By CNN's Jack Cafferty:
If Mitt Romney wants to be president, he's going to need help from voters who aren't old white men.
He's got his work cut out for him.
A Politico piece headlined "Barack Obama's group therapy” describes how the re-election campaign has been reaching out to key voting groups by focusing on issues like the contraception fight, equal pay for women, gay marriage, student loans and immigration policy.
Many Republicans find the president's strategy "very crass." Hey, politics is a crass business.
One GOP pollster told Politico that Romney can win if "Republicans decide that it's OK to look outside the country club for some votes."
For his part, Romney is sticking to his message of the economy, hoping it will appeal to all voters.
The traditional Republican base of white voters is shrinking, and if Romney wants to win, he needs minorities and women.
According to the Politico piece, Republicans traditionally get 87% of their votes from whites.
The problem is, the proportion of white voters in the electorate has dropped from 88% in 1976 to 74% in 2008.
At the same time, minority groups grew from 12% to 26%.
Which explains the Obama camp's targeted voter outreach to groups like women, Hispanics, African-Americans, gays and students.
To be fair, Romney is also doing some outreach of his own.
He'll speak Thursday in Florida to NALEO, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. Later this summer, he'll address the National Convention of the NAACP.
The question is how much credibility he has with these groups. Marco Rubio or Condoleezza Rice could help.
Here’s my question to you: How can Republicans attract voters other than old white men?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Pete in Florida:
Simple. Stop trying to divide us. Start working with Democrats in Congress to create jobs and fix our economy. Get rid of Grover Norquist, nobody elected him. Accept the fact that it's going to take both spending cuts AND revenue increases to rein in our deficit and debt. Tell Limbaugh to SHUT UP. And Beck. And Palin. And Coulter. And Trump. And every other divisive clown like them. Oh, and STOP LYING!
Thom in Michigan:
Get an electable candidate. Stop being racist and elitist. Do something, anything, for the working class. Stop preaching politics and leave religion out of the election.
Vinny in Connecticut:
Are you serious, Jack?! Old white men? Was it just 'old white men' who gave the majority of the House to the Republicans in 2010? Was it just 'white old men' who elected Scott Brown to the Senate seat held for years by Ted Kennedy? Is it just 'old white men' who are polled showing that Romney is ahead of Obama nationally and ahead, tied, or only 1 or 2 pts behind Obama in traditionally 'safe' Democrat states? What a really dumb and 'loaded' question.
Curtis in Philadelphia:
They can start by being a bit more inclusive in what they stand for. Believe it or not Jack, not everyone is a millionaire, not everyone is pro-gun, pro-war, while insisting that they are also pro-life. For the record, I'm a middle aged, almost 50, white guy and they've got nothing for me.
Allen in Texas:
Maybe a pair of M.C. Hammer pants would be a good start, but please don't ask who let the dogs out!
Larry in Texas:
I don't know, Jack. You tell us, aren't you an old white man?
Why doesn't the GOP wise up and follow the lead of Ron Paul? Who else from either party is drawing the crowds of young poeple like Ron Paul? Guess Paul is right once again: the message of liberty is hard to ignore. Unless, of course, you are a member of either party or the news media.
Ron Paul in 2012...
Jack, take it from this "Old White Man".....the GOP has to move closer to the center......AND.....do something to help the American people FIRST rather than something that just helps their chances for re-election.
I used to be a Regan Republican and cannot recognize anything that remotely resembles to GOP I remember.
The Republicans can't expect too much when they c;ontinue to; pander to the 1%. They have to show a little interest in what is left o;f the middle class.
I am an old man. I am mostly white.
I'd say why do the parties take a stand on all the polarizing items
Instead of the Republicans insisting on creationism being taught in schools–have no stand at all on these "religious issues."
Instead of the Republicans insisting on no abortions–have no stand at all on abortion.
The Democrats themselves have their share of polarizing issures.
I am an old white man and the Republican Party lost my vote many years ago. They no longer represent my interest and are threatening my Social Security and Medicare. They want to burden me and many more like me with paying off the debt while giving their wealthy friends a free ride and more tax breaks. But as hard as I have it minority groups have it even worse with the Republicans. The Republicans have no answer for healthcare nor do they care about equal Justice because the world they live in, the wealthy don't have to worry about such things. If they want to get this old man's white vote back they will have to go back many years to what the Republican Party used to be.
Wake up by abandoning their pandering to the wealthy & Corporations, and work for all Americans. We vote too, and pay heavily in taxes.
This question gave me my Laugh for the Day...thanx. With Romney the only Man Left Standing...I think it is hopeless. Well, maybe name Spike Lee as running mate.
Martha, Rew, PA
hate to tell you the Republicans this, Jack, BUT I'm an "old white man" and I wouldn't vote for Mitt Romney. he reminds me of the so called "executives" that stole my pension and healthcare thru a phony bankruptcy at the airline I retired from while they walked away with millions.
the guy is bogus and doesn't have any plan for the econmy I can see other than the same old Republican give everything to the rich "trickle down" from the last 30 years. they want to steal my social security and medicare to give even MORE tax breaks to multi-millionairs.
Jack, they would have to support social issues like social security and medicare, women's equality, voting rights, immigration reform, you know, become Democrats.
They realize they can't. That's why they're trying so hard to prevent other people from voting.
they can't.
Yeah, Become democrats.
Adopt some policies that benefit people OTHER than the wealthy and corporations.
And no, I don't consider passing laws restricting women's rights or forcing prayer in schools to be beneficial.
It might help if the Republican party championed, in earnest, causes, issues, polices that are not designed to benefit the white male first and foremost with everyone else as an after thought. They simply need to drop the mindset that the white male is entitled to dominate all others and should always be stationed at the front of the line,regardless.
They pick some candidates that are pretty hard to support. Sarah Palin to attract women? She attracted more old white men with her looks, but regular women with half a brain couldn't vote for her. Now they want the middle class to trust their social security and medicare to Mitt Romney, a guy whose work history shows he knows how to cut the fat from a budget, but isn't likely to care about the what happens to the people it affects.
If the Republican party dropped the "entitled to and prosperity privileges reserved for white males only" agenda and mindset, more people would be attracted to the party. Many of their conservative views are shared by many Americans, but the white male first and foremost agenda is unattractive and unappealing.
The quick answer is that Romney should start claiming, "Executive Priviledge", as an excuse, to not answer tough questions, like, what is his immigration policy. ( Well he was President of a Comapny, and he is an Executive. ). Romney should do this until the election is over at least, so that Obama doesn't maintane an unfair advantage over him. This will allow Romney to alienate the least amount of voters, and thereby widen his appeal. Doug, Pepperell, MA
Simple Jack, they can't. Extreme and racist ideas, along with caring only for the 1%, will eventually suffocate the entire party to its extinction
Proper Trade Policy is only way to grab voters..In fact, Romney could win every State that has Flags of Convenience Ports that see locals saddled with debt subsidizing Offshore Infrastructure as democratic governors ( in state of Washington) allow thier ports to be played against 1 another as favor to Dutch rule of law cruiselines wanting discount rates that dontt cover the bond payment each month which results in Our LIbraries and schools closing early or forever cuz the budget (property taxes) are raided to cover the bond payments to the banks who issue transportation bonds as if they own a printing press in partnership with Corrupt port commisions
My husband is an old white man and is voting for Obama. Might I suggest bribes. Everyone has their price.
Don't forget about the uninformed, racist and the antiabortion voter. The uninformed people that are just to busy to listen and read about what their party is purposing. They have always voted Republican and will so untiil the day they die. In sound bites the party message sounds logical. Read about the details and follow the money then a completely different agenda emerges. The racist and antiabortion voter is so blinded by their single issue that they regularly vote against their socio-economic class.
It would help if they were more opened-minded, and less anti-everything. The world has changed since 1955 (thankfully), but they are still stuck in what they probably call "the good old days."
They seem to think they have the pulse of America when they are only holding the arm to tight. They need more modirates to gain more people across the spectrom.
Ask not what the middle class can do for the Republican party but what the Republican party can do for the middle class families. Time to change the "good old boy" politics of tax brakes for the rich, richer and richest.
They can attract other voters by getting rid of Romney, McConnel with his old rich self-out of touch with even poor whiea men, get rid of Anne Romney, out of touch, too rich, dress rich. Copy how the Kennedys did not flaunt wealth, understood the plight of the poor! Anne should copy Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Biden-wonderful ladies.Romneys do not have a clue as to what we are going through!
Jack, practically they can not this time. Entire nation knows, world knows. Hats off to CNN for posting every comment, this shows our way of true democracy. Jack, I am so scared if Romney wins he sells USA to china, India for cheap labor. Well, Adelson theory is election for sale with 100 million dollars to GOP that money I bet some Saudi deposited or while visiting Adelson casinos. God bless wise men to back up Obama.
Get rid of the old pigheaded white men in office, put in some younger new blood with term limits.
They can start by not catering to the exact needs of older white men and be a bit more inclusive in what they stand for; believe it or not Jack, not everyone is a millionaire, not everyone is pro-gun, pro-war, while insisting that they are also pro-life. For the record, I'm a middle aged, almost 50, white guy and they've got nothing for me.
Jack,
I'm an old white man who is not attracted to the Republican Party. Our Politicians today are having trouble attracting anybody. They are more interested in achieving Power and Money. They avoid any compromises and decisions to help our country get out of the rut it is in. They are perfectly content to waste our money month after month, year after year without being held accountable for getting nothing accomplished.
Larry from Kansas
As an old while male I can tell you that the Republicans have their work to do in order to gain my vote. They claim to be fiscally conservative but their actions suggest they would just like to spend differently than the Democrats. Lower taxes seem to be their universal solution to all problems. Do they stand for something other than lower taxes?
They can't, which is why they're doing all they can to prevent all types of minorities from voting through new voter suppression laws.
In the first place, I doubt that the old white man I live with will vote for Romney. If the Republicans want to expand their base, they need to offer solutions to the problems our country is facing. While I have to admit my brain goes dead every time Romney speaks, all he does is say he will get the economy moving, but not much about how he will do that. He hasn't talked about how he would work with Congress to get them to do something other than worry about the next election. I haven't heard enough about how he will deal with the rest of the world, the environment, health, or social iissues. His only interest seems to be the economy, which is a problem, but it is not our only problem.
In terms of unemployment, the Republicans could attract new voters if they would agree to eliminate tax cuts for businesses that off-shore American jobs. Better yet, the Republicans could agree to issue additional punitive taxes on businesses who off-shore American jobs. Another thing that would help create jobs would be to automatically issue green cards to foreign graduates, who could then create cutting-edge businesses in America and hire Americans. Most of these foreign students come to America because they like the opportunities provided them by out free enterprise system. If the Republicans are pro-business like they say they are, then they should be more than happy to do this.
There are only two things that the Republicans would have to sacrifice to achieve fresh voters: they hatred for Labor Unions and their hatred for immigrants. If the Republicans would do these two things, I actually would be a Republican. We all know that the Libertarian fringes of society have taken the GOP hostage. The one irony is that the Libertarians are uneducated to the point that they don't know that the Bolsheviks hated Labor Unions too.
Hey Jack, I"m 63 and I'm voting for Obama.
Jack,
Republicans could begin by responding with something other than 'NO' to everything a minority President has to offer, even when it's the right thing to do.
Rick,
Medina, OH
Republicans need to wise up and realize that nobody will vote for a heterosexual Christian white guy. Everybody hates them. Romney doesn't have a chance.
GOP stands for Grand Old Party, with emphasis on "OLD". Republican's are stuck in a time warp, becoming regressive vice progressive. All their references go back to Reagan, not Bush I or Bush II. They will not gain the youth until they start transcending out of the past and look to the present and future.
Republicans could attract this old man's vote if they would nominate Ron Paul
Umm...move further to the center?? Mitt Romney was popular with moderates and independents once upon a time ago before the primary process pushed him closer to the extremists on the right-wing.
They would have to purge the party of NeoCons and Tea Party activists . Simple as that.
romney will never be president
I am an older white woman, Romney scares me, he will be a bigger puppet than George Bush. Romney will not get my vote. President Obama will.
Romney offers nothing to young, old, poor, women, poor working class which is the backbone of this country.
Mitt's problem isn't his ability to target a specific demographic. It's the simple fact that he plays on the wrong team. He represents everything that's wrong with the U.S. at a time when the population is brewing an impending revolt against rampant corporate greed and economic tyranny by the corrupt few.
They can't.
they can try to represent more than old white men to attract a more diverse constituency.
Jack, I am in my late 70's and he don't attract me.
Simple, change policies.
Easy, dump the tea party. The word extremism was not chosen at random. The GOP didn't have this big a problem until they chose to embrace ( or should I say knuckled under) to the extremists in their own party. Extremists by definition do not represent the majority. Regardless of the demographics, they're catering to a small group of people who think they have the right to tell everyone else how to live their lives. I call that anti-American. This country was built on freedom and diversity, remember the 'melting pot'? But when some ideals start to become a reality those who are afraid of change try to reverse it. The Republicans need to concentrate on moving into the 21st century instead of trying to take us back to the 19th. Backward just isn't going to work for most of us.
I am a white female and have MANY friends that are white, black and hispanic who will be voting for Romney ... ABO=Anyone but Obama....No hope...No change...No Transparency for 3 1/2 years...we've had enough already!
They have to stop being Republicans! Seriously, they need take a centrist approach to social issues (eg supporting abortion in some circumstances; supporting civil unions etc) and stop using code phrases for bigotry ("states rights" typically means "anti-Black" and "family values" typically means "anti-Gay"). But I am not betting on it. As we saw during the primary campaign, purity (ideological and otherwise) is too important to them.
The Republican Party has been the old white man's party for at least 10 years now. Remember that last GOP convention, no brown or black faces in the entire audience. Romney will definitely lose this election. Thank goodness.
Jack, the Republican party is for thinking, responsible adults who work hard to put themselves through high school, college and/or trade school and they are producing members of society who pay their taxes. They are tired of told by elitist liberals that they are wrong, that they are out of touch and that their party is strictly for upper class anglo-saxons. As a southern Republican, I know and socialize with many responsible Hispanics and blacks who are producing members of society and they too are Republicans. They worked hard too to get where they are at and they are appalled by the direction Obama and his fanatical followers are trying to go. My Mexican-American wife's entire family are card carrying Republicans. That's because they believe in education, productivity, and not giving away a few trillion dollars in tax dollars each year to welfare cheats, illegal aliens milking our system dry, and coddling criminals and gang members who flood our jails and courts with homicides, drug trafficking, and the like. When it comes to the Democrats, (as Reagan once said) "Are you any better off than you were four years ago?" Not likely.
Mt. Shasta, CA
Jack,
Democrats get most of the minority vote because they have spent decades indoctrinating minorities into believing that they are helpless victims that can't survive without liberal programs and handouts. This has probably ruined millions of lives. Romney and the Republicans should just reach out to all good Americans regardless of race or gender.
Nominate Ron Paul,thats how.
I think they'd have to stop waging war on the middle class, latinos, women's health, public radio, unions, and gay people.
I am not an old white man, and I will vote for Romney because he is a uniter, not a divider. He will work to help ALL Americans rather than dividing us into small groups to be bought off.
It's simple, stop advocating policies that only appeal to old white men.
William, New Jersey
Michael Bachmann -------VP candidate of GOP -----2012 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Republicans would earn more than votes from me if they would start showing concern for Americans who aren't older, white men. They would earn respect from me if they respected and recognized women, LGBT individuals, Latinos, etc. What happened to the Mitt Romney who said he'd do more for the LGBT community than Ted Kennedy? I want to meet THAT guy!
By not being so conservative. Lets face it, conservatism is like a dirty word for some minorities, and if Romney wants to gain some of the women and minority votes then he's going to need to approve of what they want and actually stand by it. Since he, and the rest of the Republicans, won't do that, then they have no chance in November. The world is changing, and they need to change with it.
Jack: I'm an old, white man. I've been a life-long Republican, but the TEA Party has soured me so much, I'm embarrased to let people know what side of the fence I'm on. I liked Republican Teddy Roosevelt. He established the national park system. Nixon signed into law OSHA and the EPA... Do you think a Republican today would even have a chance being so "liberal?" Republicans need to swing way back to the principals of the old-school Republicans like Roosevelt, otherwise read my lips "NO NEW REPUBLICANS" will be joining the ranks from the younger generation.
Sterling In Texas
The republicans will need to change their platform from “The Country Boys Club” mentality to include the rest of us Americans. If not, then adios, sayonara… As I watch their ship sail in to the deep blue sea never to be seen again..
~Nina Fox
Southern California
Have fun guys 🙂
Easy. He can offer equal pay for women. Dream Act for Hispanics. Jobs for African-Americans. Oh wait, he can't because he'll lose the "old white, wealthy, christian, men" vote.
One has to articulate the message, that this is not a black, white, brown, or any other color issue. This is a survival mission. In this country we should compete for business and compliment our neighbors. This needs to be us against the world in business not war. We can all find common ground in our service to our fellow man (generic of course). The middle of the road folks can't stand the blurring of the margins. Far right, far left, far out there. We can all meet in the middle. Vote issues not parties.
To get votes from other than old white men, Republicans need to return to the party of Eisenhower and get off the morality kick they've been on for the past 30 years. Their "holier-than-thou" stance will eventually change their symbol from elephant to obsolete pachyderm.
It's simple Jack, they all need to get a sensitivity chip installed. They're just not nice people!
Susan from Tarpon Springs
It easy Jack stop being anti-Hispanic, anti-women, anti –black, anti-science, anti-education anti- gay or anti tolerance.
And Stop the brither talk, and voter suppersion laws.
How can Republicans attract voters other than old white men? Simple. Just transform the entire premise of their party. Divorce themselves completely from the Tea Party and the shock jocks in the media. Dump their current leadership in Congress and elect new leaders who are disposed to extend a hand across the aisle. Work with the other guys to enact real bi-partisan legislation aimed at improving conditions on Main Street instead of just working for the selfish interests of the One Percent. Strive to become the Party of Lincoln once again, instead of the Party of Reagan. That's for starters.
Atlanta. They would have to leave a good majority of their conservative base in order to pull off a feat like that. Bring back traditional, more middle of the road Republicans and they might have a chance, but then again... that seems to be where the Democrats have taken position.
Nothing Jack. Romney favors the rich over everyone else.
there's no way. Romney has no fire in his gut, and it shows. Obama will kill him during debate. Fankly, I don't think Romney has had one vaild thought in his life except his checking about balance. Ron Paul has fire in his gut, but media, yourself included, tells editorially dictiated position by wealthy donors.
bobl Ocala, Florida
It's not necessary for the GOP to attract voters other than white old man. Everybody other that white old men should just self deport and evreything will be dandy for the GOP.
They can't, and they won't unless they change their platform. That being said, both parties know that the country as a whole is centrist. Meaning not too left or right, the middle ground is where legislation gets through.
Both parties draw roughly 25% each of the total voting public which is 50% of those eligible to vote. If you go to either extreme left or right and their respective core constituency draws roughly 11% for each side. The remainder is independent voters (5-6%) That isn't enough to elect a president. So each side needs moderates and independents just to get to 25%.
The problem for the Republicans is they can't sell what little they have to offer. Their draconian platform is specifically geared for Corporate and Older White Males. Your demographic numbers show that over time, the GOP will have considerably less influence. So unless there is a drastic change in their platform, they will be less of a player in the future.
Its too late. Women, latinos and african americans dont like Mitt. Old men may not get to the poles this year. Not too many groups really are into Mitt so, its McCain vs. Obama all over again. See Chris Christie 2016!
Put their money where their mouth is in terms of smaller government. We can fix the budget by ending the failed War on Drugs, legalizing and taxing drugs, stop paying money to all these foreign governments and we don't have to slash the safety net. Get out of people's bedrooms and doctor's visits, and protect American jobs. I am an African-American and if you want to give tax breaks to companies who employ Americans then I would seriously consider voting Republican. It would help to end the racist rhetoric as well.
They had their chance with the Ron Paul crowd to rejuvenate the party. The told us to get lost. Now here in Colorado, LP candidate Gary Johnson is polling at 7%, so obviously we took their advice. Good luck against the dems old timers, we'll promise to stay off your precious lawn.
"I am an old white man and the Republican Party lost my vote many years ago. They no longer represent my interest and are threatening my Social Security and Medicare. They want to burden me and many more like me with paying off the debt while giving their wealthy friends a free ride and more tax breaks. But as hard as I have it minority groups have it even worse with the Republicans. The Republicans have no answer for healthcare nor do they care about equal Justice because the world they live in, the wealthy don't have to worry about such things. If they want to get this old man's white vote back they will have to go back many years to what the Republican Party used to be."
there is alot of powerful stuff in this mans comment. Obama 2012 and straight Dem ticket
Uh, before you get too cynical here trying to be cute for your viewers, let's face one simple fact : Thruout history "old white men" is WHO developed, invented, and built 90% of America.
Quit trying to demonize a proud and successful part of this once great country.
Simple. Get someone else to take Romney's place on the ballot.
Too easy Jack....they can't.
Once the Repubblicans decide that the people of the United States of America, are more important than the Republican party, They just might stands chance of getting votes outside the corporate mindset.
Yes, old white men. Called the Founding Fathers.
Talk radio does a pretty good job by twisting and spinning until every bit of truth is squeezed out of any story. They run a 24/7 anti-Obama campaign, and it seem all to protect the mega wealthy and mega corporations, and all you have to do is talk to an anti-Obama person and they will immediately start spouting the garbage they heard, usually verbatim, and without ever checking the accuracy of any of it. Proving once again the truth to the quote, "If you make a lie big enough, and tell it often enough, people will believe it."
Basically Yes.
I am a 73 year old (going on 74) white old male, and I am voting for President Barack Obama. That Romney fellow is just a little too slippery for my liking.
Along with old white men are their old tunnel-visioned white women counterparts, all ages, who also think it possible to legislate their impossible dream-world ways of life.
An act of god.
The Republicans/Tea Party/ultra conservatives are way off course. They are against so much of what we women have gained in the past 50 years, it isn't even funny anymore. Our government is not based on one religion's beliefs. Move to the center, stop tramping on women's and minorities heard-earned rights, & get something done in Congress. I am voting for Obama & would LOVE to see Hillary back in as VP!
He doesn't need my advice but thanks for asking Jack. Have a great Wednesday everyone 🙂
Everything about the Republican party reeks of a swollen phoniness that has now taken on a significant odor. Their protection of the rich, their disconnection from the middle class, their demonization of public teachers and workers, their brilliant and relentless manipulation of "red herring" issues like religion, guns, gay marriage and immigration that they use to play into the fears of the naive to a degree that many of those that the Republican agenda actually harm the most are falling in lock step to their incessant fear mantra. Republicans are brilliant....and despicable and dangerous for democracy. Does anyone honestly believe that the creepy Koch brothers, Grover Norquist, Carl Rove, Donald Trump, Mitt Romneys, etc. really have a plan for a healthy future for all people in mind with their policies? No, theirs is a corporate eden imagined somewhere in the future where a few control the many. The Republicans could have written the script for Rollerball.
The GOP did well when it was the OLD republican party of non-intervention, free markets, and personal liberty. Now the Republicans embrace the neocon's imperialism, corporate control of the markets, and restricting personal freedom in the name of 'fighting terrorism'. If they continue on this path, they will continue to lose elections. {of course, Obama is doing much the same as the GOP}.
The all-white old-boys club is truly shrinking. As a white, senior women, I voted Republican but no more. The treatment of Barack Obama by most Republicans can only be described as shameful. Racial tones always linger. They did everything possible to stop the President from helping the country to recover after eight disasterous years of George Bush. The party of NO showed no mercy to the unemployed. Republicans seemed obsessed with taking over the personal lives of women. Their effort to destroy Planned Parenthood shows exacatly where they stand. Listen up R's – this county needs two strong political parties but your have been taken over by the far-right Tea Party who, in the end, will drive away middle-of-the-road voters like me. And, you will lose and continue to lose 'till the once-proud Republican party returns to governing and not obstructing.
This white independent woman is voting Romney. Four more years of Obama and we will be bankrupt.
If they are smart they would go after the poor white voters.I am old and grew up poor.Affiirmative action always left out the poor whites.Ask any poor and white person this question and if they were accepted in any good college.If your poor and white......you are in the real monority
Mitts' the man for the party of the rich by the rich and for the rich. He will never represent the average American.
I have been a Republican for 10 years and I cant' take it anymore. It's become a party of crazy, mean people who seem to rejoice in the misery of others and the happiness of rich guys like Romney. I don't see any hope anytime soon, none. I just called my the supervisor of elections for my county in Florida and I'm becoming an Independent. I do not want to be affiliated with the party of no any longer.
I am voting for Obama. He's not perfect but atleast he gives a damn.
I am always amazed at the ability of some politicians who have a great message fail to deliver it, while others who have no message make gold from floss. The truth of the matter is that the Republicans can do nothing if people are unwilling to educate themselves about our economy, our government, our history and the world around us. That's not to say that the Republicans would win if we had a more educated populace, but they would be less likely to accept the political sleight of hand (also known as the Chicago Way) that President Obama has been exercising since his election.
Neither party is the answer. The American people need to wake up. The government has promised too much and cannot pay for it. Approaching $16 trillion in debt is just the tip of the iceberg. Add in the unfunded mandates of medicare, social security and prescription drugs the debt stands at $122 trillion. The American people have become lazy and expect the government to provide everything. Our country was built on self reliance, but this began to disappear with the advent of social security, then medicare, etc. Yes we are broke and there is a Financial Armageddon on the horizon. The only hope each of us has is in following God's word and trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
No worries, They have the support of young white women like Michelle Bachmann
Bottom line Jack....they really don't want to. What their desperately attempting to do is figure out a way to maintain power and control without allowing any other groups into the club.
I agree with the person who said that Romney talks "economy" without any substance. He does not say what he would actually do to help it.
The party would have to morph into their total opposite or engage in mass hypnosis. The grand old party has sent generations alienating anyone that did not look like them to become the party of the elite and they succeeded, but they are now the party of the few on the national horizon.
Jack...the founding fathers were all old white men...they must have all been republican. lol
I'm an old white guy who was driven to vote for Obama after the miserable wars of Bush. I have been disappointed at Obama's lack of leadership at times, as well as his caving in to some of the Tea Heads. However, I take one look at Romney, and I say – NO WAY. Is he really the best that the Republicans can come up with? It seems like the primary process is broken for the right. Oh well!
yes, the economy is the major issue. however, we need to look at the global picture. Romney's stance on Syria is totally out of touch with reality in the UN and on the ground. it could start another major middle east war since both russia and china have vetoed action and still support assad and cause us to go into another 10 year war. on social issues, he has alienated nearly every minority group: women with the abortion debaucle in VA, latinos with the AZ fiasco, The pro-gay population with his stance on Gays, african americans on his welfare comments, the poor with with wealth comments. additionally, if the healthcare plan is struckdown, that is 50% of his platform removed. then all he can campaign on is the economy. im still not seeing how he will connect to enough voters to win...
They need to work with Democrats. The problem is also that they don't want to work together, but until they do the U economy will be in bad shape. They need to display trust to the US people b/c trust and confidence is how things will get back to normal.
Perhaps the Republican party should consider actually listening to the groups they wish to attract instead of telling us they want our vote but please keep quiet and stay in the background. Three situations come to mind that illustrate my point:
1). A key Romney advisor is forced from the campaign because he is gay and that might upset far right conservatives.
2). Romney makes his infamous "self-deportation" statement during a debate after the heat was turned up on him for hiring illegal landscapers.
3). Despite overwhelming opposition to it in the polls, several state legislatures pass bills that not only make it more difficult for a women to get an abortion, the bills defile and degrade a woman's body in the process.
Jack...the founding fathers were all old white guys, guess they were republican too. lol
When the GOP start encouraging their base to stop making suggestive racial and hateful statements against a President and other intelligent people of color. It's like they want to keep the "good ole boy" mentality a way of life, no matter how bad it has affected our country.
The other side is making this one easy. Obama ran on "transparency", but now the voters can see this is by far the least transparent administration in U.S. history (with the exception of leaking highly classified, security jeopardizing info for political reasons). As the sane voters figure this out, they'll be flocking to the GOP very fast...and very furiously.
The main value of a Romney candidacy is to demonstrate the difference between the past and the future. The voting American public needs to be able to contrast the two, and Romney serves as a faded reminder of a bygone era of white male privilege that is gasping for political relevance. The survival of this intellectually deficient elite depends on financial heft, perhaps the only weapon left in the arsenal of this unfortunate and diminishing minority.
The best description for the Republication's Situation is "Lost Cause". An article yesterdays said more Asians are being born than ever. Whiles will have to get used to not being the majority. The Republications are too radical now to do anything right. I predict an Obma Win. Women are also not going to vote these this these Radical Republications. Good Luck Romney you lost your chance to put more troops in Iraq again.
Please look at the numbers. Whites made up 79% of the electorate in 2010, but 40-45% of whites still vote Democrat. That % has been declining for decades. Romney can win without one minority vote. His challenge is white women, 45% of whom (or more) vote Democrat.
The same types of corporate executives like Romney who sent millions of our jobs overseas for their own benefist are now trying to run for President? They will not be receiving any votes from me.
In the first place Romney hasn't attracted me and I might be one of those 'old white men' your referring to if you consider being 67 old. In the second place, I don't think there's anything Romney can do to attract other voters other then the ones that will probably vote for him anyway. I think we all know who they are. Are you making over a million dollars a year?
I am an old (89) white man. I've voted Demcratic since FDR -. I even supported Henry Wallace back then.
Let GOP chew on that one. History showed me that Every Republican President needed a war to help the economy. It took a Democratic President to put their wars to an end.. Anyone who votes for Romney is either a Redneck, tupid, uninformed or from the Corporate World.
Jack, I am an Asian-American man who used to be staunchly Republican until the party was hijacked by neocons and the likes of Limbaugh mindset (read racists). Now I wonder how GOP thinks it can win unless they start to be more inclusive, but then all you have to do is watch Fox News for 15 minutes and see why they are anything but.
Jack, I am an 83 yr old white man and I am going to vote for Obama. Williamsburg, Virginia. The Republican Party has lost my support until they again act like grownups!
I'm an old white man, and as far as I can see, the GOP does not live in the same reality as I do.
All they offer is tax cuts and hate. I'm not inclined to hate other people because of some contrived stereotype based on obscure anecdotes, yet that's what the GOP does to make law.
And as far as tax cuts go, if they worked to boost the economy we should be swimming in jobs since we've cut taxes dramatically for decades. All we have is a big debt, and without revenue we'll never pay it off.
Get real, GOP, and maybe I'll vote for you again.
2 cars a home changed employers and a divorce, Yes $$$ does rule all, But i am happier i am no longer a slave too money i value my sanity and the sacrifice ultimately has been worth it , I hope our govt can do the same
Like you mentioned, Jack, I've given up my cable. I've cut back on going out, especially taking trips to the beach to save gas money. I've eliminated shopping for myself – only clothes or shoes that are necessities. I've also had to cut out my eye docotr and dentist visits, as insurance doesn't cover them and it's tough to come up with $150 extra to have my teeth cleaned.
The obvious thing that comes to mind is my health insurance. It had gone up 100% in two years. Eating out? Vacations? I don't even remember when I stopped doing those things...
Take it from an old white guy this is not your father's Republican party. They have moved so far to the right my father would be considered a liberal today if he still was a member of the GOP. The GOP is going to have to attract more than just old white guys because they have alienated many of them.
The Republican party will be fine as long as it can raise the kind of money it is raising from the wealthy who benefit from its policies, and use the money to deceive the largely uninformed electorate through false ads.
As an old white man I can say that republicans do NOT represent my demographic. In fact, they are an insult to my kind. Perhaps if Romney pursued the robot vote with diligence he might get the electronic voting machines to side with him.
Angry old white men attract more angry old white men who all agree on the same thing and because this is the makeup of the Republican party don't expect them to change. You can't change old people into young people and young people don't want to be around old people.
I,m surprised he can even attract them,the republicans are in left field somewhere.
Cafferty, the Republicans do attract other voters than old white guys. There are the gun nuts, religious zealots, racists, anti environmentalists, anti government, anti union anti public employee, anti gay, anti womens rights, and anti hoodie crowd.
The Republicans have these groups locked up.
Even if big money buys the Republicans the White House this November, unless they stop embracing the lunatic fringe, the are doomed to extinction..