We can appeal to young in a number of ways. Whether or not we choose to do so is another story:
1. Smarter use of new media and social networking. We need more Breitbart and less snail mail
2. Greater emphasis on economic and personal freedoms, less emphasis on social conservatism. The social conservatism should not be abandoned, but it should be properly articulated and targeted at regions of the country where the people are more receptive to it. Young people in Utah are more socially conservative than say young people in New Hampshire. In general, we would need more Von Mises Institute and less PTL Club.
3. Stress the things we have in common with the young:
a. Economic uncertainty/need for job growth/economic growth
b. Personal freedom/constitutional rights
c. Concern about high taxes
c. Need to improve/reform educational system
d. Gun rights
As a social conservative, I don’t think we should abandon our long-standing support of social issues. I do, however, think we can emphasize those things we have in common with most of other Americans, including the youth. Right now, my primary concerns are economic decline, national security, and government excess. The moral decline in this country is probably the worst threat to the long-term health of this country, but that is a chronic disease and cannot be reversed anytime soon. Economics, national security, and, to a lesser extent, government scope can be positively reformed much sooner. These areas are like arterial bleeding and must be fixed now or the patient dies.
A lot of our daily politics will be shaped by the regions of country. In the South, social conservatism can be more pronounced. In more liberal areas of the country, the emphasis should be on Economic and personal freedom. I think of this as smart 10th Amendment politics.
1. Smarter use of new media and social networking. We need more Breitbart and less snail mail
More John Stewart types, less Hannity/Rush. Humor and sarcasm rule the day. It also doesn't help that almost zero celebrities are conservative.
2. Greater emphasis on economic and personal freedoms, less emphasis on social conservatism. The social conservatism should not be abandoned, but it should be properly articulated and targeted at regions of the country where the people are more receptive to it. Young people in Utah are more socially conservative than say young people in New Hampshire. In general, we would need more Von Mises Institute and less PTL Club.
Social conservatism will take care of itself if the kids come from a socially conservative home (hint, hint--they aren't. How do you sell the personal freedoms angle if gay marriage and pot aren't validated? Likewise, how do you present economic freedom if those seeking it with vigor (i.e. immigrants) aren't allowed to take part?
Economic uncertainty/need for job growth/economic growth
agree. this is a good issue. Romney tried but it didn't work. Unsure why it didn't get more traction.
Personal freedom/constitutional rights
Agree. 4th amendment is a good start.
Concern about high taxes
This one's a flop. Kids don't make enough to care, and don't have to worry about taxes too much.
Need to improve/reform educational system
Tricky, this one. "More teachers, more money" has proven to be the most successful formula. How can you argue against that? Vouchers were DOA--too abstract.
Gun rights
Honestly, guns are losing issue. Most kids do not grow up around real guns, and hunting/shooting sports are regional niche sports. These kids grew up with crazies shooting up their schools and want no part of that.
The foreign policy needs to looked at. Big commitments like Iraq/Afghanistan are now linked to George Bush, the Big Bad Republican for who knows how long. Ron Paul was able to have his isolationist message resonate.
"Womens' Health" 800 lb. gorilla. If we can't win this, forget it!