As the man currently occupying the White House devolves into a more dangerous, and embarrassing, excuse of a president with each passing day, Republican leaders are refusing to get off the Trump train. Yes, privately they may call him a moron, but publicly they remain loyal supporters. So much so that recently a retired four star general was forced to debase himself by having to defend our empathy-devoid president over inappropriate comments made to the widow of a fallen soldier.
Republican leaders know they need Trump’s pen to enact legislation demanded by their wealthy benefactors. And what is at the top of a billionaire’s wish list? Tax reform, of course! Or more precisely, tax reduction.
Earlier this week, Senate Republicans passed a budget setting the stage for the GOP’s ultimate goal of pushing through “tax reform” later this year.
It doesn’t matter that the measure is estimated to add $1.5 trillion to the deficit over the next 10 years, and contains about $4 trillion in spending cuts.
“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to replace America’s failing tax codes,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the Senate floor after the bill was approved.
One thing that can safely be said about Republican billionaires, enough is never enough.
Some political pundits have pointed out that if Republicans removed Trump from office, they would still have the pen of a willing accomplice in President Mike Pence. So why not get rid of the madman in the Oval Office?
This is were the fear comes in.
As much as many Republicans may loathe Trump, they know, as GOP strategist Rick Wilson pointed out, one mean tweet about them could ruin their political careers.
In addition, any attempt to install Pence as president would be met with intense blowback from Trump’s diehard base. The fear of their wrath is just unthinkable for any Republican politician.
It is due to this instinct of self-preservation that you’ll find the only Republicans speaking out against Trump are those who will not be seeking reelection, such as John McCain and Bob Corker.
As sad as it may be for the majority of Americans opposed to Trump, it seems the only way Trump will ever be removed from office is if the Democrats retake the House and Senate in 2018.
Or unless Mueller steps in before then!
Photo | nymag.com