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Here's some good news: Scott Rasmussen thinks that the polling data doesn't support the conclusion that the electorate has fundamentally changed. Reaganism, he says, is still alive and kicking. Sean Oxendine concurs.
But then the bad news. We (that is, the party) blew it, says PJ O'Rourke. Moreover, we (that is, SF) warned against retaining failed leadership in the House. They're not listening, and Publius adds this. Sitting back and waiting for the electorate to change its mind, concluding that election returns are no verdict on you, is what kept the dems in the minority for twelve years. Get used to life in the minority, House Republicans; you're going to be there for a long time if you keep this up.
Moving on: Pat Ruffini wants us to focus on 2010 not 2012 - and, most importantly, to focus on winning back majorities in state legislatures lest we find ourselves redistricted into oblivion. He's right; I also see Ruffini's fingerprints on this commendable effort.
Lastly, some odds and ends. The WSJ thinks McCain should stand up for Palin - yep, and Mcain seems to agree. Ruffini again: what not to do next. Responding to David Brooks' op/ed that I linked offhandedly this morning, there's Jennifer Rubin and Patterico. I agree with Patterico: "I don’t think the future of the Republican party is to be Democrat Lite ... I still think people believe in cutting taxes and limiting government. They just want a party that is actually going to do it."
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into the belly of the beast
I think focusing on state legislatures is a good idea. but then I would, I'm from MA. The GOP is down to 16 of 160 at the last count I heard. I also heard an account on the radio of how there used to be lots of republicans in New England, and they were fiscal conservatives with little interest in socon issues. How about making a place like MA a target instead of preaching to the converted? It would be like when the Sex Pistols went to Georgia! :-)
I also heard how Rahm Emmanuel was part of the effort to enlist democrats that fit the blue dog profile to appeal to voters in conservative districts. I really think there is a lesson here about the big tent. I would dearly love to see MA have a more balanced government. We're paying the price in cronyism like you wouldn't believe. But do I want more republicans? Only if they look and sound different than the ones I have seen here. the only time the MA GOP has managed to display anything resembling a mass public presence and a united front was on gay marriage. Bad play.
So here's the simple thing: don't highlight the parts of your ideology that are unpopular in a given region. The GOP should get out there evangelizing and looking for blue dogs and blue dog sympathizers to make clear how welcome such folks are in the GOP. This is decidedly not the message I perceive. Why not toss a bunch of support at Bill Weld to run for senate if Kerry gets nominated for Sec of State? Or when Kennedy dies?
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I have often said, and oftener think, that this world is a comedy for those who think, and a tragedy for those who feel. -Horace Walpole