2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumRepublican Underground Emerges From The Shadows
EVAN MCMORRIS-SANTORO NOVEMBER 19, 2012, 5:53 AM
They are few, but they are vocal: the pro-same-sex marriage, pro-choice, pro-tax Republican activists. For years, these groups have labored off the radar, trying to convince a party unwilling to listen that it needs to moderate on issues from social to fiscal. But after the Democrats decisive victories on Nov. 6, the Republican Underground says its finally time to go mainstream.
In the days since the election, TPM has talked with what one could call fringe Republican activists from across the issue spectrum. Like most in the GOP since the election returns that shellshocked the top of the ticket came in, theyre eager to see the Republican Party become more appealing to the national electorate. Unlike many Republican leaders, however, these activists say they actually know how to make the substantive changes to make that happen.
Republicans everywhere talk about a change in tone rejecting divisive language like Mitt Romneys post-election gifts comment has become the national pastime for the GOP in recent days. But even the most vocal Romney critics in the Republican mainstream have repeatedly said the party doesnt need to change substantively. It just needs a new sales pitch.
The only real policy shift to come out of the election so far is a return to support for comprehensive immigration reform that was a central plank of many Republican campaign platforms in the cycles before 2012. On other issues, there are plenty of Republican leaders who say the GOP can hold the conservative line and still win.
Complete article:
http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/11/republican-underground.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
plethoro
(594 posts)done right, we can end the Republican Party.
louis-t
(23,297 posts)They will be a constant reminder to Dems of what happens if they get lazy again.
plethoro
(594 posts)dddddd
AlinPA
(15,071 posts)Dubster
(427 posts)jmowreader
(50,562 posts)That's called a center-right Democrat. Admit what you are, people.