By John Zogby
This is in the heart of the Cascades in eastern Washington. One of the most beautiful spots Kathy (my wife) and I have ever visited. We were too briefly at the Suncadia Resort, aptly named because it sees 300 days of sunshine every year. I spoke for the second time to the Association of Washington Business.
A long question and answer period but I was particularly struck by the questions concerning the future of the Republican Party. I have written in my Politics column previously that the Republican Party may very well go the way of the Federalists. Interestingly, some conservatives have wondered if I am ready to remedy that suggestion because of the rebound the party has received in the polls lately. Honestly, I am not ready to waver at all. First, let’s look at the demographics that dominate the coalition that elected Barack Obama – young people (First Globals™), Hispanics, African Americans, and the “creative class”. The President has to worry about dwindling support from members of these groups, but does anyone honestly think Republicans are delivering any messages to these groups that appeal to them? Sure, it is scary to think about “death panels”, “socialism”, healthcare “rationing”, but opposition to each of these canards does not make a policy.
Second is the changing makeup of the Republican base. Rallying conservatives and uniting them into a vocal opposition is like holding up a stop sign, but again it is not long term policy. Besides, it is of no longer term appeal to independents.
And lastly, there is the question of independents. Their anger and disgust is aimed much more at the process than at the product. In the post-Katrina America, they simply are putting government on trial. Can government work? Can it get the job done? Can we have healthcare reform? Can we deal with sticky problems? In this arena, Democrats and Republicans, the President, and Congress are all on trial. Many voters are on sacrifice overload, but I have written before that Americans will accept sacrifice if they feel it is necessary and if they see a return on investment.
Stated simply, doing nothing is not an option. Being rejectionist is not a policy. Stopping policy from being made will not win at the polls. And while the Democrats may lose some seats and have to face a very disappointed electorate, right now, the Republicans aren’t providing any answers or any appeal to the powerful demographics that form the new majority.
#1 by billwald on December 5th, 2009 - 12:34 am
Nice area, Cle Elum. Thanks to the new economy the millionaires at Suncadia Resort should have sufficient hungry new negro class black, white and Hispanic serfs to serve them.
#2 by steve marlow on December 23rd, 2009 - 2:53 pm
I find this statement to be subjective in a time when there is answers out on the horizen but they are not being heard because of the insanity of the main stream news media there is answers to all of these problems . energy is one inwhich is a great player to many of the solutions of the day.What a prize just to sale this in its wright spin . Education is another we have been the constraights of the status Quo for so long that we nolonger think out of the box for as to offend the elit .