Despite the propaganda painting Trump as a terrorist leader over the U.S. Capitol riot that occurred on Jan. 6, the former president is still the most popular and influential figure in the Republican Party by a mile. He has given every indicator that he will run again in 2024, and this puts the entrenched GOP establishment in a bind.
Politico reported on the anger from party hacks over the possibility of Trump’s third campaign for the presidency in 2024.
“President Trump did a lot of good. But he squandered a lot of his legacy after what happened after Nov. 3. And I think that’s a shame,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who served as GOP whip during Trump’s first two years as president. “Running for president, you’re under a lot of scrutiny. And all I can say is there’s a lot to talk about.”
“How we do in 2022 will have a big effect on his viability. If we do well in 2022, it helps his cause. I want him to keep the option open,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who has posed as a Trump supporter to gain the former president’s trust while working at every turn to undermine his America First agenda.
Some Republican lawmakers are hiding behind anonymity due to cowardice, running to the fake news media to explain their opposition against another Trump presidential run.
“I’d like to see a fresh face. I think we have a lot of them,” said one GOP legislator who masquerades as a Trump supporter in the public eye.
“He’s one of the best presidents we’ve had in terms of policies. But having said that, if it were up to me, I would never have Trump on any ballot ever again because it’s such a distraction,” said another House Republican told Politico as long as they hid his identity. “I would love for him to play a behind-the-scenes role and not be on the ballot.”
Some members of the House Freedom Caucus are pushing back against the idea that it is time for Republicans to move on from Trump.
“I’m for Trump, period. I don’t care who else is running,” said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
“Why have a carbon copy? Why would we not support the original?” said Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) after being asked about potential Trump replacements in 2024.
Possible contenders for 2024, including Sens. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), know that their potential viability depends on Trump’s decision whether or not to run for the presidency. It is not likely that any person, other than a disgraced clown like Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), would have the gall to stand on the stage in a primary challenge against Trump for 2024.
“I don’t think there’s anybody else who would be able to capture the party,” Hawley said about the futility of a Republican challenging Trump in 2024.
“Folks in Washington, both politicians and the press, that are trying to silence or erase President Trump are not going to succeed. And he’ll make his own decision on his own time frame,” said Cruz, who noted that “everyone else will respond accordingly” after Trump makes his decision.
What is clear is that the Republican Party belongs to Trump now. Any opposition looking to remove Trump from the pedestal that he has earned will be in for a dog fight.