by Lisa Graas, editor --

Everyone has an opinion these days about what Republicans need to do to win elections and, not surprisingly, those on the left are advising that the party should become more like Democrats (I wonder why) while those on the right insist it should return to core conservative principles as espoused by Reagan.

True to form, this morning Politico issued a top-of-the-fold hit piece against the Republican Party, conservatives at large and particularly, by strong implication, conservative women -- like myself -- that seems tailor-made to dishearten any conservative woman who might be considering running on the Republican ticket.

We are not amused.

Thankfully, there remain some brilliant, veteran journalists who understand the current political climate as well as historical trends well enough to offer what we can reasonably describe as honest and sober-minded analysis. One of these is Weekly Standard Executive Editor Fred Barnes who today offers "a three-part plan for taking advantage of the Obama-Pelosi agenda" -- The Future is Bright.

Excerpt:

Democrats have persuaded themselves that the Republican blowout of 1994 was caused by President Clinton's failure to enact health care reform. This was the election dominated by "angry white men." So we're to understand it was the defeat of Hillarycare that enraged them? Only a fool or a liberal Democrat could believe that.

The mainstream media haven't scoped things out any more convincingly. Their line is Republicans won two big races last week and, boy, are they in trouble now.

This is right on target, Mr. Barnes, and Politico is still at it this morning. Politico's hit piece is not really offensive to me "as a woman" as much as it is offensive to me as a person (gender notwithstanding) interested in facts.

Barnes' three points, offered at the end of his article, are great advice for the Republican party. I would simply add that the road to marriage between the Republican party and the Tea Party movement is a two-way street. There is currently far too much cynicism being tossed about against the party from the Tea Party camp. This needs to simmer down. In like manner, Republicans should be welcoming of Tea Party activists who gulp down their pride and show up at their local Republican Party headquarters to volunteer. If Republicans really believe in a "Big Tent", they'll heed my advice and not be averse to an influx of new volunteers who may have an affinity for Reagan-style conservatism or (gasp) a bit of libertarianism.

Let's stop yelling and/or whispering about each other. Republicans, you believe in a "Big Tent"? Welcome the tea partiers. Tea partiers, you want to take America back? Get in the GOP vehicle and start driving........calmly......forward.

Mom always said, you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. Be kind to each other. Be skeptical, but never cynical.............and don't be afraid to work with people who don't agree with you on everything.

Do read Fred Barnes' full article at The Weekly Standard.

Blessings!