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Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the Republican Jewish Coalition’s Leadership Meeting in Washington, DC as well as the National Women’s Committee’s Day on the Hill. It was quite an honor to be in the presence of so many distinguished statesmen, politicians, journalists, and every day citizens - all with a similar goal of getting this country back on track(
1).
While I was attending the meetings, American Thinker posted an article that I had written reflecting my belief that conservatives must build credibility with independent voters through rational argument rather than through appropriation of the mudslinging tactics of the left. That article was met with vitriol and anger by the readers posting comments who have become so frustrated with the direction of the country, that in my view, they are losing the forest through the trees. So, it was reaffirming to listen to the wisdom of the many speakers at the RJC and NWC events who voiced a view similar to that raised in my article.
One of the highlights at the RJC meeting was the appearance of Governor Tim Pawlenty, a possible presidential candidate in the 2012 election, who delivered an inspiring speech. Pawlenty maintained that we should not lose our “optimism,” we should not get wound up in “pop psychology or the fear of the day,” and we must take our principles and values and sell them to those not yet Republicans. This point needs to be driven home to conservatives who have become pessimistic and who are fearful that the country is on an irreversible course.
Governor Pawlenty spoke with first hand knowledge of understanding the necessity of bringing people of differing backgrounds together for the greater good. He is a Republican governor of a Democratic state, the only state in the union that did not vote for Ronald Reagan in 1984. He recognized that in the spirit of inclusiveness, there is room for everybody under the Republican tent. And while many conservatives want to attack anyone who is not far right, kick out the “RINOs,” and purify the party, that is not only an unrealistic goal, but it is also un-American. Furthermore, it historically has not worked. Carter lost due to his pandering to the far left (and its disastrous effects). Clinton remained in power for eight years due to his movement to the middle. And Obama’s far left policies are dividing the nation as well as his party. We must recognize that differences in opinion can exist in one party when the individuals within value similar principles.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that while some may believe that, as one AmericanThinker reader suggested, “minor political gains will not suffice to save this country,” in fact, it will be these incremental gains in votes across the country that will achieve winning results in 2010. The NWC was briefed on the prospects for 2010 by Gentry Collins, Political Director of the RNC, and Randy Bumps, Political Director at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. We were also briefed on voting patterns by Republican pollster and political strategist, Gene Ulm. Mr. Ulm made clear that whoever wins over the independents and moderates will be the winning party in 2010 and going forward.
Many conservative Americans are upset and angry. However, independents, senior citizens, young voters, and even American Jews(2) are starting to have buyer’s remorse and their votes are up for grabs. These people care about the issues. They want to understand health care, cap and trade, the federal deficit, and other issues that will directly impact their pocketbooks and their lives. They will not likely respond to citizens ranting about how evil Obama is or how traumatized they believe themselves to be under his administration. That may feel good and resonate with some, but that will not effectuate change in 2010.
Which brings me to a discussion of tactics – how does the GOP win over the votes of independent Americans? Some suggest that the attacks of the Democrats continually result in Republican defeats so perhaps we should lower our standards, disregard our principles, and come out fists raised, fighting. However, this argument overlooks the lack of equal footing that assists the Democrats from the starting gate. A double standard exists. Offensive views and distasteful words are permissible as long as they are not attributable to a conservative. And while we do not like that it exists, this hypocrisy has dominated the debate for years.
This double standard was most recently evidenced when the NFL announced that Rush Limbaugh may not invest in an NFL team while Keith Olbermann enjoys a seat as host of the NFL pre-game show, “Football Night in America.” Rush cannot purchase a minority interest in the St. Louis Rams, however, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, and Serena Williams can own minority interests in the Miami Dolphins. This is not fair; it is offensive and disturbing. But the reality is that conservatives are held to a higher standard. Ronald Reagan recognized this and he rose above the name-calling. He recognized that talking, not screaming, was the more effective way to communicate his message. Conservatives must understand this and recognize that they will win seats when they address ideas and remain optimistic.
We are living in an age of the internet, mass media, a global community and economy, and a press in the pocket of the party presently in power. We need to strategically play the cards we are dealt. We cannot manipulate the press the way the Democrats can. The press manipulates us and every single word emanating from our spokespersons, representatives, and members. That means that we play smart and avoid adding fuel to the fire that will only result in more name-calling and brandishing of our image. No one is suggesting that we remain silent. But it is time to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and strike at the Democrats through a clear message that their policies are failing this country.
A very smart man taught me to attack the ideas, not the person. I have been heeding that advice ever since. I do not believe in attacking President Obama personally, but rather, I attempt in my writing to point out the failings of his policies. My view of Barack Obama is irrelevant. What is relevant are his policies and actions and a discussion of those is entirely appropriate in order to point out the impact of his failures on the country. The tea parties and town halls are perfect examples of disgruntled Americans getting out their message and they worked beautifully to galvanize a party that was asleep at the wheel for too long.
While I am not feeling “traumatized or terrorized” by Obama, like many in the country, I am deeply concerned about the future of America. But conservatives who are feeling abused and upset must decide what to do. They can complain and call the Democrats (and fellow Republicans with whom they disagree) names, but that will not change the direction of the country. The only way to change the direction of the country is to change the leaders that are making the horrific decisions. And that means focusing on 2010.
The Republican Party is by no means the perfect party, however, it is the means to implementing change in 2010 and thereafter. Like it or not, we are a two-party democracy and one of those parties is taking this country in the direction of decline. The Republican Party needs the help of conservatives across the country to build credibility for it and its candidates so as to expand the party base. Expanding the base is not easy to do and the Democrats have been more successful to date. But with Obama’s policies, actions, and words as ammunition, Republicans have a good chance of taking back the country.
It was with an open mind that I heard the message of Tim Pawlenty when he stated that the discourse needs to be about “addition, not subtraction; multiplication, not division.” I identified with the wisdom in the message of Jackie Gingrich Cushman who spoke of inspiring the masses through articulation of a positive message. She recognized that this is much more difficult than being negative and angry but, as the daughter of Newt Gingrich, she knows first hand that to bring together a majority coalition, the GOP will need optimism and hopefulness(3). I will certainly do my part and I hope that the many nervous and angry voters on the right determine that it is in their best interests to do the same. I will remain optimistic and clear-eyed that the values on which this country was founded and has thrived will prevail.
(
1) Notable speakers
included Congressman Eric Cantor, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, former Deputy
Assistant to President George W. Bush, Brad Blakeman, Senator Jon Kyl,
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, Congresswoman
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Senator Sam Brownback, Senator Norm
Coleman, Ambassador Michael Oren, and father of the neoconservative movement,
Norman Podhoretz.
(2) We learned from Norman Podhoretz that the
only ethnic group that voted for Obama in greater numbers than the Jewish
population was African Americans.
(3) Let’s not forget
that Obama won over the independent and undecided voters with the optimistic
message of hope.
Disclaimer: Entries posted on the Guest Blog reflect the views of their individual authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Republican Jewish Coalition, its staff, or officers.