This didn't start in 2015, it didn't start with Gingrich in 1994, it didn't start with Reagan in 1980, it didn't start with Nixon in 1968, it didn't start with Goldwater in 1964. All of them contributed to 2016, and Trump's victory, because the Goldwaterites jumped in the simmering pot and became Nixonites and then Reaganites and then Gingrichites, and by the time Trump came along they were so dazed from the heat in the pot they were happy to have Trump.
Truman observed in 1948 that "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies." But it didn't start there either.
The three "good" Republican presidents were flukes. Lincoln was accepted (reluctantly) because he was the only one of the originals with a national reputation from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Theodore Roosevelt was "put aside" as VP in 1900, but they forgot who became president when the President got assassinated. And the party establishment hated him for going after reform and the corporate crooks. They didn't know if Eisenhower was a Republican (Democrats had considered him in 1948) but they had been out of power for 20 years and figured all the ex-GIs would vote for the Supreme Commander, which they did.
The Republican Party began becoming what they are back in 1876, when they sold Reconstruction "down the river" to stay in power. Since then, "staying in power" has been their sole reason for existence.
The real problem isn't Donald Trump. It's the Republican party - this statement rings true going back to when the party decided to look away from the man's lifelong actions (not a republican at all) in favor of the birtherism he was pushing.
Full disclosure, I'm probably living in a West Wing fantasy, but isn't there anyone in the Republican party with the testicular fortitude to speak the truth about Trump, and boldly proclaim that they don't care if they get primaried? That standing up for the country and the truth is more important than holding political office? I'd cite Mitt Romney, but he's already exiting, stage right.
Second, just as an overstretched rubber band eventually recoils back to its original state, we're now seeing the crashing and burning of things such as DeSantis's popularity (in Florida and nationally), Mom's For Liberty, and abortion bans. What are the chances that something similar happens with Trump, thanks to the judicial system, karma, fate, ju-ju, or the magic 8-ball?
Particularly the damage being done and the price being paid by our country. That the current Republican party turns a blind eye is criminal being they are a group that constantly talks about upholding the Constitution. It’s sadly apparent that they really don’t understand or care about the Constitution and democracy.
Malliotakis also claimed that Trump was referring to Democrats “poisoning the blood of our country” with their border policies, and not the immigrants themselves. Riiiiiight.
In the new book about Mitt Romney, he talks about how several Republican reps said they voted against impeachment because they feared for the safety of their families. Which is scary to think about.
Makes me wonder how many GOP House and Senate privately agree with Trump when he's in full throttle hyperbole and would like to say the same things as he does. However they know they don't have full backing to do so.
We have allowed them to warp our idea of leadership. Unless leadership means convincing people that maximizing corporate profit and allowing corporations the rights of individuals with none of the accountability, in which case, Republicans are great. Many people have profited from that leadership, including a SCOTUS majority.
I've felt, quite deeply since the early 1990s, that the party would slide toward authoritarianism. My original teenage feelings recognized the old-school church threat of my childhood, which is why Mike Johnson freaks me out. In the early 2000s, the criminal element popped into my conscience, but the RICO aspect escaped me. During Obama’s tenure, I realized they had become anti-government and had no real platform anymore. Trump did not surprise me although I thought it was a 50-50 chance.
I am no leftist, and would never swear allegiance to any party or narrow ideology. Hell, I identify with a lot of Freedom Conservatism principles as well as some progressive ideas. This is about poisoned Christianity, virulent racism, and a party that has fallen to that hatred for others. J6 and the aftermath was the end of the party, and THAT is what people are struggling with.
I liken it to the Titan submersible. Every trip down weakened the structure. It was only a matter of time before it would implode under the enormous pressure. There were people like James Cameron who knew it would implode, and apparently a host of experts thought likewise. End synopsis: aside from a minor who was lead to a horrific death by his own father, a guy was able to convince others to take a ride in his homemade sub to the Titanic. A sub that would certainly implode at some point. That takes a very persuasive person, one who convinced scientists and journalists to hop on board. Who is to blame? Either every person involved, including those who rode before, giving the sub owner and future passengers false confidence. Or nobody, perhaps. Trump is like the sub owner and driver.
The majority of people do not understand what is happening.
If Donald Trump is the best that Republicans can do…then they deserve a place on the scrap heap of history. May all Democrats, independents, and principled Conservatives vote this aberration there.
Republicans want to win and keep power, regardless of the cost. Marry that with the fact that tens of millions of voters have had their minds reduced to mush by all of the insipid reality shows they watch and mindless video games they are constantly playing and what you are left with is a presidential election that tons of voters treat like it is an episode of "America's Got Talent"...not the selection of the leader of the free world. Sad.
Perhaps you can write a new book, "Profiles in Cowardice". Totally craven party.
Not too far off Andy Borowtiz’ new book title: “Profiles in Ignorance”.
This didn't start in 2015, it didn't start with Gingrich in 1994, it didn't start with Reagan in 1980, it didn't start with Nixon in 1968, it didn't start with Goldwater in 1964. All of them contributed to 2016, and Trump's victory, because the Goldwaterites jumped in the simmering pot and became Nixonites and then Reaganites and then Gingrichites, and by the time Trump came along they were so dazed from the heat in the pot they were happy to have Trump.
Truman observed in 1948 that "The only 'good Republicans' are pushing up daisies." But it didn't start there either.
The three "good" Republican presidents were flukes. Lincoln was accepted (reluctantly) because he was the only one of the originals with a national reputation from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Theodore Roosevelt was "put aside" as VP in 1900, but they forgot who became president when the President got assassinated. And the party establishment hated him for going after reform and the corporate crooks. They didn't know if Eisenhower was a Republican (Democrats had considered him in 1948) but they had been out of power for 20 years and figured all the ex-GIs would vote for the Supreme Commander, which they did.
The Republican Party began becoming what they are back in 1876, when they sold Reconstruction "down the river" to stay in power. Since then, "staying in power" has been their sole reason for existence.
The real problem isn't Donald Trump. It's the Republican party - this statement rings true going back to when the party decided to look away from the man's lifelong actions (not a republican at all) in favor of the birtherism he was pushing.
It goes back much farther than that.
Hi Chris,
Frequent reader, recent subscriber here.
Full disclosure, I'm probably living in a West Wing fantasy, but isn't there anyone in the Republican party with the testicular fortitude to speak the truth about Trump, and boldly proclaim that they don't care if they get primaried? That standing up for the country and the truth is more important than holding political office? I'd cite Mitt Romney, but he's already exiting, stage right.
Second, just as an overstretched rubber band eventually recoils back to its original state, we're now seeing the crashing and burning of things such as DeSantis's popularity (in Florida and nationally), Mom's For Liberty, and abortion bans. What are the chances that something similar happens with Trump, thanks to the judicial system, karma, fate, ju-ju, or the magic 8-ball?
Thanks.
Particularly the damage being done and the price being paid by our country. That the current Republican party turns a blind eye is criminal being they are a group that constantly talks about upholding the Constitution. It’s sadly apparent that they really don’t understand or care about the Constitution and democracy.
Malliotakis also claimed that Trump was referring to Democrats “poisoning the blood of our country” with their border policies, and not the immigrants themselves. Riiiiiight.
In the new book about Mitt Romney, he talks about how several Republican reps said they voted against impeachment because they feared for the safety of their families. Which is scary to think about.
And this just in:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-sparks-republican-backlash-saying-immigrants-are-poisoning-blood-rcna130493
Makes me wonder how many GOP House and Senate privately agree with Trump when he's in full throttle hyperbole and would like to say the same things as he does. However they know they don't have full backing to do so.
Meanwhile, Tommy Tuberville:
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4367999-tuberville-trumps-poisoning-blood-country-comments-mad-he-wasnt-tougher/
Holy crap
All heads in the sand to deny later. Sad!
Nailed it!
We have allowed them to warp our idea of leadership. Unless leadership means convincing people that maximizing corporate profit and allowing corporations the rights of individuals with none of the accountability, in which case, Republicans are great. Many people have profited from that leadership, including a SCOTUS majority.
I've felt, quite deeply since the early 1990s, that the party would slide toward authoritarianism. My original teenage feelings recognized the old-school church threat of my childhood, which is why Mike Johnson freaks me out. In the early 2000s, the criminal element popped into my conscience, but the RICO aspect escaped me. During Obama’s tenure, I realized they had become anti-government and had no real platform anymore. Trump did not surprise me although I thought it was a 50-50 chance.
I am no leftist, and would never swear allegiance to any party or narrow ideology. Hell, I identify with a lot of Freedom Conservatism principles as well as some progressive ideas. This is about poisoned Christianity, virulent racism, and a party that has fallen to that hatred for others. J6 and the aftermath was the end of the party, and THAT is what people are struggling with.
I liken it to the Titan submersible. Every trip down weakened the structure. It was only a matter of time before it would implode under the enormous pressure. There were people like James Cameron who knew it would implode, and apparently a host of experts thought likewise. End synopsis: aside from a minor who was lead to a horrific death by his own father, a guy was able to convince others to take a ride in his homemade sub to the Titanic. A sub that would certainly implode at some point. That takes a very persuasive person, one who convinced scientists and journalists to hop on board. Who is to blame? Either every person involved, including those who rode before, giving the sub owner and future passengers false confidence. Or nobody, perhaps. Trump is like the sub owner and driver.
The majority of people do not understand what is happening.
If Donald Trump is the best that Republicans can do…then they deserve a place on the scrap heap of history. May all Democrats, independents, and principled Conservatives vote this aberration there.
TRUTH!!
Republicans want to win and keep power, regardless of the cost. Marry that with the fact that tens of millions of voters have had their minds reduced to mush by all of the insipid reality shows they watch and mindless video games they are constantly playing and what you are left with is a presidential election that tons of voters treat like it is an episode of "America's Got Talent"...not the selection of the leader of the free world. Sad.