Republican rebound needs a sixth sense

I’m sure I’ll add legions of new members to my fan clubs with this, but its been painfully true for a while now, and now that Obama’s becoming as popular as an over-40 visit to the doctor’s office, I think it bears repeating.

We’re getting our chance to right our ship now. Congressional seats up next year, and two years after that, Presidential politics and a Virginia Senate seat.

In all, there will be the strong temptation to parade the same folks in a “See, I told you so” campaign. I hope we don’t.

Politicians who have lost elections have what I call “Sixth Sense Syndrome” – from the famous “I see dead people” movie. The words after that famous line are the ones that fit too well.

“They only see what they want to see. They don’t know they’re dead.”

It’s completely natural. Ousted elected officials going to civic leagues and political breakfasts, toying with the idea of the big comeback. It almost never happens, and if you’re thinking right now of an example when it does, you’ve proven the point. It’s the exception.

Republicans who have held office and lost can’t fall prey to the sixth sense syndrome. They must let go.

For a Republican resurgence, we need the gumption to clear the slate for new faces, new ideas, and new candidates. Nothing against our former officeholders, but as long as they carry our banner, we’re fighting yesterday’s battles again, and voters aren’t real concerned about yesterday.

As opportunities open for Republicans to contend for the voters’ favor, let’s be sure that we’re offering new choices to them.

Otherwise, we’ll be replaying the results of the last few years for years to come.

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About the author

Brian Kirwin

The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.