Spring Break
Republicans need serious candidate in 2012
Brandon Southward
Issue date: 2/25/09 Section: Forum
I know our country has just endured a long presidential campaign, so what I am going to say might be surprising and concerning to many of you out there, but the 2012 presidential campaign has already begun.
If the debate over the stimulus package has shown us anything, it is that 2012 presidential campaign season could be the best of the last 40 years and might top the 2008 campaign.
To overcome its current challenges, the Republican Party will need a charismatic leader who can lead a new generation of leaders, including Barack Obama.
To beat a sitting president is difficult - even George W. Bush won a second term - but to beat one the caliber of President Obama will be even more difficult. Obama will most likely raise $1 billion for reelection, so whoever the Republicans put up must be able to raise enormous amounts of money as well.
In terms of technology, the Obama team is far and away the most advanced network this country has ever seen, so being tech savvy will be a prerequisite for a Republican candidate. In addition, Obama is probably the best orator to occupy the White House since Lincoln, therefore a candidate will need to be an excellent public speaker. These are just the beginning of the obstacles the Republicans will face when looking for a candidate.
Another major problem the party will have has to do with issues not involving Obama but with the changing dynamics of the country's electorate. The Republicans are facing the real possibility of becoming a regional party after leaving the 2008 election with no Republicans holding elected office in either the Northeast or Northwest.
With these challenges, the Republicans have ways to regain control with a new candidate. They must focus on their anemic performance with young voters, as President Obama won with close to 70 percent of the youth vote.
Next, Republicans must focus on trying to appeal to more minority voters. While African Americans will most likely not switch parties, Hispanics might be a persuadable voting bloc. Republicans must find someone who can articulate their message and be able to expand their base.
If the debate over the stimulus package has shown us anything, it is that 2012 presidential campaign season could be the best of the last 40 years and might top the 2008 campaign.
To overcome its current challenges, the Republican Party will need a charismatic leader who can lead a new generation of leaders, including Barack Obama.
To beat a sitting president is difficult - even George W. Bush won a second term - but to beat one the caliber of President Obama will be even more difficult. Obama will most likely raise $1 billion for reelection, so whoever the Republicans put up must be able to raise enormous amounts of money as well.
In terms of technology, the Obama team is far and away the most advanced network this country has ever seen, so being tech savvy will be a prerequisite for a Republican candidate. In addition, Obama is probably the best orator to occupy the White House since Lincoln, therefore a candidate will need to be an excellent public speaker. These are just the beginning of the obstacles the Republicans will face when looking for a candidate.
Another major problem the party will have has to do with issues not involving Obama but with the changing dynamics of the country's electorate. The Republicans are facing the real possibility of becoming a regional party after leaving the 2008 election with no Republicans holding elected office in either the Northeast or Northwest.
With these challenges, the Republicans have ways to regain control with a new candidate. They must focus on their anemic performance with young voters, as President Obama won with close to 70 percent of the youth vote.
Next, Republicans must focus on trying to appeal to more minority voters. While African Americans will most likely not switch parties, Hispanics might be a persuadable voting bloc. Republicans must find someone who can articulate their message and be able to expand their base.
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