Reach Out - But Do Not Resuscitate

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For the past week now, cable news channels, newsprint media and talk radio have been buzzing about President-elect Obama’s list of statements and promises he made while on the campaign trail. One of them, the statement made about his willingness to reach out to Republicans if elected president seems to have gotten extra attention even on the local scale here in Janesville when talk radio host Stan Milam suggested Republican Rep. Paul Ryan should try to gain some relevance by jumping on the coat-tails of Obama's “outreach” program.

Sarah Palin, in an interview with Wolf Blitzer also suggested Republicans should take Obama up on that offer.

Palin/Blitzer Transcript:
Palin: This is an opportunity to all be working together. And of course, President-elect Obama had promised also bipartisan efforts to meet the challenges. So let's seize this opportunity, let's take him up on that offer. And let's start working together.

You bet'cha. Governor. In fact it’s so good you should be the first to show the country it’s no longer partisan politics as usual in Alaska. If convicted felon Ted Stevens wins re-election to his senate seat – show us why you think you deserve the label of “maverick.” If the need arises where you must appoint a replacement, make your mark by appointing a Democrat, preferably his challenger, Mark Begich. Show President-elect Obama that you too are a willing stakeholder in a new united front to face our immediate challenges. Show 'em how to do it.

But don't try to play the usual Rovian games by attempting to trap Obama or Democrats with the responsibility of resuscitating your political party. It's not going to work.