March 2, 2021 ☼ trump ☼ gop ☼ lies
Source: The New York Times - Link
For decades, the same ritual took place after Republican electoral defeats.
Moderate, establishment-aligned party officials would argue that candidates had veered too far right on issues like immigration and would counsel a return to the political center. And conservatives would contend that Republicans had abandoned the true faith and must return to first principles to distinguish themselves from Democrats and claim victory.
In the aftermath of 2020, that debate is scarcely taking place. Republicans have entered a sort of post-policy moment in which the most animating forces in the party are emotions, not issues.
This began with Newt, but Trump perfected it. Insinuate, scapegoat, refuse responsibility, and repeat the lie. It’s all emotion and no policy.