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The Republican Party's Road Back to Victory
Real Clear Politics ^ | May 10, 2013 | Peter Wehner

Posted on 05/11/2013 11:50:13 AM PDT by Innovative

If Republican leaders were to fully embrace a conservative reform agenda, it would address pressing national needs. It would position the GOP as forward looking, contemporary, and have appeal to swing voters. It would demonstrate a commitment to a brand of conservatism that is practical rather than narrowly ideological. And it contrasts well with today’s reactionary liberalism, by which I mean liberalism that opposes virtually every effort to reform institutions and programs that are sclerotic, outdated, and ineffective.

....

There are five obvious areas for Republicans to focus on, beginning with entitlement reform ...

A second area Republicans should focus on is reforming our tax code... Our aim should be to replace the current tax code with one that encourages innovation and investment. The way to achieve those things is to broaden the base by closing loopholes and deductions and lowering and consolidating tax rates. The result will be significantly stronger economic growth and job creation.

....

Peter Wehner is a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Previously he worked in the administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

(Excerpt) Read more at dyn.realclearpolitics.com ...


TOPICS: Editorial; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: 2014midterms; commonsense; conservatives; education; elections; energy; immigration; reform; republicans; taxes; taxreform
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The Author not only has excellent ideas, but points out how to present these conservative ideas to appeal to more people.

It's an excellent article, well worth reading it in its entirety.

1 posted on 05/11/2013 11:50:13 AM PDT by Innovative
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To: Innovative
There are five obvious areas for Republicans to focus on, beginning with entitlement reform ...

A second area Republicans should focus on is reforming our tax code... Our aim should be to replace the current tax code with one that encourages innovation and investment. The way to achieve those things is to broaden the base by closing loopholes and deductions and lowering and consolidating tax rates. The result will be significantly stronger economic growth and job creation.

"We tried it their way and that's how we got here in the first place" Barack Hussein Obama.

Yes, they are great ideas but unfortunately there are few elected Republicans willing to stand up and publically beg to differ with the pResident.

We did try it our way and the economy did boom but right after the 2 year daily mantra that 4.7% unemployment was "the worst economy since Herbert Hoover" Pelosi/Reid gained control which is when the economy actually begun to tank.

And this fact needed to be the daily mantra from the Republican side but instead we see them agreeing that "yes, Bush failed us and Bush's 'disastrous economy' gave us Barack Obama".

Republicans need more than an agenda. They need someone articulate who can sell it to the American people. That's the problem. So far Cruz is one I see who can do that.

2 posted on 05/11/2013 11:57:01 AM PDT by tsowellfan (www.cafenetamerica.com)
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To: Innovative

The RINOcrats will only nominate another McScream, McRomney, McBush, etc. as their candidate and only get whipped in another election.


3 posted on 05/11/2013 12:00:35 PM PDT by RetiredArmy (1 Cor 15: 50-54 & 1 Thess 4: 13-17. That about covers it.)
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To: tsowellfan

” Republicans need more than an agenda. They need someone articulate who can sell it to the American people. That’s the problem. So far Cruz is one I see who can do that. “

Cruz, as good as he is, can’t do it alone.


4 posted on 05/11/2013 12:04:19 PM PDT by stephenjohnbanker
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To: Innovative
It's an excellent article, well worth reading it in its entirety.

It goes half the way.

What the Author conspicuously leaves out is all social issues, ALL OF THEM.

If the GOP want's to win the next election cycle, they'll focus on all three of the legs of conservatism that President Reagan so clearly communicated:

1. Fiscal
2. Social
3. Defense/Military

If they want to put the pieces back together of Real Americans, this will be their focus.

But there will have to be a strong commitment to all three.

They also need to focus on the family, something they have walked away from for some time now.


5 posted on 05/11/2013 12:13:55 PM PDT by SoConPubbie (Mitt and Obama: They're the same poison, just a different potency)
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To: Innovative

entitlement reform

reforming our tax code

Our immigration system

the path toward educational excellence

the energy revolution of the 21st century

.

OK. That is all nice well and good.

It will not work. At least not yet.

Any gains in any of these areas will simply be dog-robbed by the communists claims of credit for that success.

The Republican Party’s Road Back to Victory will occur ONLY when the Republican Party institutes azz-kicking reform.

Not “really good reform” agendas and topics but actual in their face statements of their acts of anti-American agenda.

As in standing up, on the record, staring them in the eyes if they are present or name a specific name or names if they are not and clearly, calmly, and without embellishments accurately state exactly what yet another slimy communist agenda “democrat” has done to besmirch their American heritage and deprive Americans of their Rights and freedoms.

You know, good old fashioned verbal open hand full speed slap that rings their ears and makes them see stars.

The next day, do it again with the next communist agenda “democrat” act.

Continue this process in a loud and deliberate manor is situations where the media can not pretend it did not happen until the communist agenda “democrats” are screaming at the cameras spitting foam and obscenities.

Bring out the underlying seething hatred of the left for America for all to see.

Continue this process with the politicians, then the media stooges, then the catch-phrase, low-info voters themselves.

The leftist agenda can not, nor has it ever been able to stand up to the scrutiny of the bright light of day.

So, that is EXACTLY what the Republican Party should do.

.


6 posted on 05/11/2013 12:32:34 PM PDT by TLI ( ITINERIS IMPENDEO VALHALLA)
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To: Innovative

This is a party who agreed to allow Hillary Clinton, a known liar, to “testify” to congress without having to swear an oath.

Whatever this country needs to get back on course is not going to be furnished by a party such as this.

The GOP is part of the problem, and it is going out of its way to make itself not a part of the solution.


7 posted on 05/11/2013 12:49:41 PM PDT by chris37 (Heartless.)
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To: chris37

” This is a party who agreed to allow Hillary Clinton, a known liar, to “testify” to congress without having to swear an oath.

Whatever this country needs to get back on course is not going to be furnished by a party such as this.”

The party of Rove

The party of amnesty.

The party of Boehner & McConnell, ain’t leading nuthin!


8 posted on 05/11/2013 12:55:04 PM PDT by stephenjohnbanker
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To: stephenjohnbanker

And Palin.

Though she has stepped back a bit since deciding not to seek the candidacy last time.

Keep her in mind. But Governor Palin we need you to ramp it up a bit likewise and stay involved. Please.

You have a massive wellspring out here of genuine, heartfelt enthusiasm.

Right now we need someone to get enthused about.


9 posted on 05/11/2013 12:57:39 PM PDT by Cringing Negativism Network
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To: Innovative

“If Republican leaders were to fully embrace a conservative reform agenda...”

But they will not...It is not in their best interest...

The typical republican party establishment/elitist “leader” will desire more to protect their status as a leader by keeping grassroots folks out of the “real” party comings and goings...Placate those folks by letting them work precincts, campaigns and attend “some” social/country club events, to keep the folks in the trenches in line...

This is how we lost Dallas, San Antonio, Austin has always been wierd, and Houston is following suit...

If we continue down this path, Texas is soon to be a battle ground state which will turn blue before too much longer...

And ALL those electoral votes going to democrats vying for the WH in the future can do so without leaving NY, California and Texas...

Won’t that be exciting!!! /sarc


10 posted on 05/11/2013 1:06:38 PM PDT by stevie_d_64 (It's not the color of one's skin that offends people...it's how thin it is.)
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To: Innovative

Not to rain on your parade, but what to do about the cheating.


11 posted on 05/11/2013 1:16:13 PM PDT by diamond6 (Lord, please have mercy on us!)
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To: chris37

This is a party who agreed to allow Hillary Clinton, a known liar, to “testify” to congress without having to swear an oath.

Whatever this country needs to get back on course is not going to be furnished by a party such as this.

The GOP is part of the problem, and it is going out of its way to make itself not a part of the solution.

&&&
Bingo!

We need a new party.


12 posted on 05/11/2013 3:46:57 PM PDT by Bigg Red (Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved! -Ps80)
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To: Innovative
Sorry. After the first sentence, I was laughing so hard, I had to change my underwear. I imagine every elitist establishment Republican who is merely another flavor of total control Socialist Progressive, had to do the same thing. THE GOP hates, despises and loathes conservatives and conservatism because it threatens their power, their perks, their positions, their pensions and their salaries. The sooner the renamed Whig party leaves the political landscape, the better. Personally, I think the two parties should be renamed the Patriots and the Progressives. That way McCain and Graham can finally get rid of the millstone around their necks.
13 posted on 05/11/2013 4:07:53 PM PDT by cashless (Obama told us he would side with Muslims if the political winds shifted in an ugly direction. Ready?)
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To: Innovative

“If Republican leaders were to fully embrace a conservative reform agenda, it would address pressing national needs.”

Hell, if three fat-ass conservatives were to get up off their butts and attend either a schoolboard or a village council meeting to protest taxes or commies in the classrooms, it would be historic.

The main reason America is in this sh*thole is because so-called conservatives are more interested in worshipping Mammon than laying a freedom foundation for their kids.

Think I’m bullsh*tting you? Then explain how commies infested every institution. They did it because fat-ass conservatives sat on their butts counting dollars and were not vigilant.

Liberty requires vigilance. Somebody said that somewhere sometime.


14 posted on 05/11/2013 4:55:11 PM PDT by sergeantdave (No, I don't have links for everything I post)
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To: Innovative

Palin


15 posted on 05/11/2013 5:28:25 PM PDT by onedoug
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To: Bigg Red

The problem with making a new party is how does a party go about keeping these type of people from infesting it?

Big government types are everywhere, and they will do anything to get that agenda done.

As much as I love the Tea Party, as far as I can see only one person elected since its formation stands up like a man, and that is Ted Cruz.

Perhaps there are others, but I am not aware of them.

It is as if the part of the world is no longer producing the type of citizen needed to maintain a free country, and I do believe that this is by design.

But yes, the Republican Party is the solution to nothing.


16 posted on 05/11/2013 5:59:48 PM PDT by chris37 (Heartless.)
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To: stephenjohnbanker
Cruz, as good as he is, can’t do it alone.

Agree 100%

17 posted on 05/11/2013 6:33:48 PM PDT by tsowellfan (www.cafenetamerica.com)
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To: Innovative

“The Author not only has excellent ideas, but points out how to present these conservative ideas to appeal to more people.”

No, he wants amnesty. And he exhibits a factually inaccurate picture of immigration.

His four other reforms mean nothing if amnesty goes through. In fact, there is no hope of the other reforms ever happening if amnesty occurs.


18 posted on 05/11/2013 8:46:43 PM PDT by oldbill
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To: SoConPubbie
But there will have to be a strong commitment to all three. They also need to focus on the family

I am very sympathetic to you socons. I will go so far as to say that the nation would be better off if you all were running it.

BUT

You really need to start delivering something other than catastrophes on Election Day to get what you want from the GOP.

YOU DO NOT HAVE A MAJORITY ANYWHERE. YOU CANNOT WIN ELECTIONS WITH 30% OF THE VOTES.

What the GOP "must do" is they must improve their winning percentage. Your demands, to the extent that they filter through to campaigns, do not improve the winning percentage. They make it worse.

As coalition partners, you can be effective. You cannot rule, and constantly pretending that, if only the GOP nominee for any office would run on your agenda that he would win, has been proven false over and over again.

19 posted on 05/12/2013 7:18:25 AM PDT by Jim Noble (When strong, avoid them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise.)
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To: Jim Noble
You really need to start delivering something other than catastrophes on Election Day to get what you want from the GOP.

YOU DO NOT HAVE A MAJORITY ANYWHERE. YOU CANNOT WIN ELECTIONS WITH 30% OF THE VOTES.


Principles are funny that way, especially when you are a Christian.

For us, they are not fungible, they are not negotiable.

I'd suggest that if you want the GOP to win elections, you get busy convincing others of the correctness of our positions and the fact we won't negotiate on these issues.

Otherwise, get used to losing.

The best political model was Reagan's model where each of the three factions of conservatism got what was most important to them:

1. Social conservatives got a strong commitment to social issues, but they had to agree to letting things that might not be as important to them go, like maybe fiscal conservatism.
2. Fiscal conservatives got a strong commitment to limited government, but they had to agree to let things like the social issues go
3. SoCons, or military/defense conservatives, got a strong commitment to military and defense issues, but had to let the secondary issues (to them) go like the social issues and limited government.

If the GOP is to succeed going forward they can't favor one group over the other, but need to focus on all three areas.

Walking away from your base, and the religious, social conservatives is a large part of the GOP base will be disastrous for the GOP.

Mitt Romney just finished doing that with his support of Abortion and the Gay Agenda and he lost a election that he should have walked away with against a socialist.

Granted there was cheating involved, but his margin of victory should have been so large that cheating would have never been a factor.
20 posted on 05/12/2013 8:47:57 AM PDT by SoConPubbie (Mitt and Obama: They're the same poison, just a different potency)
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