November 07 2008
TDMN: Whither the GOP?
Printed in The Dallas Morning News on November 7, 2008. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/points/stories/DN-GOP_09edi.State.Edition1.3043cfd.html” title=“Click here for the full article.”>Click here for the full article.
Our message needs new messengers
When a political party suffers the type of defeat Republicans did Tuesday, there is a temptation to talk about returning to our base. I disagree. Rather than narrowing the party further, we should broaden the Republican coalition that led to our past successes.
There is no reason we should change our core beliefs: lower taxes, limited government and strong national defense. Indeed, I believe these principles still resonate with the majority of our country.
I do believe we need new messengers for that message. I hope the party continues to recruit and nurture younger candidates with fresh ideas and a younger perspective. These new leaders undoubtedly will disagree with some of the older leadership on issues ranging from the environment to foreign policy.
That is OK. No, that is great. Our party cannot and should not become an echo chamber. A little dissent within is a good thing if it means our leaders will be able to deliver a coherent message that brings voters to the polls.
The GOP is in danger of losing two key demographics: youths and Hispanics. We need to work diligently to recapture both by speaking directly to them about our core principles.
It will take a serious effort to gain their support for our candidates and our positions. Particularly the youth vote, which, I believe, views Republicans as the “anti” party. If we give them reason to be “pro” something, we have a better chance of gaining their support.
Jonathan Neerman is chairman of the Dallas County Republican Party.