The way forward for the GOP looks clear after Virginia, right? Trumpism without Trump, of course! Culture war 24/7, but without the rough edges of narcissism, corruption, and incompetence–that’s the trick! The electorate will lap it up, and America will be great again.
It will almost certainly work in some constituencies in 2022, but 2024 is a different matter, because the man on golf cart will be on the scene, and he can’t be ignored. If he decides to run, his overstuffed personality and record will be the primary issue in the election, because he’s incapable of having it any other way. If he doesn’t, all of the contenders will be falling all over themselves to kiss his ring. It will be a race to the bottom, and Biden will make sure the voters remember it, even if the winner tries desperately to move back to the center after the primaries.
There is another, albeit improbable, option. I will discuss it tomorrow.