Dreaming of a Post-Trump GOP
I recently read Mark Sumner’s article about Republicans dreaming of a post-Trump GOP. It made me think about those in the GOP who secretly hope Trump will fail, so their party can return to sanity. Many of these are former members who criticized Trump from the start and were pushed out. Others are those who supported Trump despite their principles, hoping it would benefit the party.
It’s Not Their Party Anymore
Unfortunately for them, it’s not their party anymore. Honestly, it hasn’t been for some time. While Trump is the current face of their problem, he’s not the reason they’re doomed.
“You can fool yourself, you know. You’d think it’s impossible, but it turns out it’s the easiest thing of all.” ― Jodi Picoult, Vanishing Acts
The Rise of Trump
When Trump began his rise in the GOP back in 2016, many establishment Republicans like George Will spoke against him. They warned that his behavior would damage the country more than Nixon’s crimes ever did. But as time passed, critics were silenced, and media outlets like Fox News started supporting Trump to influence elections.
Feeding Lies to the Base
George Will once wrote about a tragic case involving two college freshmen who abandoned their newborn. He falsely suggested they could have had a late-term abortion instead. This lie was meant to feed a base that thrived on fear and outrage. Over time, this base was conditioned to dismiss facts and view mainstream media as untrustworthy.
“Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.” – Jim Morrison
The Fairness Doctrine and Media Echo Chambers
The problem starts with Ronald Reagan. When his FCC repealed the Fairness Doctrine, it allowed ideological echo chambers to form on the airwaves. This saved the career of Rush Limbaugh, who began crafting a conservative talk radio format filled with distortions and lies. TV followed suit with the creation of Fox News in 1996.
A Directed Movement
This was not an organic movement. It was directed by a political and donor class that saw this captive base as a means to long-term power. Think tanks and corporate media pushed this base into an isolated bubble, believing a concentrated ideology would be more effective or at least create a reliable voting block.
Manipulation During Clinton and Obama Eras
When challenged, they ramped up their efforts, especially during Clinton’s and Obama’s presidencies. Obama represented a potential shift in American politics, and his campaign’s message of “Change” threatened the status quo. The manipulation became uglier, and the base was pushed further into a delusional worldview.
“An ignorant people is the blind instrument of its own destruction.” – Simon Bolivar
The Tragic Base
The base has been brainwashed to sacrifice themselves for ideological points that don’t benefit them. Red-state farmers see their farms suffer due to global warming but can’t shake off their programming. People in Appalachia and the Rust Belt ignore those fighting for them, consistently electing leaders who block efforts to improve their lives.
Donald Trump’s Political Aspirations
Trump’s political aspirations go back to 1988 when he asked to be considered as a running mate for George H. W. Bush. After a failed attempt in 2000, he went dormant until 2012. By 2016, the base was ready, and he steamrolled his way to the White House. From day one, he began killing the GOP, shaming established politicians and mismanaging power.
“We create monsters and then we can’t control them.” – Joel Cohen
The GOP’s Downward Spiral
Republican fortunes have spiraled downward since Trump’s inauguration. Established figures have been cast out for not showing blind loyalty. Mismanagement has become the norm, with disastrous results wherever Trump or his followers hold power. Despite pleas from donors and elites, Trump won’t improve because he can’t.
“Sooner or later everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
The Delusion of a Post-Trump GOP
Many Never Trumpers hope he loses, believing Trump is an anomaly. But Trump is the result of decades of lies and manipulation. The base that created Trump won’t change quickly, if ever. To call for a post-Trump GOP is to call for a post-base GOP, which may never happen.
Top 10 FAQs About the Post-Trump GOP
The Republican Party is undergoing significant changes following the presidency of Donald Trump. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the current state of the party:
1. What are the main factions within the post-Trump GOP?
The post-Trump GOP is divided into several factions, including the Trump loyalists, moderate Republicans, and the Never Trump movement. Each faction has distinct views on how the party should move forward.
2. How has the Trump presidency impacted the Republican Party’s base?
The Trump presidency has significantly altered the Republican Party’s base. Many Trump supporters have become more conservative and populist, while others have become more moderate or even liberal.
3. What are the key issues that are driving the internal conflicts within the GOP?
The key issues driving internal conflicts include immigration, healthcare, economic policies, and social issues like LGBTQ+ rights and abortion. These issues have created deep divisions within the party.
4. How is the Never Trump movement influencing the GOP’s future?
The Never Trump movement is pushing for a more moderate and inclusive approach within the party. They aim to attract voters who were previously alienated by the party’s extreme positions during the Trump era.
5. What role will Donald Trump play in shaping the future of the GOP?
Donald Trump remains a significant figure in the Republican Party. His influence is still felt, but his role is evolving as he navigates his post-presidency and potential future political endeavors.
6. How are moderate Republicans trying to revitalize their party?
Moderate Republicans are focusing on issues like economic growth, education, and healthcare reform. They aim to appeal to a broader range of voters who may have been turned off by the party’s more extreme stances during the Trump era.
7. What impact has the 2024 election cycle had on the post-Trump GOP?
The 2024 election cycle has intensified the internal conflicts within the GOP. Candidates are positioning themselves either as Trump loyalists or as moderates, reflecting the deep divisions within the party.
8. How is the post-Trump GOP handling issues related to voter suppression and election integrity?
The post-Trump GOP is grappling with the legacy of voter suppression and election integrity issues. Some factions are pushing for stricter voting laws, while others are advocating for more inclusive and secure electoral processes.
9. What role will social media play in shaping the future of the GOP?
Social media continues to be a crucial factor in shaping public opinion and political discourse within the GOP. The party’s messaging and strategy will likely be heavily influenced by social media platforms and their algorithms.
10. How might the post-Trump GOP affect national politics beyond the Republican Party?
The post-Trump GOP could significantly impact national politics by influencing policy debates, shaping voter behavior, and potentially altering the balance of power in Congress and beyond.
