Thursday, November 13, 2008

Republican's Silver Lining

The election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States was a truly historic and important event. For the first time in America's history, voters were able to put aside centuries of racial strife and elect an African-American to the highest office in the land. That Mr. Obama even had the opportunity to run as a legitimate contender speaks volumes about how far we as a nation have come, but to finish with such a complete victory is nothing short of astounding.

However, his victory also represents the final death knell for the Republican Party in its current 20-year incarnation. From 1994 to 2004, Republicans experienced unprecedented electoral success at every level of government. The 2006 midterm elections signified a stark change in voter attitudes, one that served to foreshadow the current Democratic landslide. That day was a tough pill to swallow for most Republicans. "Most" being the key word.

Exit polls revealed that many Republicans voted for Mr. Obama. What this means is that the Republican Party, which excited so many Americans during the Reagan era, has disenchanted enough of its members that they chose to vote for the most liberal member of the Senate, one with scant experience in national public service, one with established ties to radicals, socialists, and a domestic terrorist, rather than for John McCain, a war hero with twenty-plus years of established, respected, bipartisan service in the House and Senate. That is a monumentally frustrating failure of the party, and ultimately, perhaps, of traditional conservative ideals.

So where does the party go from here? How do we win back the disenchanted former flock?

By establishing a new direction for the Republican Party, one which stays true to conservative ideals, while recognizing and reacting to the social, cultural, and political environment of now.

The crushing results of this election give our party the mandate, if not the imperative, to reform. To that end, here is a list of ways to reinvigorate the Republican Party and regain the Reagan-era trust and excitement that strengthened our party and our country:
1.) Concede nothing. When John McCain gave up on Michigan, he gave up on his campaign. Barack Obama ran a fifty-state campaign, not a "shortest way to 270" strategy. Granted, he was better funded (more on that below), but he was also better organized - something that money can't always buy. This doesn't just apply to presidential campaigns; in fact, it is imperative that it begins on the local level. If there is an uncontested seat, whether it be national Congress, state Congress, or school board, there needs to be a good Republican candidate working on winning it, with solid support from the national RNC. Too many seats at all levels held by Democrats go unchallenged, and this allows them to start with a solid, local base. Every single seat should be contested.

2.) Excite the electorate, particularly the "reality show generation." Let's face it - presidential politics has become one long reality show anyway. Ten or so candidates start off, with each getting eliminated one by one until one guy gets Tila Tequila...uh, I mean the presidency. The lesson from this is that we need to start promoting candidates (for all offices) that appeal to your average television viewer. Easy on the eyes, and more importantly, on the ears, is key. We have an excellent message, with policies and values that most Americans share. Unfortunately, we have not always had the right person espousing those policies and values. Mr. Obama fit the reality show model perfectly - he came across polished to a television audience both in style and oratorical ability. Even though his speeches were full of nuance and free of any real substance, it sounded good. We have the benefit of a superior message - we just need a superior messenger. (Hint: Someone like La. Gov. Bobby Jindal has all of these qualities, as did Reagan. As a bonus, Jindal represents a Katrina do-over).

3.) We need a serious youth movement, in the worst way. The old guard Republicans are not exciting the kids. Campaign finance reform doesn't draw the big crowds. What we need is a new generation of (relatively) young, energetic, enthusiastic, marketable (see note above) Republicans to represent the "New Republican Party." Here's a partial list: Jindal, Tim Pawlenty, Mark Sanford, Sarah Palin, Linda Lingle, Michael Steele. I really would like to include Jeb Bush on this list, as I think he'd make an outstanding president. But...not for 2012. Perception being what it is, he is a Bush. But, he'd be a great candidate, nonetheless. Fits the model...
4.) Don't allow the other side to define us. This is vitally important. Democrats have portrayed Republicans as ignorant, racist, Southerners (or rich, corrupt CEO's) for years, and the image has incredibly gone mostly uncontested by the RNC. This has to change. Democrats successfully pinned the economic crisis on Republicans, despite all evidence to the contrary (Clinton's backing of mortgage securities, Democratic efforts to block regulation of  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, bleeding-heart liberal insistence on irresponsible lending). This domination of the conversation can not continue if we are to have any future in this country. President George W. Bush has done more for Africa (particularly AIDS and malaria prevention and treatment) than any American president in our country's history, yet he is portrayed as an aloof, heartless despot when it comes to international relations. We need a get out of the truth campaign, in addition to a get out the message campaign and, ultimately, a stronger get out the vote campaign.

5.) Be cool, man. There was a time when it was easy and popular to be a Republican - namely the Reagan years. Obama placed ads in the new Madden. We need to reconnect with the youth of today - difficult with the stonewalling from anti-conservative Hollywood. For one, be less stodgy and grumpy. Hey, I just call it like I see it. But we should be active at college campuses, rock concerts, sporting events, high schools, rallies, basically anywhere a crowd congregates. It seems to have worked for the Democrats.

6.) Go back to our roots. This means focusing on fiscally conservative, small government, strong national defense policies. Don't get too caught up in flavor of the year social controversies (i.e. gay marriage). This idea won't be popular with some of the base - your  Christian conservatives, your Rush's - but is the only way to present a solid, coherent message to undecided moderate voters.

7.) Remember that we are free-market capitalists. See Bailout, the.

8.) Ship a copy of Atlas Shrugged to every eligible voter in America.

9.) Finally, at least for a while, put aside the partisanship. It's unlikely the Democrats will reciprocate, but that will make it that much more apparent that we are eschewing politics as usual. In my state (Virginia), I noticed with great concern that Democrats were running campaign ads that explained their positions, while Republicans ran ads attacking the other opponent. This does not appeal to the average voter. It's as simple as that.

The Republican party has a long, proud tradition dating back to Abraham Lincoln, and can and will be strong again. It's imperative that, in the wake of this stinging defeat, we take the opportunity to reform our party to reflect the 21st century, and not only win back the base that we took for granted, but also appeal to independents and Democrats. Can we be an effective voice in American  politics again? Yes, we can.

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