Here is the list of the most dangerous wedge issues for Trump and the Republicans, along with their likely responses:
- TRUMP AND HIS LEGAL TROUBLES: Polls consistently show that between 10 and 20 percent of normal Republican voters won’t vote for Trump in November. January 6, the impeachments, Stormygate, and the like are the principal reason for this. THE RESPONSE: Since Trump has become, if anything, even more militant about the “rigged” election, the only possibility is false equivalence. Biden is corrupt, too! Look at Hunter!
- ABORTION: The midterms are a cautionary tale here; plenty of moderate GOP members, particularly women, will cross over to protect their rights. THE RESPONSE: Ambiguity. Float trial balloons and walk away. Support federal legislation at times, but not others. Just don’t get pinned down to a position that will cost votes and divide the party.
- UKRAINE: Putin is hardly universally popular among GOP voters. THE RESPONSE: More ambiguity. Blame Biden for the war and promise to end it quickly without saying how, although we already know the answer to that one.
- GUNS: The GOP consistently supports its base over the wishes of the vast majority of Americans on this issue. That won’t change between now and November. THE RESPONSE: Pretend the problem really revolves around mental health issues, but do nothing to resolve them.