For some time now there has been a discussion as to who is the official leader or spokesperson in the Republican Party. Democrats have been eager to pin that title upon the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity who represent a voice of extremism that tends to make mainstream and moderate Republicans cringe. Yet, few have been willing to question them as it generally leads to a smack down coupled with a need to apologize or clarify remarks.
Governor Pawlenty, who appears to be laying the groundwork for a 2012 Presidential run, went on C-Span Washington Journal today and was given the question of whether Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Newt Gingrich are good spokespersons for the Republican Party. His answer veered slightly around the original premise but he did remark that Limbaugh, Hannity, and Gingrich represent "voices of a previous effort":
Governor Pawlenty, who appears to be laying the groundwork for a 2012 Presidential run, went on C-Span Washington Journal today and was given the question of whether Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, or Newt Gingrich are good spokespersons for the Republican Party. His answer veered slightly around the original premise but he did remark that Limbaugh, Hannity, and Gingrich represent "voices of a previous effort":
What does that mean?
Pawlenty makes the implication that these voices, while still part of the Republican Party, have passed the point at which they are useful or perhaps wanted in order for the party to regain dominance in American politics. One wonders what will happen to Pawlenty and his chances at running in 2012 if he continues to frame Limbaugh, Hannity, and Gingrich as personalities of the past.
