On the first day of Christmas, Joe should run because….

 1.) Strong conservative values – See below…

2.) Reagan’s tone and style – Treats people he agrees with 80% as a friend, not an enemy

3.) Supports states’ rights - Understands the 10^th Amendment’s guidance in role of states

4.) Supports gun rights – 100% National Rifle Association rating

5.) Belief in limited government – Knows government is the problem, not the solution

6.) Strong pro-life – 100% National Right to Life rating

7.) Conserves our resources – Supports prudent use of our national and natural resources

8.) Supports small business – Believes in small business jobs, not government jobs

9.) Cautious foreign policy – Puts troops before politics calling for the wars to de-escalate

10.) Sustainable budget – Understands that government needs to live on the budget it has

11.) Strong voting record – He has the voting record to win

12.) Dropped the F-bomb on TV – How can you not like this guy?

 Joe understands conservatism is a belief in a cautious foreign policy, conserving our resources, encouraging entrepreneurship, and a sustainable budget. His politics and style make him a great candidate for 2012 and provide a path forward for the movement.

Plus, he won’t pull a Tebow and cry when Texas beats Alabama, probably.

The theme of the successful conservatives in 2009 wasn’t on social issues. They focused on conservative solutions to revitalize those states and it led to an evisceration of their Democratic opponents. Conservative solutions to the economy, our national debt, and foreign policy are the model for success and winning in 2010 and beyond. Joe Scarborough’s politics are a great example of the type of conservatism needed to rebuild and grow the party.

Two markedly different paths forward have emerged for Republicans as they decide how to rebuild and compete in the 2010 elections. These divergent paths have been characterized by the politically similar, Glenn Beck and Joe Scarborough.

Both pundits have an affable personality, but their styles are far apart. Beck makes emotional appeals and frequently embraces pseudo-conspiracy theories. Scarborough focuses on reason and practical policy solutions. There is a place for emotional appeals but there must be more for a party to move forward. Practical communication of conservative principles, in Scarborough’s style, is the key to the rebirth of the Republican brand.

Beck attempts to appeal to the public as a likeable ordinary guy. This style will lead to a doomsday for Republicans and will squander an opportunity because it fights against the President’s primary strength, likeability. Scarborough attempts to shape the debate by putting forth practical policy suggestions. This style is a winner because it emphasizes the President’s weakness in shaping the policy debate.

President Obama has a unique ability to sell the public pseudo-truths. A recent example is the illogical idea that he can easily cut hundreds of billions of dollars in waste from Medicare without a decline in the level of care. Republicans need someone who can counter this preposterous rhetoric but do so in a style that maintains their likability across a broad swath of America.