Gibbs: Democrats Are a "Big Tent" Party

AP

For the first time since Tuesday's elections, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs went on the record about the results.

He was asked about the results of the special election in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district - won by Democrat Mark Critz over Republican Tim Burns.

Critz was sworn-in today and Gibbs as asked about what kind of democrat Critz would be in congress, as he is anti-abortion rights, pro-gun rights, and campaigns against the president's signature achievement, health care reform.

"I doubt there are many in Congress that agree with each and everything that the president agrees on. We have the luxury of enjoying a party with a big tent.... there are common values that we enjoy as members of the same party," he said.

Gibbs then addressed the Republican party's move to the right and the loss in Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.)'s bid for the Democratic nomination:

"I think if you look at the events that have transpired in the republican party over the last, let's go back 13 months, Arlen Specter was running in a Democratic primary largely because he was run out of his own party... Charlie Crist (governor of Florida) went from 18 months ago being on the very short list of a Republican vice president to being run out of his own party... I think if you look at the direction that both parties are going, we are happy to enjoy a large tent with common values, but diverse viewpoints. I think the Republican party is having an internal battle with themselves and they are shrinking the size of their party."

Earlier, Gibbs was asked if the White House was concerned that the president has not supported a winning candidate during any election in his time in office, with his endorsed candidates going 0-4 in elections.

A flat "NO" was his response.

For those playing at home, those 4 candidates are Creigh Deeds for Virginia governor, Jon Corzine for New Jersey governor, Martha Coakley for Massachusetts Senate and Specter.

Results from Tuesday:

Roundup: All Winners and Losers
Specter Falls in Pa. Dem Primary to Joe Sestak
Rand Paul Wins Kentucky GOP Primary
Blanche Lincoln, Bill Halter Headed for Run-Off
Dem Wins Special Election for Murtha's Seat

Analysis:

The Surprises From Tuesday's Primaries
Specter's Loss Goes Beyond Anti-Incumbent Mood
Where do Tuesday's Winners Go from Here?
Who Had the Better Spin?

---

Robert Hendin is a CBS News White House producer. You can read more of his posts in Hotsheet here.

[marks6806]

The test collapses this fall.

[wfw3536]

Gibbs must be joking. Critz is more conservative than most republicans. He obviously doesn't support much of what Obama wants or stands for with his agenda. I can hardly wait for November when we will finally get rid of some of these spend and spend some more politicans.

[gearhead1000]

Dear Mr. Gibbs, PLEASE STEP AWAY FROM THE KOOL-AID!

[Lifeson2112]

Their big tent party is under a big top. Its run like a circus and these people are clowns.,

[lagunagal]

yeah Gibbs but how large is that pup tent? Don't know? Ask the Pugs...

All must go. Boner, Kyl, Durbin, Alexander, Schumer, Thune, Dorgan, Cronyn, McCain, Graham, Pelosi, Rattitoulli I mean Waxman, Frank, Chambliss, Burris, Lugar all of them.

We need to start this over which begins in November. Could not stand Bush but can?t stand Obama more and I'm tired of these parties picking the idiots we have to vote for. I mean give me a break, Bush or Kerry? McCain or Obama? It's always which one makes you hurl less? ENOUGH!!!!!!

[John_Rational]

You've got a great point there lagunagal. Why can't we have a 'C none of the above' option on all ballots?

[lagunagal]

yeah Gibbs but how large is that pup tent? Don't know? Ask the Pugs...

All must go. Boner, Kyl, Durbin, Alexander, Schumer, Thune, Dorgan, Cronyn, McCain, Graham, Pelosi, Rattitoulli I mean Waxman, Frank, Chambliss, Burris, Lugar all of them.

We need to start this over which begins in November. Could not stand Bush but can?t stand Obama more and I'm tired of these parties picking the idiots we have to vote for. I mean give me a break, Bush or Kerry? McCain or Obama? It's always which one makes you hurl less? ENOUGH!!!!!!

[consh8theusa]

"anti-abortion rights, pro-gun rights and anti-health care reform", just what makes this guy a democrat, he sounds more republican to me or is it that he can't claim to be GOP because he doesn't go lockstep with whatever the republican party demands?

Be FOR Something, Not AGAINST Everything
Vote Democrat - 2010 - 2012

[Lifeson2112]

In answer to the three you mentioned, here are the positives. Pro-life, Pro-second Amendement, and Pro-freedom from tyranny. See? It can be done.

[tsigili]

It is the party selling out the US to Mexico. The party of treason.

[Lifeson2112]

That is bull. It was the Dems. There is no way you're going to twist that into the Republicans standing for him.

[stn_sage]

Is Gibbs 'wagging his tongue' again? Good grief!

Why is it, neither the Dems or the Reps, can find and appoint someone to do the job of Press Secretary who is nice, amusing, humorous, candid, and likable?

Instead, both parties appoint pompous 'wiseguy' types, who excel at antagonizing the press and offending the public?!