Our political Quote of the Day comes from via Political Wire — a virtual declaration of war on “RINOS” — i.e. moderate Republicans who are called “Republican In Name Only” the same way some Democrats are called “Democratic In Name Only” — by a top Tea Party movement leader that the movement’s goal will be to purge the GOP of moderate Republicans. This quote typifies the contempt some on the right (and left) have for moderates, centrists and even independent voters (those independents who don’t agree with them, that is: the others are “good” independents). We’ll even put this on in boldface since it is quite declaration:

“We need to purge the Republicans of the weaklings. And we’re on a RINO hunt. And we’re going to drive them to extinction.”

— Tea Party Express 3 Chairman Mark Williams, in an interview with CNN, on “Republicans in name only.”

I’ve written extensively before in posts about how centrists and moderates are “dissed” by some on the GOP and Democratic parties’ right and left. But this comment strips away any pretense: it’s hard to imagine a more NOT WELCOME sign being hung on the entrance to the tea party movement than this. Even if the movement does contain and attract moderates and centrists, this statement does two things:

(1)It shows where the Tea Party movement is coming from which is no surprise since it has had clear, heart-felt ideological pegs — pegs that are tested as the Republican party in effect moves to try and absorb it as much as possible for electoral gain (which is likely).

(2)It again shows how the GOP most likely will evolve into a party of the solid right with as NOT WELCOME sign on it for those who don’t adhere to views expressed by Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and other talk show hosts who since Barack Obama’s election have gone from a being useful rallying point and appendage of the Republican party to the tail that is wagging the dog in terms of stylistic rhetoric and even strategy. (As I’ve noted here that is not necessarily a good fit: talk show hosts must carve out demographics and deliver them to advertisers by saying things that attract attention and whip up audiences. Political parties have traditionally had to create coalitions. Political parties traditionally aggregate interests; talk show hosts traditionally aggravate them.)

And the impact if the GOP goes along with a virtual purge (by either enabling it or officially being part of it)?

(1) So just where will those RINOS, moderates, centrists and independents who feel they cannot totally buy into modern day talk radio political culture conservatives go? Will they stay home? Vote for a third party? Or if they feel the Democrat is more reasonable and likely to compromise with those with whom he/she does not agree vote Democratic?

(2)It would be an intentional, open declared declaration of intent to shrink the GOP tent. And it might not be a wise decision since on other fronts the GOP tent could be shrinking. (Make sure you read this link: these two factors could make it difficult for the GOP in the long run).

Notice something else? A RINO is described as “weak.” Those who believe an ideological agenda and that the goal is always the victory of their political party will usually describe a moderate, centrist or independent as “weak” or “mushy” when, in reality, moderates centrists and independent voters may simply have a different way of reaching conclusions. Rather that reach in a way that is a bit akin to religion — having political faith and loyalty — a moderate, centrist and independent voter may often simply be re-reading, re-considering and weighing.

That’s QUITE different from being weak or mushy. But what does accuracy matter when you try to discredit those who DARE to differ with you in 21st century America?

Now you can follow Joe Gandelman on Twitter.

NOTE: I will be running a cross section of readers emailed comments on posts as time permits.

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