The problem today is that Republicans are seen as defenders of the rich and powerful instead of the poor and vulnerable

What Republicans can learn from Pope Francis

Marc A. Thiessen

Republicans are hearing a lot today about how they need to abandon their principles on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion if they want to win elections. But the GOP’s problem today is not that it is too socially conservative; it is that Republicans are seen as defenders of the rich and powerful instead of the poor and vulnerable. 

If Republicans want to change that impression, there is a simple solution: Be more like Pope Francis — defender of the family, the unborn and the poor.
Too many Republicans fall short on that last count, and they are paying for it at the polls. 

Mitt Romney did not lose the presidency because he opposed same-sex marriage. 

• He lost because he dismissed 47 percent of the country as a bunch of moochers. 
• He lost because he declared, “I’m not concerned about the very poor.” 
• He lost because he was seen as out of touch with Americans who are struggling to keep their heads above water. 

An Economist/YouGov poll last April tells the story: Only 38 percent of Americans said they believed Romney cares about the poor, and 33 percent said Romney “cares about people like me.” 

You can't win the presidency when two-thirds of the country thinks you don't care about their struggles.

.........

Read more: www.washingtonpost.com