Posted by Sir Four at 11:34pm Jul 30 '09Democrats kept getting walloped earlier this decade, largely due to a resurgent Republican party benefiting from a perceived strength on foreign policy issues. Of course, the public eventually began to tire of Bush's policies. However, in 2006, when the Democrats regained control of both houses of congress, the economy had not yet begun to fail, nor had the American public given up on the war in Iraq (remember how optimistic folks were about "the surge"?). The Democrats achieved this feat in part due to Chairman Howard Dean's 50 state strategy--a strategy to no longer cede races across red state America, but to find candidates to run there and provide them with the necessary support.
Of course, this often meant compromising on ideological rigidity and running more conservative Democrats. It also meant forcing Republicans to defend what they considered safe districts. It was an offensive move on the part of the Democratic party, and it reaped great success--not only in 2006 but in 2008 as well.
Now it's 2009 and the Republican party finds itself in a situation where majority status is but a distant dream. The party ideology can't win in blue state America. However, Republicans don't seem willing to pursue a version of the 50 state strategy, which would mean making incursions into blue states and running moderates. The Republican base, far moreso than the Democratic base, demands ideological conformity. Moderate Republicans are dismissed as RINOs. "Good riddance" summed up many Republicans' feelings over Arlen Specter defecting from the party.
So I'm left wondering, how does the Republican party plan on making a comeback in American politics? At a time when the party bends to the will of the Rush Limbaughs and Glen Becks, how can Republicans find a way to appeal to moderates and independents, and win back those lost seats?
Of course, this often meant compromising on ideological rigidity and running more conservative Democrats. It also meant forcing Republicans to defend what they considered safe districts. It was an offensive move on the part of the Democratic party, and it reaped great success--not only in 2006 but in 2008 as well.
Now it's 2009 and the Republican party finds itself in a situation where majority status is but a distant dream. The party ideology can't win in blue state America. However, Republicans don't seem willing to pursue a version of the 50 state strategy, which would mean making incursions into blue states and running moderates. The Republican base, far moreso than the Democratic base, demands ideological conformity. Moderate Republicans are dismissed as RINOs. "Good riddance" summed up many Republicans' feelings over Arlen Specter defecting from the party.
So I'm left wondering, how does the Republican party plan on making a comeback in American politics? At a time when the party bends to the will of the Rush Limbaughs and Glen Becks, how can Republicans find a way to appeal to moderates and independents, and win back those lost seats?
What will be the Republicans' 50 State Strategy? - Sir Four