GOP 'wins' on abortion and Trump have sown the seeds of its undoing | The Hill
By: Michael Starr Hopkins (The Hill)
pandering to bible thumping theocrats has a steep price...
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
“America’s vulnerability comes precisely from its strength, its wealth, its power and its modernity. It’s the usual story of the dog chasing its own tail.”
Oriana Fallaci
After using Roe as a wedge issue for so long, Republicans finally caught their tail and have no clue what to do with it. It's a perfect storm! Women motivated by the Dobbs ruling and extreme restrictions on access to healthy abortions appear to be fired up and ready to turn out in historic numbers.
Add in ridiculously bad Republican Senate candidates like Dr. Mehmet Oz, Herschel Walker and J.D. Vance, and watch Republicans tank Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) chances at recapturing the majority and holding onto the Senate.
Republicans couldn't be in a worse position. They run on whatever Trump tells them and they say whatever he tells them because if they don't, a twice-impeached dictator, who was the subject of an FBI raid, will somehow destroy their political lives. To them, his staying in office at all costs is more honorable than his willingness to lose an election for telling harsh truths. We see you, Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.).
Becoming a member of Congress is no small feat. It takes a certain kind of person to be able to do what it takes to win. Anyone who's had any interaction with members of Congress knows that many of them can be a little bit narcissistic, mixed with a type of insecurity that includes a desperate need for applause.
We've witnessed from people like Rep. Elise Stefanick (R-N.Y.) Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.) that nothing is short of embarrassing. It is because of their politically expedient supportof Trump that Republicans now find themselves defending "defund the FBI" or Trump's coup attempt on Jan. 6, 2021. They know better. They are intelligent people who understand exactly what they're doing when they peddle falsities and play on the cheap seats because the alternative requires courage. They want to win, regardless of who gets hurt or the damage it does to our democracy.
For decades, Republicans have wanted to overturn Roe. The irony is that now it will most likely cost them the majority in 2022 and the White House in 2024. The Jim Jones strategy isn't a strategy at all, but more like the rebirth of the now defunct Whig party intent on being relegated to the history books.
Republicans abandoned their ideology, their principles and their common sense, all to end up supporting Dr. Oz and Herschel Walker. What began as a transactional relationship with Trumpism has turned into political hostage-taking, and the consequences couldn't be clearer. Trump lost the White House and cost Republicans the Senate. Why would the midterms be any different? The cakewalk that was supposed to be the midterms looks more like lemmings jumping off a cliff. This wasn't how it was supposed to be, and even McConnell sees the writing on the wall.
Without a doubt, Democrats have had a strong and productive summer. Passing the Inflation Reduction act was historic in its own right, but coupled with passing gun legislation, the CHIPS bill, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, significant climate actions and the American Rescue Plan, President Biden looks like Steph Curry warming up. Even with those historic successes, this should still be the Republicans' year to flip Congress. Historically, the out-of-power party almost always outperforms the party controlling the White House. Republicans are doing everything in their power to break that cycle.
If Trump announces early and makes the last month of the race about him, Republicans could be in for a long night. If more indictments of the Trump inner circle — or even Trump himself — come down, the Republican Party's control will be over, diminished. Given their cultish way of praising the former president and tripping over themselves to be the most clownish in their Republican circus, they risk further alienating those very college-educated and suburban voters who fled Trump in 2020 and cost him a second term.
There's an irony to it all. Trump was never supposed to win in the first place. The very people who mocked his candidacy and distanced themselves when the Access Hollywood video came out have now tied themselves to the most unpredictable, selfish man in politics — and that says a lot. Trump wouldn't just burn down the Republican Party, he's proven already that he will not hesitate to torch the Constitution, our democracy or any and everyone who stands in his way. This is the front runner for the Republican nomination for president in 2024. This is the man who has promised to seek revenge on his enemies and bring chaos back to Washington.
Republicans got exactly what they wanted. A brash politician who stood for nothing and would say anything for the right amount. They stood behind him and defended him, shamelessly repeating his lies without hesitation. In return, he appointed the justices and a court that is hellbent on fundamentally changing our individual rights. But at what cost?
We're at an inflection point. A majority of Americans understand that Donald Trump, with the aid of Republicans, attempted to install himself as president after losing a democratically run election. He didn't succeed but given a second opportunity, who knows what could happen. That's why voters are scared. That's why Republicans are breaking away from the party. Evidently, tax breaks may not be enough to support a wannabe autocrat. This isn't an election about opposition parties or checks on the party in power. This is an election about a party who finally got what they wanted and now doesn't know what to do with it. It was never about policies; it was always about culture wars and wedge issues.
Republicans are struggling to appease their dear leader, while also failing to make cogent arguments to the actual voters who put them in office. Democrats, however, are seizing the moment. Following the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, in at least 10 states, women made up a higher share of newly registered voters. After years of Republicans perfecting the culture wars, Democrats have finally embraced their inner culture warrior and found a winning issue.
Republicans are being taught a tough lesson. Political expediency may result in temporary gratification, but principles are forever. What should be a cakewalk for Republicans, looks to be more like the slow-motion disaster that we expected in 2016.
Republicans got exactly what they thought they wanted, and now they'll get what they actually deserve. They have caught their tail.
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thumpers have crossed over the establishment clause and it's time to treat religion for what it is, a business. tax them.
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Please, don't tax them. A tax would give them political leverage. It might be difficult but find some way of billing them for services. If they don't pay take them to court and take their property.
In case you haven't noticed, they already have political leverage. Forcing them to fill out tax forms will show their cult followers just how much of that money actual is used for religious purposes, and how much lines the pockets of the church.
a property tax would probably bankrupt the catholics.
Catholic church is the single richest entity in the world. The vast majority of Catholic priests don't even take the vow of poverty anymore. It is "optional".
Lol... that's a big one with the KKK.
Apple could buy the Catholic Church many times over just with cash on hand.
mustard or mayo on that friday mackerel sandwich? I'm guessing mayo goes better with grape juice and crackers.
Well, since the Catholic church does not disclose its finances, how do you know?
Goodness help us all:Donald needs to fall! Now if the republicans would allow Donald to catch his own 'tail' we can get something done politically proper here. Take out the blonde-hair colored trash!
It does look as though the GoP midterms are not going to turn out as well as some hoped. If it does turn out that the GoP winds up failing to achieve its midterm goals, I wonder if this will be enough of a shock to collectively break them free from the Trump parasite.
Judging from some comments I have read here, one might come to the conclusion that absolutely nothing whatsoever will deter Trump sycophants from supporting / defending Trump.
Some hoped? The gop has been crowing about their great victory in the midterm elections ever since Biden was inaugurated. It was a foregone conclusion that they would regain Congress and exact revenge on Biden and the Democrats. Yet, Roe was reversed, which is monumentally unpopular, and Putin's War in Ukraine is not going as they anticipated. Covid caused societal changes which are lasting.
Between the BIG LIE and Jan 6th and Roe and book banning and continuing gun tragedies, what does the gop have going for it?
Some inflation balanced with full employment and rising wages...
Every day gas prices decline the Democrat's hopes are looking up!
Yes, I was being gentle.
Pretty much the same as before:
Under normal circumstances, the GoP would do extremely well in the midterms. If they do not, then that shows just how weak the party is. I attribute the weakness primarily to its tie with Trump. The second part of the weakness is the SCotUS decision on abortion; that will (should) invigorate opponents to get out and vote ... and that will favor D candidates.
Don't forget the talk of privatizing Social Security. That always goes over like a lead balloon.
1. The Free World has United against Russia and Putin which has burnished Biden's leadership credentials worldwide.
2. Last November Biden and the Democrats passed the Infrastructure Bill which is showing benefits nationwide.
3. Recently Biden and the Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act which is only coming into effect but with gas prices tumbling seems to be having positive effects.
4. As you noted, the reversal of Roe is unpopular with voters.
5. Republican overreach on social issues like book bans and demonizing teachers and threatening marriage equality are turning off moderate and independent voters.
6. Just when it looked like the gop was finally making some progress with minority voters they nominate candidates that are either openly hostile to voting rights or plainly racist.
When was the last time the gop got a win voters approved?
What proposals has the gop put forward to solve problems?
More guns in public places and cutting taxes on the rich...
Oh, I forgot, the gop promises to impeach Biden for nothing.
What projects are completed or underway?
How has that effected gas prices? Why hasn’t it effected food priced in the same way?
Yes, and approving Medicare annually despite older voters being the gop's basest of bases.
Go away and look it up. You are dead to me.
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add human trafficking to the list...
I just got a funding report from my Congresswoman, Doris Matsui, yesterday in the mail.
285 million for flood control, bolstering levees and working toward raising Folsom dam (which will also increase water storage in CA, something the very conservative farmers in the central valley have been crying about needing for decades).
25 mil for airport improvements including a new ATC tower.
2.2 mil for school safety to protect against idiots with guns.
3.5 mil for sewer improvements
The list goes on and on. Your community should have similar projects going on. If you don't maybe you should think about replacing your representative.
Traditionally, when Republicans lose, they claim that their candidates weren't conservative enough. If (when) the Republicans lose this time, we can expect something similar.
Lindsey Graham obviously thinks that proposing a nationwide abortion ban right before the midterm elections is good politics.
That was the dumbest thing that fool ever did
Yes, unless he secretly wants to sabotage the gop's chances!
Given how Democrats have been energized by the Dobbs case, he must be trying to energize the Republican religious right base.
I assume so, but according to my math it causes a net loss of votes. Lots of good Christian women believe in reproductive freedom and respect legal choice. More once threatened...
I know a lot of church ladies who are not amused about Roe getting reversed and who are not onboard with Trumpism.
And just how much crime, punishment, and corruption are just and proper voters expected to accept from the (MAGA) GOP?! Geez, these people have demonstrated time and time again that they are after power for power sake—if only to allow nothing to change—for instance:
⇒ HETEROSEXUALITY FOR EVERYBODY!
Does it matter (to the GOP conservatives) that homosexuals are unhappy for the course of living 60-90 years? NOPE! Just keep up fake, fraudulent, appearances.
Oh and don't mention the church with its outrages of heterosexual violence and repentances; or its Catholic Church historical and contemporary "priest problem" of pedophilia that it can't fit!
It is hard for me to imagine that many people have regular contact with transgender children, who are rare and fragile and prone to suicide. Yet, from what I have been reading on NT, many in the gop insistent upon terrorizing and taunting just because.
What is up with that? Why does the mere existence of LGTBQ children cause such hate? Which rights does their existing in our society infringement upon? The right to be cruel...
At its best: it is a fear of the 'unknown.' That is, these conservatives can't be moved to get up from their spread-eagled, prone, or taking a knee before God! Although it is God who has firmly and sufficiently written (according to the texts):
Confidence! Humility! Not groveling and frightful.
Trust that God is fully able to save all God plans to save and thus - NONE GOD HAVE IN MIND CAN EVER FAIL TO COME INTO THE KINGDOM. To do otherwise, who cause God to fail and that can not and is not taught in religious doctrine of any kind!
CONSEQUENTLY, conservatives wish for everybody to 'walk' in the same timidity and fear they carry throughout their beings.
At the worst, these conservatives are bigots, pure and simple. That is, they were told, taught, trained, explained, to dislike anything and anybody they label different and weird, and mock them all the same, in hopes of changing them or shaming them into conformity-or-if not sameness as they are it could be the version of having these individuals stigmatized and damned everywhere they land in this life.
BTW, this is why the GOP MAGA mocks social justice and politically correct treatment of issues. They wish to say any nasty, trashy, below the belt thing that comes into their heads without respect for the consequences. You can't be vulgar, indecent, and cruel to others while treating them with decency and compassion.
I believe that you are correct. We will see in November.
Snort!!! Giggle
I would imagine that if the Republicans lose it all they won't blame Trump, but they'll have to come up with SOMETHING to blame, so I bet they'll blame China. LOL
Well some will certainly blame China if our little microcosm is any indication.
The gop is doing its best to turn off voters and prop up Joe Biden.
And Donald Trump is tripping all over himself to not be a fit candidate for any kind of political future: Why, oh why, do conservative think-tanks like the like him better as their 'foregone conclusion'?
The gop thinks racism and sexism and homophobia are sexy...
JBB, I hear you loud and clear. To have a 'following,' a voting bloc, that has as a sole set of published goals to ruin lives of people only wish is to live freely as conservatives say they are is tragic and insulting.
“The gop thinks racism and sexism and homophobia are sexy...”
Ah, what happens in the closet stays in the closet…
Let's throw plenty of sunlight "disinfectant" into the closet(s) of America! Come out! Come out! Wherever you are!
That is Miss Lindsey's mantra.
Emphatically. Get ready, get fired up, get going: ELECTIONS MATTER!
The near total abortion bill went into effect in Indiana yesterday. Let's see how that works out for the RWers.
very convenient that a lot of domestic terrorists in america all gather together on sunday mornings.
The GoPee dog finally caught the car.
Now what is he gonna do with it?
Good article. A bit on the hyperbolic side, but more or less a good snapshot of the times we live in.
In study after study, psychologists, psychiatrists, sociologists and other social scientists have found that certain devices affect how people react in different situations. Politicians are "aware" of this at some level and play upon these triggers to persuade people to vote for them.
Some of these triggers can be positive, like the mythos that then Senator Obama built around "Hope and Change " . Some can be negative, like Candidate Trump's continued insistence that "others" were trying to get into the country to change it from within. "I'm sure some of them are good people " does not have the same ring when tied to "murderers, terrorists and rapists."
Point? Damfino. Can't remember...I think maybe it was the people who most control the narrative around the elections are better positioned to win the election. I for one could use some "hope and change " right now.
Friend Thomas, do you mean this as it is stated or is this a positive double-entendre? Obama was "no drama," - not this - for real.
I meant it literally and wholeheartedly. I enjoy word play, but in this instance, it's all right there.
I guess that what I was driving at is that one needs to back up and look at what they are doing, at what others are doing and apply a moral compass to what they see. Ask if it's right. Ask if it is proper. Ask if it is humane to all involved. In this way we can hopefully break the spin cycle that we are in, locally, nationally, internationally.... Maybe I am being pessimistic, but I think if we do not see that it is a combination of all our actions that is leading us astray as a society, our society, our social structures, are going to fly apart, going to explode.
It all came to a head when the conservatives convinced themselves they would have to forsake conservative values in order to challenge liberals for 'ownership' of society. The odds simply were not in their favor. So they sat their long list of virtues aside and waded into the deep-end. . . figuratively wearing brass-knuckles and light explosives and full of venom.
Want this to return to relative normal and the middle---take it away from the extremists on both sides.
Yeah, I am saying it. I am completely convinced that extremists (Left and Right) are hopelessly pessimistic by definition. Why? Because in either direction you go on any spectrum as you head into deeper 'hues' of liberalism and Conservatism you will find darker and thicker concentrations of damaging attitudes.
Better to stay in the neutral zones where creativity strives with others and accomplishes positive achievements.
When this runs its course—people will look to the the positive 'hues' again on both sides.
Right now its 'sabers-rattling' a great deal and hopefully we can survive the 'phase' to our national growth and development. At best, this is the stage before a new 'emergence' of our positive national consciousness!
Finally, remember this: 'Doomday sayers' are a dime a dozen in human history!