Will the Republicans ever win again now that they've alienated the libertarian part of the party?

Question

In 2000, about 20% of American Republicans were part of the small government, economically oriented "libertarian" section of the Republican party.

The latest polls show this bloc of Republican voters is down to 1% and simultaneously more Americans than ever consider themselves to be libertarian independents. Speaking from experience, the loss of this alliance is directly attributed to Bush's liberal big-spending ways, complete lack of fiscal discipline, and globalist adventurism in the Middle East and our southern border.

Considering how close the elections have been, can the Republicans ever truly expect to win a national election again without 20% of their voting base? Do the current Republicans realize that only 30-35% of the voting population supports what the party's values have become under Bush?

Republicans often accuse Democrats of playing to the "far-left" and correctly realize this is why the Democrats lose so often lately. So, why have they gone so "far-right?"

I'm not just basing it on polls, I'm basing it on personal experience. I will never vote Republican again until the words "limited, constitutional federal government" go back in the party platform (this policy was removed when Bush got the nomination).

I don't think Libertarians are going to run out and vote for Democrats (LOL) but I could see Republicans losing a lot of principled voters to Ron Paul and maybe even Bloomberg (I don't personally like him but I could see it as a 'vote of no confidence' for economically oriented conservatives)

Answer 1

Divided, and almost conquered. I blame George Soros, and others in the media. Soros has done some good things, but he continues to influence people into dissolving our countries foundations and customs. If Republicans think Fred Thompson is what represents them, then I have nothing to do with them.

Answer 2

I am part of that group.

But there is a flaw in your logic.

Often the choices people make when they vote is "which one is CLOSER to my way of thinking"

And manytimes, that will NOT be democrat!

I have checked out all the candidates & find NONE of the democrats to be small government! They all want to solve problems be starting programs, when we all know just leads to more of a bureocratic mess.

I would liketo see those with libertarian leanings to register either Republican or Democrat & vote in the primaries for the candidate who less likely to expand the government.

I'm a registered Republican & will be voting in the primaries for just that reason.

If we let only the extremists vote in the primaries, we will end up in the same situation come Nov '08. Trying to decide which one is the lesser of two evils.

Answer 3

Great! Another POLL believer. How come I was never polled???

wait till Nov. 2008 and ask the same question again.

Remember that just before 2006 Election, Liberals kept telling anyone 70% of Americans hate Bush and GOP and they want a change?! Guess what?! Democrats barely won Majority.

Good for you. for your information that I certainly will not vote Democrat if they keep their LEFT and SOCIALISM.

Answer 4

Um, the Libertarian party HAS won elections numerous times throughout the country. In fact, I believe my mayor is a libertarian.

Answer 5

Oh, yes. It's only matter of time. People who elected the last congress are already fed up and it hasn't been a year yet! Further, I tend to be more moderate of a Republican and I support our President still. Don't believe every poll you see--they can be skewed anyway that the taker wants to give you the information that s/he believes it should show.

Answer 6

Why do people vote Party and not Person.? There are good mid road canidates on both sides. Before you deciede look at all the canidates and not just in one party. With that being stated I would think yes.

Answer 7

You'll see how the next president, most likely a democrat, handles the next big terrorist attack on this country, and everything will change drastically again. Polls don't matter.