They Are Mad as Hell but Will They Take It Anymore?

Out of the ashes of an embittered, archaic, and dying Republican Party, Donald J. Trump rose to the occasion while descending on a golden escalator to put the GOP out of its self-inflicted misery. The Silent Majority was silent no more, and joining forces with an America-first candidate, 63 million energized, excited, and optimistic people swept the man and dozens of hangers-on into office.

Instead of embracing a win and a Republican mandate in both houses of Congress, petty arguments, backstabbing, distancing, and incredible disloyalty to the president, Republicans have done little to keep their party members happy. Rather, the green-eyed monster from losers long ago reared its ugly head in the trappings of Senators John McCain and Mitt Romney and their sycophants who followed along. For many, the fix was in – from the inside out — making the Republican Party no better than the Democrats of 2016.

Is it time to say goodbye to Abe Lincoln’s party and take on the elitists – no matter the official loyalty? Should the Grand Old Party be relegated to not much more than a happy memory – like faded photographs of family reunions long ago? If you ask those in the heartland of America that would be a resounding yes.

Glory Days -- Bygones

Republicans spent years pointing out how their nemesis, the Democratic Party, was fractured. One would think it was death rattling towards another massive loss. Instead, somehow an unpopular old white man with an even more unlikable running mate is poised to reside in the best public housing available in America. Sure, there are rumors and more of cheating. And the false narratives supplied by big-box media didn’t help either — except inspire Congress to investigate ridiculous stories. But no one drove the stake with such force through the heart of reelecting the president than disloyal Republicans.

In four years, Trump-inspired Hispanics, Blacks, LGBTQ #WalkAway with Brandon Straka, and social media groups for the previously disenfranchised. A feat that terrified Democrats and that should have encouraged conservative politicians and candidates to stay the Trump course. It mattered not once reelected: Watching governors Doug Ducey of Arizona and Brian Kemp of Georgia moonwalk away from any hint of allegiance to the president sent additional shockwaves of anger through the Trump base.

And that speaks volumes about the fork in the road conservatives now face — and which path to take. Are these the kinds of people that deserve a conservative vote?

A Trumplican Party?

The question before Republicans is hard to ignore: Has there even been a more opportune time to create a new political party? The diverse voices in America spoke loudly in 2020 for an America First agenda, and now millions – 73 million or so – have been left once again disenfranchised and ready to fight back. Of course, some party loyalists who abhor change of any kind – better the devil you know folks — may stay true to the GOP. Others are ready for an uprising not seen in modern-day political skirmishes. Trumplicans want justice for all, a strong economy, a badass military, the big, beautiful wall, and opportunities that were being realized when COVID-19 struck. And there will never be a better figurehead – with a very steadfast and devoted base – to enthuse, embolden, and embrace a departure from the GOP.

It wouldn’t be the first time a charismatic figure decided to shake things up a bit. The Progressive Party or the Bull Moose Party came about in 1912 when a disgruntled former president decided to run against a disappointing successor. President Theodore Roosevelt lost the presidential nomination of his once-beloved Republican Party to protégé and conservative rival, the incumbent president William Howard Taft. No place to go but to form your very own political machine.

With great fanfare, on June 22, 1912, Roosevelt prompted his faithful supporters to walk off the convention floor – en masse – and reconvene in Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. It was there they said “enough” and formed a third national party as Roosevelt bellowed, they would “stand at Armageddon” and “battle for the Lord.” Are we there yet?

A Third-Party Makeup

President Trump gained significant increases leading up to election 2020 among black men and Hispanic women: And Latinos overtook the black community to become the largest minority voting bloc in the country. Countless Americans believe the Republican and Democratic parties didn’t do a damn thing in the last half-century for any of these communities. But many found a like-minded ideology with the 45th president.

America’s first president, George Washington, warned loyalty to party over the country could result in unreputable people who “usurp for themselves the reins of government; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Yet, it seems that Washington’s admonition is most relevant in election 2020.

It might be time for a party in which the Trump base can see a return on investment. If so, it’s time to get busy because being mad as hell comes with a call to action.

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Read more from Sarah Cowgill.