Trump’s nomination should end the Republican Cold War

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

For the past decade or more, a silent cold war has been going on within the Republican party. The party leadership has downplayed it, but it is real. In fact, it has become anything but quiet over the past five years. The establishment wing of the party has seen a gradual decline in influence. Today, many of its leaders are retiring, have already retired or have passed on.

Filling that void is a new kind of conservative. In the minds of the Republican establishment, they often lack the pedigree that was the hallmarks of the traditional Ivy League, secret society standard. His opposition to “free trade” and “preemptive military engagements in distant lands” immediately engendered distrust.

On the contrary, these newcomers maintain their own misgivings. There is a growing disdain for the federal tax system. When the term “fair tax” broke in 2008, many embraced it. They had long ago concluded that the existing system was unfair. Some even believed it to be nothing less than a “hoax” against ordinary Americans. They also questioned the large administrative state that allowed unelected bureaucrats to make decisions that affected their lives. When it was pointed out that the drafters specified “three branches of government, not four,” they listened, agreeing wholeheartedly.

“Milqueoast Moderates Versus Pugilist Patriots”.

Milquetoast moderates are mostly business people. Their goal is to do business, nationally and globally to get the best performance. They are the essence of republicanism. They understand the principle of commitment. His reasoning is calculating and generally accurate. As a general rule, they are fiscally conservative, but prone to deviation, if justifiable. Practicality often trumps all other considerations.

Because they have a global reach, they are always interested in the international implications with any policy decision. As a result, they can see all the angles of American influence, positive and negative. They always support American financial support for positive influence, which can range from medical assistance to military assistance. They always have their eyes open for potential “like-minded Americans.”

Evangelicals have historically been included. They have always had their ideological goals. The influence of their leadership may not be as fixed as it once was in recent years. Then a Moderate Milquetoast could give lip service and never be questioned by the mainstream evangelical. Evangelicals had never considered individual prosperity either now or then. In fact, they embrace it! Being spiritual in nature, they are more open to reasoning often derived from and influenced by esoteric principles.

In part because of the waning influence of their leadership, evangelicals are seen as a core faction of the GOP. While a large segment continues to maintain a more centrist position on trade and foreign military engagement, the new evangelical has its eyes on home, from open borders to WOKE indoctrination in our public schools.

His patriotism is unquestionable. His behavior is more militaristic, often bordering on pugilistic. For them, the greatest spiritual hymn is “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Marjorie Taylor’s suggestion that a “national divorce” might be seen as an option was enthusiastically applauded.

Unlike most traditional evangelicals, most new evangelicals believe that Donald Trump won the 2020 election. They were outraged when the party leadership did not take exception. Many were ready, then and there, to throw down the gauntlet. When it didn’t happen, they took out their frustrations on then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and past evangelical icons like 90-year-old Pat Robertson.

Robertson, who called Donald Trump “bewildered” was instantly accused of amassing his $100 million “at the expense of old women living on fixed incomes.” These mostly widowed geriatricians were promoted to “make $20 contributions they couldn’t afford” to Robertson’s television ministry.

Joining the new evangelicals are Americans who have both common and non-religious grievances. These formerly independent voters are multiracial and blue-collar groups who see the government as a threat. For them, the Biden Administration’s adoption of censorship is a direct assault on the First Amendment rights of all Americans. Many are trying to live with few rights checks. They were outraged to learn that the government was giving illegal aliens generous paychecks that often exceeded their own paychecks.

The perfect storm?

The Democratic party has become the party of Secular Humanism. As offensive and distasteful as these new evangelicals may be to the Bob Vander Plaats and Robert Jeffers of the world, they are believers. Compared to Democratic preferences for atheism and agnosticism, acceptance is mandatory.

At first glance, these former independents turned “plebian republicans” are strange bedfellows! Like the New Evangelicals, they are more moderate on the issue of abortion. However, they support protectionism and stay away from foreign military involvement. These three differences are big and could ultimately be the cornerstones in a battle for the party’s soul.

Milquetoast moderates represent the giving class. While most have issues with Donald Trump, they grudgingly admit he was “good for business.” “Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney types” can block the GOP for third-party options. Most likely, they will stay home, concluding that anything is better than a second term for Biden.

The pugilist patriots have the numbers. Donald Trump will be credited for “expanding the tent.” His “America First” approach has resulted in an army of supporters that looks like a “crusade.” Not only is victory an imperative, but there is an intense desire for retribution after three long years of intense humiliation.

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