Why They Lost

Republicans have filled the airwaves with various reasons for the loss of the Presidential election.  Unfortunately (I say this as a former Republican and a desire to see a return of the Republican party of the Eisenhower era) their “excuses” are not remotely connected to the reasons for the beating they took.  While they did retain control of the House of Representatives, they only did so because of gerrymandering.  House Democrats actually received more votes than Republicans in the 2012 election and Democrats actually picked up seats in the House and the Senate as well as winning the Presidency.  Republicans need to learn that to win federal elections you have to be FOR something.  Lowering taxes and cutting spending is not governing.  Governing is using the tools of politics and compromise to make things better for citizens. Governing is repairing roads, bridges, airports, schools, and government buildings.  Governing is providing the tools necessary to educate children.  Governing is providing the resources to hire and pay for police, fire, and first responder protection. Governing is no longer a matter of giving your campaign contributors largess in exchange for their financial support.  For one thing, there are not enough wealthy contributors to win elections.  For another, history has proven that just helping the wealthy will not entice those not so wealthy to vote in your behalf.  It has also been demonstrated that the various social issues like abortion, gay marriage, and family values will only win elections where there is a meager turnout.  Unlike the days of the Bush 43 Presidency, 14% of eligible voters will not win an election today.  If Republicans wish to become a major factor they must take a lesson from Lincoln. First they must free the slaves.  By that, they must advocate policies that will result in financial freedom for the 95% not just the 5%.  Second, they must desist in trying to enact legislation about social issues and they must quit trying to turn their views on abortion and women’s health into legislation and this must also take place at both the state and federal levels.  Finally, the Republican party must use the majority in the House of representatives to take the initiative on tax reform, immigration reform, and on strengthening the safety net required by those at the bottom. The Republican party needs to demonstrate that they have members in elected office that have the ability to govern.  They have failed this test since Eisenhower left office.