In Search of Inspiration: Where Conservatives Go From Here
Ilan Wurman
Last Updated: 12/6/08 Section: Editorial
While the scene for Republicans is bleak nationwide, it is even worse on college campuses. According to one student-run survey at Claremont McKenna College, approximately 75 percent of the students voted for Barack Obama. Conservatism, both nationally and on campus, finds itself at a crossroads: where do we go from here, both ideologically and operationally, now that the nation has delivered a resounding vote against our Party?
Conservative pundits have provided a number of answers, as well as explanations for our recent loss. Some say it was because John McCain was not conservative enough or that President Bush spent too much, while others, such as Governor Schwarzenegger, have said that our Party needs to move toward the center and embrace government programs. The consensus, however, seems to be that the Republican Party must rediscover its values of limited government and individual liberty.
But none of that is an explanation in and of itself for our loss. Or, at least, none is an explanation for why three out of every four college students at CMC voted for Obama. What most pundits have failed to mention, but is so apparent to any college student, is that Barack Obama inspired. Not even Sarah Palin could energize a rally in the way Obama could. Obama's eloquence was certainly a factor, but even that was not sufficient. It was his ideas that were inspiring.
Yes, I'll repeat, his ideas were inspiring: social justice; helping the poor; using government to help those who have been left behind; restoring America's image in the world; racial equality; health care for everyone; a free college education. What young college student wouldn't be inspired by such incredible possibilities?
The Republican Party cannot solely return to its principles and expect victory. It must inspire, too, as Obama inspired. And it can do so in two ways, I believe.
First, the Republican Party must focus on conveying its end goals to voters. When conservatives advocate tax cuts, school vouchers, or decreases in government spending, they must argue how each of those policies promotes the very same goals the liberals so desperately desire: social justice, equality of opportunity, more and better access to health care. And our policies manage to do so while maintaining individual liberty and limited government, principles that the Democrats often sacrifice.
Conservative pundits have provided a number of answers, as well as explanations for our recent loss. Some say it was because John McCain was not conservative enough or that President Bush spent too much, while others, such as Governor Schwarzenegger, have said that our Party needs to move toward the center and embrace government programs. The consensus, however, seems to be that the Republican Party must rediscover its values of limited government and individual liberty.
But none of that is an explanation in and of itself for our loss. Or, at least, none is an explanation for why three out of every four college students at CMC voted for Obama. What most pundits have failed to mention, but is so apparent to any college student, is that Barack Obama inspired. Not even Sarah Palin could energize a rally in the way Obama could. Obama's eloquence was certainly a factor, but even that was not sufficient. It was his ideas that were inspiring.
Yes, I'll repeat, his ideas were inspiring: social justice; helping the poor; using government to help those who have been left behind; restoring America's image in the world; racial equality; health care for everyone; a free college education. What young college student wouldn't be inspired by such incredible possibilities?
The Republican Party cannot solely return to its principles and expect victory. It must inspire, too, as Obama inspired. And it can do so in two ways, I believe.
First, the Republican Party must focus on conveying its end goals to voters. When conservatives advocate tax cuts, school vouchers, or decreases in government spending, they must argue how each of those policies promotes the very same goals the liberals so desperately desire: social justice, equality of opportunity, more and better access to health care. And our policies manage to do so while maintaining individual liberty and limited government, principles that the Democrats often sacrifice.
Be the first to comment on this story