Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In a thought-provoking commentary, Cal Thomas draws parallels between the iconic line from the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke” and the current communication gap between the Trump administration, Republicans in Congress, and younger voters. He argues that despite the Trump administration’s notable achievements—such as stricter immigration policies, lower taxes, and a focus on economic growth—these successes are not resonating with the younger generation, many of whom are increasingly attracted to socialist ideals. This trend is exemplified by the recent election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City, highlighting a growing divide in political and economic perspectives. Thomas emphasizes that younger voters, particularly those born after 9/11, lack the historical context and experiences that shape older generations’ views on socialism and capitalism, leading to a disconnect in understanding the implications of economic policies.
Thomas elaborates on the generational divide by sharing personal anecdotes that illustrate how shared experiences foster mutual understanding. He points out that younger individuals often lead what he describes as “sheltered lives,” which contributes to a sense of entitlement and a focus on immediate affordability rather than the broader implications of economic systems. Despite recent improvements in gas prices and grocery costs, many young people remain skeptical of Republican messaging, which fails to resonate due to differing values and priorities. To bridge this gap, Thomas suggests that Republicans need to adopt a more relatable communication strategy. He proposes targeted advertisements that highlight tangible economic benefits, such as lower grocery prices and gas costs, to counteract the negative narratives often perpetuated by the media.
Ultimately, Thomas calls on the Republican Party to shift from a defensive stance to one that actively promotes the successes of their policies. He argues that by clearly communicating how Republican governance leads to better economic outcomes, especially in comparison to Democratic policies, they can regain the trust of younger voters. He warns that a return to Democratic leadership could lead to the same failures seen in states like Oregon, urging Republicans to articulate their message effectively and consistently. In a political landscape marked by rapid change and shifting ideologies, the ability to communicate effectively across generational lines could prove crucial for the future of Republican engagement with younger voters.
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).
