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Left grows impatient on gun ban. Which way forward for the GOP? And entitlements loom over 2014. Chris Stirewalt and guests discuss
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They want leaders that won't feed them a lot of crap.
Or sell them short the vast majority of the American people.
Are hard working taxpayers.
Forward to take responsibility for their families.
Go to work every day they pay their mortgage on time they volunteer in the community.
The -- was.
A juxtaposition of two very different.
But -- harsh in their own way critiques of the Republican status quo in the 2012.
And 2008 elections.
And this is power -- I'm Chris star -- -- coming to you live from sea -- today which is the Conservative Political Action Conference.
A big.
Deal every year for these rights in America.
And a moment of reset after a unhappy presidential defeat and and -- -- in US senate races in 2012.
And the discussion here among conservatives is what is the way forward for the Republican Party.
We will talk about that today we will talk about the question of entitlements and what will entitlement reform had to say about the future of Republicans.
And their future with the electorate we will talk about why Mitt -- here today he's read I don't know why he needs he's not doing -- -- -- -- so what brings an.
Mitt Romney never the heartthrob of the right.
Rock show of the right you'll figure those things that we will -- all of that it -- -- she had PowerPoint you'll enjoy it I promise.
So let us begin the enjoyment let us begin -- merry making with -- Byron York.
Who is the senior political correspondent for the Washington examiner.
And a person he was worth listening to on this question because he is writing very smartly and incisive way on the question brother -- welcome.
Good to be here are you having -- back.
I am I am you know the the Rand Paul on Marco -- were right after I know -- obviously set it up like many exactly one guy calls the other.
And so you know Marco Rubio comes out very smartly -- -- very smooth performance.
-- his office said they were not apparently was not prepared text I asked them to simulate task.
That's what he -- that last.
Very very good while.
Rand Paul comes out and really in jeans and cowboy boots -- his.
As you know -- -- my watch that they're kind of like mommy she's out really well they're not like we're not an island as a person for that for those of us over certain aircraft.
We cannot home where the strangler as we cannot always.
The of those we have to have a little deficit will it it really did show the generational change it because if you look at me.
Backdrop yeah.
-- here seats back -- these giant for ghostly images.
-- Reagan who was born in 1911.
Deaths of Barry Goldwater who's born in nineteen.
Yes Jesse Helms born in 192100.
And all its use his name is now and these guys around effectively left Buckley was born in 1920 all of them.
Are now departed the -- and those -- the conservative icons in the back and yet the the motto of the -- -- is America's future the next generation.
Yeah so.
So you're saying there's hills in contracts not Phyllis slash -- on his right knee yes and so I thought you did see two different visions -- rubio and Rand.
Rand Paul a much more libertarian we've got it.
Become the freedom oriented -- Social issues and also this Archie in his attacks on the establishment -- so instead of just talking to you that that line leaders who feed them a lot of crap.
That was a new that was as bad that that was a bold statement but he also he also.
Since he took a clear shot at John McCain.
And was and golden mosque of old and moss covered in moss back contingency.
Whereas -- was gentle.
-- and his critique of Mitt Romney's 47% comrades he was he he he made it clear that he disagreed but he did it ginger.
Rubio is the museum of violence decades -- -- one.
And Iran policy fifty.
Rubio and -- and much smoother more palatable and performance I think the most memorable lines.
When he says you know as soon as I sit.
The liberals are gonna start criticizing me they're gonna say doesn't have any new ideas Australia.
We don't need your ideas we have an idea it's called America and it still works I mean that was probably I think the biggest and they want -- -- that.
Today they got up about.
So now.
The the question now is -- -- is trying to stake out a place that is establishment friendly.
But Tea Party friendly he -- he's trying to bridge from that direction Paula trying to go the other way he's trying to go from the Tea Party candidate who.
It is palatable to the establishment in some way.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- And and insisting -- a huge -- -- actually stood.
That's a whole army talking -- you not and never actually got up and they didn't sit back out.
But it's harder harder -- grandpa because of the actual substance of what -- filibuster was about right which was US drone policy.
A lot of conservatives if they don't actively supported -- don't have a big problem with that so you know and -- hockey.
His death from above their -- right.
So there Mexicans are -- that spurred the Mexicans right and that the thing that struck me analyst -- Rand Paul.
And three or four different conservative contacts in the last couple of weeks and -- -- an extremely.
Positive reception everywhere you know.
From economic conservatives and social concerns -- And do what's what's clear is there.
They're just delighted they're -- -- fact he stood up that he's gonna tonight Obama.
It was almost more about it almost seem like it was more about the fact this.
The idea principled stand exact bet that somebody whose heartfelt and the other thing is this is significant about this it's something that made liberals.
So uncomfortable because I think he's used to be their issues to -- -- -- The problem with the but even though they think we're delighted and I stood up and he also actually act the president and I don't want our guys met the president -- -- up.
I used the substance of policy was not something they really want him on that and -- -- Lotta substance of the argument about hellfire missiles hitting -- cafe in Cincinnati.
Blurred things that they thought were really far fetched.
-- out there and so -- that was the case the two sides of the Rand -- feel it hears and understands.
But I'm not sure I really.
But rubio has an interest -- problem which is that the more he succeeds in the senate.
The harder it is going to be to sell himself as an outsider Barack Obama for example who was a one term senator not even when he declared.
For the presidency.
Made and it's a -- point of doing very little.
Politics in the United States -- -- one piece of very small legislation that he did with Tonto when about ethics reform.
But by and large he talked.
But I didn't take it on big legislation Marco Rubio is trying to do an immigration deal that the Republican base is not exactly -- hitter patter of.
Did you notice the word missing from Marco Rubio sees -- Syria and the word was -- guess he didn't mention an all night passes.
People immediately afterwards -- to make any thing in my back in -- -- I don't mind.
-- we gonna talk about all the time he'll be talking about it when that when the bill whatever it is comes together immigration bill.
But you know he has his big forum did not.
He can I talk about on this -- -- -- and it costs you this weekend he's been on -- -- of the excessive this week that's it that's okay but it's but it's a tough -- the base doesn't like where he's going with Israel.
Actually the -- -- -- there immigration politics network in the seat.
As Al Cardenas they had American cancer and you you medalist on which puts on C pac is a very strong proponent of comprehensive immigration reform.
Panel on this issue yesterday.
And I think there were five -- every single one of -- pro immigration reform so if they were.
Anybody from Cinemark Kerkorian's.
Restriction a school and they weren't there isn't so.
Anything different -- That he views.
This year's -- act as an opportunity to make the case.
For immigration reform problem is -- a lot of grassroots types are not comfortable.
-- -- There's certainly not going to be comfortable.
If it changes in the direction of Charles should write good to be the only direction it will go faster this year I regret anything goes towards not exactly so -- this is something I think revealed just made the calculation better not connect.
Probably -- Byron York.
Unlike President Obama he does not need a food taster to enjoy a -- also Susan Collins ever -- -- -- he will be able to get it right away you need to have senator Collins I was immediately and ponder that question and just bring laughter senator Collins just bring -- -- we thank you very much for making hundreds here principal Internet we're gonna take a quick break like to collect herself from that take a deep breath but when we come back you know David -- He was part of changing.
The way that election laws work in the United States but he also happens to be a pretty big deal on the right side of politics in America and other ways we'll talk to him about.
Which way the Republicans ought to go on entitlements as far as he's concerned -- do that when we come back and -- -- -- stick around.
We got white smoke from the Vatican.
And we got a budget from this.
They call their budget.
A foundation for growth restoring the promise of American opportunity.
-- hi Felix saluting already.
But when you read it.
You find that the Vatican is not the only place blowing smoke this week.
And that zinger was from Paul Ryan who was here at -- packed yesterday.
Or today earlier today I'm making fun of senate Democrats were a budget blueprint that does not.
Address the issue large scale or small scale or any scale changes to America is a beleaguered much beleaguered entitlement program.
And this is power play and we are here.
-- Conservative Political Action Conference it's happening we are at national.
Harbor which is in Maryland which may seem like an unusual place to have a day convention of conservatives but it's very close to Virginia you can see Virginia from here.
But what about entitlements because Republicans are wrestling and conservatives are wrestling with how far to push this issue.
And can -- be a winner -- big loser the answers weren't conclusive in 2012.
So which way forward for the Paul Ryan -- that wants to do that you know who knows David -- know her you better familiar -- we're -- The Maryland right and this is someone who's lived here for a long time I do wonder why conservative.
That convention would be held -- -- -- today yes that's right around -- I have I've heard haven't been there yet but I'll tell you this is really a tremendous.
Facility to have this conference is our first time here and we're usually a hotel in DC this has been a really tremendous.
Conference and as you said it is only the leadership of the conservative movement coming together to share ideas talk about.
Try to lick our wounds from 2012.
It.
You will enable people and David and he has his own wounds and we thank you for with the arm in this plan and all this stuff that you're so making time for -- Here -- should know this about you secure the president of Citizens United.
And that is the group that made the case law but also know.
In the in the with the movie about Hillary Clinton that prompted major changes for the way.
But also did that -- the change.
That what preceded the 2012 election it was a movie featuring disaffected Obama voters you guys did not win the election.
-- -- -- but it was a good move.
-- thank you very much actually you know Sean Hannity did a one hour special on film and we were very you know -- pleased with the film but.
As you said we lost everything we do not sorry president -- -- -- get -- back coming here it's a president to actually took a look.
I'm I'm I'm actually wondering why he's coming to be -- I mean I know we're gonna talk about Katie packer gage who used to work with him is going to be here don't take her material so the question did -- expense.
So some Republicans feel like it's time to shut up about it -- -- that it and it wasn't helpful and -- twelve.
And that no it wasn't it means the death blow the Democrats that it would be -- house races.
But that I'm talking about taking away Medicare.
Is not something that is popular with voters Paul Ryan and others say we have to stick with us and they're gonna try to force this out of the current budget deal well let me just say I think that there on.
That those -- the third rail of politics and Social Security Medicare and Medicaid those issues have always -- Very difficult but I think easing the American public.
Over years not just in this last month during a -- since the election but.
During the 2008.
During 2010.
Through 2012 election cycles.
The American people I think you become a lot more attuned to the fact that -- those programs are in crisis threatened you can't just continue to kick and on the -- so.
I do think.
Yes they are difficult to deal -- yes you have to have some more proposals Paul Ryan's proposal.
I you -- -- to to reform some of these very Smart.
I think there's going to be ways to move move the ball forward we're not -- -- house races over the -- -- I think bloody.
They're very complicated and I and I wish that there we could find common ground on.
A look at the interesting thing if -- -- Ryan.
Is that while you were being attacked constantly from the left.
For destroying Medicare and being evil.
Conservatives say you're not going far enough -- need to address this more stringent lake you need to do this.
But that's the job alone the conservative movement has always tried to be V anchor and say.
Look that's.
This -- good start right we needed to be much more based in the free market run free enterprise -- we needed to not be socialist medicine we need to.
You know if we didn't get a chance to to repeal obamacare let's defund obamacare -- want our economy our -- -- fledgling.
Economy can't handle it and secondly it's bad policy so let you know weak the sick can afford bad medical care in the American people can afford the bills so I think that.
These are ways that we can really move the ball forward in a positive -- So when we get.
To the mid term elections.
How how do you see this playing -- do you see.
Entitlement reform being a big issue were small issue or does it depend on what comes out of this because it.
Look I think -- Deficits.
I think business spending spending I think all of these issues are where this for a long time give the market for.
Just performing -- an enormous.
Level and you don't and you -- the economy and not supporting and I think at a certain point in time.
The market is going to reflect.
The economy and not the other way around I wish that it would be the other way around but we can't wave a magic.
Want to have three or 4% growth we're having two point one.
Point you know 110 of 1% growth I mean we're having.
Unemployment numbers that are not really reflective of unemployment and I think that those are.
And our spending is out of control and -- the White House is saying and he's not a problem so I really think they have to cross the rubicon President Obama says.
I am happy to.
-- and discuss any of these issues with the Republicans -- talk on negotiate with everybody but I will not change my position.
That you'll come and deal with me on my terms and that's just not the way a president can do things look.
Ronald Reagan got a lot of things and Ronald Reagan was conservative dealing with a Tip O'Neill run -- -- represent.
People just have to remember.
Did Ronald Reagan -- the conservative edge at every turn now.
No but he had the principles that he dealt with and that's the conservative movement trusted him for that.
John Boehner doesn't have that trust of the conservative movement -- that's one of the reasons that he -- negotiate well.
Nor did Mitt Romney but he's going to be here today to talk about that and that David we thank you for playing injured with a QQ do you like the IRL we thank you that's -- conference that's -- the fever and have a great day enjoy your time here -- Internet we're gonna take a quick break but when we come back we're gonna preview -- -- -- asked this question why is -- here what is the point of his trip and what's the political future ahead what's it say about the Republican Party talk about that and more and have him.
Special -- pack -- points when we come back.
-- just stick around.
Now the popular media.
Narrative that.
Is that this country has shifted away from conservative ideals.
As.
Evidenced by the last two presidential.
Elections.
That's what they think that's what they said.
That might be true Republicans and actually nominated conservative.
2000.
And that was a warm welcome laying out the welcome that Texas governor Rick Perry.
I'm talking about -- Republican nominees in 2008 and 2012.
Here at C -- conservative political action.
Conference and this is power play that is coming to you seem so congratulations Internet you've made it this far now one big speakers.
Today and -- -- Is Mitt Romney.
That was Rick Perry there taking a big old Texas side swipe at him so apparently -- debate jokes.
Haven't exactly gone by the wayside.
But why wouldn't -- What does Mitt Romney had to say to this -- what does he want to hear from them and what's the role that he's gonna play in the future of the Republican Party in the conservative movement.
Somebody that has an idea I wore -- I -- almost guarantee you is Katie packer -- she is former deputy campaign manager.
-- Willard M Romney former Massachusetts governor.
And she is in interest and now and workforce fairness because that's true that's true helping companies empower themselves.
Two had.
-- good labor relations not necessarily with the unions I think -- right up their workers with their workers not with unions okay so Katie the question is this.
These people here.
Last year I remember last year.
And governor Romney -- to -- and it was like OK -- is fine you can come and talk to us and we know that you're probably going to be the nominating.
And we're all right with that -- race at severely conservative.
What do you think in knowing him brings him back here to talk to these folks who aren't exactly his days.
-- -- I I wouldn't necessarily agree with they assertion that.
You know people just felt that they were sort of subtly.
And you're right your -- some of these -- Some of these.
-- you -- many many years nick spoke to the seat that group and was very warmly embraced icy pack their reuse when he won a straw pool here at C pac.
I'm I think every time he spoke he was met with a standing ovation -- the accident the race in 2008 -- that was the form that he chose.
And you know there was great disappointment at the time could be made that decision and I think I'm.
You know in spite of some of the coverage I think he -- that he packed as an audience that has been very good to him -- -- -- over the years.
Elkhart massive.
Who heads the American Conservative Union through it's a good friend and and asked him to come.
I think he wanted to come back and he wanted to say thank you to.
You know conservatives that supported him and supported his candidacy in in 2008 and 2012 in the -- and yeah I'm not sure why Rick Perry thinks that he has to promote his own ambitions by.
You know sort of trashing people that have served our party and -- our pioneering honestly to be fair he is a politician I'm the president -- -- have.
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Think he's you know to a large degree he's he's still I'm figuring out what that's going to be what the appropriate place that's you know this is the guy that didn't need.
The presidency by any means I think he really did see it as a called public service.
And the and I think he served her party very -- eighteen.
You know -- lost in a very very close race in spite of the way it's been portrayed it was a very close race in nearly half of the country embrace him and embraces.
-- we were that we were there on that as best we.
-- where can people get your latest op -- about unions in Pennsylvania -- first gonna start -- you can hear more about what the unions are doing to -- the workers right.
Check out because I read it and it Smart and eighty -- thanks to make us -- haven't we appreciate it okay Internet.
That's your -- -- powered -- I hope that you enjoyed it because there's going to be lots more.
On the Fox News Channel on foxnews.com.
All around your fox universe as it relates to -- -- but.
But we were glad that you share a little part of your -- -- -- with us.
On the hunt Jonathan Hunt is up next he's not here I would have noticed him -- I -- little.
But how about before you before we let you go about some power points.
Mid term -- Those your PowerPoint -- today your -- -- power points in the first one is 354.
That's how many days between now and the first primary election of the makers and as it happens -- -- -- But that is the number of days if -- had and every day closer.
You get it.
To that point it becomes harder from ought to be made for things to be done because people liberals and conservatives people are.
Into their own respective camps as they get ready to choose anonymity for their particular parties.
Actors in 2010.
And 2012.
The Republicans were deeply at odds and several races they had a lot of problems as insurgent conservatives.
Sometimes with success -- also content failure Christine O'Donnell and try to send their party in a different direction.
There's your second PowerPoint no clash of titans we know.
That people from the Republican establishment.
Are trying very hard at this moment to find a way to push the best most qualified candidates through.
Difficult primaries.
-- but we also know the conservatives the kind of folks who work here.
Are very interested in having their own more conservative libertarian minded kind of candidates win these nominations so here's the point.
And her through here your third -- would team up.
Teamed up.
If libertarian minded.
For more conservative or socially conservative or anti establishment kind of Republicans would like to see their candidates get through my guess what they're going to have to team up.
The establishment as they call is teamed up and that's what they do their network of people across the country.
That do this together and know how to work together these folks and get together once a year to have this meeting but if they're serious about changing their party they're gonna handle -- had a team.
And win races by not beating each other primary.
Thought Missouri it could happen again -- from power points hope that they spur some thought on this she packed Friday.
And now wherever we are as we like to do know a word from our friend Charles.
Rubio -- always refer to water.
And red polo always -- To -- filibuster.
