In a revealing turn of events, the Republican party faces a critical juncture as serial fraudster, insurrectionist, and 91 count indicted felon Donald Trump gains momentum towards the Iowa caucus next week. Senate GOP leaders are grappling with a challenging decision: to endorse Trump or maintain their distance. This is not a difficult decision if you believe in the Constitution, the republic, and Liberal Jeffersonian democracy. But if all you care about is your own personal ambition, and continuing to dine at the public trough then you are quaking in your boots right now.
The divide is palpable in the Capitol, marking the onset of the primary season. While House GOP leaders are aligning with the Loser of Mar-a-Lago, the party's apparent frontrunner primarily because the Republican party has never stood up against him, many in the Senate are refraining from taking a clear stance in the presidential race. This hesitation could potentially draw the ire of Trump, known for his emphasis on singular direction loyalty, and this has them shitting their pants.
Orange Mussolini's advocates are now saying the quiet part out loud and cautioning that Senate leaders who delay their endorsement are risking their political careers. Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, who used to claim he was a "never Trump guy" in2016 but is now an opportunistically fervent supporter, advises his peers to endorse Trump not because they agree with policies, not because they like the guy, not because they respect and admire him but rather because they should be afraid of him. Vance warns senators against Trump's potential retribution. He argues that failing to do so might subject Republican senators to the wrath of Diaper Don, depending on ““how much Donald Trump wants to keep a grudge.” He literally openly acknowledged that they should endorse Donald Trump out of fear. What the hell is wrong with these people?
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been distancing himself from Trump, a move that stems from their estranged relationship following the 2021 insurrection. Trump frequently targets McConnell with personal criticisms, while McConnell seldom engages in Trump-related discussions. Though McConnell's reluctance to endorse Trump is expected, the Orange Menace is expected to retaliate by challenging McConnell's leadership position if he returns to the White House.
The potential consequences of withholding support became more evident as more GOP senate cowards started endorsing Trump. This shift was highlighted when Republican Conference Chair John Barrasso of Wyoming, a possible successor to McConnell, publicly endorsed Trump on Fox News, earning immediate approval from the former president.
The House GOP's second and third-ranking leaders, Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Tom Emmer of Minnesota, also endorsed Trump within a 24-hour span last week. This move is interpreted by some as a response to mounting pressure to support Trump or to avoid his displeasure.
This is what we have come to. Sacrificing every single thing they have claimed to believe in for decades to avoid one person's displeasure. I honestly don't know how they look their children in the eye.