Palin Bashing Is Lack of Focus on Real Problem

Those in the Republican party who are bashing Sarah Palin for the lost election not only fundamentally misunderstand her role in the campaign, but they also show a lack of insight into why McCain lost. The senator, despite his long service in Congress, is no issues guy. He cannot explain why he is for or against any specific reforms, especially in the ideologically charged areas like health care.

Sarah Palin is clearly ideological, and that appeals to conservatives and many Americans who are not particularly ideological but seek clarity in differences. With the sharp left turn that the country will take under Barack Obama and a heavy Democrat majority in Congress, Palin's ideological stance will become increasingly popular.

America needs free-market reforms in just about every area of public policy, and the need will grow with each year of the Obama administration. If the GOP fails to recognize that the party's future is bleak at best. The safest way for the party to avoid a future in the shadow of the Democrats is to show confidence and ideological fervor at the state level. With 50 different jurisdictions there is plenty of room for Republican-led states to set good limited-government examples, especially in areas that are a heavy burden on taxpayers: health care and education.

Republicans who push for free-market solutions in health care will be able to show that more freedom, not less, will expand health insurance coverage. Two simple steps can help: remove the state coverage mandates that force people to buy narrowly tailored insurance packages that they cannot afford and will not use; and give small businesses in the state the ability to pool together and buy insurance nationwide, again without having to pay for in-state coverage mandates.

A strong, concerted effort to bring school choice to all families, not just the Obamas and other wealthy parents, will also help strengthen the Republican credentials.