# Will The Republicans ever figure out why they lost? **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [December 26, 2012, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224 "2012-12-26T21:33:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 63
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1241 "2013-07-11T16:23:22Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > Yeah, and the (GOP-controlled) House is about to call Bush a fucking asshole (since the Senate bill they’re going to reject is essentially the Bush immigration reform plan rebranded). Good luck with that. Hell, Bush himself called them out (subtly) just yesterday. Well? If the Pubs wouldn’t pass that even when one of their own proposed it . . . ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1242 "2013-07-11T16:47:58Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Yes, and his party immediately began taking apart everything he actually DID and proposed to GET that 44%. W. was at odds with his party on the immigration issue forever. It was BUSH who got those 44% of Hispanics, not the GOP. That’s the point, they are already giving up those votes as lost because it is easier than changing their tune. > [@BrainGlutton](#): > > Well? If the Pubs wouldn’t pass that even when one of their own proposed it . . . Bush had just won after getting 44% of the Hispanic vote, this time they lost with only 27%. I think McCain clocked in at 35%? Anyways, the trend is crystal clear and any Republican with national, or hell even statewide aspirations sees it. House Republicans on the other hand know quite well going along means getting primaried by a TeaTard, so it is basically up to Boehner and how willing he is to break the Hastert rule. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1243 "2013-07-11T17:16:57Z")
Bah. Hispanic voters don’t care about immigration. Only the ones who aren’t currently voters care about the issue. Those who came here legally or were born here care about the same things other voters do: jobs and the economy. Those who didn’t care about immigration. Which is precisely why Republicans shouldn’t make voters out of them. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1244 "2013-07-11T17:42:04Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Bah. Hispanic voters don’t care about immigration. Only the ones who aren’t currently voters care about the issue. Those who came here legally or were born here care about the same things other voters do: jobs and the economy. Those who didn’t care about immigration. Which is precisely why Republicans shouldn’t make voters out of them. I was going to respond to this but I can’t seem to phrase it in a way that’s consonant with the Elections forum… ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1245 "2013-07-11T17:42:59Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Bah. Hispanic voters don’t care about immigration. Only the ones who aren’t currently voters care about the issue. Those who came here legally or were born here care about the same things other voters do: jobs and the economy. Those who didn’t care about immigration. Which is precisely why Republicans shouldn’t make voters out of them. As a Hispanic that is a citizen now, I should tell you to stop spewing ignorant points. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1246 "2013-07-11T17:50:21Z")
It’s not ignorant, I’m making an argument from a poll YOU posted in another thread showing that Hispanics prioritize immigration extremely low. Why would you care about immigration anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1247 "2013-07-11T17:51:51Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Bah. Hispanic voters don’t care about immigration. Only the ones who aren’t currently voters care about the issue. Those who came here legally or were born here care about the same things other voters do: jobs and the economy. Those who didn’t care about immigration. Which is precisely why Republicans shouldn’t make voters out of them. Where in the world do you get this stuff? My wife, who’s Hispanic, and a naturalized American citizen cares about immigration, as do I, and I was born here. And we both vote. Does it bother you even one iota that you’re so wrong about so much? ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1248 "2013-07-11T17:54:53Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Bah. Hispanic voters don’t care about immigration. Only the ones who aren’t currently voters care about the issue. Those who came here legally or were born here care about the same things other voters do: jobs and the economy. Those who didn’t care about immigration. Which is precisely why Republicans shouldn’t make voters out of them. Gets my vote for most astounding post in this thread. More proof that the answer to the OP is a resounding NO. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1249 "2013-07-11T17:58:10Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Why would you care about immigration anyway? Because I have a heart and compassion, and realize that people WANT TO COME HERE AND WORK and actually ARE doing so even with the draconian way that our current immigration law treats people coming from the south of our borders. **adaher** , I’m going to say something that you probably think is a compliment. You are the absolute, distilled, shining essence of your parties beliefs and policies, condensed down into a single human being and polished all shiny-like. Let me assure you, however, that even though that sentence probably will pass inspection on this forum’s rules, it is NOT a compliment. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1250 "2013-07-11T18:11:18Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Bah. Hispanic voters don’t care about immigration. Only the ones who aren’t currently voters care about the issue. Those who came here legally or were born here care about the same things other voters do: jobs and the economy. Those who didn’t care about immigration. Which is precisely why Republicans shouldn’t make voters out of them. I can’t wait to hear why you think your party is doing progressively worse with hispanics every election. My guess is because Democrats lie to them and tell them Republicans are meany racists? ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1251 "2013-07-11T18:15:43Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > It’s not ignorant, I’m making an argument from a poll YOU posted in another thread showing that Hispanics prioritize immigration extremely low. > > Why would you care about immigration anyway? :rolleyes: Even if it is low in priority does not mean it is not important to us, but thank you for showing all how out of it you really are. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1252 "2013-07-11T18:19:59Z")
Not only is it not a priority, but Hispanic voters favor enforcement first, as do black voters and white voters. So, given that, why wouldn’t all politicians favor enforcement first? ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1253 "2013-07-11T18:21:27Z")
And even if it is low priority they are still not going to vote for a party that hates them. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1254 "2013-07-11T18:21:27Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > Where in the world do you get this stuff? > > My wife, who’s Hispanic, and a naturalized American citizen cares about immigration, as do I, and I was born here. And we both vote. > > Does it bother you even one iota that you’re so wrong about so much? Show me a single poll showing immigration rating high on the list of issues Hispanic voters care about. [http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/national/immigration-not-top-priority-for-hispanic-voters-unemployment-and-economy-more-of-an-issue](http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/national/immigration-not-top-priority-for-hispanic-voters-unemployment-and-economy-more-of-an-issue) Do you ever get tired of being wrong?🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1255 "2013-07-11T18:22:07Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > Why would you care about immigration anyway? Because my wife has family and other acquaintances who have been trying to legally emigrate for YEARS, but have been dealing with roadblocks uniquely reserved for Hispanics even more onerous than the ridiculous process she went through to become a citizen, which also took years, and was mitigated only by the acquisition of her student visa and green card, and even that process was a nightmare. Do you actually believe Latin Americans, simply because they’re already in the US, shouldn’t care about potential opportunities for their families and other of their countrymen? ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1256 "2013-07-11T18:22:41Z")
> [@DigitalC](#): > > And even if it is low priority they are still not going to vote for a party that hates them. True. However, the immigration bill does not even begin to address that problem. All it actually would do is anger GOP supporters while gaining no new pro-immigration supporters. Although it might get them a little more corporate money. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1257 "2013-07-11T18:23:54Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > Because my wife has family and other acquaintances who have been trying to legally emigrate for YEARS, but have been dealing with roadblocks uniquely reserved for Hispanics even more onerous than the ridiculous process she went through to become a citizen, which also took years, and was mitigated only by the acquisition of her student visa and green card, and even that process was a nightmare. > > Do you actually believe Latin Americans, simply because they’re already in the US, shouldn’t care about potential opportunities for their families and other of their countrymen? Everyone favors fixing the immigration system. The immigration bill doesn’t do that. IT’s not designed to. It’s designed to legalize millions of illegal immigrants. If it does anything else, that’s just a bonus as far as its supporters go. In fact, the bill further breaks the system. The GOP is ACTUALLY going to fix the immigration system in the House. Those who want to come here legally will have a much easier time of it. Those who came here illegally, tough cookies. But you wouldn’t worry about that, since you come from a law abiding family. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1258 "2013-07-11T18:27:46Z")
> **[Only 30% Think Government Likely to Secure Border If Reform Bill Passes](https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/may_2013/only_30_think_government_likely_to_secure_border_if_reform_bill_passes)** > > Support for a comprehensive immigration reform plan has fallen slightly, as more voters than ever question the willingness of the federal government to control the nation’s borders. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that... This entire thread is full of suggestions that Republicans do unpopular things to win elections. It’s nonsense. 66% favor enforcement first, and there is little ethnic divide on the issue. Who exactly are Republicans supposed to represent? The people? Because every piece of advice given on this thread urges Republicans to ignore the people. Which was the Democratic strategy in 2009 and 2010 and we saw how that went. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1259 "2013-07-11T18:39:23Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > True. However, the immigration bill does not even begin to address that problem. All it actually would do is anger GOP supporters while gaining no new pro-immigration supporters. Although it might get them a little more corporate money. What the immigration bill would accomplish is that next election your primary candidates won’t be trying to out conservative each other on the immigration issue by saying progressively more stupid things and you won’t end up with a self deportation candidate. Not having to talk about how mean they are going to be to the brown people by itself will bump you up several points, and that is really all you need. Enforcement first is bullshit, enforcement first means legalization never or enforcement never depending on who decides when the border is “secure”. It’s just a meaningless talking point. ---
**Author:** ![Oldeb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ea666f/32.png) [@Oldeb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oldeb)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224/1260 "2013-07-11T18:43:16Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > [Only 30% Think Government Likely to Secure Border If Reform Bill Passes - Rasmussen Reports®](http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/immigration/may_2013/only_30_think_government_likely_to_secure_border_if_reform_bill_passes) > > This entire thread is full of suggestions that Republicans do unpopular things to win elections. It’s nonsense. 66% favor enforcement first, and there is little ethnic divide on the issue. > > Who exactly are Republicans supposed to represent? The people? Because every piece of advice given on this thread urges Republicans to ignore the people. Which was the Democratic strategy in 2009 and 2010 and we saw how that went. Is there a non-Rasmussen cite for this? Rasmussen was notably inacurrate in the last two elections (2010 and 2012). Not sure I’d trust any data from them. In the last presidential election they were actually more inaccurate than Fox News live phone polls. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224.md?page=62) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-republicans-ever-figure-out-why-they-lost/645224.md?page=64)