A depressing era for Republicans

Rich LowryPolitico.com

“It’s not just the winter of Republican discontent,” said Rich Lowry, but “the spring, summer, and fall, as well.” The GOP lacks power in Washington, national popularity, and any real leader or coherent message. So-called Republican “wedge” issues such as national security and crime have faded in relevance and importance to voters. Polls show that most Americans now agree with Democrats on most issues, including Medicare, health care, immigration, Social Security, reducing gun violence, and “raising taxes on the rich.” The only issue the Republicans have left can be summarized as: “We have a $16 trillion debt.” But even in fighting Democrats over deficits and spending, outgunned congressional Republicans are usually stuck in the unflattering role of “obstructionists.” President Obama, meanwhile, swans about the landscape as a true celebrity, and in our media culture, celebrities are “gods” who get to play by their own rules. Republicans will need to find their own political celebrities in coming years who can win back middle-class voters, and lead the party out of its long, bleak winter.