I could write for hours, days, weeks, months, etc. about what Obama did right, what McCain did wrong, what worked, what didn't, etc., but that seems to be the topic off too many blogs today, I'm sure you can find some pretty good answers to those questions.
So the next step for the Republicans? They're definitely in a "rebuilding" phase. With the Democrats in control of the House, Senate, and Presidency, the GOP has nothing to do but look to the future. So what exactly is the Republicans' future?
First and foremost, the party needs a strong leader. Unification needs to be number one on the GOP's priorities list. Very few people have stood out as being outstanding leaders for the Republican party, and although I'm sure some people will present themselves as viable candidates for the presidency over the next four years, there are four people now that I think the GOP may be looking towards.
1. Number one on a lot of people's minds, despite unpopularity, is Sarah Palin. Although she has been targeted constantly by the Democrats, she has brought an energy to the Republicans that they have not seen in a long time. Clearly, the key issue surrounding Palin is experience, and over the next couple years, she'll need to start to develop that experience if she wants to have any shot at the 2012 election. She has already proved herself a great speaker, as well as a strong campaigner. I think, with a firm grasp on the issues, she could be a great administrator.
2. Rudy Giuliani. Another controversial figure, but another Republican ignitor. Despite his pro-choice leanings, Giuliani has always been one of the foremost figures in Republican politics. He has a way of inspiring an audience, and also possesses the leadership abilities/credentials that could lead him to the White House. He may have shown poorly in the primaries this year, but I wouldn't count him out for the future. He's certainly still in the pool for 2012.
3. My third choice is someone a little less known in federal politics, but not someone that I think the GOP has ever really ruled out of their mix. My third option for the Republican party is former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland Michael Steele. Although he has not shown campaigning strength, he has shown excellent leaderhsip in his political experience. His controversy? He's young, he hasn't had a lot of experience, and he ran a failed Senatorial campaign in Maryland in 2006. His pro's? He's young (funny how that works both ways), he's black, he's Catholic, and he knows how to be an administrator. Look for Michael Steele on the scene for Republicans in the upcoming years.
4. My final potential leader for the GOP is former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. I was a big fan of Mitt, I think he has exactly what we need in charge of this country. Obviously his religion has been the subject of a lot of speculation, but hopefully America has moved past religious discrimination (although I doubt that, especially with the Muslim rumors still circling Obama). If Mormonism is not a stigma to Romney, he's a strong, charismatic candidate that we definitely have not seen the last of yet.
Honorable Mention: Jeb Bush, John Boehner, Mike Duncan, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, and Bob Ehrlich.
