CNN

First of all, Jack, there is no such thing as an "independent" voter. If you refuse to vote for a conservative or even a RINO, you cannot truly call yourself "independent," rather someone who is embarrassed to publicly support Democrats.

Second, the best thing the GOP can do to rally women into the party is give Obama and the Congressional leadership free reign to wage economic war on the prosperity of future generations... which means war waged on these women's kids and grandkids.

Nothing brings out angry, protective Mama Bear behavior like messing with someone's kids. The Democrats are on course to piss off an entire nation of women with their multi-generational economic slavery plan.

Most Republicans these days believe that I was created out of the rib of another man, and that the only way I am worthy of salvation is through my husband. Most Democrats believe that all men and woman are created equal. When that fundamental difference changes, maybe more women will become Republican.

Unless the GOP changes from the bottom up, the GOP will only add women who are religious, non-educationed, easily influenced by others, non-thinkers, have never moved outside of their hometown, have never traveled outside the U.S. and have NO LIFE!!!

All the other independent & educated women know better not to join a non-changing, big business enforcer and old-thinking party that refuses to think "outside the box"...

Ann-Marie Clements (American-Canadian)
Saint John, NB

Jack, Until the Republican party dismisses the likes of Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity and even Gingrich, people will continue to leave.
J. Johnson,
Tulsa, OK

You forget one : Sean Hannity, they are very helpful to democrats ...
They should keep talking, don't shut them up, no way ....

By apologizing of their lies and illegal war then we can move on and talk...

Women by GOP standards or the rest of the world's standards?

The Republican Party has consistently opposed a woman's right to choose when it comes to abortion and they have consistently opposed equal pay for equal work. I can see where some women would be split on the abortion issue but, very few woman are going to support a party that doesn't believe that they deserve the same amount of pay that a man does for the same work.

Jack,
When the Republican party starts having intelligent men at the top, they'll get more intelligent women into the party. As long as Rush is the big draw, they'll only end up with the Annie Get Your Gun Palin types. And who wants to be a part of that club?

Thanks to G.O.P. policies, every day there are more women unemployed, uninsured, unable to afford college, living in poverty, and wondering what we've gotten ourselves into. There are more single mothers unable to feed their children who don't qualify for assistance. There are more women living in tents after their homes were forclosed. There are also an increasing number of women of color, many of whom belong to the aforementioned subgroups. I think the only thing the Republicans have to do to appeal to these women is to change everything they do and say.

They need to find intelligent, articulate professional women (like Hillary or Michelle) who have the gumption to be in the public eye and explain the Republican Party's philosophy and agenda. If these women make good sense, they'll attract more women to the party.

They'll need MORE than these ridiculous hats, that's for sure!!!

Women are NOT buying the GOP gimmicks. They are SMARTER than that. The GOP is against Women's RIghts, Healthcare Reform, Education, Green Technology, etc. These are CRITICAL to women.

There is NO "inclusivity" in the GOP Party. They do not welcome minorities and the younger generation's broad sense of ideologies.

This is a BIG problem for me as a woman. I need a party who is working towards the FUTURE, not living back in the Reagan and Jack Kemp years.

How can GOP attract more women? By NOT running incompetent female candidates like Sarah Palin!

If they really want to attract women voters, start focussing on bread- and-butter issues again. Talk about empowerment of women, rathern than adopting a tone that treats women as afterthoughts. Show compassion and highlight successes on market-based solutions in areas like healthcare, education and child care, rather than sticking to the same mantra and attitudes that have gotten them into trouble. Inotherwords, look for solutions that stress humanity and compassion, rather than preaching and punishing people. And for God's sake, ignore Palin, Coulter and the other mega-rich conservative fools that don't live in the real world.

I was a Republican for many years, but after listening to Rush Limbaugh attack the Democrats, I changed my registration. No one is as bad as he makes them out to be. Now I rarely vote for the Republican candidate because they only stand for 2 things: corporate corruption and anti-human rights (unless if you are one of the unborn). And I no longer listen to Rush.

Jack
1- Care more about Education
2-Stop Being War-Mongers
3-Stay out of peoples private Lives and Personal Choices
4-recognize Woman are Powerful Today

Be pro choice and pro equal pay.

Jack,

They can become a more inclusive in their political ideology on issues facing the whole Country not only old wealthy Republican white people. Prehaps the best thing they can change is their political beilf of being pro Constitutionalist on issues that abridge the civil liberties of Americans that don't agree with their Unconstitutional position...

Central Islp, NY

By giving them the right to think for themselves. I think it's too late for Bristol Pailin.

The Republican party seems to pander to two types of women that do not represent the majority of American women: shrill idealogues and financially secure conservative christian women. If you do not belong to these two categories the republican party is not for you.

Newflash to the Repulican Party from a conventional, working, married, middle class woman (this is a demographic that you WANT to appeal to): I care that my child care and health care costs are more than my paycheck. I care about the underachieving schools in my community. I care that my husband and I have been living pay check to pay check for ten years and NOT because of extravagant spending. I care that as a teacher I make less money than the CEO of AIG PROBABLY spends on vacations and dry cleaning.

So Republicans? How are you my party? Your "free" market stinks. It has created unchecked greed and corruption. Your low taxes are fiscally irresponsible and burden the middle class even further while the wealthy continue on their joy ride. Trickle Down? Hah!

They need to respect women as intelligent and capable of making major decisions. As it stands, they don't even trust us with our own bodies.

Boise, ID

Oh come on Jack, the Republicans already have the best
of the best in Ann Coulter, Michele Backmann, & Michele Malkin
what more do they need. What woman wouldn't want to be
on that team?

Jack,
The Republican party needs to move away from the neanderthals that run the party like Limbaugh and Gingrich, and realize that most women would like to make decisions regarding their bodies themselves, want the government to provide good schools for their children, and are willing to pay for it, and most importantly don't want to see their children sent off to war at the drop of the hat without exhausting every possible avenue first.

Attract more women by advocating that the LAW (state, local and Fed) disallow any law at all regarding reproductive rights. Nothing AGAINST and nothing FOR any behavior that is essentially a religious and moral decision.

"Non-coercion" has to become a core philosophy that connects everything the Party advocates. The majority does not dictate the behavior of the individual.

Women hated being relegated to the role of child all their lives by sexism. They don't want Government to be Daddy.

"Government Is Not Your Family Or Religion" has to be the motto.

Amercan women (Supermoms All) need a hassle-free environment, so Government must foster conditions that will make trust-worthiness a marketable commodity.

Right now, people are turning to Government to create a hassle-free environment but quickly learning that's swatting flies with a pile driver. Offer an alternative method of deleting hassle from Supermom's life.

I moved to Phoenix AZ from NY about 7 years ago. You don't have to shovel sunshine!

Jack I think the repubican party should be more rective to weomens issues , and whaen they say they back womens issues back it up by action and not be wishy washy on issues , that i think will get more womens votes in the furture .

The GOP needs to realize that they didn't lose because they didn't communicate their message very well. They lost because the American people rejected them AND their message. They need to break free of the ultra-conservative millstones they've been dragging around. If there's no room in the GOP for political diversity, how could possibly govern a diverse country like ours.

Well Jack, Maybe if they stop trying to tell women what they can and can't do with their bodies! It's ironic that the Republicans are always harping on about smaller, less intrusive government yet will be the first in line to tell a woman that she shouldn't be allowed to choose! Or secretly wiretap your phone if they feel the need, and in some cases even manipulate the wording of laws and statutes to make their illegal activities seem legal to the more simple minded 21% of the sheep they have left. In short Jack the GOP is finally being exposed and thus their credibility is pretty much dead in the water so basically there's nothing they can do! The hypocrisy is too obvious at this point!

Colin Powell's suggestions are the most sensible solutions I have heard yet. As I watched the group of "concerned" conservatives, I heard nothing new, and I didn't see any new faces. It was the same "old" white men hungry for power. Republican is a dirty word in our house. They're still on the wrong path.

Perhaps they should put their money where their hypocritical mouths are when it comes to the gap between their social agenda and their fiscal policies. Their anti-choice, anti-sex-ed, pro-fecundity "family values" mission lies at distinct odds with a Republican financial landscape that forces most women and mothers to choose between financial stability and having, or raising their own, children.

Start advocating meaningful child care subsidies, create incentives for employers to provide quality, on-site daycare and flexible employment practices, properly fund social programs to help families in all their incarnations, and stop the empty, self-righteous rhetoric aimed at telling me what a bad mother I am. Then I might listen to what you have to say. Of course, then you wouldn't be Republicans anymore.

Jack, first of all, get rid of all those old guys repersenting the party for start.

Jack, the GOP just needs to deliver on its main message of conservatism (small government and fiscal responsibility), something that they haven't done in my short time on this earth. They'll win over everyone if they could do that and not work themselves into a tizzy over guns, God, and gays.

well if you exclude the woman with no brain matter between their ears the best way for the Rush Limbaugh party to attract woman is to not dictate their lives...oh wait thats everyone involved.

As long as Republicans prevent a women's right to choose, they will never have the female majority vote.

Can't think of anything they would actually be willing to do, ever. Sorry.

No. The fact that we tortured is now etched forever into American History, and the association To George W. Bush and to all who hitched their wagon to this miscreant cannot "end". The best we can do from here is be sure to keep our eye on the high road....and from what I can observe in the American psyche, I'm not hopeful that we can do that very well at this point.

One way is for these right-wing commentators to stop running Meghan McCain into the ground. She is part of the answer, but the "GOP extreme" view her as part of the problem. Don't shoot the messenger. Until they actually become inclusive–happy hunting!

Jack, Women are mothers, daughters, and sisters. We keep our families together, we support those we love no matter what, and we give of ourselves to make the lives of those we care about better. The GOP will have to become more "like women" by becoming more accepting of diversity, less rigid, more empathetic, less judgemental, and more relevant in today's world and today's problems. And I can tell you, it ain't gonna happen.
Robin in SC – Proud Independent

Jack, the question should be, what can the Republican Party do to attract any voters? If they don’t get their stuff together they’ll end up losing more than their women.

Oklahoma

Well...the GOP will probably hold on to the current population of female religious right wing extremists out there. However, to attract more women the GOP will have to talk out of both sides of their faces sell themselves as being 2 things that they really are not. 1. Conservative and 2) a political party that is "of, "for" and "by" the people.

HD in Phoenix, AZ

In this case it is going to take more than honesty. The GOP has to start respecting every woman and her values. To listen with comprehension to what women are saying, and advocate for that, instead of what they want women to say and telling them how to do it.

When Republicans realize the overwhelming majority of women are pro-choice, it will have hope of reaching more of us. When women, even Republican women, were told of John McCain's anti-choice stance, his support among them dropped dramatically. It's time to stop pretending a militant anti-choice stance is a political plus in anything but a Republican primary in a conservative state.

Treat women like something other than baby making machines or venom spewing vapid pretty faces that do nothing more than echo the party talking points. Moreover, stop listening prostrating for the likes of Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity and Palin.

Can you say out of touch with mainstream America?

I don't have any statistics to back this up, but from my experience with my friends, the vast majority of women vote the way their husbands vote. Change the husbands politics and the wives and children will follow.

They need an attitude adjustment of 180 degrees. They have nothing to offer most women.

The Republican Party panders to the ultra right and to big business and really does not care what a woman wants or thinks. We want more to go to education for our children, more to disease research, stem cell research . . . all the things the GOP is against.

They can start by being less chauvinistic and more prochoice. They want the government to leave the men alone but not the women.

Clearly the Republicans need to adopt a more moderate platform to attract women voters, but I don't see that happening in time to save the party; the far right wing is going to maintain control until it is too late. The GOP re-branding group might as well replace the elephant in their logo with a woolly mammoth. Their motto could be "We don't worry amout global warming–we're still back in the Ice Age".

Lay down the bible and pick up the Constitution. Stop sending our children to trumped-up foreign wars to die. Stop the far-right Republicans from saying they want the President to fail. Muzzle Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and Fox News. Get out of our bedrooms. Get out of our doctor's offices. Have moderate voices, with constructive ideas speaking for the Senate and the House. Show us we can trust you. We don't trust you now!

Republicans need female voters? Then maybe they should take a page from Arlen Specter's playbook and become Democrats.

Republicans can appeal to me if they extend their stance of "smaller government" to include keeping government out of my healthcare decisions and out of my bedroom. It would serve them well and broaden their appeal if they would stop insisting on dictating morals to the rest of us and concentrate on allowing each individual to live his or her own life. This INCLUDES allowing women to make the hard choices that she ultimately has to live with in terms of having children. Most women who are democrats or independents are so because the most powerful republicans insist on telling them what to do with their bodies.

They should kick Sarah Palin out of the party! She is a disgrace to women everywhere. Incidentally, does this mean I am now officially a lady's man since I am a Democrat? ROFL

They would need for President Obama to switch parties!

I would suggest the GOP lose about 40 years. It's 2009 and they still act like it's 1964

The way the GOP can attract more women is to rid itself of narrow minded, judgmental women like Sarah Palin.

First, show some respect to women. Respect their choices whether it is sexual or reproductive rights. Support their right to equal pay for equal work and, stop dissing single mothers!!! Do these, then come back and talk to Americans.

Two things:

Step 1: Stop promoting terrible public figures like Sarah Palin who make the idea of a “Republican woman” look like a stupid, illiterate hack, and this is coming from a Republican.

Step 2: Develop a strong plan to reform education which will gain support from mothers and public school teachers, where there seem to be more women than men.

Maybe they should portray an image of less killing eye for an eye mentality. There is nothing more important in the world than trying to help our country and the rest of mankind second. The GOP was 8 years of fear mongering that did nothing but fool the population for 5 years, enough for 2 wins. Time to turn the page and make nice.... doncha think?

I hate to say it Jack but the Republican party is the "cheating husband" and the mistress is Sarah Palin. They lost all of their principles and then brought out a "token woman" that was less than intelligent but looked nice in a skirt. I for one will probably not vote Republican in this lifetime because of their incredible infidelity. They deserve no pity, they don't seem to deserve a second chance.

Jack,
Having women in the party with 2lst century views might help. Opposing a woman's right to choose and hunting animals with a helicopter doesn't seem to be working.

As an independent woman, I left the Republican part years ago when George Bush Sr. first showed signs of bowing to the religious right to secure votes. Having the government get involved with my decisions on choice and who to marry does not comport with 'less government interference in private lives'.

Simple: They just have to learn how to acknowledge women!

Jim

Support gay marriage, not the answer but a good start.

I'm sorry to disagree, Jack, but as a woman, I want less government, not more. I am a straight, Catholic woman, but I believe it is between individuals and God (not individuals, God and the government) as to whether I get an abortion or marry another woman. It is time to let go of these archaic ideals and move forward. Our founders believed in separation of church and state for a reason, so that government would not interfere with our personal lives.

Simple stop sending their sons, daughters, and husbands off to fight stupid wars. They could start right now with an in person apology to all of the women that lost a loved one in Iraq.

By getting rid of some of those old, ancient, nearly bald, men, with cave man ideas.

Let the current GOP generation die out. The newer crop of Republicans will be more in tune with the society of today. The GOP is living in the dark ages with their current leaders not believing in evolution, or stem cell research, and are against pro-choice. The GOP today is society's rejects.

Before the Republican party can start attracting women voters, they need to understand that long gone are the days when the rest of American believed that women are second-class citizens or property. When the GOP can treat women (or anyone other than their white, upper-class lobbyists) as equals, then, maybe, they can start getting votes again.

The only Republicans I would consider voting for are Gates, Petraeus, and Powell. What do they have in common? They're all military. They don't seem to be religious fanatics.They don't yap on and on about how lowering taxes on the super rich is going to benefit the rest of us.
They understand the value of diplomacy. They don't apologize to that ditto-idiot that rants on the radio. In other words, they're Republicans that didn't get elected by Republicans so they still have their sanity.
Susan in San Antonio Texas

Pay them or run ads for "loonie toons". If you were a woman would you want anything to do with Russ Limbaugh? He's worse than crackers in bed. Ralph, Yakima, Wa.

Stop trying to outlaw abortion for starters.

How about not exploting them for votes for starters. Like McCain picking Sarah Palin to be his running mate, right after Obama chose Biden. It wasn't about women, it was about votes. Women aren't dumb like men are, that's why there's less of them in the GOP. And the see that's what the GOP is about...WHY WOULD SARAH PALIN CONSENT TO THAT PICK!!! Has she no dignaty?

Maybe if they weren't absolutely dismissive of pro-choice candidates within their own party. And insulting female voters by putting candidates like Sarah Palin in who clearly are not supportive of women's rights, but assuming we are dumb enough to simply vote for her because she's a woman.

If the GOP wants to attract more women, they'll have to quit listenin' to "articulate and pominent" people like Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin.

Man, I tried to write like Gov. Palin speaks, but just can't bring myself to add "also" to the end of every sentence...

As an Army Brat growing up overseas, I was often asked what was the difference between Democrats and Republicans. My answer today is the same–Republicans believe you should regulate the individual and leave business alone while Democrats believe in regulation of business and leave the individual alone. Republicans really need to take a long look at the world as it is, NOT as they wish it was...women make up their own minds about their lives and they expect government to keep a close eye on businesses getting fat off of their sacrifices.

The GOP needs to support women for = pay and understand that all issues are not moral issues

They can start by giving up on trying to legislate a woman's womb. Issues like abortion and contraception should be the province of the woman, her doctor, and her God as she understands him–not the government

GOP should put rudy giuliani on a poster in DRAG with the
caption... 'we need a few good women'.

They should have sense, women are more involve and have more intellect now.

According to me they need to kick out Rush who calls women 'feminazis' and the current "NO" Leaders. According to my wife Palin who is turning to be joke due to her shallow knowledge and bulldozing attitude.

I’m sorry to disagree, Jack, but as a woman, I want less government, not more. I am a straight, Catholic woman, but I believe it is between individuals and God (not individuals, God and the government) as to whether I get an abortion or marry another woman. It is time to let go of these archaic ideals and move forward. Our founders believed in separation of church and state for a reason, so that government would not interfere with our personal lives.
-San Antonio, TX

Jack all they have to do is stop embarrassing them with Sarah Palin! I'm a black democrat and if you traded Obama for Flava Flav I would vote independent!

Jason
Hampton, VA

Most women are too smart to take the lies of the republican party – lying boyfriends and husbands have taught us to spot the lies a mile away.

Too many men in the republican party are spineless. Women like a man with a spine.As soon as they grow one then maybe women will be more attracted to jump on board,

GET RID OF SARAH PALIN, Republican image of a "strong woman"

Perhaps the GOP could recognize that women should have the right to choose and stop being anti-choice. Also realize that more regulation is needed for Wall Street, hedge funds, etc and also have a healthcare reform plan that makes sense. They should also recognize that the U.S. is made up of alternative families. I won't hold my breath for any of these, so I will probably stay a democrat.

The problem with the Republicans is that they think its still 1954. I was there in 1954 and didn't like being subservient to those old white guys – still don't. They need to stop living in the past and sucking up to the wealthy.

Dear Jack, I'm a good Democrat and very proud of it at this time in our history. With that said the advice I would give the Republican Party for attracting more women is to admit that they are not always right or white or rich or stuck-up. In addition they need to let Rush and his kind know that they will no longer tolerate his venomous remarks.

If the GOP intends to bring more women into it's ranks then it must first work harder to respect them for their intelligence as opposed to treating them like some 'trophy.' John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin was a clear example of GOP thinking in regards to women. He and the GOP tried to 'hoodwink' American women into throwing their support behind them because they were interested in empowering woman, but in actuality they wanted a 'pit bull with lipstick' who was light on knowledge.

The Republican Party will not attrack women and minorities unless they open their eyes and look around. The United States has changed over the past 8 years and people want real change that is inclusion of all people – not just the folks that follow Sarah Palin and Rush!

I think they should start by kiking Sarah Palin out. She did no help for the republican party, instead she made republican women not care for this years elections. Why? Lets not forget her daughter.

California.

Lets see Jack they can start by not demonizing a woman's right to choose, supporting the Lily Ledbetter Act and equal pay for women, stop sending sons to fight in wars of choice, let more women run on their tickets who are not Sarah Palin, and most of all tell Limbaugh to stop refering to women as "feminazis".

It's simple. They need to disassociate themselves from Rush, Palin, and the teenage boy they have chosen to identify with. Republicans need fresh ideas! They shouldn't waste their time trying to scare everyone about Obama and Democrats.

The GOP should do what Arlen Specter did, become "DEMOCRATS."

I can tell you what will never work: pitbulls with lipstick used as bait to reel in women. Political props like that will never fool the majority of the American people.

No more Palin's!!!!

wichita kansas

Jack,

I think the answer is quite simple, Republicans can attract more women simply by becoming more moderate.

Republican extremism puts a dirty taste in not only Americans mouths, but people outside our borders mouths as well.

I have European in-laws, and the things that they say about American politicians, in particular Republicans are embarassing.

Hi Jack,

wouf..that's a hard one to answer Jack! I just do not know where to start beside offering the GOP a mirror and all their current and past videos!

I can only say what Dr. Phil...would say when someone facing rejections of challenges in their own lives...the same applies to political parties: look at yourself in the mirror, look at all your past videos and ask yourself : who would want to live with me and who would actually enjoy my company i.e. my party!

You know a real spring cleaning is what we as human being must learn to do better on a daily basis about our words and actions towards our own lives and towards the lives of others!

Speaking as an outsider of course since I am a Canadian citizen I would say the GOP could attract more women if they had better men to begin with. The old days are gone. Boys will be boys and the old boys network just doesn't cut it any more. This is not 1909 it is 2009.

These staunch over the top conservatives are from days gone by. They must show and display flexibility on a whole host of issues. You just can't dig your feet in and refuse to negotiate or deliberate.

Well Jack, they could support the "right to choose" which alienates many women in this country and they could support equal pay for jobs done by females for starters. However, they won't do this for fear of alienating the right wing extremists like Rush Limbaugh who now calls the shots for the far right. They've become a party of WASPS and bigots and racists and those to still hold firm on the "trickle down" economic theory. Their journey back will be long and hard and may not happen at all if they don't change their leadership and philosophy.

appoint Sen Vetter (La) and Newt Gingrich retired as co-chairs to a women's sensitivity committee.

they've done enough to the women in their lives to understand what they women want.

accept "choice" as a woman's inalienable right.

accept same sex unions.

propose universal healthcare – consistent with the health plan that congress and/or their staffers,

the only way the GOP can attract more women into there party is by recruiting there own wives ,daughters and grand daughters into the party.
phil
tampa, florida.

i think general powell is correct in his assessment of the republican party is declining among voters.the party does need to return to the center as thats where most voters are,not conservative or liberal.the conservative right wing of the republican party led by hannity,limbaugh,beck&coulter turn off the majority of republicans so they either stay home on election day or vote democratic,if the republican party doesn't change their ways they will become a insign iicant party

jack, make a list. What did Republicans do for women in the past eight years under Bush? The list is very short. My Dad used to say give them enough rope and they will hang themselves.

Simple, Jack. Get rid of Rush. Period.

Abandon their archaic position on a woman's right to control her own body.

They can't do anything...especially when they have someone like Rush Limbaugh and his Fox-patch bullies leading the party. Their representation is just awful!! Plus, they are not listening to the American people–they only care about their 200 year old agenda.

The GOP is a total 'good ole boys club'. They don't really want to attract more women voters. If, and when they give women more respect, they just might get a few women to vote for them. But that'll never happen ... the respect, I mean.

Colin Powell is completely wrong, just because some, and possibly a majority, of Americans want more government in their lives and want to pay taxes for services doesn’t mean that we need 2 parties offering the same thing. If Republicans got out of people’s social lives then no one would have a problem with their small government model because, in the end, no one ever wants to pay taxes, they just want everyone else around them to do so.

Jack I called my wife about your question. Here is HER response.

"First, stay out of our wombs. Second, stay out of our bedrooms and third.....Don't EVEN think we're all as dumb as Sarah Palin!"

I'm gonna play it safe this time and agree with her.

Austin, TX

Jack,
The GOP has already tried targeting women with Palin and failed miserably. If they want to attract more women, they should instead move their target to themselves, and target policies that are less red vs blue and realign them so that they are helping all kinds of people. Then all kinds of people will be attracted to them. Great Ideas come in more than two colors.

They need to grow up and act their age and quit constantly carrying out age old arguments with the other party. How do Republicans think we can win the battle against a failing economy, when they constantly argue with the other party and forget the real problems. I am a republican however, I believe the republicans in Washington just don't care about our country since we have a Democrat President.

Well, if they'd quit trying to espouse policies that are designed to keep us barefoot and pregnant that would be a good start. But in my opinion, no woman in her right mind would vote for what passes for their current policies. I'm not voting GOP, being in my more or less right mind, but if they want women's votes they really have to lay off on the repression.

Diane, Houston

Highlight the pro-life position of the GOP! Last week's Pew Research Center Poll showed support for legal abortion is down across the board. Down among women by 5%, and down sharply among liberal to moderate Republicans by 24%, among independents by 11%. This is a great opportunity to bring women back to the party of Life!

Falls Church, VA

The Republican party can go away or at the least get all new members in congress. Then I would have some respect for them.

Let's remember Jack, the problem isn't with the Republican Party. The problem is with the modern female, corrupted by liberal feminists, sex education, and the absurd idea that they belong in the work place. Well, at least that’s what the all knowing leader of the Republican Party, Rush Limbaugh, said.

They can attract more women to their party if they become Democrats.

haha....you're calling Hillary, Napalitano, and Pelosi.....women?
Well, if that's what you think the GOP is missing...you're not making a good case, pal.

I'm amazed at how Nancy Pelosi, a Joan Rivers wanna-be, ever got into power....what's even more frightening is the fan base that supported her rise. The woman's got mental defects! She should be toted away never to be heard from again!

Dear Jack, if you want to attract more women to the Republican party, it might help if the republican men were a little better looking. Seriously though, republican men need to be more sensitive-that's how to win over a woman.

jack I have always found that opening doors for and listening to women has always worked for me. Maybe the republican party should start doing the same. Just a thought.

Dear Jack: The Republican Party is four-square against equity and equality for women, as shown by the astonishing opposition of GOP members of Congress to the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. For heaven's sake, what is more bedrock than equal pay for equal work? Yet, not one Republican male senator voted for the bill. Not only was President Obama four-square in favor of the bill, it was the first piece of legislation he signed into law. God bless him! The GOP is listening to Rush Limbaugh, not to women like me. Mary in Kansas.

How about promising all women free boutique clothing and zipping their lips from uttering 18th century ideas to solve all problems. It woild prove a better way of spending the funds the fat cats provide. We as a nation are in dire need of a loyal opposition but it cannot be an arm of a majority religion to succeed in a political matmosphere.
If that doesn't appeal to the leadership quit trying to solve an economic crisis with spending and tax cuts and become an inclusive political, rather than divisive, organization.

Have a 50% off taxes sale guaranteed for 8 years.

The Republican Party must move away from their religious routes which they pay too much attention to. Today's woman is strong, educated, hard working and in many cases the only one working in the family. The religious fanatics still believe in the stay at home mom as if we were still in Happy Days. They don't give any feasable answers to the problems which face the people and the educated woman can read them in a New York minute.

The Republicans, who say they want less government, should stay out of the bedroom and women's reproductive issues. The Republicans will fight to save frozen embryos, but will send adult men and women to war to die for their government. Until they resolve their bipolar convictions, women will stay away from the Republican Party.

That is easy Jack, simply listen to moderate Republicans like Colin Powell, Jeb Bush, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the late Jack Kemp. We watch as the GOP of the far right is hightlighted by the party and the media. It makes me wonder why these candidates are not viewed as we view extreme left candidates of the DNC, like Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. As an Independent voter, it appears to me that the Rep. Kuciniches of the world are treated like the somewhat extreme candidate they are among Democrats. On the other hand, extreme leaning Republicans, like Eric Cantor, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich, and Rush Limbaugh are viewed as stars in the GOP. That doesn't speak to America or make logical sense. There are Republicans out there that speak to America. The GOP should start to listen to them because their voice is a voice that America can embrace. The GOP better listen to the Michael Steeles, Jeb Bushes, and Colin Powells of the world or the party is on the road better known as Whig Avenue. America is a diverse nation that must lead the world through this century. We hear that leadership from some in the GOP. Unfortunately, it seems that the majority of the party leans towards the extreme.

This is easy.... Mel Gibson ..... he's perfect ... good looking, nutty as a fruitcake and a religious zealot. Now he's a hypocrite because of his ensuing divorce (devout Catholics do not divorce) the perfect Republican candidate.

I think they should purge the party of women, move to Texas, and secede.

Then we can build that fence at the Texas border to prevent those foreigners from coming into our liberal elite intelligent womanly country and taking our jobs etc.

Jack ,
The GOP should stop promoting anti Government talk show like Rush Limbaugh .

Jack,
The easiest thing they could do to appeal to more people is to stop being hypocrites and follow what they preach

Republicans have little chance of attracting more women because they have always been the party of greed, big business and selfishness. Most of the women in their party are subserviant christian types that believe in the dominance of a male god and a male husband. Democrats have been the party of social justice equality for women and compassion for all for quite some time. These tend to be more feminine ideals and the democrats will continue to attract more women as long as the stick to these principles.

Respecting a woman's right to chose would be a start. Republicans seem to be all for less government but have no problem with the government telling women what they can and cannot do with their own body and business.

I think the former Senator from Pa has the answer-become a democrat!

GOP needs to stop using women as props! Fox news needs to do the same. Where is the intellectual women oF the conservative party? They are now Democrats or Independents, like me!

One way to attract more women to their party is by not acting like five year olds. women today go home from their jobs only to find their husband on the couch watching spongebob, the laundry not done, the dog that got out in the mud prancing on the new carpet, and a teenager who is asking for help in calculus. I dont think they want to add a 5 yr old to their to do list. Their "im not going to talk to you cause you called me a bad name" childish attitude caused America's image overseas to suffer. The GOP should be ashamed. ATL, GA

Learn how to speak our language. Chocolate also works!!!

By not doing a weak version of the Democrats. By not supporting dingbats like Palin and that California beauty queen, who have to be most insulting to most women. By not electing a leader that was the only black man at the RNC conference, which is insulting to any educated American.

Hmm...this is a hard one...The GOP may want to think about changing its stance on abortion...THE LARGEST WOMEN'S ISSUE SINCE THE RIGHT TO VOTE....but changing their stance to pro-choice or even neutrality on the issue will alienate social Republicans, its largest base, which is narrowing the entire party by the day...The GOP is in a quagmire...ironically like the situation in Iraq...they can either become pro-choice and gain more women voters and lose social Republicans or the can remain pro-life gain more women, but lose their base. It's looking like Obama 2012...our 3rd 2-term president, unless Hilary wants to give him another shot in the ribs.

They lost lots of women when they promoted Sarah Palin as the greatest thing since potato chips and look what a joke that turned out to be. They are not to be trusted that is all I know!!!!

Hello Jack, this David here in Martinsburg,WV. The Repulican need to understand it not all about them. Sometime you have to consider other citizens in this country in what they want. Get in touch with what going on in this country, maybe then you can attract other member to the party.

I doubt that the GOP can do anything to attract more women. It should be called the “Good Old Boy Party”. When they get their buts out of their heads and stop trying to control women’s rights to control their own bodies, maybe some women will look at them, although I doubt it. The party is controlled by old farts. I WOULD NEVER!

In order to attract more women the Republicans first have to stop using jerks like Rush Limbaugh and " Joe the Plumber " as spokes persons for the party. They have to stop thinking that all women are as dumb as a light pole like their favorite lady, Sarah Palin. They have to accept the fact that a woman's body is just that, a woman's body, and she, and only she, has a right to make the decision of what she wants to do with her body. They have to accept the fact that women can do the job as well as a man and because of this she deserves equal pay for that equal work. All of these would, at least, be a good start.

When they oppposed equal pay measure for women which Presiden Obama signed in to law, they are not going attract any women unless they come to support this voting bloc.

With the current leader ship. There is nothing that they can do. Find a leader that can lead the party back.

Jack:

The Republicans need to do the same thing to attract more women that they need to do to attract more men. Quit talking about "The Party" and what they need to do to rebuild it and start pretending that they care about the needs and concerns of the American people. If they could just understand that when they do what is best for the people, they are also doing what is best for American businesses which they love so much.

What the GOP needs to do to attract women is stop DICTATING what a woman can or cannot do to her body. Get out of peoples relationships and bedrooms. Realize that NO is not the way to grow as a human. Just because you may have found “Jesus” does not mean that everyone needs to think that way! Realize that you cannot make laws around religion, but allow religion in people’s life! The GOP needs to be INCLUSIVE not EXCLUSIVE. That woman are not sub-servant.

Jack,
The republican party needs to fundamentally change, or at least become more flexible to, certain issues such as pro life/pro choice. Generally, I believe many women side with the pro choice camp. They also need to change the image of the party; it currently exudes a male dominated, caucasian appearance that is reluctant to reform anything.

If they could shed the image of the cave man dragging the helpless woman by the hair they may stand a chance. To quit glorifying women in the way they do that twit Palin would help as well. Women are really intelligent and can see themselves portrayed as Palin’s type and must truly resent that. But what can you expect from the Limbaugnians anyways?

Become Democrats.

They could start by developing some sane, progressive policies on education, equal pay, health care, and international diplomacy but I don't think even that – which appears less and less likely to happen, anyway – would help them as long as their "image" of a female candidate is Tina Fey's semi-literate, wolf-murdering stuntwoman. The selection of that bimbo as a vice-Presidential candidate is an insult to all women that won't soon be forgotten.

Susan
Tuscaloosa, AL

The GOP can eventually win back supporters by not being hypocrites in state government: actually practicing limited government and enforcing equal opportunity for individuals and corporations.

Get rid of the old white men who are keeping the party mired in the last century and address issues that are of interest to real people not just the radical left fanatics.

The best thing they could do is find some of those things they claim no one else has, you know MORALS

The GOP should do the following to attract more women:

Break ties w/ Limbaugh, O'Reilly, Coultar, Hannity, and Glen Beck as the perceived mouthpieces of the GOP. Better yet, dismantle Fox news entirely. They have ram-rodded the Party way too far to the right. This sheep ain't following. I stand by Colin Powell's comments published earlier today. P.S. Where is Campbell Brown?? I miss her.

John, in MO

The biggest single step: Stop thinking all women are the same.

There is not a single 'silver bullet' strategy. Their misstep in the decision to choose Sara Palin as the vice presidential nominee is an illustration of their ridiculous attitude. It was clear that they believed that one woman is as good as the next, they're all interchangeable. Put a woman on the ticket (any woman!) and we'll get the vote of all women.

Although there may not be a simple strategy to get the votes of all women...there is a simple strategy to losing them: Keep treating women like they are a simple-minded collection of sheep that you can herd to your party with token gestures and rhetoric.

only way i c them attracting more poeple is by a fleet of them taking off their 3 peice suites and putting on us army uniforms. anything else they will just bring the party down more

I believe the GOP can only reach parity with the Democrats, if they change their position on Pro-life. I believe that women value their freedom of choice over the alternative of being an incubator for a fetus they don't want. There is also the Gay marriage issue, which in my experience as a gay man, most women i've met, love gay men. I know this is a stereotype, however it does have a basis in fact. The social issues are the only thing that keeps the extreme right wing supporters but its driving all the others away. If the social issues bring down their party, so be it. I don't understand why these things are an issue, Canada decided long ago that the government has no business in the bedrooms of our nation.

The Republicans need to figure out what they stand for. If they can come up with a clear set of ideals and goals for what they want for the Nation that corresponds with what People want for the Nation, they will be able to attract more women AND men to their party. But, if they want a quick gimmick, they could just get behind ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment.

In order to attract more women, the republican party needs to find itself a true leader, and that certainly is not Michael Steele, Rush or Ann. More women today want true American values to be at the core, this means equal rights, the right to choose and fair pay. Well they got fair pay only a democrat had to do it for them. To many times the republicans present themselves as self righteous people who use the constitution as their backdrop. Unfortunately the constitution was written some 200+ years ago and so much has changed. Catch up republicans if your want your voices heard.

Stop calling women feminazis and stop suggesting that their place is in the kitchen and raising kids. Women are a lot smarter than the right wing extremists want us to believe.

The GOP needs a role model that women can look up to. This person should be young, modern and open minded. Does that sound like Sara Palin?

Brian Adams
Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Ontario, Canada

Hello Jack, I do enjoy your blog.

Now, how about GOP staying away from our body? They aren't pragmatic enough and way too far to understand what's impacting our everyday's life. Keep the good work.

Jack they could attrack more thinking women, if they would shut up and not speak. The GOP men seem to get into trouble when they open their mouths.

The Republican Party has been losing men and women voters. It has been losing blue collar voters, religous voters, independent voters, and moderate voters. I am a fiscal conservative voter who stopped voting republican when richard Nixon left office in disgrace. The Party has no one to blame but themselves. They berate moderates and do all they can to drive them from office. As long as Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, and John Boehner speak for the Republican Party, its ranks will continue to dwindle. Maybe Colin Powell and John McCain will
come to their senses and join the moderate Democrats!

To attract more women voters, the Republicans need to get schooled on the issues that matter most to them. This might mean distancing themselves from the evangelicals, free-market capitalists, and angry white men who seem to make up the GOP's core constituency and develop policies with more broad-based appeal (no pun intended here).

Maybe Saran Palin has a clone. If so, the GOP will definitely get her vote!

first they need a good leader, which seems hard to come by, then learn how to say YES for the good of the country.

The GOP needs to be more proactive when it comes to health care. Women desire to lead productive, happy lives while raising families. More support for the physical and mental health of children by the Republicans would win a lot of hearts. Far too often the right impresses on us the vision of high heeled ladies in long skirts at home catering to Wally and the Beav.

Jack, the Republican party has become a party of theocrats. The religious right has taken it over, and we know how women are treated in a theocracy – just look toward the Middle East. Conservatism does not equal religion.

We need a middle of the road third party, the "ReDemption Party": A party consisting of conservative (Re – for republican) and liberals (Dem – for democrats) who are tired of the far right and far left taking control of their parties.

Jack: The Republican Party must stop being so closed-minded and anti-science. It sickens me when I hear Republicans saying they don't believe in evolution, they don't believe in global warming, they don't believe Gays were born Gay. They are anti-sex education and anti-birth control. These stands are not good for our Country and not good for our youth. They are stands that will keep our country from being competitive with other countries in the world. The majority of youth and the majority of women do not agree with this backward thinking. The Republican Party must move into today's world!

Thank you.

Judy Curtis
Mill Creek, WA

i think sarah palin is among those that should not be listened to by republicans,not only is she nnot qualified but is the canidate democrats would most like to see as the republican nominee in 2012,she would lose by a landslide as she is a "loser"

Drop the Christian Coalition and the Religious Right and their agenda of making our government a religious institution.

Nothing. Let the Republican name die. Gather together the creative conservatives who believe in science and form a new conservative party. New name. New voters. Good for the country.

Here's a clue: the GOP shouldn't act like Democrats.

If you think doing so will improve the GOP's results at the polls, you're nuts. Why vote for "Democrat – lite"?

If you like what the Democrats are selling – abortion on demand, tax increases, out of control spending, more government control of your life, diminished individual liberty – go buy that.

The GOP should focus on all the issues that brought them success in elections in the past – lower taxes, strong national defense, respect for life, liberty and property – the same things that the Founders believed in.

The first thing the Republican party has to do is distant themselves from Ross Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and fundamental churches with their hateful rhetoric. This turns me off. I don't want to belong to a party with those people speaking for my vote. They are bullies and with dishonesty all already a problem for the Republican Party they have little to draw my vote.

Oregon

mike armstrong sr. dear jack they should beleave in god and do his will but if that dont work then lie cheat and steal and if that dont work kill take and die ?

I total agree with Colin Powell that the Republicans need to turn away from the right wing nuts. Also, the Republicans need to quit listen to their talk radio and Fox's Network right wing nuts that just trying make money for them self and don't care for the country going into a hole. The women and I ( a straight white male ) is turn off the old ways that seem to turn this country in a big mess. The right wing ways never work before and it time to change.

Jack,
I hate to disagree with you ,but I don't believe the statistic's you are reporting. That's what you want people to believe. Anyone with any sense knows we are better off with less government involvement. The country is going to hell in a hand basket, and the media won't report the true facts. Journalism as we once knew it, is no more. It went to hell in a hand basket last year.

I think in order for the Republican Party to attract more women voters it will need to think differently of women. As a woman, all I see when I look at the Republican Party are old, white men who used Sara Palin, not because of her credentials, but because she was a woman. I respect the Democratic party for the strong, assertive female figures that they offer. You may not like what these women have to say, but they are intelligent and know their stuff; so you at least have to respect them! More women in 2009 are strong working women, no hunting housewives. I want to see me represented when I see my party.

The only Republican I would vote for is Ron Paul, because his common sense attitudes about 21st century issues smack of logic in a time of insanity. Namely, his opposition to the ridiculous war on drugs could very well get him nominated as the GOP candidate in 2012...

I think the Republican Party is going to be just fine. Going back to the core principles of being fiscal conservatives, protecting life, being strong on national defense, and being pro-business will be good for the party. Remember, the Democrats are taking positions against very difficult times we have just been through under a Republican President. Anything that resembles change looks good compared to the last couple of years. However, and mark my words, as soon as things begin to get better and we have people holding the current President accountable, strong debate will continue on both sides of the aisle and America will be better for it. Strong ideas and personalities on both sides are good for America.

The GOP will attract more women and more other main stream Americans when GOP office holders, at all levels, across the country, stop relying on malice, hypocrisy, lies, and bigotry to get reelected. There will be no change in the Republican constituency until there are
different Republicans to vote for.
Jack Adkins
San Francisco, CA

I am an independent that leans towards the democratic party due to social platform issues (abortion, same sex marriage, capital punishment to name a few) however I am fiscally conservative and am appalled by some of the liberal spending taking place in Washington – even though some of the leaders I voted for are Democratic and I have only myself to blame, they are just doing what they said they would. We need MODERATES. Republicans are crazy-right, and Democrats are crazy-left. There are no politicians out there that meet my needs for grounded, rational, modern, CENTRAL MINDED leadership.

Wow, the party of old, white, male conservatives is out of step with today's women – that's a shocker

Mr. Cafferty,

Well, a good first step would be to get rid of Sarah Palin. Next get rid of the neo. Women probably do not want to be just a baby factory for the next generation of Rush Limbaugh worshipers.

First, you'd probably have to teach them to read.
Then get them to stop watching the View.
Stop listening to Oprah.
Teach them that abortion is not a method of birth control.
Have them pick up a tab or two.
Have the outspoken Republican women, coulter, rush and hannity, shunned from the party,
Remind them that they actually do have the right to vote.
Explain to them the meaning of 'illegal' as in 'illegal immigrants'.
That last one actually goes to the Republican leadership also.
Oh there are probably more, but let's start slowly.

Hi Jack:

If the Republicans want to attract more voters at all, they should heed the words of a great Republican/General:

"I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower

In fact, that goes for all politicans!

"The only Republicans I would consider voting for are Gates, Petraeus, and Powell."

Susan in Texas, you're on the right track, but there are many more moderate Republicans who are being suppressed by the conservative right. Even if not perfect and even if we don't agree with all their ideas, we need to support these people and move the party to the center. Think: Pataki, Simmons (former rep-CT) Ridge, Rell (gov-CT) Pawlenty, Snowe, Chafee, even Arnold S.

The defection of Arlen Specter may be considered a joke to some, but he has a point. The GOP suffered repeated setbacks across the more progressive Northeast and Midwest because groups like "Club for Growth " defeated moderate Republicans in the primary, knowing that more conservative nominees would lose in the general election, because purity is more important than Republicans in office.

It's time to wake up... Moderate republicans either need to take back the party or defect en mass to the Libertarians, leaving the conservative right a marginalized minority group.

How can the GOP attract more woman?

Well, I would suggest to try by starting to treat them as equals and not like they are "baby-machines"! That would be a good first step...

...basically try acting like this is 2009, not 1909!

Put young, intelligent, respected, accomplished, influential "center" Republican women (this list does not include Sarah Palin) into the spotlight and avoid having over-the-top right wingers like Limbaugh and Coulter get media attention. Reassess GOP ideology and give it a facelift. And take advice from Colin Powell.

Be true to our core beliefs, and not change as the wind blows. When we were in power, we believed in those core beliefs and values. We got fat, happy, dishonest and pandered. We got what we deserved and the same will happen to the Democrats. When you wander, you lose !! Time will tell all !! Power trips ruin us all, especially dishonest politicians.

Change their political positions on subjects that are important to women and show respect for their ability to make decisions concerning their lives. They should support equal pay for women, support more women for elected office, and let women make their own reproductive choices.

Mountain Home ID

How about treating us as equals first. Treat us as women and minding their own business. They need to focus on themselves or they won't be around much longer. Next try to start showing compassion to the people, not big corporations. Our children go to bed at night with out food and our military men and women are dieing for an unnecessary war.

Allow women the rights they deserve including equal wages, free choice about their body and stop treating them like second class citizens. Start having educated, intelligent choices in politics and stop whining about losing the 2006 and 2008 elections. Most of all, learn to separate state and church like they are supposed to do .Religion is and should remain personal and has no place on the political stage.

The GOP should stop trying to gain control over womens' bodies that would be a good start. Then they could stop lying so much and insulting thier intelligences. Maybe then some women might come over to thier side.

Neither party can attract and keep people if they continue spewing hatred and promoting more disparity. I would like to see separation of church and state honored as much as they honor the NRA; I would like them to shut up about socialism and take care of healthcare for poor Americans. I want them to quit worrying about what their neighbor is doing in the privacy of their own home and myob. I want them to be inclusive instead of exclusive.

I have no intentions of switching my Republican Party affiliation but as long as the Reps push Sarah Palin I will not vote for whatever spot she runs for.

That's like asking what a caveman can do to attract women at a bar. Nothing. The rest of the world has evolved and they refuse to do so. I am afraid we need a new second party – and we do need one. A one-party America is not good.

Well Jack, they could give them Diamonds and chocolate. That works for my wife.

The GOP is the party for old, balding, jowly men. If that continues to be the norm, no wonder women aren't a part of it.

Lose all the old men.

Take note of the country they now live in. Someone from the GOP should tell Rush to shut-up! He only makes it worse for the GOP. He's full of hate and anger.

It's really sad that all of the intelligent GOP members are letting an ignorant, mean spirited, hateful man dictate what their party is all about.

The GOP needs a lit of help! Will someone with some back bone stand up?

Social righteousness may have been enough to attract women in the past, but after years of double-talk that strategy is long dead. The only way Republicans can attract women and men is by representing them appropriately, and that will require a major rewrite of the GOP playbook.

It is simple; women are more democrate than republican just because of Obama style. It is not because of his policies. Subconsciously women like the Man Obama 75% and his policies 25%. Republicans need to have someone with style as a leader in order to come back. Also republicans needs to get rid of people who are too much conservatives.

Jack,
The REpugs need to stop looking at things in black and white. The world is gray. People have changed. The world has changed. I really believe that they are having a hard time dealing with the FACT that Americans said "ENOUGH" and voted for it's first African American President. Get over it and move on. Change the way you do things and what you say.

They would have to become pro-choice; support real, significant healthcare reform; support children's health insurance programs; get out of the bedroom and better monitor the boardroom; and start putting Americans before party, before the religious right and before corporations. To me, as a woman, they care nothing about those things that concern me, caring for children and families. The GOP loves the fetus, but ignores the child.

They must get rid of the right-wing religious nuts that are against choice and the hateful divisive language that they use to race bait. Coming up with some viable plans to help everyone in this country would be a good thing, too.