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With dwindling support for the Republican Party under President Trump in California, now may be the time to create a new conservative political party that is center-right. Even in a liberal state like California, this formula proved successful under Governor Schwarzenegger and given that fewer voters are identifying with the two major political parties, opportunity knocks. Over the past twenty years, Democratic support has dropped slightly from 47 to 45% of voters while Republican support has dropped from approximately one third to one quarter of voters. Given president Trump's low approval ratings, now seems like the time for conservative political leaders to get behind a new brand that would appeal more to center-right leaning voters.
Discussion Questions:
1. Given that Republicans control all three branches of government right now is this idea too risky?
2. Does the unprecedented political polarization we've seen in the 21st century invite opportunity for a mainstream third party or parties?
3. If this plan were successful, could membership of this new party surpass Republican party affiliation within a decade or two?
18 comments:
I think that if there was a creation of a new center right party, it would definitely surpass the Republican party because more people are starting to become more centered in their political ideals with the exception of a few people, however, with technology, I feel like more people are becoming exposed to more ideas which is ultimately leading people to not be as extreme in their political views.
I think that this idea is slightly risky as the Republican party is currently in charge of the three branches. However, even thought it is risky, it is important that people's views are represented through their party, meaning that the creation of a new center right party may be a better representation of their beliefs. Also, it seems that people's views on political parties have changed over time, so this would not be the first time there was a shift in political parties and views. Plus, with technology and external information, people might be more willing to hear out other people's beliefs, which may have an impact on their own views. Overall, views are changing and political parties must represent their beliefs.
I believe that there is already such a party, the Libertarian Party. It's beliefs in social freedoms are more liberal than those of traditional Republicans, and its free market fiscal agenda is more logical than that of the Democrats. It's a good mix of both parties that chooses to ensure personal liberty and apply the non aggression principle to the fullest extent. I think that its platform on low defense spending, low healthcare spending, low federal spending in general, combined with low taxes and less business regulation is a strong fiscal approach to government. It also stands for right to privacy, right to safely and legally own firearms, as well as welcoming immigration. In my opinion, this party is the one that makes the most logical sense, and can be used to replace at least the current Republican Party.
1. Given that Republicans control all three branches of government right now is this idea too risky?
-I believe that the idea is not risky but is something worth looking into. the voter participation has become the lowest than any other country in teh world and is being shown through less voters in the election of the two parties.
2. Does the unprecedented political polarization we've seen in the 21st century invite opportunity for a mainstream third party or parties?
-witht eh route that the government is on,there is no room for a third party. polarization may give opportunity to parties to become successors, but in the bigger picture the two parties are still the biggest to exist
3. If this plan were successful, could membership of this new party surpass Republican party affiliation within a decade or two?
-I do not believe that there is such a party that would change in popularity so quick. Teh two parties have been the biggest there are foreve. some have come close such as the libertarian party, but no party has become so big as to even overcome teh less than half participation democratic party
I believe that a central right party would be extremely successful given the current political climate. Much of Trumps support comes from unwavering party support rather than agreement with policies, and I predict that many figures important to the republican party would unite themselves more with a central republican party rather than with Trump. This idea is not too risky given that there are many people who identify as independents and moderate democrats could align themselves with the party as well. Basically, if the central republican party were to support a non controversial, basic candidate, they would do pretty well.
I think that parties tend to change their courses over the years and that now is one of those times for the Republican party. As other's have said, most of Trump's Republican supporters are one's that don't necessarily support all of the extremist views that Trump has, but instead the underlying ideals and morals he possesses that are more conservative. It may be risky for the Republican party to suddenly create a new party since they're in control, however, I think they need to do this now (really they should have branched off as soon as Trump was elected) before they fall apart anymore than they already have. I think it will be interesting though to see if the leaders of the Republican party actually take action and create a new party. Like I said earlier, I don't know why they haven't already done this so I wonder if there is something holding them back, possibly their total control of the government is soothing them from making any radical changes.
I agree with the comments stated above, and would like to add a suggestion for the Republican Party's rebranding. It's important for the Republican Party to rebrand itself as a moderately conservative party, catering toward the political centrists -- like Mr. Felder said, that's partially how Arnold Schwarzenegger won his governor position; in fact, Schwarzenegger, a prominent figure in the Republican Party, is urging his fellow party leaders to lean more centrally, especially in states with large Democratic populations as the variety of Democrats may yield a handful of centrists looking to "defect."
As for the risk, I think it's too late to sway centralists with this mid-term election, so I would recommend rebranding for the 2020 election. Trump will probably run for president again, but the Republican Party may be able to successfully realign its positions, despite Trump's policy plan. It would be extremely risky to detach from the policy plan of the party leader, but the reward -- snatching up a significant voter demographic -- is worth it.
I believe that it is definitely time for a Republican Party realignment. With more and more extreme statements and views coming from the White House, many Republican voters and their ideals seem to be left behind. When even one of the most adored figures in the Republican party, John McCain, is ridiculed and dismissed by the Trump Administration, thousands of voters have their values pushed aside in favor of just plain cruelty. I believe it's almost necessary for a new party to emerge. As for the timing and risk factors, I don't think it will ever NOT be a risk to have a huge party realignment. Leadership needs to take charge and face the challenges that come with defending their values, what they signed up to do, instead of letting their party turn into something they cannot recognize.
While it is a risk for the Republican party, I can see why creating a party that is more moderate is important, as it would serve to represent a lot of those voters that don't necessarily agree with Trump's policies. Max is right, however – the libertarian party already exists, and seems to represent a lot of the views that this more center-right party would attempt to advocate for. I imagine such a party would naturally face some struggles in the first few years, but I can definitely see it being a bigger player in the political scene in maybe two to three decades from now.
This sounds a good idea. I think in order to get more public approval they should be more center right. Many people, like me, agree with some Republican Ideals and Democratic ideals and becoming more center right would gain more public approval. In addition, this may be able to prevent polarization, because it may unintentionally cause democrats to head towards the center too. As for risk, this party realignment has a lot of it. If the Republicans become more centered, then many right leaning Republicans may start disagreeing and this may cause even more fractures in the government.
Trump follows his own opinions more than he conforms to the conservative ideals of the republican party. In this last election there were two candidates (Trump and Sanders) than ran under parties that did not really encompass their values. The two party system is suffocating as it allows for basically two policy views which greatly simplifies political issues. De-alignment from the major political parties may create a path for third parties to take more control.
Given the extreme political polarization in the 21st century, I believe the creation of a successful center-right party would be impossible, or at least, extremely difficult. Especially in California, where many voters lean more left, I believe that the success of a center-right party would be unlikely. Furthermore, the two major parties, supported by the winner-take all system, would overshadow most third parties in the first several years of their creation. The division of the Republican population into two parties would also weaken the Republicans and possibly lose them control of the government.
A party realignment for the right leaning party would be risky but, I think it's a worth risk. People have been identifying themselves as more of an independent party more than another point in American history. Democrats and Republicans alike are both loosing supporters because of how people think nowadays. Although, if we are just talking about our state than; I think it would be very hard to get a center leaning party in California, since this state is so left-leaning.
I definitely think that this would be a risky move, considering that the Republicans control all three branches currently. I also agree with Arthur in how creating a center-right party would be very difficult. However, I think that it is important to give it a try and see what happens. I think this is a good idea regardless of how feasible it appears considering how our government is becoming even more polarized. I think that this is a good party for more moderate people.
I think the idea can be a little risky because of all the control the republicans have right now. But i also think it would be a good idea because everyone's views should be represented correctly
I think the idea of a central right party would be a really good idea. It would give people a chance to support a less extreme version of the Republican party. It is also a risky move because the republicans control all three branches of government. If this is successful, I don't think that it would surpass the membership of the current Republican party, but it would have enough members to make a significant difference in elections.
It is absolutely a risky move since Republicans control all three branches of government at the moment. It would be very difficult to create a new political party in a country where the Republican and Democratic parties are well established. While it might be tough, it is a good idea to create this in order to represent everyone's views in America.
A new center-right or watered down libertarian party might see some success on the state level, but the current Republican party has a stronghold on national politics. If I was in the position to create a new party, I would wait until the end of this Trump term to see whether the current Republican base is willing to elect Trump or a centrist.
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