The GOP's Finest Hour

From the Washington Times (It's an "Exclusive" doncha know):

Republican Party officials say they will try next month to pass a resolution accusing President Bush and congressional Republican leaders of embracing "socialism," underscoring deep dissension within the party at the end of Mr. Bush's administration.

Those pushing the resolution, which will come before the Republican National Committee at its January meeting, say elected leaders need to be reminded of core principles. They said the RNC must take the dramatic step of wading into policy debates, which traditionally have been left to lawmakers.

"We can't be a party of small government, free markets and low taxes while supporting bailouts and nationalizing industries, which lead to big government, socialism and high taxes at the expense of individual liberty and freedoms," said Solomon Yue, an Oregon member and co-sponsor of a resolution that criticizes the U.S. government bailouts of the financial and auto industries. Republican National Committee Vice Chairman James Bopp Jr. wrote the resolution and asked the rest of the 168 voting members to sign it.

Bush a "socialist"?

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UPDATE: From Ol' Froth

Remember, conservatism can never, ever fail. It can only be "failed" by leaders who don't embrace true conservatism. So, all of conservatisms failures aren't due to flawed policy, but flawed execution.

Weren't these people cheering Bush just prior to the election?

UPDATE: From Clyde

I am apt to look at anything the RNC does through very jaundiced eyes, and so it is with this maneuver.

Here's my thought. The GOP knows that the economy is going to continue to tank well into the coming year...and perhaps for years to come. Thus, this is their typical CYA move; "You see, the bailouts did nothing! They were just a waste of taxpayers money!" Of course, according to who you talk to, they may ultimately be right, but their purpose here is not to seek clarity, but to fix blame.

They are desperately looking for a "hook," a new wedge issue which they can use to help "rebuild" the party around. If the economy doesn't get any better, they believe they'll be in the position to blame EVERYTHING on the Democrats.