Talking Politics

Wacko patrol: America's 25 scariest conservatives

The Phoenix ranks the individuals who will hold the most sway over the right-wing message machine in 2009, and beyond.

By DAVID S. BERNSTEIN | November 3, 2008

The fire-breathing reactionaries already wield extraordinary influence on the right — imagine what will happen once the relatively sane folks now running the White House and the Republican National Committee pack up and go home? Here, the Phoenix ranks the individuals who will hold the most sway over the right-wing message machine in 2009, and beyond. You’ll recognize many, and wonder why others are missing. Bill O’Reilly, for example, doesn’t make our list, because he’s now more of a follower than a leader — when’s the last time he had an original thought, scary or otherwise?

25) KATON DAWSON, CHAIR, SOUTH CAROLINA GOP
The right tried to get him to run for Senate against Republican Lindsay Graham this year. He’s your likely next RNC chair. Buckle up.

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Rise of the political bogeyman
The Republicans appear headed to a second straight national pummeling, which will leave it marginalized in the federal government and an increasing number of state houses. Many party faithful are already noting the need for the GOP to move back toward the moderate center to survive. But the conservatives with microphones are heading down a very different path — and their followers, who now dominate the Republican Party, are going right with them.
Female Trouble
Conventional political wisdom says that for a party to oppose a woman — or a women's issue — it's best to send out a female spokesperson.
Reading is fundamentalist
In 2009, liberals held firm control of the presidency, the US Senate, and the US House of Representatives. But there was one realm where conservatives dominated: the New York Times bestseller list.
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Rise of the political bogeyman
The Republicans appear headed to a second straight national pummeling, which will leave it marginalized in the federal government and an increasing number of state houses. Many party faithful are already noting the need for the GOP to move back toward the moderate center to survive. But the conservatives with microphones are heading down a very different path — and their followers, who now dominate the Republican Party, are going right with them.
Female Trouble
Conventional political wisdom says that for a party to oppose a woman — or a women's issue — it's best to send out a female spokesperson.
Reading is fundamentalist
In 2009, liberals held firm control of the presidency, the US Senate, and the US House of Representatives. But there was one realm where conservatives dominated: the New York Times bestseller list.
Sweet Caroline for Senate?
Just like everyone else, P+J have been following the saga of Caroline Kennedy and the New York senate seat.
Light that failed
How has Maine's term-limit law, restricting legislators to eight consecutive years in office, been working since it was approved by voters in 1993?
5. Rod Blagojevich
An Illinois governor is alleged to have put a vacant US Senate seat up for sale? We’re shocked, shocked . In his defense, could his mind have been controlled by that brown-furred, Tribble-looking mammal that’s been sucking on his scalp for the past 20 years? Seriously, what the hell is that thing on his head? And why aren’t they both in jail yet?
Is it Tim time?
Whereas a few months ago it seemed that no one could pose a serious threat to any re-election campaign mounted by Governor Deval Patrick, a recent string of missteps has suddenly made him very vulnerable.
Capuano cornered?
Republican lobbying-ethics scandals helped convince voters to toss out the GOP and put Democrats back in control of the US House of Representatives.
Divide and be conquered
Things do indeed look bad for their Grand Old Party. Actually, it's even worse than they think.
Pingree returns from a Congressional crash course
Newly elected Democratic House Representative Chellie Pingree split her time between the mundane and the meaningful during her freshman-legislator orientation in Washington DC last week.
Is John McCain crazy?
There is something not quite right about John McCain.
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