Over the years, I’ve been disappointed by your unabashed support as the Republican Party has shifted to the extreme right on social issues while losing any semblance of credibility on fiscal matters. And it’s been disheartening to hear intelligent Republicans such as you with unwavering defense of Bush’s administration despite the numerous failures. But it’s your ongoing support of Sarah Palin that led me to send this note to you. I find your cheerleading for Palin embarrassing, irresponsible and desperate. She is vastly, vastly unqualified to be President of the United States (or Vice President for that matter), and you absolutely know it. And she’s a sure-fire pick to continue the Republican Party’s spiral into oblivion.
The country is still reeling from the effects of a President who lacked the intellectual curiosity to deal with complicated issues. George W. Bush did irreparable harm to the Republican Party and you’re on the sidelines encouraging the country to set the bar even lower. Meanwhile, the Party has been reduced to a regional, minority voice with diminishing influence and approval ratings plunging.
The Republican voices whispering in your ear are insulating you from reality. Look at Party events and rallies outside of the Midwest and deep south and count the number of:
- brown, black and yellow people in attendance;
- younger voters, 35 years old and under compared to folks 60 and older;
- college educated participants;
- individuals who live in cities and other densely-populated areas;
- people who have less than $80,000 of annual household income; and
- gays and lesbians.
I urge you to use your influence to encourage Party leads to listen to guys like Mike Murphy – he nailed it today in his op-ed in the NY Daily News — and Joe Scarborough who understand the “modernization” of conservatism that must go on for the party to rebound from its regional minority status, and take a SERIOUS look at expanding the tent. Your first move is stop pandering to the fringe religious and pro-gun extremists – the guns, God and gays voters have become more than just “the base”, they have become the entire party! And enough is enough with this Sarah Palin defense – please find a competent horse to back. There are highly-capable, intelligent, accomplished and VIABLE conservatives who deserve attention!
Ben Padnos is an Internet entrepreneur based in Manhattan Beach, California. He Twitters @benpadnos.