A New GOP? We’ll see….
By Danae Jones Aicher | Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 | Uncategorized
I have the first criticism that I’ve had in a long time for an NPR story. It was this morning’s report of the debate among the candidates for the RNC Chairmanship. Having spent 13 years as a journalist, I’m all too familiar with the challenges of telling all of what happened at any particular event, especially a political debate with several candidates. So, I’m willing to give that the reporter did the best she could under the circumstances. The problem is there was very little substance to the report; very little serious discussion about the issues and how Republicans will try to address the needs of Americans.
But maybe the problem is with the debate itself. One of the things up for discussion apparently was how each of the candidates, as Chairman, would address those “areas where Democrats bested them”. Those areas were outreach to young voters and the use of technology, as in social networking. Certainly these are two areas in which Republicans could have, and should have, performed better. But I suspect most Americans will continue to reject the GOP nationally as long as Republicans continue to be, well, the Grand Ole Party and the protectors of all that implies.
I’ll admit the party might be well on its way of rejecting some of the negative stereotypes of the GOP if either former Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele or former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell become Chairman. That’s not to suggest that party faithful elect their leadership based solely on skin color (both Steele and Blackwell are black). In fact, as a member of the so-called post-racial generation, I’m completely against it. But, it wouldn’t be the first time the GOP has made decisions on that one issue alone. Still, putting either one of those men in charge might send a message to Americans who aren’t party insiders or even party faithful, which is the group both Democrats and Republicans need in order to win.
Of course, putting Steele or Blackwell at the helm might actually alienate a chunk of the party faithful. But a good ideological purging might just be what Republicans need as a first step in a comeback. After all, there’s little that’s hopeful about looking back on how things used to be. At least for some of us. It’s a new day. About 53-percent of Americans have embraced it.
The report also left me wondering who all of the candidates were. So I’m looking into it myself. More on that later…
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Comments
5 Responses to "A New GOP? We’ll see…."
A party without principals and concrete, well researched stances on issues is nothing more than a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Nice, Danae…but I love your “damned if you do; damned if you don’t” argument you unintentionally put on display.
If Republicans have no minorities in leadership positions, we are a party that lacks diversity. If Republicans do, “post-racial” folks such as yourself will find a way to be critical.
Trust me, Steele is where he is based on merit. Having listened to him on a conference call, I have faith in his conservative cred.
PS – I was curious why you chose to use the pirate logo for this post.
Danae,
You say that the GOP should shift it’s ideology, what should it shift.
Traditional Values? Prop 8 passed in California with the support of the black community. The founder of Planned Parenthood, the organization that helped to bankroll Barack Obama’s campaign, was in fact vehemitely anti-black, and believed in eliminating the black race through abortion.
Individual Empowerment? The Democratic Part has been advocating the same failed policies for helping the poor for the past 40 years now. The path to black empowerment runs through the GOP.
Actually, Guys, the post wasn’t about black empowerment. I was merely commenting on what WASN’T being discussed (at least not in the NPR report) given the fact that there are two black men and at least one other minority (of sorts, I guess) in the running.
And J.R., I have no criticism of Steele- or any other ethnic minority, for that matter- taking leadership roles in the Republican party. I applaud that development. In fact (you read it first here on Bearing Drift!), I think it’s wise for black people to consider the GOP. I’m not the likely black person to join, but that has little to do with issues of race.
And I love this talk of ‘traditional values’ coming from conservatives. How convenient it is to wave the flag of certain values that have been traditional in the GOP while refusing to talk about others. Besides, most Americans believe in and have family values. Republicans seem to be the only ones who want to narrowly define ‘family’.
Narrowly define family?
Wow.
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