Why We Can't Go Moderate

[LauraS]

Here's a response I posted on the Rebrand the Party discussion board. It's something I've had on my mind for a while, so I thought I'd copy it here.

Dear Jim,
I understand that you are a Moderate Republican, and therefore your solution to the party's problems will be from that stance. However, history shows that moderation, compromise and "however's" in our platforms are erosive forces that weaken the platform, nullify our distinctives and make our candidates milk-toast redundancies. If we here are discussing the need to rebrand the party, then let's look at what the brand was when we failed (moderate/compromising/political) and what the brand has been when we've succeeded (conservative/strong/leadership). We lost the confidence of the American people when we eroded what we have historically stood for. We lost this election because we didn't own any important stance. We forfeited our place at the table when we handed over our opinions.

We provided no leadership, no philosophical ideals, nothing to believe in.
Now is not the time for more compromise. Now is not the time to run as the second-best liberal in the race. Now is the time to stand up and give people a true alternative. Now is the time to lead people in solutions that make them strong and independent and free, to submit a future that fosters hope in individuals rather than government, to put forth principles rather than polls. People want a leader, not a politician. People want something they can believe in, and a champion who inspires and leads the way. True conservatism resonates with the worldview and values of most Americans, but only a true conservative will inspire the passion needed to do great things.

[Whitehorse (Robin Ray)]

I've looked at Jim's proposal, & it's not significantly far from where I am as a conservative. For an example, we both are against taxpayer funding for abortions here or any other country - This is something the Democrats want to do.

The problem with the last election is that there were not significant differences between the candidates on what mattered most - the economy. Obama was able to win the tax cut argument. The differences on other issues were overshadowed by this, & McCain's championing the bailout.

One need not be lockstep in agreement with another to be a Republican. We have ample, ample evidence that running as a "moderate" (as most people see moderates) does not lead to big electoral wins. Our Republican leadership abandoned fiscally responsible economic conservatism & limited government conservatism, which are incredible winning issues. We need to come together & reclaim these planks to the platform, & not fade the colors of any other plank. By showing a clear difference with passionate candidates, we will win.