Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In a thought-provoking reflection on the communication gap between the Trump administration and younger voters, the recent article draws parallels to the iconic line from the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” where the character “Captain” laments a “failure to communicate.” Despite the Trump administration’s achievements, such as a closed border, deportation of undocumented immigrants, and tax reductions, the message appears to be lost on a younger generation increasingly attracted to socialist ideologies. This disconnect is starkly illustrated by the election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City, alongside the troubling economic outcomes in states like Oregon, which have embraced such policies. The article suggests that the generational divide is a significant factor; younger individuals, particularly those born after 9/11, lack the shared historical experiences that shape older generations’ views on political and economic systems, resulting in a perception that socialism may offer solutions to their financial concerns.
The article further explores how younger voters prioritize affordability over historical lessons about the failures of socialism. For instance, while gas prices have recently decreased to an average of $3 per gallon nationally, with California seeing prices around $4.73, the narrative surrounding inflation and economic conditions remains skewed. Since January 2021, inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, yet wages have only slightly kept pace. This economic backdrop, combined with media narratives that often blame Republicans for rising prices, contributes to the GOP’s struggle to resonate with younger demographics. The author suggests that Republicans need to adopt a more effective communication strategy, employing relatable advertisements that highlight the tangible benefits of their policies—like lower grocery prices and gas costs—while contrasting them with the economic challenges posed by Democratic leadership.
To bridge this communication gap, the article advocates for a proactive approach from the GOP, urging them to focus on the positive outcomes of their policies and the potential repercussions of a return to Democratic governance. By emphasizing the affordability of essential goods and the advantages of living in states with lower taxes and costs, Republicans can present a compelling case to younger voters. The call to action is clear: it is essential for the party to articulate its message effectively and consistently, ensuring that the successes of their policies are not overshadowed by the prevailing media narratives. In a rapidly changing political landscape, the ability to communicate effectively with younger generations could prove crucial for the GOP’s future electoral success.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnPtDCSUf5o
In the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” the “Captain” says to Luke (Paul Newman) “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.”
The same could be said of the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress. While they have much to brag about – from a closed border, the deportation of undocumented immigrants and
lower taxes
– it’s not getting through to especially a younger generation that seems enamored with socialism as we’ve recently seen with the election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City and the disastrous result of that economic philosophy in
Oregon
.
The generational divide means that younger people have not experienced what older generations have experienced. An example: My wife and I are the same age. We have family members who were in the military. We like the same music and recall the threat of nuclear war with the Soviet Union which was part of the Cold War. When we speak of such things we understand each other.
Younger people, especially those born after 9/11, know nothing of our experiences, nor have they similar experiences of their own. They have led what we used to call “sheltered lives,” which has created in them an entitlement mentality. When we try to tell them why socialism doesn’t work, they seem to care only about “affordability.”
Gas prices
are down since the Biden administration (now averaging
$3
per gallon, but
$4.73
on average in California as of April 2025). I went grocery shopping last week and found prices have dropped on such basics as eggs, milk and bread.
Since January 2021, overall prices rose $22.7 percent, but wages rose only $21.8 percent. Inflation hit a record high of
9.1 percent
in June, 2022. Inflation was
3 percent
for the 12 months ending in September 2025, according to the
Bureau of Labor Statistics
.
Why is this not getting through? Part of it has to do with the failure to acknowledge these facts by the media, which never hesitate to blame Republicans when prices go up and the government closes. But a lot of the failure by Republicans to get through to younger voters is because they are speaking a different language.
Were I a consultant for the GOP I would develop several ads. One would show two women grocery shopping with a list that has in one column the prices of food during the Biden administration and the prices now. One woman says to the other “Look how the price of eggs has dropped. That’s not what we are hearing on the news.” Another ad would feature a woman filling up her car and telling her liberal, college-age son, “$3 a gallon is cheaper than it was five years ago under Biden.”
People have more options than ever when it comes to where to live, work and what to buy. If the rent or housing prices are too high, one can always move to a place with no state taxes, cheaper food and gas and less expensive housing.
Republicans should get off defense (and the Epstein files ) and note how everything was more expensive under Biden. The cost of health insurance escalated because of subsidies created by “Obamacare.” Cheaper health insurance is available through independent organizations like Medi-Share and Samaritan’s Purse.
These and other truths that prove things are getting better because of Republican policies, should be hammered home every day. It should also be repeated that if Democrats return to power, the public can look to the recent past, the present in
Oregon
and the likely future in New York to see how liberal policies have failed.
It shouldn’t be that difficult to communicate.
Readers may email Cal Thomas at
tcaeditors@tribpub.com
. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
