Clayton Cramer: How Big The GOP Tent?

Clayton Cramer speculates as to what size the Republican Party tent should be and provides an interesting read. I agree with him that it should be large. But there are some other important issues to take into account.

Yet a Republican Party narrowly focused on social conservatism will have a tent so small that few converts will come inside. I fear that it would be like a much larger but still too tiny to matter Libertarian Party — from which emanates some bruising and pointed arguments between the “incredibly small tent” and the “infinitesimal tent” activists.

Social Cons are worthwhile members of the GOP and candidates who wish to talk values relative to a healthy society should be encouraged and not demonized. But they also have to accept that what's important is winning the public debate and not look for sweeping legislative solutions on a national scale. Both sides can get along under the umbrella of sound conservative principles. Let the people decide. But there's another issue far more important than that.

In relative terms, the debate over social conservatism is not as important to the GOP going forward as many people might think. Those stuck on it are somewhat behind the curve. The rise of social conservatism and the so called Moral Majority came about as a reaction to the overly liberal sixties. The liberalism running wild today is of a different sort and has the potential to be both more inclusive and unifying for the Right.

In short, it's the economy stupid. Barring a war, or some other catastrophe, going forward and for the foreseeable future, economic philosophy and policy is going to hold the keys to electoral success. Free markets, lower taxes and restricted government are still winning concepts in America today.

The focus on them will be driven by events, so that switch need not include a purging of this side, or that, in the values debate. What's important is that the GOP forge sound conservative principles and policies for America when it comes to economics, while re-building the credibility to sell them. That social cons make up an important part of that base while being allowed to speak their minds shouldn't be a big deal.

What's on people's minds drives elections, not so much what ideologues on this or that side of the political divide want. And I think we can all agree that what's on most people's minds today has a dollar sign in front of it, not a cross.

Clayton's item is here.

A Republican Party that stands for almost everything will be like John McCain’s campaign, with similar results — the base had little enthusiasm, except for Sarah Palin.

But do we really need to make a choice? Sometimes. But now we should focus more on common ground.

Comments

[Ran]

"Yet a Republican Party narrowly focused on social conservatism will have a tent so small that few converts will come inside."

Meaning freaking what, Cramer? Damned few came inside under "moderate" "big tent" McCain. The solution is to take the failed strategy and *$@! amplify it? [Of course! Dig faster, lads!]

What matters is the counter-offer to the present Chicago regime.

Can we dump the tent analogy? Big pompous tents are for circuses in which the elephants are told what to do. Enough of that crap.

On the other hand, what matters is the counter-offer to the present Chicago regime.

Want to win the oh-so precious "middle"? Offer "moderates", "independents", "centrists" and the politically dyslexic a genuine freedom alternative to the present Tyrant and His little czarinas performing arabesques for Him in the west wing.

Then again, upon reflection... What matters is the counter-offer to the present Chicago regime.

[Jana]

Wise words, indeed.

[J]

Yes, let us have a large tent....jettison the family, number one. Lower women to their lowest point and then treat them with contempt. Cut off any possibility of minorities advancing because those kinds of people just aren't capable, we need to "care" for them. Elevate government to rule us because we are too ignorant, raise the taxes because we don't know what to do with "that" money (its not our money).
Republicans, just exactly what is it that you stand for? It seems the call for a big tent is just copying the dems and that is not a pretty picture.

[Evil Red Scandi]

Well, the problem is that the social conservatives in power lately have been hard-core fiscal progressives. I'm fine with family values and religion and whatnot, but it's not the government's job to promote them - so they really have no relevancy to a political platform as far as I'm concerned.

To social "conservatives" have been in power for 8 years, and taxes and spending have been out of control. New government programs with no constitutional basis have been created and run wild (No Child Left Behind, Medicare Drug "Benefit", etc). They call themselves "conservatives" but they're really just a (slightly) different flavor of Progressive.

[EvilRedScandi]

With regards to the abortion issue: right now it's an unnecessary distraction. I'm pro-life (see my blog), but this is an issue that hasn't moved appreciably in nearly four decades and isn't going to move anytime soon. It's not something to prioritize right now. It's like worrying about the color of the paint on the Titanic.

[seekeronos]

Republicans = Democrats Lite™

Social Conservatives should leave off of trying to legislate the promotion of abstinence, the pro-life agenda, and lighten up on the anti-SSM stuff: it is a losing battle, because we are beating on the wrong target, and going about it the wrong way even at that. SoCONs need to hit their Bibles (hopefully King James) quite a bit more, and fulfill the Master's Great Commission to "preach the Gospel"... it is the Word of God that converts the souls of men and women by the power of the Holy Spirit - and as He convicts them of sin, righteousness, and Judgment... it is then that they will be more effective as they go to the polls and work to enact socially constructive policy that favours the Master's will.

Fiscal Conservatives need to stick to their guns, and demand greater transparency and accountability for our tax revenue, as well as trimming the fat where it is both practical and possible.

Defense Conservatives need to kill two birds with the same stone: recall our armed forces back to CONUS where they can seal our borders (particularly the southern border with Mexico)... and stop wasting money on a lost cause war to prop up governments that marginally put up with us at best (Pakistan and Iraq).

[DJ]

Been a conservative for 50 years. November was the last time I'll "hold my nose" and vote Republican if they try another "McCain".

[Jamie Lockett]

The problem with trying to build a party around social conservatism is that not everyone who could, and would, vote for the Republican's is socially conservative.

The unifying thread of a conservative movement in America is Liberty. This means smaller less intrusive federal government in all arenas - including social ones. The vast majority of social issues can, and should, be decided on a state or local level. Don't like gay marriage? Move to Texas. Want to marry your life-partner? Move to Massachusetts. Voters can thereafter vote with their feet - the way the founders intended.

Freedom is the unifying force we are looking for. Its one we have lost. Its one we can find again.

[jaime]

"Lower women to their lowest point and then treat them with contempt."

The Secretary of State, Homeland Security, and future Supreme Court Justice might disagree with you on the role of women in the Democratic Party.

"Cut off any possibility of minorities advancing"

Pssst...The Democratic President of the United States is one of those minorities. Perhaps the Republican Black Caucus can complain about the lack of black Democrats in power. The RBC consisted of JC Watts 10 years ago.

"raise the taxes"
Hey...chances are your taxes were lowered. I challenge you to look at your paycheck. Is it higher than it was 6 months ago? I thought so.

Of course, I agree. Party Purity Uber Alles. The only way for conservatives elections is to make yourselves as small, angry, and exclusive as possible.

Don't go on listening tours!!! Give the idiot Commie 60% of the country a good what's what.