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Power Play 12/07/2012

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    A new Heritage, Senate stakes and GOP future

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-- -- -- -- We will have historic levels of tax revenue coming to Washington this year we don't have a revenue problem.

And the government doesn't need to take more money out of the economy and give it to incompetent politicians and bureaucrats that's not gonna make the middle class or anybody better off.

The problem is we double spending over the last ten years.

That was senator Jim dement of the great state of South Carolina special report with Bret -- And this is power play and high and Chris tire wall.

Now here's something to consider Internet.

Big United States senators of pretty cool job you are among the most powerful people in the United States of America.

They pay you pretty well you work about a 150 or 200 days a year maybe.

And your term lasts for six years this is awesome you -- might also become the president of the United States.

So what would be conceivably a better job than that what could be better than being a United States editor.

Well the answer is to -- the president of The Heritage Foundation.

And that is the dominant most important.

Think tank on the right side of the of the playing field it's a force -- -- -- force politically it's all of those things and Jim -- gave up.

Is giving up the positions United States senator to do that.

So who's got the job now and why would he leave why would you leave a job that was so good that -- leave the United States senate for.

Please Internet welcome -- former he is the current president of The Heritage Foundation and you're leaving.

I am leaving.

Because next April I will be 71 years old and had the job for 36 yeah.

I want to leave when I'm at the top of my game Chris now when they carry out and it's been upon.

-- box OK fair enough now the question is this.

And I wanna get to this before we get to a bit of a valedictory for you because you should be -- addicted very few people get to do what you've done in Washington which is as you say go out on top.

And have the kind of career that they want.

The Republicans are in a real technical.

They are in a real -- right now they don't know what to do about the fiscal cliff they don't know what to do about the debt ceiling they don't know who their future.

The truth is going to be they've got.

They're a bit of a mess.

What's the prescription what's the former prescription for the Republican Party right now.

-- prescription is back to base expect to first principles.

You know we've we've got him here.

-- -- declaration of -- of independence.

It's all there number one number two we've been here before I get in this town long enough to remember.

What happened when that conservatives were really down after Goldwater what happen when Jimmy Carter was elected.

What happened when George H.

W.

Bush made a certain promise didn't keep it and Bill Clinton came.

We can come back if we get back to -- basic principles and continued to stress what we fundamentally believe in in appealed to the best in the American people.

I read your last -- when you're talking about the size.

What what we're giving to the next generation.

I've got three grandkids.

Each one of those grandkids now he's got a 220000.

Dollar mortgage with no house attached to it that's their share the unfunded liabilities that Linda and I -- grandparents are going to be given to them.

That's not fair that's not what we should be about.

But what I but what I said and he pointed it out and I'm very grateful to have been read.

By at least one person I know one person red -- today.

That Republicans talk about cut cut cut slash cut.

And they're trapped in this austerity -- They're having hard time talking about what Ronald Reagan was very good at talking about which was grow it.

One of our league colleagues that they heard -- foundation was Jack Kemp.

Jack Kemp -- this wonderful message.

Not just growth but.

He's one of the things we can't do is cut the bottom runs off the latter.

We can't let everybody people climb up the ladder.

In when Jim -- talks about things like school choice school choice don't really mattered in the year to my kids -- -- Great suburban school districts.

-- they are outside Philadelphia it matters to those inner city kids in Philadelphia.

To make sure they've got a chance to climb up those bottom rungs in the letter.

And that's the message that we've got to be able to convey is.

-- to call is bleeding heart conservatives there and Jim -- can do this he does it very effectively and I think that's going to be.

The good part of the direction that he wants to take care did you.

Well when you guys got started and -- him.

You were the only game in town all of the think tanks in Washington were last night.

Mean -- -- yeah I was here eight yeah I was here at eight EI was.

Not what ATI is now eighty eyes -- as it is now big operator.

And good but cents heritage began a -- has grown.

And the right side of the -- thank universe has proliferated we've seen all sorts of CEI's and other groups that have sprung up.

What is the role for here adage in Washington DC in this -- is mr.

angles than what it said this wilderness of mirrors.

-- is the flagship institution.

On the conservative side -- only in Washington but I believe in the country.

First -- -- 600000.

Members around the country and I might just to correct some of the mainstream media.

Less than 5% of our money comes from corporations.

Less than 5% we're not -- In the hip pocket of five big corporations or something like that -- real grassroots America The Heritage Foundation.

Secondly we're a full service think -- we cover the full range of all the issues that concern Americans including traditional American values national defense.

A strong economy.

Everything that we're concerned about so we bring all the different strands together.

Third we believe that we got a market RID is more effectively and that's what really got -- it started.

Was podium market these ideas to make sure the policy makers actually read them and then hopefully it down.

Now there may have been a sigh of relief among moderate Republicans.

That they wouldn't have to hang with you anymore.

At heritage and there was a maybe a sigh of relief among some folks that they wouldn't have Jim -- in the senate raising the pennant.

But the realization of course for them now is he's going to be in a position to cause even more trouble for these -- that he plays before is there -- concerned.

About.

A -- is there -- concern about cannibalism Jim dement is outspoken effective at doing -- he's been.

He likes two -- Rouse the rabble.

So what happens now.

He's going to continue -- them I'm sure around the country on behalf of -- and the idea is that we share with so many Americans around the country and but the point Jim has made a couple times over the last two days since the rumor this rumor came out in the official announcement yesterday.

He's basically built the real.

Team inside the senate with.

Rubio.

A hand might -- might lead and run Johnson and ran all you normal -- Ted Cruz the great -- great statement about heritage yesterday that he released.

It didn't you know they've got to get up Pat -- that can't get out there they've got to start taking the lead and some of these things you know what I said to Jim though it.

For you go over and you meet with Mitch McConnell and Harry Reid and -- him to resign -- -- will resign if we get rid of at least one cabinet level department.

Make that -- trade off I think I believe the only word -- -- I'll leave it.

You can shut down energy.

Education energy and I don't know what apparently that's very favorite I want you guys you've got to go to the mall.

Internet let me submit this to you should you be so lucky.

As to ever have a career as full and successful as -- Let you also -- so gracious as he has which we thank you for your service we thank you for your time today thank you very OK we're gonna stay here.

We were gonna take a quick break because you need a chance to collectors.

After all of that Internet but when we come back we have more business to attend to and we will talk in fact about.

What the heck is going to happen with the fiscal cliff because you don't wanna talk about it but we're gonna make you and we will also talk about the future leaders of the Republican Party we will have PowerPoint you're going to enjoy it all it will be a frolic out.

Promised.

So stick around.

And you know there and filibuster and filibuster is is is certainly an issue here there it.

We don't have sixty votes in the sense that you so I would I would not argue with the idea that the president's proposal cannot at this time.

Or has not at this time garner Republican support.

That was Jay Carney is the Press Secretary at the White House.

And this is power play.

And what mr.

Carney was saying was that.

Well obviously the president's plan couldn't pass this -- now which is in democratic hands.

He blames Republicans but the truth of it is this.

That there are not even enough Democrats that would support the president's plan to -- fiscal cliff as constituted.

So why did he bring it up what's the point of it what are the consequences of it.

Why don't we talk about that should we talk about that and I'm continue to work on my.

Best pronunciation of your last name but I'm gonna try again I'm gonna say Josh -- -- you got it.

-- look wow look at that -- our process.

So the question Josh -- this.

Because you are in fact the executive editor of the hotline at National Journal in which everybody knows.

Before there was an Internet to Internet hotline was the go to place for the latest information turns out that it works very well with the Internet.

So the question is this what was the purpose of the president's offer on -- Debt ceiling if even as Jay -- points out he can't pass this we -- trying to.

President leverage as much as possible a lot of this is as much about public posturing as it is about private negotiation figures in both sides holding -- their bases.

-- what you're -- from the president is is this.

Show and how much political capital he built up after the presidential election Republicans -- actually publicly been offering concessions to Arab -- 800 billion.

Dollar.

Offer to increase.

Tax revenue.

Is something that you wouldn't have heard from Republicans just a year ago when they were talking about the debt ceiling so the fact that you have Obama.

Holding his own Republicans.

Conceding some some pretty significant -- offers.

Shows we're both parties stand that said I think a lot of the stuff you're hearing publicly is obscured by some actual developments and -- in progress taking place they really negotiating do you think I do think so in the I think your -- -- and the president.

And in eliminating the senate didn't believe close eliminating read from the conversations -- -- -- that there could be some productive productive talks ahead.

We know congress get things done at the last minute a lot of the stuff you hear the papers doesn't necessarily reflect what's going on behind the scenes and I think that's taking -- this time.

The Internet wants to know this is and by the way again if you follow me NC -- you can also talk to me on the Twitter where -- like to talk to you.

The Internet is very convinced that the president wants.

To be over the class and I tend to think that the Internet is at least right and that's the president's in a more advantageous position.

If everybody's taxes go up because then he's argument bringing rates down not.

Bringing them up.

He's got leverage -- -- -- Republicans.

You look at every national bullets come out since the election and the public has -- the president's spin about.

Raising taxes on the wealthy.

And as -- a necessary condition to to get the revenue rather than to have some kind of you know more balanced approach and when -- the public on your side and when you have the worst case fiscal -- option with everyone's taxes given up.

And then defense cuts taking place Republicans just don't have that many ships to bargain with the -- You're seeing that right now.

-- is trying to play at the very week.

Handed you can see from his -- Republican caucus with the year ago cantor was giving him trouble from within -- conference.

Good a lot of Tea Party Republicans that were outspoken.

In their opposition to any kind of compromise you're not hearing that this time around and it shows -- the various and were both the president and the Republicans are.

What about the debt ceiling can Republicans really use that as leverage or is present in the -- and you're killing the economy don't do it.

I think politically speaking when you do you see the numbers of well -- obesity that what happened last year.

I just think that's a politically.

And viable place.

Politically not viable place Republicans that the -- they want that debated in the republika hemisphere I think they want that perhaps take place behind the scenes but politically -- a loser for Republicans.

Well republic.

Ends don't cheer up too much as just -- just explain view there is you're you're -- real bind is there a way though before you go.

Is there a way -- for the Republicans out of this today have some is is their pass out.

Look I think they have to start thinking.

Beyond just talking about the wealthiest 2% -- talking about tax fairness talking about growth.

We need to do so bogged down in the legislative mumbo Jumbo they're not thinking in the broader narrative to how to.

How to with a broader argument with the public and when you're stuck talking and defending about keeping tax rates the same level for 2% of Americans it's not only political position when you get -- bigger picture in talking about economic growth talking about how raising taxes on the wealthy could -- the economy could.

Could perhaps because of the recession that's a lot more politically powerful song surprised that Republicans -- -- get -- kind of bog down of the details and I think thinking about the big picture.

Many call it an austerity -- you might even call it an austerity trap Josh thank you very much for your time today have a great weekend thanks Chris OK so let's take a break.

Let's collect yourself -- and -- their -- fast and furious today.

I don't mean in the gun running kind of way.

Because when we come back we're gonna talk about what's the future of the Republican Party where they going.

On the day that we had -- -- with us we might as well explore that's subject to of your favorites David Winston and -- for now we'll be here.

When we come back.

So stick around.

And that.

Is Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio.

The Republicans are currently deciding which one of them.

To fall in love west in advance of the 2016.

Presidential election cycle and this is power play.

Welcome back after the Republican Party they've talked a lot about what ideas.

They should embrace on immigration on taxes should -- -- to the right should they moved to left but you know something Internet because you watch.

You pay attention you know politics is really about personality.

That when you get down to it if you're not good at talking to people and talking to them about your ideas your ideas don't really matter that much.

So -- -- the Republicans.

Fallen out with who will be there the truth.

For 26 team.

I know it's too early to say but we did Hillary yesterday so let's give the red team -- look.

And let's do it -- -- Cornell he's a former spokesman for the people who try to get Democrats elected to congress.

And keep them there.

And he is now a democratic strategist with -- -- which is -- big deal democratic -- -- people -- -- done welcome.

Thanks -- and welcome also to David Winston he's also a big deal because he is the president of the Winston group which is a polling firm that Republicans used to try to get elected to all kinds of stuff.

But he knows about how to win races presidential all the way down to the house you probably gets that you could probably helps them to get elected to dog catcher if you wanted to -- they -- -- -- Maybe for the right got a -- catcher maybe we'll and don't -- target Pulitzer the dogs are hard and a whole OK so the question is this.

And it will serve because it's it's the Republicans.

-- Republicans are eager to forget.

They're ready to move on quickly 12012.

Cycle.

Is there a clear front runner on the Republican side.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- That it shows how deep -- -- for the party at least in terms of looking at 26 in their range of candidates.

You know -- from Portland rubio.

Christie Martinez and just I didn't bush say she's on Martinez we like this exercise -- -- -- Jesus is real friends and so that that's for the opportunity is however actually have.

Pushed back a little bit actually -- I'm not so willing to forget so quickly because there are a lot of lessons learned the Republicans are gonna have to get out of this election.

Part of this is also going back to your initial point.

If we're going to be pushing ideas and be -- we actually talked about one of the things that occurred in terms of -- economy and we really we thought this is going to be a referendum on President Obama.

Not -- some people the endangered it wasn't it was a choice and and to Obama team credit they've -- that choice -- them.

Romney campaign Hussein was purely a referendum ultimately it was it's personally didn't engage in economic arguments so.

Here's here's the critical number of those people who said the economy was not so good 45% in the country the president won that -- by thirteen points that's what we lost.

So in 2004.

Democrats that were convinced that the answer was moved to moderate.

And Mark Warner may -- was going to be the nominee and Hillary Clinton if she wanted it.

How Hillary.

No one what is said that Barack Hussein Obama.

Senator he -- From Illinois.

Was going to be the man.

It is about personality is -- is about how good you are at that interacting with people down.

I mean if you look at the last eight years there were a lot of solutions in the Democratic Party in 2004 Howard Dean.

-- -- worked for.

Was you know the flavor for a lot of months -- you -- you know he was the choice of the progressives he had a real sharp message against George Bush he ultimately.

Did not get the nomination and they pick someone more similar do Mitt Romney this is kind of -- similar election and that.

You know yet people farther you know kind of given the messages towards the base for the person got it was the one people viewed as more electable.

In the congressional races Rahm Emanuel strategy was we're going to go to the senate we're gonna go after earth.

-- -- -- endorsed Democrat sees as he said candidates that look like the district exactly.

And we're gonna go against -- we're gonna get an NRA endorsed candidates -- -- of people who come are very much in line values lies with these districts that Republicans occupy.

And then there is -- sort of the pendulum shift in 2008 where he we went back to a more progressive.

Voice.

I think the Republicans are -- my sense is may go through this seems sort of thumb you know back and forth conversations they did it in 2010 where they went more to the right.

Now there's going to be pushed it for them to go to this to the -- but I ultimately think this is a Conservative Party and I think someone who tries that.

You can isolate those folks is gonna have a hard time winning the nomination.

David problem that these Republicans had in 2012.

This year was that Mitt Romney even though he was the front -- the whole time.

Even though he run in 2008.

Even though he is richer -- increases.

All of those things being true and when it came time to get out of the primary and go into the general.

It was a very tough gear shift for Republicans it was it it would be an Etch A Sketch is easy to -- you just turn it upside down and -- it for Republicans it was a real gear grinder.

What are -- what is the red team looking at when it comes to primary fight because we can already picture some really brutal months.

Now part of it is that this idea somehow that some Republicans believe well only Republicans watch the primary process the rest of America -- -- -- -- -- -- -- just you know everybody was paying attention independents paid attention.

As a result they didn't understand the critical nature of that transition but I'm but I'm also gonna -- -- it wasn't just run.

And that's one -- the Republican party's got to do what we lost two senate races.

That infection really shape as quite a bit and then and it's not Indiana and Missouri its North Dakota and Montana.

Okay.

Great.

Smart and and so you wanna talk about global let's talk about the minority vote.

Montana North Dakota seriously yeah I mean I'm so there are some other players and anyways yes -- anyway and so part of the challenge is why it does happen this is where and again -- Iran's credit Ron did a very.

Effective assessment in terms of understating the situation was facing democratic congressional candidates.

I think the Republican party's got to sit down -- really think through okay what is the we have to do next to be successful.

-- and to David's point you know back to 2004 or 2006.

You know guns and in gun control was obviously central in the 2000 campaign even Al Gore and -- I want and I campaigned for worked in Missouri.

And we want everything in that state except the presidential.

And we lost probably because of his positions on guns that.

Largely banished from the -- -- like nobody's argue about that and here's here's a look at you're not gonna hear Republicans use the word -- in the next election cycle right.

-- and -- and I think that in.

Intercepted some senate races you you talked about an Arctic North Dakota Montana I mean that's exactly right.

You know in their these other states where the president did you know where there aren't a lot of money minority voters in Iowa and in New Hampshire and -- -- message there and I would I was always.

Surprised that Republicans didn't mean and more on middle class messaging and you're seeing a little bit more with -- Marco.

Rubio right -- all right gentlemen gentlemen.

You know what we'd like -- panels we like them to be Smart we like them fair minded we like them to be patriotic.

And we have obtained all three of those things with your kind help today gentlemen so enjoy your weekend thank you exercise.

Now look there's some bad news for you Internet.

Two things one Charles was announcement report last night and as so -- you already pointed out on Twitter from my column today there is no word from Charles so just deal with it you're just going to have to accept that Internet.

The other thing is -- Jonathan Hunt is off so that's what's out but.

I have some solace where you have some recompense for you Jonathan for -- in starting at noon which I know you're going to orange or -- Rick pulled out I can't -- let's say that -- pulled -- on this in at -- my friend Rick is in at noon.

So that's true as some recompense and the other recompense is this.

Some power points.

-- your -- 71.

Years 71 years that's how long it has been since the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Today is Pearl Harbor day and I'm a nerd.

And so we are going to commemorate.

Pearl Harbor day as it used to be -- remember Pearl Harbor they even had a song.

2402.

That's your first PowerPoint.

That's -- How many Americans were killed in that attack a massive attack a huge number.

And the that the biggest deal.

Out of all of that.

Is this that.

And you'd never will.

You never will get over that country never gets over an attack of that magnitude in unto itself yes.

But it never gets over as we have now experienced after nine elevenths you never get over the fact that it changes the world and you never will get over it changed the way the world operated it brought the United States into World War -- changed the course of human events that moment not just the loss of that day but what it did as a fulcrum point in American and world history and here's your third PowerPoint.

He raped by necessity.

People often -- now the perfidy the weakness of the softness of Americans today Republicans particularly are inclined to -- This was she needs that Americans have become but guess what.

The greatest generation wasn't great because it wanted to be because they woke up and said wow you know we should do is just changed world make it safer democracy they were great -- they had to be because it was what was call it was what was ordained for them.

They did a heck of a good job and they responded Pearl Harbor the way that I still hope and believe Americans would respond to a similar crisis today.

So that's my little -- was my power points today we thank you for being with -- we'll see back here on Monday have a great day.

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