Why Republicans Refuse to Play to Win

My friends, there are moments in history when the path forward is clear.

The authority exists. The votes are there. The opportunity is real. And yet—nothing happens.

That’s where we find ourselves today, and it’s why I felt compelled to spend today’s program addressing what I believe is one of the most dangerous patterns inside the Republican Party: an unwillingness to actually play to win.

Last week gave us a perfect example. Indiana Republicans had the legal, constitutional authority to redraw congressional maps. They had the numbers. They had the moment. And they chose not to act.

Meanwhile, Democrats—unburdened by hesitation, handwringing, or fear of bad press—immediately moved forward with their own redistricting efforts in states like Maryland. Any illusion of a “gentlemen’s agreement” evaporated almost instantly.

This isn’t about personalities. It’s not about liking or disliking individual legislators.

It’s about leadership, resolve, and whether we understand the nature of the fight we are in.

One side treats politics as a game of consequences. The other treats it like a book club discussion where everyone must feel heard and no one should ever be offended. Those two approaches do not produce the same outcomes—and they never will.

I said on the Toddcast today that we are living through a cold civil war. That’s not hyperbole. The left understands power. They use it unapologetically. They push until stopped—and when they aren’t stopped, they push further. Republicans, too often, seem more concerned with avoiding accusations than advancing principles. They worry endlessly about how the media will frame their actions, even though the media will accuse them of cheating, fascism, or authoritarianism no matter what they do.

Here’s the truth many don’t want to confront: refusing to act when you have the legitimate authority to do so is still a decision. And it’s usually one that benefits your opponent.

I used a simple analogy on today’s show. When I coached my youngest daughter’s basketball team this season, I didn’t apologize for building a lead. We chose to play hard and aggressively until the game is secure. Only then did I decide to take our foot off the gas. But Indiana (and national) Republicans keep trying to manage the clock while the score is still tied.

Let’s be clear—nothing about lawful redistricting ends elections, silences voters, or undermines democracy. Elections still happen. Voters still choose. Representatives are still accountable.

The idea that using constitutional authority somehow destroys public trust is an argument built on vibes, not facts.

History doesn’t reward timidity. It doesn’t remember the people who had power and declined to use it because they were afraid of criticism. It remembers those who understood the moment and acted accordingly.

If Republicans want to preserve this country, they must first decide that winning actually matters.

Not winning by one point. Not barely surviving. Winning decisively enough to govern, to push back, and to prevent the godless Radical Left from continuing to reshape America by default.

The clock is running. And the other side isn’t waiting.

Conservative, not bitter.
Todd

🎧 Listen to today’s Toddcast here.

🔥 Indiana Republicans had the votes—and walked away
🧠 Democrats immediately pushed ahead in Maryland (shocking, huh?)
⚖️ Lawful power isn’t immoral to use
⏳ Political moments don’t wait for comfort
🏀 You don’t protect a lead you never build
❄️ Like it or not, the cold civil war is already here

Listen here.

My friends, yesterday on Facebook, a Christian told me I was sinning by publicly disagreeing with President Trump’s comments about Rob Reiner.

She cited Jesus’ words in Matthew, instructing believers to go to a brother privately first. That is a biblical principle, and it absolutely matters.

But this was a misapplication of the principle.

The president made a public statement, on a public platform, as a public official. People publicly asked him to take it down. He didn’t. I then shared my thoughts publicly.

My comments weren’t about condemning the president. They were about how we speak truth in a volatile political culture — the balance between truth, grace, and free speech.

She used a public platform to accuse me of doing the very thing she claimed was wrong.

Friends, I don’t mind disagreement. I just think she’s mistaken.

I’ve tried. Honestly, I’ve tried.

I’ve reached out to people who oppose redistricting and asked a simple question. Explain your case. Tell us why. Lay it out. Make the argument.

A few folks acted interested. None followed through.

None… with one notable exception.

Beau Bayh, who is currently running for Indiana Secretary of State, was willing to explain his reasoning. I found it uncompelling—but I’ll give him credit for sharing his opinion. And yes, he’s a Democrat. Which makes this next question even more interesting. Why won’t Republicans who oppose redistricting do the same? I’m not looking for a fight. I’ll be polite. I’ll listen. But I will ask questions. And my suspicion is simple. They know where those questions lead.

That’s why I’m sharing the video below.

A friend sent me this clip of Indiana State Senator Spencer Deery speaking from the Senate floor against redistricting. And whether you agree with him or not, this is the closest thing we’ve gotten to an actual explanation from the opposition that doesn’t involve shouting “cheater,” “fascist,” or hissing at people like we’re in some kind of political zoo.

Senator Deery argues that mid-cycle redistricting harms public trust in elections. He says accountability keeps lawmakers relevant and in power. He calls himself a constitutional, fiscal, and religious conservative. And he warns against concentrating power or letting any single election determine the fate of the nation.

I addressed parts of this speech on today’s show, but I didn’t have time to walk through all of it.

So now it’s your turn.

Watch it. Listen carefully. Is his argument valid? Or does it leave you unconvinced?