Mar 26 2009
GOP Must Work Between “Me Too,” “No”
Being in the political minority is tough. One must oppose the majority’s agenda while not seeming obstructionist.
The public voted for the majority for a reason and is willing to give the prevailing side some time to forge policy. The minority mustn’t be a rubber stamp for the ruling party. If the Republicans–or the Conservatives, the Kadima and other minority parties–are to reestablish a majority, they must present an alternative. “Me too” doesn’t offer the needed contrast.
Merely rejecting ideas won’t work though. People have a visceral reaction to the word “no.” Even when necessary, people don’t like to be told not to do something.
Part of defeating an incumbent candidate or party is establishing that the status quo must end. If people want the status quo to continue, the incumbent will win easily since no challenger can credibly claim to offer more of the same better than who’s already doing it.
The second–and most important–key is showing how the alternative is better. “That plan is bad,” will give voters pause but won’t be enough to win. “Our plan is better,” can push challengers into the victory column.
Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America spurred the Republicans to win a majority in Congress in 1994 for the first time in two generations. Tony Blair’s vision of a New Britain was key to the Labour Party taking the reins in the U.K. after nearly 20 years. Barack Obama’s message of change and hope spirited him to the White House last year.
The minority must become the majority if it wants to enact its philosophy. Otherwise, it can only hope to block. Finding an agenda that resonates with voters as soon as possible and selling it well is essential to reclaim political power.
