Social Graces Should Trump Social Issues?

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Published: Dec 15, 2008

Social Graces Should Trump Social Issues?


December 16, 2008

Did you hear what Colin Powell said on CNN over the weekend? He thinks social conservatives and talk radio hosts have hurt the Republican Party. According to him, the only the party can win elections is to reject them.

Actually, the problem is that the Republicans have not been listening to conservatives and as a result has angered them to the point that they either didn’t vote, or voted for Obama in protest.

Before conservatives started voting Republican, Republicans lost a lot of elections. Moderate to liberal Republicans wanted John McCain as the GOP nominee this year. Powell endorsed Barack Obama.

The problem for the moderates and liberals is what it has always been. They are embarrassed by social issues and appeals for smaller government. They hate people with strong positions because their highest objective is getting along, not getting ideas implemented. It’s social graces versus social issues.

If Republicans revert to the politics of Powell and Nelson Rockefeller, they will lose even more elections, which is what they did before conservatives became active.


Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

Social Graces Should Trump Social Issues?