Final Countdown for the GOP?

Brian C. Joondeph

Republican voters said, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Which is why so many flocked to an anti-establishment populist candidate such as Donald Trump.  As the election is only days away, one could say this is “The Final Countdown” not only for the country, but for the Republican Party. A popular 1980s song by the same name, now featured in a Geico commercial, warned, “We're leaving together, but still it's farewell. And maybe we'll come back, to earth, who can tell?” Indeed, prophetic lyrics, especially for the Republican Party, enjoying its last gasp of relevancy.

But who is leaving whom? And are they leaving together? Paul Ryan and his merry band of #NeverTrumpers hope the Republican Party is leaving all of the “deplorables” behind. Those racist, knuckle-dragging Trump supporters, Tea Partiers, and constitutionalists who actually believe in fiscal responsibility, rule of law, a secure border, restrained foreign policy, and pride in America.

Or is it the opposite? Tens of millions of Trump supporters fed up enough with the Republican establishment to leave the Grand Old Party. Not to become Democrats. Maybe libertarians but more likely independent or unaffiliated voters, now the largest party affiliation according to Pew Research Center. And increasing........Who is to blame? Not Donald Trump, who is simply the protest vessel of a fed-up electorate, but instead the Republican Party elites and donors.......Do they not realize what a Clinton presidency brings.......More