Say something nice about the opposing political party

Politics & Elections
1

Can’t really fit in the proper title:

Same something (genuinely) nice about the political party you’re opposed to. Either what the party itself stands for, or specific members of the party.

Examples: I’m a liberal Democrat. Here’s some things I actually believe:

[ul]
[li]**President George H. W. Bush **was a really smart President and a great leader. The way he handled the Gulf War was extraordinary, and the fact that he had to swallow his campaign pledge not to raise taxes, then did, for the good of the country, means that he was more concerned about the country than himself, or for abstract principles or pledges. Even if it made him a one term president, that was one term worth having from a Republican. I don’t agree with everything he did or I’d be a Republican. But I admire his overall accomplishment and how he ran the country.[/li][/ul]

[ul]
[li]I believe that **President George W. Bush **meant well and did what he believed to be right. I also think his reaction immediately after 9/11 was correct, and helped unite the country. I think he veered off course at the time of the Iraq War but I was with him up until that point. I also think he genuinely helped the world with his commitment to AIDS relief in Africa.[/li][/ul]

[ul]
[li]I think principles about cutting government waste and having a balanced budget are very important issues. These principles can be overlooked, for a time, in times of national disaster or war, but overall should be adhered to. Republicans are big cheerleaders for this and in principle I’d support them on that. My quibble is generally that they choose to be fiscally responsible when Democrats are in power. But I digress from my main point which is that the principle, while not the top priority, is important and should be generally adhered to.[/li][/ul]

[ul]
[li]I think **Governor Christie **handled the hurricane well and put state and country ahead of party. I wish it didn’t take a disaster for us to behave this way toward one another, and I wish it wasn’t a big deal when it happened, but it is. Kudos to him.[/li][/ul]
I admit that after spelling out these specific examples, I’m at a loss to say further nice things about the Republican party or its leadership.

Perhaps you can help remind me of some of the things that are good about them.

If you’re conservative and have something that you genuinely admire about the Democratic party or its membership, please feel free.

If you’re a member of other parties, or have something nice to say about those, feel free. But in general:
[ul]
[li]These must be genuinely nice things to say, not sarcastic or backhanded compliments.[/li][/ul]

[ul]
[li]They must apply to those you’re usually** opposed to** politically.[/li][/ul]
Go!

2

Liberal Democrat here. I agree with the things you listed, Askthepizzaguy, and will also add:

George W. Bush is to be highly commended for creating the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument in 2006. It’s the world’s largest marine sanctuary and a truly conservative (in the Teddy Roosevelt definition) effort.

Also, George W. Bush is really excellent at dodging shoes. That sounds snarky but I am totally serious. That was a badass Matrix-y move on his part.

3

Heh, yes.

I opposed the President politically, but I don’t want some dirtbag throwing shoes at him.

That he dodged them all made me cheer. Go Mister President.

Eff that guy throwing shoes at our leader.

4

I agree with all the points listed so far, including and emphasizing the shoe-dodging incident. That was great.

I also want to give George W. Bush credit for trying to push through an amnesty program even though it didn’t happen. I think in general Bush was a decent guy who got pushed around by more assertive theocons and neocons, and ended up making several poor decisions.

I also give him credit for pushing for the TARP bill to save our country from an economic melt-down. I will never forget him coming on the TV in 2008 and saying that even though it went against his limited-government, conservative principles, the government NEEDED to intervene and save certain banks from complete meltdown or we would have had another great depression, no question about it.

I think Reagan deserves a lot of praise for his presidency as well. I think republicans have moved him to Godhood which is a little ridiculous but from my studies, he was a good president overall.

5

My former Congressman, Todd Platts, is a Republican who genuinely gave a damn about the district. He tended to take reasonable, moderate positions and didn’t allow himself to be pushed around by the Tea Partiers. He retired when his district was re-apportioned out of existence, and my district is now represented by the execrable Lou Barletta, about whom I can’t find anything nice to say except that he doesn’t wear loud ties.

I also have to say that I’m impressed with Pat Toomey. I don’t agree with any of his positions on social issues, but he is quite knowledgeable about economic issues and he’s willing to put that to work. He also refused to run for a fourth term to the House, so he’s willing to keep his promises and when so many Republicans act on their own self-interest, that says something.

And I’m pretty fortunate to have Pat Vance as my state senator. She’s a fairly moderate Republican who believes in sharing the wealth with the district. I respect her because she hasn’t bought into the whole Republican concept that fiscal responsibility is a huge fuck you to the citizens of the district and the state.

6

Conservatives have party discipline, with that they sacrifice goodwill and dialogue but the end result is more of their objectives passing into law.

7

I met Mitt Romney years ago. He seemed like a neat guy.

8

I think many Republican leaders are good-spirited people who sincerely want what’s best for the country. Their insights and underlying philosophy may be as good as or better than that of their Democratic counterparts. Governor Christie would be a good example, as well as many of their recent Presidential nominees: Ford, Bush-41, Dole. Even Reagan, Bush-43, and McCain seem good-spirited, albeit it with flawed policies.

It is unfortunate that modern media and the influence of billionaires like Rupert Murdoch and the Koch Brothers have increased the influence of extremists. Good-spirited moderate Republicans probably regret this as much as anyone.

9

Michele Bachmann ® isn’t bad looking.

10

My former Congressman, Wayne Gilchrest, is a Republican who genuinely gave a damn about the district. He tended to take reasonable, moderate positions and didn’t allow himself to be pushed around by the Tea Partiers. He was attacked in 2008 and lost the primary.

11

Hey, Republicans … we’re waiting for you …

12

Hey now, let’s be fair. The amount of nice things that can be said about Democrats could *almost *fill up the period at the end of this sentence.

:stuck_out_tongue:

I kid, but you’ll find more liberals on this forum so give it time.

13

George W. Bush created anemergency plan to combat AIDS in Africathat has literally … not figuratively … saved over a million lives. I don’t recall their being a lot of political pressure on him to do it, he just did it.

And that is ALL I have to say about the Republican Party and its members in this thread.

14

Mitch McConnell hasn’t assassinated the President.

15

Bush’s attempt at immigration reform was a great idea that probably would have lead to Republicans winning the last two elections.

16

Makes up for spreading AIDS in Africa with his birth control policies.

Ahem. George Pataki pardoned Lenny Bruce. Posthumously, to be sure, but it was a nice symbolic gesture.

17

This is what I was thinking also. The RINO concept seems a little weird but it tends to keep that block together.

18

I know most Republicans can’t possibly be as evil and stupid as it usually seems they are.

19

Come on… This is firmly in backhanded and sarcastic territory now.

Can’t say anything legitimately nice? :stuck_out_tongue:

20

It’s the only land I know.