Dear Republican Party,

It’s been a hard year. McCain lost the presidency by a margin of 8 million votes and the Democratic majority continues to hold power in Congress. You’ve been outplayed, outdated and outclassed in the political arena.

So take a clue from Obama’s campaign slogan—it’s time for change.

As Obama’s approval ratings continue to drop–now down to a drastically lower 50 percent–there isn’t a better time than now for the GOP to focus its message and prepare for its comeback. It’s time for the party to rely on the public’s disapproval of Obama’s administration and be there to take the lead once again at the opportune time. As many continue to doubt the Republican revival, it’s important to realize that the GOP’s resurrection will come from the failure and debacle of the Democratic Party as they struggle over the economy and debate over health care.

In fact, Republicans are in prime position right now as the economy continues to suffer and angry citizens cause more and more ruckus at town hall meetings. The Republicans have the opportunity to sit back and place the criticism where the blame can clearly fall—on the Democratic majority. When it turns out Obama doesn’t walk on water after all, the GOP should be right there to jump back into the game and secure a political majority.

First of all, the party needs to revamp its image. It’s time for the Republicans to distance themselves from unpopular figures such as George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich–all who represent the old, decrepit party, out-of-touch with present times. The GOP could benefit from its own conservative version of the young, charismatic Obama. Someone like Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, for example, could be the next big Republican face in Washington. Not only is Jindal the first Indian-American governor in history and the first non-white governor Louisiana has had since the Reconstruction; he’s young, conservative and intelligent. Jindal not only has an impressive track record of decreasing government spending in Louisiana, but he also has pledged to fight corruption in his home state’s notoriously corrupt government.

The GOP also needs to find a way to extend its loyal voting base while at the same time not alienating the one that it currently relies on. While the Republican Party has got a stronghold on the country’s white evangelicals, it needs to find a way to welcome and attract minorities as the country grows less and less Caucasian. Since 2001, Republicans have lost votes in every demographic group–a trend they’re going to have to turn around to ensure their future success. They also need to focus their attention on the next generation of voters–without them, the future of the party is in serious jeopardy.

Finally, the Republican Party needs to get back to its roots of conservatism. As the current administration pushes further and further with agendas on the other side of political spectrum, Republicans need to direct their platform in the opposite direction. With increased emphasis on small government, low taxes, and a conservative outlook on social issues, the Republican Party can refocus their message and firmly distinguish themselves and what they have traditionally stood for.

After struggling under the administration of George W. Bush, all the Republican party can do now is face forward and argue for on their right-wing views. For the meantime, they need to focus their attacks on spending, government intervention and job losses.

Now that the Democrats have had their fill of the limelight, it’s time for the Republicans to step onto the stage. After all, there’s a reason it’s called the “Grand Old Party.”