As Republican leaders are gathering to discuss strategy and the future of the party, I've got a few pointers to share with them and the rank and file.
1. The past. Get over it. Yes, we lost the election -- but not by the landslide the Democrats would have you believe.
2. President Bush. Stop hiding from him. Yes, our country is in a mess. But many of our problems took root under President Clinton, maturing under Bush AND a Democrat-controlled Congress. Anytime someone starts blaming Bush for everything, politely remind them that Pelosi-Reid were tag-teaming in the House and Senate.
3. The agenda. Don't let the Dems define us, anoint "our" spokespeople or set our agenda. We should speak for ourselves by presenting well thought-out solutions to the problems facing the nation.
4. Name calling. It's so middle school. Do you really think we're going to advance the cause by spending valuable time arguing about whether we should "rename" the Democrat Party the "National Socialist Democrat Party"? Come on, we've got more important issues to tend to.
5. The basics. Get back to them. The Republican Party was once the party of practical solutions, a party dedicated to basic human freedom. That means expanding the tent and constructively adapting to demographic changes in our country.
6. The future. Recruit, recruit, recruit -- reaching out to minorities, women and people of all ages. We've got opportunities to take back congressional seats in 2010, including Harry Reid's Senate seat, but so far we have done little to recruit serious, credible candidates to challenge the incumbents. And when we do, we have to put our money where our mouth is to help our candidates win. While we're at it, we need to keep our eyes open for a fresh, strong lineup of presidential contenders who can bring new energy and excitement to the process and successfully challenge the Obama-Biden team in 2012.
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