More proof that Republicans want people to be dumb and stay dumb

Yes, we know that the Republican Party, especially here in Florida, wants people to have as little education and exposure to information (beyond the propaganda on Fox News) as possible. But rarely is it stated so bluntly.

I was reading an obituary of former GOP congressman and vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp this morning when the following passage struck me:

But despite [Kemp's] looks and charisma, he did poorly on the national stage. His economic concepts, which he sold on the stump with the zeal of a fundamentalist preacher, seemed wonkish and failed to convert voters. His campaign style was seen as undisciplined and impatient. Political analysts saw him as unwilling to play politics in a manner what would bring victory at the polls.

"If I could remove two-thirds of your knowledge and three-fourths of your vocabulary, I could make you into a decent candidate," veteran Republican consultant Edward J. Rollins recalled telling him.

Well, there it is. Sure, you have to know how to "play politics" to some extent, but President Obama proved during his campaign that you don't have to talk down to the American people to be successful at the polls. Republicans, on the other hand, as Ed Rollins so cogently stated, would rather have their candidates, like their voters, largely devoid of knowledge, intelligence, and curiosity.

Okay, GOP, now that you've had your proudly uncurious, knowledge-free president, how did that work out for America? I'll answer my own question with three words: Worst. President. Ever.