Karl Rove Discusses Future of the Republican Party - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Karl Rove Discusses Future of the Republican Party

The election might be over, but it's still on the minds of a lot of people.

Tonight, political strategist Karl Rove stopped in Erie, to share his thoughts.  It's part of the Jefferson Educational Society's Global Summit IV.

Rove is the former Senior Advisor of George W. Bush.  He spoke in front of a packed house, at Collegiate Academy.  For the first time since the election, he publicly talked about the future of the Republican Party, and what they need to do to win the White House. 

According to Rove, a number a factors led to President Obama's second victory, including what he calls, a contentious Republican Primary.  Also, Rove said President Obama's attack adds were successful in painting a negative image of Mitt Romney.  According to Rove, the conventions played a role, and the Democrats got a big bounce after theirs because the nation didn't know enough about Romney.

Tonight, we asked if he thinks the U.S. has fundamentally changed.

"No.  Look, this election was won by President Obama by a very smart campaign," said Rove.  "We ought to take away the right lessons from him, but one of the lessons isn't America has changed.  This campaign was won on the basis of not a positve message by the president.  He did spend a lot of time extolling the record of the last four years and certainly spent very little time laying out a perspective agenda for the next four years.  He spent a lot of time trashing his opponent."

By the way, Rove is one of a number of speakers taking part in the Global Summit.  For more information, visit www.jeserie.org