A Setback, Not a Catastrophe

A Setback, Not a Catastrophe The last thing Republicans need is an identity crisis. The losses in the 2012 election shouldn’t be sugarcoated. President Obama’s reelection does mean Obamacare will go into effect, and another shot at capturing the Senate was squandered. But the election was a setback, not a catastrophe. Contrary to the media’s narrative, Republicans aren’t tumbling into any abyss of permanent minority status. No soul-searching is required. Republicans retain the advantages and strengths they’ve had for decades.  The biggest advantage: America is a center-right country. The election reflected a slight tilt to the center, nothing more. Conservatism lives on. In the exit poll in 2008, voters were asked if government is doing too many things better left to the private sector. By 51-43 percent, they said no. This year, those numbers were reversed, a 16-point swing against government activism.  Yes, a solid majority favors higher taxes for the rich. That’s been true since the dawn of man. More telling in the exit poll was the verdict on Obamacare. Forty-nine percent said it should be repealed in whole or in part. Forty-four percent said it should be expanded or left as is. And just wait until it’s imposed on all of us in 2014. That will be backlash time. Another advantage: Republicans have viable solutions for the fiscal crisis and the sluggish economy. Obama and Democrats have zilch—unless you think soaking the rich and building more roads and bridges qualify.