Comments on Focus on the GOP

What I can't believe is why you keep plugging that 710 KIRO thing which doesn't let you listen to a show in the archive, and if you do manage to tune it in on time, all you hear is blaring commercials. It's like 80% commercials and 10% plugs for other KIRO shows. At least KUOW has actual content, and you can listen at your convenience on the world wide inter-nets.

The media is spending more time on the Dem candidates (nationally) because one of them is going to be the next President.

I agree that the Republican race is far more interesting.

With the Dems, we all know it's going to be Hillary, Obama, or Edwards. And there isn't a great deal of difference between them. And most democrats don't seem to strongly favor any one over another, and would be happy enough with any of them. For the most part, the supporters of those candidates will likely fall in behind whoever ends up winning the Dem primary without too much complaint.

But the republicans are all over the map. Talk about a splintered divisive group! I think that largely comes from the unholy alliance of fiscally conservative business interests and right-wing social conservatives who often have opposing views on a lot of issues. Plus quasi-libertarian blimp pilot Ron Paul. The divisiveness is reflected in the polls too. Giuliani had a strong early lead but is sagging now. McCain all but dropped out a few months ago, but seems to be gaining ground again. Fuckabee came out of almost complete obscurity and is suddenly now the darling of the religious fundies. Ron Paul, despite never breaking single digits, has scored some fundraising coups (and he has a blimp!!!). This could be anybody's race. Best of all, the republicans have the larger chance of splintering off a third party candidate, or having angry constituents staying home on election day. This is definitely the race to watch.

Luke Esser talking about making room for a moderate in the GOP? Did they want someone who would drag the conversation even further to the right? Esser's one of the reasons Republicans do so poorly in this state - uber conservative, too Christian (Catholic, in his case) and too pro-life.

We at KUOW can't believe you're plugging us, either.

Stop it.

Meanwhile, in Oregon, the State Dems have received more than twice the donations from business than the State GOP ...

Reality has a liberal bent.

"Face it: The GOP is a more interesting party in transition. This is certainly reflected by the rambunctious and divergent GOP field for president."

That's technically true, but unfortunately they're all tripping over one another to make themselves less interesting and appeal to the 24% who still like Bush.

It would be a fascinating debate if McCain, Giuliani, Romney, and Paul all gave their vision of where the party should go. But except for Paul, they're all papering over their past to pretend they're the second coming of Reagan.