In 2022 I wrote GO BIG, where I talked about growing the conservative movement and the Republican Party. The key isn’t selling the Party or movement. It’s selling issues. People are busy. They’ve got families, careers, and other things to worry about. But the right issue, whether it’s schools, crime, or taxes, can turn someone from a casual voter into an activist.
Look at history. Hillary Clinton was a “Goldwater Girl” in the early ’60s, but by the end of the decade, Vietnam War protests had pulled her to become an activist of the Left. Conservatives don’t build a movement by giving lectures on Edmund Burke, Russell Kirk, or the history of the Republican Party. We build it by focusing on issues that get people to act.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing how issues can move people and how we can use them to build a stronger conservative movement.
I will use the example of nationalizing elections. What do I mean by that?
Nationalizing elections means pushing the issues conservatives want the voters to be focused on to the front and center of the campaign. The military leader who selects the place for the battle has a much greater chance of success.
Republicans never win national elections (presidency, Congress) unless the campaign is fought around conservative issues.
Former Democrat Speaker of the House of Representatives Tip O’Neill famously said, “All politics is local.” That’s complete nonsense. It’s a Democrat strategy to have Republicans focus on Democrat issues and not national issues, which favor Republicans.
Democrat Party and Democrat politicians are deliverers of services. “If you need a bridge or a road, I’ll get right on it. If you need a pothole filled—done. You’re not getting your social security check? I’ll check on it today. Your schools need money for repairs? I’ll take care of it.” And on and on and on it goes.
Democrats want conservatives/Republicans to campaign on local issues. A Republican cannot out promise a Democrat when it comes to spending other people’s money.
At least 75% of the popular hot button issues that voters feel strongly about are conservative issues.
Next week I’ll give you some examples of these key conservative issues.
