Here are some talking points for how the GOP could win the next election while simultaneously lowering the national temperature surrounding politics.
1. Make politics boring again for Trump's base. As the GOP pivots away from Trump towards DeSantis, the populist base needs to stop caring before the primaries or Trump will be the ticket. A Trump candidacy is almost certain to fail, and we cannot allow his base to feel so backed into a corner that they again turn to violence. That is bad for all Americans.
2. Appeal to younger voters. Many thousands of R voters were lost due to Covid and need to be replaced with new R voters. The Dems just won Millennials/Gen Z by nearly 30 points. The traditional cycle of middle-aged folks turning conservative to protect their wealth is not happening because of failed trickle down economics policies. GOP is going to have to appeal directly to younger interests.
3. Recalibrate the approach to abortion. The hardline stances are great for the dwindling religious population, while disenfranchising huge swathes of Americans including most young people. Watching 40+ year olds that are no longer likely to be of child-bearing age pull up the ladder behind them is going to have a lasting impact. Each time the word is uttered, voters are lost.
4. Change the narrative on marijuana. Over 70% of the population supports total legalization for 21+ years old. The elderly population that votes largely R and may be hesistant due to decades old devil's lettuce propaganda would greatly benefit from legalitzation. Current smokers that may inch towards conservatism as they age aren't going to sign themselves up for more discomfort.
Wealth inequality is going to result in things getting continually worse for all humans on planet Earth minus a tiny subset. It is going to be easier and easier for the right to harp on times past and appeal to struggling individuals. They pretty much just need to get out of their own way. Don't allow the smallest subsets within the party to bark the loudest. Placate the evangelicals and tribalists but do not encourage them. Allow the most moderate voices to stand out. This is the winning formula.
1. Make politics boring again for Trump's base. As the GOP pivots away from Trump towards DeSantis, the populist base needs to stop caring before the primaries or Trump will be the ticket. A Trump candidacy is almost certain to fail, and we cannot allow his base to feel so backed into a corner that they again turn to violence. That is bad for all Americans.
2. Appeal to younger voters. Many thousands of R voters were lost due to Covid and need to be replaced with new R voters. The Dems just won Millennials/Gen Z by nearly 30 points. The traditional cycle of middle-aged folks turning conservative to protect their wealth is not happening because of failed trickle down economics policies. GOP is going to have to appeal directly to younger interests.
3. Recalibrate the approach to abortion. The hardline stances are great for the dwindling religious population, while disenfranchising huge swathes of Americans including most young people. Watching 40+ year olds that are no longer likely to be of child-bearing age pull up the ladder behind them is going to have a lasting impact. Each time the word is uttered, voters are lost.
4. Change the narrative on marijuana. Over 70% of the population supports total legalization for 21+ years old. The elderly population that votes largely R and may be hesistant due to decades old devil's lettuce propaganda would greatly benefit from legalitzation. Current smokers that may inch towards conservatism as they age aren't going to sign themselves up for more discomfort.
Wealth inequality is going to result in things getting continually worse for all humans on planet Earth minus a tiny subset. It is going to be easier and easier for the right to harp on times past and appeal to struggling individuals. They pretty much just need to get out of their own way. Don't allow the smallest subsets within the party to bark the loudest. Placate the evangelicals and tribalists but do not encourage them. Allow the most moderate voices to stand out. This is the winning formula.
