The Great Divider Who Is Too Easy to Hate

Who came to mind when you read the title of this column? Most likely it is the current front runner for the Republican nomination, former President Donald Trump. Of course, after winning a strong majority from the Iowa Republican caucuses, he has called for unity and extended praise to his political rivals, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley. Trump now wants unity: “It’s time now, for everybody, our country, to come together. It would be so nice if we could come together and straighten up the problems of the world. … We’re going to come together. It’s going to happen soon,” His answer for unity is simple, “unite around me!”

But he has a funny way of demonstrating the sincerity in his call for unity. His refusal to even debate Haley or DeSantis and his claims that neither have what it takes to even be considered as his vice president, suggest a lack of respect for both of his primary opponents in his own party.

Before Governor DeSantis ended his campaign and endorsed Trump, the former president had called DeSantis “DeSanctimonious,” “overrated,” “disloyal,” “a political opportunist,” and a candidate whose team is filled with “misfits and grifters.”

He’s called his only remaining opponent NickyHaley “a bird brain,” “overrated,” “a disaster,” “not tough enough,” “not a good negotiator,” and “okay, but not great.”

So, if you voted for or supported either one of these obviously “unworthy” candidates instead of Trump, what does he think of your decision making as a voter? His name calling seems to extend to those stupid enough to support either of them. Does his name calling make you want to unite behind him in 2024?

Of course, we can’t allow another four years of Biden. If he becomes the candidate, most Republicans will find a way to support him. We like what he promises to do if elected, and he did deliver on a lot of his promises in his first term. We also know it’s never just a president you elect. You are electing the team and policy priorities the candidate brings into office.

After all, most pundits predict that Trump probably will win. He just has to defeat gaff-a-minute Biden. Biden’s open border, high inflation, and energy decisions make him an easy opponent to campaign against. What could go wrong? Even with those who don’t like Trump’s style, he will certainly pull enough votes to beat a Biden/Harris ticket.

But what if the Democrats have other plans? If the Republicans confirm Trump as their candidate at their July convention, the Democrats could still have some surprises in store when their convention begins August 19th. With Palestinian protestors demonstrating outside the convention over his support for Israel, legal problems for “the big guy” and Hunter, and even many Democrats upset with his border policies, what if President Biden is convinced to use the Democratic Convention to humbly bow out of even running?

Who would the Democrats pick? My guess is not someone old, not someone with a strong liberal pedigree, or a controversial candidate easy to hate. No, why not pick someone younger who is charming and charismatic, with no track record to even attack? The candidate could claim that he didn’t support Biden’s executive decisions and thus shouldn’t have to defend them. Like all liberal candidates, he could campaign promising to govern as a moderate, representing all Americans.

Such a candidate would be much harder for Trump to beat. Why?

He’s old, and many Americans feel both Biden and Trump are too old to serve another term. Many seem to want someone younger, someone new.

Trump’s unresolved legal issues, though obviously politically motivated, will still distract him from campaigning and may actually result in a conviction he will have to defend.

No matter who the Democrats pick, the “Hate Trumpers” on the left won’t stay home! They may not like Nicky Haley, but they don’t hate her. They HATE Trump and would do everything they can to keep him out of office.

What of the independents? The loyal Trump supporters aren’t bothered by his personal attacks and name calling, but independents are nowhere near as enamored by his personal attacks. Give independents a fresh face that they can project hope onto, and they may very well reject Trump like a bad habit.

The Great Divider may be able to beat an unpopular and failing Biden but is that who he will face? This election is too important to be stuck with a candidate that is easy to hate and unlikely to be able to unite even his own party. Here’s hoping the Republican Convention will be open to consider Trump situation in July instead of crowning him as their candidate now. The party needs a uniter, not a divider.