The results of the 2012 election were supposed to galvanize Republicans to change their party. Everyone knew that the ever-shrinking white majority could no longer win national elections for the Republican Party. It was on full display when Karl Rove, on live television, couldn’t believe that they had lost Ohio and the Presidency. Y’all remember them issuing their post election report? They talked about the need to be a big tent party and welcome all different sorts of people. So what has happened since?
Unfortunately, we have seen a Republican Party that has become more anti-immigrant and that has gone back to its old way of doing things. This is not a secret. American politics will be going through a drastic change over the next few decades as minorities grow faster than their white counterparts. It is estimated that by 2050 the United States will be a minority majority country. This has huge implications for government and who’s running it. It seemed as if they understood it after losing the 2012 elections but they haven’t acted upon it.
Add to the demographic changes the fact that young people are now also overwhelmingly supporting the Democratic Party and it looks like ominous news for Republicans. Although this reality is out there for anyone to see there are still many folks who seem undisturbed by this new political reality. Todd Rehm, a Republican consultant, challenged Jay Bookman’s characterization regarding young people and their support for Democratic candidates. Mr. Rehm mentioned that you can’t take one poll alone and use it to generalize election prospects. As y’all might imagine Mr. Bookman defended his conclusion by looking at a variety of polls that all show the same conclusion. Young people, ages 18-30, are resoundingly supporting Democrats which makes their election prospects much better.
Why are some of these consultants and Republican operatives denying reality? Some of these folks know that if they don’t change their positions on various issues and aren’t more welcoming they are doomed. They will become a regional party and won’t be able to win the White House for a long time to come. Georgia should be leading the charge in empowering minorities to make their voices heard at the ballot.
Democrats have been working very diligently to register minority voters and expand Sunday voting in order to have better access to the polls. On the other side, Republicans have already said they will plan to “close this election loophole.” One side wants, the Democrats, want to make it easier to vote while the other side wants to restrict it. Who do you think is looking out for your best interest Georgia?
Reposted from State Senator Curt Thompson’s blog (D-5th). He resides in Tucker, GA and is Chairman of the Special Judiciary Committee. Make sure to follow him on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google Plus. His website is www.makingyourvoicecount.com
