With the Capitol riot the Trumpists have become a de facto third party
Wednesday’s invasion of our “temple of democracy” constituted an “insurrection” only in the sense of dark comedy. What was essentially a flag-wrapped biker gang wielding staves stormed America’s ultimate country club, chased senators into the Capitol’s catacombs, squatted on Mike Pence’s throne, trashed Nancy Pelosi’s office, and shot endless selfies to send to the dudes back home in white people’s country. Otherwise, they were clueless and when the serious cops finally arrived, filed out clutching souvenirs to show to Daddy Trump. Monty Python with four dead bodies.
Meanwhile, several hundred evacuated solons sweated together in their hiding place. Some of the Republicans, steadfastly loyal to their death cult, refused the face masks offered by police. One outraged Democrat described it as a “super-spreader event”. Hours later, Representative Jake La Turner, a Trump diehard from Kansas, punctually tested positive for the virus.
Predictably liberal pundits are now telling us that the far right has committed suicide, that the age of Trump has ended, and that the Democrats are free to build their shining city on the hill.
In fact the riot was a deus ex machina that lifted the curse of Trump from the careers of conservative war hawks and rightwing young lions whose higher ambitions have been fettered by the presidential cult.
This take rings true for me. Trumpers aren’t going anywhere in the short term. I’m hearing anecdotal accounts of people signing up for Parler just to show support for Trump.
Josh Hawley Faces Blowback After Capitol Riot
But while Mr. Hawley’s role in the riot may have left him shunned — at least for now — in official circles, it may only have improved his stock with his party’s base in his home state, which remains deeply loyal to Mr. Trump.
Btw, have you noticed that far too many people are throwing the term ‘radical leftists’ out every other sentence these days? I’ve been wondering how we can counteract that nonsense, effectively. Perhaps using humor? I think we need to push back on that. Where’s our Luntz?
I had a great time this morning catching up on last night’s thread (thank you Benny!), you are all wonderful people whom I’ve learned a lot from.
I hope you all have a great day! Please share below.
(Benny or anyone else with the power, can you please edit this post so it shows properly?