The Republican Party is still a big tent, and should act like it

Lisa Everett

Submitted photo

It’s disheartening to see someone who has loyally served our party, stood for conservative values and worked tirelessly for Republican causes suddenly labeled a traitor over one vote or one issue.”

Opinion

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Do you remember back in the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan and Republican strategists made it a point to remind us that “The Republican Party is a big tent?” Reagan himself emphasized, “There is room in our tent for many views; indeed, the divergence of views is one of our strengths.”

He also famously coined what became known as the 11th Commandment of the Republican Party: “Thou shall not speak ill of any fellow Republican.” These principles weren’t just rhetoric; they were foundational strategies that helped build a winning coalition and, more importantly, a thriving movement.

It’s time we return to that philosophy.

Today, it seems like the “purists” within our ranks are more interested in purging than persuading. Name-calling, finger-pointing and “RINO” labeling have reached fever pitch. It’s disheartening to see someone who has loyally served our party, stood for conservative values and worked tirelessly for Republican causes suddenly labeled a traitor over one vote or one issue. Have we forgotten what it means to think independently? The very essence of being a Republican is to be an individualist — one who applies principle, not groupthink.

We must hold firm to our party platform and the U.S. Constitution. Those are our guiding stars. But we must also acknowledge that beyond those foundations, there is room for disagreement, discussion and civil debate.

If we continue to isolate “McCain Republicans,” “moderate Republicans” or anyone who doesn’t fit into one rigid mold, we will lose elections. Every vote counts.

During the 2024 election, I worked on the tabulator. I saw countless ballots come through with the Senate race left blank. I cannot say for sure if that cost Kari Lake the election, but it didn’t help her. These kinds of protest votes or non-votes stem from internal division, not Democrat strategy.

Our platform remains the strongest in American politics. We stand for life, liberty, security, fiscal sanity and constitutional governance. But if we turn away voters — or worse, fellow Republicans — over singular disagreements, we lose the war for America’s soul by winning petty battles.

And let’s stop condemning those who engage with the other side. How do we win hearts and minds if we stay locked in echo chambers, only talking to those who already agree with us? That’s not strength — that’s stagnation. If someone can defend our platform and uphold the Constitution, we can afford to disagree on the rest. That’s what big-tent politics is all about.

This isn’t high school; it’s real life. Our country’s future is on the line, and we must be the adults in the room. Stop the name calling and childish clicks. 

Let’s leave the tent doors open. Let’s hang a welcome sign instead of slamming the door shut. Let’s create a party that welcomes healthy debate, attracts new voices and keeps the focus where it belongs: on defeating Democrats, not each other.

Editor’s note: Lisa Everett is chair of the Arizona LD29 Republicans. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.