It still amazes me that political parties (and some journalists) still think of voters as one trick ponies who decide their votes based on those nasty TV ads and the party line. Talk to them about jobs and you have their vote.
The Republican party lost because they underestimated the intelligence of the electorate. They decided that everyone would vote based on the state of the economy and there was no need to address other concerns. While that was important, voters also considered other things.
How could the Republican party support deportation of illegal aliens, support the racial profiling bill in Arizona, criticize the President for creating a path to citizenship for young people who have grown up here, gone to school here, and consider themselves Americans and then be surprised that the party lost the Latino vote.
How could they vow to cut support for Planned Parenthood which provides many health service for women aside from abortions, voice opposition for a bill which expands a woman's right to sue for pay inequity, and then be surprised when they lose the support of women.
How can they criticize the expansion of the Pell grant program and the President's attempt to reduce the burden of student loans and then expect to garner the vote of young people.
The Republicans learned that the electorate is more complex and thoughtful that they were willing to acknowledge and people were pleading for more than sound bites. The lesson to learn for both parties is simple - remember that the electorate is not stupid. Your message is more important than your ads.
The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
Reply to Comment The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited. By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms of Service. Click here to read the Rules of Engagement.
The Republican party lost because they underestimated the intelligence of the electorate. They decided that everyone would vote based on the state of the economy and there was no need to address other concerns. While that was important, voters also considered other things.
How could the Republican party support deportation of illegal aliens, support the racial profiling bill in Arizona, criticize the President for creating a path to citizenship for young people who have grown up here, gone to school here, and consider themselves Americans and then be surprised that the party lost the Latino vote.
How could they vow to cut support for Planned Parenthood which provides many health service for women aside from abortions, voice opposition for a bill which expands a woman's right to sue for pay inequity, and then be surprised when they lose the support of women.
How can they criticize the expansion of the Pell grant program and the President's attempt to reduce the burden of student loans and then expect to garner the vote of young people.
The Republicans learned that the electorate is more complex and thoughtful that they were willing to acknowledge and people were pleading for more than sound bites. The lesson to learn for both parties is simple - remember that the electorate is not stupid. Your message is more important than your ads.