Rethinking the GOP: Should Republicans Move Left to Win Back Moderates?
Analysts from the conservative Hoover Institution argue that the 2008 election caused a "fundamental change in partisan loyalties," with significant loss of voters for the GOP. According to Hot Docs, "conservative social positions on issues like abortion and gay marriage are 'repelling moderates the party needs to maintain its long-term competitiveness.'" But polls say Republicans don't have to shift too far to the center to win voters back. Should the GOP adopt moderate policies to remain politically competitive? Post your thoughts.
Previously: Should Warren Give the Inaugural Invocation?
Reader Comments
Rethink foreign, environmental, economic, not social policy
Could we see a clear poll of which of the following Republican priorities the last decade are most unpopular?
1. Outlawing Partial birth abortion
2. Defining legal marriage as between a single man and woman
3. Refusing federal funds for abortion and stem cell research
4. Reducing tax rates on the rich
5. Opposing restriction on emission of greenhouse gases
6. Spending whatever necessary to win the Iraq war
7. Giving corporations maximum flexibility to pursue profits
I think any unbiased observer recognizes that the last four priorities, combined with the corruption of several congressman, turned away more voters than the first two social issues, which won voter approval in virtually every poll. Any significant movement left needs to be in foreign, environmental and economic, not social policy.
Need for more moderation for Republicans Party
I do not think the Republican Party has to move left as such., but it does noeed to move back to what made it great. This includes but is certainly not limited to financial responsibility minimizing the need for deficit spending except in national emergencies Republican controlled Congress in the early 2000 years irresponsible, tax cuts provided the balance d budget principle is not violated (In early 2000 years tax cuts facilitated by heavy deficit spending at the same time), traditional American values followed in action not just words (page boy scandal of a few years ago did horrendous damage to Republicans, rely more on the common sense application for what is right versus wrong rather than conformity to some very absolute principles of economic free marketers.(Some, good, effective regulation of business is necessary and good for the nation, if nothing else to avoid the excess greed shown by some CEO's and CFO's with their bonuses paid and stock options even though they totally messed up their companies and their employees financial security into retirement. I also thought that John McCain should have been allowed to be more himself in the last election, but instead was ill-managed by some Republican strategists based on what they thought would appeal to the supposed Republican base. He was by far the best hope they Republicans had for the last election.
RehinkTh GOP
Should Republicans Move Left to Win Back Moderates?
Yes! In fact, its way overdue, Frankly, I'm tired of hearing about negative stories about Republicans. I think its time that Republicans that many would consider more "moderate" stand up and take our party back. I may be conservative when it comes to government spending and some social issues but I'm also very compassionate and I care about our environment as well. In fact, I am working on a site at this writing to do just that:
www.rethinkthegop.com
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