Conservative (Republican) Winter or Rebirth?

[gabe]

Much has been made of party indentification and the demographics of the country since 2006 when Republicans were first drubbed. Several prominent Republican strategists have come out and said that the GOP's failure to adapt to changing ideas and demographics in the country will leave them in a long icy winter of minority status. True or not though the fact remains that far more people label themselves conservative then moderate or liberal. According to a new Gallup poll 40% label themselves conservative, 20% liberal and 40% moderate. This is very important info for the GOP to remember if they want to remain relevant. The poll also states though that the GOP only has 28% self identified respondants while the Dems have 35% and Independents 36%. So is the GOP in for a long winter or no, what say you all?

http://www.gallup.com/poll/120857/Conservatives-Single-Largest-Ideological-Group.aspx?CSTS=alert

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[M. Bruno]

The GOP is too ridged in this conservative vs moderate view. The party should be embracing a wider set of demographics. Excluding republicans that do not pander to the religious right is just plain stupid. It seems like the GOP is all about litmus tests and not about a strong diverse party. Lets concentrate on the real problems America faces and put such nonsense as gay marriage and abortion on the back burner. Its simple if your religious don't embrace gay marriage or abortion rights. Lets stop driving away good people over religious issues. Instead we should embrace and be tolerant of all religions (that don't strive to harm us) isn't that what America was built on??

[gabe]

The GOP has always appealed to voters through logic and the facts. The Dems have appealed to voters through a much easier message of things like hope and youth and welfare. The GOP has to continue to rely on getting voters through the facts and throughy education. I do not see the GOP becoming a regional party as some predict simply because the GOP will eventually adapt to changing circumstances. If that means their traditional base of evangelicals changes then that is that. But I truly doubt that in the long term the GOP will forver be locked out of winning the youth or Hispanic vote.

[Tim Sheflin]

Is it anyone's thought that the GOP problems we are told about are in reality what the 20% liberal population has touted in the main stream media and that most of those problems don't exist? Having dealt with liberals for better than 20 years, I have discovered for the more fanatical of them apply the rule where if you spread a lie enough, it becomes the truth in peoples minds. I think the GOP has changed to changing ideas and demographics in the country far quicker than the Dems who would rather use time tested tactics of personal attack and veiled fabrications to win rather than solid idea's for any demographic in the country. I would think the present administration is clear proof of that. What we have today is nothing more than Roosevelts new deal which is working much the same as it did back then, catistrophically. The GOP needs to be more aggresive in it's plans and ideas for the future, of which we have plenty, and show the people the true color of mid 20th century Democrats. I truly understand that as long as the MSM is in the pocket of the Democrat party, shying away from personal attacks will be almost impossible, but I would rather see the party answer with solid facts about the opponents lack of effectiveness in handling the countries many problems rather than revert to a one-liner answer. None of us, regardless of political affiliation, deserves that. Let's just make what we got stronger rather than try to change it into something we know is a compromise. We can appeal to all demographics if we just use common sense, intelligence and the truth.

[gabe]

Agreed Robin and I think you hit upon an important point. The Dems and the MSM will paint a picture of the GOP regardless of what the GOP does. But the GOP needs to paint its own picture of itself, one of humility and one of standing up for their principles. I said that voters will make up their own minds, but they will make up their minds on actions, not just words.

[Whitehorse (Robin Ray)]

The American people wanted the war "won & done," that was the problem with the war. In 06 the Republicans lost because they, though in the majority, acted weakly. They spent & grew government like Democrats. There was no strong, dynamic leadership in 08, so enough of the voters gave "the new guy" a chance. Gabe is 00% correct; Republican candidates need to stand up for what they believe & not be cowed by fear of being called names - they're going to be called names by the Dems, left, & MSM anyway.

[gabe]

It is not that Paul. What gave the GOP it's losses in the last two cycles is not just the war but that the GOP became corrupt and that they stopped standing for what they believed in. For better or worse the GOP needs to stop being afraid to stand up for what it believes.

[Whitehorse (Robin Ray)]

True, it would be hard to over-value a strong bench. Not always the case, however today's local elected officials are tomorrow's state officials & congressional representatives.

[gabe]

Yes we can. I would say though that we can help the GOP more at the local then the state or national level with recruitment by finding anf supporting those that want to run for school board and for cit mayor, council, etc. It all starts with one small step and I am more then willing to give the RNC some leeway in finding good candidates to run.

[Whitehorse (Robin Ray)]

Nice point gabe. If one studies the 1994 election, one will see the tremendous slate of candidates recruited - even those who did not win made a huge difference posing stiff challenges to incumbent Dems. When these candidates come forward, we sure as heck need to support them. I'd also say that we can help the RNC with the search!