4. Forget Abstract Ideology. Although pundits and partisans on both sides of the political spectrum are often wildly ideological, most Americans are not. They’re pragmatic. They’re less worried about abstract bogeymen like “Big Government” than they are about whether they themselves, their neighbors, and the country are doing well. If they’re not, voters want the problems solved. Period. Certainly, periods of liberal overreach – like we’ve just witnessed on the part of the Democrats – can raise awareness about the dangers of an oversized, over-intrusive government imposing an unpopular health care bill and jobs-killing cap ‘n trade legislation. But the resulting public opposition springs as much from widespread dislike of the details of the programs at issue as it does from any abstract notions about “the proper role of government.”
5. Don’t Fall For “Big Business.” It’s easy to understand why conservatives or Republicans might feel an instinctive kinship with “big business.” Whether as a counterweight to “big government” or a fellow adversary of left-wing labor unions, it would seem to be a natural GOP ally. But as we’ve recently learned, big businesses can easily become the pawns of an ever-expanding nanny state. They’re large enough to attract the notice of a crafty left-wing government that can woo them with special treatment; once the government succeeds in co-opting them, they simply double the threat to Americans’ freedom. Rather than creating (or maintaining) a facile distinction between “big business” and “big government,” Republicans and conservatives should be putting themselves on the side of freedom and fair treatment for all – and opposing any threat to those principles, whether it comes from Big Government or Big Business.
6. Grace matters. In the first flush of triumph, with possibly even greater political victories on the way, it would be easy for conservatives and Republicans to pile on a flailing President and a gob-smacked Democratic Party. Let’s hope they resist that impulse. Scott Brown's post-victory invocation of Ted Kennedy manifested a generosity of spirit that other politicians would do well to emulate. Americans appreciate graciousness; indeed, had the President and other leaders of his party shown more of it when their political position seemed unassailable, perhaps there would have been less room for the hubris that has led to the destruction of their dearest political hopes.
Ultimately, Scott Brown’s victory has offered conservatives and Republicans a great opportunity to stop the most damaging aspects of the Obama agenda – and to provide voters with a clear choice for the 2010 elections – if they choose to seize it. If Brown’s win is interpreted by Republicans as nothing more than the “beginning of the end” for Democrats, it will be a tragically squandered opportunity. But if conservatives and Republicans see it as “the end of the beginning” for them and an agenda based on prosperity, strength and freedom – well, the sky is the limit.