This is something I’ve suspected for at least two years. Now it’s shown to be true: Republican politicians are more likely to be seen as hacks by Republican voters than Democratic politicians.
Even before Donald Trump and Ben Carson roiled the GOP presidential race by surging past more traditional candidates in the polls, the nation’s Republicans were a restive bunch. Over several surveys, many expressed disapproval of their own party and leaders even after Republicans captured both houses of Congress in the 2014 midterm elections. …PewResearch
We’re all caught in a manichean nightmare, but none more virulently than the right who depend on convincing us that there is no room for compromise, just a choice between good and evil, that only they know “good.” And, of course, when it comes to profiting from bullying and hatred, there’s no more important sector than the media.
Of course, Republicans continue to lionize Dick Cheney in spite of Cheney’s decade after decade as master Washington mover and shaker. During the Bush 2 presidency, it was Cheney who — with long term experience dealing with federal agencies, Congress, and leadership — was able to work effectively as Bush’s vp. Don’t forget, he played a significant role in expanding the federal government’s intrusion into citizens’ lives through the huge, new, department of “homeland security” [!].
I don’t think many Republicans have grasped the extent to which their chosen leadership has been culpable in the process of narrowing our freedoms. The more “disapproval” of their own leadership they feel — and express with their votes — the better for all of us.
Cross-posted from Prairie Weather
graphic via shutterstock.com