Cantor on Reagan

January 1, 2012 4:38 PM

Eric Cantor says former President Ronald Reagan "never compromised his principles."

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by sailormitch January 3, 2012 7:26 PM EST: Nice attempt at trickery on his part to change the discussion from cooperation to equating compromise with compromising one's principles. Reagan raised taxes often. He also tripled the national debt, increased the size of government, and had the Iran-Contra affair. Where are the principles in either man? Cantor simply comes across as an arrogant liar who's soul has been bought. He seemingly will stop at nothing to get his way. That's why the sneer is ever constant on his face.; Reply to this comment


by Catzpjz January 3, 2012 4:35 PM EST: I'm pondering if compromising regarding one's principles is different from compromising regarding one's political agenda; I think, for me, it is. To choose politics as one's career seems to demand that one be willing to negotiate, give/take, and compromise. This is different from choosing one's religion, perhaps, where adherence and unquestioning obedience would be expected. I also don't think "not raising taxes" is a "principle," so much as a stand or opinion... I guess "separation of church and state" might become more mired in "principle," or, certainly, the civil rights laws...tricky. I really become suspicious when "press secretaries" (i.e. marketing spin gurus/party mouthpieces) call the shots, as Cantor's does in this interview. Who's in charge of Cantor the politician? It would seem a commendable "principle" to speak for oneself.; Reply to this comment


by defi54 January 3, 2012 11:49 AM EST: Apparently, Cantor does not understand that the fundamental principle of being in government is to govern. And compromise--accepting that many others may not share your views--is necessary to this process. The refusal to acknowledge that even the Republican hero Reagan understood this (and the infantile temper tantrum of his press secretary)exposes Cantor and his ilk for the hypocritical ideologues that they are. If one's principles stand in the way of being able to serve a populace with differing views and values, then one should not be in the position to obstruct the responsibilities of governance. If Cantor thought that this interview would soften his image as an intractable obstructionist, he was sorely mistaken. He effuses arrogance, and I find him more repugnant than ever. I can only pray that his constituents see him for the self-serving individual he is and elect someone who will truly serve this country rather than his ego.; Reply to this comment


by defi54 January 3, 2012 11:46 AM EST: Apparently, Cantor does not understand that the fundamental principle of being in government is to govern. And compromise--accepting that many others do not share your views--is necessary to this process. The refusal to acknowledge that even the Republican hero Reagan understood this (and the infantile temper tantrum of his press secretary)exposes Cantor and his ilk for the hypocritical ideologues that they are. If one's principles stand in the way of being able to serve a populace with differing views and values, then one should not be in the position to obstruct the responsibilities of governance. If Cantor thought that this interview would soften his image as an intractable obstructionist, he was sorely mistaken. He effuses arrogance, and I find him more repugnant than ever. I can only pray that his constituents see him for the self-serving individual he is and elect someone who will truly serve this country rather than his ego.; Reply to this comment


by No_place_like_home January 3, 2012 11:27 AM EST: Leslie mentions a poll result showing the peoples' low and dwindling approval of Congress. Mr. Cantor says he represents the people. Who is telling the truth. Well thanks to a recent Supreme Court ruling both are correct. Cantor's "people" can now legally include corporations, PACs and lobbyists. Maybe that's why I don't hear him quoting any poll backing up his claim.; Reply to this comment


by brucewayne4 January 3, 2012 12:27 AM EST: Brilliant interview!!! Finally, a journalist who actually does HER job --- Leslie, Thanks for your brilliant, professional work!; Reply to this comment


by ushouldlaugh January 2, 2012 9:54 PM EST: Amazing. I didn't think Cantor could further diminish my opinion of him. Silly me.

You know any "leader" worth his salt would have immediately cut off that flunky that interrupted the interview. Then again if he were really a leader I don't believe his assistant would have been inclined to jump in and speak for him. I suppose that makes Cantor the flunky.; Reply to this comment


by bajajohn1 January 2, 2012 6:50 PM EST: Reagan raised taxes about 11 times. Best way to remove Cantor is to remove the radical congressmen who support this naive, uncompromising buffoon.; Reply to this comment


by skwira001 January 2, 2012 1:07 PM EST: The republicans in 2006 lame duck session of congress made the USPS fund 75 years worth of health care benefits and pensions in a 10 year window. The USPS is funded soley on private money and not tax money. I would of asked him how that's free market principles.; Reply to this comment


by vjenkins922 January 2, 2012 12:39 PM EST: I always saw Cantor which we saw on Sixty Minutes on New Year's Day as very immature. I never realized that he was 48 years old and a Jew. All of the Jews I have known, were mature and caring individuals. This morning I ran into friends who were also surprised that he was a Jew. However, I realize that there is no country, no race, whatever, which will not have some people who are selfish or immature or mean-spirited. The present leader of Israel is not a good man in my eyes, but there are many wonderful Jewish people living in Israel. Last night's show confirmed my assessment of this man (Cantor) as very immature despite his years. He wants to make deep cuts which will hurt the most vulnerable of our ctizens, but protect our richest from paying the same percentage of taxes that the rest of us pay. Of course big corporations and wealthy people like the Koch Brothers can put millions in his campaign chests while we in the middle class must take whatever our richest decide that we can have. In contrast, I really liked his wife and mother-in-law. Oh, if only they could have influenced him to be a better, more generous and right-minded person instead of being influenced by his selfish and immature ways.; Reply to this comment

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