84 Comments
User's avatar
⭠ Return to thread
Jazzaloha's avatar

I think the lack of evidence is due to fear--in some cases fear of bodily harm to both themselves and their family. Trump really seems like a sociopath, but do you think *all* the Rs are like that? That seems highly unlikely.

Here's one thing that could activate their conscience--violence towards non-violence resistance, especially if harm came to a well-respected figure(s). Or suppose one of Trump supporters killed a member of Congress. I think that could be a tipping point.

Expand full comment
NanceeM's avatar

Maybe, but the risk is high and there's no guarantee that any, much less a substantial number, will come to their senses. Just look at the responses to the assassinations in MN. Police & ICE are zip-tying senior citizens in wheelchairs. Insurrectionists stormed the capital and beat police viciously. When convicted assaulters were set free, where was the outcry? I'm not hopeful.

Expand full comment
Jazzaloha's avatar

Non-violent resistance is very challenging and there is absolutely a risk. There's no guarantee it would work, but what's the alternative? We can give up completely on Rs, Conservatives, former Trump officials--but I think without their voices, criticisms against Trump can be easily dismissed as partisan. If Rs, Conservatives and Trump officials denounce Trump not only is it harder to dismiss, but it can bring clarity to those who don't follow the news closely. If one doesn't follow the news closely, but they see that Rs, Conservative and Trump officials are opposing Trump, that would add a lot more weight to the criticisms against Trump.

Expand full comment
NanceeM's avatar

I agree that Republicans would add value, just don't think they will.

Expand full comment
Jazzaloha's avatar

"I agree that Republicans would add value..."

That's putting it mildly. When it comes to ringing alarm bells and getting the public to turn against Trump, Rs play an essential role. Ds ringing the alarm bells won't do diddly. I saw an Atlantic article entitled, "Where is Obama?" The question should be, "Where is GW Bush?" Bush or other prominent Rs would carry so much more weight.

Expand full comment
NanceeM's avatar

Well, he's kept quiet for 10 years. At this point, his clout is limited. Look how effective Dick Cheney was.

Expand full comment
Jazzaloha's avatar

The relative ineffectiveness of Dick Cheney, and other prominent RS, speaking out has more to do with the, isolated, one-off nature of their pronouncements, in my view. What's needed is a *group* of prominent Rs making a *sustained* PR campaign against Trump. I understand the fear that Rs have, but I'm still sad and disappointed that there isn't a prominent R leading this sort of effort.

Expand full comment