No, I think its all based on self-interest. Republicans publicly love Trump (even if they privately loathe him) because they know that gives them immediate access to the loyalty of almost half the American electorate. Its an advantage that almost guarantees victory, at least in the primaries.

All politicians tend to pander to voting blocs, but I never imagined so many American politicians could so shamelessly abandon their principles just to get an edge on an election opponent, especially one from their own party. And what terrifies me is that this may not be just a Republican perversion. I fear that Democrats, given the same temptation, will be just as likely to succumb to it. As football coach Vince Lombardi once put it; “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” And America is a country that has always seen that attitude as a virtue, not as a pathology.

Even if Trumpism is soundly defeated, could we now become vulnerable to some form of doctrinaire Stalinist, disguised as a Democratic Socialist? Yeah, I know. Modern Conservatives claim ALL Liberals are like that, when in truth, it is the Fascist Right that has now provided the precedent. I used to think Democrats would be able to stand up to a populist, unscrupulous Leftist gone-too-far that had highjacked their party, but now I’m not so sure.

Afraid of him. Why? Why would a long-term senator be afraid of Trump? Why would he suddenly change his opinion and kiss the ring? And it was sudden. They go out on the golf course and Graham completely changes his tune. Why?

What is so scary about the orange faced, bumbling, stupid hair former president? What, exactly? He’s going to make fun of you on Twitter? He’s going to support your primary opponent? So you lose your seat. Is that something to be afraid of? You retire, spend your days in the Low Country golfing and eating shrimp off the boat.

Maybe, Trump might yell at you. Oh, my god! He’s yelling at me. I can’t stand it. I’m so afraid. It must be my fault.

I don’t know. Maybe it is just fear of Trump swaying the base. But I’m not convinced something else isn’t going on.

Look at what he did to Ted Cruz. He publicly insulted his wife and accused Cruz’ father of being involved in JFK’s assassination. And now Cruz shamelessly sidles up to the Trumpster, seeking his approval (and followers).

In Cuban culture, a simultaneous attack on your family like that would be unforgiveable. And look at how Trump insulted Marco Rubio, another Cuban, and a fellow Floridian.

No, I don’t think Trump has any grip on the GOP that couldn’t be explained by a desperate lust for the MAGA voter. This is all about ambition and power, the GOP has devolved into a party of toadies, yes-men, brown-nosers and ass-kissers. Those with the integrity to refuse this humiliation have already gone. The ones who remain are shameless sycophants.

None of Trump’s charges and insults has ever been justified by facts, yet being slandered by this bully doesn’t seem to have affected those who still seek his approval. And those who weren’t direct victims of these attacks have done little to stand up for their fellow Republicans or to defend the honor of their Party.

Yeah, I know, politicians are a basically a greedy and cowardly bunch, regardless of party ideology, but the degree of cowardice and avarice displayed by this scum is totally unprecedented.

That is the definition of an abusive relationship. Makes one wonder. What was in those files he stole?