There is no doubt in my mind that in the previous years the Republican Party (GOP) has suffered some setbacks; with the most devastating blow coming with the election of Senator Barack Obama to the White House in 2008. This election can be seen as the culmination of the events of the past few years.
In November of 2006, an article was published by Adam Nagourney for the New York Times, entitled “Hispanic Is Expected to Be the Next Public Face of the G.O.P.”. In this article, Nagourney expects Sen. Mel Martinez to be elected general chairman of the Republican National Committee. He contends that the GOP had taken a hit when it comes to the votes of Hispanics, falling 15% from the election in 2004. The reason being that several congressional Republicans had been running campaigns that called for more rigorous anti-immigration policies. This position was highly unpopular among Hispanics, the fastest growing part of the electorate. Democrats took this as a signal that Republicans were worried about these setbacks.
Trying to explain the way several well-known Republicans (such as Colin Powell) have switched their party endorsement may be a bit complex. John H. Aldrich, in his book, Why Parties?, suggests career ambitions of individual politicians may also play a role in the way parties form, and maybe in the case of the GOP, reform or disintegrate. Politicians are going to associate with the party that will give them the longest, most fulfilling career. Those changing party endorsements may see more opportunity for themselves in the Democratic Party.
After reading this week’s chapters and doing a little outside research, I believe the Republican Party may be in a bit of trouble. The party is losing voters. By not appealing to one of the largest, fasting growing demographics in the country, the GOP is becoming out-dated. A “re-birth” of some sort may be in order. Losing the endorsement of well-known Republicans, may just be the “kiss of death”. Citizens see what’s going on and take note of the failings of each party. (I remember watching the episode of Meet the Press where former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, announced his vote in the 2008 election would be for Obama.) In my opinion, the Republican Party could use some serious reform in order to once again, become the united, disciplined party we once knew.
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I agree with you Hannah. The Republican party does have to go through a "re-birth" or they could be in a lot of trouble. Also, I liked how you brought up the point that Colin Powell and others have switched parties, because the Democratic party seems to be more viable and in tune with the changing interests of the American people. Especially with the Whigs, many turned and joined the Republican party because it seemed to be a more viable option. I think that when we see people who were big players within the party switching to the Democratic party, that is a huge red flag which should tell Republicans that they have a lot of work to do.
ReplyDeleteDo you really think that Colin Powell endorsed Obama because of his personal ambition? He could have run for president in the 90s and did not. What else might account for that switch?
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