By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
Outside of the state legislature in the world of the average voter, Colorado Democrats have deftly positioned themselves as the calm, steady voice in a chaotic political environment. Their latest press release condemning the Douglas County Home Rule initiative – from CDP Chair Shad Murib and County Democrat Chair Meg Furlow – follows a long, deliberate pattern: contrast Republicans’ chaos with Democrats’ reason.
It’s politics distilled for those unversed or fatigued by ideology.
A Seasoned Pause Amid Schoolyard Chaos
Remember the rancor surrounding the school board meetings in Douglas County? Heated rhetoric. Personal attacks. Ostracism of dissenters. In that frenzied atmosphere, Democrats stepped in as the adults in the room. They didn’t just criticize, they proposed civility, transparency, and collaboration.
Then they subtly staked their claim: If you’re tired of the yelling, you know whom to trust.
This strategy repeats itself: Republicans appear impulsive, reactive, and fracturing under internal hatred. Democrats in Colorado – despite the opposite being true – present themselves as measured, empathetic, and solutions-driven.
It’s a simple narrative, and it works with independents and disengaged voters who want sanity over spectacle.
Playing Right Into Their Hands
Here’s the hard truth: Republicans in Colorado don’t lose because they’re out-fought.
They lose because they hand victories away by fueling intraparty purges, weaponizing “RINO” labels, and doubling down on culture war chaos instead of governing. Hardline conservatives who vilify moderates, intentionally or not, are doing the work of Democratic strategy.
While Colorado Democrats reliably build coalitions, frame themselves as reasonable, and invite the unaffiliated to “be sensible,” Republicans retreat into echo chambers where dissent is crushed, debates get personal, and results don’t matter as much as display.
Instead of addressing voters’ real concerns, they create cycles of loss, blame, then repeat the same failing tactics.
History Shows Hatred Isn’t a Winning Strategy
Consult any chapter of human history: anger and hatred sow division.
They rarely cultivate desirable outcomes. The most enduring achievements – law, infrastructure, sustained liberty – arose from calm negotiation, shared vision, and empathetic leadership.
Democrats in Colorado understand this; Republicans often don’t.
The right has noble principles – freedom, earned success, and personal responsibility.
These are the antidotes to suffering. But principles alone don’t win hearts.
If they don’t persuade, they don’t rescue anyone. That’s where the counterfeit’s power emerges: false affection, cheap unity by mockery, and the illusion of inclusion through grievance. Republicans have left a relational and moral void that Democrats have filled with a counterfeit version of compassion.
Sweetening Truth With Compassion
Republicans need a reset:
- Value all voices, especially within. Stop treating disagreement as betrayal. Build unity with respect.
- Communicate with empathy. Share principles in human terms – family protection, community building, personal growth – not abstract slogans.
- Lead with solutions. Show how your values lighten suffering, not just which bad actors to blame.
- Offer a real alternative. Show that your message is not just the opposite of theirs, but better for real people facing real problems.
Final Thought
Colorado’s workforce is growing older. Many voters are tired. Distrustful. Worn out by outrage.
Democrats see this and say: “We’ll govern calmly, care about your concerns, respect your differences, and build steadily.” Republicans need to learn from that, not emulate it on the Left, but compete for that trust.
Because between the emotional manipulation of fake love and the bitterness of misaligned fury, most voters will choose the former. And right now, Colorado Democrats are showing that right through governing with the appearance of reason and respect, and appearances are more than enough for today’s voter.
It’s time for Republicans to stop helping them win. Let’s swap strife for substance – and learn to really lead so that we can be effective in ending the suffering, not forced to endure it.
C. J. Garbo, M.Sc., is a seasoned political strategist and a 15-year law enforcement veteran. He has served as a campaign manager and advisor at the local, state, and federal levels, working to elect principled, Constitution-focused leaders. His background in law enforcement gives him firsthand insight into the importance of justice, accountability, and public safety. C. J. brings a no-nonsense approach to political commentary, driven by his belief that government exists to serve its citizens, not rule over them. He is a strong advocate for restoring ethical leadership and defending the rights of everyday Americans.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.