Why Republicans May Never Again Control Washington

You can stick a fork in the once mighty right-wing GOP. The Republican Party, to quote the hilarious Billy Crystal character in the magical film The Princess Bride, is "mostly dead." The majority has clearly swung to the center, becoming a much more moderate representation of the party. Statistics now show that more Americans have abandoned religion and the hot button social issues that used to be conservatives' bread and butter campaign themes. What's more, the evangelical wing, the party's core base just a few short years ago, has shrunk to negligible, insignificant levels.

It's 2009, and we have a black president, a black chairman of the Republican National Committee, a female House Speaker, and gay marriage laws being passed around the country. How sweet it was to see President Obama acknowledge RNC head Michael Steele at the recent White House Correspondents Dinner with a jovial "Wassup, Michael!? Michael Steele is in the hizzy!" This is definitely not your father's America. Finally.

The nation is reeling from the worst financial crisis in 80 years, and it's mired in two wars which are sapping our financial and emotional resources as we struggle to keep the country safe from terrorists.

And then there's President Obama, who tackled the controversial subject of abortion head-on in yet another brilliantly delivered speech at Notre Dame last weekend -- as he did with race back in 2008 -- and which proved, by the overwhelming support of students and faculty alike, that the staunchly conservative pro-lifers who tried unsuccessfully to undermine his appearance are in even smaller, more insignificant ranks than ever before.

Obama is also doing more to bridge the nation's great political divide than any president in history. My dear friend Bryant, a die-hard Republican, and who for years I've used as a barometer to measure the pulse of the fringe wing of his party, sent me an email Monday acknowledging Obama's bi-partisan efforts, but somehow the real meaning and intent of them was lost on him:

...Obama's at least smart enough to sense that we live in a center right country. That's why he kept Gates. That's why his speech at Notre Dame called for each side in the abortion debate finding common ground with the other side. That's why he appointed a Republican as ambassador to China (Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman)."

What Bryant, and others like him, have failed to grasp is that our president -- an inexperienced 46-year-old black man named Barack Obama, who Republicans have called the most liberal Democrat ever -- managed to get himself elected by bringing a new message of hope, change and bipartisanship to our sick nation. These are themes on which he campaigned. Promises he made to voters. That Bryant reduces this to some cheap political triangulation strategy -- something to be mocked -- once again proves that the extreme right-wingers out there still do not understand how and why they lost the White House and both houses of Congress last November, or why they're about to hand Democrats the Senate's first filibuster-proof majority in 30 years. Clearly, if we're judging the nation's political leanings by the actions of voters, this picture is hardly one of a "center-right" country.

The more Republicans fail to see why they lost, and why Democrats won... and the more they continue to waste time, energy and financial resources on abortion, guns, God and gays instead of focusing on what voters really want, which is an end to war, recession and the incessant partisan bickering that ravaged our political system under Bush/Cheney, they will never again hold power, and their party will go from mostly dead to all dead.

Comments

[mcquaid]

Republicans are doing just fine. They've made sure God remains in our government, sustained a culture in which every and any thing of any possible benefit to the country as a whole is weighed against the "cost" to the wealthy few, and they're working hard on suppressing unions while paying them lip service, keeping our defense contractors fat with lots of overseas adventures, and coddling the wealthy elite who finance their campaigns and take care of them between appointments. In all, it's a return to the classic agenda, which is, above all, to perpetuate the financial, social and political culture which has served them so well for so long, at the expense of most Americans as well as the rest of the world.

But by far, the cleverest thing they've done is to scrap that tired "Republican" moniker with its connotation of overweight, incontinent, war-mongering white greedheads in favor of something that markets just a bit younger, a bit sleeker, something that has that "multi-culti, big tent, college-educated" elan, something that will give voters that tingly feeling they're opting for an alternative without the muss, fuss and disruption a real alternative would cause. There's something just so activist-esque and egalitarian about the word "Democrat."

[SgtLucifer]

Andy,... you seem to be over-estimating the intelligence of the American people. Expect them to always vote against their best interest. And by the way, you also seem to imply that we are better off with Dim-ocrats. Dear Lord... please help us. The Dim-ocrats can be just as hellish as the Republicans. America clearly could use a third party that is more responsive to the people.

[Alger Hiss]

A one party America I can handle. So long as it's the Democratic Party.

[jobecky20]

What are you talking about? We're going to have guns in National Parks and we're not bringing the Gitmo guys here where they belong to face our criminal justice system. And this is all thanks to the Democratic controlled congress. The Democrats are WIMPS and I think it's time for me to leave the party and become either an independent or a socialist. Anything but a DINO. The Republicans still rule the day, as far as I'm concerned and that's not the change I voted for.

[Joseph Upton]

America has been dumbed down to the point where they can be easily bribed with their own money. Several philosophers and politicians in the distant past warned about a system where the public can vote themselves money from the government treasury. The democrat party has been more successful than the republicans in doing just that. We just wen't over a cliff but we are at that moment in time where we don't yet realize that it's all over.

[jpinsatx]

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - Now all of a sudden I've got someone who wasn't
a spouse before, that I had no responsibility for, who is now getting
claimed as a spouse that I now have financial responsibility for... So
how do I pay for that? Who pays for that? You just cost me money, GOP
Chairman Michael Steele said Saturday.

Hmmm... The GOP's attempt to rally anti-gay sentiment with healthcare
is repugnant. Almost all businesses providing healthcare only pay a
portion of employee coverage and no part of dependent coverage, spouse
or children. A spouse, male or female, makes absolutely no difference!

[take10]

Democrats play good cop, while republicans play bad cop. They are in it together for the purpose of duping the American people into pleading guilty to stupidity! The result is that we allow politicians to forget who they work for. As Americans, we as well, are all guilty of the wrong that we allow our elected officials to do with impunity, as if they are above the law. Until we realize that term limits are what's needed to begin taking back our government and our constitution from those who abuse both, nothing will change!

[madatnewsmedia]

It doesn't take much to dupe you does it? No one can dupe you unless you're willing to go along with it! If Americans have been fooled, I believe that they are wide awake now! so, you may have made a small point, but just a small one!!

[take10]

If your little mind can't comprehend the full intent of my statement, that somehow translates into me being easily duped? Thus, I am allowed to presume that you are one of the red state ditto heads who are herded like sheep or follow like rats anyone who tells you they have all the answers, but no liability for misleading you. If I were duped, I couldn't possibly have offered a solution to what I see as a major defect in our political process. Be honest! What would you do without, Limbaugh, Savage, Culter, Hannity and, especially, Beck to guide you? My guess is, you'd be happy sitting in your trailer with a six pack!

[take10]

If your little mind can't comprehend the full intent of my statement, that somehow translates into me being easily duped? Thus, I am allowed to presume that you are one of the red state ditto heads who are herded like sheep or follow like rats anyone who tells you they have all the answers, but no liability for misleading you. If I were duped, I couldn't possibly have offered a solution to what I see as a major defect in our political process. Be honest! What would you do without, Limbaugh, Savage, Culter, Hannity and, especially, Beck to guide you? My guess is, you'd be happy sitting in your doublewide with a six pack!

[TheWaffle]

I would say don't pull your campaign donations yet. Obama's victory was by 7.5% of the popular vote. We've seen slides back and forth, we've seen transformational figures come onto the stage and pass. But for almost 70 years the United States has pursued a similar foreign policy, and there have been regular movements from ultra-liberal to violent reactionaries. American culture and life progresses in a cycle. Our public is growing more informed yes, and our social policies are even becoming more liberal. But the nature of politics is to split right at the center. A few years of liberal control may change a great deal in this nation. But in 2016 I expect the republicans will have found their own Obama, maybe after 8 more years as Governor Sarah Palin will reappear, maybe Meagan McCain will run for office, or someone who has not yet hit the national spotlight.

There is always someone left behind when policy gets made. The republicans may redefine themselves in any number of ways. I think we've witnessed a realignment in American politics but it's only a few years before we see two large parties competing for that 51% of the vote.

[Theo67]

As long as you continue to think that leadership should equate with popularity, and not stem from natural ability, careful contemplation and mental intelligence, then the longer this Republican wilderness is going to continue. It is very scary that you imply that Sarah Palin and Megan McCain (24 years old) are the future leaders of the Republican party, the hope of the future of leadership in this country. I suggest that you carefully observe leadership in action - currently on display in the White House. Then, re-examine your statements. If you still think cheap one-liners, unauthentic patriotism, and subjectively attractive looks are all it takes to lead the world...well, then you are lost.

[Alger Hiss]

"... ultra-liberal to violent reactionaries ..."

That's kinda a stilted spectrum. Where are those of us to the left of "ultra liberals?"

[lastcallmd]

Andy,

I didn't bother to read past your headline because it, much like similar headlines about the demise of the Democrats way back when, is just stupid. Principles always assert themselves and I believe that the Dem's principles (although I can't discern what they are) are held in good faith. Same with the Reps. And the principles of limited government, no nanny state, freedom over personal security guaranteed by the state, will again rise. A debate on the parameters is a good thing. But bloggers like you, who see a 300 million person nation in black and white, and try to force the choice without recognizing the nuance, do nothing but harm. It might make you feel good, but it is self-rightious demagoguery that hurts the ability of those with some actual knowledge to debate the merits of any given plan.

[Andy Ostroy - Huffpost Blogger]

Have you never heard the cliche, "Never judge a book by its cover?" I'm not sure how to respond to someone who chose to make judgements based on headline exclusively rather than by reading what the writer actually has to say about the subject...but here goes:

America is anything but a black and white place, with simple issues. To the contrary, my commentary focused on the GOP's continued emphasis on the staunch right-wing issues like religion, abortion, gays, right-to-life, guns, etc, while most of the 300-million people you refer to are obsessed with their jobs, incomes, savings, houses, health care, education and the environment...not to mention war and fighting terrorists. Question my motives accordingly, but I have the recent election results to support my position. America is moving further away from hard-line conservatism and towards more moderate positions...on both sides. And that's precisely because of the nuances you speak of. That's healthy for the country. The great partisan divide under Bush/Cheny is narrowing. Obama, as a truly great leader, is personally responsible for bridging much of that gap. Now, nothing in my piece cavalierly suggests that Democrats have nothing to worry about, or that its hold on power is forever. Nothing should be taken for granted. Republicans are typically much smarter and more resourceful than Democrats, and it wouldn't take much to get back in the game. But what it will take is a complete shift in thinking and priorites.

[taikan]

Unless our political system somehow stops being rigged in favor of the two current largest parties, it is safe to assume that the Republican party will neither die nor be relegated to permanent irrelevancy. Instead, it will evolve once again into a viable party capable of winning elections in most, if not all, states.

Each of the two major political parties has gone through considerable evolution since the Civil War, and it is reasonable to expect that each of them will continue to evolve. Prior to Lyndon Johnson's presidency it was the Republicans, not the Democrats, who were more likely to support civil rights. Indeed, all of the famous politicians who opposed civil rights in the 50s and 60s, such as George Wallace and Strom Thurmond, were Democrats at the time. On the other hand, Earl Warren, who as Chief Justice presided over the Supreme Court that issued the unanimous decision that "separate but equal" education systems in fact were not equal, was a Republican elected official in California before becoming Chief Justice.

The really interesting question is how the Republican Party will evolve this time. My guess is that it will go in the direction of a Barry Goldwater type conservatism. That will cost it the support of those who want to force their religion on the rest of us, but it will enable the party to pick up a large number of people who think government should play a lesser role in society than it currently plays.

[dyldrix]

It's true my party (The GOP) is in a transitional phase. The end result of this will either be reverting back to a misguided belief of core values that never were, or, better yet, the final jump into what we always should have been, a party that pushes for individual freedom and self responsibility, fiscally balanced gov. that diminishes the power of the presidency and stops micromanaging states returning them to their once semi autonomous roles of self governance. As for the authors quip about the end of religion, that is not accurate at all, overwhelmingly 70% of this country still actively associates themselves with a particular religion and an even larger percentage openly states their belief in a god (or gods)

[kjstjohn]

The GOP-appointed Supreme Court justices have set records striking down state laws on grounds of federal pre-emption. We are going to have to look to Democratic­-appointed justices to protect states' rights for the next few decades.

[farmgirl10]

I think his reference to the republicans' use of "abortion, God , guns and gays," targets the extreme Christian fundamentalist pandering of the GOP, not the religious values of the majority of the country.

[GordonA]

The Republicans lost the last set of elections because mob rule cannot long succeed in not worsening conditions. The Democrats are now running the mob. The fickle in the mob will shift their support back to the Republicans when the Democrats inevitably fail to not screw things up. The mob will then turn on the Democrats. This has happened before. It is called a pattern.

[KarelS]

Patterns are interrupted when those formally in charge take advantage of an idiotic electorate to gain power once again. The key to preventing this from happening is education--which, of course, the Republican mind sees as conspiratorial, not in their favor.

[Emlyn]

I sometimes wonder if the Republicans know they lost the election?

[dollyfedup]

I don't think so. Judging by how the media carries on they like to focus on the GOP and what they have to say about things and what the future holds for the party. Did they do this when the democrats were out of power?

[RevSpaminator]

While this is some lovely wishful thinking, the GOP is not dead nor will it ever be. Not that I have much love for them, but they are large and they get too much national attention.

[rainjustice]

Another reason why GOP will lose is their complete lack of empathy for those less fortunate than themselves: See below:

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Republican head insults Americans with disabilities.
Michael Steele, today, made a speech including the line and Barney Frank, who "no one understands"! Barney Frank, like many Americans, has a speech impediment. This is absolutely reprehensible. The republican party leaders, apparently, are intending to defeat The Americans With Disabilities Act by mocking and marginalizing people with disabilities! * remember the "voice of the Republiccan Party, Rush Limbaugh, mocking Michael J Fox. Incredible! How low WILL they go? Rainj

[MissElaineous]

Don't kid yourself Andy, the Crazy runs deep. They are bloodied and bowed, but will come back at you like a slider that's been sitting in the bag too long. Never ever ever get complacent. Yes, the people with the above room temperature IQs are in charge, but that can change on a dime.

[KarelS]

You're right, Miss. Anyone who's spent any time in Red States lately know that "The South Shall Rise Again" is still very much a rallying cry.
Sure, the younger generation in Amite and Oxford, Mississippi MAY have a different take on race. But they still go home to parents raised by parents who saw fire hoses and German shepherds used against black protesters as entirely justifiable.
It will take many generations before the South shall come to their collective senses. And having an interim of "failed" policies by a black president won't advance the process.
All they need is one excuse in order to stand by their preconceived notions of the inferiority of blacks and the arrogance of liberals. And they will "cling to their guns and gods" while going to the voting booth or to a Palin rally.