“If you seek to be a perfect minority, you’ll remain a minority,” Gingrich said in a written statement. “That’s not how Reagan built his revolution or how we won back the House in 1994.”

Why is Newt trying to rewrite history, including his own?  Does he believe sucking up to the Liberal Republicans will ensure his nomination in 2012?   He could not be more wrong, and hopefully in both counts.   This does not come easy because Gingrich used to be one of our favorite Republicans.   His belief in American exceptionalism, his desire to educate at local universities, his desire for smaller government, have all taken a backseat to his seeming desire to be liked and be on TV.

What propelled Reagan and propelled the GOP into power in 1994 was LEADERSHIP.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Following the GOP where they tell you to go is not leadership. Trying to build a “big tent” by having no values is not leadership.   I do not advocate exclusionary policies, but leadership does mean taking a stand and letting the cards fall where they may.

Reagan did not bow to the Soviets to change ???tax policy to include others in the party.   He articulated his beliefs clearly and effectively and convinced other to follow his lead.   Reagan was probably more conservative then the population but he convinced them to trust his leadership and led us to success.   The contract with America was similar.   Not everyone agreed with every policy, but they agreed with the tenants of smaller government and appreciated the willingness of Republicans to write down there ideas and stick to them.   Republicans both leaders and followers were brought into power in a wave of public support.

Republicans have lost since, not because they became more conservative then Reagan (more on that to come).   They lost because they lost leaders that were able to articulate what they believe.  Many that remain are simply followers left to wander Washington DC alone, brought in with Reagan and/or “the Contract”.     Looking for leadership, and lacking it themselves, they latched on to pseudo-leaders in the Senate and House.    Then again a pseudo-leader in President Bush.   All of which have led them astray.

The Republican party is conservative.   The country is conservative.  Heck, the Democrats that defeated the Republicans in 2006 were conservative.   What the Republicans need is not liberal Republicans and a big tent.  What they need is leadership.