I’ve just been reminded of something I heard on NPR earlier this week. I was listening to On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti, which is a call-in show. The subject was the state of the Republican Party under Trump. Specifically, how many conservatives are shunning both the President and the actions of Republicans in Congress.
Joining the host were political journalist Lisa Desjardins, and two Republican operatives, Kim Alfano and Seth Weathers, who gamely tried to keep up the appearance that all was hunky dory within today’s GoP.
The first caller was a guy in his thirties who was, likewise, very happy with Trump and not at all concerned that the Party seemed to be tearing itself apart. So far, so expected.
The next caller, from North Carolina, stated that he was 68 years old and “an extreme right-wing Republican.” Oh, boy. Here we go. But then, the very next thing he said was, “I absolutely despise Donald Trump.”
Well, now.
He went on to say that Trump was abusing the Republican Party for “his own fascistic ego” and decried the drama and the way that he has been disparaging and alienating people. He also stated that a President Pence would be a wonderful thing, but let’s take what we can get.
“He is not a decent President. He is an awful man. He is a horrible man. And I hope he’s impeached.”
He closed by saying that, if the Republicans don’t remove him, he will be voting Independent or Constitutional Party in the next election.
So, that happened.
The episode aired Dec. 2 and can be heard at the link. Mike from NC calls in around 26:50.
Surveying the state of the Republican Party
Take note, btw, of the reaction from Weathers as he attempts to brush off this voter’s concerns, and even mock him. If the Republican Party is going to seriously address the state that it is in, the pathetic response from Seth Weathers is an ideal place to start.