The Republican Brand

Virginia Representative Tom Davis sent a memo to Republican leadership about the problems with the GOP moving forward. It's a well put together strategic memo--recommended reading.

Some of the more important points in the memo:

• using free trade as an issue (which is something we've identified before as a required distinction)
• that health care is the weakest issue for the GOP. I'd agree with Davis in the abstract on this, but given McCain's detailed proposal, it's certainly possible he offers a sensible alternative. It's quite possible this is one are where McCain benefits the GOP. McCain's proposal incorporates a commitment to lower costs and more market based practices which is a big selling point. It's not like previous conservatives--like President Bush in '04--who simply offered a piecemeal approach with health savings accounts, tax credits and a rhetoric to cutting costs. This didn't address the real driver behind health care costs rising. This provided a big discrepancy between the candidates and exploited a vulnerability. McCain's plan seemingly offers a proposal more worthy of a competitive debate--meaning health care won't be an out loser.
• a restructuring of the brand. The GOP needs an energizing platform. This could mean a central platform or allowing individual candidates to brand themselves which is a particularly good idea. Instead of imposing a litmus test for Republicans seeking to run, allow them to define themselves.
  

Karl Rove also has an excellent Op-Ed in today's Wall Street Journal. He states: "The string of defeats should cure Republicans of the habit of simply shouting "liberal! liberal! liberal!" in hopes of winning an election."

This is exactly the same point the post yesterday highlighted. Issues will make the difference, not guilt by association.