A: Yes. The crazy spending. And again, no defense of these ideas. Tom Wolfe has a great phrase: He talks about the "great relearning." We need to relearn some of these things we've forgotten -- about why we believe in freedom, why we believe markets should have the dominance in our economic system. The current circumstances are very scary, because we've swallowed a ton of government very quickly and we aren't digesting it very well. We'll see, but one thing that may come out of this is a very strong -- I'll say the word again -- counterreaction.

Q: What do you think it's most important for Republicans to stress from now until 2012 -- social conservatism and value issues or fiscal issues?

A: Solutions. Pragmatism. Getting the job done. Fixing things. One is encouraged when you're around the governors: They have real jobs -- they've got to pick up the garbage and educate the kids.

I think that's where we go. People are nervous. They're worried about "losing ground" -- Charles Murray's phrase. They're worried about their kids not succeeding, not advancing the ball, the next generation not doing as well as the last. And that's what Republicans need to address. We're a party that can get things done. We're not blinded by ideology. We believe in the American dream. We believe in individual enterprise and individual responsibility. That's an amalgam: That's partly values, partly business ethic.

Q: Do you think that it is time for some younger conservative Republicans to show up on the scene and carry the ball?

A: Exactly. I actually was calling for all of our guys to step down -- (House Minority Leader) John Boehner, (Senate Minority Leader) Mitch McConnell, everybody. I like them both. They're capable people. But I think the British have a good idea here -- when you lose like this, you step out of power. You're gone and other people step in. I love our bench. I love the Eric Cantors and the Paul Ryans. Some of our governors are terrific. (Louisiana Gov.) Bobby Jindal was on our panel -- I had the honor of being on with him. I mentioned Pawlenty. We have a terrific bench. We have great talent up there.

Q: What is the most important step conservatives must take -- starting now -- to begin their comeback?

A: Well, get their heads up. Darrell Royal, the old football coach (at Texas), said the only time you should look down at your shoes is if you have had an accident. Morale is important. If you believe in these ideas and principles, then act like you do and let's get to work. We lost the game here. But I think morale is very important. I don't want to say it's time to go off in the wilderness, but it's time to think, and think things through. Prepare your stuff. Some discipline like the Contract with America would be a very good idea, I think.