Call Me GOP

Americans believe that relationships between Republicans and Democrats have deteriorated since Obama was elected as this Gallup poll indicates. Do you agree? What’s caused the breakdown? How can we get back on the road toward political civility?

In Washington and all around the country there’s a political battle for America’s future. And while Americans are beginning to find faults in the Democrats’ proposals, an article in The Examiner claims that they’re not being presented with any alternatives. For the G.O.P. to be successful, it needs to “get their act together” and engage in a debate that does more than just criticize liberals and their plans. What’s your advice to the G.O.P. for moving forward and taking on the Democratic Party?

Earlier today, Rand Paul ended months of speculation by confirming that he intends to run for the US Senate. Also from the G.O.P.’s angle, Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Kentucky businessman Bill Johnson have announced they’ll also be running for the seat vacated by Jim Bunning. Of these three Republicans, who has the best shot of winning and why?

Democrats issued a harsh statement against the G.O.P. yesterday. They described the “mob rule” of far-right extremists who are more interested in “destroying” the presidency than discussing the issues. The G.O.P. responded that what Democrats call “mob rule,” most people call Democracy. But is it even either of these? Do these people get so much attention simply because they’re loud and radical or is there something to the group that says more about the Republican Party?

(via CNN)

Since the G.O.P. has been unable to make gains with non-white voters, they may consider reverting to a “white voter strategy.” Reminiscent of its “southern strategy,” which was effective when parties were more clearly divided along regional lines, this new focus targets white voters whose opinions of Obama have fallen.

The Huffington Post reports that it’s unlikely the G.O.P. can attract Hispanic voters based on the Republican stance on immigration and, more recently, their opposition to Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment. Similarly, its unlikely to gain the African-American vote given the loud “race-baiting commentary” from the far right. In fact, among Hispanics, Obama’s ratings have slipped only insignificantly, and he’s gained points with African-American voters. But a Gallup poll reports that his approval rating has dropped from 75% to 58% since January.

However, this “white voter strategy” seems dangerous for many reasons. Is this another example of the G.O.P. being an exclusionary group? Especially as our country becomes more diverse, how can the Republican Party win without significant support from Hispanic and African-American voters?

The presidential office has grown since the founding of our country. It went from a much more modest role to one in which politicians make grandiose claims to revive “our nation’s soul,” rid the world of evil,” and “change the world.” However, as the Economist reports, these early commitments can actually have negative effects.

For example, a libertarian scholar named Gene Healy predicts that Obama’s over-promising will cause Americans to view his presidency as a failure, “possibly the least popular of the modern era” — a complete 360 from the beginning of his term.

But are we not used to this by now? I think most of us now dismiss man of these claims — from both parties — as mere rhetoric. If we know that all candidates over-promise in the beginning, when will we accept politicians’ limitations, and why do we keep setting these unrealistic expectations?

Republicans rejoice that the congressional generic ballot is closer than it’s been in five years, yet the G.O.P. still isn’t seen as a positive alternative to Democrats.

Politico outlines a few strategies the G.O.P. should think about in upcoming years, including keeping the president in check, winning on the issues, capturing the youth vote, and reaching out to Hispanic and African-American voters. These suggestions are just the beginning, though. What else could be added to this list to make the Republican Party a stronger force in the future?

After three weeks and more than 4,000 votes, our tournament is finally over.  No surprise here: you’ve decided that Mitt Romney should speak for the G.O.P.  He held a commanding lead over all his opponents, knocking out Eric Cantor in the final round by slightly more than 900.

So why Romney?

Many of you have singled him out as the candidate with the best chance of unifying the party in a way the McCain/Palin ticket failed to in 2008. Mike noted that, unlike Palin or Rush, Romney doesn’t “stir up” passion among Republicans, yet he’s often sought after as a voice of reason and intelligence.

In fact, many of you pointed to his patient positions regarding issues such as health care that paint him as a rational, reliable choice. The ideal candidate, you said, is competent, not extremist. For now, while most states identify with the Democratic Party, the G.O.P. must attract independent and crossover voters to grow stronger. The party’s looking for a more moderate leader to take them forward, and it seems Mitt is the man.

Is this an accurate summary of what I’ve learned these past few weeks? What would you add that I might be missing?

Despite Obama’s declining popularity since he took office, the number of states identifying with each party remains unchanged since 2008. A recent Gallup poll reports just four states maintain a solid Republican advantage, while 29 plus the District of Columbia go to the Dems.  Support for the Democratic Party has shrunk in recent months; however, this is the result of increased independent identification rather than an increase in Republican. Given that the political climate is “stacked in the Democratic Party’s favor,” what can the G.O.P. do to better compete in the field and how should they go about it?