CNN

Hi Jack,
The GOP isn't just all white; its public face is loud, belligerent, deeply conservative, divisive, and arrogant. They are everything that the rest of the world resents about America. Gun-lovin', Bible-thumpin' mountain folk bumping elbows with the rich guys who are standing on their backs.
They need to get a new image out there: intelligence, cultural and religious acceptance, understanding, and genuine responsibility. The minority members who would otherwise jump feet first into the GOP are scared off by all of the shouting and rhetoric. They days of Cheney and Limbaugh are over. The party should muzzle them, do just enough to hold onto the existing base, and move forward with someone like Powel at the helm.

Americans are wising up to the failed GOP policies. Reaganomics, free market capitalism, and deregulation caused the economic disaster the country now faces. Hard core republicans don't want people with moderate views into their party. They only want people who can march in lock step.

They always seem to think they can fool all of the people all of the time. They only care about pleasing the rich and the stupid. While more of us may be getting dumber, thanks to our school system and culture, many of us are also getting poorer, thanks to GOP economic policies. The majority of Americans are just not hateful enough to make good Republicans. cy gardner, arlington, va

Because the media portrays us as a bunch of ultra conservative nutbags instead of the normal moderate people most of us are.

By who's polls are posing thjis question? Maybe the GOP is far broader than you seem to think..

Jack,

Because the far right has taken over the party.

Only angry white people need apply.

As a moderate dem, who is progressive on many issues, and as a man who does beleive the Bible......the GOP is not turning me away morally......but they are truly zealots in their belief that only conservative values and principles are good for America!!! That's a lie and is a showing of absolutism, which is not good for any party. Here's the thing President Obama, is a once every 50-20 year kind of politician....you have it, or you don't.....Reagan had it, JFK had it, both Roosevelts(Teddy & Frank), this guy is just a great communicator, and relates to so many, on different levels......Leaders like him emerge to chart a new course....and the ground has to be ready for them......Well most of America was ready for this guy.....thanks to people like the Clintons who in the nineties showed that progressivism was still attractive, and GWB who showed many Americans what they didn't want......
Lastly the President actually and posesses the core family values that ironically the GOP once had ownership of. Or so they thought.....

Because they are letting their extremists run everything into the ground. People are tired of the 1950's attitude. The radical GOP promote hatred, fear, anger, and divisiveness at every turn. We are tired of it. Enough is enough. Its time to stop behaving like children, and start behaving like adults. And even after we tell them till we are blue in the face, they still refuse to listen to a word of it.

This is an easy one you answered you own question. They lack appeal because they are so narrow minded just like all of the stats indicate. I am a conservative Democratic and cannot believe how the likes of Cheney and the Bush admisinstration governed. They are trying to color thier administration with non-factual information to convince the american people that they had to do what they did. They truly have blood on thier hands. It is a real sad piece of american history and im sure will be judged as such.

What a dumb question. The democratic party's entire base is minorities and elitists. They pander to every group that has a cause or needs representation or people who can't do for themselves. They promise the world to these people but have done nothing for them. It's a rag tag party for everyone who has 1 cause they care about: Civil rights, gay marriage, legalizing drugs, open immigration, removing the 2nd ammendment, Universal Healthcare, expanding welfare, affirmative action, pro abortion, etc. Then the dems say ok we'll take up that cause for you if you vote for us. Everything in that list is not what this country was founded on and who are you to change that. This is the greatest nation in the history of the world but they are willing to throw it away for votes.

Simple Jack, the Republican Party has not changed with the times, and it is catching up with them just like GM and Chrysler. As demographics and public opinion change over time, so must the party that represents them. Is there an image consultant in the house?

Ya don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Jack. Republicans are white because the Democrats have bought the country's diversity with costly programs–including affordable housing initiatives.

Mainly because they lied so much. And they still are. If they said something, you could bet the opposite would happen. How do you ever trust anything that comes out their mouth?

They have no new ideas, no credible leaders and such a narrow platform of issues–anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-cultural diversity– their appeal is limited, mainly, to narrow-minded white males toting guns. And after 8 years of the dumbest and meanest administration in our history, most Americans are embarrassed to call themselves Republicans.

You have Dick who says he would do it all over again if given the chance. You have the dishonored Newt trying to be an honorable gentleman and then there is Rush who, according to his mother, dropped out of college after two semesters and one summer. According to his mother, "he flunked everything", even a modern ballroom dancing class. Need I say more?

Jack – When I think republican, I think of our dead and wounded soldiers and the tattered lives of those who love them. Their appeal is low because they speak in hateful tones. They are smug, and self-righteous. What for? Their legacies?? They are pathetic. I have not lost any loved ones in Iraq, but I grieve for them just the same.

Jack, you have answered your own question. There are three reasons why the Republican Party has such a narrow focus of appeal. Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich.

because they are very narrow minded people Jack.

Because they have too many narrow-minded "Christians" in their base. (Bet you won't put this one on.)

It seems for the last decade the GOP has been trying harder and harder to live up to the stereotype of the rich white man who feels threatened by change.

Jack,

The narrow appeal comes being narrow minded.

We live in a democracy, the Republicans have embraced the far-right and have become the party of theocracy.

They continue to lose appeal as they further sell themselves to the "relgious right".

The answer is simple. Cheney, Newt, Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity, O'Reilley and, the religious right.

Simple answer. It's because they're so narrow minded.

You only need to watch one evening of those idiots on FOX to see the answer to that Jack.

Because they are a bunch of over-educated-pompous-warmongering snobs .....

Four words

George Dub Ya Bush

Because of the Bush years. There are still some intelligent republicans left out there with fresh ideas. Though we will never have another Reagan, it will be quite the while untill the GOP has a comback. Their economic policies fail to benefit the middle class. They led to the mess we're in now. Deregulation? no way!

Hi Jack,
When I was a boy (I am going to be 62 next month) I asked my wise old Grandaddy what the difference was between Republicans and Democrats. He said "The Republicans are for the rich, the Democrats are for the working man."
I don't see that has ever changed.
Dicky Neely
Corpus Christi, Tx.

I've been a republican for years, but they lost me over the past eight. Their appeal has been lost because they seem to be a group of old politicians who are so conservative as to not be in tune with the realities of a more liberal world these days. They need to lighten up their negative rhetoric and start working with the current administration to help the United States regain its popularity in the world. We live on a planet that is globally connected not on an island with no boat.

You are what you are.
Proof is in the pooding.

Anyone who is highly religious will be adament in their beliefs. It is a shame that the religious factor of the GOP turns of moderate voters. It doesn't change the principles and ideologies of the Republican Party as whole. They will still always stand for what the basis of the party represents.

You said it, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich. That's why I'm a FORMER Republican.

The Rupublicans are simply out of touch, and engaged in a bite off your own nose to spite your face stubborness.
Its more shameful than laughable

they have a narrow appeal because of this idea of "social conservatism" which is really a liberal view of government control over social lives. i know people dont want to admit it but the republicans have a real "liberal" stance when it comes to controlling peoples lives. if they wanted to broaden their appeal they should back off of this idea of "social conservatism" and get back to solid conservatism by being more like the libertarian party.

Spewing all this about the GOP, just wait till the DEMS get through. then we will see what the Country looks like. Pelosi already looks like an idiot, and the rest of the party is going to hell in a hand basket, and dragging the Country with it.

You already answered your own question, Jack.

The Repubs have such a narrow appeal because they are narrow minded and made up primarily of old white dudes and religious fanatics. I don't know about you, but I don't want those people in charge of my country. Thus the narrow appeal.

They have a narrow appeal because the Moderate Republicans don’t have the audacity to take on The Entertainer, The Has-been and The Torturer and fight for the future of the party. Until the moderates get a spine and accept the fact that the ultra-conservative base isn’t growing, but dying off more every day, and broaden the much larger moderate base, they are doomed.

Because they're arguably racist and pander to the rich. If they broke off the racism they could gain plenty of support among the more conservative African-American and Latino communities which are a good number.

The Republicans prefer the past to any possible future. Therefore they are doomed to extinction. Old pale males arent going to have much power in the future. Younger, ethnically diverse people like Barack and Sonia will rule.
J
Lexington, KY

That's simple Jack...it's what they did to this country. The damage from George W. and the republican party has left a bitter taste in many Americans. It's time for the republican party to get on with the business of renaming it's party, because if they don't, the "republicans" will never come back into power, not ever.

For decades, southern Democrats have been encouraging "people of color" to identify with their race instead of forging their own ideologies as individuals. This has resulted in a culture in which many people will vote for whoever the leaders of their "diaspora" want them to vote for. The collectivism within the black community, for example, goes hand in hand with the collectivism of the liberal ideology.

Why is the GOP appeal so narrow – because their minds are so narrow – seems pretty simple to me.

hey Jack, have you ever noticed, at least 75% of the republican party grew up with Hoover? and I'm not talking about the vaccuum cleaner, and the other 14 percent are people who didnt graduate from high school because their dad told them to join the military, while a senior in high school? in other words, most republicans are lemmings, follow the leader, follow the anti military idiot, rush limbaugh, what has he ever done to help our military? COME ON RUSH, TELL US!! SHEESHH, i'm glad i'm a college graduate and can read other things besides right wing schtuff. (yes stuff is spelled wrong..sue me..lol )

The Republicans focus on puny issues instead of grand issues – the focus on Sotomayor is ultimately irrelevant, but ignoring the loss of control military vehicle (Humvee) manufacturing in the US to the Chinese makes no sense.

They have a narrow appeal because their policies discriminate against anyone who is not white, wealthy, and a religious zealot

As James Carville said last summer, the Republican convention is a meeting of OLD WHITE GUYS and REALLY OLD WHITE GUYS"!!!

The answer is simple – our numbers are fewer because there are growing numbers of Democrats that prefer government entitlements!

From Silver Spring, MD

Obviously, the Republican Party believes that ignorance is bliss. They are still stuck in our past and are too close minded to embrace other cultures.

Simple jack,
they are wrong , on every point!

Dear Jack:
Republicans have such a narrow appeal because they are narrow minded and mean spirited.
Love you, Jacl.

Compare those numbers with education numbers and you will see the reason; most of America is not all that intelligent.

Mr. Cafferty, as long as you and others in the media keep telling the public how awful the Repurlicans are, I don't think they have a chance. Everday it's the same topic and a regular drumb beat on "what will those poor Republicans do." They just arent popular

Republicans have made a mantra of no regulation, and look what it has gotten us into. Republicans have elected George Bush in the 2000 and 2004 elections, and look where that has gotten us. Republicans make hay of wedge issues, read abortion and gay rights and look where it has gotten us.
I am surprised anyone would want to call themselves Republicans.

oh. And limit their rich pandering to get those aforementioned communities as they are more poor.

When the GOP spokespeople act and sound like 19 Century racist Red Necks, you are destined for 21st Century extension.

The reason why the GOP is consumed by white males is because they hinder our groups from being sucessful. They claim women aren't as smart, minorities get jobs because of quotas, and its the way or the highway. They eat there own and toss them out when they when the taste is bad.

The Republican Party has become a refuge for those who feel persecuted by the future, whether on the basis of religion or race or the specter of "Big Government". This is really an odd situation, since future events technically can't be persecuting anyone – yet. Hence, the dependence on fear-mongering: an attempt to get others to feel persecuted by what hasn't happened yet.

One week after losing my job in late 2007, a Republican senator on t.v. said, in answer to a question about unemployment benefits,"Let them sink. Maybe the market will pick them up."
I voted democratic for the first time in my life.

The reason the Republicans have such narrow appeal is simple; they have such narrow minds.

from Rochester, NH: The Republican Party has become so narrow in its policies and appeal that the party has become largely exclusionary for most people. With the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich and Dick Cheney spewing their venom over the airways on a daily basis, it is no wonder why people are leaving the party. The republicans need a new face, and new ideas in ordewr to compete with today's democratic voice. Mr. Steele and party need to wake up to the fact that this is not the 50's anymore. But the 21st century. Either get on the train or be left behind the train is pulling out. All Aboard.

part of the reason for the downfall of the GOP is the liberal based thinking that are children are brought up with from elementary school through college and then having to listen to extremely biased media sources that are on television today. As America becomes older the traditional values of America are being challenged by as we see now Marxists that are indoctrinating our younger voters that success is not good and business is bad. The old work ethic that the greatest generation was brought up with has disapeared as it has become easier to have people make choices for you, sounds like 1984 wheres George Orwell.

Jack,
They have such a narrow appeal because the majority of the GOP ARE indeed a very narrow thinking people with little to offer mainstream America besides rhetoric.
E.J in Tacoma

Well lets see, Anti Gay, Anti Abortion, Anti Freedom, There only non Anti People who agree with there Anti Everything.. You have Rush as a speaker? get real people, get a clue its 2009...not 1809

I work with mostly white Republican males. They e-mail prejudice rhetoric along with pro-white, pro-rich messages to me on a weekly basis. They have a very well created playbook with all the reasons why minorities have less and deserve less. I am so sick of it that I don't see myself ever switching back to the Republican party.

Thanks Jack- GOP 89% WHITE! Its because they're old and live mostly in the South. In their defense they still beleive GOD only loves them! Wake-up GOP....

Because of the Bush years. There are still some intelligent republicans left out there with fresh ideas. Though we will never have another Reagan, it will be quite the while untill the GOP has a comback. Their economic policies fail to benefit the middle class. They led to the mess we’re in now. Deregulation? no way!

The Republican Party has such narrow appeal because they virtually require justifying torture, propagating zero tolerance, denouncing ideas that differ from the official platform, and accepting Cheney and Limbaugh as spokesmen. In a nutshell they don't speak to a wide range of values. Worse, the taste of 8 years with Bush/Cheney and the GOP refusal to apologize for their trampling of the Constitution is disgusting.

Who cares? The people have spoken and they'll (GOP) either get it or not. In the meantime there's a lot of work to be done for this richly diverse nation.

Jack, you answered your own question, Cheney, Limbaugh, and Gingrich ..........

Who would the GOP demonize if their party were more diverse?

When your "leaders" are the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney, you know your party has lost all focus. You're just pushing out the moderate members and scaring away anyone with any new ideas.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a new party emerge in the next few years consisting of ex-Republicans.

Wow...since when did it become a bad thing to be religious? I can tell you why the Repubs have lost appeal in America today. Because America is turning into a selfish, hateful, morally bankrupt , ungodly nation. You know, Jack, everything you and liberals stand for!!

Jack, anyone who is not under the mind control of the christian taliban in this country wants to put as much distance between themselves and the GOP as humanly possible. Right now, the GOP has about as much as appeal as an enema and is just as messy. Until the voice of moderation and reason comes back into the party, they will continue on their path to irrelevance.

Jack.. Could it be that the GOP has such a narrow appeal because it is so narrow minded? I live in the South and you would not believe some of the narrow minded comments I hear on a daily basis. The GOP is being reduced to a mostly old white man's party, based mainly in the south and in the plains and completely out of touch with mainstream and modern America. With the double chinned bunch that seems to reflect their narrow views, it looks as if the Republican Party doesn't change, it will just be an impotent and useless group of people with old and archaic opinions.

At one point in time White Conservative males and the Religious establishment held much of the power in America. However, times are rapidly changing; the Republican Party is not.

Their economic policies don't work as well anymore. They are a large majority of the reason we're in such a mess now.

For decades, the Republican Party has worked and voted against the interests of the middle class, the poor, people of color, women, gays and anyone else who doesn't fit the mold of the wealthy WASP male. What's happening now is that the public is finally taking notice of these facts.
Dan
Santa Barbara

Conservative Republicans come across as pompous and overly pius. They appear to hate women's rights as they harp on over turning Roe vs Wade. This is very scarey.

Hi, Jack, great question. Though I really do not want to answer it and give the GOP help!

I grew up, and was a Republican until 2004! That's right, I unfortunately voted for Bush & DICK! Lived to regret it.

I am now a registered, Independent, so is my husband. Our kids are Democrats.

Why does the GOP have such a narrow appeal? They have narrow minds, a deeply flawed ideology, that's hateful, vile and frankly, UN- Christian!

When they claim to be "pro-life" but....... attack Iraq, chant bomb-bomb-bomb Iran, VETO the SCHIP Bill that would grant healthcare to 7 million children! And call a woman, who happens to be Latina......... a racist! They have lost me, forever.

The GOP is dying a long painful death. America has shifted to the moderate-left-leaning-center....... the GOP is obsolete.

Infestation of the party by the "Religious" Radical Right - the RRR Cult. Once the party clearly and unequivocally throws the hate-agendas against abortion and equal rights for gays under the bus permanently, it's appeal will rise dramatically. Sensible people reject bigotry.

Jack the number say everything, it the arrogant of the Republicans Party. As long as they think they're much better than everyone else, they will continue having this problem. They don't have any respect for other , that might be different from them.

David
Martinsburg, WV

Jack,
they need to lower their noses, they maybe able to see citizens around them better, and learn not to be so judgemental, when their house is dirty

Americans have gotten soft and have become a society if whiners. The Democratic party caters to this weakness. A chicken in every pot and a house to anyone who says they can afford it. This is what has gotten us in the predicament we find ourselves in now. God help us if the Republican party follows suit.

R/S
Pete Eaton
USMC Retired

The GOP doesn't change it's position on issues just because its position may be unpopular, whereas the Democrats just stick their finger in the air when deciding their position on an issue. It's simply a case of popularity versus principle.

It's obvious:

Because they're so narrow-minded.

See Rush. See Newt. See Dick run.

You mean the "my way or no way" party, the "just say no" party, "America has its roots in christianity" party, the "no idea" party, the "throw any woman out there" party, "everybody but Republicans are racist" party,, it's the" fault of the mainstream media" party...need I say more.

The GOP continually comes off as anti-minorities. Not only does this alienate the minorities themselves, but it also alienates those who want civil rights for minorities. When a party so openly bashes gay people, or has members such as G. Gordon Liddy who call the spanish language the language of "illegal alien" it's hard to imagine that the GOP has any appeal whatsoever to anyone other than hardline Christians and old, ill informed, backwoods crazy white men. Their ideas regarding fiscal conservatism are outweighed by the beliefs the party attained after they sold their souls to the now shrinking (and almost irrelevant) religious extremist right.

The all white male Republican establishment wants to control our social actions through churches and have power over us all, especially women. It is kind of like an upstart Taliban.

Jack, The Republican Party died last November on election night. The only base they'll continue to widen are their wallets. They're selfish old white men not willing to advance with a new generation filled with change and diversity.

The GOP has such a low appeal because they can not reach out to the youth of this country. The GOP is not doing enough to reach out to new young voters. How many times during the Obama McCain race last year did you hear about McCain or the Republicans going to collages or young voter programs?

The Repugents are radical and small minded people. They keep repeating the same crap over and over because we bought that scam before. I just don't understand how the word conservative can be linked to these extreme minded people. That is one of the biggest lies they tell. it will never change until these loud mouthed representatives of their party are dead and gone.

The Republican's drove most of the moderates such as myself over to the Democratic Party. I considered myself an Eisenhower Republican, but even he would probably be called a "RINO" today. Republican's are also consumed with issues related to big business that are of little interest to average Americans, and their "values" message has worn thin in a climate of economic crisis. Plus they seemed to have attracted their fair share of right wing extremists to the Party.

Because for many who otherwise agree with their basic philosophy, the people who they allow to speak for them are like the the cousins we all have that we hope to never need admit we are related too - any one or combination of stupid, arrogant, obnoxious, racist, sexist, reactionary, extremist, hypocritical...

Lloyd
New York, NY

Jack,
It's such a narrow appeal today because there's so much infighting, and attacking of each other. Would you want to be in that Party?
It seems that their focal point is to tell people that if you don't agree with us 100%, get out!
Michael Steele is to be the voice....they should rally behind him, and have alternative ideas to Democrats.

Tina, Ontario

Because when, Newt, Dick and Rush say anything their good looking profiles are up on the situation room.

Limbaugh, Newt and Cheney (the faces/spokemen of the Republican party) are all old geezers. When you get that old you want to relive your childhood where white was the majority, Wake up people and use your oxygen tanks, the world is no longer like that!

Ever since Nixon-era Republicans realized the gains possible through their 'Southern Strategy,' namely the systematic exclusion of minorities, they have stuck with a policy that ignores the changing demographics of the country. Minorities aren't taking over the country though, they just deserve respective seats at the table. Democrats get this, as does the rest of America.

Hello Jack,

It leaves me to wonder why any Hispanic would define himself as a Republican.. As a Colombian born American Citizen I see that the interior American is the John Wayne bully that has not traveled beyond the ocean ( only 27% of Americans have passport). Ignorant Republicans think no other country can have better things than the USA. Ignorance is the reason...

Hello Jack Cafferty: I wish to say I admire your integrity. Now my opinion as to why the GOP have such a narrow appeal is because most appear to be self-righteous when they claim to be religious.

Hey Jack,

You already answered the question, because of people like Cheney, Limbaugh, and I would insert Palin where you put Gingrich, but we can let them both be part of the group, and all of their hateful, negative, and divisive blathering. We all know this is the answer, the problem with the republican party is, too many of them don't care that this is the problem, they love to fight and be divisive, I say congratulations to them, I know they see where this is (or isn't) getting them.

Susan, Roswell GA

Come on Jack, when is the last time so-called" white people" ask for free intitlements? Hello! never,how often does so-called minorities ask for free stuff and get it from Democrats,always! If you don`t believe it look at California,DUH! If White people got free crap from Dems. They would vote for them too. White people do have a tendency to go and work everyday,and pay their fair share in taxes.

I am non-white and a Republican. Where do you get your figures from Jack? Most of my friends of Asian decent are firmly Republican, and I live in California which is a reliably liveral state. I feel our numbers are under reported and that CNN is skewing their numbers to support their biased view of the party. CNN's coverage of Obama borders on idolatry.

As a former Republican, I can tell you that the Republican's anti-everything approach alienated me a long time ago. Back in the early 1970s, Spiro Agnew talked about the silent majority and how they tended to vote Republican. Well guess what, the silent majority (mainly moderate, middle of the road sorts of folks like me) have left the Republican party because of their far right, negative and anti-everything view of the world. Until the Republicans can shut up the far right, Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney, they are doomed to be inconsequential. And, to tell you the truth, I look forward to the rise of an Independent, third party that takes over the middle of the political spectrum and makes the left of the Democratic party also inconsequential. America will be a better place.

The Republicans are a bunch of old white men who want to go back to the way things were in the 1950s. They are getting more and more angry as they age.

“Why does the GOP have such a narrow appeal?” It could be because decent Americans have realized that the various far right wing extremists and anti- Government movements in the country is currently using the GOP as their political workhorse while they do not have enough politicians like Ron Paul to represent their ideology.

Jack, To most people The republican party represents the OLD system where white men controled everything. Even the name is scary to some, Grand OLD Party. Many people see them as unfair and racist. That is why the democrats seem to be a better party. The dems better represent America, where more than one race has a voice.

With 86% of the base of the GOP white an even greater percentage of the white men who associate themselves with the republicans are lower income, less educated who are still brainwashed that the GOP is looking after his or her best interest. The exodus from the GOP by educated white men has largley turned indepenent making the independent segment of the American politics the ones electing everyone from congressmen and women to Senators and Presidents. The Grand Old Party is indeed old not very grand and the party is over for the Republicans for decades to come thanks to their own greed and incompetence.

Because they have shown themselves closed minded to the plight of the average American. They continually bring up the bad side of a progressive idea by calling it Socialism (which at this stage of the game sounds more appealing every day) and anti American. They offer no sound ideas, only tax breaks and help for corporate greed. No wonder why the voters have finally woken up and told them NO MORE!! The only problem is that they will eventually come up with another Ronald Reagan and then try to get even, which is their nature, Never mind the consequences.

For generations, the republican base has been composed chiefly of scared white rich men who have carried on their party's dogma of exclusion. There are just fewer and fewer of this distinguished demographic to go around. Dick ChainMe, Rush Limpbag, and Newtered Groinitch are working overtime to fill the gap. I guess there aren't that many racists to go around anymore.

Republican is just another word for selfishness. Republicans just insist on getting whatever they want first. There's a false belief among Republicans that anyone can get what he wants by work and drive and that overlooks advantages the haves already have.

When I ask someone what the 'G.O.P" stands for often times they dont know.(Sad) but their name pretty much tells the story "Grand Old Party" ??!!! really!!?? the only thing they are missing is the word "White"..

The ruling class of the Republican Party, the religious right, seeks to merge church and state. The voting public, as did our founding fathers, do not see this as a good thing for America.

It seems to me that while Americans as a whole are evolving to more intelligent outlooks and viewpoints, the Republican ideology is becoming more attractive to the 'white trailer trash' kind of mindset. Although there are no known scientific studies of what exactly trailer trash thinking gets behind, it is well known that most of us have put that kind of thinking behind us as being non-constructive.

Don Smith, CA

Bill Moyers quoted President Johnson as saying "I've destroyed the Democratic Party in the south" when he signed the voting rights act. Guess where the bigots went.

GOP has a narrow appeal because the vocal leaders (most recently Cheney, Limbaugh, Gingirch) have narrow minds, are intolerant to diversity, and quite frankly, ignorant. The party needs to be more tolerant of issues like abortion, immigration, separation of church and state, embryonic stem cell research, etc, etc, etc.

This is old news. A lot of GOP racism/sexism/homophobia is rooted in past history and simply passed down through generations. The GOP will only get smaller as minorities rise in the US.

Because the ultra conservatives have crept into the party and comments from Limbaugh and Cheney aren't exactly helping. I'm not even laughing anymore, it's getting sadder and sadder everyday.

Jack,

Please present the facts – in full – as a responsible member of the media.

You used an accusatory tone while presenting your Republican membership figure of 89% whites. Take a look at Democratic membership numbers; they have about 72 million members against 55 million Republican members. What does that translate to - the SAME number of white members, or roughly 48 million per party.

Each party has the SAME AMOUNT of white members.

By the way, I'm from Canada. I'm sitting outside of your 'box'.

Republicans are very exclusive and narrow minded......they have a "my way or the highway" mentality and do not seem to be open to ideas or discussion about anything. Until they can be more inclusive and allow for new or alternative ways of thinking they will continue to be the minority party.

Right now the Republicans are dominated by a strict conservative movement. However, the tone that the government is trying to set right now is one of change and hope. But the most vocal members of the GOP represent the rest of them as being insensitive and narrow-minded (Newt G.), brutal and paranoid (Dick C.), negative-mind and bullish (Rush L.) and just plain out of touch (Michael S). Those are the faces that are making the news and thus those are the faces that are presently representing the Republicans.

With mugs like that on the recruiting poster, would you want to sign up?

Jack; Where have you been for the past 30 years? The reason the Republican Party has such narrow appeal has nothing to do with the dismal failure of their ideology and performance. It is all because of the mainstream 'Liberal" media. I hope that clears it up for you.

You know as African American Republican I dont think the republicans have a narrow appeal are stands in this country are lined up with most americans it may be the fact that demecrats just elected a African American

The answer is simple and it already has been answered by you. The republicans I know and there are a lot in Utah, are rigid, religious, white, ultra-conservatives with no intention in seeing any other way of viewing the world than their way. The majority are anti-gay, anti-liquor, pro-life, traditional family, anti-environmentalist, and do not believe in global warming. They are pro-oil, gas, and oil-shale drilling and mining. Drill baby drill. With that rigid mentality that will not bend, how can they include the rest of us.

As a former Republican, I know exactly why I moved away from the party. I started to notice that fewer Republican politicians were willing to admit they made a bad decision and in doing so, they closed the door on the opportunity to improve many situations. I saw no hope for positive change with that mind set.

I'm a proud independent, now.

Whenever one takes a hard line on a position right or wrong one limits the number of peopl that will agree with you.

2 Words Jack Bush/Cheney

Oh gee let's see....
VP Cheney.....liar and hypocrite
Ruch Limbaugh....Under the Influence and delusional
Newt Gingrich....Who knows??

They say that possession is 9/10 of the law, ...well the same holds true for one's image and that is that appearance is 9/10 of the truth.

Jack ,
Because they have narrow minds ! Is there some sort of prize for my correct answer ?
Steve

I think the Republicans have such narrow appeal because they ARE narrow. The primary people speaking on behalf of the Republicans right now come across as narrow-minded white men who are so angry and afraid of the change in demographics and belief systems in the U.S. that they are unable to even try to understand the what actually is, as opposed to what used to be (back when they were truly in power). They remind me of an abusive husband who gets so angry when their wife finally stands up for herself that he strikes out verbally to try to put her back in her place.

The disparities between the Democratic and Republican parties became painfully obvious during the last election. The republican party is one of exclusion, while the Democratic party is one of inclusion. The numbers will continue to speak for themselves for many years to come.

The Republican Party is unpopular because their policies have been failures and because they are elitist at their core. They don't want diverse folks to participate, much less have any real power. Refusing to engage in honest debate and a willingness to resort to corruption to win at any cost have taken the Republican party to where they are now.

The past eight years they lied us into war to occupy a country who did not provoke us and killed over 4000 of our soldiers. Jack, the 49% of the 89% are religious right-wingers who support torture and the death penalty, while committing acts of terrorism against Dr.'s legally practicing their rights as doctors providing free choice to women. I doubt any of them are foster or adoptive parents either.

They would rather follow a drug addict Limbaugh and FOX noise Hannity hyperbole to find comfort in their ignorance.

Republicans have long preached and rallied around the banner of fear. That still resonates with many Americans, however, most Americans are now so tired of being afraid and want to focus on hope instead. In fear, there is a feeling of having no control, but what is best about America - our ability to rise up and take back control over our lives - has re-emerged and long may it live.

The Republican party has, in recent years, been the smaller party. Their appeal weakend among independents. Independents only voted for Barrack Obama this time. By the 2010 races, I am certain the Senate will be back in Republican control. However, I am not at all certain that Republican control means conservative control. The liberal Republicans is what shrunk the party. Some independents, like myself, are more conservative than the Republican party.

I think if the democratic party continues to use tax peoples dollars I feel the republican party will come back in force. The umemployement and everyone losing their lives will cause a vote change. They have a very poor rating from the people.

Well, its simple, the far right of the republicans have taken over. This far right embraces ideas that would alienate anyone who doesn't adhere to a conservative Christianity. Old white commentators like Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, and O'Riley spread sensationalist claims and spew rhetoric; that while great for the base, alienates anyone on the outside. If the republicans want to get back into power they're going to have to dump the old demagogues and embrace the moderates.

The simple answer is that people are getting smarter and so dumb ideas and arrogance (trademarks of GOP) are becoming less appealing.

Amy
Seattle, WA

The GOP has become the party of hate. Limbaugh, Cheney, Steele, Bachman, etc. can only criticize and make up some of the most absurd lies and accusations the American public has ever heard. They have no good ideas and one wonders if they could ever place the interests of the country over party. Then there's folks like Joe the Plumber and Sarah Palin. As Charie Brown would say, "Good Grief!"

The problem the Republican part faces is the hyperbole put forth by the more extreme wing wing of the party. If you listen to the likes of Rush Limbaugh and other extreme conservatives, it is their sincerest desire to see our current president fail.

Personally regardless of whether i vote for the person elected to the nation's highest office, it is my hope that they're still the best president we've ever had. How do you maintain you want the American people to be worse off for a period of four, or even eight years, simply because your party is not in power. Last time i checked our system of political representation was based on the idea that those most suited to rule, do. If you want to be critical of an elected official, that is not only your right, but your duty. But to deny support for purely political purposes, puts your party first, and not the American people.

It is basically the hateful rhetoric that they use. as long as the Republican party associates w/ those that spew hate and anger they will slowly reduce their numbers till all that is left is the fearful and the angry. the American people have rejected the politics of fear and hate and are striving for a better tomorrow. the dems have jumped on the train of change the republicans should too while its still in the station.

Why are most of the comments against GOP (narrow comments!!)? Is it because you frame the question in such a way that no one could argue for GOP?

I'm a 76 yr. old white male registered "no preference" I don't like either party much because I'm an atheist and occasional dope smoker and I think both parties consistently ignore people like me. At least Obama mentions "other beliefs" occasionally. Pete Stark seems to be the only one with the guts to touch the third rail on religion. Legalize marijuana and make some tax money and stop kissing the butt of the religious right nuts.
Dick, Oakland

Jack, It is no secret the party that doles out the most gov't funded programs will always be the front runner. Using social issues to keep this country divided is the democrats best weapon and use it to their atvantage.

Because they have a ultra narrow mindset on religion and extreme conservatism. I am Republican, but I am not proud of the party or where they are headed (into oblivion). I am changing my registration to Independent, because both political parties are corrupt, lead by ideologists, extremists, zealots, and hypocrites. The GOP has become of the party of "no" and the Democrats have become the party of tax and spend, saying yes to everything without restraint, except for tax cuts. The American people are moderate, landing in the center. They want fiscal accountability, fair and balanced public policy, and equal representation for the common person, not lobbyists. Just look what the Democratic party has done to California with their liberalism; a broken economy, education losses going back decades, and zero accountability. The only thing the GOP can do is say no and try and block the majority. The current GOP leadership does not reflect the common values of the country, nor do the Democrats. The system is broken.

The Republican Party Is The Party Of Sucsess. "THE REPUBLIC" The Democratic Party Is The Party Of "INITIATION" Wecome To The Republic! And Wecolme To The Party!

In your opinion the Republican Party has a narrow appeal. 40% of Americans describe themselves as Evangelical. How is that narrow? I don't understand this bias that everyone has against the Republican Party. The Party has always been known as the white suburban household that is religious. All of a sudden we question what Republicans have to do differently. Well Jack, open your eyes, President Bush solely won on the Evangelical vote. Watch a documentary called "The Jesus Factor". Republicans are straying away from the fiscal conservative policies they had as well as the moral issues they support. This was achieved with the platform of Bush in 2000 and 2004. (Note platform)

That the Republican Party currently has a very narrow appeal would appear to be based on a number of reasons:

1. George Bush took the US into two wars with short term vision. If the wars were actually finished when Bush flew onto the carrier, he would be considered a heroic historical figure rather than a liar.

2. George Bush demolished the economy by spending more and taxing less.

3. The GOP catered to the religious right, its perceived base. While loud, these wingnuts represent but a small percentage of actual citizens.

4. Obama is black. After eight years of Bush, anyone else would have started with an advantage. But Obama being intelligent, well-spoken and black allowed people to be happy about voting for a "historic" candidate.

5. Economic collapse. Given the perceived collapse starting in July 2008, people learned that the GOP was no different that the Dems.

There are more but at the end of the day the success and failure of parties goes in cycles. This is the down cycle for the GOP.

Eight years of half truths, an economy run into the ground, millions without health care, mortgage crisis, stagnate wages, high unemployment, Afghanistan, Iraq, failing infrastructure, wall street follies, shady banking practices. I could go on and on. All this thanks to republican policy under Bush Co. Do you think that maybe, just perhaps, they squandered any trust and credibility they had?

It's very simple. The Republican Party allowed them to be hijacked by the extreme religious right. These people are white and conservative. The party used this group to get votes. Now it's coming back to haunt them.

Jack, Why does the Republican Party have such a narrow appeal?

Hmmm.. start with Newt (the slimy salamander) Gingrich in 1994, the Bush years of '01-09' and finish with Mark Haslett and Dick Cheney in 2006.

What was your question, again??

3 words Jack...OUT OF TOUCH! Their reality is a far cry from mainstream America today. A new generation of voters got to "rock the vote" and elected a young vibrant President. The only thing the republicans can rock is in their chairs–lol.

Real simple-just like Cheney,Limbaugh,and Newt Cringer. NEGATIVITY NEGATIVITY+ FOX NEWS= NARROW APPEAL

As a Independent I could careless about the Republican Party or
the Democratic Party. I am tired of the 2 party dictatorship that
only cares about there special interest. We need a 3rd party
that listens to the people not small but powerful special interest
groups who don't care about us the people. We also need limited terms on everyone in congress, I tired of seeing the same old Republican & Democrat running over & over again & being reelected over & over again !! I tired of the same old arguments with no solutions.

I say throw all the bums out Jack !

When you look for the psychopath definition discribe the republican party, for example distorting reality

Jack;
I am a pro-life Christian who abandoned the Republican Party because of its disregard for impoverished Americans and the invasion of Iraq under false pretenses. Poverty results in abortion regardless of anti-abortion legislation. The Iraq War caused the needless deaths of thousand of American servicemen and women and Iraqi civilians, including children. Christian, Pro-life Republican has become an oxymoron. The Republican Party has become the domain of big business, especially the military-industrial complex that Eisenhower warned us about.

Hi Jack: You got to be kidding. When the Repulicans had control of the White house for eight years, what positive items did they accomplish? Who actually was running the White House. for the eight years.They have one of the worst Presidents of all time and now they have a guy Rush Limbaugh speak for them now. I thought Rush was a radio talk host. I rest my case! ! Thank god the majority of Americans figured this out in the last election,it wasn,t even close.

The slight margin just goes to show you for certain that America is going to Hell in a hand basket. I rather be a Republican with my stern Christian beliefs and my conservative view points and have my ticket to eternal life than be a Democrat who has turned their backs on God (don't forget that this nation was founded on the belief of God) and has "given their souls" to pagan ideology. The main reason for the "big margin" between the Republicans and the Democrats is that the Democrats have forgotten the Declaration of Independence.....the American Revolution....Pearl Harbor....and especially 9/11. It's like the Bible states.....you either stand firm in your faith....or fall in despair. I hope that the people who live in America as of this moment will enjoy living in the soon to be United Socialist States of America....because it is right around the corner. I will stand with the Republicans ONLY if they continue to be the party who stands firm in their faith. If the Republican Party should be dismembered or turns to more "moderate" view points....than I will never....ever vote in this country again because it won't matter anymore.

Because the existing Republican Party is built on the 3rd party of Racist George C Wallace and Southern Racist Conservative Democrats (Dixiecrats)..

Most minorities are followers of their own nationality, therefore they are most likely to follow the crowd of Democrats. Lets face it, Democrats get elected because they believe in whats hip, thats why only 20% are highly religious. You can't parade for abortion and gay rights then parade for God on Sunday. Unless of course you are a hypocrite. God forbid.
Conservatives worry about the future, Dems worry about now and will worry about the future when it gets here.

Here is the main reason Republicans have such a narrow appeal. Republicans are advocate small government. Small government means fewer government programs, especially fewer entitlement programs. Since most Americans are in the low to middle class with regard to their income, most Americans are going to like the Democrat's talk about entitlement programs, in other words, free money. Democrat's want to give the low to middle class free money at the expense of those who earn a higher income. Republicans would rather encourage those in the low to middle class to continue to work hard for a higher income. Whose message is more appealing?

The Republican Party has such a narrow appeal because they are a narrow-minded group. The Republicans I know think that everyone should think like they do – that their way is the only way ("You're either with me or against me" – remember that?). They don't respect other views, so why would they attract a broader audience? I think they like it this way. Without dissenting opinions, it's easier to believe that your way is the best way. I feel sorry for them, that they just don't get it.

When chaney was vice president you never heard a word from him now that it seems things are working he is quick to try to speak up.All bush and his protege accomplished was causing people to lose faith in our republicans to do the right thing.I used to be a republican and I am white

James states, "They pander to every group that has a cause or needs representation or people who can’t do for themselves."

Wow, by reading that one sentence enrages me deeply. That's why the republican party is slowly but surely being outdated by the American people. I am a African American teenager who doesn't expect any handouts from anyone. I have a part-time job to save up for college. I'm not here to tell you my life. I'm here to tell you that your mindset on life has to change buddy. Soon! This is a new era. People like you are simply the foundation of America's problems.

Jack, the RNC has made a political and concious decision to attract only white . Remember "Nixon's Southern Stratefy". The socio-demographic make up of the country is changing but the RNC remains steadfast in its ideology . The party is more in line with Rush, Randal Terry and therefore moderate Americans are not welcome.Thus, as a black man inviting to join the RNC is analogous to invite a deer at an NRA convention.

The Republican Party had forgotten its better angels– the likes of Lincoln, Fulbright, Goldwater, Rockefeller and others who stood firmly for the Americans they served. They have found it hard to embrace truth and failed to stand up for Americans rather than a world order dominated by the industrial military complex built on money.

The liberals, like Bush, took over the party. The conservatives will be back soon (2010?) with people like Bobby Jindal and Mark Sanford...even some southern conservative demorcrats possibly.

Jack, 38yr old white 20 year Republican here. Maybe a better description is a Powell Republican. I dont feel I'm moderate but I'm no Biblical zealot. I dont believe the party has a clue anymore, because the squeekiest wheels have the most screws loose and in mechanical terms, the cart is wandering because of them. People such as myself feel powerless to fight such raucous insanity and can only sit and take the bumps...

I think the republican party has had a somewhat narrow appeal for some time now, but it did not affect their success because the demographic of most of the voting block was somewhat narrow as well. Unfourtunatly for the republicans, the nation has broadened around them.

Because, for the past several decades, th G.O.P. focused on catering to, and acheiving those goals and policies that soley benefit the accumulation of money and power for big businesses and the wealthy people in the top 5% income bracket- regardless of the negative impact on the rest of the country. Who makes up this income bracket? At least 90-95% are conservative White people.

I am a 51year old black man who was a republican until 2000 when the party went in a direction that did not address the concerns and ideas that had drawn me to the party in years past. The repubicans with Rush and Newt are not truly concern about minoritys only their votes.

It's simple.What's a "reverse" racist? Only the GOP can reveal its disgusting ignorance and racism while trying to hang the "racist" label around someone's neck.

It seems to me that the Republican Party's ideal state is a theocratic hegemony with themselves as it righteously anointed king-priests, their lesser either subjugated or expelled, and their enemies utterly obliterated. Perhaps their appeal would have been broader in 2009 B.C. Backwards is certainly the direction they're looking.

The political pendulum will swing back the other way after all these lib. programs have stifled the country.
TZ from South Jerzey

Their appeal is narrow, because IT IS ALL ABOUT THEM. It has always been that way. The Republicans throw out flame bombs in disguise of caring about the country. They want to cause cultural divides at every turn. They have become meaner and nastier in their discourse on various subjects regarding the country. So, as I said from the beginning it is "all about them" . The rest of us be damned.

You explained it quite well. The people the party permits to speak for the people of the party. Rush, Dick, and it gets to be Palin'.

The tone of these spokespersons is negative and vicious. No one can handle that much stress for prolonged periods.

It tells me that white Americans continue to feel more comfortable with the label 'Republican' than any other race. The Republican palette of core values and beliefs has never fully resonated with people of other races. I agree with some and disagree with others, hence the (I) next to my name. But 2006 and 2008 wasn't about the Republican party being filled with white people, it was about the majority of voters hating George W. Bush, the Iraq war, the response to Katrina, and the economic situation. And just giving the other side a a chance again to see if the can get it right this time.

Both parties have gone through these times and they'll continue to do so because neither knows how to keep their power in check once they get it.

The answer is quite easy to understand. Those who are republicans who call themselves "Christians" apparrantly did not learn to love your neighbor as yourself and love your enemies in bible school;then none them would be spewing their hateful vitriol on the airwaves day in and day out.

Jack, the GOP lags behind in the same fashion as the Supreme Court; being leadership that has become ignorant of it's constituency. The party's core views have been marginalized by the rhetoric needed to bring fringe demographics like evangelicals to strengthen the party base. The fact that the party's most visible figureheads consist of religious fanatics, war profiteers and hate mongers doesn't help.

Jack the reason be hide the Republicans party’s decline is that they are a party of wealthy, eccentric, out of touch group. They are a party of power hungry narrow minded individuals. It’s their way of think or no and in today’s world we know that we can take more than path to get to the same destination.

The republican party doesnt have anyone worth voting for that would be a leader their party needs. All the did so far is change the republican party leader. Thats like changing the captain on the Titanic after they hit the ice berg. ITS STILL GOING DOWN!!
Piscataway ,NJ

Narrow view. Narrow mindset. Narrow support.

Narrow appeal.

One sentence Jack, old white, southern, ignorant, racist idiots.....

The GOP has such narrow appeal because the moderates that were in the party allowed a group of people with a very narrow agenda (Religious Right/Fundamentalist Christians) to get control of the party. They came in in '92 and kicked those like me who were moderates out in the cold. They lost the old base, people who were fiscal conservatives, who believed in a balanced budget, but were social moderates or liberals. Now their face is the people who talked the hate (Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly) that led to the murder of Dr. George Tiller. The GOP hierarchy is composed of religious extremists and Americans don't like extremists. Narrow agenda = narrow appeal.

Jack,

I've been a republican all my life.....but....this year I had to change. The Republican party is turning out to be a bunch of OLD men, no offense Jack and Wolf, that don't see the needs of a more modern society. Many republicans now appear narrow minded in too many ways that affect too many people. When you have RUSH the MOUTH Limbaugh as one of your spokes people you can see why there has been a mass exit of the party.
I don't agree with some democratic views but at least the ones I agree with aren't antiquated.

The Republican party's appeal (which hasn't appealed much to my independent mind these last eight years) is lost not so much because of the racial makeup, but because of terrible leadership and decisions by Bush and his advisors. Remember, the makeup of the party was the same in the last two presidential elections and when the Republicans were in the majority. But, be warned: the pandering that is going on now towards "reaching out" for diversity's sake should take into account the Independents, who should at this stage be the second party and who can swing back the pendulum if the pandering continues.

Mike–Prentiss, Maine

The insistence on pushing old, proven failed, worn out, useless public policies as the only solution for America cost the GOP the last election, and is now the ongoing reason for their still plunging support, nicely helped along by the likes of Limbaugh, Cheney, Gingrich, ad nauseum. America voted for change, not regurgitated "spin"ich.

Because they are psychopath = completely lacking in conscience and in feelings for other, they selfishly take what they want and do as they please, violating social norms and expectation without the slightes sense of guilt or regret

The republican party will never be in power again for the same reason the U.S. will never have another white president. The majority of the population of the U.S. are people of color, whether they be black, brown, yellow or red, legal or illegal, White is now the minority and declining in numbers. The republican party with its white majority will decline in numbers as well until it eventually just goes away. This is not my wish but it is my belief, I am white.

The Republican ideology, whether they'll admit it or not, has been set up to cater specifically to white Christian males and the persecution complex they've developed these past 30 years or so. Can't get a job? Blame affirmitive action and illegal immigration! Taxes go up? Blame it on welfare queens in the projects! Your daughter got pregnant? Blame the secular leftists in Hollywood for promoting promiscuity! In other words, the GOP's method of catering to the fears and bigotry of one specific group have isolated every other voting bloc, and it's now evident in their lack of power.

The GOP will never have the Hispanic or African-American majority in this country as long as they remain the fiscally responsible party.
They are more concerned in the future and continued success of the USA than their political careers as are Democrats.
They are more preoccupied with catering to demographics who historically use entitlement programs and therefore keep subsidizing them in order to get their votes.
As long as we Americans continue to BS ourselves we will never get ahead.

Why is it that you think that it is such a bad thing to be white and having a strong belief in your religion? Being a republican is not something you do so you can be part of a "hip" crowd. Just because blacks and others do not have the same values doesn't mean we are wrong. I comare it to the BET network, it is more than 90% black programming, but it doesn't make it wrong.

Cycles Jack, cycles. This culture has gotten about as turned out as Soddom & Gomorah since the sixites revolution. It can't go much farther than near-naked models daily on TV, nearly 3rd dimensional explosions nightly, weekly reports on drugged athletes, traditional crooked politicians and regular murders, singular and mass. It's due to turn around now so watch for the bible thumping Puritans that make Republicans multiply. They'll be coming over the hill ala the cavalry any time now.

It is because the media always portrays the Republicans as being racists. I have been a Democrat my entire life and believed that stereotype for so many years until I started listening to what they have to say. I found that I agree with them on a majority of issues. I don't have to be a Republican or Conservative to vote for them. I think that this election has gotten many people involved in politics. People are beginning to pay attention a lot more and I think you will see peoples views begin to change.

The Republican Party has narrow appeal because of Larry Curly and Moe or should I say Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich.

Oh what the heck. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Because too many people drank the Obama coolaide. I think by 2012 the hangover will have worn off and Republicans will be back in control.

wow Jack, last time I checked I was not selfish or hateful or morally bankrupt or ungodly but I am still able to understand other peoples points of view and ideas and ways of life and I think that makes me a decent human being......apparently that is the definition of liberal nowadays as well.

I have always said to friends there is a two party republican. 1.) A person with money that hate taxes. 2. The poor which only care about gun rights and abortion. In a country as large as the US it is truly amazing that these are the only issues that drive the republican party.

Jack,
The far right conservatives run the Republican party. They claim they are religious and attend church regularly. The problem is that they are not listening to the teachings of Jesus: love and respect for ALL mankind. They somehow are missing the real message from God, we are all the same or equal in the eyes of God – no bigotry and hatefulness.

Because they have allowed the most narrowed minded individuals in the party, who also happen to be folks who yell, scream, and spew their anti everything ideology, to become the most visible part of the party. Those folks incite a base that isn't large enough to win elections (thank goodness) and there appear to be no real leaders in the party who can articulate a single idea that reflects that the Republican party is in touch with the majority of Americans. America is moving forward and the Republican party is stuck at a crossroads, apparently with no idea which turn to take.

I think the GOP's main problem is a practical one: during the years they controlled both houses of Congress and the White House their performance was terrible. We went rapidly from record budget surpluses to record deficits. And it is not like anything was gained from these deficits. Our infrastructure and education system continued to deteriorate and the families of our soldiers were raising money on their own to supply them with protective gear. The worst performance of any government in U.S. history.

...because no member of a minority group with a mind to be a member of the Republican Party wishes to subject him/her self to vilification from MSNBC, CNN (you), the Times et al as being an Uncle Tom or Tomasina .If anyone has been using the "race card", it is the Obama camp and the media lackeys who promote him and support him, and accuse anyone who even questions him or his policies or motives, or anyone who didn't vote for him, as being "racist".

Jack, The reason the GOP has such a narrow appeal is due to the fact they are so narrow minded.

Because the rich white men in the Republican party will not allow common folk and the ignorant poorer religious exremists are bigots and can not allow any other folk into the party. The religious extremisn turned me away from the party and the intolerance and bigotry appall me still

Jack:
You need only look at your numbers, their ideology and the repugnant faces that adorn their hateful, racist and negative "posters". What is the last original and refreshing idea they have come up with...no, no and hell no!? All they are good at, is slamming anybody that does not swallow their beliefs and propoganda, hook, line and sinker. My Republican Brother, bless his heart, should see how fast I delete his anti-Democratic emails...whoosh, gone in a flash. That says it all Jack!
Gary,
Lexington,KY

Because they are bitter and grumpy. All they can do is complain, tear down new thoughts and ideas, and offer no alternatives to what they're complaining about. Their mantra is I got mine, now you go get yours. Oh, you lost your job, your wife has a horrible illness and you have no insurance? Too bad. Maybe you, too, can become a radio talk show host.

The GOP has narrow appeal because of their current leadership. Most idiots, like GOP leaders, are white males.

They don't offer real solutions, they offer ideology. Problems w/ the economy, cut taxes. Deregulate everything and family values and patriotism. They see the world as black and white, but its much more complex than their narrow vision. We've seen lots of Rep tax cuts under Reagan, Bush 1 and 2, the middle class is losing ground to the rich. This is the interpretation I have for Obama's "spread the wealth" comment, asking for the rich to pay their share. The Rep don't like that, so they spin it as "socialism" or :"communism", which is a fabrication to serve their ideology. I think we've all seen that regulation has a purpose w/ all these bailouts. We've known this for 100 yrs. Ever hear of Teddy Roosevelt? What party was he from again? And family values and patriotism? They claim morality, but that's not something you can prove. As far as patriotism , they claim they are patriotic, always calling back to 9/11, but they were the ones who failed on 9/11. They failed to properly support the troops in Iraq, by trying to fight a war on the cheap, and they treated veterans shabbily. And yet, they suck up to them every chance they get. Bush just said how one of the things he misses is "being w/ the troops". To them, its a photo op.

Thanks for posting the numbers, showing that the GOP is a party of single mindedness, dying a slow death, and that’s putting it kindly.

However, when this discussing is before the leaders of that obsolete fraternity they continue to wallow in the mortal ignorance of denial which is, in my view, the bases of their own demise.

If the GOP is to become relevant again the first thing they have to do is, like Regan did, when he used the end of the Berlin Wall to open up to our erstwhile ideological adversaries in Europe, by declaring to the Communist to "tear down that Wall", someone in the Republican ranks have to declare – tear down that flag, that is the confederate flag, which is the cloak that is being worn by their internal Grim Reaper.

The foundation of the GOP's ideology has long been smaller government, wholly unrestrained "free" markets, the supremacy of military force in foreign affairs, and sanctimonious Christian values. Beginning with the "Reagan Revolution," through the "Republican Revolution of '94," to George II's reign, have any of these GOP tenets been good for the country?

republicans have such a narrow appeal because they are HARSH, JUDGEMENTAL, NARROW MINDED, and INTOLERANT. their tolerance for others whom view the world differently is nonexistent. if you don't adhere to their politics and way of life you are totally dismissed as irrelevant. those 89% whites that are in the republican party are part of the "good ol' boy" network. from judges, to politicians, etc. this good ol' boy network has tried to keep women in their place, minorities poor and disenfranchised and the WHITE man in full authority. i'm soooo thrilled that their empire is crumbling. their is no excuse for not accepting people as they are. we are all just trying to make it the best way we know how. another negative attribute of republicans is their desire to always jump on the negative and to dish out the criticisim. they also, opposit end of the spectrum, are mute when the president does something good everybody aggrees with. they lavish on the criticisim but never extend any praise. they BEGRUDGE pres obama of any alcolades.

.Everyone has a crazy uncle/aunt/cousin and recognizes a psychotic when they see one in the likes of Cheney, Newt and Rush. You may smile and nod, but you really aren't supporting them in anything.

Why does the Republican Party have such a narrow appeal? Jack, it's obvious...ever hear of someone being narrow minded? Narrow is as narrow does! I've looked forward to the Republicans downfall and narrow appeal for years! Congrats GOP!! You can thank no one but your own narrow selves! Don't blame the media. Dictionary defines Conservative as "resistant to change". Liberal is defined as "free". Good luck GOP!!!

The Republican Party is now the party of the far right only Over the past 20 years, the evangelical base has slowly taken over and this group now controls the party. They are intolerant of anyone who does not believe the way they do. They all watch FOX News, which has become their sounding board and reinforces their views. If you are not one of them, then you are viewed as a heretic. To them, Liberals are evil and anyone who does not believe as they do is suspect. It took the last election for the vast majority of now former moderate Republicans to realize how utterly out of touch their party had become. The Republican Party now only appeals to this bigoted, narrow group of people that watches Fox News! Have you watched it lately? It's shocking how negative and hateful their commentators are. And they accuse the "liberal media" of all kinds of evil doing! It actually is hysterical.....but scary at the same time. As one commentator put it "RNC = Rush, Newt, and Cheney." It's ok by me for the Repubs to disappear into the wilderness for the next 50 years.

The GOP suffers from a split personality. And it seems the dark more harmful side of their ego has taken over. Republicans basically have mastered the "say one thing and do something else" And if we get found out we will spin whatever way we can that will make us look righteous. On the surface they consider themselves conservative and on occasion (when it might push their agenda) even moderate. In fact they have become a solid right wing radical political organization representing bigotry, hatred, intolerance (even towards their own party members) and discrimnation. They don't want President Obama to fail because of his policies. They want him to fail because he represents three of the most hated realties for the GOP: 1) He's black (they hate all minorities). 2) He's a Democrat (any Republican I ever met has expressed an extreme dislike of Democrates) and 3) He is President and holds power in Washington. The Republicans would probably be doing better if they had not allowed the radical right to take control about twelve years ago. And it does not appear that they will be able to purge those nuts without some pretty strong laxitive used over a long period of time.

Hmmmm.... really? That would mean there are less idiots in this country than I thought.

The Republican Party are following Bush's lead by ignoring the polls that proved him less and less appealing. The Republican Party may need a "Poll Czar" instead of Cheny, Gingrich and Limbaugh.

As a Black Independent who is conservatives on economic issues and moderate on social issues, the GOP do a poor job of explaining their position to the Black Business Community and showing how their position would benefit them.

Issues such as Vouchers for school choice, Personal Social Security Accounts and Tax Reform such as the FAIRTAX or a pro-growth
FLAT-TAX would appeal to the Black Business Community.

The GOP must map out a detail strategy to push these important issues to Black Own Businesses and the Black Educated.

The Republicans have such a narrow appeal because they have people like Dick Cheney, Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich as their spokespeople. They are hateful and unhappy people who try to instill their unhappiness and hate on the listening public. What is scarey to me is that there are lots people who listen to them and take their word as gospel. Where are the other Republicans? There are intelligent Republicans all over this country – Colin Powell being one that comes to mind – and all we seem to hear from are the the fear-touting, backward-looking political want-to-be's or has beens. Give us a healthy debate, not the drivel we've been subjected to for far too long.

Jack, take it from a former republican. The GOP turned pandering to religious extremists from a cheap political gambit, to the only tactic they know how to use anymore. It feels as if there is no room in the party for anyone who doesn't want America to become a fundamentalist christian theocracy.

Jack,

I am a white religious conservative, and have always believed in compassion and understanding as a moral imperative.

Unfortunately, the Republicans are self righteous fear mongers, which has nothing to do with being deeply religious, and everything to do with being white supremacists.

Amen, amen, Trueman from Ontario! You stated my thoughts perfectly, and I thank you.

Let me clarify: the Democrats are more preoccupied with catering to minorities via entitlement programs, not Republicans.

The american peoples opinions are changing away from closed minded thinking and accepting what was before immoral . Listening to Limbaugh, Cheney, Gingrich, is not helping them either !

It's not their fault. The problem is that there are too many people who are tolerant and accepting of other people. If we were all intolerant and subjected everyone to our religeous views, they would still be the majority party.

Mountain Home ID

With such sweathearts as Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hanity, and Pat Robertson telling us that we are a nation of cowards, traitors, and god haters, its easty to see how most of America has tuned out. Unless you are taking handfulls of oxycotin like Rush its painful to listen to that tripe.
ric
kansas city

The democrats are far from perfect but you cannot acuse them of not being diverse. When you get down to it there are even some democrats who are extremely conservative more so than some republicans. Their are non white who support issues that the republican party platform stands on. The issue here is that until the republicans acknowledge that their problem is not about to much or to little conservatism but this streak of intolerance by certain factions of party who seem to have to much control of the party's fund raising for potential republican candidates. A inner party coup needs to occur or maybe the party should split so that part that wants to remain in the last century wont hold this country back by contributing to the dysfunction of our two party system that we presently have. We need at the very least a healthy two -party system.

Did we really need a poll to tell us this. All you had to do was watch the Republican National Convention last fall. Over 90 percent of the people in the attendance, where old rich white men. The party is run by extreme right wing religious nuts. The only reason Michael Steele was chosen to lead the RNC, is because they are trying to hide their true face and make us think the party is diverse. He is just a puppet and is their token black guy. My cousin who is a teacher and a die hard republican thinks President Bush is the next thing to god. I asked how he could think Bush is such a great president, he said "He kills terrorist and dose not kill babies". Its narrow minded bible thumpers like this that give the party such a narrow appeal.

I'm surprised they have any appeal at all. But it might be explained by the fact that Foxed Noise is included in basic cable everywhere and CNN is not.

Because of their narrow-minded mean rhetoric?

Jack,

I am a white religious conservative, and have always believed in compassion and understanding as a moral imperative.

Unfortunately, the Republicans are self righteous fear mongers, which has nothing to do with being deeply religious, and everything to do with being white supremacists.

One way to explain it might be: leaders of narrow minds will lead the way to narrow appeal. Of course, it may simply be a matter of record. The record of the previous Republican administration – and the Republican administration before it, and the one before that. I know it is largely unpopular to disparage the Reagan years, but the seed of the right wing takeover of the GOP was sown then. I remember that he won by 51 to 49% of the popular vote, then called it a mandate and proceeded to behave accordingly. Each successive GOP presidency has behaved with greater arrogance and disconnect than the one before it. People now want real effort, not jargon. And not policies so obviously aimed to help the richest 1%.
TC from NC

you have more democrats of different races and color because they are the ones who vote for all their free programs and or benefits they feel entitled to. i mean come on now, i am a republican, i want to keep more of MY MONEY, i am not religous,and i do not want illegal immigrants in the country. what's wrong with that? democrats are the children of the world, they were the old hippies back in the 60's and early 70's, anything goes and everything for everybody. they are the ones bringing down the country. just look at that laughing stock old lady pelosi who should be fired from her position. and bill clinton????????? laughable. a disgrace.

The GOP is undesirable because their hard line stance on the issues are undesirable in this new century. Maybe they should consider a party-wide removal of stick from mud on issues like gay rights and the war on drugs.

Republicans always needed an enemy to fight and hate but when they became the enemy and Bushed us into an unjust war and a economical catastrophe, most reasoning republicans are running fast to seek a new mindset to embrace governments responsibility. Rush, Newt, Bill'O, and Dick are just old white duds stuck deep in hate and every one can see that Oboma would just like to Hug and get on with the task of governing this nation out of the mess old white guys got us into.

I Think their biggest problem is that there is a substantial number of people in the paty who don't care. They want to see a nation that looks and acts like they do. The fact that they don't see that makes them insecure. As long as this is the tail that is wagging the Republican dog, they are in big trouble.

The majority of people are basically good and do not like the hateful rhetoric being spewed 24/7. It seems that the Republicans not only do not have fresh ideas to solve any problems, they never have a good word to say on any subject. or about anyone! Using fear tactics will never work when we are all looking for better days. If they are trying to get us to run away from the present, what will we run towards?

L. Fender
Cleveland,OH

Jack:
It's because republicans have remained stubbornly or dumbornly unchanged since the likes of Richard Nixon, while the rest of the nation has far better politcal savy. How they do so well should be the question. It has a lot to do with the electoral college favoring small southern states that still believe in racism, corporate healthcare, welfare for the rich, evangelism, earmarks for military bases, etc. Without THATsupport, the support of the South, they'd be called repugnicans and not republicans

some one said what's wrong with being religious....everything.....if we worked on being real Christians...which is what the republican party is supposed to be then maybe more folks will take them serious. A "Christian" is to be filled with the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness.......does that sounds like anything you've heard that would refer to the republican party. All of us who call ourselves Christians...let us work on this!

The losing party always has narrow appeal. That's why they lost and will have to rebuild as the Democratic Party did in the past decades. What you're not saying is that there are currently more Americans that consider themselves Independents than Democratic or Republican. BOTH major parties are losing appeal to the majority of Americans, with citizens who believe in less government for ALL the people being drawn towards Independents; who want to think for themselves...

Jack-they have narrow appeal today because they are old white men who think they are still living in the 1950's. Until they get some young moderates who don't allow druggie Rush or Newt,Hannity,Beck or Cheney to speak for them,they are doomed. The Dem's will be in power for a very long time.

Three words.....Newt, Dick, Rush!!!!!

Most Americans have moved on, but the Republicans are clinging to tired ideas, and policies that lead to a failed economy. where are all the jobs that the tax break for the rich were suppost to produce?

Jack,,The GOP has lost its appeal because they allow people like Rush to define thier moral center.Anyone with half a brain knows Rush lost all crediability long ago.On one of his rants he stated something to the effect that all drug users should be locked up along with anyone who hires illegal immigrants,,,then he goes and gets busted for buying illegal prescription drugs from his illegal alien mexican maid?? That along with statements about Donovan McNabb and that mess is enough to make anyone choke.(And thats not racist????)

Democrats are the party of hand outs, Republicans are the party of hand ups and the independents are the party that has washed their hands of both parties.

You will never be excepted as a republican if you don't uphold the three core values, 1. Gun rights 2. anti-abortion 3. Tax cuts The republicans are like the Borg in Star Track "Resistance of the core values is Futile.

They have just a narrow appeal because the party sold it's soul to the religious fanatics, fear and war mongers, racists and anti- anything that will help folk in this country strive to become self sustaining. Instead of casting these idiots out and apologizing, they keep going as if the crazies haven't done anything. Yet, We, The Public, are supposed to vote them anyway. Everyone needs help in getting to where they want to go. But they're just so short sighted to see that they once needed help too.

They have such a narrow appeal because they are divisive, intolerant and hateful. That coupled with the collosal failure of their policies is what makes people sour on the GOP. Finally, FEAR. Fear has been a weapon of the GOP for so long, they don't know another way to operate. And the problem with that is that people overcome their fears and so, WE overcame them

The Republicans support policies that are minority opinions.
Abortion, Torture, Tax Policies that benefit wealthy individuals over the well being of the country, corporate welfare policies that benefit the Top while stranding the Workers in unemployment lines. The reject any help for the workers..

Until the elected Republicans are changed, the Republican Party is in a deep dark hole.

mike mentzer
pequea, pa

Their appeal went down as our IQ went up. If anyone explains to the GOP where they went wrong, they will simply engineer a better lie to do the same warmongering, moneygrubbing corporate crony manipulation they’ve always done. It’s the MONEY folks, everything else is a tool.

While the modern Democratic party continues to embrace every and any type of citizen living in our country, the GOP continues to permit only a few "select" people or "ideological extremists." Which political party sounds more "American" to you, Jack?

Demographics are irrelevant. We did not become the country that we are through demographics, but by individuals. Individuals working hard for their family and their community. When the political leadership looses balance, in either direction, it stifles the spirit of America and it is negative for all of us.

Were those numbers much different 6-8 years ago, when the Republicans were the party of the future? I suspect it has more to do with eight years of poor choices, cronyism, arrogance, incompetence and an ideology driven agenda that has exposed the GOP as the party of out of touch with reality.

Okay, I've got to respond to my fellow Christians who seem to view the Republican Party as their church. Our U. S. Constitution was mostly the work of three men, Adams, Franklin and Madison, with correspondence from Jefferson. In other words; a Unitarian, an agnostic, a Christian and a Deist thought that it would be a good idea if there were no state religion, but freedom of (or from) religion for all. All of the pandering of the Republican Party cannot change the fact that we have a duty to approach government in a secular fashion, 'rendering unto Ceasar that which is Ceasar's.'

Jack,
As long as the GOP continues with its narrow views regarding social issues (abortion and gay rights) they will coninue to appeal only to the conservative religious right base.

It's ironic to me that these same people don't want big government but seem to want government to intervene between a woman's reproductive rights. This decision should be made with her doctor and her God. How many of these pro-lifer's adopt a disabled child. Don't talk the talk, unless you can walk the walk.

On the subject of gay rights, have any of these Christians ever consider that maybe God who created all, also created gays.

The GOP comes across like the cranky old man in the neighborhood that yells alot and keeps everyone off his lawn.

If the GOP could open their hearts and minds and understand that the attitude of "it's my way or the highway" isn't going to work, the Gop is doomed.

Karen
Conway, AR

I really wanted a chance to put my two cents in..but the Republicians stole my retirement, my savings and my house....
So I can't afford two-cents.

You see Jack they really don't, the left leaning media just creates the fiction that they do. The GOP stands for traditional values that MOST Amercians believe. The media has simply skewed the basic American to beleive otherwise. Let's see most Americans go to Church, beleive in Pro-life, do not favor a welfare state, believe hard work should be rewarded and not punished by higher taxes and that personal responsibility over government responsibility is the correct path. Narrow, no, left wing media bias, YES and therefore the message gets muddled by you as the gatekeeper.......

Rather than acknowledge failed polocies and trying to widen the base with a more moderate mindset the GOP's loudest voices are crying over big government spending. The crushing 1964 Goldwater defeat saw this same strategy lose big in 1964.

Why does the GOP have such a narrow appeal? The narrow appeal is broadly "NO, broadly Anti-Obama, broadly contentious to anything and everything out of this current administration.

It's sad to see this, they (GOP) simply won't allow this country to adhear to its Pledge of Alligiance whose basic frame work was written by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy..." the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Can't we all just get along? I guess if we were all republicans, with narrow minds to braodly match the narrow appeal in today's poliitical climate.

Hi Jack,

maybe if Rush stop runing his filthy mouth.

A narrow appeal because of a narrow agenda and that agenda is, do nothing everything will fix itself, give everyone guns, and cut taxes.

Because they have such a narrow view. They don't recognize that the old traditional ways of doing business no longer work the way they're supposed to. Republicans believe the rewards should go to the successful. True, as long as they earn it themselves without government assistance (does this sound familiar?).

In other words, thjey don't practice what they preach and what they preach is no longer relevant or plausable.

Jack, as a narrow minded gun toting white guy who truly can't stand the republican party I wouldn't put to much trust in the democrats either. The country is ran by lying theiving rich guys who don't give dam about any of us. Both parties use issues like gun control and abortion to to get votes from us narrow minded people. It's a really big show and the american people are Foolish enough to buy into it . It's about money and power it always has been and it always will be. The use of race, abortion, gun control ,taxes,Religion and fear to control the people is not new. Jack from Nice, Ca.

Jack, the GOP has been taken over by the ultra Christian "right". They ruined for the rest of the Christian population and now they're ruining it for the GOP.

Because it still is,as always wasthe party for WASPs. That is White AngloSaxon Protestants.

The reason for the GOP losing elections is mainly based on the horrible campaign presidential campaing that John McCain ran. He basically handed the election over to Obama. All Mc Cain had to do was to remind Obama that the main president responsible for the Middle East situation is Jimmy Carter. If he did just that, he would have been elected. Voters have been scammed by Obama ith his campaign promises he will not keep. The Republicans popularity declined was due to the energy and the sub Prime loan crisis. It was bad timing right before the election. The energy crisis will repeat again by the end of this year. Since the republicans are so unpopular, the democrats will surely blame it on them. If I remember correctly, the approval ratings for the Democrat controlled House and Senate was about18% since they took control. It takes about a couple years for the American people to discover they mad a mistake electing Obama. The Democrats can gloat until 2010 elections and that will be the end of their popularity.

Hurst, Texas
The GOP, the ruling party at the time of KATRINA,
bungled the response and did little to demonstrate compassion for the Gulf Coast.
While this is happening our southern borders are being breached
and the illegal alien problem increases along with violence and drugs.

The GOP no longer solves problems.
They preach or scold.
They no longer "GET IT"

L fender,

"republicans never have anything good to say about anything or anyone"

Just ook at the nonsense all these dems are spewing on this page...Republicans are dumb, racists, idiots, bible bangers, illiterate, fat, stupid, old....come on

Liberals are the most viscious group of people on the planet. They love free speech when they call people out but not when conservative radio is wildly popular, then we need to shut it down.

They stand for, either it is my way or the highway. They preach tax cuts, but do not say it is only for the rich. Sly dogs. Cheney, Rush, Palin, Gingrich and the rest are so much like Hitler.

Just read the quote from Dave from Ontario,

I don't know why you think you are a conservative with such a statement as "the Republicans are self righteous fear mongers". It seem that you have not done much listening to such people as Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. "fear mongers" are on the left and right. and self righteous politicians are a dime a dozen just take a look at Rod Blagojevich. Maybe you need a little "fair and balance" in your diet (that is only a joke).

But maybe you need to come to grips with your liberal side...we all have one you know.

The republicans were 90% white in 1990 and they still are now

This is great!! Old white guys crying racism... Well lets see the country is roughly 234 years old and the "only" ones who had a say in all of the country's dealings were just like Rush, Newt, and Dick. Old values that kept minorities poor, made them work hard for the rich and mistreated the minority populus with atrocities and inhumane conditions to line their pockets. This is the nature of things, the hunter becomes the hunted.

Oh the irony

besides the fact that they have loud mouth ignorant bigits like Rush Limbaugh, and Dick Cheney representing them they are only intrested in helping the Rich.

Narrowminded = Narrowminded base

I was recently on Sean Hannity's message board and was told repeatedly that the "majority of blacks were on welfare" by the conservatives there. I've never been on welfare and never asked for a handout while I've been in business for 14 years. They assume that ALL BLACKS are criminals and live in the projects. They can have their party.

If 10% of the people have the most money, and 90% have the least money, and the 10% are Republicans, that should answer your question. The Republican appeal is "narrow" because there are fewer rich folks than poor folks.

Why you ask, very easy, 4 words,
george bush dick cheney, and then when it was time to elect a new president, they tell us the same as we all know was lies...and they tell us we should like it for 4 more years. Hey Republicans, we are not sheep..I am a Republican and happy to say I woke up and voted against the tyranny.

Easy Jack. Three names: Dick Cheney, Newt Gingrich and the chairman and leader of the repulican party; Rush Limbaugh

As a Flight Attendant, I can easily tell you why the republican part is off kilter.. look in 1st Class on any domestic flight.. it's full of selfish, white old men, who havent paid for sitting there, just like they act in business, and pay for nothingm get a bonus, they tell everyone else they deserve nothing. sad.

How can anyone be surprised by the demographics associated with the two political philosophies. One party basically wants big government to do everything for people; the other believes in smaller government and greater self sufficiency.

Why would the less self-sufficient among us, who have relied upon government for many basic needs, align themselves with a party which believes in greater self-sufficiency?