The Republican sham “audit” in AZ should be no laughing matter, despite the ridiculous mess the auditors are making of it, resulting in even fellow republicans to call “B.S.”
If one was tempted to just sit back and enjoy a giant bowl of popcorn, enjoying the spectacle of the GOP’s determination to, apparently eat itself in some sort of blood sacrifice to the former guy, well, it might not be a good idea for one’s waistline or our country.
Despite all the headlines and “reasoning” behind these sham audits (now advancing in other states as well) “re-litigating” the 2020 election (spoiler: there is no actual litigation involved — don’t adopt this framing), this isn’t about 2020 at all. It’s about 2022.
Because when it comes to a platform, to policies and ideas and heck, even principles, the GQP is barren. Bereft. Adrift. They got nothin’. Bupkis. All they have, literally, is outrage. So they are committed to ginning it up, consequences to democracy be damned. They only have to continue these theatrics through to November 2022 to turn out their base, and hopefully pile up enough bullshit to convince a few more, and they CAN take back the House and Senate. Make no mistake. Do not underestimate the bias of many American citizens, especially White Evangelicals, to hear what they want to hear rather than face reality. To only hear what confirms their bias. While we are worrying that our country is being stolen, by the GQP, they are convincing their followers that WE have ALREADY stolen the country.
Unfortunately, while Repugnicans pretend to “re-litigate” the last election, one would not be amiss in wondering if the current Democratic Party is “reliving” the last Democratic Administration. Continuing to attempt to reach the mythic goal of “bipartisanship.” Compromising away strength and political opportunity for no gain. Watching Joe Manchin screw up good, necessary legislation because he is a “moderate.” This is what happened during the Obama administration. Over and over again, Dems would start negotiating from some perceived “center” which would presumably win some Republican support. How did that work out?
Which consultants and pollsters are telling Democratic leaders that this is a good look TODAY? In 2022 there will not be any “moderate” GOP voters. The GOP is on a mission to radicalize every single person that votes for them. And the Democratic response, once again, is to, “appear reasonable.” Oh boy, nothing motivates me to GOTV more than appearing reasonable!
Is “appearing reasonable” enough to win Liz Cheney’s vote? Has it ever been enough to win Susan Collins’? Is it strong enough to drive voters to the polls? The 2020 election was still way too close.
The January 6 commission should not be bi-partisan. It should not have to be over by December of this year. GOP members should have no voting privileges. IT SHOULD BE POLITICAL. It already is the patriotic thing to do. If you don’t believe that these sham “audits” will last into and beyond the next election, you are mistaken. This is the GOP play. This is all they have. Do not underestimate the stupidity of any right-Leaning voter. The Dems need to play hardball and keep 1/6 in the spotlight through 2024. Tie the candidates to the insurrectionists to the audits. It is all the same crazy. Remember the insurrection. Fundraise off it and run on it. They are!
Just ask what would happen if the situation were reversed. (Hint: Benghazi). This is one of those rare occurrences where the right thing to do — investigate and defend the bedrock of our government from insurrectionists and fascists — also happens to be a gigantic political opportunity… and Dems seem to be giving that up. There is a tale about wolves in sheep’s clothing that aptly describes 35 House GOPers.
This is not 2009. The Biden Administration, and Democratic Leadership, need to find a new playbook. Don’t give up any more political advantage. Our country depends on it.