MY POLITICAL WISH LIST
It’s that time of year again — gift-shopping time. Happy Black Friday, people.
With that in mind, nod your head if you can relate to the next paragraph.
It’s a sure sign that you’re getting older if you can’t think of a single thing you want as a holiday gift. Or, if the things that first come to mind are completely utilitarian. You know, mixing bowls and power drills.
I must be losing my spring chicken status, because when my wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas this year, I literally thought “socks!” I guess I could go for some new books too. Wild times.
But this is a political column. Enough of my footwear needs.
In honor of the season, and what should be a very loud 2018 political scene in Tennessee, I’ve compiled a brief political Christmas wish list. Things for which I’m crossing my fingers.
› Tennessee interests first
There will be two very noisy statewide races in Tennessee next year — governor and U.S. Senate, as both Bill Haslam and Bob Corker are riding off into the political sunset. And while this could be said for both races, I believe it’s paramount that the gubernatorial contests — primary and general election — be framed by the needs of Tennessee and actual Tennesseans.
These days it’s common for outside interests (and money) to steer local and statewide race narratives. But for the good of the Volunteer State and those who call it home, I’m hoping that whomever takes residence in the governor’s mansion doesn’t get there by winning a proxy war staged by larger, outside interest groups.
›
Cool the conservative flexing
OK, now for the U.S. Senate race. Speaking of proxy battles, we have to recognize that with the U.S. Senate control up for grabs in 2018, every Senate race will be affected by far-off voices and funds. That said, the GOP primary could easily turn into a contest over who can flex their conservative muscles the hardest.
The problem with such a scenario is that once the primary is over the Republican candidate will need to pivot and appeal to the general electorate. To do so successfully will require the ability to explain why a conservative worldview and voting record will benefit the masses. After brute force muscle-flexing (something that will most certainly happen in the gubernatorial primary as well), that will take some serious finesse, a trait the GOP hasn’t been too adept at demonstrating lately.
Which brings me to my next wish list item.
› Recalibrate conservative messaging
Answer me this: What does the Republican Party stand for nowadays?
I addressed this matter in a column last month titled “The missing ‘why’ in politics.” Since then, at least on the national level, the GOP has somehow gotten worse at explaining who they are and what they stand for. If you’ve followed discussions around proposed tax cuts, you know what I mean. Since the Republican Party is full of individuals calling themselves conservatives, well, this is bad for conservatism.
The GOP has to get better at storytelling and selling their policies. And this starts with defining the “why” first — why they take the stances they do. If they can explain the why appropriately, conservatives will be able to detail the mission and vision of their movement. Now more than ever, many need to hear this message, including, I might add, a good number of folks calling themselves conservatives.
So there you have it, my political Christmas wish list for this year.
Now I’m going to get back to daydreaming about what snazzy socks Santa might be putting in my stocking.
Contact David Allen Martin at davidallenmartin423@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @DMart423.