The government shutdown fueled the perception with many swing voters that the new Republican majority in Congress cared more about their ambitions and goals than what was best for the country. Too often we seem intent upon putting ideological purity above political reality. Inherent in demonstrating the capacity to govern is understanding the voters' attitudes concerning the role of government. However, when it comes to specifics, this starts to lose coherence as a policy direction. Women are for government action when it comes to education, provision of health care security, and protecting the environment.
Women are opposed to government action when it comes to gay rights and school prayer.
If Republicans wish to successfully debate Clinton and Democrats on this issue we must talk about solid ideas that have proven successful and demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of education in the public schools while advocating parental responsibility and involvement. We cannot simplistically talk about eliminating the Department of Education and dismantling the education bureaucracy. This is a non-starter. If we define the crime issue as the war on drugs we win - if we allow Democrats to define crime on a debate about gun control we will likely lose. We should not allow the Democrat's framing of the tobacco issue to replace a discussion about the dangers of increased illegal drug use.