I’ve had a tremendous amount of respect for Bill Kristol who founded The Weekly Standard, which shut down in 2018. (Politico report linked here.)
The Weekly Standard, conservative outlet that criticized Trump, to shut down
When Kristol came out as a Never Trumper for the 2016 election, no one was surprised. Trump’s style and zeal for taking on the GOP establishment made him untenable for many conservatives. (I didn’t vote for Trump in 2016 either.)
Alas, the Never Trumpers often take that stand too far by refusing to support not only Trump, but also Republicans who supported Trump, who was — and this is kind of important in politics — the GOP nominee in 2016 and 2020.
Tuesday the Washington Post reported, Kristol let it be known that he will support Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the Virginia governor’s race over Republican Glenn Youngkin.
Here’s the list of 17 Republicans who are endorsing the former DNC chairman.
Please note: All are listed for their former, not current, positions — which tells you something.
· Bill Kristol, former Chief of Staff to the Vice President of the United States, served in President Ronald Reagan’s and George H. W. Bush’s Administrations (Fairfax County)
· David Ramadan, former Delegate (2012-2016), Loudoun County
· Russ Potts, former State Senator (1992-2008), Winchester City
· Marty Williams, former State Senator (1996-2008), Richmond City
· Jim Dillard, former Delegate (1972-1978, 1980-2005), Fairfax County
· Clint Miller, former Delegate (1972-1996), Rockingham County
· Katherine Waddell, former Delegate (2006-2008), Richmond City
· Dwight Schar, former Finance Chairman for the Republican National Committee
· Buddy Maxey, former Sheriff of Campbell County
· Matt Walton, former Republican Delegate Candidate, Henrico County
· Judy Ford Wason, Leader of “Virginians for Bob McDonnell” (2009), served in the President Reagan’s Administration and advisor to Senator John Warner, Williamsburg City
· Sophia Nelson, former Republican Counsel for the U.S. House Government Reform and Oversight Committee, Loudoun County
· Rina Shah, former Republican aide to Republican Congressman Scott Garrett and Jeff Miller, Reston
· D.J. McGuire, former Republican Board of Supervisors candidate in Spotsylvania, Suffolk City
· Michael Anderson, Former Chief of Staff to Congressman Don Young, Stafford County
· René Anderson, Air Force Veteran, 2016 Trump Voter, Stafford County
· Mark Coombs, former Alexandria Republican Party Vice Chair, Alexandria City
The main reason for their support for the Democrat: They don’t like Youngkin’s support for Trump or Trump’s support for Youngkin. (The statement mentions Trump and Youngkin’s opposition to vaccine mandates.) In their disdain for thing “Trumpian,” these self-styled conservatives are backing the Democrat who wants to stick Virginia with liberal policies.
When you think most of the people in your party aren’t good enough for you and you are willing to back someone who disagrees with you on fundamental issues, it’s time to move on and stop pretending.
They must be living in a bubble if they don’t understand that you can’t go after every Trump Republican and call yourself a conservative. What you really are is a one-issue voter who puts identity politics before policy.
Addendum: Jim Stinson reminded me that Susan Kristol donated to Gov. Ralph Northam’s 2017 campaign, when the what’s-not-to-like Ed Gillsespie was the GOP nominee.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/hes-a-gop-insider-and-the-partys-best-shot-to-flip-a-seat-this-year-wheres-the-money/2017/09/30/9bf6133a-a2df-11e7-b14f-f41773cd5a14_story.html
Debra J. Saunders is a fellow at the Discovery Institute's Chapman Center for Citizen Leadership. Contact her at dsaunders@discovery.org.
Please click on the link to get email alerts for future posts.
Debra - well reasoned and well said.