After seeing a clip of Kellyanne Conway trying out a new message, I came away with a couple of thoughts: first, the Republican establishment, particularly its consultants and politicians, seem quite out of touch; second, they appear to be more misguided than they realize. With messages like this, not only could Republicans face a significant loss in the upcoming elections, but they might also sabotage themselves in the process.
During a recent Fox News panel, Conway expressed her enthusiasm about hiring numbers at the Pentagon, suggesting they were on the rise despite a downturn under the Biden administration. Her reasoning? The current government seems fixated on war and bombings, leaving little room for what she called the “DEI garbage” that might be waking people up.
Then came her notable statement: “The last government was about gender change,” she remarked. “This is an issue related to regime change.”
This message doesn’t seem like it’s likely to resonate well. It could, perhaps, calm the nerves of some Trump supporters who are getting increasingly worried about the ongoing war, which seems to be spiraling into a chaotic situation. The Strait of Hormuz, once open, is now partially closed due to actions taken by Iran, and this puts America in a tough spot—either try to reclaim control or make concessions to reopen it.
But Conway’s comments might not connect well with independent voters who the Republicans need on their side to retain the House. Instead, they might provoke the opposite reaction. The current situation with the war raises questions about the management of efforts, and while it’s true that the Biden administration has its share of oddities, many might prefer a status quo where they felt less on the brink of an energy crisis.
If I were to give Republicans any advice right now, it would be to start preparing for what comes next after they leave Congress because the outlook doesn’t seem promising.
