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Plunge into absurdity

Perhaps the most amusing political story of 2018 is in West Virginia. Three separate aspirants, Evan Jenkins, Patrick Morrisey and Don Blankenship have accused each other of being somehow “liberals.” Particularly Morrisey, whose television ads have tried to paint Jenkins as some sort of radical because he was spotted with Democrats or for having a Hillary Clinton event. Neither actions is a confirmation — not even close, of political support for Clinton.

But this plunge into absurdity does highlight how success can contribute to future failure. Republican primaries have never been especially interesting. Usually the GOP has been orderly while depending on Democrats to supply the fireworks. But recently, the pyrotechnics are on the Republican side. In Indiana, Senate candidates have tripped over themselves trying to prove their bonafides when it comes to loyalty to President Donald Trump. As with West Virginia, they try to create an inch of daylight between themselves and their opponents. All are sufficiently Conservative but now they are Trumpers and try to imitate the party leader.

It speaks to the fundamental barrenness of the Republican party. Having gone from “a thousand points of light” to “compassionate Conservatism,” Republicans during the two Bush administrations were tactical in approach. George H.W. Bush was all over the map with ultimately Willie Horton and flag burning as his main “points of light.” Lee Atwater, with not much to work with, ultimately sanctioned emotional appeals because the first Bush had no fixed ideological mooring. The same could be said of George W. Bush, who benignly looked on while John Kerry was swiftboated. No wonder Trump routed Jeb in the 2016 primaries because the younger Bush was an empty vessel. “Low energy” was a kind way of putting that Jeb was an empty suit.

John McCain and Mitt Romney tried to give up their base with Sarah Palin and references to the alleged 47 percent of freeloaders. Their usual messages fell flat and, like the Bushes, went to the lowest common denominator. Indeed, moderation is no virtue if it simply is a platform to enunciate bland ideas. Trump rolled this obfuscating wing of the GOP because he said something clearly.

At least Trump actually addressed serious issues. These so-called “moderates” addressed anything but important questions. When all you have is symbolism, you give the crowd what they want. Trump is hardly the only panderer to the base. In fairness to “moderate” Republicans in their defense of recent presidents, Democrats also must answer for that prince of prevaricators Bill Clinton.

With a legacy of law appeals, it is no wonder Republicans are pursuing each other with hammer and tongs. The reason many embrace Trump is that he is the only thing they have to hold onto.

Given the underhanded ways of past GOP presidents, they at least can understand what Trump says.

Nothing is as vicious, as the West Virginia Republican Primary proves, as a low stakes poker game among friends.

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