Republicans and Stockholm Syndrome

What is it with Republicans and Stockholm Syndrome? You see it time and time again. I am specifically thinking about Newt Gingrich and his endorsement of Dede Scozzafava in the upstate New York -23 district. I understood his "big tent" reasoning but he continued to dig his heals in even after Hoffman overtook Dede in the polls and even after more and more disconcerting facts about her came to light. Scozzafava is no moderate Reublican, she is a out and out statist.

Only when she left the race and endorsed the Democrat did Newt finally admit "regret" with his decision. This would not be his only lapse of judgement. I can recall video of Newt buddying up to San Fan Nan in twisted agreement over the threat of climate change. It is safe to say Newt's political days are over. Kaput. We are turning out the lights on you, Newt. Fox News commentator? Sure. Presidential Material? Not so much.

Republicans all too often fall prey to the syndrome of Stockholm. The beltway does something to them but I see it all around me as well. They develop an undeniable hunger to be respected by the Beltway Establishment and their "smart" and less than tolerant of any other views liberal friends. What non-leftists will never understand, it seems, if you do not share their world view liberals will always hate you and will never accept you. You are only as good as the last issue you agreed with them on.

So many ask, "the blue print for conservative victory is right in front of them, why don't they follow it". They do not follow it because it takes guts. They.do.not.have.the.cajones. They are afraid of being called racists, bigots, homophobes, religious fanatics and whatever else is in the liberal playbook. It has not changed in decades and it works because the Republican leadership refuses to fight it.

It is much easier to go long to get along. Especially when you have an opponent who so readily dives into the mud pit and you are worried about getting your new white shirt dirty.