How to Win -- Or Die Trying!

http://people-press.org/report/?pageid=949

You want citations, I got citations!

So, nu, let's talk building a coalition. By the numbers, the Republicans ain't exactly a majority party -- even with considerable numbers of them fleeing to the Independent category (you can tell, because like any minority party that wants to be in control, they seek to impede voting. look at St. Louis if you don't believe me). But never fear, there are ways to fix this! I strongly believe that a two party system where both are close to even, at least close enough to both believe that they can be the majority party -- and act like it, is a good thing.

The Moderates

Upbeats -- well, actually I'm going to toss them out, because they're voting 73% for GWB. When you can win that much then there's no real need to worry about the demographic.

Disaffecteds -- Sound an awful lot like the Scotch Irish to me... a traditional GOP constituency, and yet they really don't vote. If you wanted to find someone to "increase turnout" with, these might be the people. But they don't fall for the Reagan Sunshine Shtick. They're the type that like demagogery, like simple solutions that point at people who aren't them. The democrats will try to buy them by pointing at Corporations, so far the Republicans have tried to buy them by pointing at Immigration. It's a hard group to motivate, and might drive out Enterprisers from your party if you do manage to motivate them.

Bystanders -- these are the new Obama voters, particularly the ones in the Interior West. The key to winning this group is BOTH motivating them and helping them, I think.

What's Left

Liberals -- oddly enough, the largest demographic. Why might you want to appeal to liberals? It might help to gain back some votes, particularly if you swing hard towards Environmental Conservatism or Pro-Immigration. Also, liberals are much more freedom-oriented than many demographics, particularly in regards to foreign policy.

Conservative Democrats -- Current Republican approaches seem to be actively targeting these individuals, so the better question is -- why aren't they Republicans? Not a likely group to target, regardless of how many "another democrat for McCain" signs you print.

Disadvantaged Democrats -- These are the people who need solutions most desperately. A republican who could provide effective, efficient governmental solutions would do well among these folks. I don't see that happening, however.