I think they should move in a more Libertarian direction. Moderate Libertarianism can work in this country. Like Duke said, if we focus on curtailing spending and cutting taxes for the middle class we’ll go a long way to reforming. Social issues are a bit harder, and I don’t know how they should be addressed. I don’t think the party can afford a wishy washy approach to them, they need to really pick a side. Ideally I’d be in favor of downplaying social issues, but there’s no way that would work. So, I don’t know. Hopefully the Republican strategists are a good deal smarter then me, ha ha. But the focusing on responsible economics is a good start, I‘d say, if they can actually practice what they preach for a change.
If the GOP becomes Libertarian, where does The South/Religious/Populist/Other people go?
Unlike the guy who said "GOP should be a big tent, kick the religious conservatives out," the solution really is to have a big tent party. The unifying message needs to be small government. A key plank in the platform, recognized by Reagan, Fred Thompson, Ron Paul, and others, is federalism. Religious conservatives are best served when Washington butts out of their business. Most importantly, judges need to faithfully interpret the Constitution. That by itself is reason for the Republican coalition to stick together.
The biggest challenge for Republicans is the dearth of effective communicators who will stand up and defend our beliefs. I think the Bush presidency is one cause for this, as Bush himself is neither eloquent nor ideologically consistent. Also, members of the party have been been muted in their criticism, for understandable reasons. But above all, we need advocates who can build the party rather than Rovian tacticians who can find 51% of the vote in a given election.
