Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
At the behest of the Blue Yeti -- who'd like you to know that Mike Murphy will be guesting on an upcoming episode of the Ricochet Podcast -- I offer for your consideration Mr. Murphy's diagnosis of what ails the GOP, courtesy of his latest entry at Time's Swampland blog:
The Republican challenge is not about better voter-turnout software; it is about policy. We repel Latinos, the fastest-growing voter group in the country, with our nativist opposition to immigration reform that offers a path to citizenship. We repel younger voters, who are much more secular than their parents, with our opposition to same-sex marriage and our scolding tone on social issues. And we have lost much of our once solid connection to the middle class on kitchen-table economic issues.
A debate will now rage inside the GOP between the purists, who will as always call for more purity, and the pragmatists, who will demand modernization. The media, always culturally alien to intra-Republican struggles, will badly mislabel this contest as one between “moderate” and “right-wing” Republicans. In fact, the epic battle we Republicans face now is a choice between two definitions of conservatism.
One offers steadfast opposition to emerging social trends like multiculturalism and secularization. The alternative is a more secular and modernizing conservatism that eschews most social issues to focus on creating a wide-open opportunity society that promises greater economic freedom and the reform of government institutions like schools that are vital to upward social mobility.
Over at Bloomberg, Josh Barro dissents:
The Republican Party's key electoral problem doesn't come from social conservatives or nativists. It comes from the economic policy demands of the party's wealthy donors. Murphy allows that Republicans "have lost much of our once solid connection to the middle class on kitchen-table economic issues." But his prescription won't do anything to fix that problem.
What are the "kitchen-table" economic concerns of the middle class? They're high unemployment, slow income growth, underwater mortgages, and the rising cost of health care and higher education. Democrats have an agenda that is responsive to these concerns. Republicans don't -- and they don't because the party's donor class specifically doesn't want one.
Have you spoken with a wealthy Republican donor in the last few years? By and large, they are outraged about Obamacare, easy money and stimulus spending -- that is, at policies aimed at easing middle class families' economic situations. They are often delusionally convinced that the country faces imminent economic collapse. What they believe will prevent that collapse is tight money, spending cuts and continued tax cuts for the rich. And so long as Republicans pursue those goals, they will be the party of anti-middle class economic policy.
Now, both Murphy and Barro are not exactly known for towing the standard conservative line. But everyone seems to agree that something needs to be done. How perceptive do you find the analysis here? What are they getting wrong? And what alternative strategies might you propose?
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Comments:
Jan '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
What does our good friend and ally Israel call people who enter that country illegally in order to find work? How do the Israelis treat them?
Feb '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Casey Taylor
You'll see that, as more states have adopted "Arizona-style" immigration laws -- GA, SC, FL, AL, OK, in particular -- the loudest objections to the laws have come from traditional Republicans in the agriculture and construction industries.
I have no doubt that this is true- and I figure this is one reason why George Bush failed include any sort of real border security in his 2006 proposal, dooming it. Business interests just wouldn't give up on the endless supply of cheap labor.
I also take it as a key reason why Hispanics won't vote Republican- essentially, the party considers them nothing more than "guest workers" expected to be thrilled be here working for some fraction of the legal minimum wage.
The left, on the other hand, while also quite happy to see them work off-the-books for low wages then rewards them with all sorts of bennies, including welfare for their families, and de facto immunity to US law.
The GOP just can't compete with that.
Aug '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Xennady
I think the Reconquista folks and the the Confederate Lost Cause folks have a lot in common. La Raza is just a Mexican version of "The South shall rise again". Losing a war on your home turf is a bitter pill no matter what your race is.
The racism of La Raza changes nothing about Joe Arpio, he still poisons the general electorate well, he still cost us votes nation wide.
I do not see any easy solutions for securing the border, I do not oppose it, how best to do it is the issue.
I do not see anything conservative about building a wall.
How much money will we have to borrow from China to build it?
How much private property, in sheer linear feet, will we have to take by eminent domain?
Borrowing money and stealing private property are not conservative ideals.
Edited on November 30, 2012 at 6:34amJan '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
The Israelis call them "infiltrators." They deport them. They did so earlier this year. (The event was not covered in the MSM, but you can look it up.)
Jan '12
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
@ Louie - Have you ever asked yourself if said illegal immigrant has benefited from providing you this "cheap" labor? There are two sides to each trade. You seem to only acknowledge one side of that trade. If the immigrant wasn't benefitting by being here illegally, why is that person here?
Jul '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
There is a strong benefit from allowing foreign students to study here in that many stay and become entrepreneurs. We gain from the innovations and jobs they create when we allow them in on a meritocratic basis. The idea of people coming here making something of themselves through hard work...isn't that the American Dream? That should have broad appeal to the middle class. The jobs immigrant, small-business creators provide directly benefit the middle class. We don't seem to lack for educational opportunities for people here, but we do have a serious problem in the spiralling cost of higher education. A policy to address that (possibly through federal financial aid reform) would resonate for me much more strongly.
Aug '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Whiskey Sam
This may be a regional difference then. I haven't knowingly benefited from discounted labor. People around here mow their own lawns or pay a neighbor's kid to do it. Wait staff at restaurants are usually high school or college kids. And I wanted the border addressed under Clinton and Bush, too. · 7 minutes ago
I have vague memories of the world you are describing.
Back in the late 70's, when I was coming up, I had a terrible crush on the cutest little counter girl at the local Burger King. I mean I had it bad.
A kid now, my age then, unless he has a thing for middle-aged grannies from Xuahaca, he will never know that bliss.
Seriously though, I do not know anybody in LA, or even in my 12 years in Austin TX, who could honestly answer no with you. I am not exaggerating at all.
We live in the same country, but we live in very different worlds my friend.
Edited on November 30, 2012 at 7:44amAug '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
No doubt, their lives depend on it. Hell, it is them and the cartels keeping Mexico afloat. Pemex and Salma Hayek will only get you so far.
Another dirty secret, all those withholdings from fake social security numbers are floating some truly illegal activity in DC as well.
Feb '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
I think the Reconquista folks and the the Confederate Lost Cause folks have a lot in common. La Raza is just a Mexican version of "The South shall rise again".
Why aren't you translating "La Raza"?
Why don't you believe the racism of "The Race"- which I will translate - poisoned the general electorate against Hispanics?
To a degree I suspect it has. I never worried one bit about illegal immigration until a day when I saw massive numbers of Hispanic waving Mexican flags and marching through American streets, making demands and threats.
Hence I consider this a national security issue. Maybe the government of Mexico, still tasting that bitter pill, wishes for a rematch and figures that demographics will give them a win this time.
So yes, I want a fence, believing that it may prevent worse consequences later.
Aug '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Xennady
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
I think the Reconquista folks and the the Confederate Lost Cause folks have a lot in common. La Raza is just a Mexican version of "The South shall rise again".
Why aren't you translating "La Raza"?
Why don't you believe the racism of "The Race"- which Iwilltranslate - poisoned the general electorate against Hispanics?
To a degree I suspect it has. I never worried one bit about illegal immigration until a day when I saw massive numbers of Hispanic waving Mexican flags and marching through American streets, making demands and threats.
Hence I consider this a national security issue. Maybe the government of Mexico, still tasting that bitter pill, wishes for a rematch and figures that demographics will give them a win this time.
So yes, I want a fence, believing that it may prevent worse consequences later. · 0 minutes ago
I know what La Raza means. They are racial supremacists, mere kooks. I see no point in taking them seriously.
Do you see any problem with borrowing from China and seizing private property to get your fence?
Any contradiction with conservative ideals?
Do you seriously think Mexico wants a war with us?
Jan '12
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
No doubt, their lives depend on it. Hell, it is them and the cartels keeping Mexico afloat. Pemex and Salma Hayek will only get you so far.
Another dirty secret, all those withholdings from fake social security numbers are floating some truly illegal activity in DC as well. · 12 minutes ago
Those people come here because it is in there best interests and they benefit from it. That does not make them less than human and it doesn't make them bad people, but it does add some useful context when considering the level of sympathy one should have with others who have a problem with the use of the word "illegal".
Feb '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
I know what La Raza means. They are racial supremacists, mere kooks. I see no point in taking them seriously.
From what I can tell they have a good amount of support in the Hispanic community, as well as in the democratic party. I take them seriously for that reason.
If we can borrow money from China to make promises to defend Singapore, then by all means borrow money to defend the United States. And if private property is to be seized this is the reason to do it- not so it can be given to politically connected corporations, as in the Kelo decision.
But I don't want to do either as we should stop deficit spending and buy land to build a fence.
About Mexico- I doubt very much Mexico wants a war with the US. Why would they, when mere demographics will give them a victory anyway?
Edited on November 30, 2012 at 6:58amAug '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Xennady
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
I know what La Raza means. They are racial supremacists, mere kooks. I see no point in taking them seriously.
From what I can tell they have a good amount of support in the Hispanic community, as well as in the democratic party. I take them seriously for that reason.
If we can borrow money from China to make promises to defend Singapore, then by all means borrow money to defend the United States. And if private property is to be seized this is the reason to do it- not so it can be given to politically connected corporations, as in theKelodecision.
But I don't want to do either as we should stop deficit spending andbuyland to build a fence.
About Mexico- I doubt very much Mexico wants a war with the US. Why would they, when mere demographics will give them a victory anyway? · 3 minutes ago
Edited 2 minutes ago
I appreciate your responses.
I can tell you that are at least two, going on three generations of non-politicized, educated Mexican-Americans who think the La Raza/Chicano Power crowd are pathetic knuckleheads, an embarrassment, people to avoid.
Edited on November 30, 2012 at 8:18amJul '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Xennady
From what I can tell they have a good amount of support in the Hispanic community, as well as in the democratic party. I take them seriously for that reason.
If we can borrow money from China to make promises to defend Singapore, then by all means borrow money to defend the United States. And if private property is to be seized this is the reason to do it- not so it can be given to politically connected corporations, as in theKelodecision.
But I don't want to do either as we should stop deficit spending andbuyland to build a fence.
· 6 minutes ago
I am concerned the DNC and the media do take La Raza quite seriously. The Economist has an article this week talking about immigration reform and one of their interviewees is the head of La Raza. Joe Biden and Eric Holder were keynote speakers at their convention this year, and when I crashed a La Raza box at a Phillies' game a few years ago (long story) they had all just come from Hillary Clinton's keynote address.
Sep '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Whiskey Sam
Xennady
From what I can tell they have a good amount of support in the Hispanic community, as well as in the democratic party. I take them seriously for that reason.
If we can borrow money from China to make promises to defend Singapore, then by all means borrow money to defend the United States. And if private property is to be seized this is the reason to do it- not so it can be given to politically connected corporations, as in theKelodecision.
But I don't want to do either as we should stop deficit spending andbuyland to build a fence.
· 6 minutes ago
I am concerned the DNC and the media do take La Raza quite seriously. The Economist has an article this week talking about immigration reform and one of their interviewees is the head of La Raza. Joe Biden and Eric Holder were keynote speakers at their convention this year, and when I crashed a La Raza box at a Phillies' game a few years ago (long story) they had all just come from Hillary Clinton's keynote address. · 2 minutes ago
Very, very interesting.
Aug '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Big Green
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
Those people come here because it is in there best interests and they benefit from it. That does not make them less than human and it doesn't make them bad people, but it does add some useful context when considering the level of sympathy one should have with others who have a problem with the use of the word "illegal". · 16 minutes ago
All I hope to accomplish in this conversation is to use my life, experiences, and political decision making as an example of a persuadable Hispanic voter.
We have serious lingering racial issues in this country. We talk past each other and don't even realize it.
We are ill served by the more strident voices on both ends of the spectrum.
One thing I know for sure is calling a white man a racist has the same effect as calling a black man a n_____.
Discussing illegal immigration without stomping on all the buried racial landmines is not easy. We generally do about as well as Godzilla does in Tokyo.
I did my best to Hurt Locker it and still stand up for Centrists and hopefully not-imaginary Mexican American Persuadables.
Oct '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
I think Murphy is more perceptive than Barro but both seem to assume a lot as given-as do many of the members who commented. I could be wrong but I've come to the opinion that nothing is permanent or lasting in politics.
The first thing we have to realize is that most of the people we have to persuade don't share our worldview and may not react to events the way we do. We're talking to folks who aren't outraged at Obamacare. We have to reach them where they are and pull them to our side.
Our side didn't do a very good job of orienting our rhetoric towards persuading people that conservative policies are best for them. There was a lack of focus, clarity, and a general sense of being caught flat-footed. We need to stop fighting their battles on their terms and take the initiative.
Jun '10
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Xennady
I have no doubt that this is true- and I figure this is one reason why George Bush failed include any sort of real border security in his 2006 proposal, dooming it. Business interests just wouldn't give up on the endless supply of cheap labor.
I also take it as a key reason why Hispanics won't vote Republican- essentially, the party considers them nothing more than "guest workers" expected to be thrilled be here working for some fraction of the legal minimum wage.
Bingo.
Further, it's hard for the GOP to be taken seriously when they refuse to answer the border questions. Namely, if the party is so serious about immigration reform, then why the hell is our southern border less secure now than it was twenty years ago? Republicans had enough leverage to force Clinton to sign welfare reform, but not enough to address that? Not to mention control of Congress for ten of twelve years, six of which also included the Executive? And in time of war when everyone and their mothers knew Hizbullah walked people into the country through Mexico? Cheap labor and goods trump security, though, so now we're stuck.
Mar '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Echoing others here, a pox on both their houses. What's the use of being a conservative party if there's no conservatism to it? That seems to be Murphy's prescription especially: amputate one of the legs of the conservative stool, and shorten another. One, it'll never work as far as winning over these increasingly liberal voters. Just as we can't out-Santa Claus the Democrats, nor can we out-liberal them. Second, if the country truly wants to abandon God, all notion of morality in laws, and make itself one big child dependent on the government, then we're doomed anyway. The country will end up looking like a scene from an Ayn Rand novel, and we might as well stand by our principles... or as Murphy calls them, "purity".
Mar '11
Re: Mike Murphy's Diagnosis
Louie Mungaray (Squishy)
I think the Reconquista folks and the the Confederate Lost Cause folks have a lot in common. La Raza is just a Mexican version of "The South shall rise again". Losing a war on your home turf is a bitter pill no matter what your race is.
Except that the La Raza folks are winning, and they're doing it without firing a shot. Their ammunition is illegal aliens and anchor babies, and now they have a government that won't touch them, and indeed, wants to offer them benefits... which will only ring the dinner bell.
The Mexican flag, or some variant of it, will inevitably fly over the Alamo in the future... before they grind it into dust and build something on its spot, maybe a monument to Santa Anna just for laughs. Unless something radically changes about the demographics, then those demographics really are destiny. And if Mexico doesn't annex the Southwest outright, then those states will probably become something like Kosovo, an ethnic twin that borders and partners with the mother country. This may be 70 years away, but its coming unless something radical happens to the demographic situation.