Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Harnessing Anti-Obama Energy Tough for GOP

Protesters, some with extreme messages, not necessarily leaning Republican

By Mat Probasco,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2009 4:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Thousands of angry conservatives turned out for protests in Washington and other cities yesterday, but their rage may prove difficult for Republicans to harness, Kenneth P. Vogel and Alex Isenstadt write on Politico. Many protesters not only opposed Democratic policies, but shouted extremist rhetoric and criticized high GOP spending over the past 8 years—sentiments that may divide rather than help the Grand Old Party.

The majority of demonstrators did rage about Obama administration policies like bank and auto bailouts and health care reform—but how to turn that energy into Republican votes? It's rally organizer FreedomWorks, which corrals conservative voters with text messages, that holds the power now, one analyst says: "Really the tea party is in the position to dictate terms to the Republican Party."

Protestors march down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 12,2009, during a rally against the president's health care plan.
Protestors march down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 12,2009, during a rally against the president's health care plan.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Demonstrators protest on Capitol Hill in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, during a taxpayer rally. The Washington Monument is in the background.
Demonstrators protest on Capitol Hill in Washington, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, during a taxpayer rally. The Washington Monument is in the background.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
A crowd of people, some carrying signs, are shown during a rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington on Saturday, Sept. 12.
A crowd of people, some carrying signs, are shown during a rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington on Saturday, Sept. 12.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
Demonstrators are shown during a rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington on Saturday.
Demonstrators are shown during a rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington on Saturday.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I’m a recovering alcoholic, and I can tell you the moment I said ‘enough. I have to change my life or I will die.’ And I have not seen that from the Republican Party. - Fox News host Glenn Beck

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 35 comments
LiberalJesus
Sep 16, 2009 1:57 AM CDT
"the protesters weren't anti-Obama...Oh Please! You must have failed to read the hate signs.
LiberalJesus
Sep 16, 2009 1:51 AM CDT
Delusional teabaggers. Its sad that they have to out and out lie about head counts. Even if it were 100,000, that is a far cry from 1.5 mil. Always living in LalaLand where lies make them feel better than the truth. And now you have that whiny Malkin running a phony pic from another event. Talk about desperation. Get a clue..even a million fat overweight yeehaws hardly classify as representing America. Why do these clowns in this subsect minority think they represent America when this country by a wide margin elected a black man with a funny arab sounding name?
Caps
Sep 15, 2009 12:33 PM CDT
ronimaca, the GOP haters don't know what they are asking for. I agree they should be stopped, and if they had any smarts they would realize who got us into this mess, it was their beloved "SMIRK" and "DICK-HEAD". Such poor LOSERS.

More Newser Stories

Bible's 'Obey' Edict Snarls Bachmann Presidency

New Tell-All: Palin Happy to Ditch Gov Job for Money

Abolish IRS, Cut Medicare, Demands Fla. Congressman

GOP Veterans Grow Frustrated With Tea Party Freshmen

Tea Partiers Harass Muslims at Charity Event


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne