The Republican Party - What went wrong in 2008 – The Brand and The Entertainment Factor

There is a lot of finger-pointing going on at the moment – from within the Republican Party and from a gleeful press - as to what caused the failure of the McCain campaign. From McCain’s “soft of Obama” demeanor to an “untested” Palin, a feeding frenzy is taking place – to what end? After eight years of an administration that was never accepted by the Democrats or a press who relentlessly attacked every policy move, foreign or domestic – it was inconceivable that any Republican would be successful in 2008. Additionally, “we the people”, are fickle. The Presidency has devolved into nothing more than a personality contest – from Ophrah to the View and Leno to Letterman, the candidates we’re treated as more “celebrity” than politician – Cable and Broadcast news followed suit, paying as much attention to what was said on the “View”, as to any policy positions. It’s about connecting with and pandering to an Entertainment medium in order to reach the “masses”. It is also degrading to the office these individuals seek.

President Bush was besieged by negative press and negative publicity the moment he set foot in the White House – bitterness over the 2000 elections was nothing compared to palpable hatred that followed in 2004. While it is a fact that the media leans, for the most part, left, it is also a fact that little was done to reach out to the American public through the media – when attacked by the New York Times or any cable or broadcast network, the administration remained silent. When the Democrat leadership used the medium to consistently attack the President, he did nothing to fight back, rather, refused to dignify the consistent attacks. Unfortunately, in today’s age, refusing to acknowledge the power of the media is short-sighted to say the least.

There were, of course, other factors: the biggest being the disconnect between Washington Republicans and their base – in the last 6 years it was difficult for many conservatives to tell the difference between a Republican or a Democrat when it came to spending, special interests and scandals. That said when the new “crop” of candidates emerged in 2006 – those that were most comfortable with the media appeared to fair better; whether it was a question of mutual admiration or not.

Former Arkansas Governor, Mike Huckabee could be found on every network, news to talk shows – Huckabee had a instant connect with the media, until of course, he looked more like a front-runner, the gloves came off, and the attacks began; and they will continue because Huckabee, and those Republicans that can connect with the people on a more personal level through Entertainment, are a real threat to the Democrats and those “progressive journalists” who know how fast four years go by.

Sarah Palin is a stunning example of random and specific attacks by both her own party and the press. Palin, who’s support among the Republican base (which itself is derided by the press), is at 60% or better, connected more with those that were working class, than McCain, who represented Washington as usual, despite his long history of bi-partisanship. That history was what bothered most conservatives, it was Palin who brought them back to the fold and now she is paying the price. From the ridiculous squabble over a wardrobe to the anonymous tips emanating from staffers who want to hitch their wagon to Washington, there are, a week after the election, consistent negative articles as well as requests for interviews – Palin, a danger to the left because of her popularity, is also a hot commodity with the press for the same reason, and like Huckabee, she is not backing down, rather standing up and taking the time given to reach out to the base and beyond.

The charge that the Republican Brand is damaged is interesting in that it ties politics to personality - placing a political party in the same category as fast food restaurant or hybrid car – that is also true of the Democrat Brand, which faired this election – simply because they understood how to manipulate the media and the entertainment mediums. Enter the fickle “we the people”. One has to understand that President-Elect Obama is now under great scrutiny and in even greater demand, not only must he govern based on the campaign promises, he must also continue to play the part of “rock star politicians” in the press. Should he fail in either, he will begin to face the same criticism as his predecessor. Those that cannot conceive of this scenario need only look back at the love-hate relationship Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan had with the press, the difference being that those Presidents did not have to deal with Leno, Letterman and the View. There stakes are greater today, and the pressure for “celebrities” to continue to please the American Public is unprecedented. Sarah Palin understands this better than most, so do other “off-beltway Republicans” like Michael Steele, and Mike Huckabee. Should the interviews and interest, be it love or hate, continue past 2009, then one can see a new “Brand of Republican” emerging, one which can compete with the other brand – Coke vs. Pepsi, so to speak. Is this new idea of politician as celebrity dignified and does it represent the Office of the Presidency? In simple terms - Yes.

The next RNC Chair – There are the usual players and then there is Michael Steele.

After the historic loss to the Democrats (and by historic, it was historically time for a party change), the RNC chair is up for grabs. Rumors are floating across the blogs as to who would be most suitable as a successor to Ken Mehlman, the man with the impossible task of uniting a party behind the liberal-moderate John McCain, all the while dealing with those who would see the status quo remain, the “Town Hall-Club for Growth” Republicans who are out of touch with the base. Mitt Romney is currently cruising with the National Review – déjà vu 2012. Will they never learn? Romney is the first name that pops up on the list of RNC Chair contenders – at least over at the Daily Kos. The article refers to Romney as the Rights Howard Dean. Enough said.

Chip Saltsman, former head of the Tennessee State GOP is rumored to be actively seeking the post - he’s liked enough over at RedState where the first choice is Newt Gingrich? Newt makes sense to the Beltway pundits who would like to return to a Reagan Era, which simply no longer exists. The Washington Post weighs in with its list of hopefuls: Jim Nussle, former Iowa Congressman, Katon Dawson, chair of the South Carolina G.O.P., Jim Greer of Florida and Saul Anuzis, Party Chair of Michigan ( The “well-connected in to the political chattering class in Washington, having spent years building relationships.” – quote from the Post Article, just seals the deal). The list goes on to include Duncan Hunter, among others that are in line with the traditional Washington Republican think – perhaps with the exception of Saltzman – however, one more name is being bandied about that is of real interest – Michael Steele

Michael Steele, former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, and GOPAC Chair, is not only likable, but someone who would have the ability to bridge the gap between the Washington elite and the “rest of us”. Chairing GOPAC is no mean feat and this organization is critical to the survival of the Republican Party. Steele has performed remarkably in that capacity and would make a smooth transition to the GOP Chair – bringing the all critical "connect to the base" skills to the table. “Drill Baby Drill” – is exactly what the party needs – an infusion of youth and new ideas. The comments over at the Save Jersey blog are most interesting – and give insight into what the party needs in order to move forward – youth and inclusion.

So, who actually chooses the RNC chair? From Real Clear Politics:
“Technically, RNC chairs are elected by the full 168 committee members, made up of two representatives and a chairperson from each state, along with officers. Several recent chairs have taken multiple ballots to win their post outright. But in recent years, the incumbent Republican president has anointed a chairman who is elected by acclamation.

Some presidents have used the appointment to reward top strategists from their political campaigns; George H.W. Bush (Himself a former RNC chair) elevated Lee Atwater to the post in 1989, while George W. Bush appointed both Ed Gillespie in 2003 and Ken Mehlman in 2005. Other picks are used to promote current or former elected officials. Recent chairs include former Virginia Governor Jim Nicholson and former Montana Governor Marc Racicot.”

However, since there is no incumbent, the race is open and will be voted on by those 168 committee members in January.

Whoever is chosen as party-chair is in a historically well-favored position. Smart observers understand that this loss was bound to happen (history again) and with the shape this nation is in (as a result of bad management of Freddie and Fannie by the Democrats, while the Republicans either turned a blind eye, or wanted media approval so badly (Bush), they actually aided and abetted the process which resulted in the largest tax burden in history) the blame game will come soon enough - from those who cast “historic personality votes” for Obama and against anyone who was a “Republican”.

A great deal is riding on the Democrats ability to deliver on promises made, avoid a worsening economic crisis, carefully manage a war on a minimum of two fronts (while cutting defense) and so much more - no sane Republican would want to be in Barack Obama’s shoes right now. That said, while some conservatives are looking to salvage their political Beltway necks (McCain aide’s gossiping like hens instead of men in order to blame Palin for example), what the RNC needs is a chair that is savvy enough to reel in Washington - start adding to a grassroots base that is already on board and tap those Democrats and independents that are already looking ahead to 2012 – Michael Steele just may be the ticket. Will the Party leaders put aside their egos and power grubbing mind-think aside? Leadership - the Steele's and the Palin's - are needed to march forward. Those would would see Jeb Bush in the White House and Newt Gingrich at the helm are not simply delusional - but dangerous.

Kerry Possible Cabinet Position Vacant Senate Seat? - Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick No To Special Election - He Will Appoint Kerry Successor

Speculation over John Kerry’s (D-MA) possible inclusion in an Obama cabinet, has Massachusetts politician’s gearing up for a run at the Senate should there be a special election. From Attorney General Martha Coakley to former Governor William Weld, are expressing interest. Not so fast: Governor Deval Patrick has decided than allowing a special election that might not be in the best interests of the Democrat Party, he will simply change the law of the Commonwealth and appoint the next US Senator from MA. Who might Governor Deval Patrick have in mind – Ted Kennedy’s wife, Vikki and his nephew Joseph Kennedy II. Patrick is putting his political party’s interest ahead of the interests of the Commonwealth – nothing new. Deval Patrick, the original “Yes We Can”, man - came up through the same Chicago political scene as Barack Obama (both men have been guided by David Axelrod) and will be up for re-election in 2010.