The Republicans are still proving to defy expectations with their extreme antics. This time, it's Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia who's causing a stir. Known for her antisemitic, Islamophobic, racist, and conspiratorial views, she somehow manages to rally support.
Despite receiving heavy criticism for comparing mask mandates to the Nazi's Holocaust efforts, Greene merely doubled down on her statement. And her fundraising efforts are clocking in at an impressive $3 million in just three months of this year.
The fear surrounding her influence on the Republican Party's direction isn't unfounded. She's not an outlier who'll soon fade into obscurity. Rather, Greene represents the leanings the party is moving towards. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell seems to be more concerned about the upcoming Midterm elections 2022 being impacted than addressing Greene's antics.
One may wonder if these extreme views and actions are truly a cause for concern. While it's easy to dismiss new figures like Newt Gingrich or the Tea Party as 'just another phase' once they hit the mainstream, those assumptions often prove to be off the mark. Greene is quickly digging her heels deeper into GOP territory, testing the limits of acceptability. Lack of resistance has only emboldened her.
Gingrich, for instance, was considered too radical when he entered Congress in the 1980s with his rowdy style, disregarding the conventions of decorum. Critics hoped he would be contained, but they were mistaken. He eventually became Speaker of the House, and his confrontational style became the norm.
Similarly, the Tea Party emerged after Barack Obama's election, forcing Gingrich's influences. The group nearly led the country into a fiscal crisis with their obstinate stance on budget debates. Members also spread misinformation on climate change and advocated for drastic welfare cuts. Despite causing harm, they were deemed useful allies by Speaker John Boehner.
Finally, there's Donald Trump. Despite his divisive and chaotic leadership as President, many Republicans stuck by him, even after the elections. Even now, former House leader Liz Cheney has been ousted from her position for speaking out against him.
So, is it time to sound the alarm bells about Greene? Given the trajectory of the Republican Party, one can't be too confident that her influence will wane any time soon. In an increasingly extreme party, those willing to stir up controversy can quickly escalate to positions of power, spreading more discord in the process.
