Not if the base continues to make the tent smaller.
Which independents were motivated to turn out this year?
Sure. Attack the voters you have in hopes (delusions) of getting the ones you don't. Nice pup tent strategy.
Thats it, right there. I think the base is going to have to bend a little or become insignificant.
You nailed it.
I have been a life-long republican and the most frustrating thing of all is that the republican base never seems to grow greater than 40-45 percent and the number of registered republicans is always less than registered democrats. I can't completely explain why independents switched this time around. The war was a factor, but I think more than anything, the Republicans played a prevent defense. They didn't take their winning game plan to the campaign. A great econonomy, stock prices rising, energy prices flat, a necessary and winnable war. They allowed the Dems and press to frame the game and the rules of engagement. Plus they got outflanked with the
dems selectively picking social conservatives against vulnerable Reps.
Just my thoughts. No bad feelings about the party in general. Will be there in 2 years fighting harder than ever to get things put right, while hoping we don't go down the tubes as a nation in the interim.