Bring Out the Drawing Board

Yesterday, the voters of America elected Barack H. Obama 44^th President of the United States. After the results became final, two realities became clear. First, as President-Elect, on January 20, 2009 he will take the Presidential Oath of Office and officially become my President. He will be my President even though I neither voted for him, nor support his policies and proposals. The beauty of the American experiment is the President of our country belongs to and is accountable to every citizen, not just those who cast their vote in his or her favor. I intend, with all vigor, to hold this President accountable, as I would do if John McCain had won.

When soon to be President Obama makes a decision, I will pray that it is in the best interests of our country. If I believe it to be so, I will express that opinion. However, if not, then I will exercise my First Amendment right of dissent regarding his decision.

As the cloud of political rancor lifts, we must remember our country is unique in its well over 200-year history of the peaceful transfer of power. This our Constitution sets forth, designed by our Founding Fathers. This idea is one of the most important that elicits pride in my country.

The second realization, one decidedly more difficult, is the reality that the conservative brand is at a serious crossroad. The evidence of this is the rejection of the conservative package by the voters in this election. More importantly, Republicans lost over 20% of those who voted Republican four years ago. The obvious reason is the "Bush-Cheney Fatigue". People tired of a government that not only was arrogant, but so inept at leadership. History may vindicate George Bush for his efforts to keep our country safe, but it likely will not occur in this generation.

Conservatives also lost for another reason that is near to my heart, yet not so obvious. The failure to communicate the benefit of conservative values, many that made this country great, marked the Republican effort for doom. This election more than any other should let conservatives know just what trouble we have connecting with minorities, the economically challenged and the youth of America. Conservatives rested on their tried and true message, but seem to have forgotten that in the age of the Internet and mass media bias, packaging and presence is everything.

I offer as evidence the fact that John McCain, even before the economic slide, never spoke to the issue of school choice to families in economically challenge communities. He, and by association conservatives, failed to venture into "historically" Democratic and liberal territory to share his message of real hope. In contrast, the Obama campaign brilliantly decided that no territory was off limits, they would try their message everywhere they could get audience. Conservatives must remember that all Americans want to hear from those who seek to lead them. Obama's team knew this and capitalized on it, while McCain shrank away from territory unfamiliar. People know that real leaders "boldly go where no man has gone before". It is the American way.

The endeavor to repair the image and brand of conservatism must begin with the deliberate effort to connect with those least likely to respond to the conservative message, ethnic minorities. Nothing would demonstrate belief that our message was good for America more than making a case to those we have deliberately either overlooked or feared.

Conservatives need not change their message, but must change the strategies and methods designed to connect with the American people. For example, instead of bold declarations that we are right on issues like abortion, traditional marriage, economic freedom, free market healthcare, and national security; we must make our case in every village and hamlet, wherever people will listen. This means talking to those who support liberals, many times because they are the only ones talking to them.

The next two to four years should offer many opportunities to rebrand the conservative message. I would hope that the leaders of our party, instead of guessing what minorities and poor people think and believe, would actually convene black conservatives to help construct this message. The realization of America's creed for the next generation depends on it. So let's get back to the drawing board.