With the debate scheduled for tonight I thought it might be useful to take a look back at this blog. The most significant change is the reality that Donal Trup will not be on the debate stage - his lead in the polls has expanded and he is not going to expose his flanks to the likes of Christie. Smart move in my opinion.
I think we can see how the Republican Party can so easily snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
As we approach the ’24 election, we have begun to witness the circus that precedes such a national election. You see, in ’24, we have the opportunity to elect a new President, seize the Senate and keep the House. You would think that the Republicans would be laser focused on these opportunities with the objective of changing the trajectory of the nation.
So, what are they doing? Well, they are sniping at each other --- and thereby doing the work of the likes of the Lincoln Project for them. Politics has always been described as a blood sport; but the Republican politicians of the ’23-’24 political season are taking it to a whole new level --- real scorched earth stuff directed at each other and the Dems are licking their chops!
It is obvious who the “Man in the Middle” is … Donald Trump! Trump is the clear front runner in the polls. Therefore, he becomes the target that every one of those seeking the Republican nomination will be “shooting” at. And make no mistake about it … Trump will be firing back … punching down or punching up, it doesn’t much matter. All of the candidates will come out of this a bloody mess and millions of dollars poorer.
Trump is the only candidate in this race that has a real Presidential record of achievement to run on. It is not uncommon to hear friends or family say … I really liked his policies, but not his personality. If he would only stop those mean Tweets. You know the discussion because you have had it yourself! You also know that your 401K looked a whole lot better two and half years ago, your groceries were cheaper, and the price of fuel for your car was less … you know the story because you lived it. Life was good and then it sucked.
But that was the past. So now, we look to the future … and who is that future? The list of Republican candidates is long. Trump, DeSantis, Halley, Ramaswamy, Hutchinson, Johnson, Christie, Scott, Pence, Burgum are currently in the race and there are at least four more weighing their options. The current breakdown: 1-Former President, 1-former Vice President and Governor, 5-Current or former Governors, 2-Businessmen, 1-Senator, and a partridge in a pear tree.
The field is running from venue to venue to tell the American public why they should vote from them and by the way, do not forget to drop your check in the box on your way out. It appears from the early activity that the only candidate that is not running at jet aircraft speed is Donald Trump! And why should he? Like him or not, he is the clear front runner for the GOP at this time.
And at this time, he leads even in spite of the most recent criminal indictment by the corrupt and weaponized Biden DOJ.
The other candidates can’t avoid the subject of the indictment or anything Trump. They are questioned incessantly by the media to comment about Trump and their rhetoric is ramping up as they think they see a chink in Trump’s armor --- so to speak. The responses to questions like “If elected would you pardon Donald Trump?” range from Ramaswamy’s’ “I would” to Asa Hutchinson’s ‘No I would not’ … although the candidates clearly want to duck the question. And while we are considering this circus act, let’s not forget that the man is presumed innocent even if Jack Smith, the Special Counsel who brought the indictment, thinks otherwise.
So, at this point in the process, we are left with a lot of Republicans asking for your money so they can become President of the United States. Some saying they are all in on America and the MAGA movement … but just don’t call it that please … to the candidate who has been declared the “Man who will take down Trump,” i.e., Chris Christie. There is enough sparring that it just might make your head spin. And don’t forget, we have another year and a half to go.
So, as the Republicans sharpen their aim and reload their proverbial rifles to continue their circular firing squad … I say, “Sit back and buckle up, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show.”
Our Republic is in real trouble. If the full implications of “Pride Month” and the completely out of control border have not hit you yet, then you are either asleep or living in a country with no internet. The smallest political minority in the history of this great nation is managing to turn this country into the laughingstock of the world.
The only way we stop this long, slow slide into darkness is by electing a Republican in the White House, electing a Republican majority in the Senate, and expanding the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Winning the election of 2024 will be vital; however, the Republicans will have to hold both the White House and the Congress for at least two additional election cycles … 2028 and 2032 … to have a real chance to change the trajectory of the country.
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The Republicans are their own worst enemy. They do not hang together for the cause and have no solid party excitement. Good article Marc!!! NB