Trump’s Rivals Avoid Confronting His Assault on American Democracy

As the Iowa caucuses draw near, Donald Trump‘s primary rivals, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, are ramping up their attacks against him. However, they seem hesitant to address the key liability that could hinder him in a general election and tarnish his legacy: his assault on American democracy.

Trump’s dominance over the GOP, even stronger now than when he left office, is partly due to his disruptive persona and refusal to adhere to conventional rules. Additionally, his base’s lack of concern for his anti-democratic behavior and reluctance to hold him accountable for the Capitol attack further solidify his power.

Trump’s Shield of Superpower

Trump’s superpower, reminiscent of his time as president, shields him from the consequences of his actions and makes it politically impossible for primary rivals to challenge him. Despite facing multiple court obligations, he continues to appeal decisions and exploit controversies to further connect with his base voters.

DeSantis and Haley’s Dilemma

Governor DeSantis, banking on an upset result in Iowa, criticized Trump for refusing to participate in a CNN debate. He believes he would be a better executor of Trump’s policies, emphasizing that Trump failed to achieve key objectives like deporting illegal immigrants and building a wall. Meanwhile, Haley, campaigning in New Hampshire, accuses Trump of lying about her and aims to position herself as the last viable alternative to him.

However, both DeSantis and Haley carefully avoid discussing Trump’s attack on democracy. They fear alienating Trump’s supporters while trying to differentiate themselves from him. Their attacks on each other highlight their desperation to emerge as Trump’s primary competition.

Trump’s Unyielding Grip on the GOP

Trump’s potential comeback as the GOP nominee, only three years after destabilizing US democracy, showcases a concerning disconnect between political perception and reality. While many Americans and the international community fear the consequences of another Trump presidency, the majority of Republicans show little interest in holding him accountable for the events of January 6, 2021.

The Diminished Concern for Democracy

Recent polls reveal that Republican voters are increasingly disinterested in addressing Trump’s responsibility for the Capitol attack. Only 14% believe he bears any significant blame, compared to 27% two years ago. This lack of concern for democracy among GOP voters allows Trump to capitalize on his legal challenges and portray himself as a victim.

While democracy remains a critical topic for lawmakers, experts, and journalists, it holds less weight for the average American voter. Issues like the lingering economic impact of the pandemic resonate more strongly. This explains why DeSantis and Haley, though critical of Trump indirectly, avoid directly confronting him for his assault on American democracy.

In conclusion, Trump’s rivals face a difficult challenge in trying to confront his anti-democratic behavior without alienating his supporters. Their strategic avoidance of the issue highlights the strength of Trump’s grip on the GOP and the lack of concern among Republican voters for holding him accountable.

Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2024-01-03 05:00:00

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