Boot the Zombies! KIM ALFANO This article is supposed discuss how Republicans can days, yet it isn’t cutting edge at all – it’s been around since win the women’s vote given their cavernous gender gap. the ‘80s. And now, Democrats have pretty much stolen it Well, I am one of those stubborn women and, as we often from us anyway. do, I’m gonna change the subject. Contrary to the RNC’s infamous “autopsy” following First, it’s important to know this is mostly a federal last year’s election, the Republican Party doesn’t have problem. There are many a voter contact, or GOTV, or Republican Governors messaging deficit. We have an enjoying just super approval idea deficit. As far as voters go, ratings, including New Jersey’s Washington has become a bunch Chris Christie (54% approval), of Keystone Cops achieving New Mexico’s Susanna nothing. And Republicans? Martinez (60%), and Terry We’ve become a caricature of Branstad of Iowa (54%). our ideals, believing our core They know what principles are our big ideas. Washington politicians don’t. The Republicans’ This is not a fight for this central problem is not faulty demographic or that. It’s organization or ham-handed a fundamental structural communications – it’s that we problem. We’re crumbling are devoid of a fresh, modern under the weight of policies view of the future, and can’t that haven’t been updated since begin to articulate what it takes poodle skirts. And it’s not just to get there. You can’t lead women. We stink with all people with a bunch of moral kinds of voters, from minorities values and rules – those are to millennials. (I think there what we’re supposed to use to Kim Alfano are still 714 old white guys that come up with the paradigmare very happy with us.) And shifting ideas. The principles of THAT’s the problem. Contrary to the RNC’s small government or personal Republicans address infamous “autopsy” following liberty are nothing even each little demographic as if remotely new. And offered last year’s election, the it exists only in its own tiny alone, they don’t actually box. If you’re Hispanic, your Republican Party doesn’t have achieve anything. They remain issue is immigration. If you’re our rock solid foundation, but a voter contact, GOTV, or young, it’s jobs. Women only are lying there begging for some care about abortion. Yikes! messaging deficit. We have an new construction. Folks, this is NOT your The Big Innovation idea deficit. mamma’s electorate. Do you Center in the United Kingdom know what the top issue is proclaims their mission this for all three of these demographic groups? It’s education way: “Turn zombies into innovators.” That pretty much reform. To young parents, women, and immigrants, this sums up the challenge facing Republicans today. You want issue -- above most others -- is transformative for their to close the gender gap? Boot the zombies and bring on families and future. Sadly, education reform is probably the innovators. Women, imagine if we had a government the most “cutting edge” idea Republicans can offer these that looked like this: 16
RIPON FORUM Fall 2013