Republicans have decided to go to the people. Their plan is to hold a series of town hall meetings designed to generate ideas.
“The NCNA will bring together citizens from across the country to begin a dialogue with the American people through a series of forums, town halls, and an online effort that will engage people in a discussion to meet our common challenges and build a stronger country through common-sense ideas,” the letter says. “The NCNA will be a dynamic, forward-looking organization that will amplify the common-sense and wisdom of our fellow citizens through a grassroots dialogue with Republican leaders.”
Common sense seems to be the theme. That said, one person’s common sense is another person’s folly – Think gay marriage. And while I applaud the idea of town halls, the devil is in the details. Let’s face it, Republicans don’t do grassroot initiatives very well. They have always been a top down organization, and the biggest obstacle they may face is from the people who attend these meetings; people who have become accustomed to reading from the GOP script, and value consistency of message. Getting these people to step out of the box and speak freely, and critically, about the party could prove tricky, if not impossible.
Ground rules would be a good starting point. The first rule they should implement should focus on creating a friendly, non-judgmental environment which encourages all opinions. In fact, they should view these town halls, not as a brainstorming idea forum (because, let’s be honest, this move really isn’t about new ideas. It’s about rebranding), but as group therapy sessions, designed to find common ground between their moderates and conservatives. The second rule should ban talking points. And the third rule should state that these meetings are about the Republican Party. If these events turn into an Obama/Dem bitchfest they’ll accomplish nothing more than cementing an image they’re trying to change.
Change is coming late to the Republican Party. I believe too late, given the fact that so many moderates have already left. Wooing this group back into the fold is no easy task, especially when the fold’s response to their leaving was good riddance, we’re better off without you. The Republican purity test has surpassed everyone’s expectations, and the labeling of who’s a real Republican, and who’s not, is hardly conducive to rebuilding.
The real question is: Has too much damage been done, too many people alienated, for town halls to work? And even if these meetings result in bringing moderates back to the party, will their return result in the exodus of social conservatives who are quite happy with the path the GOP is currently on, and who would view any sort of compromise as a betrayal of true, pure and real conservatism?
The answer to these questions will be answered by the audience sitting in the seats and not the speakers at the podium.