Republicans are on the wrong side of history

Several years ago, Senator Robert Dole advised the Republican Party to shut down and place a sign outside its doors that said: “Under construction.”

Dole, who ran unsuccessfully against President Bill Clinton in 1996, knew that his party was losing its way. The former Kansas senator stands for bedrock conservatism and common-sense pragmatism.

Dole is in his 90s today and rarely makes public appearances. But his words of wisdom still ring true as a new Pew poll this week shows that an increasing number of Republicans are unhappy with their party.

At the moment, Donald Trump is leading a list of 15 Republican hopefuls for the presidential nomination in 2016. With the exception of George W. Bush’s brother, Jeb, there is little electability in the group.

Trump underscores the reasons why Republicans are concerned. He has criticised the military service of John McCain, who ran against President Barack Obama and was also a prisoner of war during the Vietnam war. He has defended the Confederate flag, saying “only an idiot opposes” it. He has insulted Hispanics, the largest minority in America, and he is known for sexist comments.
Nuclear deal with Iran.

NOT MANY REPUBLICANS

The other Republicans are not much better. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, for example, compared Mr Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran to the Holocaust, the horrific killing of 6 million people by the Nazis.

But the real issue for the Republicans is that they are on the wrong side of history. President Obama opened the door to Cuban relations after more than 50 years. It was a move supported by a majority of Americans, but not many Republicans.

His healthcare initiative was upheld by the Supreme Court. Republicans spent eight years trying to unsuccessfully knock it down — much like they had tried to do when the minimum wage was adopted in 1938. The Supreme Court’s decision on gay marriage was another Obama victory opposed by Republicans.

But the biggest battle is yet to come. The president has proposed a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants.

America depends on cheap coal to generate much of its electricity in cities throughout the nation.

There will be a great push back from municipal governments, utilities and the Republican Party — and some Democrats.

But the reality of climate change is starting to change minds and it will be hard to stop the momentum for cleaner air.

MASS SHOOTINGS

Continued mass shootings — almost one every week — are waking up the public on gun control. This week, soldiers were fired upon during a training session. Speculation is that the shooters, who did not hurt anyone, were right-wing fanatics worried about a military takeover of the government.

So Mr Obama has framed, through a series of actions and happenstance, the Republicans as a hateful bunch who stand up for big business and not the little man; have serious disregard for the military; and are not socially progressive. In addition, Republicans are against climate change and love the Confederate flag.

Republicans know they have taken the bait, particularly with the Trump candidacy. So they must soon find their issues — local control of government, conservative oversight of finances and love of country. Or they will be burnt toast before the general election. Beyond these things, America has a good economy and is not involved in a war.

The situation is a perfect setup for Hillary Clinton to become the next president. She does not have Mr Obama’s political or oratory skills. But the wind is at her back, and the force is strong.

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