The Republican party lost the election because the vast majority of African Americans (91%), Hispanics (71%), women (55%), and young people (60%) voted for Barack Obama.

It failed to capture these votes for three reasons: (1) too few speakers from these groups, (2) too little speaking for these groups, and (3) too little speaking to these groups of voters.

1. More speaking from
The conservative movement has way too few representatives, spokespersons, nominees, etc., in these groups. It is still the party of largely middle-age-plus white men. I’m one of them, but our day is passing. We need way more diversity in the voices and faces we present to the public. There are a number of conservative pundits’ voices and faces I’d love to see retire early. But how do we attract a more diverse group of supporters and speakers? That brings me to my second point.

2. More speaking for
The conservative movement has failed to speak for African Americans, Hispanics, etc. There’s plenty advocacy for businesses and for the middle class. But why don’t conservatives equally speak for the poor and for those who are discriminated against? If we don’t speak for people, if they don’t sense that we are their advocates, that we have their interests at heart, we won’t get a hearing from them. Of course, there’s no war on women. But why not a war for women? Most women know that conservatives are not against them. But do they really sense that we are enthusiastically for them and their concerns? Same goes for young people.

3. More speaking to
I never got the sense from Mitt Romney that he was trying to speak to minorities or to young people in general. His message was finely honed and targeted on the middle class and the business class – the establishment, you might say. Like many conservatives, he seemed to just give up on any attempt to show how conservative principles can lift and inspire the poor and the disadvantaged, far more than any amount of handouts or government programs. The 47% comment revealed so much.

When the only message people in urban areas hear  is, “We will cut entitlements,” they also hear crime rising, assaults increasing, windows smashing, etc., as a result. An alternative has to be offered, something more inspirational than dependency, and something more constructive than cuts. Surely there’s a modern day William Wilberforce somewhere that can translate conservative principles into policies and a persuasive message that will give hope to the inner-cities and urban areas.

Diversity and morality
There are certain kinds of diversity that are immoral – gay marriage for example. But there are other kinds of diversity that are a moral duty. And that goes not just for conservative politics, but also for the church of Christ. Let’s not be dragged there kicking and screaming, but embrace this reality with enthusiasm and excitement.

  • Jess Jacobson

    Thanks!

  • http://ReformedMinistrytoMormons Andrew Price

    Hello David it is good to catch up with you after many years , and hope your new sphere of ministry is going well. Specific to this campaign the Christian community in America should never allowed the Republican Party establishment to foist onto it a Mormon to be their candidate. They certainly should never have supported him and should instead have abstained , spoiled their ballots or written in a third candidate. I am glad at least 10% of normally Republican voting Christians did just that.I was shocked Dr Beeke endorsed Romney. Having got that of my chest I agree with you the Republican Party should do more to attract support among minorities who are often socially conservative.

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  • http://www.proginosko.com James Anderson

    Thanks for this, David. I think you have a point, but I can’t agree that this is the main reason why the Republicans lost. Here’s my take on the matter, FWIW:

    http://www.proginosko.com/2012/11/its-the-culture-stupid/

    • http://headhearthand.org/blog/ David Murray

      That’s a very helpful and persuasive perspective, James. There’s definitely truth in what you say. My only quibble would be that many Hispanic voters are culturally conservative (and a sizable minority of African Americans too), and yet the vast majority even of these culturally conservative minorities are voting for socially liberal candidates.

      • http://www.proginosko.com James Anderson

        Yes, you’re right about many Hispanics voters being culturally conservative. I guess that’s largely the Catholic influence. It’s odd, then, that their cultural values aren’t having more of an impact on their voting patterns. My concern is this: if their social conservatism isn’t a determinative factor today, why think it will be significant factor in the future? After all, they’re just as susceptible to leftward cultural drift as the rest of the country.

  • suzanne

    Nice article except for one obvious fact. After 4 more yrs of Obama, the “live off the government” crowd will be so huge there will never be a going back. Last night was the death of america. Republicans may as well close shop and go home.

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