Republicans, where do you think the party needs to be headed?

Question

Would you rather see the republican party become more moderate? Like the direction it is headed in now.

Or

Would you rather see it get back to it's conservative principles?

Here's how I see it. The republican strategists believe the party needs to be more moderate. Where our republican politicians rarely take a stand against the democrats on many issues. Like alarmist environmental issues, wasteful and out of control education spending, spending on and expansion of social entitlement programs, or mass transit and so called smart growth city development (urban development). The moderate republicans rarely make a stand for fear they may push away voters, so they just bend over and take it. Yet, in doing this, they are creating a real disconnect with their conservative base. If the republican party doesn't get back to it's conservative principles, I think we're going to see a lot of republicans leaving the party. Either joining the libertarian or constitution party.

I think liberal republicans like Guiliani and Arnold S. are ruining this party. But maybe that's just me.

Answer 1

The problem is that embracing a lot of conservative positions right now will alienate voters and likely be a disaster at the polls. It might please the active base who want to stand on principle regardless of the larger political cost, but it'll drive away mainstream voters who are turning to a more populist message right now.

I think the worst thing to do would be to continue emphasizing social issues like same-sex marriage and abortion when most folks are far more concerned about the war, the economy, and immigration. If Republicans want to win elections, they'll choose more folks like Schwarzenegger and Guiliani to run who are socially moderate and willing to work with Democrats to accomplish shared goals. Delay and Santorum are the party's past, and embracing ideals associated with them would be political suicide. Fiscal conservatism is the party's "brand equity", but it's also a hard sell right now after the spending policies of the last six years.

Answer 2

I agree that there is a split in the party, and I think the available Republican candidates are helping the split along instead of a candidate that excites and unites the Republican Party. Without that kind of candidate the Republican party will not win.

I disagree in that I feel a more conservative Republican candidate down the line will not unite as much as a more centrist candidate.

Answer 3

that's a start up. economic conservatism minus the crackpot social conservative. Then we would desire to attempt to attain out to the middle and working training that we deserted, plus we would desire to purge the GOP of the racists and different bigots. enable them to pass with Palin.

Answer 4

You're right. Have you checked Ron Paul?

www.ronpaul2008.com

Answer 5

They should probably get back to what they used to believe in.

Right now they spend like democrats.

Answer 6

I think the party needs to head for the liquor store.

Answer 7

Yeh, beheaded, that sounds good