Is Richard Hanna the tip of the iceberg, the impending avalanche?
Richard Hanna
It takes courage in today’s GOP to openly support a Democrat, let alone one named Hillary Clinton. Republican Congressman Richard Hanna did just that. He is the first House member to cross party lines. Hanna wrote an op-ed at Syracuse.com where Hanna laid out his case. While his ‘courage’ is commendable, it should be noted that he is retiring.
Hanna points out why he cannot support Donald Trump.
Months ago I publicly said I could never support Trump. My reasons were simple and personal. I found him profoundly offensive and narcissistic but as much as anything, a world-class panderer, anything but a leader. Little more than a changing mirror of those he speaks to. I never expect to agree with whoever is president, but at a minimum the president needs to consistently display those qualities I have preached to my two children: kindness, honesty, dignity, compassion and respect.
He points out a fact that Republicans should heed lest they are relegated to minority status permanently. Their faux-nativism and extremism make that today’s reality assuming Americans vote.
I have long held the belief that the Republican Party is becoming increasingly less capable of nominating a person who is electable as president. The primary process is so geared toward the party’s political base, which ignores the fact that we have largely alienated women, Hispanics, the LGBT community, young voters and many others in general.
Thankfully gerrymandering does not protect candidates in a national election. If I compare the life stories of both candidates I find Trump deeply flawed in endless ways.
Further on, he gives his reasons why he is supporting Hillary Clinton and not Donald Trump.
Secretary Clinton has issues that depending on where one stands can be viewed as great or small. But she stands and has stood for causes bigger than herself for a lifetime. That matters. Mrs. Clinton has promoted many of the issues I have been committed to over the years including expanding education and supporting women’s health care. While I disagree with her on many issues, I will vote for Mrs. Clinton.
It always takes a first. As Donald Trump’s poll numbers begin to fall, it will likely give more a virtual steel spine to move away from the current verifiable farce that is Donald Trump.