I’ve been surprised and disappointed by many conservative pundits’ unabashed support as the Republican Party has shifted to the extreme right on social issues while losing any semblance of credibility on fiscal matters. It’s been disheartening to hear intelligent Republicans defending Bush’s administration, but it’s the ongoing support of Sarah Palin that is particularly puzzling. I find the cheerleading for Palin by conservatives both embarrassing and desperate. She is vastly, vastly unqualified to be President of the United States (or Vice President for that matter), and we all absolutely know it.
So, I’ve been thinking about how to react to Sarah Palin’s stunning news that she’s not only not going to run for re-election as Alaska’s Governor, but she’s resigning at the end of the month. I think it’s time we get an apology from the Republican Party and conservative pundits who supported her as a credible candidate for Vice President. Her latest move shows the poor judgment and instability the vocal critics were concerned about.
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, yet we still have many conservatives perfectly content with setting the bar even lower. Meanwhile, the Party has been reduced to a regional, minority voice with diminishing influence and approval ratings spiraling.
I don’t know who is advising Republican leaders these days, but they’re either not delivering the truth or the folks in charge are delusional. 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 Republicans who are committed to a strong 2-party system to encourage Party leads to listen to guys like Mike Murphy 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. The 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 – let’s find a competent horse to back!
Ben Padnos is an Internet entrepreneur based in Manhattan Beach, California. He Twitters @benpadnos.