Beginning with Ted Cruz’ declaration that he would be a presidential candidate, the circus began. On March 13, 2015, an egotistical and unpopular Senator entered the race for the White House. Thus began the earliest political season in American history. By Summer, several other candidates entered the clown car, but most unsuspected was billionaire Donald Trump. Most politicos believed that it was a joke; simply another attempt for Trump to obtain notoriety.

When the first Republican faux-debate occurred in August, Trump was no longer a joke. He was the front runner and the Republican establishment was literally ‘pi**ing in their pants. Although he had been raucously welcomed at CPAC and other party functions, he was not the man they sought to be their standard bearer.

The truth, which was unreported by the media, is that Trump immediately began to expose Republican philosophy. He was openly racist and bigoted. For that singular reason the Republican hierarchy rejected him; exposure of the party’s hidden truth angered them. During the debate it was obvious to any intelligent observer, that Reince Priebus and Roger Ailes had conspired to derail Trump. From the very first question which asked if anyone of the candidates allowed on stage would promise not to become an independent candidate, it was obvious that no debate was possible. This was a concentrated effort to defeat Trump

The result was embarrassing for the DNC. Megyn Kelly and her cohorts were discounted, and the next day Trump’s poll numbers experienced a surge.

I could hear Priebus, McConnell, Ryan, and others saying “Oh Sh**t.”

Denial was in rare form. The failure of the Republican Party to return to its once great position in American government has been destroyed. There was evidence that loyal GOP voters had denounced those who now represented them in Washington.

Efforts continued to defeat ‘the Donald.’ Nothing could stop him. It became apparent that Republican arrogance was not sufficient to deny voters their voice.

Seventeen passengers entered the clown car, and the electorate could find no one but Trump to support.

Several of the passengers continued to hang on, although their poll numbers were far below the party’s leader. Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, and Ben Carson were forgotten early in the season as they scrambled for relevance.

Finally, after a series of fake debates, all of which were efforts to discredit Trump, the Iowa caucus arrived. Thanks to an extremist group of evangelicals, and some questionable campaign tactics, Cruz defeated Trump. The reverse was true in New Hampshire. The forgotten man was the only candidate supported by the Republican establishment, Marco Rubio.

Super Tuesday saw Trump winning seven of the eleven states. Desperation began in earnest within GOP leadership. In a move which predictably turned into a disaster, they called upon failed presidential candidate Mitt Romney to lambaste Trump. The result had no effect on Trump, but gave proof to Romney’s lack of intellect and influence.

Last Saturday a final blow was leveled to mainstream Republicans. The voters took back their party as Rubio was ignored, and Trump and Cruz took charge of the party’s leadership.

Nearly one year ago, the GOP was willing to accept any of the presidential wannabees, with the exception of Trump and Cruz; how did that work for them?

Here we are today. The Republican Party is split into multiple factions. Regardless of who wins the nomination, the GOP is doomed.

The worst scenario, is will voters support the nominee? Talk of a ‘brokered’ convention could divide the party further.

President Obama was forced to battle with the ‘party of no.’ The next president will face a party without leadership and direction.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of DonkeyHotey

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