In every election, we spend so much time talking about candidates that we forget that it’s not always the candidate that matters most. Presidents come and go. Some have died in office. Sure they can use the bully pulpit and execute executive orders, but it’s the people they appoint, the politicians in the Senate and House, and you! That’s right, you!
Is your conservative contagious or do you just watch the media coverage and throw pillows at your TV when you don’t like the results coming out of Washington? This is your country. You can do so much more to support the conservative cause. You can campaign for the party. You can support conservative causes and conservative businesses.
Yes, the candidates for President are important, but securing America’s future requires so much more than just who is President. To be clear, some Americans hate Biden. Others certainly have proven to hate Trump. Hating any candidate gets in the way of driving what ought to be the focus of our attention—what the winner will do when they are in office for the next four years.
All conservatives agree that this is a critical election. Unfortunately, the hatred for the front-running candidates has become a lightning rod that keep us from looking at the real issues that should matter most. Are you ready to support the Republican party for what it stands for? Can you even articulate the conservative issues that matter most to you? Don’t get stuck on candidates when what you really care about is what must be done to ensure the future of this great country.
There are certainly GOP candidates I like better than others, but if someone were to ask me who I’m voting for, I would immediately say, “Whoever the Republicans settle on to be the candidate! I vote party because of what they are promising to do if they are in control in Washington. Here are the four key issues that compel me to vote Republican...”
Secure the Border—Control Illegal Immigration
Reclaim Energy Independence—Drill Baby Drill
Support Law and Order—If You Do the Crime, Do the Time
School Choice—Give Parents Control of Their Children’s Education
Voting is a personal matter. If these are not your reasons, make your own list. Some will put more weight on limiting abortion and supporting the right to life. Still others would prioritize lowering taxes or cutting back the deep state. Investing in increasing our military preparedness would also make the top of the list for some conservatives. But the point is, fuel your passion by being ready to campaign for what you stand for!
That’s why this election depends on you and every conservative. Whatever your reasons for supporting the conservative cause, be ready to share them to anyone who will listen with passion and enthusiasm. This election is too important to leave to politicians, no matter how good they are. Each of us need to be contagious conservatives. Know enough about your reasons to support the GOP to be able to explain and defend your positions.
If you have the courage and the wisdom to share why you vote Republican, don’t expect less of your Democrat friends and colleagues. After you’ve taken an informed stand, be ready with a question that liberals are never forced to answer—"What are the top four issues that compel you to vote Democrat?”
If they cop out by focusing on how much they hate Trump, push further. What is your understanding of what Democrats promise to do if they win the Presidency and both houses of Congress? In the last four years, what specifically has Biden accomplished that makes you want to give him four more years? Listen and don’t argue. Just ask questions to clarify their position. They will learn as much as you will about how weak and unpopular liberal issues truly are.
It takes more than voting for conservative candidates at every level. Support fellow conservatives every way you can. Chris Widener has started a new organization, the Red Referral Network. With input and encouragement from Dinesh D’Souza, America’s Premier, conservative filmmaker, Chris has created a rapidly growing network of conservatives looking for ways to network and do business with fellow conservative businesses and professionals. After all, why do business with people who give money to politicians who hate conservatism? If you want to encourage conservatism, then support like-minded conservative businesses that are dedicated to keeping the American Dream of free-enterprise capitalism alive.
Be a committed and contagious conservative. Put your support for the cause into action. This is your country. Take time to articulate succinctly why you vote Republican. Share links to columns you feel others could benefit reading. Don’t over explain unless asked. Support conservative businesses on https://redreferralnetwork.com/. Be proud of your position and sell as many as you can on why voting Republican is critical to the future of this amazing country! Together we can win this November election no matter who is our standard bearer!
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.