Can’t wait for Nuckols’ article next year

By J.R. | May 19, 2008
Filed Under Media, RPV |

Christina Nuckols, an editorial writer for the Virginian-Pilot, and former General Assembly beat reporter (whom one delegate always shakes their head when I mention her name), decided to grace us this Sunday with her analysis of her perception of a Republican “fracture.”

The basis of her “commentary” is that this year Republicans have two “family squabble(s)” in a year when we really don’t need to have one.

First of all, on what premise? Primaries and conventions are healthy — discussions on the future of a party are never bad.

Because our system of government has been effectively limited by a two-party system for over 150 years, sometimes the only way disparate voices can be heard are during these “family squabbles.”

Competitive races bring new ideas, compromise, and, once the contest is over, generally a stronger sense of commitment.

(By the way, last I checked, there was a rather extensive national intramural going on on the other side. So, is the Democratic Party “fractured” too?)

Second, Nuckols goes on to use two stereotypes for the Republican Party.

John Hager is an “old-fashioned Chamber of Commerce Republican” and Jeff Frederick represents the “brash”, “uber conservative” wing.

Is that what we’ve come down to? As a member of the Republican Party you are either “Chamber of Commerce” or “uber conservative”?

And, what exactly is “uber” conservative? Defending the rights of the unborn? Working for lower taxes and limited government? Supporting victims’ rights and strong public safety?

Make no mistake - Nuckols used that term for a reason. With terms like “flat-earth” and “Neanderthal” being bandied about to describe Republicans, there is no doubt Nuckols wanted to portray Frederick, and those who share similar beliefs, as strutting around capitol square in jackboots.

But I digress. In a year that Republicans have ALREADY decided their 2009 gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial nominees, Nuckols felt like now was a good time to take unnecessary pot-shots.

But I have to wonder, next year, will Brian Moran be the “ultra liberal” Northeasterner against the “traditional Old-South country Democrat” Creigh Deeds as they “splinter” their party? Or will her column be about how the primary process is making the Democrats stronger and more steeled to take on a Republican candidate who has been atrophying for 14 months?

I think we all already know the answer.

(At the time of posting, the Pilot has not provided the column on-line)

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Comments

3 Responses to “Can’t wait for Nuckols’ article next year”

  1. Synpax on May 19th, 2008 2:04 pm

    How can Jeff Frederick *not* be a “Chamber of Commerce Republican” when the company he started is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and it’s members have supported him for election - repeatedly.

    I guess the issues in the campaign were too complex for her small journalist brain to analyze so she had to break out her Republican conflict template. What a “Nuckol”head.

  2. GeneK on May 19th, 2008 2:45 pm

    Looks like a lot of nit picking–I thought it was an accurate assessment of what’s going on.

  3. conservative voter on May 19th, 2008 3:49 pm

    Attach labels any way you want the point is really that there are two factions within the Republican Party. You have those who are certain they, and they alone, are absolutely right on every issue every time and that group is very willing (and determined) to run out all those who disagree even on one issue. In fact, that group PREFERS at least at the state and local levels to run out those who disagree even if it means electing a Democrat in a particular race. The Dems on the other hand are running a presidential nomination contest in which there are vitually NO substantive position differences between the candidates. Unlike the Republicans, most Democrats (local, statewide, and nationally) will ultimately support a fellow Democrat (ANY Democrat) over a Republican. The sad part of it all is Republicans are well on their way to returning to the minority position they owned for so many years. Did the “moderates” do it by diluting the real Republican message or did the very conservative side thin the membership rolls by being so ridgid and so sanctimonious they couldn’t govern when handed the opportunity? Doesn’t really matter does it? OUT is OUT……It looks like a divide and conquer strategy by the Democrats….sadly they didn’t have to lift a finger….it was an inside job.

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