M.I.A.

Has anyone seen the Republican Party? They seem to be missing. They did pretty well in the last election. House, Senate, Governerships. They won it all. The sound of "We Are The Champions" still faintly echos over Capitol Hill.

Since then, I have seen a few of their members. Always as individuals. Giving one-on-one interviews. No power interviews. No podium. No stack of a dozen or more microphones. Did the leadership all get snowed in somewhere? Are they hiding under their bed lest they have to actually lead.

I mean the thing with Bibi was great. It lets a good and great ally know we still care and it deeply ticked off the White House at the same time. It doesn't get much better than that. But that was then, this is now.

Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, even with his boo-boo, are getting more press than.... What's their names? It's been so long I've forgotten. You know. The guy with the tan and the guy that looks like he just got goosed. Olly olly oxen free. You can come out now.

The Republicans need smart politics over the next two years. They have to prove leadership. It will be a dangerous time because there will be obstruction by the Democrats and blame will be heaped on the Republicans by both the Democrats and the press. So the Republicans must be open and take their case to the voter at every opportunity.

Moreover, they must be on the right side of the issues. They must make clear to the under informed, and they are legion, what the right side is and why it is the right side. Not just once but repeatedly. 

If you are in politics, you know what must be done. But one needs the courage and willingness to face the public and do it. No more gentlemen. Don't be afraid of a fight. You may make a few enemies but you will make more friends if they think you can be trusted.

So don't be afraid to take on the hard issues. And don't be afraid to castigate the opposition for obfuscating and demagoging. Speak to the country often and loudly. Let your voices be heard and the conservative case made. Nothing less will succeed.