Consolation prize for the GOP?

Like a pitcher that loses the last game of the World Series, the loss can be devastating. Still, there will be another season and a chance for redemption. Romney in my opinion fought a much harder race than McCain and obviously came closer to winning. Still, he came up short and there seems little consolation to diehard Republicans. In spite of another four years of Obama, the Republicans too will have another chance. I see at least three ways that they can expand their base and gain the Presidency in four years.

First, the religious right needs an awakening. America has been in religious decline for some time now and to reverse this direction, while difficult, would be a boost to the GOP. Such a revival is really independent of what a political party does; relying instead on a far higher power and commitment of faith. Republicans would need to embrace a repeat of history in this area by offering candidates whose speech is seasoned and actions are free from reproach.

Secondly, the GOP needs to reach out to more minorities. Leaders such as Senator Rubio from Florida are in place to take the party much further in minority votes. The GOP needs to understand and be more appeasing toward alternative views on immigration and immigrant rights. It is not inconceivable that in at some point in the future the Black Caucus in Congress could be dominated by Republican members.

Thirdly, the highest potential that exists for a GOP landslide in 2016 is that the United States problems are likely to persist in 2016. There seems to be no clear plan to reduce trillion dollar plus budget deficits, trade deficits, complete entitlement reform or reduce unemployment. Furthermore, it is unlikely that U.S. energy costs will decline further eroding our competitiveness. The EU is still slowing and the chances of continued stagnation or even a worldwide recession is likely. It also seems probable that we will see much of the same from President Obama or perhaps even a greater push for more government spending and regulation while at the same time creating a greater dependency on government. While Obama gave himself a grade of "incomplete," further weakness in the economy should result in serious problems for the Democrats, not only in midterm elections but also in 2016. The caveat in this is that the GOP needs to walk a fine line. They can't be seen as being too obstructionist while at the same time, GOP core values could prevent the Democrats from going too far.

The coming fiscal cliff is just one example. Should the GOP defend tax cuts for the rich and block legislation that will keep the tax cuts for the middle class? I think the answer is a qualified no. Compromise should involve some concessions and the GOP should link their wish for certain cuts in public spending before giving any support for raising taxes on those making $200K or more. The tough partisan approach needs to be softened from both parties.

The reality is that America is still in a minefield, an economic morass. Progressiveness is now on the clock, and Americans will demand results in job growth, debt reduction and safety from terrorism among a host of other things. In the case that Obama cannot deliver up to expectations, the GOP may have an opportunity for the country to shift to the right that could be greater than what occurred with Reagan in 1980. For Democrats, it is time to get busy, for Republicans the time to take heart.

Richard Tanksley is an independent voter who teaches political science at North Idaho College. The views represented here are his own and not those of the college.