What would Reagan think of Trump’s chaotic Republican Party?

The Republican Party used to believe in certain things. Now it no longer seems to believe in anything that might be a tad harsh. It may be that the GOP still put stock in a handful of items drawn from the dark arts of politics. That’s where instead of appealing to one’s better angels, you simply demonize your opponent. It’s where winning is the only thing that matters no matter how you accomplish it. It’s where you break promises, abandoned positions, create chaos and impugn motives. And it’s where you make everything all about you and put your own interests above all others, including the interests of the country. But in terms of adhering to principles and values, and using them to guide your words and deeds in and out of the political arena. Well, that’s over with. Here are 10 things that Republicans used to believe but don’t anymore. They used to believe in law and order and the importance of the rule of law. Not anymore. In his four years in office, Donald Trump issued 143 pardons. You used to believe that identity politics was destructive. Not anymore. Trump is reportedly interested in a female running mate.

They used to believe that the federal government police the US Mexico border, not anymore. The Texas National Guard has taken over that power.

The us to believe that police should be respected. Not anymore. On January 6 Maga supporters shouted at cops kill him with his own gun.

They used to believe in a strict constructionist view of the Constitution. Not anymore. The 14th amendment could keep Trump off the ballot. And Republicans don’t want that.

They used to believe that victimhood was a bad thing, not a more. Trump constantly plays the victim.

Like when he says that the media mistreats him.

They used to believe that immigration was a good thing. In fact, it was Republicans who legalized 2.7 million people through the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Not anymore. Now it’s a contest within the GOP to see who can be the cruelest gatekeeper.

They used to believe in free trade and open markets. Not anymore. Today, Republicans support Trump era tariffs aimed at China. They used to believe in states rights. Not anymore. Not when California declared itself a sanctuary state to protect the undocumented, and Republicans go ballistic. And finally, Republicans used to believe that business was a positive thing they used to believe in free enterprise not anymore. Today, Republicans support boycotts of companies and products such as Disney, Nike, Target, and Bud Light.

What would President Ronald Reagan make up all this? Given his hardline approach to Russia? I doubt he would look favorably on those House Republicans who are holding up urgent funding to help Ukraine fight off Vladimir Putin’s invasion. Nor would Reagan agree with another run. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, that the invasion by Russia was really much more of a territorial dispute. Reagan’s vision of America

was as a shining city on a hill.

But that’s just a distant memory today’s Republicans. You see, Reagan was the optimistic happy warrior. He loves being around people. Today, the vibe of the modern Republican Party is best embodied by DeSantis. In any other era, this fellow would be a bad fit for politics, because he doesn’t seem to like people. That’s okay. People don’t like him either. Lacking in social skills, DeSantis has to resort to scaring up votes by scaring people be afraid of Mickey Mouse and mothers seeking asylum. He warns Be very afraid.

The GOP has been on the donor list for a heart transplant ever since it gave itself over to Trump due to a combination of ambition and fear.

But Republicans don’t just need compassion, kindness, and empathy. They also need to find their way back to Reagan’s shining city. Yes, the Gipper again. What was so special about him? All Reagan did in 1984 was when 49 states. Let’s see Trump do that. He can’t. He’s not capable. He’s no Ronald Reagan. He’s more like Ronald McDonald.

With Reagan, you always knew where he stood in relation to the country. He saw himself as small and America as grand with Trump. Those things are reversed. Can you believe it?