What Are Republicans Doing Today?

Lots of excitement, lots of tears, lots of joy. You would think that this is a unanimous sentiment.

Of course, it's not.

Republicans, I suspect, are mostly torn about today. Yes, let's give our new president our best wishes and sincerest prayers. But criticize him if he's wrong. Anything less would be ridiiculous, argues California GOP consultant Sal Russo, who is consulting for the Our Country Deserves Better organization:

It's ideological suicide for conservatives to sit back silent while Obama pushes for untold hundreds of billions in new spending and bailouts. If conservatives and Republicans can't find within them the ideological conviction to oppose this fleecing of the taxpayers, then what is it that we stand for?

Some people have said we shouldn't speak up now for our beliefs, but instead hold off for now. To these individuals I ask when do they propose we begin to stand up for our principles? Will waiting a month or year to fight for our beliefs somehow advance the cause of conservatism? Will it help America for us to sit back and let Obama push his agenda forward unopposed?

It seems to me that being silent and acquiescent now further empowers Obama, and further entrenches this notion that big government liberalism is somehow acceptable. It's the antithesis of our individual liberty and freedom, and it requires men and women of good conscience to step forward, take action and oppose it vigorously.

Rep. John Boehner, the Republican House minority leader, sees an era of comity:

The next four years will be marked by considerable challenges — but also considerable opportunities for all leaders in Washington, regardless of party, to work together on behalf of the American people. House Republicans look forward to finding common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe. Today is a day of celebration — a celebration of our thriving democracy and a celebration of our nation's first African-American President. I wish President Obama and his family all my best and look forward to traveling the next four years with him in our continuing American journey.

Republican commentator David Limbaugh feels differently, urging the GOP to "turn down the Kool-Aid":

It's going to take real courage the next four years for Republicans to swim against the tide and oppose Barack Obama — in whom so many have placed their hopes, almost to the point of idolatry. But if Obama governs in a way that's consistent with his promises, the country's future security and prosperity will depend on spirited opposition.

It's bad enough for the liberal media to deify Obama, but it's almost unbearable for right-wing commentators and politicians to jump on this bandwagon, as well, as if Obama's personal attributes have blinded them to the policy dangers he represents. ...

I am not advocating that Republicans return the same mean-spirited partisanship with which the left pummeled Bush. But conservatives must not abandon their principles in pursuit of the seductive, illusory goal of bipartisanship.