Call Me GOP

In Washington and all around the country there’s a political battle for America’s future. And while Americans are beginning to find faults in the Democrats’ proposals, an article in The Examiner claims that they’re not being presented with any alternatives. For the G.O.P. to be successful, it needs to “get their act together” and engage in a debate that does more than just criticize liberals and their plans. What’s your advice to the G.O.P. for moving forward and taking on the Democratic Party?

After three weeks and more than 4,000 votes, our tournament is finally over.  No surprise here: you’ve decided that Mitt Romney should speak for the G.O.P.  He held a commanding lead over all his opponents, knocking out Eric Cantor in the final round by slightly more than 900.

So why Romney?

Many of you have singled him out as the candidate with the best chance of unifying the party in a way the McCain/Palin ticket failed to in 2008. Mike noted that, unlike Palin or Rush, Romney doesn’t “stir up” passion among Republicans, yet he’s often sought after as a voice of reason and intelligence.

In fact, many of you pointed to his patient positions regarding issues such as health care that paint him as a rational, reliable choice. The ideal candidate, you said, is competent, not extremist. For now, while most states identify with the Democratic Party, the G.O.P. must attract independent and crossover voters to grow stronger. The party’s looking for a more moderate leader to take them forward, and it seems Mitt is the man.

Is this an accurate summary of what I’ve learned these past few weeks? What would you add that I might be missing?

Tim Pawlenty took a shot at Mitt Romney attacking Massachusetts’ health-care program. Maybe he heard about our tournament? More likely he’s thinking about bigger things, like the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, for which both are strong contenders.

There’s been a lot of noise about Romney here but not as much enthusiasm for Tim Pawlenty, who’s in a fierce race to beat Eric Cantor in the Final Four. Why would or wouldn’t Pawlenty be an appropriate voice for the G.O.P.? What qualities does he posses (or lack) that would affect your support of him, and why?

It’s not just the G.O.P. that’s split. The Hill reports that issues of health care are furthering the divide between liberals and moderates in the Democratic Party. Are there key issues that cause this interna tension  in both parties, and if so, what are they?

The anti-Obama tone in Washington taken by many G.O.P. members has some Republican Senate leaders concerned — particularly regarding health care. Why do they think the debate has turned less about the issues and more about the president?

Get the full scoop here.

Tonight, President Obama will hold his fifth news conference since taking office. The New York Times speculates he will focus on the economy and health care system — two hot topics for you guys. So what would you ask the president…on these subjects and other matters?

Washington is in an all-out brawl over health care. The Daily Beast wraps up the most recent shots America’s leaders are taking at each other — and things have gotten ugly. Has the debate turned too nasty? Which politician do you agree with on this issue and, of course, why?

House minority whip Eric Cantor slipped up last night regarding Obama’s opening pitch before launching into a discussion on the Democrats’ health care plan. (Check out this flow chart a group of Republicans put together.) The man who was “looking forward” to working with the president is now serving up a lot of criticism. Of course, being critical is always good thing, and he seems like an agreeable guy. So what do you think about Cantor? Do you think he’s a strong leader…or does he need to toughen up?

Here’s some good news for the Republican Party: A recent Rasmussen Report shows that American voters now trust Republicans more than Democrats on eight of ten “key issues” (including the economy), and have narrowed the gap on the other two: health care and education. What is the Democratic Party doing wrong that’s shaken public confidence?