RNC's latest idea: "purity" tests

According to a recently leaked memo circulating the Republic National Committee, GOP candidates seeking RNC support may have to prove their conservative credentials by adhering to ten core principles.

It's important to note that this information was leaked to press, and only represents an one of many ongoing discussions within the RNC. Regardless, there is actual support for this measure and it very well could become a reality. Any GOP'er with a history of straying from three or more of these principles would be ineligible for any RNC funds or support.

This idea reeks of the GOP's newfound penchant for party purity at all costs, even political irrelevancy. This may be all well and good for Republicans running in the Southern states, but it's a death knell for politicians running for office outside this region. Conservative ideology, as represented by the ten distilled blanket statements, are of only limited appeal depending upon the locale. It's natural for politicians to tailor their campaigns according to the specifics of an area, having to adhere to a preordained set of ideals would make this practically impossible.

The GOP needs to figure out whether it wants to be a small gathering of the pure with little political impact or a big-tent party representing a variety of interests. The current political atmosphere is in dire need of a functional opposition, an unlikely event as long as a resolution to their crisis of identity continues to elude the number 2 Party.

Is Fox News helping or hindering the GOP?

My curiosity, in regards to popular conservative powerhouse Fox News, has been satiated at last. I tuned in for short periods of time over a few weeks whenever I could find the time. It took longer than I had originally surmised, but I did gain the added perspective that motivated me to watch in the first place.

FNN's political relevance, which had been steadily rising for years, rose to new heights in the wake of last November's elections. Skyrocketing demand for the channel's conservative-flavored output in the face of a new Democratic majority proved ample justification for a continuous stream of vigorous opposition. Becoming the opposition's unofficial mouthpiece was a natural progression for the network and a perfect means of capitalizing on widespread discontent.

As a consequence of its prominence within the political arena, FNN is now, more than ever, public enemy number one for many Democrats. Of course this has been the case since its original inception, but there is definitely a sense of greater scrutiny and coordinated methods of attack. Its been a boon for ratings, but has it been good for the cause? This leads me to the point of this entry, that Fox News has zero consideration for the fate of the GOP.

The only thing FNN truly cares about is higher ratings and profit. The appearance of congruity between the interests of Fox News and those of the Republic Party are only an illusion. FNN will undertake any action deemed beneficial to ratings. Whether this means fostering the divide between parties or the one currently growing within the GOP. It's a business not a party organization, Republicans would do well to consider this lest a time comes when their interests no longer coincide.

My take on FNN's programming is for my next entry.