immigration and the economic issue are the most concerning. The thing politicians don't seem to get through their heads about inflation is that no one cares if the rate is now down to 2%. 5 years ago they were buy a Big Mac meal for $x, now they're having to spend $1.5x. That's the issue! And it's a problem.
It seems like these politicians are focused on the current election, and their calculation is that being as close to Trump is where they need to be. But what happens when Trump is gone. He is unique. There are loads of them who try to be like Trump. Look at DeSantis. It's not going to work. They have no guiding principle other than following their Fuhrer. This is actually a worse position than the Tories are facing. The Tories spent 2 decades agitating for Brexit and discarded everything that made them electable before this one issue. Once Brexit happened, and their lies about Brexit became evident, there's nothing left. They're not even competent at politics or governing anymore. And believe me, Tories in the past were formidable at understanding where the electorate was. Now those who've flourished are being exposed to a world where they've won and suddenly it's clear they don't know how to do anything other than agitate for Brexit. It's going to be far worse for the GOP. And I'm guessing they'll turn on Trump at some point when he's gone. It'll be quicker than you think. But no one will trust they still believe in the principles that made Republicans appealing. Small government, rule of law... it's all gone
I've said as much before about inflation before. People feel price and rent increases in their pocketbooks, particularly when they live closer to the bone, economically. But I also know older people who should be feeling some benefit to the better market, etc., yet they listen to Fox News, and will tell you that this economy is a "disaster." People also believe the old myth that Republicans are better at improving the economy, which is no longer true...not for a long time.
As to immigration, it's SO complicated, which is why many take the easy route on it. Sure, it's a problem for Biden. Illegal immigration has increased enormously on his watch. There are many reasons for that, and many have to do with global politics is more places that encourage people to leave home and look to the US. There is also a huge increase in families coming, when it used to be more individuals coming, which were easier to deal with. There are laws about how long children can be detained, etc. There are humanitarian concerns, where children are involved. People who take the issue superficially may like Trump's tough talk, however toothless.
As to the current state of the Republican party, I completely agree. I think we've discussed this, too. Trump is a cult of one, who has basically hollowed out the party to suit his ego. There are a few true believers, like MTG, Gaetz, Vance, maybe, but there are lots of sell-outs. Those who wouldn't sell-out have been forced out, or felt they were, and have declined to run again, or have just resigned. But MAGA is a thing. Trump fomented/released a lot of anger and resentment within the Id of the US population, and I don't see that dying away quickly once he's gone, which I hope is soon. Some of that evil is going to be hard to put back in the bottle. Most especially the lack of faith in our institutions that he's fostered. That's what makes me the saddest, and the most scared. Someday, we'll have the luxury of wondering what becomes of the Grand Old Party, once Trump is gone. But for now, he rides on the coattails of its old tropes, while at the same time mostly eschewing them. They don't even care that he used to be a Democrat.
He actually said this, to my point above, re: the economy, in a 2004 CNN interview: ""In many cases, I probably identify more as Democrat", explaining: "It just seems that the economy does better under the Democrats than the Republicans. Now, it shouldn't be that way. But if you go back, I mean it just seems that the economy does better under the Democrats...But certainly we had some very good economies under Democrats, as well as Republicans. But we've had some pretty bad disaster under the Republicans."
Now he just paints a dark picture of America, and sadly, a lot of people respond to it. He tells the crowds, "I am your Retribution." Scary stuff, if you ask me.
