Former Republican Leaders Call Trump Out as Authoritarian and Populist
The former Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, bluntly stated that Donald Trump, the once-revered Republican figure, is not a true conservative but a populist, authoritarian narcissist. This bold assertion came on the heels of Governor Glenn Youngkin, who had once been celebrated as a 'normalizing' alternative to Trumpism, admitting he would consider supporting Trump in a Republican primary.
A recent survey by the University of Massachusetts Amherst highlights the divide between former and current Republican officials when it comes to Trump's actions. The survey revealed that more than 80% of ex-Republican congress members recognize the legitimacy of Joe Biden's 2020 election victory, a stark contrast to the 26% of present, voting-age Republicans who acknowledge the same truth. Furthermore, just over half of former Republican representatives believe that Trump's false election claims pose a threat to our democracy, compared to only one in six simple, Republican voters who share this sentiment.
The divide between what Republican leaders know and the message being delivered to the base is obvious. Although the current Republican establishment is mostly loyal to Trump, many of his former collaborators have been the loudest in criticizing him. One such example is General John Kelly, Trump's former chief of staff, who labeled Trump as someone who admires and has only contempt for democracies, institutions, and the rule of law.
Despite this, Trump's loyal base remains resistant to facts that contradict their idolization of him. Representative from an unnamed district referred to Trump as 'our Orange Jesus' while expressing opposition to the certification of the 2020 election results.
As the 2022 Republican primaries approach, Trump's hardline supporters make up 37% of the party, surpassing those who are against him (25%) and those who are undecided (37%), meaning they can be influential in determining the party's nominees. Some former supporters, like former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have stated their support for Trump's re-election, despite the primaries not yet having started. This quandary of ambition and fear among conervative politicians may lead to unfortunate political alliances and compromise.
This dangerous dynamic between Republican ambition, fear, and loyalty is best described by former Republican congresswoman Liz Cheney as a 'slumbering dictatorship.' With Trump's polarizing persona-cult and the complicity of many Republican leaders, the trajectory of the country remains disconcerting.
The Republican party has the opportunity to choose a genuine constitutional conservative candidate, but recent polls suggest the party may instead opt for a 'narcissistic dictator.' However, the long-term consequences of this choice and potential derailment of American democracy cannot be overstated.
Disclaimer: This article is a non-partisan exploration of the relationship and attitudes between former and current Republican leaders when it comes to Donald Trump. The use of the terms 'narcissistic dictator' or 'slumbering dictatorship' is meant to describe the political dynamic and not to make a personal judgment or political statement about any individual or group.
