The Republican National Committee reaffirmed its position on same-sex marriage on Friday during meetings in Hollywood, Calif. This followed the Supreme Court’s hearing of arguments on what could be a landmark gay rights case just weeks ago, and the reaffirmation is coming from a party that is desperate for a rejuvenated and modernized platform that will attract independent and young voters. In reiterating that it is opposed to same-sex marriage, the RNC continues to dig itself into a deeper hole, one that will come back to haunt the party in 2016.
Although RNC chairman Reince Priebus insists Republicans must stay true to their principles, voters seem to disagree. A Wall Street Journal/NBC poll released Friday indicates that 53 percent of voters support same-sex marriage. More importantly, 54 percent of independents are in favor. Republicans, following the last election, knew that their social values were in need of the most change. They had lost the election because they failed to appeal to independent voters, people who often support left-wing social policies.
Even some top Republicans like Ohio Sen. Rob Portman and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. have embraced the cause. Both are seen as bearers of the Republican future because they have been willing to move toward the center on important issues. Not only have they been met with backlash from the Republican Party, but they have seen their presidential aspirations silenced because they lacked the backing of the so-called party base.
Far-right Republicans — the people who Priebus and the RNC have behind them in the same-sex marriage debate — provide the votes needed in red state primaries. As we have seen in 2008 and 2012, though, this tends to translate poorly in a general election. Candidates continually find themselves pushing each other further right, leading to poor results when they are placed against more moderate Democrats. By reaffirming its position on same-sex marriage, the RNC may be making its loyalists happy, but who cares? The faithful won’t help the RNC win elections — the youth vote and independents will. Those people are turned off by announcements like these.
Whether this reaffirmation is just for show, it says one thing: the Republican Party is unwavering, no matter what its rhetoric claims. Whether Republicans like it, social issues such as gay marriage are a factor in voters’ minds. Republican strategy still needs improvement. The fact that Priebus claimed that Republicans “do have to do things differently” but remained publicly against gay marriage, and had a certain Dick Cheney speak at the donor luncheon, proves this.
People like Huntsman and Portman are electable because of their ability to appeal to all Americans, not just to Republicans. This is what should matter if the Republican Party hopes to see an elephant in the White House anytime soon.
Samuel Barder is a contributing columnist. Email him at [email protected].
