Crazies and Clowns: What GOP Thinks of Conservatives

Politicians are seldom on more than a nodding acquaintance with honesty. For that reason, Donald Trump’s candidacy has been a breath of fresh air for the American electorate. Love him or hate him, you at least know that he’s telling it to you straight. He’s lost millions of dollars in business deals since announcing his candidacy, he’s polarized the Hispanic community, and he’s vilified himself to veterans. Yet he keeps on saying whatever he wants. He may not be the ideal president, but at least he’s forthright.

Whether Trump shocks the world or sputters out by the end of the summer, his candidacy has also brought out some honesty in his competitors. It has shown us something about the Republican establishment. Conservatives have blasted the GOP for months, feeling utterly betrayed by the men they elected last November. Republicans betrayed the base on immigration and Obamacare, failing to live up to the big promises they made to the public.

What Trump has shown us, though, is that the scorn goes both ways. The Republicans at the top of the party have just as much disdain for the conservative base as the base does for them. John McCain called Trump supporters “crazies.” Rick Wilson told Politico that Trump’s fans were a bunch of “clowns.” Rick Perry referred to Trump’s candidacy as a “circus sideshow.” These aren’t attacks on Trump himself, these are attacks on the patriots who applaud his hard stance on illegal immigration.

Before these Republicans take another swipe at the base, they should consider the fact that Donald Trump is a Frankenstein monster of their own creation. By habitually failing the very voters who put them in office, these Republicans have demonstrated that the party has left conservatism in the past. Meanwhile, Democrats are pulling their party further and further to the left. Conservatives cannot be blamed for getting excited about the Sarah Palins, the Ted Cruzes, and the Ben Carsons. They can’t be blamed for getting juiced about Trump. Finally, some Republican politicians who remind the public of Ronald Reagan. The days when the Republican Party stood for something greater than corporate interests.

Perhaps it’s really time for a 3rd national party. Maybe it’s time for the Tea Party to separate itself from the GOP and give conservatives something to vote for with confidence. Because whatever it is that Republicans are doing at the national level, it doesn’t have much to do with conservatism and it has nothing to do with small government. The party has become weak, powerless, and corrupt. Moderate candidate after moderate candidate falls to the Democrat sword because conservatives don’t give a damn. Why should we keep voting for politicians who openly despise us?