The demise of the Republican party?

March 31, 2013

Is the demise of the grand old party imminent?

Clearly most Republicans are concerned about their party's lack of success in recent national elections. In response, Reince Priebus, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, commissioned a study to suggest changes for the future.

The resulting report titled, "The Growth and Opportunity Project", was produced by a small group of GOP insiders...you can tell by the clever initials! The report describes the changing world the party faces, and outlined logical conclusions and recommendations...but didn't go far enough in explaining how deep a hole the party has dug for itself.

While the report told Republican leaders the world has changed...they failed to explain it has changed forever. They also didn't warn strongly enough many current rigid partisan conservative platforms and positions are increasingly incapable of attracting enough votes to win national elections.

The report identified demographic changes and admits the party no longer appeals to most minority and younger voters. They also admit the Republican party is seen by non-party members as being for, by, and of older, wealthy, white Americans. (they didn't say wealthy, but I believe it's so) They state the GOP has failed to connect to Hispanics...one of the understatements of all time! They also know they have failed to appeal to gay Americans and younger women...wow! And, they admit many (which is most) Americans suffering economically have lost faith in the GOP leadership.

However, the study's suggested fixes seem to be mainly about doing whatever is needed to win future elections than actually changing values or beliefs. The closest they came to the latter was when they suggested somehow the GOP had to find a way to connect with voters who share most of the party's conservative values...if not all. Sort of sounds like a call for partial compromise to Independents doesn't it?

Clearly the GOP must come up with more inclusive messaging if it is to have a chance to return to national relevance in the near future. However, past positions speak much louder than new words to those whose votes they so desperately need. How does the GOP reverse course and connect with Hispanics when past messages have consistently called for illegals being removed from our country? Can the party convince gay Americans they actually now fully recognize their citizen's rights? How does the GOP convince the poorer Americans they no longer blame them for their own plight. How can the GOP convince the collapsing middle class they now recognize the damage caused by trickle-down economics favoring the wealthy...to the detriment of the majority of Americans. Clearly the Democrats are ahead on all of these issues.

Our growing national debt is now colliding with an exploding number of American families needing assistance. For the foreseeable future, unless a miracle happens, the many millions of Americans without decent jobs will increase, as will the even greater number living below the poverty level. Their safety net needs will be compounded by promised entitlements for 78 million baby boomers retiring over the next few decades. To make it even worse, most boomers have far too little saved, which will inevitably require additional government support. Does the GOP understand leaders from both parties will be forced to find cost-effective ways to prevent catastrophic conditions for many millions of Americans. Democrats long ago saw this future coming and their winning messages have increased their power. Many in the Republican party blame the Democrats for setting the stage for expected safety nets. However, it would be disingenuous for the GOP to deny culpability, because their party has been along for the entire ride to our current destination for several decades.

Can the GOP leadership convince current supporters to modify old beliefs because they won't gain sufficient voter support in our new reality? What good are passionately held GOP values if their supporters lack the numbers needed to elect national candidates?

Finally, the report also focused on the success of many Republican governors and suggests national candidates emulate their behaviors. It seems to me many Republican governors are guided by an understanding they are responsible for governing for all of their state's citizen's benefits...not just Republicans. Only when GOP candidates for federal offices can prove their actions will match any new messaging will they have a chance to regain the support needed to win elections.

Alternatively, the GOP could just stand pat and allow the game to come back to them as voters will eventually see the superior Democratic messages won't result in any tangible actions which will solve our nation's serious economic problems.

Neither party has done anything in the past few decades they should be proud of. Since the 1970s, they have collectively managed to transfer the wealth and future of the majority of Americans to the ultra-wealthy. Only by both parties taking joint actions can the course of the good ship America be reversed. Is it possible both sides are so driven to remain in power for power's sake they just can't consider joining forces to save our nation? Instead of working to solve problems for the benefit our citizens, they do so only for votes! Growth and Opportunity Project indeed! Seems pretty clear for whom the growth and opportunity is aimed...and it's not for the benefit of most Americans!

These are my opinions. What do you think?

Mike Tower