General

Cal Thomas: Republicans are failing to communicate

By Eric December 4, 2025

In a poignant reflection on the disconnect between the Trump administration’s accomplishments and their perception among younger voters, the article draws parallels to the famous line from the 1967 film “Cool Hand Luke,” where the character Luke confronts a “failure to communicate.” Despite notable achievements such as a closed border, increased deportations of undocumented immigrants, and tax cuts, these successes have largely failed to resonate with a generation that seems increasingly attracted to socialist ideals. The election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City exemplifies this trend, highlighting a growing generational divide in political and economic understanding. Younger voters, particularly those born after the events of September 11, 2001, lack the historical context that shapes the perspectives of older generations, leading to a perceived entitlement and a focus on immediate affordability rather than the broader implications of economic policies.

The article argues that this communication gap is exacerbated by media narratives that often place blame on Republicans for rising prices while ignoring the positive trends in the economy, such as the recent decline in gas prices and grocery costs. For instance, while inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, it has since moderated, with prices for essential goods like eggs and milk showing signs of decrease. The author suggests that Republicans need to adopt a more effective communication strategy to convey their message to younger voters. This could involve creating targeted advertisements that illustrate the tangible benefits of Republican policies, such as lower gas prices and reduced grocery costs, thereby countering the negative media portrayal. By focusing on real-life examples that resonate with younger audiences, the GOP could shift the narrative and highlight how their policies have contributed to economic improvements.

To bridge this generational divide, the article emphasizes the importance of consistent messaging that underscores the advantages of Republican policies while contrasting them with the failures of liberal governance, as seen in places like Oregon and New York. The author advocates for a proactive approach, urging Republicans to move beyond defensive stances and instead showcase the tangible improvements in the economy that have resulted from their policies. By doing so, they can effectively communicate their achievements and foster a better understanding among younger voters who may currently feel disconnected from traditional political narratives. Ultimately, the article posits that it shouldn’t be difficult to communicate these truths, but it requires a concerted effort to speak the language of younger generations and address their concerns directly.

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.