Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt Speaks Out on Republican Party Midterm Election Performance

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has spoken out about the Republican Party's disappointing midterm election performance, saying it was a "worse than a butt whipping" defeat.

Stitt, who served as chair of the National Governors Association until this summer, believes that voters are seeking change and something new from their leaders. He made these comments in an interview on Friday morning, just three days after the Republican Party suffered significant election losses across the country.

The governor's remarks come as he prepares to leave office next year, having announced plans to return to the private sector. Stitt has had a complex relationship with President Donald Trump, who has previously targeted him publicly. However, the two appeared to have patched things up after a White House meeting in March.

Stitt is not alone among prominent Republicans calling for the party to reassess its strategy and policies following the midterm losses. He believes that the party should focus on finding common ground with Democrats rather than engaging in divisive tactics. The governor specifically urged Trump to stop using his executive powers to target political opponents, labeling these actions as "Third World country stuff".

The governor's remarks about last year's election results still resonate as a wake-up call for his party. When asked to compare this year's outcome, he candidly acknowledged that it was even more disappointing. His description of the loss was stark: "it's probably worse than a butt whipping." This sentiment reflects the deep-seated concerns within the party about its electoral prospects.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the governor chose to emphasize a positive note. He pointed out that the election results demonstrate the American people's ability to swing in different directions. This flexibility is a testament to the country's resilience and capacity for change. The governor believes this shift in public opinion can be attributed to the way politicians conduct themselves and their leadership.

The governor specifically highlighted Texas Governor Greg Abbott's loss as one of the most surprising outcomes of the election. He praised Abbott's tenure as governor, describing him as a "good guy who has been an effective leader for the state. The governor expressed his surprise at the outcome, suggesting that it was not anticipated by anyone.

The governor attributed the disappointing results to voters' growing disillusionment with politics. Specifically, he mentioned the perception of self-dealing among politicians and the awarding of government contracts to big business. This sentiment reflects a broader public skepticism about the motivations and actions of those in power.

The current economic climate is weighing heavily on Americans' minds, with many feeling frustrated about rising costs and stagnant wages. Diesel prices have become a major concern, with households struggling to make ends meet due to increasing expenses. This sentiment reflects the widespread dissatisfaction with the state of affairs.

To address these concerns, Governor believes that lawmakers need to refocus on core issues like spending. The national debt is spiraling out of control, and the fact that it has surpassed $2 trillion is a pressing concern. Irrespective of whether Republicans or Democrats hold office, people feel that excessive spending is driving up costs.

The lack of meaningful discussion around tax policy is another area of discontent. Many believe that politicians think they can spend without any accountability, regardless of their income levels. This perceived disregard for fiscal responsibility is exacerbating the economic woes facing Americans.

Governor also highlighted the need for permitting reform, which he believes will help alleviate some of the pressure on gas prices. The lack of development in new gas processing pipelines is a significant contributor to rising fuel costs, and Governor argued that regulatory hurdles are stifling private sector growth.

The current state of US politics has been marked by an increasingly polarized atmosphere, where opponents are being targeted by their own party in power. This trend is causing concern among some Republican leaders, who believe it's having a negative impact on the country.

Governor expressed his disappointment with the recent midterm results, stating that his party had got worse than a butt whipping. He attributed this outcome to a shift in strategy by the Democrats, which he described as akin to actions seen in a Third World country".

The Governor also reflected on President Trump's role in the midterms, suggesting that after over 10 years, people are simply looking for change. While acknowledging the president's policy achievements and personal qualities, Governor emphasized that civility and being nice to others would have made a significant difference.

Despite his own positive experiences with President Trump, Governor acknowledged the challenges of being president, where one is constantly under attack from all sides. He indicated a willingness to move forward and focus on constructive governance rather than continued partisan bickering.

The governor believes that some level of decorum would help his party earn more trust from voters.

To move forward, he is open to working across party lines on various issues, including permitting reform.

Immigration policy is another area where cooperation with Democrats could be beneficial, according to the governor.

He credits President Trump's administration with securing the borders after a period of perceived crisis under the previous president.

The governor's words highlight the disconnect between Republican policies and public sentiment on immigration. He points to a specific case of an individual who was deported despite having a minor marijuana charge expunged years ago. This person is now separated from their family and unable to contribute to society.

This scenario illustrates the complexities of immigration policy, where individuals with relatively minor infractions are being prioritized for deportation over those who are genuinely contributing members of society. The governor's comments suggest that this kind of outcome doesn't resonate with voters, who expect a more nuanced approach to immigration.

The governor believes that his party needs to shift its focus towards civility and statesmanship, rather than partisanship. He argues that Americans want leaders who can disagree constructively and acknowledge the shared values of citizenship.