Dick Morris Calls on GOP To Shutdown Government

At the Americans for Prosperity summit in Washington, former Clinton aide Dick Morris suggested the GOP repeat the government shutdown of 1995.

At the Americans for Prosperity (AFP) summit in Washington, D.C. this afternoon, Gov. Bob McDonnell, Fox News Commentator Dick Morris, and AFP President Tim Phillips blasted Democrats in highly charged political speeches.

Conservatives in attendance were particularly enthusiastic about a comment made by Dick Morris, a former aide to President Bill Clinton, who said that he expected the next session of Congress would feature a government shutdown.

“There’s going to be a government shutdown, just like in ’95 and ’96. And we’re going to win it this time, and I’m going to be fighting on your side!” said Morris, to thunderous applause. Formerly a Democrat, Morris had a falling-out with the Clintons after resigning because of a prostitution scandal.

Americans for Prosperity President Tim Phillips’ comments were reflective of what is common sentiment among conservatives today -- don't trust Democrats: "President Reagan used to say, 'trust, but verify'. I say forget trust, let's just verify every cotton-picking thing... I'm not in a very trusting mood these days," said Phillips.

Glenn Beck’s ‘Restoring Honor’ rally tomorrow at the Lincoln Memorial is being advertised as a non-political gathering. But none of that sentiment was present here at the Americans for Prosperity Summit, which is at least tangentially connected to Beck’s rally.

Phillips reserved special scorn for Vice President Joe Biden, labeling him as out of touch:

This vice-President actually said to Time Magazine this week... with 2.7 million job losses during their failed stimulus bill... he actually said, 'now this is where the fun starts.' That's how out of touch he is... Mr. Vice President, with all due respect, I think the fun is going to start this November.

“I believe the forces that oppose big spending are going to win majorities in both houses of Congress in November,” said Dick Morris. “To the big spenders from Oregon, and New York and Connecticut who think they’re safe– I’ve got a message for you: November is coming!”

Phillips, however, stressed that his message was political, but not partisan."This is not a partisan statement because it applies to politicians in both parties who have voted for big government, big spending, and more of the same," he said.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell made a speech at the opening session as well, touting his state’s decision to be the first in the nation to litigate against Obamacare:

In Richmond, [Virginia] we still believe the constitution means something… if the federal government can tell you that you must buy a product or service, and if you don’t, you will be fined or otherwise punished, then there is no limit to constitutional power. This is an amazingly important constitutional question that our founders would believe is worthy of litigating.

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