The Bowdoin Orient

The political world is abuzz this week with the news of Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic party. It has come so quickly that we do not yet fully know what it means, but the GOP certainly cannot feel good about it. Specter's votes will probably not differ that much, and this will probably keep a more liberal Democrat out of the Senate in 2010 (PA was poised to go blue with Specter looking weak against primary opponent Pat Toomey). Still, this is not much of a silver lining for Republicans, as what was left of any "big tent" they could claim to have once had is quickly collapsing.

While Specter's motives for switching seem fairly cynical (his atrocious primary poll numbers probably had a lot to do with it) the GOP still can take an important lesson from Specter's switch; namely, that it is time to move into the 21st century.

On social issues such as gay marriage, the GOP is hopeless if it continues on its path. Yes, the issue is still controversial, and no, it won't stop being divisive any time soon. According to a recent New York Times poll, 42 percent of all adults now support gay marriage, and 57 percent of those under 30 do. Imagine what those numbers will be like 10 years from now, when more and more people are acquainted with happily married gay couples, and as more and more supportive young people reach voting age.

Make no mistake; although it will be difficult, those in favor of marriage equality will win the fight. The Republican party can get on board now, or it can risk being branded as out of touch and bigoted. Steve Schmidt, one of John McCain's closest advisors, realized this and has recently come out in favor of gay marriage.

Unfortunately for the GOP, social issues are not the only area where it is out of touch. In the wake of the financial and economic crises, the public is demanding action on the economy. It seems as though the Republican party cannot comprehend this concept.

One of the recent chalkings on Bowdoin's walks read, "Hope is not an economic strategy." Ironically enough, this seems to be the only strategy the national Republican party has to address economic problems right now. While the party made a big deal over its opposition to the stimulus package, it failed to offer a meaningful counterstrategy other than repeating the failed Bush model of massive tax cuts for the wealthy and hoping for a different result.

The GOP should get over its knee-jerk opposition to anything supported by President Barack Obama, realize that not all functioning government is inherently evil, and actually try to work with the majority, as opposed to complaining about being shut out because the administration will not acquiesce to its every demand.

There are plenty of moderate, and even conservative Republicans who aren't represented by the current do-nothing party leadership. The GOP does not have to agree to everything Obama wants. It is an opposition party, and it would be silly to ask it to do so. However, if it does not wish to alienate more of its membership and risk more defections (it would not be surprising if the Majority Leader's office has been placing calls to Maine's own Senators Snowe and Collins), it would do well to try and move forward.

The GOP can and should still try to find "conservative" solutions to problems; for example, what could be more conservative than environmental protection, or trying to find a market-based solution to the health-care crisis? Moving forward does not mean that the Republican Party must abandon its core principles. It merely means that it must fully acknowledge the problems we are facing and make an earnest effort to find solutions. Only then will it regain the national influence it has lost and live up to its reputation as one of America's great political parties.

If, however, the Republican Party cannot find its way into this century, then any of its disaffected membership should remember this. They can always join the Democrats. It is a big-tent party and there is plenty of room for more.