Since the 2016 election, there has been tension growing within the Republican Party A division in political ideology has fractured wide enough for a herd of elephants to stampede through. The populist and nationalist movement has prioritized enhancing border control, bolstering national security, and advocating for policies that reflect a strong stance on sovereignty and domestic interests. This represents a distinct shift in policy where previously individual liberty, limited government, and free-market capitalism were the driving factors. Traditional social values like marriage, religious freedom, and 2nd amendment rights have been displaced by racism, conspiracy theories, and anti-immigration rhetoric. However, “displaced” is really the wrong word. There is a large (if not larger) faction of traditional Republicans who still hold closely to their core conservative beliefs. The MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement is smaller, but louder. They could be considered the vocal minority. I remember being told at a young age that there always seem to be more troublemakers than there actually are. This has never been truer than with MAGA supporters.
From the founding of the nation conservatives have embedded themselves into the fabric of government and society. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton who was a key architect of the American Constitution and the first Secretary of the Treasury. Promoted a strong federal government with a robust economy. During the 1960s and 1970s, figures such as writer and editor William F. Buckley Jr. and economist Milton Friedman influenced the conservative movement. In Buckley’s case, he advocated for limited governmental power regarding politics and culture. Whereas Milton Friedman pushed for conservatism in free-market capitalism and deregulation.
In more recent history, former President Ronald Reagan is still considered to be one of the most influential contributors to Republican conservatism. His focus on lowering taxes, strong national security, and like Friedman an emphasis on deregulation. A distinguishing contribution to the movement was his opposition to government-provided social safety nets like welfare and social security, considering those programs created a dependency on government and reduced incentive to work. However, he did recognize the need for some government assistance such as unemployment insurance and food stamps for those who were in need. He also signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which gave certain protections for individuals with disabilities. In total, one could consider Ronald Reagan to be a conservative with some liberal principles.
Justice Antonin Scalia who served as an American jurist was appointed to the Supreme Court by Ronald Reagan in 1986. He served until his death in 2016. Considered as an originalist and textualist regarding the United States Constitution, his interpretation of the Constitution viewed the federal government to a limited role in the governing of the nation. In addition to his strict interpretation of the Constitution had many of the other trademarks of a conservative such as limited government, free-market capitalism, anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, and anti-immigration. Though controversial and frequently debated, he remained a respected and influential jurist throughout his career.
While not a monolithic entity, the MAGA movement tends to have more extreme views on social and cultural issues.
- Immigration: MAGA followers believe there should be tighter restrictions on immigration and general entry into the country. This cannot be more evident than in their pursuit for Donald Trump’s ridiculous border wall.
- Law and Order: Supporters of this movement aligned themselves closely with law enforcement and displayed outrage at any attempt for police reform. They encouraged a strong response to protests meanwhile objecting to perceived personal censorship.
- Populism and Anti-Establishment Sentiment: Members of this Republican faction present themselves as challengers of the political and economic elites in Washington, D.C.
- Methods of Communication: Through use of social media, Donald Trump utilized (and by utilize, I mean exploit) primarily Twitter (now X), as a megaphone to broadcast unfiltered rhetoric. Donald Trump weaponized the platform to confront and intimidate dissenters, as well as issue coded marching orders to his followers. There was temporary expulsion imposed by Twitter after his messaging to participators of the January 6, 2021 insurrection, riot or whatever you choose to call it.
Donald Trump’s slogan: “Make America Great Again,” became the rally cry of the movement, while making him the most prominent and influential individual. Other notable figures in the MAGA movement are primarily politicians and media figures. Ted Cruz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Josh Hawley are notorious for enabling his abuse of power and policy. Media figures (entertainers) such as, Laura Ingraham, Steve Bannon, and worst of all, Tucker Carlson provided the public cover required to misdirect the MAGA base. They emphasized (manufactured) successes and spun or deflected his failures.
The rift in fundamental Republican values is steadily increasing thereby weakening the overall efficacy of their party. While considering the differences between traditional conservatives and MAGA Republicans, it is important for one to keep in mind that the factions are not divided straight down a line. Not every conservative objects to every MAGA policy and vice-versa. Also, there are Republicans to attempt to navigate the disharmony of the party by looking for common ground. This remains a significant complication in their endeavor to maintain power and compete in both national state elections.
Public fractures have been very costly the party. The Lincoln Project has proven to be extremely damaging to the current Republican party. As traditional Republicans, they feel they have legitimate grievance against the perversion of their principles. They are best suited to making the case to other Republicans. All opposition benefits from their vicious attacks. This is a massive boon to the Democrats. They are notoriously bad at messaging. Their alliance with the disgruntled Republicans more than compensates for their deficiency in messaging. As stated, their commercials are vicious, and I am unable to determine whether or not they move the needle with his base. However, I am certain as to how it affects him. They bury themselves within his mind like a splinter, impossible to ignore and creating an itch that is just out of reach.
There are influential and popular Republican politicians who publicly oppose Trump and his movement. Their opposition comes at a high cost to him. Liz Cheney lost her congressional seat due to her participation in the January 6th committee. Adam Kinzinger declined to attempt another term for the same reason. There is also a physical danger involved in defying the movement. Mitt Romney (R- UT) is reported to pay $5,000 per day for security for him and his family. The senator has openly and vocally defied Trump during and after his presidency. The MAGA supporters are very devoted and extremely violent. According to Romney’s biography: Romney: A Reckoning, by McKay Coppins, revealed that there were Senators who were talked out of voting Donald Trump guilty during his second impeachment trial by appealing to the safety of their families.
Those actions are something I find extremely and personally offensive. I can appreciate the concern any person has for the safety of a loved one, but when I vote for someone to take political office I am not voting for their personal interests. Anyone who cannot perform the duties they campaigned to do for any reason, should not run or should state that fact during their campaign. I personally would like to know if the safety of my family or my society is taking backseat to another’s family while that politician is being paid to serve the interests of his constituents.
That aside, the annihilation of the entire party and ideology would be preferable, but unrealistic. However, the MAGA movement presents a threat to everyone, and must be stopped. It is becoming more difficult to elect a rational Republican who can be worked with in good faith. One must remember that there are a massive number of districts in which only a Republican will be elected. If the party cannot be eliminated the survival reasonable representation must be preserved. The division in the party is becoming untenable, and would be a good thing if not for the danger posed by the worst of the two sides seeming to devouring the other. For now, Democrats must take advantage of time we have. Complacency is nowhere near an option, and the pace at which we are making change is unacceptable. We won’t have this advantage forever or even much longer. If we get a blue trifecta again, holdouts such as Joe Manchin have to be dealt with in a much more expeditious manner. Nor be allowed the same level of patience and negotiation. Mitch McConnell wouldn’t permit such dissent, and neither should Schumer. We can’t divide ourselves as have the Republicans, but neither can we be stymied by any individuals in our party.
My mandate to the politicians of the Democratic party: work harder, faster and make better choices. Time is not on our side.
— Citizen Mooney