The Party of the Moral Majority?
What Happened to the Republican Party?
The Republican Party was founded in 1853 to oppose the Kansas-Nebraska Act which would have legalized slavery in two newly created states. The first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, led the fight to preserve the union after secession of southern slave states.
But starting with the civil rights reform the party began to shift to a more populist philosophy based on traditional conservative principles such as religious faith, individual liberty, and small government. Common themes were respect for the constitution, Christian values and morality, law and order, support for our troops and police.
Conservatism: a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing the importance of established hierarchies and institutions (such as religion, the family, and class structure), and preferring gradual development to abrupt change - Merriam Webster Dictionary
But as Trump’s influence has grown, Republican politicians seem willing to abandon traditional values to stay in his good graces. Over time, the list has become more extreme. Here are some examples.
Respect for the Constitution
Originalism, the principle that the Constitution should be followed literally, is a core belief of conservatives. But conservative judges on the supreme court have found ways to interpret the Constitution in ways that seem to violate their adherence to ‘originalism’. Examples include the Citizen’s United decision and Trump v. United States, the recent ruling that grants the President immunity from crimes committed as part of their “official acts”.
“A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution” Donald Trump
Support for Christian Principles, The Moral Majority
Support for the Christian religion has been unwavering throughout the history of the Republican party. But over time the actions of party members has deviated from core Christian principles with little effect.
"I don't even wait. And when you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. ... Grab 'em by the p****y. You can do anything." Donald Trump
Support for our Troops
Traditionally conservatives have shown reverence for US soldiers as part of their belief in maintaining a strong military. But over time Trump has attacked individuals, gold star families, and veterans programs with no reaction from the party.
(John McCain is) a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren't captured, okay? I hate to tell you. - Donald Trump
“[The Medal of Freedom is] actually much better because everyone [who] gets the congressional Medal of Honor, they’re soldiers … They’re either in very bad shape because they’ve been hit so many times by bullets or they’re dead.” - Donald Trump
Individual Freedom
Protection of citizens from government is another key principle espoused by conservatives. But the current administration seems less committed to universal rights and more inclined to attack anyone who is critical of the MAGA agenda.
“60 Minutes are the biggest liars in the world! They engaged in deliberate deception to interfere with the last election. They deserve a long prison sentence.” - Elon Musk
Back the Blue
The former “Law and Order party” always showed unwavering support for police. Just after the January 6th insurrection there was universal condemnation for the actions of the rioters. But more recently Republicans have been more willing to reinterpret the events in a less critical light.
“You know, if you didn’t know the TV footage was a video from January the 6th, you would actually think it was a normal tourist visit.” - Andrew Clyde
The recent pardons and commutations of violent offenders has not faced criticism by the majority of the Republican administration.
The Party of Law and Order
In the recent past, any hint criminal behavior would be disqualifying for a political candidate. This may still be a factor for some, as demonstrated by the recent censure of Robert Mendez by the Democratic party, but the Republicans have become very flexible over time. During the first weeks of Trump’s second administration there have been a blizzard of immoral and illegal actions, mostly led by Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts.
Offer of a quid pro quo to Eric Adams
Firing of inspectors general, some of whom are investigating Musk’s companies
Defunding of the CFPB which protects citizens from financial scams
The Future or The Republican Party
So what does it mean to be a Republican today? It seems that the party has abandoned their former core principles in favor of obedience and fealty to the Trump/MAGA agenda. Here are some questions
Are most Republicans supportive of this shift or just too scared to oppose him?
What are the options for those who aren’t?
Is the Republican brand permanently captured by Trump/MAGA?
Maybe another party will emerge from this. Republicans are tainted badly.
I firmly believe that the days of the Parties putting forth the best candidates are over. Trump just decided to run for President and there were no Republican candidates that could effectively cut him off at the pass. Consequently Republicans chose him and by default he took over the Party. I believe individuals can come forward from outside the Party and the members of the party can choose to get behind that person without forcing a party platform them. That is the future, but it is risky if a candidate has not accountability to a party.