Americans warm up to conservative message

June 16, 6:19 PMOrlando Republican ExaminerBlas Padrino

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After the Democrat advances in the November elections, many so-called pundits are blaming the woes of the Republican Party on conservatives. The GOP is no longer a ‘big tent,’ they argue; it has been taken over by right-wing zealots. Not only have the Democrats seized on this argument to gloat about the supposed death of the Republicans as a political force, but a number of critics from within fret that, without a transfusion of liberalism into the party’s platform, the GOP will become brain dead. Most notable among the self-appointed coroners ready to pull the sheet over the Party’s corpse is Gen. Colin Powell. The argument is that, with changing demographics, the country is becoming more liberal and that, consequently, the Republican Party must do so, as well.
The problem with that argument is that it is not only wrong, but appears to be getting ‘wronger.’ To paraphrase the well known Mark Twain’s phrase, rumors of the Republican Party’s demise are greatly exaggerated. Indications are that the country is not only not becoming more liberal, but actually becoming more conservative.
Consider the results of the following recent polls:

• • According to Gallup, the number of Americans who call themselves conservative is almost double of that of self-described liberals and constitutes the largest sector of the voters. That poll found 40% of the public were conservatives, 21% liberals and 35% moderates.
• • The latest Rasmussen generic congressional ballot preference poll found both parties tied at 40%. Participants are asked who they intend to vote for in their local congressional elections, the Democrat or the Republican. This is the best showing for the GOP in recent times. Significantly, two out of three independents chose the Republican Party.
• • Another recent Rasmussen poll augurs well for Republicans. For the first time in years, respondents say they trust Republicans more than Democrats on the economy. This number is even more encouraging because of the wide margin that separates the parties. Republicans garnered 45% support to the Democrats’ 39%. As in the generic congressional poll, independents chose the Republicans by a two to one margin.

Much of the criticism of the Republican Party has been centered around its embrace of conservative positions on social issues. Detractors point to opposition to abortion and gay marriage as platform planks that must be abandoned. However, popular support for the Republican position on both of those issues also garners majorities.

• • According to Gallup, a solid majority of Americans is opposed to gay marriage by a margin of 57% to 40%. This fact has also been confirmed by the consistent rejection of same-sex marriage in those states where the matter has come before the voters.
• • The latest Gallup poll on the subject of abortion yields a surprising result. For the first time, not only more Americans described themselves as pro-life than pro-choice, but they constituted a simple majority. While 51% of respondents labeled themselves as pro-life, only 42% identified themselves as pro-choice.

The above numbers support the advice given to Republicans by nationally known political strategist Dick Morris. In a column published May 9 in the New York Post newspaper, and co-authored with Eileen McGann, Mr. Morris urged Republicans to stick to their guns:

“This is a time for the party to stand firm on its principles until this nation again comes around to the GOP’s way of thinking. This process will be driven by the consequences of President Obama’s program.
“The challenge brought by Obama is no longer just theoretical: He means to pass the ultimate leftist agenda and has the votes to do so.”
 

It appears that the country is coming around to the Republican way of thinking very quickly.
The many Orlando fans of Mr. Morris will be happy to learn that he will be coming to town on Saturday, August 8 to speak at the annual SUMMIT event hosted by the National Republican Women’s Network and the Florida Women’s Political Network. The event will take place at the Rennaissance Orlando Hotel Airport. There will be a reception and keynote speech by Mr. Morris from 5:00 to 6:00 P.M. Tickets are $50.00 per person. A private dinner will follow. Cost of the dinner is $1,000.00 per guest. There is only a limited number of tickets for the dinner. They can be purchased by calling (407) 226-3706.

(Above right: Dick Morris)

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