Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In a thought-provoking analysis, 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 the younger generation of voters. He argues that despite significant achievements such as stricter immigration policies, tax cuts, and a decrease in gas prices, these successes are failing to resonate with younger voters who often lean towards socialist ideologies. Thomas points to the election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City as a clear indicator of this trend, suggesting that younger generations are disconnected from the historical lessons and economic realities that shaped previous generations’ views on socialism.
The generational divide is stark, with younger individuals, particularly those born after 9/11, lacking the shared experiences that older generations have, such as the Cold War and military service. This disconnect, Thomas argues, has fostered an entitlement mentality among the youth, who prioritize affordability over the potential pitfalls of socialist policies. He highlights the recent drop in grocery prices and gas costs as evidence that Republican policies can lead to positive economic outcomes, yet these facts are often overshadowed by negative media portrayals. To bridge this gap, Thomas suggests that the GOP should adopt a more proactive communication strategy, utilizing relatable advertisements that showcase real-life examples of how prices have improved under their policies.
Furthermore, Thomas emphasizes the importance of highlighting the failures of liberal policies, particularly in states like Oregon, where economic struggles have become evident. By consistently communicating these truths and contrasting them with the past and present consequences of Democratic governance, Republicans can better engage younger voters. He concludes that the task of effective communication should not be insurmountable, urging the GOP to articulate their successes in a way that resonates with a generation seeking affordability and economic stability.
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).
