On current trends, the GOP as we know it is doomed as a force in national elections. Its old white supporters will die and be replaced by left-leaning millennials, largely of color. America in 2035 could thus look like California today. How will the party adjust?
There are several choices:
- THE GOP EVOLVES INTO A RESPONSIBLE CENTER-RIGHT PARTY: The best alternative is, unfortunately, the least likely, based on its behavior today.
- NATIONAL CONSERVATISM: The party goes populist on economic issues. Businessmen gnash their teeth, but at least they’re being protected from socialism.
- GRAND OLD OBSTRUCTIONIST PARTY: The GOP collectively gives up hope of winning the presidency, but relies on its continuing power in rural states, the judicial system, and the filibuster to prevent anything like the “revolution.”
- DOUBLE DOWN ON VOTE SUPPRESSION: If you can’t win over the voters, you can at least try to stop them from voting! This will require efforts that are far more effective than what has been accomplished to date.
- FULL FASCISM: Peaceful vote suppression may not be enough, so extralegal violence could be part of the equation. Hey, our way of life is in danger, and we’re justified in doing anything, including wrecking constitutional government, to protect it.
So which will it be? I honestly don’t know, but it’s hard to be optimistic at this point.