Republican Collapse in November?

There's a lot of food for thought in this Newt Gingrich column.

He sees an ill omen for Republicans in the fall in the losses of Denny Hastert's seat and the Republican loss in Louisiana. He also points to polls that show Democrats with a lead on virtually every issue, and that McCain's popularity is based on his difference from standard Republicans. He goes on to suggest several ways Republicans can revive their brand name.

I happen to agree with Gingrich that it is time for Republicans to come up with some fresh faces and new ideas, ideas that show an interest in the issues and views of today's voters. For me, that includes an interest in conservation and renewable energy as well as new oil exploration. It includes different approaches to health care, and a willingness to tell people the hard truth: if you want something better, don't look to the government to give it to you. Create it yourself.

Gingrich supports some stupendously stupid ideas. Repeal the gas tax? Make English the official language? Come on. These ideas won't solve our problems and, in fact, will only make some of them worse. I'm not for pardoning illegal immigrants, but I don't see that making English our official language will help anything.

Some of his ideas are intriguing, but I don't know enough about them to know if they are worth it. For example, overhauling the Census Bureau sounds like a good idea. And a GPS-style air traffic control system seems interesting. But I don't think those ideas would help win in November.

One issue Republicans can win on is judges. Most Americans dislike the heavy-handed liberalism that was so prevalent in previous courts. They don't like the end-run liberals do around the legislature in order to get their way without a debate. Pointing out the way the Roberts court has successfully stymied the liberal assault on individual rights will resonate with many Americans.