Say Anything Blog

Of course, so has a big chunk of the entire GOP in recent years, but it’s nice to hear this anyway.

I’m actually surprised he mentioned President Bush too.  Not unhappy about it, because it’s deserved, but surprised.  And refreshed.

MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina (CNN) – South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint on Friday became one of the first high-profile Republicans to publicly criticize John McCain following his electoral defeat, blaming the Arizona senator for betraying conservative principles in his quest for the White House.

The conservative senator, speaking to a group of GOP officials gathered in Myrtle Beach at a conference on the future of the Republican Party, described how the party had strayed from its own “brand,” which, according to DeMint, should represent freedom, religious-based values and limited government.

“We have to be honest, and there’s a lot of blame to go around, but I have to mention George Bush, and I have to mention Ted Stevens, and I’m afraid I even have to mention John McCain,” he said.

This is exactly where Republicans need to go.  Frankly, I think Bush did some positive things in office (tax cuts, etc.) but he did a lot of stupid things too (established a massive new prescription drug entitlement, signed McCain/Feingold, etc.) and defending him at this point isn’t going to do the GOP any good.

But what’s even more important than words at this point is action.  Saying that Republicans need to get back to bedrock conservative principles is a much different thing than actually doing it.  Let’s hope DeMint is committed to leading the way.

By the way, notice who DeMint didn’t mention here?  Sarah Palin.  And he’s right not to.  Palin may have said some disappointing things on the campaign trail, but let’s remember that she was running on McCain’s ticket.  She’s her own woman now, and I think she’ll be making significant contributions to the causes of liberty and limited government.