Your column contains great insight, as always. My main conclusion is that it is impossible to both save the Republican Party and to save democracy. The Iowa Republican officials now endorsing DeSantis are so far along the road to fascism that very little separates them from Trumpism. The only hope for the future is repeated sound Democratic victories that force a wholesale Republican rehabilitation that brings the remnant of the Party to the 21st Century and reality. And unfortunately, I cannot muster enough faith in the American, and especially, Iowa voters to envision that occurrence.
I don’t understand why in view of everything any Republican can support the past President Trump. I also don’t understand what they are afraid of. Be done with him, find another candidate & get back on track. Continuing to support him makes one wonder about the intelligence of the Republican Party. And what John Edwards, Bill Clinton & even Richard Nixon did pale in comparison to Trump. If Trump were a Democrat this BS would never have been allowed to continue.
I do not expect these leaders to exile Trump. Your proposed statement lets those folks off. Trump and MAGA's threats to our democracy are only aided and abetted with statements like that of Hinson's. I understand they will point out the problems of the Biden programs (as they spend Biden program $). They should stand for free elections and vocally oppose Trump's efforts to undermine Democracy and verbally admonish those on Jan. 6. They can say all the bad things about Biden, they can talk about how great Trump's policies were; they have to stand up to the ongoing demagoguery of any presidential candidate. I bet Tauke and Leach and Bob Ray and Ganske would stand up to Trump and speak out against Jan. 6
Todd Dorman is my “Donald Kaul fix” and I appreciate him in there swinging away. Thanks for noting him. Hinson’s constant toadie- ism is especially loathsome in a field of loathsomeness.
Does anyone ever wonder if some of them have, like Trump, "found some votes"? Certainly they have lied and spread misinformation about issues in science and health. They have no fear at all of fibbing.
I noted at the State Fair that, while the Republican booth featured photos of all candidates, there was The Insurrectionist front and center, looking positively Mussolini-esque. The problem for the party is that it knows there is no party without Trump. Reject Trump, and half or more of Republican voters will simply fall off the map. And then the Republicans would be in danger of losing their majorities even in Iowa. The party made its Faustian bargain, not let it wallow in it.
Your column contains great insight, as always. My main conclusion is that it is impossible to both save the Republican Party and to save democracy. The Iowa Republican officials now endorsing DeSantis are so far along the road to fascism that very little separates them from Trumpism. The only hope for the future is repeated sound Democratic victories that force a wholesale Republican rehabilitation that brings the remnant of the Party to the 21st Century and reality. And unfortunately, I cannot muster enough faith in the American, and especially, Iowa voters to envision that occurrence.
My fear also. Thanks.
I don’t understand why in view of everything any Republican can support the past President Trump. I also don’t understand what they are afraid of. Be done with him, find another candidate & get back on track. Continuing to support him makes one wonder about the intelligence of the Republican Party. And what John Edwards, Bill Clinton & even Richard Nixon did pale in comparison to Trump. If Trump were a Democrat this BS would never have been allowed to continue.
I do not expect these leaders to exile Trump. Your proposed statement lets those folks off. Trump and MAGA's threats to our democracy are only aided and abetted with statements like that of Hinson's. I understand they will point out the problems of the Biden programs (as they spend Biden program $). They should stand for free elections and vocally oppose Trump's efforts to undermine Democracy and verbally admonish those on Jan. 6. They can say all the bad things about Biden, they can talk about how great Trump's policies were; they have to stand up to the ongoing demagoguery of any presidential candidate. I bet Tauke and Leach and Bob Ray and Ganske would stand up to Trump and speak out against Jan. 6
Insightful. Agreed.
Todd Dorman is my “Donald Kaul fix” and I appreciate him in there swinging away. Thanks for noting him. Hinson’s constant toadie- ism is especially loathsome in a field of loathsomeness.
I loved Donald Kaul as well! Couldn't miss his column. Dorman and Cullen are incredible...
Yup. I’m on board with Cullen’s writing as well.
Very interesting, as always--both encouraging and discouraging about our country.
Does anyone ever wonder if some of them have, like Trump, "found some votes"? Certainly they have lied and spread misinformation about issues in science and health. They have no fear at all of fibbing.
Don't know about the votes...agreed.
I noted at the State Fair that, while the Republican booth featured photos of all candidates, there was The Insurrectionist front and center, looking positively Mussolini-esque. The problem for the party is that it knows there is no party without Trump. Reject Trump, and half or more of Republican voters will simply fall off the map. And then the Republicans would be in danger of losing their majorities even in Iowa. The party made its Faustian bargain, not let it wallow in it.
Great points...