There are times when the silent majority of Americans want action. But after a while, they want inaction, for government to be quiet and without great change.
With 9-11, America wanted a lot of action, but over time fatigue has set in, and desire for momentum has been replaced with desire for inertia.
More than anything else, the last elections were to send a message to the republicans to “stop changing everything”, and to the democrats, to “log jam”. Importantly, the democrats have no mandate for anything other than to prevent republicans from doing things.
The public wanted the republicans to stop spending money like it was water. And to stop increasing security on Americans—things like demanding book lists from libraries hurt the republicans terribly. Not only that, but they look both authoritarian and ineffective against terrorists.
The republicans also made a bad mistake by continuing to call the occupation of Iraq a “war”. The war ended in 2003 with the defeat of the Iraqi army. Americans want the “war” to be over. Had the administration called it an “occupation”, much of the pressure would have long since dissipated. You win or lose a war, but an occupation is keeping the peace; plus it can be ended at any time.
Even calling it “The War On Terror” which while good at its onset, to explain why we use military rather than police methods, should have been superseded by a more appropriate term.
Last but not least, republicans are now faced with a lack of Presidential talent, because the party has not prepared several potential candidates long ago to look presidential. They are far too willing to leave it up to individual initiative, and the last time they did this, the nomination went to Bob Dole almost by default, because “he was next in line by seniority”.
By this time in George W. Bush’s first campaign, Bush had already locked up all of the big contributors for the party, and had already begun construction of the Crawford Ranch in anticipation of needing a “Texas White House”.
We need more candidates who are that prepared and have their act together, not “Who here feels like running for President?” Hands?
Good post and many good points, thanks.