The Republican Party Makeover

Whether you agree with Obama’s politics or not, you can, undoubtedly, recognize his appeal. He knows how to connect with the people. He is the embodiment of everything our contemporary society values: power, prestige, influence, class, well-tailored clothing, a fit figure, and a winning smile. Both President Obama and the First Lady understand how to garner worldwide support by embodying the publics’ ideal. While the Republicans still behave as though their views and accomplishments will earn them support from the populace, the Obamas have learned that political support and popularity is achieved, in part, by integrating DC politics with Hollywood élan. While both the President and First Lady are accomplished, their far-reaching popularity is not due to their academic histories, nor is it predominantly due to any of their many impressive accomplishments or politics. The success of the Obamas is their ability to transform a political image and appointment into something that society understands: a social status, a style and an allure. The Obamas are anything but a classic political family. The First Lady often bares hear arms at events. The President tweets and corresponds via his Blackberry. The First Lady also ranks on Maxim’s 100 Hottest Women’s list. And the President appeared on the Tonight Show, with Jay Leno, in order to communicate his message to the public.

The Obamas understand that Americans do not watch CSPAN; Americans watch the Tonight Show. And if you want to command the attention of the people, speak their language and appear on the programming of their choice.

While the Obamas breathe new life into the Democratic Party with their flare and fashion, the Republicans are becoming obsolete. Not only is the Republican Party old, stodgy, white, male, and Protestant, in comparison to Obama Democrats, but Republican leaders and figureheads are foolish enough to air their dirty laundry in public. Crass has not and will never be attractive to voters, Mr. Limbaugh and Vice President Cheney. Moreover, to all far right wing conservatives, I beseech you to contemplate the following question: What do you achieve by ostracizing the majority of voters with your extreme stances on issues?

I think the Republicans have lost touch both with the American people and conservative values. The Republican Party has transformed into something I hardly recognize. Instead of representing traditional values such as education, family, and dedication to land and country, the Republican party stands for war, anti-gay marriage, and pro-life. Look to Obama as an example of what reaches audiences. In an America influenced by Hollywood, voters will not choose leaders who stand for war, anti-gay marriage, and pro-life. They want something different. And if the Republican Party plans on staging a comeback in DC, they better be ready to give the American people what they want: A Republican Party Makeover!

Since most Republicans leaders are probably unfamiliar with America’s Next Top Model, and the multitude of copycat and similar shows, let me attempt to explain to you a basic occurrence that happens on all such shows. The contestants get a makeover, including wardrobe, hair, makeup, runway walk, etc. The contenders in running for the elite title of reality show winner are made current, contemporary and attractive to at-home viewers, because the viewers are also usually responsible for electing the winner through weekly phone-in voting.

Viewers however, are not merely superficial. In Dancing with the Stars, for example, front runner in dance ability, Lil’ Kim, was ousted from the show prior to fellow competitor Ty Murray, the rough and unrefined bull-rider turned dancer. Voters related to Ty’s dedication and persistence, keeping him on the show for longer than the always graceful and competent Lil’ Kim.

Likewise, the Republican Party needs its own makeover, complete with new faces, a female presence, new ideas, and a new way of delivering its message. The Republican Party needs to relate to the American people to increase its voting base. No longer should the Republican Party be synonymous with old, extreme, backward, religious, etc. Let the Republican Party stand for the principles on which it was built: a commitment to traditional values.

I can only imagine the number of people who would cast their votes for Republicans if the Republican Party gave up its religious-related causes. In America, religion should never dictate legislation or politics. God’s presence in American traditions was a reflection of a recognized higher order and greater purpose. Let us return to Conservatism in its truest form, and return to these traditional values.

Roe v. Wade has become a cornerstone of our society; marital rights and unions are such a small issue. Let us do away with these topics and remove them from the center of our political discussions. There are so many other issues needing Conservative support and attention.

We are living in a time of great change; to that end, Obama was right. Where will the Republican Party be during these tumultuous times? At the forefront, championing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Will the Republican Party protect our inherent rights and be the vanguard of American traditionalism? Or will the Republican Party be so obstinate and unyielding in its status quo that it will fail to redirect current tides toward a better future? Or even worst, will the Republican Party become so inconsequential and unpopular that it disappears altogether?

In accordance with true American values, the choice is ours. Current Republican leaders and activists alike: our country is being altered. The values of our founders and framers are disappearing. Let us be the change that reintroduces these values to the American public in a way that appeals to them. Let us remake ourselves so that our message can be heard and so that we can inspire America at large to change and return to traditionalism.

The choice is here, and the time is now. Welcome to the Republican Party Makeover.