Dismantle the GOP Consulting ‘Blob’ to Avoid Campaign Failures
Republicans’ Failure to Learn from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Campaign
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent departure from the GOP race presents yet another opportunity for Republicans to grasp a crucial lesson. However, it seems that we are still struggling to understand it.
In the spring of 2023, I had a conversation with a friend who had just joined Never Back Down, the DeSantis super PAC. He revealed that the entire operation was essentially controlled by Axiom, a massive GOP consulting firm. My immediate response was, “It’s over. He’s lost.”
When another friend, who now works for the Trump Campaign, learned about DeSantis’ decision, he couldn’t contain his laughter.
In the popular imagination, political consultants are seen as skilled practitioners of institutional dark arts, transforming mediocre politicians into effective electoral fighters. But that’s far from the truth. Nowadays, Republican consultants only know how to turn exceptional and exciting candidates into dull vessels for establishment corporatespeak. They excel at turning gold into lead, and then selling that lead for gold.
True to form, Axiom took one of the best GOP governors in the country and drove his campaign, and part of his reputation, into the ground while profiting from it. DeSantis 2024 will join the long list of Republican candidates who wasted millions on consulting firms, only to witness their campaigns disintegrate.
It’s astonishing that these consultants continue to be paid, considering their track record of electoral failures. Unfortunately, there is no real competition. Talented political operatives on our side are being absorbed by the consulting world, which I like to call “the blob.”
Operatives with any talent are quickly swallowed up and confined to cubicles, where they spend their careers offering vague advice to GOP candidates on Zoom calls. They don’t learn new skills, advance their careers, or contribute meaningfully to the cause. Instead, they become everything we despise about the ruling-class establishment in Washington.
If you ever wonder about the questionable strategies employed by GOP candidates these days, chances are they were concocted by mediocre consultants in Northern Virginia who haven’t spoken to a GOP voter since the Bush administration.
For instance, during a recent conversation with a campaign manager from Pennsylvania, I discussed persuading GOP voters to use mail-in ballots. To my surprise, the consultant suggested conducting focus groups to understand why GOP voters distrust mail-in ballots.
I was speechless. How could someone working in Republican politics not intuitively understand the mistrust of mail-in ballots? I replied, “You could spend a fortune on focus groups, or you could simply talk to a few random Republicans. You’ll get the same answer.”
Unfortunately, Republicans have forgotten how to do anything without spending exorbitant amounts of money. They become unpaid employees of consulting firms, solely focused on raising funds to cover their own salaries.
Breaking free from the consulting world is challenging for most candidates who lack the resources and know-how. Trust in consultants is plummeting, yet there is a shortage of political staff outside of the consulting realm. Meanwhile, countless grassroots conservative groups across the country are overlooked, despite their dedication and hard work.
Looking ahead, Republicans should apply our principles to our methods by decentralizing our infrastructure and investing in long-term grassroots strength. Only then can we liberate ourselves from the parasitic blob that continues to exploit and drain the Republican party.
What steps can Republicans take to break free from the stale and outdated approach dominating the consulting industry and embrace boldness and passion in their campaigns
Ers implementing cookie-cutter strategies that have proven to be ineffective time and time again. This is not to say that there aren’t dedicated and talented individuals in the consulting world, but their impact is often overshadowed by the stale and outdated approach that dominates the industry.
Take a moment to think about some of the most exciting Republican candidates in recent memory. Individuals like Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Marco Rubio burst onto the scene with captivating messages and a true ability to connect with voters. However, as soon as they became wrapped up in the web of consultants, their unique voices were drowned out by a sea of generic talking points and focus-group tested slogans.
Where is the inspiration? Where is the boldness? Where is the passion?
These individuals had the potential to rejuvenate the Republican Party, to appeal to a wide range of voters, and to bring new ideas to the table. Instead, they were reduced to mere caricatures of themselves, parroting the same worn-out lines that we have been hearing for years. It is no wonder that they failed to gain traction and secure the nomination.
The success of Governor DeSantis’ campaign was not due to the efforts of Axiom or any other consulting firm. It was a result of his authentic voice, his unapologetic conservatism, and his ability to connect with the everyday American. Voters saw in him a candidate who was willing to stand up against the establishment, to fight for their values, and to be a true advocate for their interests.
So, why is it that we continue to rely on consultants who consistently fail to deliver results? It is a question that demands an answer, yet it seems that we are stuck in a cycle of mediocrity and complacency. Republicans must learn from the successes of candidates like DeSantis and find a new approach to campaigns that is centered around authenticity, boldness, and a genuine connection with the electorate.
The time for change is now. We cannot afford to continue down the same path, relying on consultants who do not understand the pulse of the American people. We must find and empower new voices within the party, individuals who can truly represent the hopes, dreams, and concerns of the American people.
Governor DeSantis’ departure from the GOP race should serve as a wake-up call for Republicans. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on the failures of the past and chart a new course for the future. Let us learn from his campaign and reject the stale and uninspiring tactics of the consulting world.
It is time for Republicans to embrace change, to be unafraid of shaking up the status quo, and to bring forth a new generation of leaders who can inspire and energize the party. Only then can we regain the trust and support of the American people and truly make a difference in the future of our nation.
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