tea Party to dance.
So the Tea Party must expect to be seen as basically Republican — at least until it decides to enter elections as a Third Party. The case against forming a third party is, of course, that it could hurt the Republicans.
Well, if hurting Republicans is the big no-no, what are people supposed to think? All that having been said, the Tea Party people do have a legitimate gripe about some Republicans using their name. This is where the dance gets intricate.
So Jon Husted’s a Tea Party Republican, huh? That’s the impression you would get from his Web site and from a party mailing that’s gone out in his behalf. Both have a red, white and blue picture of a tea cup at the top, with the label “Tea Party Values.”
One Tea Party leader said that Husted’s opponent in the Republican primary for secretary of state, Sandra O’Brien, might legitimately claim some support of some local Tea Parties. But “Husted has no business doing it. Period. It’s laughable. It’a joke…. (H)e has for the past 10 years been part of the destruction of Ohio’s economy.”
Husted is a regular Republican, conservative to be sure. But he voted for a sales tax increase under Gov. Bob Taft. He has generally presented himself as a problem-solver, not a warrior.
He consciously gives off a very different vibe from, say, Morgan or Ken Blackwell, the party’s nominee for governor in 2006. They are true “movement conservatives.”
Husted is also the leading legislative sponsor of an effort to reform the drawing of political districts so that not as many are absolute locks for one party or another. He says the current system fosters polarization.
Hard to imagine the Tea Party people having a problem with polarization. A reformed system would have fewer Seth Morgans.
Rather than be honored by Husted and the Republicans’ bow to their importance, the Tea Party people are angry. One presented the Husted claim as an act of “war.” The dance goes psuedo-violent.
Another leader, Rob Scott, head of the Dayton Tea Party, said the Husted claim is “not genuine” and “uncalled for.”
Of course Scott is also the spokesman for Morgan. (Talk about ties between the Republicans and the Tea Party!)
Morgan is legitimately touting the Tea Party’s support in his bid for state auditor, over Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost, who has been endorsed by the state party. Scott clearly doesn’t want any confusion about who the Tea Party thinks has “Tea Party Values” in that race.
For Husted, there’s no down side to trying to co-opt the Tea Party in the primary. Apparently he’s also decided there’s no down side in the general election either.
But if there are any moderates left in the Republican Party, and they’re watching this awkward dance, they’d probably rather be watching Pamela Anderson. Maybe even Kate Gosselin.
Permalink | Comments (27) | Post your comment | Categories: Columns, Elections, Martin Gottlieb, Miami Valley Politics, Ohio politics
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By TRS
April 17, 2010 12:25 AM | Link to this
The fiscal issues of this country is one of the Tea Party’s primary concerns. I’ve never seen Martin address this and perhaps he thinks all is rosy; but, most believe we’re in pretty deep. If you don’t believe that, check out the right track/wrong track polls which are running between 60-80% wrong track.As you well know, we have two parties. There is nothing going on in the Democratic Party which even remotely reflects an ability to get a grip on the fiscal issues facing this country. They continue to spend at record pace and its more than obvious their answer will be taxes, taxes and more taxes as they take us to a European style economy. Call it statism or European socialism or whatever you will - it is far different than where this country has traditionally been. I note your little remark at the end of your piece that there are no moderates in the Republican party - well there aren’t any in the Democratic party either. The alleged “Blue Dogs” have walked in lock step with Pelosi. They are either left progressive or far left progressive; thus, the Tea Party is left with only one party to dance with; however, that party jilted the folks in a way they will not soon forget. Its kind of like a married couple who have seperated and are now trying to figure out whether to get back together or just split due to irreconciable differences. The back and forth of that looks a bit messy at times but the one thing that they can unite on is that the policies of the Obama Administration and the progressive Congress are taking this country down the wrong path. Ultimately movement conservatives are not unreasonable; but, they want to be sure they don’t get burned again as they did with the Republicans of the 2006-2008. As Republicans like Paul Ryan, Mitch Daniels and Eric Cantor rise, I believe the Tea Party folks will come to respect and trust them; but, they will hold their feet to the fire. Grass roots movements can look a bit disheveled, especially those without a singular leader. When the rubber hits the road in Nov 2010, we’ll be there.
By Philman
April 17, 2010 6:56 AM | Link to this
Well Marty I’m a conservitive, I mostly line up with the republican party, just like most tea party members, thats a whole lot better than the democrats, you are more closely lined up with the Communist party, why do you think so many members of the democrat party are members of the Communist party USA, and lets not forget that over half of the democrat house of Rep’s are members of the Democratic Socialists of America,and all you can write about is tea party , I smell a coverup marty, keep the eyes of the skeletons in the democrat party..Oh by the way Marty what do you think about who Alinsky dedicated his Rules for Radicals book to. go grab your copy and refresh your memory..
By Kurt
April 17, 2010 7:05 AM | Link to this
I think the chances are 50/50 that Marty, at least at one time, has wore a Che shirt or displayed a Che poster, or go to places or friends that do. For the record, Che used to shoot people in the back of the head, for Castro. They are both heros to the left.
By scoobydo
April 17, 2010 8:29 AM | Link to this
The fiscal issues of this country is one of the Tea Party’s primary concerns. President Obama’s agenda, is responsible for only a sliver of the deficits, despite what many of his Republican critics are saying. About 7 percent comes from the stimulus bill that Mr. Obama signed in February. And only 3 percent comes from Mr. Obama’s agenda on health care, education, energy and other areas. Republicans would be familiar with that, since under their leadership, they took us from big budget surpluses at the beginning of the last decade to a $1.3 trillion deficit by not paying for things like the prescription drug plan, two wars, big tax cuts, and the teapots said nothing about any of this. Then there I s that pesky matter of lose of freedom, we see the teapots all yell and scream about that too. What exactly did we hear from the American Right during the eight years of George W. Bush’s nonstop assaults on civil liberties ranging from wiretapping citizens to using torture to using military tribunals to try American citizens? Oh, that’s right — we heard that opposing these measures meant we hated America and cared more about terrorist rights., the teapots said nothing about any of this either. The majority of voters in this country approved of Obama and his programs when they voted for him. Aren’t you just refusing to accept that verdict?” Because it’s increasingly clear that this is exactly what the Tea Party movement is: A movement of sore losers. Daily Show’s Jon Stewart offered some sound advice for frothing at the mouth Tea Baggers, “I think you might be confusing tyranny with losing.”
By Ralph
April 17, 2010 8:51 AM | Link to this
For the first time in my life I agree with Martin. I’m ashamed of the Tea Party. What began as a great grass roots movement has been hijacked by the likes of blithering idiots like Sarah Palin. They need to get back to what their focus was in the first place - throwing bums out that tax and spend.
By Jim
April 17, 2010 8:52 AM | Link to this
For the first time in my life I agree with Martin. It is hard to watch. I’m ashamed of the Tea Party. What began as a great grass roots movement has been hijacked by the likes of blithering idiots like Sarah Palin. They need to get back to what their focus was in the first place - throwing bums out that tax and spend.
By davidss2
April 17, 2010 10:03 AM | Link to this
Jim or Ralph or whatever name you’re using, try reading about the liberal media’s work to control the public attitude about the Tea Party: http://www.mrc.org/specialreports/uploads/teapartytravesty.pdf ————————Smearing Sarah Palin, who scares them to death, is prime among their goals. The same media who couldn’t check on Barry’s credentials beyond loving him seem very capable of excessive journalistic digging and creation with regard to Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. Isn’t that odd?
By TRS
April 17, 2010 10:19 AM | Link to this
Hmmmm….seems Ralph and Jim have been to seminars where they teach the tactic of sympathizing with the cause and then criticizing it trying to look like impartial observers. Scooby - its not just the deficit that Obama and the progressives inherited, its the one he’s planning on running up - the one which is unsustainable - the one he has no answers for other than continuing to spend - the one he will be looking to ALL American taxpayers to fund at an even greater level. As for your assertion that civil liberties were assaulted, that is not a fact but a very debatable point. Even if one accepts that point - so what? The crux of that argument is that because it wasn’t brought out in the past, its perfectly all right to go ahead and take our country to the fiscal brink now. As for the majority of Americans, independents put him over the top and they are now breaking away from him at a record pace. Those that voted for this Prez thought they were getting a new kind of politician and what they now realize is they did - A ruthless Chicago style one whose a bit full of himself. If people were so supportive of his positions, they should just sail through Congress; but, as the polls show, they are not. As you note, he won the election. Should conservatives prevail in Nov, will you be as willing to accept that result as you ask us to accept this one? Somehow I doubt it.
By Kurt
April 17, 2010 11:08 AM | Link to this
4.7% unemployment—13,200 stock market—fought and won two wars to keep us safe—a strong dollar—only 1 trillion in debt—proud to say the pledge—and born in the U.S.A.—I give you President Bush, do you miss him yet my children
By Ricardo
April 17, 2010 11:33 AM | Link to this
Martin, I think you’re missing the whole point of the Tea Party movement. Taxpayers are mad as hell & they’re not going to take it anymore! Both major parties have been guilty of selling-out the American taxpayers & the Taxed Enough Already folks are calling them on it.
By Kurt
April 17, 2010 11:34 AM | Link to this
Have we awaken from a horrible dream, my children?, did 64 million airheads on welfare, elect a manchild who said, no no no not God bless america but god d^%$m america, and refused to even say the pledge, and who is an avowed Communist, who hates whitey and the private sector, is it only a bad dream???—11%unemployment—-16 trillion in debt—??-change we can believe in??—May God help us—
By Curious
April 17, 2010 12:58 PM | Link to this
Can someone please enlighten me as to what Kurt is talking about? What two wars did we win during the Bush administration?
By Curious
April 17, 2010 1:13 PM | Link to this
Kurt, something else just occurred to me. Why would someone who hates white people surround himself with white advisors? Furthermore, why would they want to work for him?
By Amazed
April 17, 2010 2:01 PM | Link to this
I am not a memeber of the Tea Party and always try to vote for the person I think will best job regardless of party. I guess that would make me an independent. I am sick of the tax and spend tactics of both parties as I think most Americans are. With the advent of the internet people are able to reseach canidates boting records and come to their own conclusions. I believe many incumbents, regardless of party are in trouble. Democrats have good reason to be scared, they have spent their way out of office and some Republicans too. Time for a major change.
By kurt
April 17, 2010 2:54 PM | Link to this
The two wars were Irag and Afghanistan, that President Bush fought and won, as for hating white people—read his first book, as in”white man’s greed, drives the world to need”. I always prove my points, my children.
By Curious
April 17, 2010 5:38 PM | Link to this
Kurt, who is your drug supplier? Considering the way you’ve lost touch with reality, I’m guessing you’re using some powerful hallucinogens…Apparently you’re unaware that U.S. troops are still fighting and dying in Iraq and Afghanistan…Again, if President Obama hates white people, why are his closest advisors white?..You know what Kurt? I just figured you out. You’re not being serious. You only made those ridiculous statements to see if you’d get a reaction. Silly me, I took the bait. Pat yourself on the back, you got me!
By Jim
April 18, 2010 7:49 AM | Link to this
Teabaggers please! Can’t you see the association with Sarah Palin is just killing what was a good and just movement? No, you can’t because most of you are not true patriots you RINOs (Republican In Name Only)! Obviously any democrat is the enemy but you wont just come out and say it. So you allow yourselves to get hijacked by the likes of that retard Palin. I know it was only a matter of time before it would happen. YOU SELL OUTS! A great movement destroyed by politics as usual.
By Ron
April 18, 2010 8:03 AM | Link to this
I agree with Jim. This thing started as a grass roots movement to rid ourselves of tax and spend elected officials - Democrat or Republican. Now all I see is snuggling up with the GOP. Least we forget Bob Taft? I may be a staunch conservative but that certainly doesn’t make me a Republican and Sarah Palin turns off a lot more people than liberals, including me.
By earl
April 18, 2010 10:00 AM | Link to this
The TEA movement isn’t looking for dance partners. The TEA movement is looking to replace orchestra members out of time and out of tune with the principles of our constitution. The dirty dancing and break dancing happening in government today is deplorable to TEA people. And Martin, if you are paying attention, TEA people aren’t dancing, they are marching.
By jacob
April 18, 2010 2:36 PM | Link to this
I have zero respect for the TEa Party. They tried (unsuccessfully)to unseat one member of congress who has consistently fought spending - Ron Paul. Dr. Paul has fervently pushed to end the Fed, and was right about Iraq. The Tea Party ran THREE candidates against him in the Texas Primaries, didn’t work out too well for the Tea Party. Beyond that, I also question how “limited government” the Tea Party folks really are. From conversations I’ve had with folks on DDN, the Tea Party folks all support the Iraq War, the Patriot ACT, No child left behind, and they also seem to support a federal amendment banning gay marriage. http://washingtonindependent.com/76049/the-tea-party-goes-after-ron-paul . http://enr.sos.state.tx.us/enr/results/mar02148state.htm?x=0&y=5315&id=521
By earl
April 18, 2010 7:47 PM | Link to this
To the TEA movement nay-sayers, Me thinks thou doest protest too much! Thank you for promoting the cause!
By Wow
April 19, 2010 5:27 AM | Link to this
to alot of these comments in here….wow! all i can say is “wow!” some people live in an alternate universe
By MC
April 19, 2010 10:10 AM | Link to this
Even though they wear tea bags, this group does not want to be called “tea baggers” now that someone told them what that means. I think of them as tp, since that’s what they’re good for.
By fortressdayton
April 21, 2010 8:50 AM | Link to this
I think the creeping tendency to assume that all Tea party followers are republicans is very misleading. There are a lot of dems and independents among those calling for radical change. The GOP does not run the Tea Party, as it will rudely discover at election time. Competition and transparency are always good…unless you hold the (two-party) monopoly!
By Eric Marcello
April 23, 2010 10:02 AM | Link to this
The Tea Party is not the point. The Obama Administration has control of more than 50 percent stock in General Motors because of the bailout, the healthcare bill is unconstitutional in that it mandates each citizen purchase health insurance or receive a financial penalty. The Bush tax cuts are what we experienced this tax season as it expires. Obama will then increase and create taxes like we have never seen. While Obama considers giving a good word for the crooked ex-gov. Blagovich, I plan to vote for everyone opposite Obama to weaken his corrupt power. I want to maintain freedom in this country. Obama believes he can build in structure, rules, taxes, control most everything about us and expect us to be happy living in whatever box he puts us in. I say, “NO!”
By Buckearl
April 23, 2010 8:51 PM | Link to this
So the Tea Party confirms that there aren’t any moderates in the Republican Party. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell people, mostly the elderly people. They don’t like change, they don’t like people messing with their quality of life, and they don’t like the Tea Party messing with their mind. The best way I can explain the Tea Party to my mother’s bridge club is that according to the poll, the typical Tea Partier is a wealthy neoconservative and there will not be a Republican in the state, who can claim to be moderate when they have the Tea Party seal of approval. Of course, I don’t tell them that the Tea Party is all about one black man. That seems so self-explanatory. If you believe in small government, compassion, and racial equality, you don’t have any representation at all in Washington. If you’re old, it’s best to go with a party that has some compassion than with the party of limitation and all kinds of reasons why something can’t be done.
By dave
April 24, 2010 10:01 AM | Link to this
…whole lot better than the democrats, you are more closely lined up with the Communist party, why do you think so many members of the democrat party are members of the Communist party USA, and lets not forget that over half of the democrat house of Rep’s are members of the Democratic Socialists of America,… Oh the Humanity, the Lies, the Insults! What about the children…