According to several of my more liberal friends, it would appear that the Republican Party’s very existence now depends on its ability to fully embrace abortion, gay marriage and tattoos (ok, I added the tattoos part).
Apparently, what my Democratic friends believe this country really needs are two Democratic Parties. Call me crazy, but as I believe the competition of ideas and political philosophies is the very strength of our unique government, I suggest my liberal friends reconsider this position – perhaps while sitting for another tattoo (completely unfair, but I couldn’t resist; sorry).
What the Republican Party actually needs is not an abandonment of its Conservative principles, but rather a commitment to promote these same principles with kindness & compassion. An honest and sincere rebranding is in order, not an abandonment of core principles.
A few simple suggestions come to mind:
Demonstrate in words and actions that you want to earn 100% of the vote. The party must appeal to everyday “workers” as much as to those wealthy “job creators” Republicans can’t stop obsessing about. The next time a Republican mentions “47%”, it had better be while describing his body fat.
And here’s a clever thought: If you want the Hispanic vote, show the Hispanic community that you actually like Hispanics! As a demographic, they are hard working, courageous, family-oriented, and religious (even pro-life) – qualities perfectly suited to a Conservative message. So stop referring to them as “illegals” as though they were another breed of dog. And enough talk of “electrifying fences” as though electrocuting a 13 year-old child trying to sneak into this country is reasonable. And stop enacting “show me your papers” laws, which is an affront to each and every Hispanic in this country.
Similarly, if you want the African American vote (Paul Ryan’s “urban vote”), try actually appealing to black voters. Enough talk of welfare queens or moochers or takers. The Party simply has to understand that very few people actually enjoy being on government assistance (and the low self-esteem that accompanies it). Instead of writing off this voting block, tell African Americans why a Conservative message will lift them and their communities.
One additional hint: trying to restrict minority voting with unnecessary voter ID laws or prohibiting Sunday voting serves only to rally these voters against you. It really is simple: if you want their vote, treat them with respect and show them you want it!
Enough of the Ugly! Words and tone really do matter. What moral voter, of any political affiliation, wants to reward a party that calls our first black President a Kenyan, a Muslim, a Socialist, lazy, a liar, a racist and Un-American? Who is proud that our President was forced to actually show his birth certificate on national television? If you hate his policies, attack his policies, but enough with the horrific name-calling.
Don’t run from your Pro-Life position, but remember that Pro-Life is not limited to opposing abortion. It also includes caring for the poor, the uninsured, the lost and the undocumented. It’s very hard to sound Pro-Life when you are also telling the uninsured that they should be left to die on hospital ER gurneys.
And when discussing rape, I think it’s time for middle aged white males to turn off their microphones. Lastly, the Party should think very carefully (and speak very cautiously) before demanding that a 13 year-old victim of a savage rape carry her pregnancy for another 9 months.
No more clowns in Primary Process. Does anyone believe Romney was helped by 348 debates alongside the likes of Trump, Palin, Cain, and Perry? How can you possibly attract a serious candidate if you require him/her to stand alongside a cast of clowns? Even more destructive is forcing a moderate candidate to pretend he is Attila the Hun, rendering him so extreme that he is unable to make the tack to a more moderate position required in a general election. The role of President of the United States is an extremely serious one. Manage your selection process accordingly.
Enough with Anti-Intellectualism:
- Believe in Math: Tax plans must add up, and when every professional poll shows that your candidate is losing, stop inventing conspiracy theories and opting instead for your own imaginative “internal” polls.
- Believe in Science: The Earth is not 6,000 years old. Creationism is religion, not science. Women can get pregnant after rape. And when 98% of scientists state climate change is a real phenomenon, at least hesitate before claiming that all scientists are frauds.
Reign in the Rabid Right Wing Media Complex: (and you liberals do the same with your loudmouths!)
Does anyone think Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter or Sean Hannity helped the Republican Party this election cycle? They are simply loud-mouthed entertainers who flourish economically when Democrats are in power. They rile up their passionate base only for their own economic gain, fostering little more than hatred and conspiracy theories. Thoughtful discussion and facts have no place in their shows (did anyone notice that these experts all erroneously predicted a Romney victory on the eve of the election?).
Ask Rush if his name-calling helped re-elect the infamous Allen West or Joe Walsh. Don’t any of Rush’s “ditto-heads” realize that Rush is thrilled at Obama’s re-election, as he now has four additional years to rant and make millions from his lemmings?
These loud mouths are not just annoying to non-Republicans, they are a real cause of harm to the Republican Party.
Federalism and the 10th Amendment: While your Party’s stance in favor of a limited role of the central government and greater deference to state’s rights certainly has merit, acknowledge that there is still an essential role for the Federal government in our lives. Be it FEMA or the FDA, our success as a nation still depends on a strong federal government. This government, however, must be lean, efficient and noble.
Lastly, perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned from this election cycle is that it is not enough to run against something or someone — especially if you run on hatred. You must stand for something and passionately articulate your beliefs. Prove to the 100% why your approach is best for them and then ask all 100% for their vote.
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the politically challenged 