So this blog ordinarily is about matters of a German or cultural exchange persuasion, I simply couldn't resist commenting on the news of today.
While it might not seem particularly newsworthy to those outside of well, Alaska and more generally the Republican Party, Sarah Palin stepping down as Governor is just that. And after reading some commentary from NBC and examining the writing on the wall, the conclusion for me is that this is bad. Very bad.
However, bad not for the reasons that are springing to mind. As a young fairly moderate conservative, this is terrible. For starters, (and I'm paraphrasing here) Sarah Palin for all intents and purposes is the front-runner of the 2012 Republican ticket. Given that there are no real political contenders (well none that AREN'T sleeping with someone not their wives) and those that do remain are decidedly unimpressive. *cough*Romney*cough*Huckabee*cough
Having come out as to where I stand, a candidate like Palin is the worst possible direction the GOP can orient itself. The conservative, married, religious percentage of America's population is in no danger of being alienated by the Republicans. Why then, is everyone who has a mike in the party right now pandering to this very demographic? After the disastrous "Party of No" debacle and the wrangling of former Vice-President Cheney within the party, the focus of the GOP should be getting young, energetic and motivated people within the party and putting their ideas forward. They do exist! And the people most likely to be swayed by them, a demographic of younger, perhaps more liberal (and I use this word with great caution and disdain) people within America might actually see the GOP as somebody worth listening to. Take our incumbent President for example. He ran on a platform of great soundbytes and the prospect of change, for good or ill I might add. Since then, there have been inklings of some interesting ideas at the core of what is a very run-of-the-mill politician. The GOP most definitely has the young, motivated and full of fresh ideas kind of people that our country definitely needs. They need full run of center stage though. I guess the point comes down to this: Where is the Republican's answer to Obama? (And if anyone says McCain, that ship has sailed...)
And because others say it so much better, a link to a great great article here. I look forward to having some discussion on this, so please sound off.
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Contemplating a run in 2012?
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that Republicans have run as a reactionary party for decades now: whether it is taxes, social issues, or foreign policy, the MO is to scare people into voting conservative.
Over the past 30 years of conservative power, we've seen some scary things, none of which were prevented or ameliorated by the traditional party line.
Show me a modern-day Eisenhower and maybe we'll talk.
You jest good sir? Sadly, I won't be able to sit for an election until 2020, but it's on the horizon. Oh how my heart yearns for Ike! Unfortunately, I don't think the GOP has one waiting in the wings. Too much of a political tradition has been made on this boogeyman sort of politics.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I love parliamentary politics. I think the discussions (and the political process) are so much more engaged and effective. Sat in on the Bundestag last week and that was simply fascinating.