Question about the Republican Party

I started out addressing the message to Republicans, but changed it thinking Dems and Independent voters (as well as other parties) may want to weigh in with their comments.

This morning and yesterday during coverage of the Republican Governor's Convention, there has been a lot of talk about what the Republican party needs to do next. Some seemed to feel the party needs to go back to its conservative roots and evangelical base, some seem to feel the party needs to kind of do what Obama did and engage young voters and minorities more than the GOP does now. Some seemed to feel the party is fine, but given GWBs unpopularity and the economy, the elections were slanted against Republicans at the get go.

So, I'm curious to hear, what do you think the Republican party needs to do to win more votes in future elections?

Message edited 11/14/2008 1:36:46 PM.

Re: Question about the Republican Party

to me it's not just about winning more votes (though obviously that's pretty important) -- it's about having the party be aligned with where i feel the majority are -- which is the center. i think that the extreme religious right turns off a lot of people who might otherwise identify with some republican ideals.

i also think we live in a day and age where technology is HUGE and very important. Democrats did a great job using that technology to their advantage this election -- though i think they had a big advantage having the founder of FB working for the campaign for free. Republicans need to do a better job on this in the future.

Message edited 11/14/2008 3:45:19 PM.

Re: Question about the Republican Party

I would agree with both those points myself. If the party were more centered, I would give more consideration to the candidates. I think this is a big reason why I tend not to vote Republican for the national election actually. I do vote for Republicans for other offices though at times, but since many are based around this area, they tend to not focus on the religious right.

I'm not saying the religious right should be ignored, but maybe it shouldn't be the big focus?

Re: Question about the Republican Party

I think they need to do the following:

1. Move away from making the conservative, evangelical wing the public face of their party. Whether they mean to or not, for many americans, the image of the Republican party is not moderates like Powell, Giuliani (when he was mayor, not when he ran for Pres.) or Schwarzenegger (sp?), but conservatives like Bush, Palin and Gingrich.

2. Do something about conservative talk radio. I'm not in any way advocating censorship (I'm completely against the proposed fairness doctrine), but they are so divisive and republican leadership kisses their butts. (I know this happens with liberal media as well, but I'll just focus on republicans).

3. Use technology - dont rely on a 72 hour "get out the vote" drive that worked in past elections - use the grass roots, voter empowerment methods that Obama's team used so successfully.

4. Reach out. There are many many people in this country who want a strong defense, fiscal conservatism and limited government. Make those three things the platform of your party - not wedge issues.

5. Put Bobby Jindal on tv. He's the new face of the GOP. He's the only Indian American Governor in this country and the GOP needs to really appeal to a wider demographic. Jindal is very conservative - and could turn people off - but he's also not preachy at all - he comes across very well on tv.

6. Use optimism. For as negative as this election was, Obama's campaign was one of optimism and hope - which is kind of ironic given the dire straights we are in. For too long the GOP has campaigned on fear and attacking their opponents. Go back to the optimism of Reagan.

7. Don't make fun of the people you'd secretly love to get endorsements from. The GOP is always going on and on about hollywood endorsing democrats - but more people know actors in hollywood than they know members of the Supreme Court. Find some actors - make cameos in movies - like McCain has done SO MANY TIMES.

8. Drop this "liberal media" crap. It's the equivalent of my students saying that they got poor grades on their papers because I just dont like them - not because they didnt prepare. McCain used to refer to the NY Times as "his base."

9. Stop spending my damn money with your pork. This goes to Democrats too. McCain was right to be outraged over earmarks - unfortunately he seemed to be the only politician who was. We dont trust you guys with our money (Rep and Dems).

10. And finally . . .

Dump Karl Rove. His "win at all costs" campaign tactics are deplorable and have really tarnished the party. Remember when his people alleged that John McCain's Bangladesh daughter was actually his love child from a black prostitute? (this was back in 2000) - then McCain hired him to work on his campaign! We're sick of it.

Re: Question about the Republican Party

IMO, they just need better candidates next time around. just like the Dems didn't have anyone strong enough in 2000 and 2004.

Re: Question about the Republican Party

Re: Question about the Republican Party

DandN- couldn't have said it better myself.

Re: Question about the Republican Party

Re: Question about the Republican Party

Message edited 11/14/2008 10:40:36 PM.