Ronald Reagan famously stated “let them go their way…” when referring to Republicans who would not subscribe to conservative principles. Republicans lost the White House to an anti-American radical because the Republican party abandoned conservative principles, ran a moderate, and lost their way.

The Republican party led by President Bush abandoned core conservative principles and became moderates adopting Democrat policies. The average voter who pays little attention to the issues was not inspired and could barely tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats. John McCain was considered to be the safe candidate who would attract Independents. Post election analysis shows 20% of Republicans stayed home or did not vote for McCain while 69% of Independents voted for Obama.  Joe Lieberman campaigned for McCain but today remains a Democrat. McCain stunningly lost the tax issue to Obama.

Those who jumped ship and endorsed Obama like Colin Powell should never be allowed back into the party. They joined the Democrats, let them stay there. The Republican party can grow today and in the future by bringing people in as conservatives just like Reagan did.

To win back the White House in 2012 Republicans must return to conservative principles of limited government, lower taxes, strong national defense, personal responsibility, individual freedom, capitalism, and traditional values that apply to all people regardless race or gender. Politics of identity and voter block is a loser. Through conservative leadership we can win the votes of whites, blacks, Hispanics, and women.  

Names of future candidates are already being discussed. Mitt Romney, Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Newt Gingrich, and Sarah Palin are potential candidates two years from now. It would be a mistake for any candidate to start campaigning now.

Any candidate who has aspirations for 2012 needs to spend the next two years advancing conservative principles and helping conservatives get elected in federal, state, and local elections.  Candidates need to be visible and follow the Reagan model of advancing conservative principles throughout the country. Serious candidates must have a demonstrated track record of conservatism, not just tell us in two years they are conservative.

Socialism has failed in every society it has been tried. Spreading the wealth around is good for no one. The only thing Obama will spread in the next four years with his radical socialism is misery and economic disaster.   An economic policy of taking from producers in a society and giving to those who do not produce creates equal distribution of misery and want.  

America is the most prosperous nation in the world because our economy is built on free markets, capitalism, and private enterprise. Overreaching government regulation stifles economic growth, innovation, entrepreneurship, and prosperity.

Conservatives need to champion freedom and liberty. Shortly a president will be occupying the White House who could not be more at odds with freedom and liberty.

Obama will be a one term president; Jimmy Carter’s second failed term and worse.  Obama will not lead our country; he will run a bigger more intrusive government that continues to strip away our individual freedoms.

Obama’s radical policies will fail and our economy and security will suffer terrible set backs.  If Republicans return to conservative principles, not only will Republicans regain the White House in 2012, the carnage of the Obama administration could put Democrats out of power for many years.