Is This the First Rumble? A Revolt in Republican Ranks.

 

It struck me while watching the impeachment trial underway in the Senate that, for Democrats, this was about far more than putting the boots to Donald J. Trump.  This was about the mid-terms and showing Americans why business as usual is over in the age of radical politics and conspiracy theory.

The  GOP is in a war for the heart and soul of the party that pits old school or conservative Republicans against the Treason Caucus and Trump's Gullibillies.  

Some conservative Republicans, David Frum et al, have said that the only way to save their party is to burn it to the ground and start over. Now Reuters is reporting that dozens of GOP stalwarts are meeting to discuss setting up an anti-Trump centre-right party.

The early stage discussions include former elected Republicans, former officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Trump, ex-Republican ambassadors and Republican strategists, the people involved say.

More than 120 of them held a Zoom call last Friday to discuss the breakaway group, which would run on a platform of “principled conservatism,” including adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law - ideas those involved say have been trashed by Trump.

The plan would be to run candidates in some races but also to endorse center-right candidates in others, be they Republicans, independents or Democrats, the people say.

Comments

  1. rumleyfipsFebruary 12, 2021 at 6:49 AM

    There are rumours of more Republicans ready to vote for impeachment. Some may be allowed, but I suspect that their numbers will be carefully controlled below the 17 mark.

    A smokescreen to protect the GOP's image while remaining subservient to Trump.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Disaffected LibFebruary 12, 2021 at 8:06 AM

      This drama should wrap up by the weekend, Rumley. If nothing else it will be another reminder of how debased Congressional Republicans have become. That said, the idea of a powerful group setting up a new party to split the rightwing vote would be terrific. If..

      Delete
  2. Ben BurdFebruary 12, 2021 at 8:37 AM

    The only good thing about the impeachment, which will fail due to the kompramat that dogs Lindsey Graham and the lack of a spine for Moscow mitch, will be the evidence that can be trotted out in two years time to use as ammo in the election. However the problem will be is that only rightwing, alt-right Trumpers will prevail in the primary process due to the fleeing from the repugs by real repugs. That leaves the trumpers in the field but how will they succeed as candidates when the fleeing repugs refuse to vote for them.

    The only thing stopping Dems from winning will be the aggressive moves made by State repugs to limit mail-in ballots and extended voting periods. I just hope the dems have the stamina to keep their base engaged.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The Disaffected LibFebruary 12, 2021 at 9:44 AM

      Mid-terms are notoriously bad for the party in power, Ben. Even Obama couldn't beat the curse. I suspect that's a reality on the minds of the Dems in this impeachment trial. Get the glaring evidence, especially the videos, out there and use that to whip the Repug into the mid-terms.

      The Old School Repugs know the threat they face in the primaries. That's why they're looking at setting up a second, rightwing party to undermine the radical Republicans and, who knows, maybe take a few seats in the process. Look at the damage Preston Manning was able to inflict on the Progressive Conservatives when he set up Reform. After that, Chretien was pushing on an open door.

      The radicals are vulnerable to a split in the Republican vote. Conservative Republicans realize they can't change the GOP from within, not as it's now constituted. They're left with just two choices - either submit or take it down.

      I too wonder just what Team Trump has on Lindsey Graham. Something has turned him. There are plenty of lurid rumors.

      Delete
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