To an extent, the losing party reexamines its future after every presidential election. So what was different about 2012 for the Republicans? What needs to be done in the future? In order to find out, many point to the underlying characteristics of the electorate.
An inescapable reality of 2012’s election is that it was more racially divided than any presidential election in recent history. With minority groups both expanding and leaning heavily Democratic, some suggest adopting policy changes in areas “friendly” to minorities, especially Hispanics, the fastest-growing racial group in America, as a solution for the Republicans. These commentators see the 2012 defeat as a final repudiation of an old, white Republican Party by the American electorate.
I say this is an oversimplification. Yes, the party may need rebranding to overcome its stereotypes—but that misses the real problem. Changing the party’s demographic message is no silver bullet.
Policies designed to garner votes by pandering to key groups, though rather established in political tradition on both sides of the aisle, cannot be the answer for a turnaround of the Republican Party or in any case.
Though usually a Democrat myself, I can see there is merit in the Republican core. Messages of fiscal responsibility and a business-friendly economy are the most compelling parts of their platform, and continue to be the most popular among younger voters. If the party can refocus, leave behind pandering and alienation and return to the basics, negotiation on issues becomes a great deal simpler.