What Republicans need to do is to go back to their roots - starting with Lincoln - and remind the nation that they are the party of national growth, racial equality and unity of purpose. These Lincolnian themes will serve Republicans - and the nation - much better than becoming the party on the lookout for the supposed rat head of higher taxes.

In this quote, Alan Siegel urges the Republican Party to reconnect with its roots, particularly those established by Abraham Lincoln, and embrace the foundational principles of national growth, racial equality, and unity of purpose. Siegel suggests that the party should focus on promoting these Lincolnian themes, which emphasized the importance of a unified nation and the abolition of slavery, rather than getting caught up in divisive issues like higher taxes. By invoking Lincoln, Siegel calls for a return to a more inclusive and forward-thinking political vision for the Republican Party.

Siegel's statement emphasizes that the Republican Party’s historical legacy, rooted in Lincoln’s leadership, was about addressing national challenges with a focus on growth and equality. He critiques the contemporary Republican Party for shifting its focus away from these values and becoming overly fixated on fiscal issues, particularly the fear of higher taxes. The reference to the "rat head" of higher taxes metaphorically criticizes the party’s obsession with taxes as a bogeyman, suggesting that they have moved away from the broader, more unifying goals that Lincoln’s leadership stood for.

By urging the Republicans to return to Lincoln’s principles, Siegel is advocating for a party that champions progressive policies like racial equality and national unity, which would appeal to a broader spectrum of the American population. He believes these values would resonate more deeply with the country’s modern challenges than the narrow, often contentious focus on taxes. This is a call for the Republican Party to reclaim a sense of purpose that serves the greater good rather than divisive political battles.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Siegel’s experience as a public relations expert and his observations on American politics. His comment is an appeal to the Republican Party to shift its narrative toward the positive values that helped shape the nation during Lincoln's presidency. Siegel’s perspective reflects his belief that political parties, particularly those with such a rich historical legacy, should adapt to the times by embracing their founding principles to foster a unified and equitable society.