So-called GOP identity crisis about personal power, not policy

[Valin]

Hot Air

Taylor Millard Apr 11, 2021

The Republican Party’s so-called identity crisis post-2020 falls more into the category of the figurehead than policy. It’s all about who gets credit for any future, and in some cases past, success.

Take the current ”brouhaha” regarding former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Trump’s caustic language about the Kentucky Republican at a GOP donor retreat focused more on loyalty versus policy disagreements. His rant, if The Washington Post and Newsmax are to be believed, is more about Senate Republicans upholding the Electoral College in last year’s election.

Let’s not forget McConnell agreed with Trump regularly from 2017 to 2021 with the Senator voting twice to acquit during Trump’s impeachment trials. He toed the line in 2019 suggesting Democrats kept trying to re-live the 2016 election with their constant hammering of the president. McConnell backed Trump’s judicial picks including a willingness to put his hypocrisy on display regarding U.S. Supreme Court picks during an election year. He even slipped Section 230 repeal into a coronavirus relief package. Both politicians defended massive increases in federal spending despite promises of fiscal restraint.

The pair may not have liked each other, but their agendas mostly aligned. Trump just can’t get over January 6th and McConnell’s so-called disloyalty. Hence the weekend rant, although Trump called for Republican unity. No doubt unity around him if he makes another presidential run.

Those defending McConnell see their future at stake, as well.

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It’s a game of thrones or song of fire and ice depending on point of view. Thune and Hutchinson all want to freeze GOP unity as it currently sits. Cheney and Trump desire loyalty, as well, but hope to burn those who are either too loyal or not loyal enough.

One thing is certain: Republican politicians want unity. They just want to be the ones getting credit when the unity turns into electoral victories.