Comments on: Steele’s 50 State Strategy

By: The GOP Abandons Rhode Island : Delaware Liberal

The GOP Abandons Rhode Island : Delaware Liberal — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:31:23 +0000

[...] reports that the sole GOP candidate for governor has dropped out of the race. Ha! How’s that 50 State Strategy working out for ya Michael [...]

By: njrepublican

njrepublican — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:52:01 +0000

I agree with Bulldoglover100. It is the narrow minded “right” wing that is pushing a losing agenda. Who cares if he is a member of the Republican Leadership Council. Just as much as who cares if someone is a member of the Christian Coalition. We need to broaden our approach and focus true core values in all 50 states. We need to energize our youth, grow our grassroots efforts and embrace technology. I look forward to seeing the effects of Michael Steele.

By: sinz54

sinz54 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:46:13 +0000

If you ask young people what they think the GOP stands for, they will tell you: It’s anti-gay, anti-sex, and pro-war. We will not make any headway with the youth vote until we change that perception. And we can’t change that perception just by a better public relations campaign–because, unfortunately, there is some truth to it. Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review has written that reducing abortions through birth control (Giuliani’s approach) is insufficient, because the “real” goal of conservatives is actually to reduce premarital sex. Premarital sex may be a fit subject for a political movement of social conservatives, but it cannot be allowed to be associated with the national Republican party. The GOP cannot position itself as a party of moral scolds, acting as grumpy grandparents, if it hopes to attract young people. Secondly, polls have consistently shown that each new generation of young people is more tolerant of homosexuals than the previous generation. The GOP’s argument that same-sex marriage breaks with long-standing traditions is hardly an argument to appeal to young people, who didn’t help craft any of those traditions. The GOP does not have to endorse same-sex marriage. But it has to show that gays and lesbians are welcome in the party. Not as tokens to be displayed for the TV cameras at a GOP convention, but in the Republican party hierarchy, even at the highest levels of policy setting. Mr. Steele, an African-American, is going to help set policy. There should bey andn Republicans right alongside him. A meeting between Mr. Steele and Tammy Bruce would send a message.

By: Kaz

Kaz — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:46:46 +0000

“But it is precisely Steeles embrace of a broader big tent philosophy, while staying true to conservative principles, that will swell the partys ranks.”

I hope Steele will at a minimum state what those “conservative principles” are. My view is that Republican’s don’t need to act more like Democrats to expand their base. Republican’s need to make a convincing case why smaller government is necessary and better, by personalizing the benefits in a way each voter can understand.

By: Bulldoglover100

Bulldoglover100 — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:09:52 +0000

For those Republicans miffed by his being a member of the Republican Leadership Council? LOL They are the biggest problem with this party. The Republican Leadership Council are ALL voting Republicans! what do they not understand about that? without moderate Republicans? the GOP will never win another election.
I agree also with the 50 state. We must reach out to them and if we do not start now? The Dems will become entrenced at the college level all across the country.
Good points Jennifer.

By: Fitz

Fitz — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:28:22 +0000

A fifty state strategy is absolutely essential. Michael Steele would be the Maryland Senator right now if not for Katrina. Politicians like Steele know how to present the Republican platform in a refreshing and vibrant way. People are looking for an alternative to the democrats; we cant win by giving them democrat lite. I for one am looking forward to representing the Party in my home State of Michigan. State Republicans can be very competitive in as history has shown. We need at least one Republican Senator and we deserve one. The reason for republican losses in the Midwest can be attributed to the decline of our manufacturing base and the power of unions. Republicans need the kind of 50 state strategy that appeals to the unique economic concerns of the Midwest and other regions.

Governors and Senators are a good place to start. The people in Michigan are ripe for a change once they see that Obama wont bring back the jobs we lost.

By: HollywoodBill

HollywoodBill — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:15:46 +0000

Steele has some admirable goals. Hillary Clinton’s Senate seat in NY. The Governorships of New Jersey and Virginia. The Northeast cannot just be written off any more than the Pacific Coast can. There isn’t a single Republican US Senator on the West Coast. And he’s going to have some interesting situations. Arnold is termed out in 2010. Historically, California has Republican governors with a Democratic majority in the Assembly and Senate. So far, all three Republican candiates are social moderates and California hasn’t elected a social conservative statewide since 1986.