I will only be on the computer for another hour, and any posts to me after that will have to wait until I return around 6PM.
This is an effort to move the discussion to productive areas. All sides could use some improvement, including the President, whom I think counted too much on Karl and failed to see what was happening.
Ping!
You threatened and you delivered!
Excellent post. Even though I don't agree with 100% of it, it is pretty much on target and good food for thought.
ping
I guess that's why the Contract with America was such a dismal failure. /sarcasm
The GOP needs to return to having core values. Otherwise, it's just that much easier for the charges to stick when it is clear to voters that too many pubbies don't walk the walk.
Fair enough analysis. I would have rephrased it a bit, but I think you're on the right track.
In my view, the strength that the Democrats is that they are the more populist of the two parties. Or said another way, they're willing to represent their constituencies in order to win. The traditional advantage of the GOP has been in organization and funding.
In my view, conservatives need to start learning to play practical politics. The GOP is a political party. It should be viewed as a means to achieving an end, not a wellspring of religious truth. Conservatives are free to do whatever they want, but in my view, I think too many conservatives expect far too much from the GOP.
We're fortunate in that there are some models for winning in the political sphere even when the odds are stacked against us. The most shining contemporary example in my view is the gun rights people.
And then there is also the issue of communicating a positive conservative message. It's something that conservatives really need to work on. There are so many conservative success stories out there, it's just a crying shame that we don't communicate them better. Negative messages may win an election or two, but they don't inspire people in the long run.
You're right, it will be very hard for our candidate in 2008 if he/she follows a despised President. The problem is that if Bush continues with his amnesty plans and fails to secure the border, as he has so stubbornly resisted doind to date he will be despised and worse. If we want to see his approval rating improve we should encourage HIM to do more of the things that we approve of...not discourage folks for criticizing him when he drifts off into liberal land, as he is prone to do from time to time.
No dissension within the party should be aired on national media.
Has to be rule No. 1! I can't even remember many details or instances, but my overall impression of the Republicans in the months leading up to the election is that of utter disarray, petty intraparty sniping, every-man-for-himself-ism, and the unedifying spectacle of spoiled prima donnas primping for the cameras.
The mad rush to dissociate themselves from Bush looked like they were crashing into each other and knocking each other down as they ran for the exists. I will (charitably --/withering sarcasm) assume that they were only speaking from their principles. But the most principled disagreement doesn't have to belittle the other person. Would it have killed them to phrase it more like, "I don't totally agree with the President on (fill in the blank). I know he's a good and serious man, and his points are valid. But I would emphasize certain other aspects. I'm not sure how we can resolve this, but I am certain that resolution is possible, with reason and good will." OK, not great -- but I'm not a professional politician!
At last a sensible explication of the election.
I would add that the left internet was a great benefit to the Dems, especially the "scandals". There were stories on the Allen/Webb election in "moderate" papers that sourced MYDD, Salon, and Kos!
Last election the right internet made the difference (Swiftvets, Rather...)
But they "read our book" and the media teamed up with them to great effect this time.
I swear the most popular politicians I can think of all laugh easily, even at themselves -- not that they're necessarily not serious thinkers. I sometimes think the ability to laugh good-naturedly is the single most important qualification for success in politics. You can win without it, but it's an uphill struggle!
Unless you live in PA and saw the bias in the print and TV media aginst Santorum it would be difficult to understand. They have been against this guy since he first won 12 years ago and they were going to get "righty". I am so disappointed in the defeat of Rick by that bubble headed, empty suit Casey.
As for the Contract with America, I believe it was brilliant politics and something that should be done every election. The original Contract with America was printed in all things the TV Guide. Just how many yellow dog dems sitting on the couch watching Wheel of Fortune were exposed to the Contract and liked what they saw and voted for Newt and the gang? I think a lot. The Contract presented some easy to understand positions and policies that appealed to a broad segment of the voting public and is a campaign strategy that should be used every campaign. IMHO!
Thank you for your comments.
Very well done, and your thoughts about not helping destroy the President and the party even more are spot on. Thanks!
I don't agree with much of this, but I must compliment you on a very well written piece.
I would add that the GOP was seriously hurt by the fact that many voters sat out the election because they refused to turn out and support a congress that was, rightly or wrongly, viewed as an inept, corrupt, self serving crowd of blatant fools whose primary interest was protecting their own jobs, image and package of perks. Their main plank was 'vote for us. sure we are are a worthless lot but the dims are even worse and their election will mean the end of the country'. Why should they get our support?
Thanks,
Good read.
Excellent summary .
Rahm Emmanuel did an effective job picking candidates locally.
Also the Libertarians are a force to discuss for the future. If we continue to often lose to the rats by 1 percent or so and the Libertarians can often get 3 percent...we will have a mess.