Triage

After the bloodshed of 4 November, the Republican Party needs to practice some political triage to get ready for 2010 and beyond.

The first states to be treated are those lost in 2008 that were red in 2000 and 2004.  That means Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia.

Next are those that voted Republican in either of the two previous elections, but crossed over this year: Shorter list – Iowa, New Hampshire and New Mexico.

Picking the “wounded” is the easy part.  Harder to determine is the proper treatment.  What will not only repair the damage, but sustain for a full recovery?

A change in platform isn’t necessary (or wise), but a complete overhaul of GOP branding is. To get started, here are 10 questions the Party needs to address.  Not spin, waffle on, blather about, mull, consider, hem-and-haw over, debate, ponder or study.

1. What do voters think when they see/hear “Republican?”
2. What does it mean to be a Republican?
3. What’s the difference between the GOP and the Democrats?
4. NEOCONS and RINOs.  WHO are they and what do they stand for?
5. What does the Republican Party stand for?
6. Why would I be better off voting for a Republican?
7. What’s wrong with the Democratic Party platform?
8. Are true Republicans also true Conservatives and, if so, what does that MEAN?
9. Liberals and Democrats: Are they the same and, if so, why is that a problem?
10. Why should minorities and women vote for a Republican?

The campaign for 2010 has already started, so the GOP needs to get to work on this stuff – STAT!