Bush Ain't No Republican

By Michael Cudahy, AlterNet. Posted November 2, 2004.

Republicans look at this election as a test of loyalty to the standards of their party. What many do not understand is that the party, and its leader who demands their fealty, no longer exists. The principles that have defined Republicanism for the last 100 years are being rapidly eroded by an administration that seeks to promote an extremist right wing agenda and profoundly redefine the character of this country.

In the last six decades of observing and participating in presidential elections, I cannot remember one that has offered Americans such a stark choice over the future direction of their democracy, such a clear opportunity to reject extremism and embrace reason.

Traditional Republican John Eisenhower, son of President Dwight D. Eisenhower said recently that, "Today's Republican Party is one with which I am totally unfamiliar. To me, the word Republican has always been synonymous with the word 'responsibility,' which has meant limiting our governmental obligations to those we can afford in human and financial terms. Today's whopping budget deficit of some $440 billion does not meet that criterion.

Responsibility used to be observed in foreign affairs. That has meant respect for others. America, though recognized as the leader of the community of nations, has always acted as a part of it, not as a maverick separate from that community and at times insulting towards it. Leadership involves setting a direction and building consensus, not viewing other countries as practically devoid of significance. Recent developments indicate that the current Republican Party leadership has confused confident leadership with hubris and arrogance."

Talking about the Bush administration's economic recovery policies, Pete Peterson, former secretary of commerce under President Richard Nixon and founder of the Concord Coalition, has said, "Over the next decade these tax cuts will add about $5 trillion of deficits. We sit around and talk about all these cuts and we say it's our money, your money and mine, [and] I do not think they are being honest with the American people. In the first place, it's our debt and it's our children's debt. But more importantly, a tax cut isn't really a tax cut long-term unless you reduce spending. Because then it becomes a tax increase on your children. So we're inflicting this awful bill not simply on ourselves but most importantly on our kids."

As they prepare to cast their vote on Tuesday, traditional Republicans must ask themselves whether this administration is truly the party of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight Eisenhower. Are principles that have defined their party for generations still being respected? Is the Republican Party still the defender of economic responsibility, and an advocate for the environment? Can women continue to trust the party that fought to win them the right to vote? Are historic commitments to a well-reasoned multilateral foreign policy, and rational policies of national defense still being honored?

I do not believe that they are. I am concerned that a campaign of fear and intimidation is being used as a defense to justify governmental encroachment on the hard fought constitutional rights of American citizens. I am convinced that millions of Republicans are looking at this administration and quietly asking themselves whether this is the president they want to represent their party and defend their country.

Many believe they are alone – but they are not.

Respected pollster John Zogby, president and CEO of the polling firm Zogby International, has said, "when I talk anecdotally to moderate Republicans, it's very hard to find one who is going to vote for Bush. On the other hand, it's not showing up in our polling." In fact, Zogby's latest polls show 87% of Republicans backing Bush. "I'm just watching and waiting and saying to myself maybe there's something going on here, because I'm hearing it."

Using Zogby's figures, 13% of this country's approximately 56 million registered Republicans could crossover to support John Kerry. This is a potential of seven million voters, and, if Zogby's professional intuition is accurate that number could be much higher.

Michael Cudahy is a political writer and analyst from Massachusetts. He was a former national campaign staff member for President George H.W. Bush, executive director for Elliot Richardson's Committee for Responsible Government, and national communications director for the Republican Coalition for Choice.

Liked this story? Get top stories in your inbox each week from AlterNet! Sign up now »