Why There Has Been No Great Republican President Since Theodore Roosevelt

Since the economic crash of 1929, the Republican Party (GOP) has lost substantial credibility in the eyes of most American voters. This loss of trust was exacerbated by the successes of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) during both the Great Depression and World War II. FDR's strategies and policies, which included social reform and interventionist measures, proved highly effective in addressing the crisis and ultimately solidified a coalition of working-class voters that maintained majority rule for nearly 36 years, with a brief exception during Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency.

Eisenhower's Perspective on Opposition

Eisenhower, although courted by both parties, chose to align himself with the Republicans. He believed in the importance of a genuine opposition within a healthy democracy, emphasizing the need for a loyal opposition to maintain a balance. This perspective starkly contrasts with the modern GOP, which has shown little interest in this essential democratic practice. Eisenhower's approach underscored the value of a robust and robustly-partisan debate, a concept increasingly alien to the current political landscape.

Nixon's Legacy and Working-Class Shifts

Nixon's presidency marked a significant shift in the political landscape. As Eisenhower's Vice President, Nixon managed to gain an easy victory in 1968, despite the Deep South's lingering opposition to the Civil and Voting Rights Acts and the widespread national opposition to the Vietnam War. This victory came at a cost, however, as it resulted in a loss of working-class voters for the Democratic Party for the first time since 1932. Notably, Nixon never garnered a majority of the vote in 1972, regardless of the controversial circumstances surrounding that election.

Post-Nixon Republican Strategies and Ideology

Since the early 1970s, the Republican Party has pursued a series of strategies that can be termed 'neoliberal' or 'neo-confederate.' Rather than focusing on traditional economic policies, the GOP has emphasized 'trickle-down' economics, anti-immigration policies, and so-called 'freedom' and 'patriotism' that often mask a deep-seated anti-government sentiment. These policies have been championed as solutions to economic issues but have instead contributed to increased instability, inequality, and societal tension.

The Decline in Republican Voter Support

Since 1988, the GOP has only won the popular vote in one presidential election. As mainstream America has moved towards more moderate-to-progressive stances and has become more racially and ethnically diverse, the Republican Party has increasingly become a monolith of right-wing extremism, with a homogenization of values and extreme ideologies. The party's candidates, including presidential nominees, are often hard-line partisans with increasingly conservative views.

Americans' Rejection of Extremism

The growing divides and extreme positions within the Republican Party have alienated a significant portion of the American electorate. This is evident in the 2020 presidential election, where Joe Biden was elected over the alternative candidate from the same party. This outcome reflects a clear rejection of extremism and a desire for more moderate leadership. In running for office as the 'next best thing,' candidates must now be more ideologically distinct, and any attempt to mask or lie about their positions will be met with skepticism by voters.

Conclusion

Since the Great Depression and World War II, the Republican Party has failed to produce a president who can be considered truly great. The party's current strategies and ideologies have alienated large segments of the American population, leading to a decline in support and a shift towards more moderate and progressive values. As the party moves forward, it must address these issues and find new ways to engage with the electorate, rather than relying on extreme rhetoric and policies that have proven divisive and ineffective.