Let’s say, as a result of the new Supreme Court’s composition, there is a ‘single act of judicial bravery’ that destroys the right to choose. Let’s leave aside how utterly disastrous that would be for individuals and the nation (if possible) and ask a crass question:
What would the political landscape look like?
It has been said that Reagan and Bush I knew better than to stack the court to overturn Roe, since it was their party’s fundraising bread-and-butter. It was politically astute and has lead to much of the GOP’s current success. Without that wedge issue, what would they have left?
I’d like to hear what y’all think first and foremost, but I’ll kick it off with some thoughts on where they are on their current themes and what those issues might look like in a post-Roe environment (not that it touches on all of them directly):
- Right to Choose – The GOP loses one of their top fundraising issues. The Dems assume the old GOP role of the underdog crusaders and the fundraising boost (to be utterly crass).
- Deregulation – Environmentalists have won this debate by having lost it for so long that dear Mother Earth is so damaged, she is showing us all obvious signs of ill health. It’s a great fund raiser for Dems going forward. It was foolishly avoided by Kerry.
- Free Trade – Dems triagulated this in Clinton’s time, yet can now run on a Fair Trade theme. That transition is publicly supported, but would be near impossible for the GOP.
- Fiscal Responsibility – yeah. right.
- Honesty – See point 3.
- Gun Rights – Dems are currently triangulating this one. Between Kerry and Dean, there’s a Dem hunter every which way you look these days.
- Social Security – folks got that it was a big give away and cost way too much to get the same effect we could get by simply raising the annual IRA contribution limit..
These are what they have left?!!!?:
- Gay Rights/Marriage – Only a few people care enough about this to donate money, but still a voting draw for some strange reason. If Rove is outed, we might have a chance to turn this issue (he likes those military studs).
- Role of Religion in Government – This is about all they have left without a major swing in policy.
What am I missing? Oh yes..
- The War on Terror. I think this is the real problem the Dems will have going forward. How do we win? How do we end it? It is a conflict against an undefined enemy – it can continue as long as you care to label someone a terrorist. But how can you end it before you defeat the enemies you’ve already named? Is it about finding Osama? Not really. Can it be won in the minds of Americans without bringing him down personally? Not really.
- Homeland Security – Border and Port security prove that the GOP effort was corrupt in design, from the very top. The problem is that DHS is a rediculous boondoggle in it’s current form. It’s bleeding the budget dry and lining the pockets of every Tom Dick and Harry with phat no-bidders. The GOP is starving the beast while concentrating and centralizing it power.. How do you reform this without looking weak? How do you continue without destroying the Federal Gov’t as we know it?
Is it possible to talk post-Roe without getting irate? Hope so.
I’m still hoping/betting that Alito is a Sutter in disguise. If not, the GOP may have to get even dirtier with their nasty tricks, since their cash cow may be drying up real soon..
