On Thursday, the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Reince Priebus, made a speech at George Washington University where he outlined the GOP’s 11 “Principles for American Renewal.”

This action is the right move, especially considering that Republicans are largely seen as the party of “no.”  The Republican Party desperately needs a facelift in which we become a party for policies rather than have the image of being against everything.

Priebus’ speech outlined 11 principles that enforce the three “core values” of the GOP: a strong economy, a strong society, and a strong defense.  Overall, these principles are general.  Most of them do not fight for a specific policy. Instead, they reinforce basic ideas that almost all conservatives agree on, such as defending the Constitution and school choice. This speech is very reminiscent of Newt Gingrich’s and Dick Armey’s Contract with America.

In 1994, the Republican Party had Gingrich and Armey write a document that outlined what a GOP majority in the House of Representatives would fight for.  This measure proved effective when Gingrich became Speaker of the House after November of 1994.

The 11 Principles for American Renewal shares similar goals and timing with the Contract with America. Both attempted to capture a house of Congress and both were released weeks before Election Day. But an important distinction needs to be made.

Priebus is trying to present a united front with a positive message in a party that is largely divided and most certainly full of negativity.

The divide between Tea Party conservatives and Establishment conservatives seems bitter and largely based on how the media covers right-wing politics.  Considering instances such as the government shutdown in 2013 and the defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor earlier this year to the Tea Party newcomer, Dave Brat, there is no question that the GOP has the qualities of a dysfunctional family.

It is easy to say what Republicans are against. In fact, Establishment and Tea Party conservatives usually have an easy time agreeing on what they are against, such as the Affordable Care Act. The ability of the GOP to unite against an issue is well appreciated, but it is time for the Republicans to move toward using that energy for something, rather than for being against something.

Considering the ideological and political divide in the GOP, this is much easier said than done.  However, this speech by Priebus is certainly a step in the right direction.

The Principles for American Renewal allow Americans to better understand what a Republican majority in the Senate will do to help the United States. Perhaps even more importantly than this, the speech switches the perceived focus of the GOP from being against to being for, while also energizing both factions of the Republican Party.

Both Tea Party and Establishment conservatives can get behind the principles with a sound mind and a sound heart.

I tip my hat to Priebus.  As a young Establishment conservative, I often find my political team frustratingly — but oftentimes justifiably — negative. It is beyond refreshing to see a compact list that all Republicans can get behind regardless of what kind of conservative you identify as. Let’s hope this speech is as successful as the Contract with America. Nov. 4 will be the day of judgment.

Chris Pulliam is a sophomore policy studies and political science major. His column appears weekly.   He can be reached at [email protected].

 

Published on October 8, 2014 at 12:01 am