Eric Stubben
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Eric Stubben is a mechanical engineering junior and Mustang News conservative columnist. These views do not necessarily reflect the opinion or editorial coverage of Mustang News.
If I could write a speech for every Republican candidate running for election this midterm, it would go something like this:
I’d have candidates pull out a projector and play a five second clip of President Barack Obama claiming, “Make no mistake, these policies are on the ballot — every single one of them,” last week at Northwestern University. Maybe I’d have them play it five times, 10 times.
After playing the video, I’d have candidates take the film off the reel — just kidding, Republicans actually know how to use modern technology — and start hammering home alternatives to every single one of President Obama’s strategies. I would have candidates remind everybody about the failures of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its rollout, mentioning that only 35 percent of Americans actually favor the law. Then I’d have candidates focus on the threat of ISIL (ISIS, Islamic State or IS, whatever you prefer) and how President Obama failed to recognize their posed danger.
Before getting too far into bashing the other side, I’d have candidates pose their alternatives. Why is moving this country to the right the way to go? What will make Republican leadership different than Democratic leadership, outside of their ideals? My candidates would touch on what they would do, not what Democrats did not do. There’s no point in ripping apart Democrats — the face of their party, President Obama, has a measly 35 percent favorability rating and only 23 percent of Americans think our country is going in the right direction, according to Gallup. Thanks, Mr. President! That said, persuading the other 77 percent of Americans to vote Republican would be the real challenge.
Candidates would diversify the Republican Party and expand it’s base. They’d support immigration reform that helps secure the border and keep our border states safe, yet provide clear and practical paths to citizenship for immigrants. While 89 percent of the Republican base is white, I’d look for ways to connect with the rest of the country.
If I wrote the speech, candidates would supplement their talking with pictures and graphics, tying in younger generations. Maybe I’d even be able to get a few candidates to use social media to enhance their image. Twitter, Facebook and other media outlets would be introduced during their speeches in hope of broadening support. As shown in the 2008 presidential election, the right words and a few retweets can go a long way.
If I could, I’d write a speech to put Republicans at the front of a movement toward a new future, but at an equal level to all other Americans. I would alleviate the “rich, white guy” stereotype by having candidates talk about their core values, their stories and how they got to where they are today. Being a bright politician does nothing if you can’t prove that you’re a compassionate, emotional person as well, right Mitt?
The fine-pressed suits would be replaced by jeans or slacks and a nice shirt. Nobody cares about how expensive the suit is — they just want to see that the candidate can relate to them on some level. Whether it’s ethical or not, appearance matters.
Importantly, I’d write candidates’ speeches in a way that attract moderates. Romney stole four moderate voter percentage points away from Obama in 2012 compared to 2008, but the president still handled 21 more moderate points than Romney. According to Will Marshall, president of the Progressive Policy Institute (yes, shocking, I do read things from the opposing side), 37 percent of the American electorate identifies as moderate. Candidates don’t have to win the entire moderate delegation — they just have to play them. No more lunatic impeachment talks or other outrageous ideas. I’d write a speech for candidates that would focus on how their ideas would help the electorate.
Above all, I would write speeches for candidates who have common sense. There would be no stupid answers — no “legitimate rape” remarks à la Todd Akin running for the Senate in Missouri in 2012. There would be no “binders full of women,” no “47 percent.” There would simply be pride and confidence in the Republican way.
Slowly, my speech would end with candidates thanking people for their time and then interacting with them. Often, it’s the interaction and body language instead of the actual speech that makes the difference.
The 2014 midterm is almost dead even in terms of the Senate race, but Republicans have nothing to lose — the House is safe and the Senate is up for grabs. Either nothing changes, or Republicans gain the Senate. I would make sure my candidates run to win, but don’t do anything to lose their race.