Time for the GOP to Recuperate

However, can it avoid the political climate?

By Darryl Weng

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Christmas has passed and, sadly, conservative commentators are still yapping about the disappointment of Trump’s involvement in the failure of the GOP to secure convincing wins in both the Senate and the House. Of course, there was a desperate need for sighs and anger among the silent majority. But we have had enough, and Trump’s fight for his dignity and finances is nearing an end. There is no need to brand Trump viciously, so we must move on. Now it is time for the GOP to recuperate and find quality candidates to make up for its loss.

Sadly, the Republican Party is plagued with uncouth images. Some see the party as an old, unwavering man who does not sympathize with the bright and hopeful Americans. Others see Republicans as MAGA-like, angry, brash, and amoral. And many see Republicans as those who despise the new and upcoming liberal politicians taking supporters by storm.

So, is it even possible for the GOP to recuperate?

Perhaps not. But, simply taking a peek into Youngkin’s campaign, one can understand how a Republican outsider, in a state historically majority Democrat despite its purple status, overwhelmed a political establishment in Virginia with a method completely out of line with other Republican campaigns.

Youngkin, in a political fashion, was not the ideal candidate. Being a businessman - and only a businessman - doesn’t exactly appeal to any voter. Youngkin’s opponent, Terry McAuliffe, was a political veteran and sponsored by the Democratic Party - a very successful and established political coalition in Virginia. And, yet, Youngkin steadily gained votes by not following common political practices today. Rarely did Youngkin ever attack McAuliffe’s policies or character, and Youngkin generally stuck with one ad - an ad about being self-made. It was positive, and non-political, and sent a strong message about Youngkin’s character. And, as McAuliffe exposed his scandals, McAuliffe’s character was now under scrutiny. When the Governor race became a race for moderate support, McAuliffe immediately found himself at a great disadvantage. Not only had he been desperately attacking Youngkin and amassing a notorious public image, but McAuliffe had also succumbed to mainstream liberal support - promising a progressive and leftist agenda that had simply had no place in Virginia’s blue areas. Like the tortoise racing the hare, Youngkin stuck to one goal, purpose, and message to win Virginia over.

So, one might ask: why didn’t the Republican Party learn a valuable lesson from Virginia? Given the current political climate and much animosity over the supposed radical right-wing behavior, it should be noted that good, polite, chivalrous, benign, and non-scandalous character is one of the greatest weapons against progressive and liberal candidates. But, of course, the GOP fails to understand that. The GOP believes its opponent’s woke agenda is enough to repel voters and all they need to do is highlight such horrid political views to secure victories. Now, no doubt, this is clearly logical; but what action is the party going to take when its opposing party’s candidate suddenly takes on a moderate position? Would if the opponent were both fiscally conservative and socially progressive? Would if the opponent prioritized fixing crime over the gender inequality buzz?

Such an opponent just happens to have run in the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial election victoriously. Wes Moore, the newest Governor of Maryland, is not your average politician. He is not just a businessman like Youngkin or a political advocate-turned-politician like Pelosi; in fact, he also happens to be a well-decorated combat veteran, author, and TV producer. But he is also a Democrat, fiscally conservative, progressive, and driven to serve his community.

But it’s not just his unique political outlook and respectable occupations that make him a prime candidate. Moore chose not to attack his opponent or anyone specifically. Moore’s campaign aimed to be an aiding force for Maryland, rather than a political one. His military background combined with his optimistic outlook and determination turned him into a superstar. Fellow soldiers and veterans, along with media outlets from CNN to FOX, all came to support him. Even Dan Cox - Moore’s opponent - was abandoned by his party in favor of the Democratic Party’s rising star. Moore also managed to change Democratic Maryland politicians’ rhetoric into positive, uplifting statements to support his bid for Governor. Wes Moore completely shattered the political climate and united Maryland without any need to unsheathe his political sword against Cox. Sounds much like Youngkin…huh.

Looking back at the two gubernational campaigns of Glenn Youngkin and Wes Moore, a practical political strategist would define the Republican Party’s election strategy in one word: stupidity. With the overwhelmingly partisan media and the news flowing much in the progressives’ favor, there is little wiggle room for the GOP to error. In order for the GOP to regain political favorability in both elections and society’s stubborn and entitled Gen Z, the only plausible solution is to completely rid of the current hostile political climate. In other words: just don’t be political. And, maybe then, the GOP will have another Youngkin or their own Moore.