Regrets and Lessons Learned

It’s the time of year when Jews reflect on the actions we regret and how we can find the done and resolve never to repeat them. Do the political parties do the same? With five weeks to go until the election results are in, what regrets do political parties have? I asked party activists, campaign insiders, and major donors what are the consensus regrets and lessons learned.

Republican Party

J.D. Vance

Prior to the vice presidential debate, the consensus opinion on Vance was, “It wasn’t a great pick. Trump is now the oldest presidential candidate in American history and the vice president would not only have to step in if need be but would also be the future standard-bearer. Trump has signaled that he wouldn’t run in 2028 if he were to lose. J.D. Vance will figure into the GOP’s soul-searching at some point. If Trump wins, someone will have to carry the torch afterward. If Trump loses, there will be an identity crisis and internal reckoning.

Lessons Learned?

The vice presidential debate seems to have had an impact on how Vance is perceived. The consensus is that the forum highlighted his strengths; he projected a command of public policy and showed an ability to parry with Tim Walz on a variety of issues and points. The election results will ultimately show if Vance was a good pick, but as a 2028 candidate, he offers a ray of hope for the Republican Party.

Top of the Ticket

“Why couldn’t it have been Nikki Haley?” remarked one Republican.

Many Republicans feel that had the party picked a different standard-bearer, this race wouldn’t be close. After Biden’s disastrous debate, there were polls showing blue states up for grabs. Now? It’s tied. Why did it have to be this way? With a different nominee, the GOP could have cruised to victory. Instead, there is massive regret as the party struggles to win back the Senate and White House.