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GOP Split on How Dire the Post-Election Straits Are

Older members see perfect ugly storm in '08 loss; youngsters see broader woes

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Nov 17, 2008 10:52 AM CST
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(Newser) – Successive election disasters have the Republican Party split over its health, Politico reports. Older figures, like Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, say it’s been worse, and the GOP just needs to hold tighter to its core principles. But up-and-comers disagree. Says Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, “The Republican Party is going to need more than just a comb-over.”

Young reformers see real trouble in the party’s weakness among minority groups, especially the fast-growing Latino population. Likewise, Republicans have struggled to reach lower-income voters, and are getting pasted among young voters. “The American people don’t trust us, they don’t believe what we’re going to say,” says a former Nebraska candidate for Senate.

During last week's Republican governors meeting, Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty was among the leaders of the party's younger generation pointing to its various regional and demographic difficulties.
During last week's Republican governors meeting, Minnesota's Tim Pawlenty was among the leaders of the party's younger generation pointing to its various regional and demographic difficulties.   (AP Photo)
Gov. Haley Barbour, left, of Mississippi, and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, participate in Miami Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, for their annual Republican Governors Association Conference.
Gov. Haley Barbour, left, of Mississippi, and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, participate in Miami Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, for their annual Republican Governors Association Conference.   (AP Photo John Watson-Riley)
Govs. Haley Barbour, left, of Mississippi, and Bobby Jindal, of Louisiana, participate in a panel during the Republican Governors Association Conference, Nov. 12, 2008, in Miami.
Govs. Haley Barbour, left, of Mississippi, and Bobby Jindal, of Louisiana, participate in a panel during the Republican Governors Association Conference, Nov. 12, 2008, in Miami.   (AP Photo)
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I’m not one who buys the idea that it’s just an aberration. We’re fundamentally staring down a demographic shift that we’ve never seen before in America. - Utah Gov. John Huntsman

We as Republicans can’t shy away from speaking the word 'environment,' and we shouldn’t shy away from speaking the words 'climate change.' - Utah Governor John Huntsman

I have looked down at the grave of the Republican Party and this ain’t it. I’ve seen it a lot worse. - Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour

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COMMENTS
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Should conservatism even be thought of as a movement?
American Conservative

Yeah, probably.
The Atlantic

What's the right wing to do? Go further right!
New York Times

 
Republican Party • Tim Pawlenty • Haley Barbour • Republican Governors Association • Election 2008

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