GOP 2.0 is an amazing political policy book by Georgia’s Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. I’m a Moderate Democrat who admires Republican Duncan’s courage as he acknowledges the ugliness of Trump’s Republican Party and outlines a path back to civility—a path their party might not take. In the political arena, we have the Left, the Right, and the majority in the sensible center. However, the question is how do you function in vibe and tone. Senator Sam Nunn, Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Saxby Chambliss, Representative John Lewis and Representative Sanford Bishop were all good guys who sought dialog with the other side. Duncan points out that the Georgia politics of his youth (when I was a congressional staffer) was led by conservatives —-who were Democrats. I hope it’s not illegal for me to list my notes from this important book below.
If Duncan was running for reelection, I would vote for him the same way I voted for Nunn, Chambliss, and Bishop. The GOP had a blueprint for a more inclusive big tent party from African American GOP National chairman Michael Steele and they decided to be dark instead. They could have had genius Governor John Kasich for president but they took Trump. To me, Geoff Duncan is the second most important grassroots leader in America behind Stacey Abrams. After reading these notes, you will see why.
GOP 2.0, book notes by
Geoff Duncan, Georgia Lt. Governor
p. 9 The Duncans know that at the State Capitol, Dad always operates by a guiding principle: “Policy over politics.” They’ve learned I believe that whatever your party, good public policy should lift all boats.
p. 11 You can’t make policy without the middle. Nor can you lead a state or country- or win big elections- without an inclusive coalition. Bipartisan support is not a sign of weakness.
p. 25 Let’s focus on refreshing and recharging the GOP and engaging more voters through conservative Policy, genuine Empathy and a respectful Tone. Let’s call this our PET Project: Policy: Support smart conservative legislation that can create consensus and help real people solve real problems. Empathy: Genuinely seek to understand others inside and outside the GOP, and in the process, build a winning coalition. Tone: Lead by example as we share our ideas and perspectives with honesty, respect, and civility.
p. 31 When my father’s job brought my family to Georgia, it was a conservative country, led by conservative Southern Democrats.
p. 57 I liked raising my boys in peace. But how could I let them see me spreading rumors or lying to my constituents? What would they think if I compromised the democratic principles and institutions that they’d learned to revere in civics classes? What would it teach them if I stood by idly in this storm of misinformation?
p. 89 Nobody talks about the logical conclusion of the Fraud Hoax. It understandably makes us uncomfortable. We saw a glimpse of that conclusion on January 6, 2020, at the U.S. Capitol. Make no mistake: If Republicans had overturned valid election results, the country could have collapsed. And everyone making false allegations and trampling the Constitution would have been complicit.
p. 97 As early as 2016, I heard concerns from many friends about the president’s indiscretions, language, bullying and tendency to blur the truth.
p. 97 Pray at church and consider Jesus’s point of view on Sunday morning, but resume the unrestrained warfare against the other side right after the benediction: “All’s fair in war and politics; God will look the other way because he’s really on our side.”
p. 107 Here’s what’s really true: If our party want a future where in can win majorities and pass conservative legislation, it needs ideas and policies that can capture the hearts and minds of a majority, no matter how many people vote. Tht
p. 139 Here’s the alarm bell: The Republican Party has won the popular vote one time – once – since 1988.
p. 140 The 2020 elections offer three particularly important lessons to Republicans. 1. Our tent must expand. 2. Our tent can expand. 3. The sideshows have to stop.
p. 154 He (Trump) gain 4 percent from 2020, reaching 12 percent (of the Black vote.) He did this despite four years of divisive language, flirtations with white supremacy, and poor handling of racial justice protests. What if he had showed understanding and empathy? What if he’d responded to the needs and conditions that fueled the protests?
p. 157 We conservatives are allowing ourselves to be poisoned by misinformation. Our grip on reality – and our credibility with key voters such as independents, moderates, and even many conservatives – will continue to slip if we don’t take a stand and stop this nonsense.
p. 158 We learned in Bob Woodward’s infamous interview that the president clearly knew the facts about the coronavirus but chose to politicize this global threat to boost his image and agenda- and divided Americans with the one issue that should have united us. And many party members went right along with him.
p. 183 And in this political era so full of anger and rancor, Republicans and Democrats need to forgive one another and move to understand each other. Let’s also show America we can love those who don’t usually vote for us too. Our leaders need to provide the example.
p. 214 And when people do find themselves inside the (criminal justice) system, we should find ways to equip lesser offenders with the tools and skills they need to make a better path for themselves outside the system. As long as safety permits, American potential doesn’t need to be locked up or dragged down by inescapable cycles of fines and penalties.
p. 240 Seriously, how can we expect somebody to vote for us if we’re not willing to sit down with them at a kitchen table and ask them their challenges? How many Republican legislators know what it’s like to be a single mom with two jobs and three kids? Even after talking with Ahmaud Arbery’s mother, I still don’t truly comprehend what it must be like to be a young Black man in America. I never will, but I’ll commit to trying.
p. 240 Broadly, we need to spend time with the poor, people of color, those in the middle class- many of whom don’t statistically vote for us but who many of our policies could help.
p. 249 Truth is, governing requires much more: It requires listening, studying, collaborating, compromising, explaining, and teaching.
p. 252 Rotarians evaluate their statements by asking:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
p. 257 Republican leaders have excused, accepted, encouraged , and rewarded making false statements on an astonishing scale recently, especially for a party that claims moral high ground.
p. 263 Let’s stop undermining every information channel that doesn’t always see it our way. Let’s call out falsehood. Let’s promote policies that don’t need misinformation to win support.
p. 269 We imagine a government of representatives who vigorously and honestly debate big ideas and then come together to take responsibility for helping our nation solve its challenges. We envision leaders who can show us how to love one another, even when we disagree.
p. 272 I’m convinced this generation of Republicans and this refreshed and bigger version of the party I imagine – GOP 2.0 – can bring together an extraordinary coalition behind conservative policies that work, genuine understanding that informs and respectful honest tones that unite and inspire.
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