The Real Problem for Republicans

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: Mar 14, 2007

The Real Problem for Republicans

February 22, 2007

Articles and newspaper columns are beginning to appear that say the Republicans may not nominate a presidential candidate most Republicans and conservatives can support.

The real problem for Republicans and conservatives is the lack of message. The traditional conservative message of smaller government, low taxes, self-control and the social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage no longer seem as compelling as they once were. That’s because so many Republicans and supposed conservatives have cared more about power and career than about ideas and ideology.

We saw that with the Republican congress. With some notable exceptions, Republicans were mostly about maintaining power, not using power to advance an agenda, which they also mostly abandoned.

So the best place to start when considering the 2008 presidential election is upon what foundation does a candidate want to build? What is his core? What ideas would he never compromise? When the foundation is set, then a house can be built on it. But if there is no foundation, then the candidate won’t matter and we’ll probably lose.


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

The Real Problem for Republicans