Are Republicans hitting the despair button too early?
Republicans think Donald Trump amounts to a huge loss
Photo by Gage_Skidmore_3
This morning The Hill featured an article titled “Gloom sets in for GOP” that may give Republicans pause and a joyful read from Democrats. Scott Wong and Amie Parnes wrote the following.
Gloom is setting in for GOP lawmakers and strategists who increasingly think Donald Trump will lose the presidential race and their party will be left in the political wilderness. “I’m not feeling great about the immediate future of the conservative movement right now,” said one Southern lawmaker, a Trump supporter. “As a conservative who believes our ideas are good for America, it is pretty gloomy these days.”A handful of House GOP lawmakers say they are already bracing for what could be a lopsided Trump defeat this fall.
A handful of House GOP lawmakers say they are already bracing for what could be a lopsided Trump defeat this fall.
“It’s an uphill battle,” acknowledged retiring Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), who first endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), then Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and finally Trump after he won the nomination. “I think it will be Hillary [Clinton],” predicted a Northeastern House GOP lawmaker who is publicly backing Trump. “If I had to bet, I’d definitely bet that Trump loses,” said another House GOP lawmaker who is opposed to Trump. “This is like a football game where you hate both teams. You root for a tie — and maybe some minor injuries.” …Republican strategist Ron Bonjean, who hasn’t endorsed Trump, pointed out the obvious: The GOP was supposed to come together in Cleveland, not after Clinton wins the White House. “No one can forecast how the Republican Party will come back together,” he said. “Republican leaders will have to figure out an agenda that focuses on their problems and until that happens, there will be a huge splinter in the ranks.”
I fear that Democrats are starting to think that a win is inevitable. They may start believing the editorials about the demise or meltdown of Donald Trump. If there is one thing that every Democrat should know is that three months out from an election is no time to give up or give in. America has a fickle electorate with a lot of angst. No one knows if they will go into the voting booth and just throw up their hands and pull for Trump. They’ve done something like that before.
All Americans must be encouraged to vote. More importantly, they must be urged to make an educated vote. One should not wait until the election to provide education and encouragement. It means talking to your neighbors, friends, families, and acquaintances now, throughout, and after the election. That is how we ensure an engaged population that has the politicians ears.