Republican Advises Livening Up Party

* As a longtime Republican activist, I was discouraged to note the substantial reduction in the margin of the GOP’s lead in Orange County from about 300,000 to 110,000 votes in the presidential election.

A primary reason for Bob Dole’s defeat may be President Clinton’s superior skills as a “communicator,” as well as his increasingly “Republican” positions on major issues after the defeat of his national health care proposals. Clinton nonetheless failed to secure a majority of votes, despite the advantages of incumbency and a lackluster opponent.

Republicans would be well advised to consider that neither major party has offered meaningful solutions to the real problems faced by the average American: the increasing inability to make ends meet, even in two-income homes; disillusionment with an increasingly dehumanized corporate culture in the new “global” economy; and cynicism regarding whether politicians have a sincere commitment to address these issues.

It is noteworthy that the only real passion demonstrated in the past campaign was by supporters of candidates such as Pat Buchanan, Ralph Nader, Howard Phillips and Ross Perot, who addressed these issues and challenged the policy assumptions of the two major candidates.

The Republican Party would be well advised to consider whether a renewed commitment to the legitimate concerns of workers and consumers, and the benefits of prudent protectionist trade policies, would do much to increase its prospects for success in future elections.

BILL CROSBY

Newport Beach