Two editorials today contrast the newspapers’ different views of the political landscape. The Richmond Times-Dispatch criticizes national Democrats for seeking to re-label some of their views, calling same-sex marriages a “right to marry issue, for example.
In other words, Democrats should employ euphemistic rhetoric, find different words. But decking out gun control, homosexual marriage, racial preferences, high taxes, class warfare, and a fetish for the United Nations in fancy euphemisms will not make voters forget Michael Moore, wild-eyed protesters, and the blame-America-first, red-staters-are-morons mentality of the professional left. The party’s problem in wooing the electorate is not that it needs a new dress; the problem is that it is a nag and a scold and a snob. Voters don’t like that. Or, to borrow from the title of a popular self-help book: They’re just not that into you.
Of course, RTD makes no mention of the GOP’s use of rhetorical flourishes to advance their causes, calling anti-abortion stances as “pro-life” or legislation to restrict political liberties the Patriot Act, for examples.
Meanwhile, the Virginian Pilot says name-calling is about all the state GOP party apparatchik can do.
Speaking at Old Dominion’s University’s winter graduation, [Gov. Mark] Warner called for both parties to lower the decibels on political rhetoric and strive for common ground while addressing critical needs.
He urged graduates to “be respectful” of political opponents, taking time to listen to their concerns and create dialogue, not diatribes, around issues.
And what was the response of Shawn Smith, executive director of the RPV, to that appeal for civility?
“Mark Warner is just another high-tax, liberal Democrat hoping to mask his legacy by spouting perceived centrist rhetoric,” said Smith.
…Spitting at your opponent when he asks for a handshake may make sense in some national political play book. But Virginians are not well-served when narrow party interests and name-calling veto the search for real solutions to real problems. The Republican Party dominates political life in Virginia. Virginians will hold it accountable for its results, not its rhetoric.