It started in August of 2015. Republican leadership began a war against one of its own; Donald Trump. The first “debate” was an obvious attack on their party’s leader, and it became more vicious with every passing week. Trump’s numbers in the polls never diminished, as one by one his opposition suspended their campaigns.

The establishment would rally behind only two of the original 17 candidates; Jeb Bush, and Marco Rubio.

Bush’s numbers never grew, despite spending tens of millions of dollars. When he eventually capitulated, only Rubio remained.

The establishment was at a loss when Rubio failed to inspire supporters. When he lost the primary in his own state of Florida by 20 points, all hope was lost.

They were left with three candidates; two of which they totally despised. They made a serious mistake when they decided that Cruz was the lesser of two evils. The Republican Party had become divided, and by choosing Cruz the chasm widened.

Not only have Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders gained from the ugliness of the GOP campaign season, polls taken after the New York primaries have instigated additional fear into Republican leadership.

Only 39 percent of Republican voters said that the campaign season had energized them, while 57 percent claimed it had divided the party. In contrast, 68 percent of Democrats said they were inspired to support their candidate, while 27 percent said that Clinton and Sanders had divided the party.

This is disheartening for GOP establishment. A large voter turnout for Democrats in November will secure the election, and once again witness the GOP left far behind. In addition, some polls show that Democrats have a good chance of regaining control of the Senate.

How long can the Republican Party survive? It has fractured into at least three separate entities. The most serious problem facing the party is a question which cannot be answered until after the July convention; if Trump is not nominated, will his supporters rally behind the chosen nominee, or will they stay home from the voting booths?

One thing is certain; I and most other Independents will not cast our ballots for Cruz or Trump. Neither is qualified to lead our nation, and neither has the wisdom to make decisions which would positively affect our nation’s people.

A lack of effective Republican leadership, which began in 2008, has forced the implosion of the GOP. Voter loyalty has been extraordinary, though undeserved, but will they rally around a single candidate on November 8^th?

I cannot see that happening.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

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