In times past the Republican Party fit that bill with its pledged allegiance to limited government, lower taxes and a strong national defense.
Today that's a questionable choice.
It's not Donald Trump as the party leader which raises the most important concerns. After all, he will be gone in 2028 (ignore the Trumpian trial balloon for a third term – it's already been popped). Rather it is the obsequiousness displayed toward him by the bulk of GOP officeholders and much of the party's rank-and-file (80% or so). They are the Republican core now and will remain so after Trump's departure. Will they be able to reclaim their integrity then?
Doubtful.
Who can forget, for instance, the role played by GOP senators constitutionally required to provide "advice and consent" to the president's selections for high public office. A rubber stamp was used instead. Although the U.S. Constitution does not define the standard for approval, being complement for the position sought to include such attributes as intelligence, experience and knowledge, would seem implicit. Did the 40-year-old Fox News host satisfy them? Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a hawk on military matters equivocated -- his vote was needed for senatorial consent for the nominee for secretary of defense – but went along.
Why?
No one of any substance claimed Pete Hegseth was competent to be Secretary of Defense. That included Sen. Tillis. But he's up for reelection in two years, faces a vocal Trump supporter in his primary and wants to win. Trump would certainly oppose him if he had voted no.
Plainly Tillis chose self-preservation over integrity and the national interest. 49 of his colleagues made the same decision.
Sure, being a Senator is a prestigious position which a holder would like to keep. Being in the good graces of the president will help secure that objective. But concern for status and power is more important than doing what's right? Of course that query appears naïve. People can justify their selfish actions by engaging in all sorts of self-deception. And they do.
Are GOP legislators and general party members so blinded by fear and/or adulation that they have abandoned their duties as citizens to serve and support America?
As a Republican and conservative my entire life, I'm ashamed of the party now. But where am I to go?
Note
there is merit to the claim that the president should be able to choose those
who will implement his policies. But the Constitution imposed a potential check
on those to be selected. GOP senators have ignored that authority.
