Who are some people of the opposite political persuasion you respect?

[BKReporter]

Liberals, what conservative politicians and or pundits do you admire. And conservatives what liberal politicians and or pundits do you admire?
And why?

[RetroVertigo]

I have always thought that given a chance, George Will could change my position on a few issues.

[SmartAlecCat]

Originally Posted by RetroVertigo

I have always thought that given a chance, George Will could change my position on a few issues.

He is one I used to respect.

[Captain Carrot]

Dick Lugar. I don't regret at all that the DSCC decided not to challenge him in 2006.

[wolf_meister]

I respect Bob Dole and John McCain.
They are part of that dwindling conservative contingent that doesn't embrace creationism.

I also admire them because they both have a commendable military record.
Not to revive the "Chickenhawk" topic again, but I do not respect extremely conservative types (George Will, Rush Limbaugh, and many others) who talk tough but spent not one day in the military.

[Captain Carrot]

Except McCain embraced the fundamental right again in 2008, and rarely votes on his own anymore.

[Wesley Clark]

Barry Goldwater. Was more of a libertarian than the current breed of authoritarians, and I have read some of his writings. He was also deeply disgusted by the protofascist bend of today's GOP.

[Wesley Clark]

Originally Posted by wolf_meister

I respect Bob Dole and John McCain.
They are part of that dwindling conservative contingent that doesn't embrace creationism.

I also admire them because they both have a commendable military record.
Not to revive the "Chickenhawk" topic again, but I do not respect extremely conservative types (George Will, Rush Limbaugh, and many others) who talk tough but spent not one day in the military.

To be fair, Bob Dole helped lead the charge against health care reform in 1993 not because he was afraid reform was a bad idea that would hurt the American people, but because he was afraid it was a good idea that would help the American people, and as a result the conservative party and conservative ideology would suffer politically if it passed.

http://voices.kansascity.com/node/6151

[ZipperJJ]

My brother's FIL is a doctor and a hard-core Catholic, and a very nice Republican. We have had some very good political and religious discussions and I've never once found him to be nutty.

[Student Driver]

Republican governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels. Pro-science, fiscally conservative, takes responsibility for and is forthright about mistakes (big story in the state this morning was that he admitted an attempted overhaul of the state welfare system was a mistake), willing to institute needed changes that are unpopular (finally got Indiana to start doing daylight savings time, for instance, something that still draws ire from older, conservative voters), puts a greater emphasis on education. Indiana happily reelected him the same night they went for Obama, which confused some pundits outside of the state.

[GameHat]

I certainly don't agree with most of his positions (I'm pretty far left), but Ron Paul's recent appearance on the Daily Show made me respect the man a lot.

He has strong opinions about the proper role and size of government. Nearly all of which I disagree with. But he never stoops to appealing to the lunatics or the talk-show/blog loudmouths. I believe he earnestly believes in his position and is willing to engage anyone in a thoughtful debate. I respect that a lot.

I had a lot of respect for John McCain. I lost a lot of it when he picked Palin. I've come to get a fair amount of respect back for the man, starting with his concession speech. I would have spit on his campaign slogan, "Country First" during the campaign itself (largely because of Palin). But for the most part since then, he's acted in a way consistent with that. So I'm regaining a good deal of respect for the man.

[Lakai]

David Brooks and David Frum are both pretty reasonable.

George Will has wrote about some pretty stupid things recently that made him lose my respect.

I have mixed feeling on McCain because of how quickly he was willing to sell out on his beliefs during the 2008 election. But I do respect him for his Campaign Finance Reform Act. Even though it's not perfect, it's a good shot at campaign finance reform.

Does Bloomberg count? I think he has done an excellent job as NYC's mayor.

[Spectre of Pithecanthropus]

William Bennett, former Drug Czar under Ronald Reagan. I don't agree with the law-enforcement approach to eliminating social drug problems, and there may be little if anything, on a personal behavioral morals issue on which I would agree with him. But he commands my respect as someone who can articulate his positions well. I've generally found that to be true whenever he appears on some program defending a conservative position. And that's a good thing. You can't advocate your own position meaningfully if you don't know and can't respond to the counterpoints.

[Guinastasia]

Tom Corbett, the Attourney General of Pennsylvania, who plans on running for governor in 2010. Mostly because I know the Corbett family personally. They used to go to our church, I went to school with Tom Jr. and Katie, and his wife was my Girl Scout troop leader. (Katie was kind of bossy, but not in a BAD way, if that makes sense. She was still pretty nice.) During the Bush campaign in 1988, he came to visit one of our meetings and talked to our troop about politics and stuff.

Originally Posted by Wesley Clark

Barry Goldwater. Was more of a libertarian than the current breed of authoritarians, and I have read some of his writings. He was also deeply disgusted by the protofascist bend of today's GOP.

WOULD have been -- he's dead now.

But I definitely agree with you. He was absolutely horrified with the rise of the religious right, and his opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (?) was more about the private practices of businesses, rather than racism. He had voted in favor of previous civil rights laws, and aided in integrating the army.
He was also highly pro-choice. His wife, Peggy Goldwater, was a founder of the Arizona chapter of Planned Parenthood (PP even has an award named after her!). And in the 1950s they aided their daughter in obtaining an abortion.

He was also pro-gay rights (he supported gays in the military, saying: "You don't have to BE straight, you just have to SHOOT straight.")

And ANYONE who supports kicking Jerry Falwell's ass is cool in my book!*





*When Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court, Falwell stated that, "Every good Christian should be concerned." Goldwater shot back, "I think every good Christian should kick Falwell right in the ass!"

[joebuck20]

John McCain. His concession speech reminded me of why I liked him in the first place. He's the sort of sensible, well-spoken politician that other conservatives should be looking up to and I could see myself voting for him if he had secured the nomination in 2000.
Granted he made a huge mistake in choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate, and was a little too willing to let the crazier elements of the GOP run amok. But I suspect he was never comfortable aligning himself with the batshit wing of the party. A lot of what I read after the election indicates that when the party leadership wanted to go much uglier in attacking Obama, he prevented them from doing so.

[wolf_meister]

GameHat
You might reconsider your opinion of Ron Paul if you do an exact search on Google for Ron Paul and creationism.
Here's the first link I found
http://liberalvaluesblog.com/?p=2571
and there are many more.

It seems that sometimes he thinks it's necessary to appeal to the lunatics.

[Captain Carrot]

Originally Posted by Lakai

David Brooks and David Frum are both pretty reasonable.

Except that Brooks thinks that bipartisanship is always awesome and will produce the best result, and that Democrats are constantly headed for disaster.

[Wesley Clark]

Originally Posted by Captain Carrot

Except that Brooks thinks that bipartisanship is always awesome and will produce the best result, and that Democrats are constantly headed for disaster.

Plus David Frum, from what I can tell, only started standing up against the lunatics and protofascists in the GOP when he realized letting them run the party was a losing political strategy. He didn't criticize the GOP during the Bush years.

On another note, Ross Douthat is not too bad as a conservative writer.

[PandaBear77]

I've always liked Joe Lieberman. I don't agree with him on much, but he strikes me as a nice person.

[Guinastasia]

Originally Posted by joebuck20

John McCain. His concession speech reminded me of why I liked him in the first place. He's the sort of sensible, well-spoken politician that other conservatives should be looking up to and I could see myself voting for him if he had secured the nomination in 2000.
Granted he made a huge mistake in choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate, and was a little too willing to let the crazier elements of the GOP run amok. But I suspect he was never comfortable aligning himself with the batshit wing of the party. A lot of what I read after the election indicates that when the party leadership wanted to go much uglier in attacking Obama, he prevented them from doing so.

IIRC, didn't the GOP pressure him to choose Palin -- I don't think she was his first choice? (He never struck me as being part of the religious right)

Other than that, I do like McCain.

I also liked Gerald Ford, and President Eisenhower. Ike was in charge when the civil rights movement begann -- he was the one who ordered federal troops to Little Rock, AK, after the governor tried to defy a desegregation order, for example. (They were to escort the nine students to school on their first day) He federalized the National Guard of Arkansas in order to take control of it from Governor Faubus.

[Skald the Rhymer]

He just died, but the first name that came to mind was William Safire.

[T. Slothrop]

Originally posted by Wolf Meister:
" I respect Bob Dole and John McCain.
They are part of that dwindling conservative contingent that doesn't embrace creationism.
I also admire them because they both have a commendable military record."

I am a conservative (non-creationist kind). But I really respect Daniel K. Inouye (http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts...?index=i000025) Hey, the guy wanted to be a doctor but the enemy blew off his arm . . . . "OK, only one arm. . . . I guess I'll go into politics instead of medicine."

[Kyla]

I always liked John McCain, and when it became clear he would be the GOP nominee, I was quite pleased. I couldn't see myself voting for him, but I figured that no matter who won the election, the US would be in capable hands.

Like some other people have said, his selection of Sarah Palin as running mate pretty much killed that.

[wolf_meister]

T. Slothrop
You chose Daniel K. Inouye as someone on the opposite political spectrum that you admire. Quite a good choice.
He was part of the Nissei Batallion, a group of Asian-American volunteers who fought in World War 2.

[Stan Shmenge]

While I don't exactly respect him, he plays too fast and loose with the facts a lot of times for my taste, I LIKE Micheal Moore. He is funny and amiable. Years ago, before all the controversy, he had a summer replacement series that was pretty darn good. And he makes a few good points.

[Munch]

I'll go with my local Senator, Dick Lugar. Extremely rational, has made a few extremely non-partisan topics his main goals (like nuclear disarmament), takes a non-conservative approach to others (the farm bill and food assistance). He's an extremely capable man I'm proud to vote for every 6 years.

I won't back up Student Driver's nomination of Mitch Daniels, though. I can't stand that guy.

[Haunted Pasta]

Michelle Bach- no, I can't even say it as a joke.

But, despite the fact that I disagree with Bush, Sr. (#41) on almost everything and loathe his progeny with every fiber of my being, I think he himself is basically a good man, and I admire the hell out of him for his military service in WWII. Also from his era, James Baker, his SoS.

Bob Dole, too, for reasons previously stated.

Although I'm not in California, I don't think I'd feel too bad being governed by Arnold Schwartz... Schwazer... Shwortzer...Schnauzer...

[Mosier]

Does Bricker count as a pundit? Aside from the "I was thiiiiiis close to voting for the other guy!" self-deceit nonsense, he's easily in the group of brightest Dopers, and his arguments sometimes make me reconsider my own positions. Can't think of anyone on the right I respect more, unless we go back a few years to people like Bush I.

[Jophiel]

I listen to Michael Medved on the radio in the afternoons and usually respect his opinion even when I disagree with it (which is the norm). I only really start losing respect for him in a hurry when he starts throwing around the ridiculous term "IslamoNazis". Frankly, he's better than that.

The morning drive is spent listening to a local AM show (John & Sisco on 580AM Chicago) which is usually pretty good. Again, I often disagree with their assessment but they generally manage to talk about it without making the show about "Those liberals are all stupid". I've actually e-mailed them a few times about topics they discussed that morning and always received fair responses.

Politican-wise, I respect McCain to a point though that luster was lost some when his campaign went off the deep end in attacks last fall. Even if he helped rein it in as some say, it was his campaign and he's ultimately responsible. Locally, I might be tempted to vote for Mark Kirk for Illinois Senator if he's up against Alexi Giannoulias. I'm not in love with Kirk but he has enough points for me to say "Ok, I can get behind that" that I might actually prefer him.

[gonzomax]

William F. Buckley could turn a phrase. I loved listening to him, unless he was debating Vidal, then it got childish.

[Shot From Guns]

Ron Paul is someone I disagree with on a lot of things, but I admire his conviction and consistency.

John McCain I had a lot of respect for up until the 2008 election. I would have been interested to see what his presidency would have been like, had he beaten out G.W. Bush for the 2000 nomination.

[tacoloco]

I liked McCain up until he whored himself out to the GOPs plan. You know, back when he was really a mav'rick. I can't think of a single Republican or conservative commentator that I have any patience for.

[furt]

I disagree with Joe Lieberman on just about everything, but I think he's one of the most honest people in congress (not saying much, I know). Same goes -- probably double on both scores -- for Dennis Kucinich.

I think Jane Harman (D-CA) is a pretty straight shooter, as is James Coburn (R-OK), both of whom I have pretty big disagreements (but also some big agreements) with.

I find Mike Huckabee likable and fair, but I would never vote for him.

Among the pundit class, I really like Juan Williams, Christopher Hitchens and a number of other writers, most of which I agree with on some things, not on others.

[HeyHomie]

Lewis Black. Though he's an admitted socialist, he spares Democrats none of his wrath, either. And he's funny as hell.

[Carol the Impaler]

Not really to the question, but in Nebraska, the conversatives hate(d) Sen. Hagel and the liberals hate Sen. Nelson. As a liberal, I really did respect Hagel, and Senator Hair Helmet? Meh, at best.

[Darth Sensitive]

Kay Bailey Hutchison.

I wish she wasn't running for Texas Governor so she could run for President.

[AskNott]

Dick Lugar is one of my senators, and I respect him a great deal. He's level-headed, more so than nearly anyone else in DC. When every GOPster was pressured to speak out against health care and parrot the ridiculous scary "reasons," he was careful to only say that it "wasn't the right time."

I once respected Bob Dole. He seemed solid, logical, and honest. He lost most of that respect when he became the chief obsructionist in the Clinton years, blocking everything just for the sake of blocking.

Years later, when he joined the chorus of the Swift Boat Liars, I knew he had thrown away all decency.

[Shodan]

I liked McCain up until he whored himself out to the GOPs plan.

I once respected Bob Dole. He seemed solid, logical, and honest. He lost most of that respect when he became the chief obsructionist in the Clinton years, blocking everything just for the sake of blocking.

John McCain I had a lot of respect for up until the 2008 election.

This is what I term the McCain effect - respect for any Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he ran for President.

For me, I liked Michael Kinsley. Joe Lieberman is a Democrat, but impressed me mightily during his VP run. Even more now that he has pissed off the lockstep loonies.

Regards,
Shodan

[Captain Carrot]

Originally Posted by Shodan

This is what I term the McCain effect - respect for any Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he ran for President.

That's because he veered distinctly to the right when he ran for President, and repudiated several previous stances.

[Love Rhombus]

Colin Powel, untill he started parroting Bush's lies and thereby became "Colon" Powell. Ditto with McCain till '08.

[dalej42]

Tony Campolo. I listen to his podcasts on a regular basis. I don't always agree with him, and we'd probably never be happy in the same church, but he is a smart man. I've met his wife and I tend to agree with her more. Still, Tony is well worthy of respect.

[Guinastasia]

I always did like Colin Powell. I especially cheered when he confronted the "Obama is a Muslim!" by pointing out that it shouldn't matter whether he was or not. Instead of acting like, "No, no, he's a CHRISTIAN!!!" Which, while true, shouldn't be the point. I was glad that to see that someone finally pointed out what should BE the whole point.

[kopek]

The conservatives don't want me and my fellow liberals annoy me so I'm picking two - both of the candidates in the last Presidential election. I'm glad it fell the way I voted but I could have lived with either (until you get to that Vice-President thing) and developed quite an admiration for both.

(I went into the opening primaries a solid Obama supporter so that says something for the influence McCain had)

[gravitycrash]

As a conservative I like and respect Susan Estrich. I think she is still considered a liberal.

[Shot From Guns]

Originally Posted by Shodan

This is what I term the McCain effect - respect for any Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he ran for President.

That's dishonest of you. I specified the 2008 election. Or were you unaware that McCain campaigned for President more than once?

I was still 17 during the 2000 elections, but I would have voted for Gore. However, I would not have had a major problem with McCain winning at that point, had he been the Republican nominee.

[pravnik]

Originally Posted by Darth Sensitive

Kay Bailey Hutchison.

I wish she wasn't running for Texas Governor so she could run for President.

I sympathize, but we urgently need her to beat Perry in the primary.

[Shodan]

Originally Posted by Shot From Guns

That's dishonest of you. I specified the 2008 election.

No it's not.

Exactly as I said, respect for a Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he got the nomination. Once there was a serious chance he could win, he becomes persona non grata.

It will be the same for any other Republican. If it looks like he might actually make it to the White House, he's scum.

Regards,
Shodan

[Shot From Guns]

Originally Posted by Shodan

Exactly as I said, respect for a Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he got the nomination. Once there was a serious chance he could win, he becomes persona non grata.

How about I claim that you like Black people, as long as they don't rank higher than you, because you don't like Obama and he's the President! It correlates, so clearly it's the reason. You're being dishonest because you're focusing on one potentially unrelated factor, instead of the stated reasons. Either you're calling everyone a liar, or you're picking and choosing evidence to fit the outcome you've already decided.

Sarah Palin was a sick joke. Gandhi could choose her as a running mate and I wouldn't vote for him.

[Kyla]

Originally Posted by Shodan

Exactly as I said, respect for a Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he got the nomination. Once there was a serious chance he could win, he becomes persona non grata.

That's ridiculous. I specifically said in my post that I was pleased he got the nomination. (Well, actually that I was pleased when it became clear he would get the nomination, but it's the same difference.) I genuinely liked McCain. Even if I don't agree with him on lots of issues, he's always struck me as a genuinely good person, honest, and willing to stand his ground.

It was his choice of running mate that horrified me. And a lot of other people as well. If he had chosen someone who didn't have views that seemed to violate a lot of his own opinions (which kind of destroyed his "maverick" reputation and made him look like a panderer to the right-wing) and didn't come off as - let's be honest - a complete moron, I wouldn't have had an issue.

[Skald the Rhymer]

Originally Posted by Shodan

This is what I term the McCain effect - respect for any Republican on the SDMB is in inverse relation to his proximity to the White House. McCain was fine - until he ran for President.

Oh, balls. I voted for McCain in the 2000 primary. I still admire him, though I was distressed by the turn he allowed his campaign to take last year. (I phrase it thus because I don't think the descent into dishonorable behavior was at his prompting, but nevertheless he is ultimately responsible for it.) For that matter, I like Bush Senior.

It's not Republicans qua Republicans I despise. It's Rush Limbaugh, Karl Rove, and their vile ilk, who have hijacked a noble party.