In GOP idea mix, Santorum says it's time to think blue (collar)

[modrepub]

Thomas Fitzgerald, Inquirer Politics Writer


Rick Santorum is talking what sounds like Republican heresy.

It's time to move beyond Ronald Reagan, he says. Labor should be valued as much as capital. Rising income inequality is a problem.

The former Pennsylvania senator and 2012 GOP presidential candidate has not quite turned Marxist, but he is pushing the argument that in order to win the White House again, the Republican Party must focus its message and its policies on working-class Americans.

"You have to remember, Ronald Reagan was a man of his times," Santorum said in a recent interview. "America is a very different country than it was 40 years ago." He said it's not enough to rely on cutting capital-gains taxes or income taxes on the wealthy in hope of spurring the economy.

"I just don't think that works, and it doesn't make a lot of sense to people, because in times when the economy has done better, not everybody has," Santorum said. "A lot of Americans are in fact falling behind, particularly in the middle."


Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20140715_In_GOP_idea_mix__Santorum_says_it_s_time_to_think_blue__collar_.html#v3g6b3Wulf7IuW9H.99

[delrem]

1. oh come on. you post an OP on Santorum.

like a fart in the face.

[djean111]

3. I think the OP is useful because it looks like both parties may realise that populism is

going to be a vote-getter.
Depending on the candidate or party, of course, campaign populism will just be lip service, and tossed aside as soon as the votes are tallied.

[Sherman A1]

4. That seems

a bit harsh. The OP was simply reporting that some members of the GOP might be looking at the needs of working people. Disagree if you choose or engage in discussion, there is no need to be rude.

[modrepub]

5. That's a good description!

As a Pennsylvanian, I've never voted for Santorum (even in the Primary). I'm almost in shock that this guy can actually say that he thinks that helping the 1% is not the correct approach anymore. I sincerely doubt he will get any traction with the large donors who run campaigns these days, in fact I expect them to try and deep six this guy before he gets any mic time on the campaign trail.

I also find it very ironic that Rick touts his "blue collar" background when he hasn't worked at that level for any part of his life as far as I can tell. In his defense, there are few politicians out there that have much of a clue what normal people have to deal with today.

[Skittles]

2. America is different now BECAUSE of assholes like Reagan

STFU Sanotorum, you sanctimonious PRICK

[olegramps]

7. Exactly what I was thinking.

[Cresent City Kid]

6. It may be bullshit

but at least it's a different flavor (nuts added). All I've heard since 1980 is "Supply side economics works", "No it doesn't", "Yes it does!" It may not be what it appears to be, but it is at least something new to examine and critique.

[stevenleser]

8. I'm guessing that idea mix is decidedly frothy nt