When George Will analogizes the current state of the Republican race to the first inning, he is, to borrow his language, “harpooning himself” (“Neither Trump nor DeSantis will get GOP nod,” July 16). We are a year removed from midterms in which Donald Trump’s candidates lost in spectacular fashion — three from a Jan. 6 riot that he clumsily incited, seven from an “Access Hollywood” tape in which he said things of a tone and content that could not be imagined from the mouth of any heretofore electable politician. Ample time for Trump’s political vulnerability to reveal itself; ample time revealing that no such vulnerability exists, at least among Republican primary voters. He is 30 points ahead of his competition in most polls.
Old-guard conservatives have a vast blind spot when it comes to Trump, charitably, because they cannot understand supporting somebody so objectionable, and uncharitably, because they cannot understand why someone who ignores their advice continues to beat them. Either way, it would be best for them to get that blind spot taken care of. Otherwise the Tim Scotts and Ron Desantises of today will join the Jeb Bushes and Ted Cruzes and Chris Christies and Marco Rubios and Carly Fiorinas and Rand Pauls of yesteryear.
Daniel Kline
Delmont