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To See GOP's Future, Look to the House

In long term, Obama victory could make minority party reform

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2008 12:36 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The Republican Party brand is tainted, its leaders recognize, and regardless of John McCain's fate, the institution is in soul-searching mode as the scaled-down convention kicks off today. Many House Republicans have come to believe an Obama victory might be better for the GOP in the long term, reports Politico, because it would force regrouping and present younger, fresher faces to the electorate.

A rejuvenated Republican party would step back from the conservative cultural issues that defined the Clinton reaction, focusing instead on good everyday issues—terrain the party has ceded to Democrats. That can't happen, many admit, without some tough time in opposition. "We came in as the reform party," said Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. "We lost our way. And now we have to get it back."

John McCain and his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov., Sarah Palin, acknowledge the cheers of supporters during a campaign rally in O'Fallon, Mo., Sunday Aug. 31, 2008.
John McCain and his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov., Sarah Palin, acknowledge the cheers of supporters during a campaign rally in O'Fallon, Mo., Sunday Aug. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov., Sarah Palin, acknowledge the cheers of supporters during a campaign rally in O'Fallon, Mo., Sunday Aug. 31, 2008.
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and his vice presidential running mate, Alaska Gov., Sarah Palin, acknowledge the cheers of supporters during a campaign rally in O'Fallon,...   (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a rally at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek, Mich. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008.
Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a rally at C.O. Brown Stadium in Battle Creek, Mich. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
First lady Laura Bush is interviewed on the floor of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Monday, Sept. 1, 2008.
First lady Laura Bush is interviewed on the floor of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Monday, Sept. 1, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
A stagehand vacuums the stage as preparations are underway for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008.
A stagehand vacuums the stage as preparations are underway for the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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