Mark Halperin's Take: The GOP's Message Discipline

Photo-Illustration by Wes Duvall for TIME; McConnell: Alex Brandon

Two days after the midterm sweep, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was asked about U.S. policy toward China. The Kentuckian replied, "I don't really have any observation about that." China's increasing clout may seem a remote concern to some, but it is already the dominant factor in America's economic, diplomatic and military future. McConnell's blithe brush-off was shocking and almost comical.

But it was no accident. Republicans show a similar public disregard for a whole range of issues that until recently have been a big part of national debates in the U.S.: China, Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, abortion, gay rights, affirmative action, judges, stem-cell research, education vouchers. The lack of interest is understandable and even practical. As long as unemployment hovers near double digits and political gridlock offers little relief, perhaps Washington really should ignore everything except the immediate problem of turning the nation's economy around. Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, a GOP presidential hopeful, has suggested that the nation might need to declare a truce on social issues until its finances are sorted out.

For perhaps a few more months, Barack Obama will have latitude to act on various fronts--on trade, Middle East peace and perhaps energy policy--while the two parties bicker about deficit reduction and job creation. Eventually, however, national security and social matters will return to the agenda. With the Iowa caucuses a mere 14 months away and a broader fight for the direction of the GOP in store, we will no doubt see Republicans speaking up about issues other than economics. Even McConnell might venture an opinion about China policy at that point.