GOP offers new faces, stale ideas: Another view

Debbie Wasserman Schultz | USATODAY

As more Republicans enter a crowded and divisive primary contest, several have suggested that they are the candidate capable of expanding the GOP's tent. But the stale ideas and failed policies they're peddling mean that the Republican tent is in danger of collapsing on the circus underneath.

Under President Obama, Republicans have been defined by obstruction. In recent years, their de facto ringleader has been Sen. Ted Cruz, an architect of the government shutdown. While Cruz and his colleagues tried to take access to quality health care away from millions of Americans, the shutdown cost the economy a staggering $24 billion.

The Democratic Party has prioritized the middle class. Under Obama, we've experienced 61 straight months of private-sector job growth, and millions of Americans have gained health insurance.

The Republicans vying for their party's nomination want to bring back the tired, old trickle-down policies that have failed repeatedly. Their proposals to hand out tax breaks to the very rich and wealthy corporations shift the tax burden onto the middle class.

Instead of a serious plan to expand opportunity for all, Sen. Marco Rubio's tax plan reads like a wish list written by wealthy donors. It's exactly what we would expect from a politician who consistently panders to the Republican base.

And, of course, Sen. Rand Paul has been the most vocal about reaching out to new voters. But how can he broaden Republicans' appeal when he has voiced opposition to the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, opposed comprehensive immigration reform, wrote a budget slashing Pell grants, belittled LGBT rights, and sponsored bills to take women's health care decisions out of their hands?

Paul isn't a new type of Republican, and neither are his colleagues who are already running or will soon. Jeb Bush isn't going to fight for middle-class families. Gov. Scott Walker has already brought Washington's dysfunction to Wisconsin.

Democrats are the party of inclusion, empowerment and expanded opportunity. None of the GOP's "new" faces can grow their party so long as they're holding on to the same, harmful policies of the past.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., chairs the Democratic National Committee.