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Kristol: Conservatives 'Impressive' in Opposition

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 22, 2009 9:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – Bill Kristol says Republicans and conservatives should be bursting with pride at how they've handled themselves as the opposition. They have been "impressive," "principled," and "savvy and sensible," he writes in the Weekly Standard. Among other things, he gives a pat on the back to "conservative polemicists" for pointing out that Obamacare "means, in effect, death panels." He also notes recent polling that shows conservatives are still behind Obama on Afghanistan, while liberals are jumping ship.

"So much for charges of knee-jerk or unprincipled partisanship," he writes. "Conservatives support a president they generally distrust because they think it important the country win the war in Afghanistan." With this stance and the opposition to Obamacare, the right is "behaving as a loyal opposition. Those who were worried that partisanship would trump patriotism among conservatives, and that loathing of Obama would overcome loyalty to the country among Republicans, have so far been proved wrong."

President Obama talks about the the Afghan elections Friday at the White House.
President Obama talks about the the Afghan elections Friday at the White House.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Obama talks about the the Afghan elections Friday at the White House.
President Obama talks about the the Afghan elections Friday at the White House.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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The most heartening development in the Age of Obama so far is this: the impressive behavior of conservatives and Republicans.
- Bill Kristol, Weekly Standard

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 29 comments
oldgoat
Aug 23, 2009 7:54 AM CDT
Only a conservative would be proud of their activities on this issue. To even dream that there was a ounch of principles in their efforts is a joke. Then they wonder why some of us former Republicans have nothing but distain for the party now. They make a point of making the party before the country. The party of NO is such a real name for the GOP now.
jemikeos
Aug 23, 2009 4:50 AM CDT
There has never been anything impressive about Bill Kristol. A lightweight amoung lightweights. The only thing impressive about the conservative response to President Obama is how childish and immature they are. Kristol and his buddy Freddy Barnes are as unimpressive as anyone.
freethemall
Aug 23, 2009 2:32 AM CDT
I just took note of the last sentence your post: ".......... It is the people who are being stupid, not the leaders who are being smart." That may very well be, but the results are the same. Yeah, I am often taken aback by the stupidity of the people. The unpleasant fact that must be contemplated. is that those of use who are not stupid, who post on this site, are perhaps preaching to the choir, so to speak.

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