Possible GOP comeback?

[BritishDixie]

The Republicans have to get back to appealing to a broad section of the middle class. The South, a shrinking area of the west and rural voters are not enough to build an election winning majority upon. To do this they must not abandon social conservatism, but tone it down during the campaign. The middle class don't mind family values, but they have other concerns, and this overarching emphasis on abortion and the family, coupled with good ol' right to bear arms and immigration controls, is not going to win over these voters. The "Palin Trinity" of God, Guns and Fences alienates so many people if being talked about constantly. Instead, the Republicans need to talk up sensible tax cuts, good economic management, toughness on crime, and reforming governmental bureaucracy and government programs. Throw in the "Palin Trinity" occasionally where needed, to shore up and enthuse the base. But devote conventions and major campaign events to the important issues of the day rather than these perennial issues. Tough on Crime works, as it did in 1988. The Republicans seem to have neglected it since then. Also, promises of huge tax cuts don't work either, as they don't seem credible and threaten core programs. Instead, sensible tax cuts, which are well costed, should be offered up. The GOP should also promise to try and keep a balanced budget. Streamlining the federal bureaucracy is also a good campaign theme, as it gives scope for tax cuts, and is fairly popular. If the GOP does this, then it can win back middle-class voters, and with them New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and more.

[BritishDixie]

The Republicans have to get back to appealing to a broad section of the middle class. The South, a shrinking area of the west and rural voters are not enough to build an election winning majority upon. To do this they must not abandon social conservatism, but tone it down during the campaign. The middle class don't mind family values, but they have other concerns, and this overarching emphasis on abortion and the family, coupled with good ol' right to bear arms and immigration controls, is not going to win over these voters. The "Palin Trinity" of God, Guns and Fences alienates so many people if being talked about constantly. Instead, the Republicans need to talk up sensible tax cuts, good economic management, toughness on crime, and reforming governmental bureaucracy and government programs. Throw in the "Palin Trinity" occasionally where needed, to shore up and enthuse the base. But devote conventions and major campaign events to the important issues of the day rather than these perennial issues. Tough on Crime works, as it did in 1988. The Republicans seem to have neglected it since then. Also, promises of huge tax cuts don't work either, as they don't seem credible and threaten core programs. Instead, sensible tax cuts, which are well costed, should be offered up. The GOP should also promise to try and keep a balanced budget. Streamlining the federal bureaucracy is also a good campaign theme, as it gives scope for tax cuts, and is fairly popular. If the GOP does this, then it can win back middle-class voters, and with them New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and more.

Exactly!

You agree? Finally someone agrees!

[BritishDixie]

I actually agree as well. I'd much rather have opponents in the mold of the British Conservatives.

The Tory Party is to the right of the Democrats generally, if you discount Cameron's clique (Osbourne, Warsi and Green), but is still to the left of the Republicans. A U.S comparison would probably be on the same area of the political spectrum as Bush Sr, Dole or Huntsman.