We talked to some of the smartest minds in Republican politics, and their prognosis is pretty grim. They think it will take pretty big changes — and possibly many, many years — to repair a Republican brand sullied by excessive spending, an unpopular war and an even more unpopular president.
1. Get a clue: Republicans desperately need to cook up some new ideas and craft an attractive agenda to have any chance of success. Former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney says it should be a modern edition of Newt Gingrich’s “Contract With America.”
***Mitt Romney is one of the smartest minds? Wow! I never realized how much trouble they were in.***
***THe Contract with America is a major reason why we're in this mess***
2. Cut the crap.
***This one was just so incredibly lame that it defies discussing. Same old getting back to family values, purging scandal-plagued members, etc. I noticed they only focus on those involved in sexual matters, no mention of the financially criminal republikkans.***
3. Beg for help:
***This one was hysterical because they asked Tom DeLay for his take on the issue. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! He's one of the major reasons why they're in this mess.***
4. Burn the Bush: There is something honorable about loyalty. But taken too far, it can start to look downright loony to voters. President Bush is as unpopular as Richard Nixon was in the days before his resignation. Cut him loose — quick, says Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.). “We can go our own way with our own programs, and even disassociate ourselves from President Bush,” Davis said in a memo to fellow Republicans.
***This one had the best advise. So kudos to Tom Davis for a little bit of honesty. But, I do find it interesting that he's suggesting a strategy the Democrats have begun to abandon...Running against the national Party and turning it local.***
5. Change the pitch — and your face: Several well-known Republicans said the party needs fresh, reassuring packaging and a more diverse crowd to deliver it.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said it’s time to return to a family values message — backed up by ideas families actually like. “Our reforms and beliefs need to be framed in the context of how they help families. A family-friendly focus is really important, given the angst that people feel these days.”
The image of the white men’s club needs to go, too, says Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “The country is changing. The Republican Party has to have a message that reflects faces and voices of America. We have to do a better job of recruiting women candidates, candidates of color and diversity.”
***Again, laughable. The republikkan party is a rich white man's club. Besides, if they cease to focus on the needs of rich, whie-men, they'll lose Shill O'Lielly's support.***
***Also,notice the 'Family Values' meme?***
6. Fan the fear: Ignore the critics, Republican wise men say — there is still no better way to win than to stir up concerns about Democratic patriotism and their commitment to national security and killing terrorists. It often remains the best call in the GOP playbook, especially with McCain atop the ticket.
***So, in the end, it is all about fear and division. It has been that way since the end of the 2nd World War. You know what they say, "What's old is what's new."***
***What makes number 6 so laughable is the phrase '...weakness in dealing with dictators." The GOP has sold us out to China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kazhakstan, Uzbekistan, etc. and we're the people who won't stand up to dictators?
link:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10370.htmlAnything within te *** is my personal notes. Number 5 may violate DU posting rules.