How Non-Trump Republicans Can Make Second Debate Matter
Why Republicans Should Make the Most of the Second Primary Debate
Accepting the Inevitable
Every candidate who plans on attending the second Republican primary debate this week can do themselves and us voters a world of good by accepting two things: Donald Trump is almost certain to be the nominee, and until then, time and energy are best spent emphasizing just how absurdly, dangerously wrong everything is going under Democrat rule.
That doesn’t mean sucking up to the former president with the nauseating goody-goody act that Vivek Ramaswamy hams up every time he sees a TV camera. But the reality is that to the extent there remains any threat to Trump’s reelection campaign, it’s not anyone else running for the nomination. Since March, the month that Trump was first slapped with criminal charges, his support has only gone up. It’s now 15 points higher nationally today than it was then. He’s more than 40 points ahead of his closest competitor. Short of health failure or prison time, nothing is going to bring anyone else even close to taking the lead. (And don’t come at me about “national polls don’t matter”; every state-level poll shows nearly the exact same numbers.)
The Real Goal
To be sure, health failure or prison time (or both) are very real possibilities for quadruple-indicted, 77-year-old Trump. Remaining in the race just in case of either occurring is reason enough. But the goal, at least for now, can’t be to defeat Trump. It’s to ensure everyone knows that everything bad, from the risk of WWIII to unnecessarily high inflation to unaffordable home and car loans, is the direct consequence of reckless, unsustainable policies advocated by Joe Biden. And if that weren’t infuriating enough, Democrats have made it normal to criminalize political opposition.
Re-electing them to remain in charge sets America on an irreversible course to ruin. Which is better: cheap gas or expensive gas? Low interest or high interest? Three-dollar eggs or six-dollar eggs? War or peace?
We’re currently living with all of the bad options. Let everyone watching the debate know why that is. Doing that has nothing to do with either attacking Trump or licking his seat cushion. It’s about making Biden and his party own all of it.
Any of the non-Trump Republicans can try to “win” the debate, such that the honor is meaninglessly bestowed upon them by either The New York Times or some Fox News person. It won’t make a difference in who will be the nominee. But the event doesn’t have to be a complete waste.
It can’t be overstated how dismal the situation is on every front: crime, personal finances, foreign affairs, the collapsed Southern border, China, Russia, North Korea, our military. Not one thing is in better condition today than before Biden took office.
That’s what matters.
What doesn’t matter is whether Ramaswamy said something different today than yesterday, or if Mike Pence has any regrets, or if Ron DeSantis can define “woke.”
If there’s going to be any more debates, the Republicans who participate should put them to actual use.
Why is it important for Republican candidates to focus on substance over style in their policy proposals?
Ical dissent and silence their opponents through censorship and cancel culture.
While Trump may not be the one on the debate stage, every Republican candidate should channel his spirit and relentlessly attack Biden’s policies and the disastrous consequences they have had on the American people. This is an opportunity for the Republican Party to unify behind a common message and present a strong alternative to the failed promises of the current administration.
Appealing to the Base
While it is important to reach out to undecided voters and those who may be disillusioned with the current state of politics, the focus of the second primary debate should primarily be on energizing the Republican base. This means discussing core conservative values, such as limited government, individual liberty, and free market principles.
Republican candidates must remind their base why they identify as Republicans and why their values are crucial in preserving the American way of life. They must offer solutions to the problems that Americans face, such as rising inflation, soaring gas prices, and a weakening national security. By presenting a clear and compelling vision for the future, Republicans can mobilize their base and attract new supporters who are yearning for effective leadership.
The Importance of Substance
Amidst the chaos and noise of political campaigns, it is crucial for Republican candidates to focus on substance over style. While catchy slogans and flashy soundbites may grab attention, it is the detailed policy proposals and well-thought-out strategies that will ultimately resonate with voters.
The second primary debate is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their knowledge and expertise on critical issues. They should articulate their plans for economic recovery, healthcare reform, immigration, and foreign policy with clarity and conviction. By demonstrating a deep understanding of these complex issues and offering concrete solutions, Republicans can inspire confidence in their ability to govern effectively.
Looking Beyond the Nomination
Lastly, Republican candidates must remember that the primary race is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is to win the general election and reclaim the White House. While it is important to differentiate themselves from their primary opponents, they must also avoid fragmenting the party to the point where it becomes difficult to unite behind the eventual nominee.
Even if Trump is the inevitable nominee, the second primary debate presents an opportunity for candidates to position themselves as credible and qualified alternatives. By avoiding personal attacks and focusing on substantive policy differences, Republicans can strengthen the party and build a united front to take on the Democrats in the general election.
A Crucial Moment
The second Republican primary debate is not just another event in the election cycle. It is a crucial moment for the Republican Party to define its message, energize its base, and present a compelling vision for the future of America. By accepting the inevitable and focusing on the real goal, Republicans can make the most of this opportunity and lay a strong foundation for success in the upcoming elections.
Let the debate be a platform for substantive discussions, principled arguments, and inspiring leadership. Let it be a demonstration of why the Republican Party deserves the support and trust of the American people. The time is now for Republicans to make their case and show why they are the party that can truly lead America towards a brighter future.
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