Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In a thought-provoking reflection on the disconnect between the Trump administration, Republicans in Congress, and younger voters, the article draws parallels to a famous line from the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” where the character Luke is told, “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.” The author highlights how the Republican Party has significant achievements to promote, including stricter border policies, the deportation of undocumented immigrants, and tax reductions. However, these successes are failing to resonate with a younger generation that increasingly gravitates towards socialist ideologies, as evidenced by the election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City and the challenges faced by similar policies in Oregon.
The crux of the issue lies in the generational divide, with younger individuals, particularly those born after the September 11 attacks, lacking the shared historical experiences that shaped older generations. The author notes that while older generations remember the Cold War and its accompanying anxieties, younger voters have grown up in a more sheltered environment, leading to an entitlement mentality. This disconnect is further complicated by economic factors; while inflation has been a pressing concern—with prices peaking at 9.1% in June 2022—recent trends show a decline in gas prices and grocery costs. For instance, gas prices have averaged around $3 per gallon, contrasting sharply with previous highs. Despite these positive developments, the author argues that the media’s portrayal of economic issues often skews negative, contributing to the Republicans’ communication challenges.
To bridge this gap, the article suggests that the GOP should adopt a more proactive communication strategy that resonates with younger voters. The author proposes the development of targeted advertisements showcasing real-life comparisons of grocery prices and gas costs over time. By emphasizing tangible benefits of Republican policies and contrasting them with the perceived failures of Democratic governance, the party could better articulate its message. The author stresses the importance of consistent messaging that highlights the improvements in affordability and living conditions under Republican leadership, while also warning of the potential consequences of returning to Democratic policies. Ultimately, the piece underscores that effective communication is vital for the Republican Party to connect with younger voters and convey their successes in a meaningful way.
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).
