It’s a cliche to say that Washington, D.C., is “out of touch” with voters, but there’s something to it.

Arguably, in 2012, the Republican Party seemed focused on a subject — debt — that wasn’t a high priority for average Americans. Sincere Republicans (including this columnist) believe it should be. Nations that cannot pay their bills eventually fall into decline, hardship and worse when governments resort to inflation to pay off their debts. It’s easier to make small adjustments now than to endure wrenching hardships later. But the voters remain to be convinced.