I often wonder how many people who identify as Republicans, even before the Trump era, if asked, could clearly articulate what conservatism actually is.
I think for many people, they pick a "team" at some point in their life, based on some burning issue of the day - more likely than not, a social/cultural issue, (e.g. gay marriage, or biological men playing in women's sports, or gun control).
Once they've chosen a team, they seek out media that is on the same team, and that becomes their primary source of news/information. So the tribal mentality (i.e. rooting for the team) is reinforced continuously.
It also gives them permission to stop thinking. After all, gathering information on complex issues in order to formulate an informed, principled, position is time consuming, and can be hard (or frankly boring). It's much easier to just parrot what the leaders of your chosen team (party) say, and accept their arguments, without any critical analysis, or hypocrisy checking.
That's a good point, and I do think a lot of people fall into the category you describe.
That said, I also think a much larger percentage of Republicans could have articulated conservatism (or at least the major tenets of conservatism) pre-Trump than can now... mainly because all of the popular center-right media platforms and personalities of the pre-Trump area (other than the Alex Jones hardcore-conspiracy wing) routinely argued from a baseline conservative perspective: Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, even Bill O'Reilly, etc.
Now, it's idol worship, tribal purity, and nonstop social grievance. And yes, it's given lots of people permission to stop thinking. Pretty much every day, I see people who still self-describe as "conservative" defending leftist views and policies, glaring corruption, and moral indecency... just to back Trump. Heck, we're seeing it right now in the comment section under this column.
John...I just want to say I agree with the points in your commentary and your detailed, well-written responses to the prior comments on your commentary.
Great article covering a breadth of hypocrisy. California Gov. Newson (sp) sent me and all my buddies a refund credit card of (I think) $2,500 right before the election to replace him as governor. I and my GOP friends everywhere agree that Trump's bribe is stupid beyond compare.
I have been a Trump supporter ( Not MAGA ) since 2016 and have voted for him three times. His over the top rhetoric is just becoming to much for me. I don't care what O'reilly says, the $5000.00 is a bribe. I'm thinking of switching from a registered Republican to Independent. Excellent article John.
I can’t anymore with these people. I can’t with the Trump defenders. I know we’re supposed to respect differing opinions but I’m just at my wits end with these people. The lack of self respect and thoughtfulness to just gulp down anything this guy hands to them. It’s stunning, really
"We’re at the point that authentically conservative ideas (as they were widely understood from the 1950s up until the Trump era) have largely been eradicated from the Republican Party."
Yup! And authentically liberal ideals have largely been eradicated from the Democrat Party. Washington in Chaos.
Excellent commentary John. You make some very relevant points that I've not thought of, and nice and neatly packaged it all in one box. If not a $5k bribe, it is certainly manipulation. If Dems take the House, or even the Senate, of course Congress will not approve this 5k. It's a teaser. Some of these tactics are forcing me to question this Republican party as I see their boundaries and goalposts being shoved to the wayside. No integrity. No class. Just "affective instability" running rampant. Win at any cost. All is far in politics has replaced "all is far in love and war."
"The other recent news-story of note is President Trump’s vow to send every adult U.S. citizen a check for $5,000 if — and only if — Republicans keep both the Senate and House in the midterm elections."
Of note, Bill O'Reilly said it's not a bribe because the recipients don't have to do anything, i.e. there's no quid pro quo. REALLY? Does Mr. O'Reilly think his base viewers are that stupid? Or maybe he thinks they'll want to believe his remark so much that they'll accept it without question? Or maybe Mr. O'Reilly is willfully dense when it comes to his old buddy Donald Trump.
He promised that at the so-called Mid-Term Convention when he was urging the audience - those in attendance especially but also viewers and those getting their info from right-wing screechers - to not only vote Republican but to canvass for Republicans and, yes, to vote more than once. Although on this last statement, his hardcore supporters will say "he was only joking." But he's the President of the United States delivering a primetime speech!
Although those included in his bribe were those not voting Republican, obviously for the Republicans to win the mid-terms there'd have to be collective and feverous activity.
If the bigwigs in the Democratic Party leap tall buildings to deliver the mid-terms to the Republicans, will President Trump's hardcore supporters say "He was only joking" when he reneges on his promise?
I mean, if he had any intention, or authority, to actually do it, why not do it NOW? From a pure bribery angle, wouldn't undecided voters be more inclined to vote for the party that GAVE them cold hard cash, as opposed to voting for the party that conditionally promised to give them cash AFTER they vote?
John is witty, and pithy is HIS choice. This is Johns column, therefore he can be pithy or not. I love his longer responses with witch he gives excellent explanations. ✅
A Friday question: Some say Bill O'Reilly makes efforts on his NSN to humanize Pres. Trump much more than Trump deserves; one example being he states our president doesn't want to send ground troops in Iran because he doesn't want to kill Iranians. In your opinion, are some attempting to "humanize" Trump far beyond reality? ICE has been accused of human rights violations and he, Trump, has no problem with ICE tactics or abuses. He won't mandate body cams- that speaks volumes.
John, great read as usual. I calculate that writing this article and then reading and responding to comments by other readers left you approximately fifteen minutes for personal hygiene and time with your family.
Who knew that you are a conservative? You mention higher abortion rates like that is a "baby" of republicans. Who knew?
Also, your "what about isms" with Donald Jr. Amounts to nothing. Why? Because CNN must also think so. Not even remotely the scandal of Hunter -Joe deal with Ukraine to fill Hunter's bank account.
If you are a conservative, how is it nothing in your article mentions the destruction of the of America by the socialists/communists/democratic party? Their open boarders, no voter ID, homosexual, transgender, boys in girl's sports and designated areas are merely a few of the absurd positions proudly proclaimed by these lunatics.
If your goal is to point out that President Trump and his family have positions that do not identify with conservatism,so what? Would you rather have the socialist/communist/democratic fools in charge? The $5000 bribe? No. I see it as a reward for doing the right thing.
President Trump's achievements far and away eclipse any President except Lincoln and Washington who probably would have taken the same action if they were with us today.
If the Supreme Court, the Fed, and RINOs would get out of the way, the success would be immeasurable. And there would be no discussion about the essence of conservatism.
Anyone who's read or listened to me, and knows what conservatism is.
>>You mention higher abortion rates like that is a "baby" of republicans. Who knew?
No. I mentioned higher abortion rates, because after the overturning of Roe vs Wade (I supported its overturn), the leader of the GOP reverted back to being pro-choice, and the Republican Party largely abandoned the pro-life cause.
As I've argued a number of times, the pro-life cause is a cultural one, not purely a legal matter. The abortion rate in this country was in slow and steady in decline for decades. In recent years, it's been on the rise. Do I think the GOP (who was adamantly pro-life during the decline era) effectively throwing in the towel on this issue has hurt the pro-life cause? Yes. Do I blame the GOP more than I blame the Democrats and political left? No.
>>Also, your "what about isms" with Donald Jr. Amounts to nothing.
You obviously don't understand what whataboutism is.
Pointing out hypocrisy is not whataboutism. Evoking conduct on the other side, to defend or rationalize similar conduct on your side, is whataboutsm.
If you can't remember that, write it down.
I've been saying for years that Hunter's corrupt. (I literally did it again in this very column).
>>Why? Because CNN must also think so.
I don’t watch CNN. Cable-news warps the mind, as you've proven.
>>Not even remotely the scandal of Hunter -Joe deal with Ukraine to fill Hunter's bank account.
Lol. Thanks for proving the entire point of my column. I appreciate it.
>>If you are a conservative, how is it nothing in your article mentions the destruction of the of America by the socialists/communists/democratic party?
Lol. You’re wondering why I didn’t inject topics I’ve written and spoken about numerous times on this website into this specific column, which has nothing to do with those topics?
Gee, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m a coherent writer.
>>If your goal is to point out that President Trump and his family have positions that do not identify with conservatism, so what?
Uh, that’s not the goal of this column. Maybe you should have someone else read the column to you.
>>Would you rather have the socialist/communist/democratic fools in charge?
Both parties are more than dabbling in socialism and profound foolishness at the moment. You’re fine with the GOP doing it. I’m not fine with either party doing it.
>>The $5000 bribe? No. I see it as a reward for doing the right thing.
This is the rhetorical equivalent of punching yourself in the nuts. Congratulations.
>>President Trump's achievements far and away eclipse any President except Lincoln and Washington who probably would have taken the same action if they were with us today.
I’m sorry this has happened to you.
>>If the Supreme Court, the Fed, and RINOs would get out of the way, the success would be immeasurable.
I’m sorry this has happened to you. But once again, I appreciate you proving the entire point of my column.
1. It is good to know you are pro life. But mostly you are anti Trump who saved the GOP and the remnants of conservatism.
2. Who is the leader of the GOP? Trump? You say Trump is not much of a conservative. When did the GOP throw in the towel on pro life? What group of conservatives did that? Christians? Not hardly. Certainly, democrats are the proud proponents of murdering babies and children if you consider the eleven jurors in the Clancy trial.
3. What money did Don Jr receive? Six million dollars? Is Don Jr in need of a job on a board that he is not qualified to be on in order to get paid because his father is the President? You assume that the wedding gift is a quid pro quo. Can you prove it?
4. I also do not watch CNN. But I do watch conservative shows that show clips from CNN and The View. Nothing yet on this.
5. If you hammer Trump about his non conservatism, it does beg the comparison to how screwed up democrats are regarding the same issues and how we are still fortunate to have chosen Trump. Not to have mentioned the democrats is to imply that would prefer them over Trump.
6. If not criticizing Trump for not being the conservative of yore, what was your point?
7. The socialists/communists ARE the democrats. They proclaim it. We have some socialism in government. But republicans are profoundly capitalists.
8. The $5000 is a bargain in order to save the country from the socialists/communists/democrats. I would be willing to pay $10,000.
9. Washington and Lincoln would do anything to save the Union and boarders just like Trump.
10. If RINOs and others would stop slow walking and otherwise blocking Trump's policies, for example the SAVE Act that over 80% of the people want, the country would be in better shape. I could list more, but I have made my points- not yours.
>>But mostly you are anti Trump who saved the GOP and the remnants of conservatism.
No. Unlike you, I'm mostly conservative,. And Trump's conduct, policies, and corruption are mostly antithetical to conservatism.
Trump, a lifelong Democrat until he decided to run for president, has done more damage to American conservatism, and the GOP, than any single individual in my lifetime.
>>Who is the leader of the GOP? Trump?
Correct.
>>You say Trump is not much of a conservative.
Correct.
>>When did the GOP throw in the towel on pro life?
When Trump reverted back to his previous pro-choice position when he re-ran for president in 2024 (having calculated that voter anger over the overturning of Roe vs. Wade would be a political liability for him). He then began publicly slamming Republican leaders, like Ron DeSantis, who tried to pass stronger pro-life bills. The message was clear: He wanted the GOP to drop it, and they effectively have. The icing on the cake was Trump's nomination of RFK Jr. for HHS secretary, a hard-lefty who's aggressively pro-abortion.
>>Certainly, democrats are the proud proponents of murdering babies
You don't have to convince me that the Democrats suck. I stand on the opposite side of nearly every Democratic policy position. Trump's positions, including his abortion position, are much closer to the Democrats' than mine are.
>>What money did Don Jr receive?
What we know so far, just a few days following the report, is that the Russian oligarch -- who has close ties to Putin (a chief U.S. adversary and war criminal who's helping the Iranian regime target our troops), and who abducts Ukrainian children -- shelled out somewhere in the ballpark of half a million dollars to our current president's son. That's what we know about.
>>You assume that the wedding gift is a quid pro quo. Can you prove it?
Lol. Don't you have any respect for yourself? Pretending a Russian oligarch forking over a half-billion to a president's son doesn't come with strings is like pretending an energy company putting a know-nothing like Hunter Biden on their board didn't come with any strings.
>>But I do watch conservative shows that show clips from CNN and The View. Nothing yet on this.
Nothing yet on this? The other networks, and major publications, have been reporting and discussing this story (easily confirmable online). Fox News, thus far, has refused to spend more than one minute total on it. Not a single sentence on their website either.
>>If you hammer Trump about his non conservatism, it does beg the comparison to how screwed up democrats
Craig, the Democratic Party sucks. I've been arguing that on this website for 15 years. That doesn't make Trump, a guy whose policies are closer to the Democratic Party's than the pre-Trump GOP's, suck less.
>>how we are still fortunate to have chosen Trump.
We're not. Republicans had opportunities in 2016 and 2024 to nominate a competent, qualified conservative. Instead, they chose a guy who tried to overturn U.S. democracy, destroyed free trade, drove consumer prices through the roof, added several trillion dollars to the national debt, has personally made billions off the presidency, is needlessly destroying our relationship with allies, and has pardoned thousands of criminals (included hundreds of violent criminals).
Boy are we lucky!
>>If not criticizing Trump for not being the conservative of yore, what was your point?
Again, have someone else read you the piece.
>>The socialists/communists ARE the democrats.
Trump has implemented more socialist policies than any of the DSA idiots, and done so on a national scale. And you're fine with it.
>>But republicans are profoundly capitalists.
Not under Trump, they're not. His trade wars, central planning, and government equity-stakes in private companies are profoundly anti-capitalist. And again, you're fine with it.
>>The $5000 is a bargain in order to save the country from the socialists/communists/democrats. I would be willing to pay $10,000.
I'm sorry this has happened to you. Partisanship is a hell of a drug.
>>Washington and Lincoln would do anything to save the Union and boarders just like Trump.
Hell of a drug indeed.
>>If RINOs and others would stop slow walking and otherwise blocking Trump's policies, for example the SAVE Act that over 80% of the people want, the country would be in better shape.
I often wonder how many people who identify as Republicans, even before the Trump era, if asked, could clearly articulate what conservatism actually is.
I think for many people, they pick a "team" at some point in their life, based on some burning issue of the day - more likely than not, a social/cultural issue, (e.g. gay marriage, or biological men playing in women's sports, or gun control).
Once they've chosen a team, they seek out media that is on the same team, and that becomes their primary source of news/information. So the tribal mentality (i.e. rooting for the team) is reinforced continuously.
It also gives them permission to stop thinking. After all, gathering information on complex issues in order to formulate an informed, principled, position is time consuming, and can be hard (or frankly boring). It's much easier to just parrot what the leaders of your chosen team (party) say, and accept their arguments, without any critical analysis, or hypocrisy checking.
That's a good point, and I do think a lot of people fall into the category you describe.
That said, I also think a much larger percentage of Republicans could have articulated conservatism (or at least the major tenets of conservatism) pre-Trump than can now... mainly because all of the popular center-right media platforms and personalities of the pre-Trump area (other than the Alex Jones hardcore-conspiracy wing) routinely argued from a baseline conservative perspective: Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, even Bill O'Reilly, etc.
Now, it's idol worship, tribal purity, and nonstop social grievance. And yes, it's given lots of people permission to stop thinking. Pretty much every day, I see people who still self-describe as "conservative" defending leftist views and policies, glaring corruption, and moral indecency... just to back Trump. Heck, we're seeing it right now in the comment section under this column.
John...I just want to say I agree with the points in your commentary and your detailed, well-written responses to the prior comments on your commentary.
Thanks Terrence.
Great article covering a breadth of hypocrisy. California Gov. Newson (sp) sent me and all my buddies a refund credit card of (I think) $2,500 right before the election to replace him as governor. I and my GOP friends everywhere agree that Trump's bribe is stupid beyond compare.
Sad. Cannot be explained as anything else.
I have been a Trump supporter ( Not MAGA ) since 2016 and have voted for him three times. His over the top rhetoric is just becoming to much for me. I don't care what O'reilly says, the $5000.00 is a bribe. I'm thinking of switching from a registered Republican to Independent. Excellent article John.
Steve DeLobel
If not a bribe, it is manipulation. I've gone Independent years ago. So did O'Reilly.
I can’t anymore with these people. I can’t with the Trump defenders. I know we’re supposed to respect differing opinions but I’m just at my wits end with these people. The lack of self respect and thoughtfulness to just gulp down anything this guy hands to them. It’s stunning, really
"We’re at the point that authentically conservative ideas (as they were widely understood from the 1950s up until the Trump era) have largely been eradicated from the Republican Party."
Yup! And authentically liberal ideals have largely been eradicated from the Democrat Party. Washington in Chaos.
Terrific Article John!
Spot On!
Jeff W. (Charlotte NC)
Thanks Jeff.
Hey Jeff, I'm over here in Fayetteville, NC.
Excellent commentary John. You make some very relevant points that I've not thought of, and nice and neatly packaged it all in one box. If not a $5k bribe, it is certainly manipulation. If Dems take the House, or even the Senate, of course Congress will not approve this 5k. It's a teaser. Some of these tactics are forcing me to question this Republican party as I see their boundaries and goalposts being shoved to the wayside. No integrity. No class. Just "affective instability" running rampant. Win at any cost. All is far in politics has replaced "all is far in love and war."
Thanks Sharon.
"The other recent news-story of note is President Trump’s vow to send every adult U.S. citizen a check for $5,000 if — and only if — Republicans keep both the Senate and House in the midterm elections."
Of note, Bill O'Reilly said it's not a bribe because the recipients don't have to do anything, i.e. there's no quid pro quo. REALLY? Does Mr. O'Reilly think his base viewers are that stupid? Or maybe he thinks they'll want to believe his remark so much that they'll accept it without question? Or maybe Mr. O'Reilly is willfully dense when it comes to his old buddy Donald Trump.
He promised that at the so-called Mid-Term Convention when he was urging the audience - those in attendance especially but also viewers and those getting their info from right-wing screechers - to not only vote Republican but to canvass for Republicans and, yes, to vote more than once. Although on this last statement, his hardcore supporters will say "he was only joking." But he's the President of the United States delivering a primetime speech!
Although those included in his bribe were those not voting Republican, obviously for the Republicans to win the mid-terms there'd have to be collective and feverous activity.
If the bigwigs in the Democratic Party leap tall buildings to deliver the mid-terms to the Republicans, will President Trump's hardcore supporters say "He was only joking" when he reneges on his promise?
I mean, if he had any intention, or authority, to actually do it, why not do it NOW? From a pure bribery angle, wouldn't undecided voters be more inclined to vote for the party that GAVE them cold hard cash, as opposed to voting for the party that conditionally promised to give them cash AFTER they vote?
John is witty, and pithy is HIS choice. This is Johns column, therefore he can be pithy or not. I love his longer responses with witch he gives excellent explanations. ✅
*which.
A Friday question: Some say Bill O'Reilly makes efforts on his NSN to humanize Pres. Trump much more than Trump deserves; one example being he states our president doesn't want to send ground troops in Iran because he doesn't want to kill Iranians. In your opinion, are some attempting to "humanize" Trump far beyond reality? ICE has been accused of human rights violations and he, Trump, has no problem with ICE tactics or abuses. He won't mandate body cams- that speaks volumes.
John, great read as usual. I calculate that writing this article and then reading and responding to comments by other readers left you approximately fifteen minutes for personal hygiene and time with your family.
Lol. No, I still manage to spend a good amount of time with my family.
Boy. I didn't know I had taken up residence in your head. You need to learn how to be witty and pithy.
Man, what a weird response.
You wrote me a long, detailed reply, so I did the same.
Classic example of projection.
Who knew that you are a conservative? You mention higher abortion rates like that is a "baby" of republicans. Who knew?
Also, your "what about isms" with Donald Jr. Amounts to nothing. Why? Because CNN must also think so. Not even remotely the scandal of Hunter -Joe deal with Ukraine to fill Hunter's bank account.
If you are a conservative, how is it nothing in your article mentions the destruction of the of America by the socialists/communists/democratic party? Their open boarders, no voter ID, homosexual, transgender, boys in girl's sports and designated areas are merely a few of the absurd positions proudly proclaimed by these lunatics.
If your goal is to point out that President Trump and his family have positions that do not identify with conservatism,so what? Would you rather have the socialist/communist/democratic fools in charge? The $5000 bribe? No. I see it as a reward for doing the right thing.
President Trump's achievements far and away eclipse any President except Lincoln and Washington who probably would have taken the same action if they were with us today.
If the Supreme Court, the Fed, and RINOs would get out of the way, the success would be immeasurable. And there would be no discussion about the essence of conservatism.
>>Who knew that you are a conservative?
Anyone who's read or listened to me, and knows what conservatism is.
>>You mention higher abortion rates like that is a "baby" of republicans. Who knew?
No. I mentioned higher abortion rates, because after the overturning of Roe vs Wade (I supported its overturn), the leader of the GOP reverted back to being pro-choice, and the Republican Party largely abandoned the pro-life cause.
As I've argued a number of times, the pro-life cause is a cultural one, not purely a legal matter. The abortion rate in this country was in slow and steady in decline for decades. In recent years, it's been on the rise. Do I think the GOP (who was adamantly pro-life during the decline era) effectively throwing in the towel on this issue has hurt the pro-life cause? Yes. Do I blame the GOP more than I blame the Democrats and political left? No.
>>Also, your "what about isms" with Donald Jr. Amounts to nothing.
You obviously don't understand what whataboutism is.
Pointing out hypocrisy is not whataboutism. Evoking conduct on the other side, to defend or rationalize similar conduct on your side, is whataboutsm.
If you can't remember that, write it down.
I've been saying for years that Hunter's corrupt. (I literally did it again in this very column).
>>Why? Because CNN must also think so.
I don’t watch CNN. Cable-news warps the mind, as you've proven.
>>Not even remotely the scandal of Hunter -Joe deal with Ukraine to fill Hunter's bank account.
Lol. Thanks for proving the entire point of my column. I appreciate it.
>>If you are a conservative, how is it nothing in your article mentions the destruction of the of America by the socialists/communists/democratic party?
Lol. You’re wondering why I didn’t inject topics I’ve written and spoken about numerous times on this website into this specific column, which has nothing to do with those topics?
Gee, I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I’m a coherent writer.
>>If your goal is to point out that President Trump and his family have positions that do not identify with conservatism, so what?
Uh, that’s not the goal of this column. Maybe you should have someone else read the column to you.
>>Would you rather have the socialist/communist/democratic fools in charge?
Both parties are more than dabbling in socialism and profound foolishness at the moment. You’re fine with the GOP doing it. I’m not fine with either party doing it.
>>The $5000 bribe? No. I see it as a reward for doing the right thing.
This is the rhetorical equivalent of punching yourself in the nuts. Congratulations.
>>President Trump's achievements far and away eclipse any President except Lincoln and Washington who probably would have taken the same action if they were with us today.
I’m sorry this has happened to you.
>>If the Supreme Court, the Fed, and RINOs would get out of the way, the success would be immeasurable.
I’m sorry this has happened to you. But once again, I appreciate you proving the entire point of my column.
I was going to point out that Craig basically validated your entire column with his comments.
It's amazing how often things play out that way.
It takes work for me to not slip into or be trapped in logical fallacy arguments.
1. It is good to know you are pro life. But mostly you are anti Trump who saved the GOP and the remnants of conservatism.
2. Who is the leader of the GOP? Trump? You say Trump is not much of a conservative. When did the GOP throw in the towel on pro life? What group of conservatives did that? Christians? Not hardly. Certainly, democrats are the proud proponents of murdering babies and children if you consider the eleven jurors in the Clancy trial.
3. What money did Don Jr receive? Six million dollars? Is Don Jr in need of a job on a board that he is not qualified to be on in order to get paid because his father is the President? You assume that the wedding gift is a quid pro quo. Can you prove it?
4. I also do not watch CNN. But I do watch conservative shows that show clips from CNN and The View. Nothing yet on this.
5. If you hammer Trump about his non conservatism, it does beg the comparison to how screwed up democrats are regarding the same issues and how we are still fortunate to have chosen Trump. Not to have mentioned the democrats is to imply that would prefer them over Trump.
6. If not criticizing Trump for not being the conservative of yore, what was your point?
7. The socialists/communists ARE the democrats. They proclaim it. We have some socialism in government. But republicans are profoundly capitalists.
8. The $5000 is a bargain in order to save the country from the socialists/communists/democrats. I would be willing to pay $10,000.
9. Washington and Lincoln would do anything to save the Union and boarders just like Trump.
10. If RINOs and others would stop slow walking and otherwise blocking Trump's policies, for example the SAVE Act that over 80% of the people want, the country would be in better shape. I could list more, but I have made my points- not yours.
>>But mostly you are anti Trump who saved the GOP and the remnants of conservatism.
No. Unlike you, I'm mostly conservative,. And Trump's conduct, policies, and corruption are mostly antithetical to conservatism.
Trump, a lifelong Democrat until he decided to run for president, has done more damage to American conservatism, and the GOP, than any single individual in my lifetime.
>>Who is the leader of the GOP? Trump?
Correct.
>>You say Trump is not much of a conservative.
Correct.
>>When did the GOP throw in the towel on pro life?
When Trump reverted back to his previous pro-choice position when he re-ran for president in 2024 (having calculated that voter anger over the overturning of Roe vs. Wade would be a political liability for him). He then began publicly slamming Republican leaders, like Ron DeSantis, who tried to pass stronger pro-life bills. The message was clear: He wanted the GOP to drop it, and they effectively have. The icing on the cake was Trump's nomination of RFK Jr. for HHS secretary, a hard-lefty who's aggressively pro-abortion.
>>Certainly, democrats are the proud proponents of murdering babies
You don't have to convince me that the Democrats suck. I stand on the opposite side of nearly every Democratic policy position. Trump's positions, including his abortion position, are much closer to the Democrats' than mine are.
>>What money did Don Jr receive?
What we know so far, just a few days following the report, is that the Russian oligarch -- who has close ties to Putin (a chief U.S. adversary and war criminal who's helping the Iranian regime target our troops), and who abducts Ukrainian children -- shelled out somewhere in the ballpark of half a million dollars to our current president's son. That's what we know about.
>>You assume that the wedding gift is a quid pro quo. Can you prove it?
Lol. Don't you have any respect for yourself? Pretending a Russian oligarch forking over a half-billion to a president's son doesn't come with strings is like pretending an energy company putting a know-nothing like Hunter Biden on their board didn't come with any strings.
>>But I do watch conservative shows that show clips from CNN and The View. Nothing yet on this.
Nothing yet on this? The other networks, and major publications, have been reporting and discussing this story (easily confirmable online). Fox News, thus far, has refused to spend more than one minute total on it. Not a single sentence on their website either.
>>If you hammer Trump about his non conservatism, it does beg the comparison to how screwed up democrats
Craig, the Democratic Party sucks. I've been arguing that on this website for 15 years. That doesn't make Trump, a guy whose policies are closer to the Democratic Party's than the pre-Trump GOP's, suck less.
>>how we are still fortunate to have chosen Trump.
We're not. Republicans had opportunities in 2016 and 2024 to nominate a competent, qualified conservative. Instead, they chose a guy who tried to overturn U.S. democracy, destroyed free trade, drove consumer prices through the roof, added several trillion dollars to the national debt, has personally made billions off the presidency, is needlessly destroying our relationship with allies, and has pardoned thousands of criminals (included hundreds of violent criminals).
Boy are we lucky!
>>If not criticizing Trump for not being the conservative of yore, what was your point?
Again, have someone else read you the piece.
>>The socialists/communists ARE the democrats.
Trump has implemented more socialist policies than any of the DSA idiots, and done so on a national scale. And you're fine with it.
>>But republicans are profoundly capitalists.
Not under Trump, they're not. His trade wars, central planning, and government equity-stakes in private companies are profoundly anti-capitalist. And again, you're fine with it.
>>The $5000 is a bargain in order to save the country from the socialists/communists/democrats. I would be willing to pay $10,000.
I'm sorry this has happened to you. Partisanship is a hell of a drug.
>>Washington and Lincoln would do anything to save the Union and boarders just like Trump.
Hell of a drug indeed.
>>If RINOs and others would stop slow walking and otherwise blocking Trump's policies, for example the SAVE Act that over 80% of the people want, the country would be in better shape.
Hell of a drug indeed.