Jeb Bush asserts that the Republican Party must abandon its nostalgia for the Reagan era and adopt a forward-looking strategy, similar to the successful approach used by Democrats in the 2008 election. He emphasizes that the party's messaging needs to evolve to attract new supporters. The discussion also highlights criticisms from figures like Rush Limbaugh, who claims that established Republican leaders are embarrassed by Sarah Palin, suggesting a divide within the party. The rise of Independents, who now outnumber Republicans, indicates a potential shift in the political landscape.
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http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/may/03/gop-listens-in-drive-to-thrive/Jeb Bush, GOP: Time to leave Reagan behind
Party leaders go on 'listening tour' with eyes on future
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Saturday that it's time for the Republican Party to give up its "nostalgia" for the heyday of the Reagan era and look forward, even if it means stealing the winning strategy deployed by Democrats in the 2008 election.
... "So our ideas need to be forward looking and relevant. I felt like there was a lot of nostalgia and the good old days in the [Republican] messaging. I mean, it's great, but it doesn't draw people toward your cause," Mr. Bush said.
http://www.poligazette.com/2009/05/05/limbaugh-jeb-and-romney-hate-palin/Discussing the Republican listening tour conducted by Former Governors Jeb Bush (FL) and Mitt Romney (MA), and House Minority Whip Eric Cantor, radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said yesterday that they are “embarrassed” by Sarah Palin.
They “hate” and “despise” the Alaska governor, Limbaugh said, and the “listening tour” is nothing more than “an early campaign event” for the presidential elections of 2012.
He went on to call Palin “the most prominent and articulate voice” for American conservatism.