Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In the wake of the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” where the character “Captain” laments a “failure to communicate,” a similar sentiment resonates within the current political landscape, particularly between the Trump administration and younger generations of voters. Despite notable achievements such as stricter immigration policies, tax reductions, and a more controlled border, these accomplishments are failing to resonate with younger Americans, many of whom are increasingly drawn to socialist ideologies. This trend is exemplified by the recent election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City and the economic struggles observed in Oregon, which illustrate the pitfalls of such policies. The generational divide is stark; younger individuals, particularly those born after 9/11, lack the historical context that shapes the perspectives of older generations, leading to a disconnect in understanding the implications of socialism versus capitalism.
The article argues that younger voters, having lived relatively sheltered lives, tend to prioritize immediate affordability over the broader economic implications of policy decisions. For instance, while gas prices have decreased to an average of $3 per gallon nationally, they remain significantly higher in states like California. Inflation, which peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, has also affected perceptions of economic stability. The author suggests that Republicans have not effectively communicated the positive changes resulting from their policies, partly due to a media landscape that often blames them for rising prices. To bridge this communication gap, the author proposes targeted advertising strategies that highlight tangible benefits, such as reduced grocery prices and lower gas costs, in a way that resonates with younger audiences. By shifting the narrative from defense to offense, Republicans could emphasize the successes of their policies and caution voters about the potential consequences of returning to Democratic leadership, using recent examples from Oregon and New York as cautionary tales.
Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of clear and relatable communication in politics, especially when addressing a demographic that may not share the same historical experiences. By effectively showcasing how Republican policies have led to improvements in everyday life, the GOP could potentially sway younger voters and reshape the current political dialogue.
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 andÂ
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 inÂ
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.”Â
Gas prices
 are down since the Biden administration (now averagingÂ
$3
 per gallon, butÂ
$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 ofÂ
9.1 percent
 in June, 2022. Inflation wasÂ
3 percent
 for the 12 months ending in September 2025, according to theÂ
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 inÂ
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 atÂ
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).
