Articles

A Way Out of the Wilderness

November 14, 2008

Yes, we lost the election. But in a year when all currents were running against Republicans and our campaign was lackluster and erratic, Barack Obama received only 3.1 points more than Al Gore in 2000 and only 4.6 points more than John Kerry in 2004. The Democratic victory becomes durable only if Republicans make it so with the wrong moves.

Losing the election has led to a debate about whether the GOP should return to its Reaganite tradition or embark on a new reform course. This pundit-driven shoutfest presents a sterile, unnecessary choice. The party should embrace both tradition and reform; grass-roots Republicans want to apply timeless conservative principles to the new circumstances facing America.

In the coming year, we will be defined more by what we oppose than what we are for; the president-elect and the Democrats in Congress will control the agenda. We must pick fights carefully and center them around principle. The goal is to have the sharp differences that emerge make the GOP look like the more reasonable, hopeful and inviting party—which is easier said than done. A road map:

1. Avoid mindless opposition. We should support President Obama when he is right (Afghanistan), persuade him when his mind appears open (trade) and oppose him when he is wrong (taxes). It is the Republican Party's job to hold him accountable on the merits only.

READ FULL ARTICLE: http://www.newsweek.com/id/169173

Related Article

3239299c6523ac92a997a88787e1bf3f
September 21, 2023 |
Article
It’s beginning to dawn on Donald Trump that Iowa matters.   ...
5988e1a202fe967a68c73be1e5a0b7af
September 14, 2023 |
Article
If Republicans nominate someone other than Donald Trump, the primary debates he’s avoiding could be a reason why. ...
Ba50c54f2b168e6eeb62531fc2d4cd26
September 07, 2023 |
Article
There’s terrible news for President Biden and Donald Trump in the Aug. 30 Wall Street Journal poll. ...
4cf650b99bfca9558475c1a15610b355
August 31, 2023 |
Article
A particularly low point of last week’s GOP presidential debate came at around the 39-minute mark, when an unusually glib, shallow, overbearing, smooth-talking biotech entrepreneur proclaimed himself “the only person on the stage who isn’t bought and paid...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance