Have you noticed the rhetoric, "At least we have the House to stop some of Biden's crazy plans!" The GOP's keyword is "STOP." Have you noticed that the Democrats have positioned themselves as the party of more "FREE" gifts from the government?
The GOP wants to cut budgets, cut government jobs, stop abortions, stop illegal aliens crossing the border, stop election cheating, stop student loan giveaways....and the list goes on. The Democrats have effectively positioned the GOP as the party of "NO!"
With a small margin in the House, Biden's veto, and a likely Democrat Senate virtual majority, the Republicans face a difficult challenge. How do you shape a narrative that can win in 2024 and minimize the damage that the Democrats can do until then?
It starts by capitalizing on an issue that Republicans have been reticent to exploit-school choice. Have you noticed that the youngest voters went Democrat in every state? We have let the Democrats control public schools. Teacher unions have used their money and influence to ensure adequate funding. The result is clear-the youth under their influence have rejected the responsible values of their parents. The young lack confidence in their ability to make free-enterprise work, and they like government entitlements, rent relief, and promises of student loan forgiveness. In short, they have settled for the party of "FREE"-the Democrats!
School choice wasn't even part of the Republican's Commitment to America. Our leaders missed its role in Youngkin's win in Virginia. It's time to start becoming the party of "YES" to school choice. Many minority parents feel trapped in underperforming schools, and they want better schools for their children. Conservatives want an end to the indoctrination of liberal values that public schools provide. In short, it's time to embrace school choice as a central focus in the GOP's 2024 campaign.
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There is no question that the issue of abortion also played a key role in impacting the Republican gains in the November election. The Democrats were able to turn fears over the Supreme Court reversal of Roe vs Wade into voter turnout in key races. It's time to be the party of "YES" to reasonable limits on abortion and responsible support for adoption for unwanted children. Most Americans are supportive of reasonable limits on abortion. House Republicans could introduce federal legislation to make abortion after the first trimester illegal. Let the states take the role of considering even more restrictive measures. Make Democrats the party of "NO" to sane abortion limits.
Be the party of "YES" to government support for organizations that provide vulnerable women with support and material resources to help them consider both parenting and adoption. Democrats would have women believe that abortion is their only option. There are parents ready to adopt, and it can be a beautiful experience for all involved. It's time to convince women to support life for their unborn child by providing loving options instead of trying to force the total elimination of abortion. Abortion disproportionately impacts minorities. To meet the needs of the future, America needs all the births our citizens can bring into this world.
Say "YES" to responsible citizenship-every citizen working to find a satisfying career in pursuit of their true American Dreams instead of settling for government dependence. The Republican message must be strong and clear-we belief in all Americans' ability to gain their mojo and take back their future. There is no future in dependence-Getting "Free" entitlements are not "Freedom!" Let people know that America is still where the "pursuit of happiness" is not just something to justify a revolution. It is what has made America great and the envy of the world. It is by improving your skills and earning advancements or starting one's own business that true dreams are achieved. No citizen should settle when she can soar.
Say "YES" to a secure border and legal immigration. America remains the land of opportunity, and we need immigrants. We don't need millions of illegal immigrants unvetted and unprepared to add value to our country. Stand for completing the building of our Southern border wall and increasing our focus on expanding legal immigration. Republicans must not be against immigrants; we are only against welcoming illegal immigrants who do not honor our immigration process. Americans want a secure border, and they want to be known as a country that welcomes immigrants. Have the strength and wisdom to stand for both.
Say "YES" to law and order. Stand in support of law enforcement and accountability for criminals. Yes, we want fair treatment of all Americans, but citizens are tired of criminals having the upper hand. They want to feel safe in their homes and their businesses. We need DAs who will prosecute criminals instead of letting them go. There is a simple formula for the GOP to reflect most Americans-"Do the crime and do the time!"
If you want to beat the "Party of FREE," we need to become the "Party of YES" to the things that Americans truly value. It's time to begin preparing a narrative that can win in 2024. May it be so.
Terry Paulson is Ph.D. 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> terry@terrypaulson.com.
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