I wonder how many people are aware that, until the 1960\’s, Black voters mostly cast their votes for Republicans, not Democrats?
Well, it\’s true. From the average guy on the street right up to iconic figures like Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr.
But, in the 1960\’s everything changed. Because Republicans instituted a so-called “southern strategy” of aggressively courting White southern voters (not what you\’d call conducive to maintaining Black loyalty) while, at the same time, socially liberal Democrats demanded racial equality and successfully challenged the still-significant Democrat segregationists who had ruled the south for generations.
Now we have a similar moment in time for Republicans to significantly expand their base – especially among people (Jews and non-Jews both), who support Israel, the Middle East\’s lonely outpost of democracy in a sea of freedomlessness and hatred.
If it were only President Barack Obama, giving Israel the back of his hand for 6 years but without the support of substantial segments of his party, that would be one thing. Israel supporters could note that, though less than before, there are still some Democrats they are comfortable with, and look forward to the post-Obama era.
But that\’s not the way of things, any more than it was the way of things for Blacks in the 60\’s. The reality is that Barack Obama is not an isolated incident. His hatred of Israel and lack of concern for the safety of the one and only Jewish homeland on the planet, is, to a large extent, the Democrat Party\’s present – and, barring some major change in direction, its future as well.
This leaves Israel\’s supporters – especially Jews, given that is the world\’s only Jewish state – the undesirable choice of either sticking with a party that has made it clear it is cutting them adrift, or moving to a party that is far more pro-Israel, but far less acceptable on social issues (which, in my opinion, is the single most damaging facet of the Republican Party today).
What a chance for Republicans. What a chance to bring them into the fold…and expand the party\’s tolerance and acceptance levels in the bargain (talk about a win-win situation!).
How to do it?
Well, regarding Israel alone, it already seems to be happening – albeit more slowly that, most Republicans would like. Gallup, for example, shows that Jews have gone from 71% Democrat – 22% Republican in 2008, to 61% – 29% at the end of 2014. It\’s an excellent bet that most of this drop-off stems from Barack Obama\’s treatment of Israel.
But the social issues area is where things could really accelerate.
Illustratively…
-What would be so hard about offering a platform which, instead of simply excluding gays altogether, says “We believe that marriage is one man-one woman. But we also understand that there are people who feel differently about this. And while our position remains as it is, we respect their personal beliefs and welcome them to look at the full range of positions our party embodies, with the hope that they will join us”? No change of platform position, only recognition that other people have differing views and differing views are welcome in the party.
-Republicans could do the same thing with people who do not believe that life (i.e. human life as we know it) begins at conception. Why not express tolerance for pro-choice people, and understanding that they sincerely believe what they do – while welcoming them to consider the totality of the party\’s positions.
These two simple declarations would move millions upon millions of voters toward at least seriously considering the Republican Party, instead of rejecting it out of hand.
And, most importantly, it would turn the Republican Party\’s culture from intolerance and exclusion, to tolerance and inclusion. As I said before, what a win-win situation that would be!
This is their moment. This is the chance they have right now. I wonder if they are smart enough to take it.
