Republican Lives Matter

With a loose cannon reality TV star as their presidential nominee, many Republicans are feeling the “Trump Effect” … and they are not liking it.

The once great Party of Lincoln is down in the dumps, worried about its continued survival. Republicans are bracing themselves for a November tsunami that could cost them not only the White House and Congress, but also their very existence.

It is hard not to feel sorry for the party elders. They have witnessed the hijacking of their beloved party – in broad daylight – by a buffoon supported by a majority of Republican voters. They have lost control of their source of power – without one shot being fired – by a con man that has fueled hatred against them, the power elite.

The sad fact is that because of the rise of Trump, Republicans have lost respect in the eyes of many and are now the laughingstock of developed nations throughout the world.

What is most difficult to witness are GOP regulars jumping ship. Yes, they console themselves, our nominee may sink in November but we are not going down with the USS Trumpanic. So sad, really.

With each passing day we have one more prominent Republican trying to regain some measure of self-respect by distancing himself from his own party’s nominee.

Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and one-time rumored running mate for Trump, said after the Orlando shooting, “I continue to be discouraged by the direction of the campaign and the comments that are made.” He continued, “And I did not think yesterday’s speech was the type of speech that one would give who wants to lead this country through difficult times.”

“Discouraged” is perhaps the best word to describe the former custodians of the GOP. The sense of powerlessness they undoubtedly feel must be so difficult to bear.

Democrats should not rejoice in this existential moment for their longtime rival. They must understand that the GOP deserves love and respect even in this darkest of hours.

What makes America great is its diversity. Our nation works best with a functioning two-party system, one which has existed since George Washington left office. The two parties in the system have changed occasionally — the Federalists, the Anti-Federalists, the Whigs — but the two-party system has remained.

No, Democrats, do not take pleasure in the current upheaval within the GOP. Remember … Republican Lives Matter.

Photo | realitychex.com