January 26, 2012

Some fairly astute analysis from the younger, smarter Bush brother on the growing problem Republicans have with courting the Hispanic vote, and the electoral implications that has now and will have in the future. The only problem is is that party would have to do a complete 180° from the present self-destructive course they're on. Basically Jeb Bush is telling them they can't be what they are and continue to win elections.

JOHN KING: You say you do that at your peril. What's the future as a national party for Republicans? Your brother got 41 percent of the Latino vote in 2004. John McCain slipped to 31 percent. If that trend continues, sir, five, 10, 15 years from now, will the Republicans even be able to compete nationally if they don't repair this breach?

JEB BUSH: Well, I mean, this is an oversimplification, but I don't think a party can aspire to be the majority party if it's the old white guy party.

So, clearly, there are new constituencies emerging in our country. They're making a difference in our communities, a positive difference. The tone of the message, the message itself needs to be focused on where the changing demographics of our country are. And so, absolutely, if we do nothing to try to reach out to voters that believe in our values, but feel turned off by the rhetoric, that is the dumbest thing in the world to do.

And my guess is that there's a growing awareness of this. I sense the candidates as they have campaigned in Florida have begun to understand that a little better.

Can you help us out?

For nearly 20 years we have been exposing Washington lies and untangling media deceit, but now Facebook is drowning us in an ocean of right wing lies. Please give a one-time or recurring donation, or buy a year's subscription for an ad-free experience. Thank you.

Discussion

We welcome relevant, respectful comments. Any comments that are sexist or in any other way deemed hateful by our staff will be deleted and constitute grounds for a ban from posting on the site. Please refer to our Terms of Service for information on our posting policy.
Mastodon