Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate
In a recent commentary, the author draws a parallel between a famous line from the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke” and the current disconnect between the Trump administration, the Republican Party, and younger voters. The phrase “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate” encapsulates the struggle Republicans face in conveying their successes—such as stricter border policies, the deportation of undocumented immigrants, and tax reductions—to a younger demographic that appears increasingly attracted to socialist ideals. This generational divide is underscored by the recent election of democratic socialist Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in New York City and the troubling economic outcomes associated with similar policies in places like Oregon.
The author highlights that younger generations, particularly those born after the September 11 attacks, lack the shared experiences of older Americans, which has led to a different worldview and an entitlement mentality. As an example, the commentary notes that while gas prices have recently decreased under the Biden administration, many young voters remain focused on affordability without understanding the broader economic context. The author points to statistics indicating that while overall prices have risen significantly since early 2021, wages have not kept pace, leading to a persistent inflationary environment. This disconnect is compounded by a media landscape that often fails to acknowledge Republican achievements in favor of highlighting negative narratives.
To bridge this communication gap, the author suggests that Republicans need to adopt more effective messaging strategies. For instance, creating advertisements that illustrate tangible benefits—like lower grocery prices and reduced gas costs—could resonate more with younger voters who may not be aware of the improvements. The commentary emphasizes that Republicans should shift from a defensive posture to actively promoting their policies, illustrating how past Democratic governance has led to economic challenges in states like Oregon and New York. By consistently communicating these truths, the author argues, the GOP can better connect with younger audiences and shift their perceptions regarding the effectiveness of conservative policies.
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).
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering General news.
