A recent Op Ed piece in the Baltimore Sun has what I think is some very good insight into how the war in Iraq is hurting the Republican party. The author shows how much of the handling of the war is contrary to the expected values of the party.
According to the latest Gallup survey, Republican self-identification has declined nationally and in almost every American state. Why? The short answer is that President Bush’s war of choice in Iraq has destroyed the partisan brand Republicans spent the past four decades building.
That brand was based upon four pillars: that Republicans are more trustworthy on defense and military issues; that they know when and where markets can replace or improve government; that they are more competent administrators of those functions government can’t privatize; and, finally, that their public philosophy is imbued with moral authority. The war demolished all four claims.
He goes on to explain how the current situation shows the Republican party is viewed as performing opposite those typically held pillars.
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