My point was that your math is irrelevant (and “moderates” do not equate to “independents”). It is the GOPe that continues to champion “moderates” as the primary target for campaigns. That is the teachings and strategy of Karl Rove (who in my opinion can drop of the face of the Earth straight into Hell at any time).
The so-called moderates aren’t interested in being convinced by conservatives. They vote (i) their emotions - how compassionate their view themselves and (ii) the market “pocket book” - redistribution that feeds their personal compassion/piety.
The best strategy is to get patriotic Americans back in a mood to vote. Moderates aren’t the target.
The “Reagan Democrats” weren’t “moderates”, they believed in a prosperous USA and Reagan delivered.
“The best strategy is to get patriotic Americans back in a mood to vote. Moderates aren’t the target.”
The moderates I know have voted, and will vote Republican when it’s reasonable. Many didn’t vote Obama in 2012, they either voted 3rd party, or simply didn’t have a presidential selection on their ballot.
The patriotic Americans stepping forward is unlikely. We have about 3 generations of kids who have been indoctrinated to believe in all this Marxist crap.
There are two paths to take. One is to be hardline, hold to what’s near and dear, and don’t negotiate. Take no prisoners as you fade into irrelevance. It’s simple math.
The other is to tread water. Win the elections we can, draw in moderates, attempt to educate them, and make them see conservatism doesn’t mean starving kids, fouling the environment and making slaves of people. While winning those elections, if we don’t take back the schools, we’re doomed no matter what we do.
moderate is just code for “useful idiot”