RNC to Solicit Online Suggestions for Party Platform
EmailABC News’ Karen Travers reports: The Republican National Committee today will unveil a web site, www.gopplatform2008.com, that will allow individuals to log on and share their suggestions and opinions on what should be included in the party’s platform. The platform will be ratified by the party’s delegates at its convention in Minneapolis in September.
Starting Friday, an individual can log on to the site and upload their written comments or video comments. A team led by Platform Committee Executive Director Steven Duffield will sift through the online submissions up until the convention and party officials said they are open to using some of the videos or statements in the platform drafting meetings in Minneapolis.
Republican officials say they hope this site will be a 24/7 town hall where people can look at other submissions on the site and share their views without ever leaving their home.
The Democratic National Committee announced this week that it will invite people to host their own platform committee meetings and then submit a report online for the party’s platform drafting committee to consider. A Democratic party official said that 800 events already have been organized in 49 states in addition to web chat-ins and radio-call-ins.
North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr serves as co-chair of the 2008 Republican Platform Committee and touted the efficiency of the web site in reaching out to the entire party and anyone who is interested in weighing in on the platform.
“If we limited ourselves to a traditional town hall meeting type of concept, in a two hour period we might get the input from 15 individuals when 1500 showed up. Now we’re saying ‘stay at home, go on the Internet, 24 hours a day. Download your information, we’ll sift through that’ and that will help to guide us as we get to the final crafting of the platform.”
Sen. Burr said that the platform is a Republican platform first but he and Platform Committee Chair Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California are working closely with Sen. John McCain’s campaign for its input.
“I think the vast majority of prior platforms have encompassed everything John McCain believes,” Burr said. “Are there areas where we might be challenged as we write this to state it correctly? Yes. But Kevin and I have been asked to do a Republican platform and we’ve worked closely and will continue to work closely with the McCain campaign and we’re going to work closely with the American people on this.”
“I’m confident that we’re going to come up with a platform that is the best ever, that clearly defines where the Republican Party is on the issues that are most important to the American people and it will be a platform that the campaign will be proud to be part of.”
Conservatives have expressed concerns over differences with McCain on some social issues, including whether the abortion platform should include an exception in the case of rape and incest. While McCain has not addressed the abortion platform since becoming the presumed Republican nominee, he reaffirmed his desire to change the GOP’s official abortion stance following a multicandidate forum that took place in Des Moines, Iowa, April 14, 2007.
Other areas where McCain differs with his party include global warming, immigration and stem cell research and each could prove to be a challenge when it comes time to craft the Republican platform. A Republican official dismissed that as overblown, saying “I don’t think the difficulties are there that some have tried to point out, predominantly in the media.”
Could this new site become a ‘careful what you wish for’ situation for the Republican Party? All it takes is one look at a comment section on a blog or news web site to see how online dialogue can often veer into less than civilized debate.
Rep. McCarthy said the party is not afraid to reach out to get voters’ input. “This party’s never been afraid of our principles. This party is made up of individuals across this country and what a better way to know where we stand than just asking them. One thing you’ll find in this platform, this platform looks forward not backwards.”
ABC News’ Teddy Davis contributed to this report.
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hahahaha alright this is the time for Dems to mess with the Repubs. Good old Rush Limbaugh is telling Repubs to show up to the Dem planning parties and “mess them up”. Now its the Dem’s turn to return the favor!!
Posted by: matt w. | July 11, 2008, 9:58 am 9:58 am
It’s a nice gesture, but they already know how to commit political suicide. They don’t need my input.
Posted by: DAVID NH | July 11, 2008, 10:22 am 10:22 am
Tell the republicans in the House and the Senate to take 2 weeks off…then resign!
Posted by: Paisano | July 11, 2008, 10:38 am 10:38 am
Rep McCarthy is absolutely right when he says “One thing you’ll find in this platform, this platform looks forward not backwards.”
The GOP doesn’t want anyone to look back on this failed administration.
Posted by: stephen | July 11, 2008, 10:48 am 10:48 am
Oh Lord! I needed this laugh before leaving for work this morning. My suggestion? Really want to know? Abolish the GOP and go home for good,never to return!
Posted by: Jules | July 11, 2008, 10:51 am 10:51 am
The interwebs? it’s not like a big truck.
It’s a series of tubes.
/RNC’d
Posted by: Rockwell | July 11, 2008, 11:03 am 11:03 am
Stealing ideas much? The right should try being a little more original.
Posted by: Marie | July 11, 2008, 11:11 am 11:11 am
GOP Platform #1 :
Flip-flops must be provided to every citizen.
Posted by: Sue | July 11, 2008, 11:33 am 11:33 am
I recommend that they stay the course. They’re going to anyway, and they’re a lot easier to beat when they admit it.
Posted by: Maia Appleby | July 11, 2008, 11:42 am 11:42 am
My suggestion is that the GOP come to terms that the race is over! McCain can’t and won’t win! McCain does not have a clue how to fix our problems. He’s just not the man to get the job done. All the negative attacks will not get any votes and could turn Obama’s victory into a land-slide. McCain’s only consistent message is that he’s a war hero. That alone does not quaify him to be President.
Posted by: TJ | July 11, 2008, 11:44 am 11:44 am
GOP Platform #2 :
We must give up on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If it is not given up, we’ll take it away for you.
Posted by: Sue | July 11, 2008, 11:50 am 11:50 am
The last 8 years of Republicans in power now have me only think of this when I hear Republican, mean, dishonest, vendictive, arrogant, pushy,
manipulative, care not one twit about this country or it’s people unless you are rich.
Ralph Nader tried to warn us all for years that corporate America would be our downfall. We are well on the way to the bottom.
I vote the person, not the party. Requires no deep thought or questioning to vote a straight ticket.
You Republicans as you are now just need to step back and realize you are mean and arrogant and it will take many many years to wash it out of your party.!
Posted by: Jean | July 11, 2008, 11:57 am 11:57 am
Matt C: The information on the Daily Show has proven to be much more factual than the information provided by George Bush and his administration.
Posted by: JP | July 11, 2008, 11:57 am 11:57 am
GOP Platform #4 :
We’re going to drill for oil when and wherever we choose. After all, it’s all about power and the almighty useless dollar bill.
Posted by: Sue | July 11, 2008, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
Here’s one idea that may work. Switch old man McCain for old lady McCain. She looks the brighter of the two.
Posted by: Jake | July 11, 2008, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm
Sue – The “democratic” led congress has an one vote majority, and that is Joe Leiberman, who is more concerned with Isreal than America. The “democratic” majority took control in January 2007, and it was about January 1st 2008 at 12:01 am when you conservatives started whining about how the “democratic majority” has been in power the past two years and has done nothing. Yes, another Fox News deceit passed on to the American public, and the polls show it. (To be accurate, more like 25% approval rating overall, not 9%)
Posted by: hiendurance | July 11, 2008, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm
So now the Republicans are WHINING that they don’t have a platform that appeals to mainstream America?
Here’s a suggestion: STOP WHINING: IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.
Posted by: Snarxon | July 11, 2008, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
i’d advise against the purple heart bandages. i dont think that would go over to well this year.
Posted by: chaz | July 11, 2008, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
I thought the convention was in St Paul, not Minneapolis.
Sloppy reporting. Even sloppier editing.
Posted by: MikeHunt | July 11, 2008, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
I have a suggestion for the RNC:
They should all take a trip to Yukka Mountain, go deep into the mine – ALL OF THEM – and swallow grape Kool-Aid laced with cyanide.
Posted by: Phil | July 11, 2008, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
I have a serious idea for the Republican party. Move toward the center. Obama is very beatable. The country is looking for someone more moderate and centrist. The ultra conservatives are hurting this country as much as the far left liberals. MOVE TO THE CENTER. Keep religion out of politics. Don’t start unneccessary wars. Stop spending money that isn’t there. Work harder with both parties in the Senate and Congress. Stop wasting time fighting and arguing with each other and do something for the American people who put you there.
Posted by: David Johns | July 11, 2008, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
Ask for suggestions, then ignore the input and do as you please and fire anyone that disagrees. That pretty much sums up the current administration. McCain would do the same if elected.
Posted by: dan | July 11, 2008, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
Did the republicans finally figure out there old platform of not investing in education, roads, heath care, and sending our bombs and jobs overseas does not work?
Posted by: Eric | July 11, 2008, 1:21 pm 1:21 pm
Did the republicans finally figure out there old platform of not investing in education, roads, heath care, and sending our bombs and jobs overseas does not work?
Posted by: Eric | July 11, 2008, 1:24 pm 1:24 pm
Why don’t they have the republican convention in Iraq since things are so rosy over there & since they love Iraq so much?
Posted by: haveit | July 11, 2008, 1:29 pm 1:29 pm
Gosh, how about an apology for an unjustified and unjustifiable war launched on pretext and charged to the national debt and for 8 years of miserably incompetent and immoral adminsitration? That would be an excellent starting point. Or, perhaps a rhetorical question: “How could you have been so stupid to vote for us?”
Posted by: Bob | July 11, 2008, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
I want the platform to consider a much shorter primary season. Starting in January is too early. It would be better to begin it in March or April.
Posted by: johnraccoon | July 11, 2008, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
Here’s an idea. Try not to be so evil.
Posted by: TSnow27604 | July 11, 2008, 1:54 pm 1:54 pm
gb8898 – I hope they get the message. I am also a liflong republican who is disgusted with the present republican leadership. I went with Ron Paul because I believed he was being strightforward with us. He actually was the only one to say that we are worse off now economically, not to mention his correct stance on the Iraqi conflict. I hope the republicans come to their senses, but I think at the moment our pleas are falling on deaf ears.
Posted by: Ben Straub | July 11, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
gb8898, You sound like you think things through more then most republicans, as a liberal I am sure we have our differences but if you ever want to switch over and start voting democratic you are always welcome to. I do not think the majority of the republican party is going to listen to what you are saying.
Posted by: Eric | July 11, 2008, 2:00 pm 2:00 pm
Eric – thanks for feeling our pain. I am not speaking for gb8898, but I can’t move over to your side of the aisle because of the massive entitlement spending that democrats advocate. Obama last I saw has a $250 billion budget increase over what is occuring right now under Bush. This is just more spending that we can’t afford without the likes of China putting us further in debt. McCain is less at $60 billion, but he would like to see us killing Iranians and further destroying our reoutation in the world. So for now I will stick to my guns and probably go with Barr or Baldwin. Just can’t vote for either of the two top guys because they are not fiscally sound.
Posted by: Ben Straub | July 11, 2008, 2:04 pm 2:04 pm
I love the HUGE TAX EXCLUSION FOR CHILDREN AND HEALTH INSURANCE! Those are great ideas! We want costs brought down, we don’t want to get fired from our jobs because employers are ridiculously burdened with insurance costs. We love McCain’s INSURANCE REFORM IDEAS he will be strict about these. WE DON’T WANT THIRD WORLD BANDAID CLINIC LONG LINES CRAPPY SOCIALIZED HEALTHCARE.
Posted by: tminu | July 11, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
THE ISSUE IS BEFORE YOU AND IT IS PLAIN BLACK OR WHITE.
Posted by: Harry Dunham | July 11, 2008, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
gb8898 and Ben, I admit as a liberal and a democrat, I hold some conservative positions. I do believe in social programs that give people a chance to help them self like government funded or highly subsidized higher education and healthcare, but I do not support programs like food stamps or welfare (what you republicans call handouts). I do believe in a progressive tax system but I also believe people should be rewarded for there hard work and innovation.
Posted by: Eric | July 11, 2008, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
I suggest taking a WIDE STANCE!
Posted by: Silvanus | July 11, 2008, 2:53 pm 2:53 pm
Bob – Already have. Thanks!
Posted by: Ben Straub | July 11, 2008, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm
So considering the sheer volume of Ron Paul supporters online, I assume the RNC is going to watch this like a hawk and make sure to promptly delete anything that sounds even remotely Ron Paulian? Things such as small government, lower spending, individual rights, supporting the Constitution, etc… You know, the sort of crazy ideas that Republicans never really supported.
Posted by: James | July 11, 2008, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
James – I have already been to the sight, and there are many posts begging for more of the approaches you mention. Let’s hope they listen.
Posted by: Ben Straub | July 11, 2008, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
This is not really something for the GOP convention, but a suggestion to government in general: TERM LIMITS FOR ALL SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN. It doesn’t have to be 8 years as it is currently for President, but too many people doing the same thing for too long is not moving this country forward. I appreciate experience, so I would say to let them serve 4 terms if they can manage to get re-elected, but no more. After that, they retire to private business without the benefits of health insurance and pay for life.
Posted by: David Johns | July 11, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Leave religion and social issues (gay marriage, abortion, etc) out of politics and government. We have enough problems without dictating how people can live their lives. We are supposed to be a free country. Concentrate on energy, social security, the national debt, foreign policy, etc. The people who want to make an issue of how others live can move.
Posted by: David Johns | July 11, 2008, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm
I suggest they be honest and make it all about hate and fear, that’s all their supporters are repeating over and over and over again.
Posted by: Marcus | July 11, 2008, 4:24 pm 4:24 pm
I think I shall tell them to keep up the good work they have been doing such as: 1- giving 99% of the tax cuts to the wealthiest 1% while the local taxes have increased for the rest of us.2- Keep on telling people how it costs more to produce ethanol than what you get back.A good one as it fights renewable energy and helps to keep the price of oil up for those working fools.3-Keep shipping our jobs overseas so that we can import more. That is a good one for us rich overseas investors and it helps the chinese to prospher and buy automobiles (not from us) so they can drive more and therefore drive up the cost of oil. I could go on and on but I am sure they are going to do all these things and more without me saying a word.
Posted by: con me not | July 11, 2008, 5:38 pm 5:38 pm
and from the party of pused lips and furtive glances comes: goosestep lessons and arm wave maneuvers…NEXT!!!!
Posted by: daddyblue | July 11, 2008, 5:44 pm 5:44 pm
How about: “A fair day’s wages for a fair day’s work!”
Posted by: Bill from Queens | July 11, 2008, 6:02 pm 6:02 pm
my suggestion? Equip the platform with a noose and a trapdoor! All their positions are losers!
Posted by: Jim | July 11, 2008, 6:06 pm 6:06 pm
I guess the Paul supporters have given the RNC a reality check in addition to the polling numbers coming in. The website is a good idea. The republicans need to start over.
Posted by: Mark | July 11, 2008, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
This is a real good idea! Finally something I can really contribute. I’m good at parties! Umm…Lots of ballons! Palm trees. A red carpet (Totally Hollywood!). And maybe a cool DJ like the one that had at Green Buddha. Oh and hopefully the people who will speak or present or whatever will have liberal stylists because the conservatives always go for Ralph Lauren (who I love) or Oscar De La Renta. I mean if I saw someone there in Versace I would scream with glee. They need more diversity. And lots of color! And guys it’s okay to wear pink. But long as it accents your outfit! You don’t want to look like Pepto Bismol or like you came from the set of “Legally Blonde”. Chaz!
Posted by: Tiff | July 11, 2008, 8:37 pm 8:37 pm
Run Bush for a 3rd time and call him McBUSH…That will fool everybody..
Posted by: Repubsout | July 11, 2008, 9:06 pm 9:06 pm
The best thing the Republican’s can do for America at this point is to keep nominating the right guy, eight years too late.
Posted by: Bob | July 12, 2008, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
The MAN with 2 first names is our only chance …Ron Paul..
Posted by: freedom warrior | July 12, 2008, 4:54 pm 4:54 pm
Listen ya dumb cracker, liberals may raise your taxes a few pennies so your bastards don’t end up paying your bill down the road, but if you’re not working for a livin’ you don’t pay taxes anyhow. Conservatives are the ones who don’t want natural gas to be widely used as a fuel, because thehy’re making too much moola from $4 a gallon petroluem gas.
Posted by: Bob | July 12, 2008, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
Hillary has this one right — the Republicans should apologize to the country and withdraw any candidate for president or any other office as a good-faith sign of contrition.
Posted by: Sara B. | July 14, 2008, 8:24 am 8:24 am
We need more young people available for the press. Where are the young Republicans?LOis
Posted by: Lois Robertson | September 3, 2008, 10:56 am 10:56 am
McCain will lose because of his plastic/barbie wife –can you believe that ‘star wars’ garb she had on at the convention — w/ the collar standing out like stiff boards — good grief, she has no class
Posted by: shusaflyin | October 16, 2008, 10:16 pm 10:16 pm