Realignment of the GOP
Former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich, in an interview at the National Press Club where he announced the publication of his recent book, observed that “Make no mistake about it. President Trump engaged in a hostile takeover of the GOP.”
That Donald Trump could achieve that victory given his personal history, former Liberal politics and support of Democrats, is a testament to the abandonment of Republican principles by members of Congress. That departure or defection from principle began with President George H. W. Bush and was accelerated by President George W. Bush.
The first two Republican nominees to seek the Presidency after George “W,” were Liberal Republicans, Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney.
None of the Internationalist, big government, Republicans succeeded in 2016 to gain the GOP nomination because Donald Trump figured out that Americans were fed up with both Republican and Democrat Parties.
Now we face a different scenario. The Republican losers in 2016 are looking for a candidate to challenge President Trump for the GOP nomination in 2020 and it seems that Mitt Romney may be willing to try to become their leader. Neoconservative Bill Kristol is once again looking for Mr. Goodbar.
At the end of the day, we may end up with a Trump Party, a Big Government Republican Party and, well if conservatives act now, we may have a National Conservative Party in time to field a candidate in 2020.
Who might the leader be who will found this new Party?
My best guess is that we should take a close look at current and former members of the House Freedom Caucus. Of former members, Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and Tim Huelskamp (R-KS) are very good prospects for leadership.
Here’s a short list of current House Freedom Caucus members.
- Mark Meadowsof North Carolina, Chairman, 2017–present
- Justin Amashof Michigan
- Joe Bartonof Texas
- Andy Biggsof Arizona
- Rod Blumof Iowa
- Dave Bratof Virginia
- Jim Bridenstineof Oklahoma
- Mo Brooksof Alabama
- Ken Buckof Colorado
- Warren Davidsonof Ohio
- Ron DeSantisof Florida
- Scott DesJarlaisof Tennessee
- Jeff Duncanof South Carolina
- Trent Franksof Arizona
- Tom Garrett Jr.of Virginia
- Louie Gohmertof Texas
- Paul Gosarof Arizona
- Morgan Griffithof Virginia
- Andy Harrisof Maryland
- Jody Hiceof Georgia
- Jim Jordanof Ohio, Chairman, 2015–2017
- Raúl Labradorof Idaho
- Alex Mooneyof West Virginia
- Gary Palmerof Alabama
- Steve Pearceof New Mexico
- Scott Perryof Pennsylvania
- Bill Poseyof Florida
- Mark Sanfordof South Carolina
- David Schweikert of Arizona
- Randy Weber of Texas
- Ted Yoho of Florida