Republicans need to regain dominance in the culture wars.
During an MSNBC interview last month, Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz described Republicans as “weird,” causing a stir and providing Democrats with a new line of attack.
This insult, though not as severe as Hillary Clinton’s “basket of deplorables” remark, is proving to be effective and, most importantly, accurate.
If “weird” is interpreted as being outside of the mainstream, then the GOP’s socially conservative agenda can be seen as unconventional. However, there is room for change and adaptation.
Polling data from the Manhattan Institute suggests that there is a shift in public opinion towards left-leaning policies on certain issues like abortion and gun control, while maintaining strong opposition to racial preferences, advocating for tough-on-crime measures, and showing skepticism towards sex-based medical procedures for minors.
The GOP has a chance to reframe its platform by choosing cultural battles wisely rather than focusing solely on traditional social issues.
Recent events, such as the protests following George Floyd’s death, have led to popular measures being adopted in various states to regulate Critical Race Theory in schools and enforce transparency in curriculum requirements.
Efforts to abolish DEI bureaucracies and police illegal race-conscious policies at public universities are also gaining support.
There is a growing public resistance to racial-preference programs, with calls to end such favoritism in government contracting.
Furthermore, there is a shift in attitudes towards crime and public safety, with Americans expressing a desire for more aggressive measures to tackle these issues.
Most voters, including black and Democratic voters, believe that the criminal justice system is not tough enough and support actions like clearing illegal public encampments and addressing aggressive campus protests.
There is also a call for bans on masks and facial coverings in public settings, reflecting a broader trend towards cultural conservatism.
Cultural conservatives have gained support on transgender issues as well, with concerns over early gender-related medical interventions for children and a push for parental involvement in such decisions.
Americans are showing traditionalist instincts even on newer issues like cellphone use in schools, highlighting a broader societal shift towards conservative values.
Republicans, led by figures like Donald Trump, are adapting to this changing landscape by focusing on popular cultural conservatism rather than divisive social issues.
Mr. Trump’s revision of the 2024 GOP platform reflects this shift, emphasizing the importance of marriage and prenatal care while toning down rhetoric on issues like abortion.
The platform still maintains a confrontational stance on certain cultural issues that align with public sentiment, including opposition to leftwing propaganda and a strong stance against illegal immigration and violent crime.
This moment presents Republicans with an opportunity to capitalize on changing attitudes and embrace a more culturally conservative platform that resonates with a broader range of voters.
The shift from yesterday’s social conservatism to today’s cultural conservatism presents a chance for the GOP to reposition itself and challenge Mr. Walz’s characterization as “weird” in the upcoming elections.
Jesse Arm is the Director of External Affairs & Presidential Initiatives at The Manhattan Institute
