Lyndon Furst's
A Different Perspective
"The Republican Party’s Political Strategy"
POSTED 6/22/09
The Republican Partys Political Strategy
I have long been fascinated with political parties in America. During my life I have seen interesting changes in these parties. Several of the minor parties have come and gone although the two major ones, Democrat and Republican, are still with us. However, the Republicans who not long ago were in the ascendancy, seem to be in decline now. Two years ago they lost their majority in Congress and last November they lost the presidency. The recent actions of their leaders have left one wondering what is the Republican strategy for regaining their position as a majority party?
For example, Karl Rove recently called President Obama " an arrogant guy.." Rush Limbaugh the titular spokesperson for the party blatantly said of Obama, "I hope he fails." Dick Cheney, who remained mostly silent during his eight-year term as vice president, has been waxing quite eloquent in his opposition to Obama and the Democrats. He has nothing good to say about the new president or his leadership for America. Meanwhile, former president George Bush, who should be the spokesperson for the party, remains absent from the political scene. Even more telling, the Republican Party’s response to the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court has been generally negative. Newt Gingrich, former speaker of the house when the Republicans were in control, recently branded her a racist because of a statement she made eight years ago. Never mind that such attacks might result in further alienation of Hispanic voters from the Republican party.
It seems that the Republican strategy is to be the party of "No." Is that what they have to give America, to be against everything? Will that enhance their prestige in the eyes of the electorate and bring them back to majority status on the American political scene? I think not. The American electorate is quite sophisticated and is not going to be satisfied with politicians who merely oppose everything that their opponents suggest. They want leaders who give clear direction to the functions of government.
Even more puzzling has been the attempts by Republican leaders to purge the party of any who might deviate in the slightest from strict adherence to conservative dogma, at least that of the self-styled neo-conservatives. In response to the defection of Senator Arlen Specter to the Democrats, Rush Limbaugh suggested that he take McCain with him. Imagine that, a cold hearted attempt to drum the recent Republican nominee for president out of the party! The response to Colin Powell has been similar with Dick Cheney joining the chorus. What will be left of the Republican party when it becomes sufficiently purified? Not much, I expect.
So, what do I care if the Republican Party seems bent on self-destruction? As a card-carrying Democrat I should be happy to see the Republican Party fade away into the mists of history. I do care, and for very good reasons. First and foremost, for the good of our American republic we need a strong opposition party no matter who is in power. The success of democracy is dependent on a variety of ideas in the halls of legislation. If one party becomes overwhelmingly dominant that richness of competing ideas will disappear and the nation is weakened.
Secondly, for the good of the Democratic Party, it needs a strong opposition. There is an old saying, "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." From my perspective, the Democratic Party will quickly to descend into absolute corruption if it does not have to contend with a vibrant opposition. As a loyal member of the party I do not want to see that happen.
So, here is my theory on the Republican strategy to regain its majority status. The public statements of Republican leaders and those who claim to speak for the party seem determined to destroy the party’s influence in American politics. At the rate they’re going they will soon be totally ineffective as an opposition to the ruling Democrats. The Democrats will have total power and will eventually become totally corrupt. It won’t take long for the American people to get tired of that situation and bring about an electoral change. And what is left of the Republican Party will be there, ready to take advantage of the opportunity. They will once again become the majority party.
Sound far-fetched? Of course it does. But how else can one explain the recent actions and statements of Republican leaders? There will always be a small group of die-hard conservatives who will stick with the Republican Party through thick and thin, but most of the electorate is looking for clear positive leadership. So far Democrats have come up with the best ideas to provide that leadership and deal with the problems that face America. However, left unchallenged in the marketplace of ideas, they will soon become corrupted and that’s not good for America.
So here is my challenge to Republican leaders: forgo your attempts to attain ideological purity and forget all the negative stuff. Get on with developing a positive approach to the task of governing America. You can provide a vibrant opposition to Democrats without being obnoxious in response to everything they suggest. The health of our republic depends on your ability to provide such a loyal opposition.