Too Little, Too Late

While I'm not sure that his prescription for revitalizing the Republican Party would make much difference, even if it were not destined to be ignored, Newt Gingrich is surely right about this:

The Republican brand has been so badly damaged that if Republicans try to run an anti-Obama, anti- Reverend Wright, or (if Senator Clinton wins), anti-Clinton campaign, they are simply going to fail.

Basically stated, the problem is that the national Republican Party is essentially rudderless. What do Republicans really stand for now? Limited government? Can anyone really argue that with a straight face any more? Competence? Faced with a choice between Democrats offering brazen big government solutions and Republicans offering empty rhetoric, Americans are likely to choose the former, or to stay home.

Yet, the party's moribund national leadership has consistently shown over the last two years that it prefers the perks of minority status to an actual sustained effort at governing based on principle. The party likely needs new blood to invigorate it before it will again make a difference.

I feel compelled to add the disclaimer that I hope that I am wrong. I wouldn't bet on it, though.

Hat Tip: The Hill