Are All Republican Politicians Alike? Nope – There are 3 Types. OK, 3.5 Types

Two of the Three Merit Disgust and Disdain; One Owes Us Answers; 0.5 are Lonely

 

Beware the Temptation to Stereotype

In a time of national division, it is easy – tempting – to think of those with whom we disagree as all being alike. It will not be a shock to readers of this blog that I am not a fan of what now passes for the Republican party. But that does not mean that I see all Republican officials and office holders as the same. In my mind, they fall into 3, maybe 3.5, types. The distinction is important in shaping how we see them and how we engage them.

Here is my breakout. Let me know how you break them out.

 Type I

The worst of the bunch. These are the Opportunists. They have no interest other than political power and absolutely no grounding in any philosophy or morality. For them, making decisions is easy. If it enhances power, it is good. If not, it is bad. Period. Impacts on the country, reference to the constitution – nonexistent factors. No doubt there are many of those at state and local levels; it is those at national level we know best.

Think here of Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Matt Gaetz, Jim Jordon, Madison Cawthorn, Louie Gohmert, Tom Cotton, and Marjorie Taylor Greene as typical of this dangerous and worthless pack. Governors also come to mind, including Ron DeSantis, and Kristi Noem.

 Type II

These are people who once stood for at least something, who know better, but passively or actively have gone along with the Big Lie, with not certifying valid elections, still kowtow to Trump.  One could make the case that this is even worse than the Type I crowd; they are different in that they clearly know how corrosive the recent bad acts are for the country in the most fundamental way, yet they go along. Hard to imagine what sort of conversations they must have with the mirror every morning. They truly sold out for 30 pieces of silver.

Names that come to mind here? Mitch McConnell, Kevin McCarthy, Lindsey Graham, and Ron Johnson, among others. Their mothers would be embarrassed as to how their children turned out. They, too, have earned our undying disgust.

Type III

These are the folks that owe us some answers. They constitute the remanants of what used to be the Republican party. Basically conservative, pro-business (especially small business), low taxes, pro alliances in foreign policy. The party they knew is dead and buried. Their so-called leaders fed the savages, confident they could control them. They were, of course wrong, and now a whole assortment of extremists and undesirables (thanks, Hillary – that was the right descriptive term) know own the old party.

The question is: What are they waiting for? The country needs a serious center right party. Millions would join such a party, given a real choice. Yet, these folks fail to lead. I had hoped the Lincoln Project would help lead such an effort post-election, but it appears not. It’s possible that something could launch as we approach the 2022 midterms, but at this point, I am doubtful.

Where are you folks? What are you waiting for? We are talking to you, Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins.  Anything to add, Bob Corker, Olympia Snow, Tom Ridge, Christine Whitman, Tom Kasich? You saw what Trumpism did. It is a disaster politically (your side lost the House, the Senate, the White House, and a pretty good chunk of state and local races), not to mention morally. You really just plan on taking a pass and standing in the wings? I have not ever agreed with most of you on much, but I thought you were made of better stuff.

Type III.5

Ah, these are the lonely souls. So small a group that they are not a full sized group by themselves. They are actual Republicans, doing their jobs, trying to govern responsibly. The vast majority are at local and state levels – most of them are not known to us. They are under constant harassment and threat from their own side. Many are giving up and quitting, some are hanging in there. Think how much having Group III get off their butts would mean to these folks. It would be a life line.

Liz Cheney is a person I think I have never agreed with on about anything – she is almost as bad as her father. But on the matter of standing up for something and taking a stand that counts, I have to give her credit. She has very little company, almost none at the national level.

Other Varieties?

There may well be others. The savvy website 538 thinks there are five types of Republicans. But for me, this breakout does it. Two that deserve disdain, can never be trusted and should be the targets of everything possible to exile them to history. One that needs to step up and lead. One that deserves credit and recognition.

How many types of Democrats are there? That is a whole other conversation. Maybe another time, but that too will be a lot clearer by the time Fall draws to a close. Yes, some of the same types may pop up – and others – but the Republicans have managed to put themselves in a profile unlike any other party. Too bad.

        Bill Clontz

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