The coming thrilla in Texas April 15, 2025Silvio Canto, Jr.
Get ready for the Texas version of a heavyweight fight between AG Ken Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
Pulling Republicans Together January 15, 2025Loyd S. Pettegrew and Jim McCoy
Unifying all congressional Republicans would be a good thing for both America and conservatives. It is the quickest and surest way to make America great again.
With Harris, the Dems Double Down on Elitism August 4, 2024Matt Wolfson
Trump and the GOP need to argue for policies that both diminish Washington’s power and that immediately benefit ordinary people regardless of identity in tangible ways.
The GOP Death Wish July 25, 2023Brian C. Joondeph
The GOP has long been AWOL on both the wishes of the voters and on the candidate who has emerged to serve those voters. Why?
Why I’m Not a Republican May 6, 2023Richard McDonough
I usually hope Republicans win elections but this is not because they are very good. It is because the Democrats are even worse.
Seizing the Narrative May 16, 2022Steve Feinstein
Republicans, naively, still think that the merits of the issue will carry the day with the electorate.
Get your narrative on June 2, 2021Alison Tempestilli
Conservative politicians should borrow and tweak a few things from the Democrat playbook.
No Struggle Like a Party Struggle January 20, 2021Lev Stesin
As the Civil War had redefined the American political landscape for the next hundred years, so will the events of January 6 reshape, realign and possibly destroy the existing political status quo.
The Democrats are vicious; the Republicans are meek September 30, 2018Patricia McCarthy
The Democrats count on Republican passivity because it is the general rule. Senator Graham momentarily broke the rule and it was a glorious thing to behold. But how do we wake up the rest of them?
Racist nutters: a tale of two parties February 6, 2018Thomas Lifson
The real difference between the Democratic Party and the Republicans is easy spot, if you just bother to look at the way they treat genuine hateful racists.
A GOP Schumer sugar high? January 23, 2018Monica Showalter
Yes, it's sweet to see the GOP win one in Congress, this time over the government shutdown. But maybe not enough to spike the football. It's not over yet.
The befuddlement of Fareed Zakaria December 2, 2017Monica Showalter
Fareed Zakaria is puzzled. How can the GOP base support Donald Trump when all he is offering them is tax cuts and not pork-barrel welfare spending?
The donkey blues July 28, 2017Silvio Canto, Jr.
How can you rebrand a party by having Nancy Pelosi outline the new ideas?
No Substitute for Victory July 23, 2017Scott S. Powell
An emotional mob psychology has been unleashed and is out to get Donald Trump and intimidate and divide his party.
Is the GOP serious about governing? July 13, 2017Brian C. Joondeph
C'mon, boys and girls and Congress. If you are serious about governing, then show us. Otherwise, go away. We will be happy to assist you in about a year and a half.
Why We Don’t Need the GOP Establishment May 8, 2017Thomas M. Kelly
The Democratic Party is starting to look more and more like the homeless person under the bridge complaining that everyone else is stupid.
GOP: The Bastion of Piety October 13, 2016Charles E. Moore
Instead of rallying behind the party candidate, GOP leaders would rather promote their own personal pride and moral high ground.
The GOP Establishment strikes back August 3, 2016Thomas Lifson
Shape-shifting into something vaguely resembling an outsiders’ insurgency, the GOP Establishment knocked off a three-term Tea Party congressman in a primary race in Kansas yesterday.
Trump and the GOP Party Activists: Report from North Carolina June 30, 2016Rosslyn Smith
In Western North Carolina, the people who volunteer to run the county campaign offices, work the phone banks, who man the sign crews that spread the names of the candidates for local offices and who serve as election judges are not happy.
Bumpy GOP Convention Ride Ahead? June 21, 2016Rosslyn Smith
Is the Republican Party anticipating a floor fight in Cleveland? That's how I read the Trump campaign's out of the blue firing of campaign manager Corey Lewandowski.
Bon appetit, Dana Milbank May 5, 2016Thomas Lifson
The victory of Donald Trump is exposing the pomposity of a number of know-it-all pundits who made rash vows dismissing the possibility of him ever attaining the GOP nomination.
How I got to be a Delegate from Wyoming to the Republican National Convention May 1, 2016Jeff Hymas
I am certain you’ve never heard of me, unless you are a friend or relative, because I am just a beginner at politics. Yet somehow, in this most contentious political year for Republicans, I am going to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland as a delegate.
The GOP’s Missing Motivation April 30, 2016Layne D. Hansen
Republican leaders do not understand that they are at war with Democrats. How can you win a war you don’t acknowledge is going on?
How Cruz won all the Colorado delegates April 13, 2016Derrick Wilburn
The Cruz team developed and executed a very effective campaign effort in our state, one that started early and did not relent until the final delegate names were announced Saturday night.
The world belongs to those who show up April 12, 2016Rosslyn Smith
I am a delegate to both the North Carolina state GOP convention to be held in May and my congressional district convention next week. My political insider connection is that I showed up.
An improbable white knight for the GOP April 9, 2016Layne D. Hansen
With a contested GOP convention now likely, it is time to consider a white knight unsullied by the bruising contest and acceptable to the warring factions.
There is no New York presidential primary April 8, 2016Rosslyn Smith
Actually, 28 separate primaries, as 81 of the delegates will be distributed on the basis of results in the state's 27 congressional districts and 14 will distributed at large based on the statewide results.
Trump and the GOP establishment (1) March 20, 2016Thomas Lifson
Donald Trump is to attend a meeting Monday with an unidentified group of about two-dozen Republican insiders, including office holders in the House and Senate, as well as consultants and power brokers
The GOP Charade March 16, 2016Robert K. Wilcox
It’s a 2-man race in the Republican Party. Anyone who can’t see this isn’t paying attention.
The weekend numbers March 14, 2016Jay Michaels
The mêlée in Chicago and the mêlée in Jupiter, Florida pushed the two weekend primaries below the fold. But read between the lines on them.
Can Trump please explain? February 15, 2016Lauri B. Regan
Why on Earth did Donald Trump go after George W. Bush for 9/11 in Saturday’s debate rather than Hillary, whose husband allowed al-Qaeda to grow into an organization capable of pulling off 9/11?
Ben Blew It in The Saturday GOP Debate February 15, 2016Jay Michaels
About three-quarters of the way into the debate Saturday night, moderator John Dickerson threw Ben Carson a hanging curveball, but the bat never left Carson’s shoulder.
Whither the GOP? January 12, 2016J. Robert Smith
Making a new majority party within the Republican brand is and will continue to be as messy as making sausage (and no prettier). All the ingredients, though, are there to combine into a governing coalition that could lead the nation for a generation.
Debate takeaways: candidate by candidate November 11, 2015James Arlandson
Bush: I feel for him. His eyes seem anxious and overly polite, his smile unsure, and such is his demeanor. It’s a pity, for his governorship in Florida was sound enough. But his campaign is slowly dying.
GOP debate lead moderator's history of bias October 28, 2015Thomas Lifson
Last week, I wondered if I might be paranoid about tonight’s GOP presidential debate on CNBC being a setup. Today, the fear deepens, and it doesn't look like paranoia.
The GOP Establishment's War with its Base October 15, 2015Sally Zelikovsky
We are at an inflection point. The GOP's base has been ignored and marginalized by candidates and consultants for too long. This behavior will rip the party apart if there is no change.
About Those Crossover Voters... September 12, 2015Ebben Raves
An integral part of the Republican establishment’s plan to nominate Jeb Bush as their candidate for the presidency. And then along came Trump.
The Fate of the Republican Establishment July 8, 2015Steve McCann
The Republican Establishment finds itself on the horns of a dilemma. What is more important: the fate of the country or the fate of their privileged status?
Whew! That Was a Close One June 26, 2014Joseph Ashby
Take a deep breath everyone; Mitch McConnell, Thad Cochran and most of their Establishment buddies are bringing home the electoral bacon.
Dead Souls In the Republican Leadership February 11, 2014John T. Bennett
Today we are seeing the intensification of a decades-old pattern of elite misconduct and disregard for the needs and interests of the public, and no more so than with immigration.
Boehner Courts a GOP Civil War January 31, 2014J. Robert Smith
There aren't pejoratives adequate enough to describe and deride Boehner's resolve to tackle immigration surrender this election year.
Reince's Solutions Miss the Mark January 27, 2014C. Edmund Wright
In typical establishment fashion, Reince Priebus and the wizards at the RNC have looked at the last presidential nomination cycle and learned the wrong lessons.
Looking Forward to November January 4, 2014Richard Winchester
The historical record suggests 2014 should be a good year for Republicans, but not on the same scale as 2010 and 1994.
GOP Establishment's war on its base December 26, 2013Thomas Lifson
A political party blessed with a large, enthusiastic, and active base is planning a war against that very base. They don't call it "The Stupid Party" for nothing.
The Christie Hype Begins November 8, 2013J. Robert Smith
What Governor Lumpy did is what every puke Republican has done since Willkie: mute principles and blur distinctions with Democrats.
Will Republicans Rescue ObamaCare? October 29, 2013Geoffrey P. Hunt
The USS ObamaCare now seems to have lost headway, is listing with water-tight doors breached, and becoming the central election issue in 2014.
Ted Cruz Spots a Tsunami October 23, 2013Cindy Simpson
The GOP establishment hopes to profit politically from the coming financial tsunami. Ted Cruz begs to differ.
Rolling the Hard Six October 21, 2013Sally Zelikovsky
Despite its negatives, the defund effort brought back into the fold those Republicans on the verge of leaving.
Saul Alinsky and the 2013 Budget Fight August 22, 2013Ryan Duffie
While the GOP may fear Obama, Republican losses are more likely to materialize in the form of a large electoral tunrover at the hands of angry grassroots conservatives.
Progs openly conspire to disrupt GOP town halls August 2, 2013Thomas Lifson
The left has abandoned stealth when it comes to their efforts to generate sound bites and video clips at town halls conducted by GOP members of Congress during the August recess.
No More Mr. Nice Guy July 16, 2013Christopher Chantrill
Republicans really need to get their Democratic friends into a position where they have a raised 'incentive to negotiate'.
Grand Old Propaganda June 22, 2013Linda Harvey
The liberals are on the wrong side of history -- and it seems that the GOP is rushing to join them there.
Et tu, Kim Strassel? May 3, 2013Mark J. Fitzgibbons
She manages consistently to write some of the best and most insightful conservative editorials in the country, and now this?
J-O-B-S April 7, 2013Clarice Feldman
The economy continues its slow collapse while the pols look on. And who's to blame for it all? Why, the "professional right," thanks very much.
Gaining Hispanic Voters March 12, 2013Michael Bargo, Jr.
Hispanics are suffering in Democratic-run cities, creating an opportunity for GOP strategists to begin a campaign to pull Hispanics away from the Democrats..
Winning the Message March 11, 2013Anthony J. Ciani
When people are polled on their beliefs, the Republican Party is in the minority on nothing. So why is it so hard to get the message across?
Rand Paul Shifts Political Orbit March 8, 2013Jonathon Moseley
Rand Paul demonstrated a repeatable formula that all Republicans can copy, a conservative answer to the Left's Saul Alinsky tactics. It is the template that is significant.
Winning on Principle March 7, 2013J. Robert Smith
Of course, conservatives want to win elections. But winning elections are about more than simply winning elections; they're about earning opportunities to govern.
Getting Lincoln Right February 28, 2013Ken Blackwell and Bob Morrison
Conservatives today are in danger of losing sight of the true Lincoln and his legacy to the nation.
Making Big Differences February 27, 2013Cos E. Callis
It does a disservice to the GOP to focus too much attention on 'the little things' when there are three major failings in the prevailing Republican strategy that could have made a seismic difference in the outcome.
Prudence or Purity? A Political Dilemma February 26, 2013Glenn Fairman
Americans more attuned to the call of revelation than the "smoke filled room" are often hard pressed to accept the raw human reality of politics, and perhaps rightly so; but it is a cold chiseled reality nonetheless.
Taking Back the Tax Issue February 13, 2013J. Robert Smith
Perceptions count in politics, but more so principles. If the Republican Party wants durably good voter perceptions, it needs to stick to what it believes in -- or claims to -- come hell or Barack Obama.
Amnesty = Extinction February 4, 2013Jonathon Moseley
Democrats are running a strategy to incite divisions within the Republican Party. And Republicans are falling for it.
The Path to Saving the Republic: Just Say 'No' January 31, 2013Michael Finch
The first salvos have already been fired in the battle to save America. And no, they weren't fired from anywhere in Washington D.C., from members of Congress or from Republican Party headquarters
Will the GOP get Stupaked? January 29, 2013Robin Osborne
Whatever our president says is only a formality and will be used at a later date to show how much he has "grown in his positions".
Lincoln Divided January 15, 2013Jason Stevens
Republicans may be "blood of the blood, and flesh of the flesh" of Lincoln's party, but that alone does not provide "the electric cord" to the man. Party and place mean nothing compared to policy and principle.
Good Ideas Grow Leviathan January 8, 2013Whitson G. Waldo, III
One of the biggest threats to liberty is the deluge of laws based on good ideas and the best of intentions.
Framing the Issues January 7, 2013Gary Aminoff
Democrats are framing the issues in a way that will allow them to retake the House in 2014.
The Democrats' War on Science Aids Our Enemies January 6, 2013Clarice Feldman
It's an article of faith among Democrats that Republicans are unscientific boobs stupidly opposing such established verities as anthropogenic global warming. Of course, this is nonsense.
'Fiscal Conservatism,' R.I.P. January 6, 2013Fay Voshell
Who has confidence that there will be victory on the debt ceiling after such a humiliating and total defeat in which Republicans gave up their core issues of no taxation without spending cuts?
Obama and the Debt Ceiling January 5, 2013Jonathon Moseley
The looming debt ceiling fight could allow Republicans to soundly defeat Obama's overspending. Republicans could use the debt ceiling vote to stymie the president's spending plans.
The Dark Side of the Cliff December 31, 2012Scott Mayer
If no deal is struck and we go over this so-called "fiscal cliff" we'll wake up fully intact on 1/1/2013 but aware that paychecks will be smaller and life will get much tougher once the economy worsens.
GOP Strategy and the Fiscal Cliff December 24, 2012Michael Bargo, Jr.
The GOP should give up on trying to negotiate with the President. He shows no interest in doing anything but portraying them as the party of the rich. The GOP should instead turn their attention on post-cliff strategy.
Boehner's Boners December 12, 2012J.T. Hatter
George Wallace used to say, "There's not a dime's worth of difference between the Republicans and Democrats." Of course there's a difference between the Republicans and Democrats -- almost a dime's worth.
There Is No Party of Principle December 7, 2012Steve McCann
Any political party, whose leadership interests extends beyond aggregating power and accumulating personal wealth, would level with the people.
Boehner Orchestrating the GOP's Demise December 7, 2012J. Robert Smith
It's a contest of wills and guess who is winning? President Obama, of course. And that's because the president is up against the GOP's equivalent of Churchill's "Boneless Wonder," Speaker John Boehner.
Republicans Should Use Targeted Marketing Strategies December 5, 2012Zach Krajacic
Businesses understand that no matter how good their product or service, some people will never buy. For this reason they target their marketing and advertising toward people who would likely be persuaded to buy their product.
Lincoln's Unflinching Words December 4, 2012James G. Wiles
The task confronting us is how to assure that there will be more Republican presidents in the face of a Democratic president and Democratic Party who are hopeful of destroying us over the next couple of election cycles.
Message to the GOP: Believe it or Not November 30, 2012J.T. Hatter
Inability to express a positive conservative vision has been going on with the GOP for a long time. Instead of exciting, visionary, conservative candidates, they give us RINOs.
Losing the Latino Vote November 29, 2012Gil Dominguez
A large and widely undereducated voting bloc that will keep Democrats in power for the foreseeable future. And the country will be the worse off because of it.
The GOP Dream Act is a Nightmare November 25, 2012Charles Martel
Amnesty is not the solution. Instead, we should enforce existing law and strongly enhance border security. We don't enforce our current law, and that's why no one respects it.
At the Crossroads November 25, 2012John Steinreich
The Republican Party must once and for all, in Ronald Reagan's words, paint with bold colors so that the American people can clearly see with the classical, elegant palette of conservatism.
GOP Doomed if Establishment Prevails November 25, 2012J. Robert Smith
Conservatives can't count on the Republican establishment to have the boldness to push for an American renaissance. Establishment Republicans have too much invested in the "game."
Our Border, Our Integrity November 23, 2012Charles Martel
At this stage in our demographic and political development as a nation, the growth of the welfare state is the greatest danger to our economic security. Immigrants obviously promote statist policy.
Appealing to Latinos November 21, 2012Elise Cooper
Since many Hispanics have the same values as Republicans, the million-dollar question is how do Republicans appeal to the Latinos, and tackle the complicated immigration reform issue?
We Don't Know Why We Lost Because We Don't Know Who We Are November 20, 2012Jim Pierce
We must send loud, clear, and relevant messages to all Americans that ours is the logical party for them to support. The message is very simple; our policies will help you prosper, and our politics are the best way to give you the foundation you need to succeed.
Losing the Battle to Spin the War November 19, 2012Boyd Richard Boyd
By failing to expose Obama and the Progressives in general, the Republicans have left most Americans unaware that there is a war raging for the soul of the nation.
GOP Establishment Seeks Its Inner Neville Chamberlain November 19, 2012Daren Jonescu
A civilizational war is different from a geopolitical war, in that the parties are not primarily nations, but rather factions of human aspiration. That faction which favors individualism, liberty, virtue, and mutual respect is at present the minority voice.
Where Should We Go From Here? November 18, 2012Jim Yardley
There are four areas that Republicans/Conservatives/Tea Party activists need to focus on: education reform, media control, crippling union political power, and ending the apparently eternal quest for the "perfect" candidate.
Conservatives Harpooned by Orca November 11, 2012Rosslyn Smith
Once again the party of Main Street lost because the K Street consultants running the show proved to be glib idiots, suitable only for chatting up cable news hosts.
The Republican Menagerie January 31, 2012Mike Razar
You can't read a political analysis of presidential politics in the Republican Party without tripping over the denizens of the zoo.
It's Not About Newt January 28, 2012Joseph M. Koenig
The statement being sent to the GOP elite isn't about Newt, and it goes beyond even Romney. It is about a deep dissatisfaction that has been building for years within the Republican rank and file.
