Everyone is aware that there is a growing feud between Donald Trump and Jeb Bush, or ‘Bush III’ as he is now known. For Jeb it is merely desperation; the latest polls give Trump 24 percent, and Bush only eight percent. Making matters worse, Ben Carson received 23 percent, and in third place was Marco Rubio, who is quietly waiting for those ahead of him to destroy themselves at 13 percent.

The GOP is imploding. From the battle for Speaker of the House, the disruption by the TEA Party, or ‘Freedom Caucus,’ the cross accusations from presidential candidates and the belittling of GOP leadership by Ted Cruz, the once Grand Old Party is self-destructing. Now entering the fracas is the worst president in our nation’s history, George W. Bush.

Maybe it’s brotherly love, or maybe it’s because Jeb has admitted that he would govern in the same manner as his older brother, but ‘W’ has decided to become involved in the destructive process within the GOP.

Speaking at a fund raiser for Jeb in Denver, his older brother’s remarks were directed at the junior Senator from Texas, Ted Cruz. He said: “I just don’t like the guy.” It was reported that he is upset that Cruz is leading the red state of Texas and seeking control of all GOP members in Washington.

Bush believes that Cruz would be a formidable opponent for his brother in the Southern states. He also accused the Senator of ‘sucking up to Trump’ in an effort to stand by and garner support at the end of the campaign season.

Acquiring a response from Cruz, he attempted to spin Bush’s negative statement.

“It’s no surprise that President Bush is supporting his brother and attacking the candidates he believes pose a threat to his campaign,” Cruz said. “I have no intention of reciprocating.

“I met my wife Heidi while working on his campaign, and so I will always be grateful to him” added Cruz, who served as a domestic policy adviser for George W. Bush.

Cruz has been the leading TEA Party member in its efforts to disrupt our government, and increase income inequality in our nation. He has also joined the hawks in the Republican wing of the GOP and would rush us to another war which would be another lost effort from the right.

The beginning of the Trump campaign caused voters to respond with humor and a dismissive attitude. Months later, he is no longer a joke. He is leading in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada; no GOP candidate has lost the party’s nomination after winning the first four primary and caucus events.

Trump’s success has devastated the RNC. Its attempts to derail the real estate mogul have failed, and he continues to lead the party. He has exposed the GOP as the party of the wealthy, racists, bigots and misogynists. He has forced the separated factions within the party to expose their differences and has resulted in an inner struggle which threatens to force the party to divide into two separate entities.

I have some simple advice for GOP presidential hopefuls; talk about the issues. The strategy at present is increased attacks, or sitting on the sidelines and avoiding conflict. Follow the advice of Democrats and tell us what you stand for, not what you wish to destroy.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of Ian Burt