Stage Fright

There is only one thing you need to know about last night’s Republican candidates’ debate. It doesn’t matter what they tried to sell as their policy positions or their shots at the other candidates. Whether it was Pence saying he was proud he followed the constitution and did his job when he certified Biden’s 2020 election victory, or Bully Boy Chris Christie calling out Vivek Ramaswamy for trying to ripoff Barack Obama in his description of himself. The biggest and only take away was the candidates’ answers to the question if they would support Donald Trump as the party’s nominee even if he was convicted in one of the four felony cases in which he is charged. Six hands went up. Christie sheepishly raised his hand half way to get attention. Only former Arkansas  Governor Asa Hutchinson kept his hand down. It was as if Trump was standing backstage peeking out the curtain to see who would standby him no matter what. The candidates were like members of a cult who didn’t want to show disobedience to the leader who has them all brainwashed.

All these candidates have either worked for or strongly supported Trump in the past. Christie who raised hand to get the moderators’ attention during the big question said Trump’s conduct is beneath the presidency and he’s not fit for the office. Even though he prepped Trump for his 2016 debate and headed his Transition office until Trump dropped him. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner didn’t like the idea that Christie sent his father to prison when he was US Attorney in New Jersey. Vivek Ramaswamy, the thirty-eight year old Trump “mini me” said climate change is a “hoax”. Where has he been living? The drastic effects of climate change are burning and drowning the world more every day we refuse to change our behavior. Anyone who cannot understand that cannot be taken seriously. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the only woman on stage, had to point out her difference from the others by quoting a more famous woman. “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done ask a woman.” Thank you Margaret Thatcher.

Haley went on to embarrass herself this morning on Good Morning America when George Stephanopoulos asked why would she voted for Trump if were convicted of a felony. She, of course, didn’t answer the question and said, “He hasn’t been convicted yet. But I also trust the American people. I don’t think it’s going to get to that point.” She even said she didn’t think Joe Biden would survive a second term because he’s too old. While she’s afraid of another Biden term, she’s almost more concerned with Kamala Harris becoming president if Biden dies. In her view, that would be worse than Trump becoming president again. When Stephanopoulos asked how she knew that, Haley just said all Americans know that. She’s convinced she will be the nominee.

Last night was a terrifying example of the hold that Trump has on the Republican Party. The lying, the denying, the fear that has destroyed an important political party is corroding the foundation of our democracy. These are people who want to lead into the future that gets more complicated, and yes, dangerous. They are not serious. This should  concern us all.

None of the people on that stage last night has any real chance of ever becoming president next year. Even though all the men dressed just like their captor, dark suit, white shirt and red tie. Anyone who watched has already forgotten anything of importance that any of the candidates said, except for that one answer. I guess stage fright can make you do just about anything.