Republicans have successfully taken the citadel of power. Democrats want to learn from this success, but before we parrot Republican strategy, let us first think critically.
I argue that it is too easy to draw the wrong conclusions from the success of the Republican Party. There certainly are things that we can emulate, but wisdom indicates that scrutiny and evaluation preclude action.
A few questions to keep in mind when evaluating Republican strategies for success:
- This worked for the Republicans, but will it work for the Democrats? Is this strategy compatible with Democratic goals and ideas?
- This strategy worked in the short term for the Republicans, but has it ultimately resulted in their downfall? Beware the seeds of self-destruction.
- Can we, through the mythical powers of leadership and imagination, devise an improved or superior stratagem? Just asking.
- Do we have the story line in place to support the tactic? In other words, have we laid the groundwork to create the public perception that will guide and support the ideas and actions we intend to put forward.
- Do we have the right kind of talent to pull it off, whatever "it" may be? Are we willing and organized enough to guide these agents and their talents effectively and in accordance to their abilities and with regard to the appropriateness of their application?
- Do we trust the would-be Machiavellians? Not only should we question whether the process of the stratagem is wrong and bad in and of itself, and whether it will result in good no mater how corrupt the process is, but do we really trust that that their proposals will lead us to victory? If the ultimate goal of a Machiavellian strategy is long-term, robust power, will these proffered strategies actually work?
- I'm going out on a limb, here: is it right or is it wrong?
- Can we look to other political success stories as well? Where's our Rush? Where's our Hammer? Where's our Rove? Good god. Hopefully they were bundled up in a potato sack and drowned in the river.
There's more, but let it suffice to say that I am amazed at the shoddy workmanship and hobbled thinking of the strategry class. Conventional wisdom or feckless flailing? Good question.