The challenge is to speak on so-called “wedge” issues in a way that energizes the base, while not losing too many votes from the middle. It can be done, as many winning candidates have shown. We just have to pick our battles, and note the terrain in planning, before we join battle.
Examples: pro-life is winning, as long as the candidate does not make it his only issue. Pro-gun is winning, outside of some northern cities (that conservatives rarely win). The clearer our message, the harder the State Run Media have to work to twist it. But as we can see from Sarah Palin, Dick Armey, Ronald Reagan, and others, being clear and on-message makes us a big target.
And we should learn from the mistakes of our adversaries. Listening is important. People will tell you what their issues are. Admit mistakes quickly, then move on. Vet candidates early. The Dems are beginning to regret not vetting the current res—dent of the White House> Let them regret another two years, four months (or less).
well said. One of the best people at this is talk radios Herman Cain. He is a social and fiscal conservative. His main talking point is economics, but he will never shy away from an opportunity to stand his ground on immigration, the 9/11 mosque, right to life, etc. Yet in doing so, I have never heard him do so in a way that alienates someone who disagrees.
No one makes any single issue his only issue. Don’t forget that the thing that sets America apart from all other nations is the fact that we were founded on the principle that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are the rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. If we give up the fight for any of our unalienable rights, America is no more. Our rights are granted by God, not government, and the purpose of the Tea party movement is to preserve, protect and defend these rights for ourselves and our posterity. And who are we defending them from? The government. And the sleazy politicians who would like us to not defend them so it would make it easier for them to get elected. No thanks. A man who cannot or will not defend our unalienable rights — ALL of them — does not deserve our support and should NOT be elected.
Lest we forget our purpose:
Damn the RINOs, full steam ahead!!
Rebellion is brewing!!
Karl used wedge issues wrong and I think you are too.
You’re talking about “red meat for the base”.