Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In a striking reflection on communication failures within political discourse, the article draws parallels between a famous line from the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke” and the current disconnect between the Trump administration, Republicans in Congress, and younger voters, particularly those enamored with socialist ideals. The author highlights the accomplishments of the Trump era, such as stricter immigration policies, lower taxes, and improved gas prices, yet notes that these achievements are not resonating with a younger generation that has largely grown up in a different socio-political landscape. This generational divide is underscored by the election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City, illustrating a shift towards leftist ideologies among younger voters, who often prioritize affordability over the historical lessons of socialism’s failures.
The article delves into the reasons for this communication gap, emphasizing that younger individuals, particularly those born after 9/11, lack the shared experiences that shape the perspectives of older generations. The author argues that this has fostered an “entitlement mentality” among the youth, who prioritize immediate financial concerns without fully grasping the broader implications of economic policies. Despite recent drops in grocery prices and gas costs, the narrative of rising costs and inflation persists, largely fueled by media portrayals that often blame Republicans. To bridge this gap, the author suggests that Republicans need to adopt more effective communication strategies, including targeted advertising that contrasts current prices with those from the Biden administration, thereby making their case more relatable to younger voters.
Ultimately, the article calls for a proactive approach from Republicans to articulate their successes and the detrimental effects of liberal policies, using clear, relatable messaging that resonates with the younger demographic. By emphasizing the tangible benefits of conservative policies and drawing on historical examples of liberal governance failures, the GOP can better convey their message and potentially sway the opinions of a generation that seems increasingly disconnected from traditional political narratives. The author concludes that effective communication should not be an insurmountable challenge, urging Republicans to take the initiative in shaping the conversation around economic realities and policy outcomes.
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).
