Styles will differ, but policy unites Republicans
Consider three accomplishments of the Trump era: the historic tax cuts, creation of the sixth branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the appointment of more than 200 conservative federal court judges, including three to the Supreme Court.
While there were many ups and downs during the past four years, most conservatives (87 percent, according to recent NBC News polling) will say for all the headaches that came with it, the Trump presidency was a success. But after losing thousands of suburban voters across the country who were turned off by many of President Donald Trump’s words and actions, as evidenced by the losses of the White House and the Senate seats in Georgia, how should Republicans move forward?
Historically, the GOP has been associated with low taxes, a proactive national defense and conservative social policies, yet it can be argued that the party is now simply identified by Trump.
Traditional Republicans yearn for a leader in the mold of Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, but Trump Republicans bristle at the thought of going back to an all-talk, no-action, politically correct politician. Some may think this divide will lead to a GOP civil war. This sort of talk is wishful thinking by those on the left looking to divide and conquer. Look no further than President Joe Biden’s first months in office to understand why Republicans of all stripes are sticking together. Fighting against job-killing policies, like stopping the Keystone XL pipeline, and radical social policies will always keep Republicans unified.
Nevertheless, identifying and resolving the source of the tension between traditional and Trump Republicans is a must if the party is to be successful moving forward.
While some of Trump’s policies have a more protectionist feel than what the GOP has championed in the past, policy differences are not at the heart of the infighting. Rather, the biggest difference between old-school Republicans and Trump loyalists seems to be the method by which they believe politicians should go about getting things done.
In the past, being politically correct and diplomatic was expected, even, some would argue, at the expense of getting results. Now, many prefer Trump’s “tell it like it is,” get-things-done-at-all-cost tactics.
Traditional Republicans shudder when they see recent Washington POST-ABC News polling that 60 percent of Republicans think we should follow Trump’s leadership going forward. They believe a more diplomatic leadership style is needed, one that adheres to long-standing conservative policies, respects governing norms and goes out of its way not to offend its allies.
What these Republicans must accept, however, is that while we can do without the divisive rhetoric, it’s time to embrace some of the Trump policies and the can-do/no-nonsense attitude that attracted Hispanic, Black and working-class people to vote Republican. By the same token, Trump Republicans must realize that the loss of suburban voters was not a fluke but rather the result of Trump’s often chaotic, in-your-face governing style.
Conservative policies have been the most productive and consequential throughout American history. Republicans initiated the end of slavery. Republicans created economic policies in the 1980s that lifted our country to new heights. Republicans passed criminal justice reform at the end of 2019.
But the 2020 election left us with Democrats controlling the White House and both houses of Congress, which should be a reminder to all Republicans that if we are going to get into a position to govern going forward, it will take all of us. Simply put, we can get the results the country needs by being tough, direct and bold, while at the same time being compassionate, honest and civil.
I say there is room in the Republican party for traditional Republicans and Trump Republicans — and for the sake of our chances to win future elections, there better be.