Who Should Lead the “New” Republican Party?
Right now, across the web, on the ground, and in small meetings being held on a near-daily basis, Republicans are having a debate about how best to reorganize and revuninate the party. Conservatives like myself believe we need to get back to our principles, but we also need to inspire and bring together a complete coalition that can not only win elections, but can win the hearts and minds of the people. At the top of all of this, the Republican Party needs a new Chairman, and a couple of folks are eyeing the job…
Chip Saltsman, Former Huckabee Strong Man
I wasn’t the biggest fan of Mike Huckabee, because I wasn’t the biggest fan of populist rhetoric and a foggy record of raising spending and lying about it. Saltsman himself has released a platform to back up his run for Chairman, and it’s filled with pretty basic stuff. James Richardson believes, and I agree, that Saltsman and his brand of social conservative populism will isolate factions of the GOP. I believe that social conservatives have an important seat at the table, but with Saltsman sitting at the head, they might have the only seat at the table.
Saul Anuzis, Technological Firebrand from a State I Hate
Saul Anuzis is a no-name, but then again, so are most of the people jockeying to be the public face of the Republican Party. Saul’s been involved with Republican politics in Michigan as long as anyone, and given our dismal standing in “that state up North”, some are holding it against him. Anuzis appeals to some folks technologically, given the fact that he twitters and blogs, but is that enough? I do like the story of how he welcomed a carpet-bagging Democrat to a district though, so he scores some points.
Michael Steele, The Man You’ve Seen 100 Times on Fox News
Michael Steele has the strongest name recognition amongst the folks running for Chairman, and his name recognition isn’t that high. He’s been on Fox News often, talking about how the party can reach out to minority voters (hmm, I wonder why he gets asked those questions), and talking about rebuilding the coalition. He’s a favorite amongst the Hot Air crowd, and for good reason. He’s a strong voice, but I worry he’ll be marginalized by the media who will think he was only chosen because of the color of his skin, and not the content of his character. Steele’s probably our strongest pick if we can battle through the misconceptions.
Katon Dawson, Southern Vengeful Egomaniac
Katon Dawson, the Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party, has some baggage. He belonged to a White’s Only country club at one point, which surely won’t do him any favors in minority outreach. Also, according to Ace, he’s one hell of an egomaniac. I knew who Dawson was by the sheer fact that when anything happened in South Carolina, it was accompanied by a video greeting from Katon. The debates… events… hell, he probably welcomes every person who crosses the state line personally. On the positive side, he’s supposed to also be one hell of an attack dog. Good thing or bad?
Given this roster, and it’s sure to expand as the actual voting process gets closer, I’d have to say I think Steele gives us our best chance at a new image. Anuzis has his perks (once again, I love some of the anecdotes), but I’m afraid he’d be another boring face at the top. As much as I hate to say it, we need our answer to Howard Dean, who has outperformed all of our expectations.
Categories: Politics
[...] this old fart congratulates you on your accomplishment. Justin also has an article on his blog on Who Should Lead The “New” Republican Party, a good read from a rising [...]
I have heard both Steele and Anuzis speak, here in New York City. Anuzis is a former Teamster, and you can hear it when he talks. Very impressive, however, someone who might knock sense into Republicans. Steele is also very impressive, a solid conservative who has a little more “class” than a former Teamster. I’d like to see Steele heading things, with Anuzis as his right-hand man.
Hey Justin
I read your comments on how to make Republicans “Sexy”.
I don’t understand why people my age (I’m middle aged) did not GET it about the younger voters.
I guess because I am an artist and look and think very young for my age,I GOT it.
It was extremely frustrating to see how McCain Palin were not able to capitalize on their personalities and reach out to younger voters with that IDEALISM you talk about.
Palin vibrates with passion and idealism but even she has a long way to go as to calculating how to parse her words and put out PR to attract young, idealistic, and sometimes foolish and under educated young folks.
I haven’t forgotten how it feels to be a very young voter. I had a LOT of ideas for videos, CAMPUS OUTREACH brochures, buttons, etc. etc.
If you continue to be active in conservative circles, we may run into each other. I’d like to put together some PATRIOTIC art shows and talks that go about it the smart way: promoting peace, world unity etc. THROUGH knowledge of our unique American Heritage, which means..shhhh..Western Civ…..
Young people are not another species. But as you know, the Educational System has been violently brainwashing them and they are molded to think liberal and they are prevented from examining history for facts, being force fed opinions and looking mainly at the past 200 years(if that much) and not the entire picture.
It should be apiece of cake for true conservatives to appeal to the youth. I guess the smartest among them are unheard voices who are not running for office. (like you?) Its time for those voices to be heard ….loudly.