Have we stopped to consider the implications of what we hear coming out of the mouths of mainstream conservative candidates? How did these people get to the position they hold?
Listing examples from the cascade of wildly irrational and anti-intellectual comments and opinions from Republicans in positions of power would be preaching to the choir here. The words from so many major party figures have been unapologetically racist, sexist, and bigoted-often with an added dose of downright ignorance.
Progressives benefit as Republicans' extreme comments are exposed. Much conventional wisdom says these are unintended gaffes or mistakes or just the result of a lack of intelligence sprinkled throughout Republican leadership people.
No, these are not mistatements fixed by an apolocy or spin. These people really believe what they are saying.
Consider “legitimate rape”. That isn’t something mistakenly spit out in an unguarded moment. It’s too crazy to just occur to anyone…except someone who has held that thought for a long, long time. Just as suggesting a test to see who is a “real American” in the US House would not unthinkingly pop into someone’s head. These wild statements come from people who really believe what they say. “47% are takers”? Does anyone think that was a slip of the tongue? “Self deporting?” The list is endless with additions coming daily.
These infamous statements are held by people who have spent decades among their Republican Party pals. Is it even remotely possible they have been hiding these thoughts all that time? Of course not. It is who they are.
They are known to hold these views yet have survived and thrived and risen to a position of power as opinion shapers in the party. If even major candidates can flourish and succeed with those ideas in this Republican Party, they are not just people who make “gaffes”. Ignorance and atavistic bigotry of all kinds is so pervasive that party members voicing those ideas are rewarded with support.
Where did the crazy candidates come from? They are products of what their party really is now. Sewer gas doesn’t bubble up out of pure water.
That being true, how can this Republican Party be a constructive contributor to public policy? And, what future is there for those members who are not among the irredeemably and willingly ignorant who are in control?