The GOP Is Now the Trump Party

 By ANDREW C. MCCARTHY, National Review, January 24, 2024 - It’s time to retire “RINO.”

That means “Republican in name only,” of course. It’s a stale epithet. Mildly clever in its origins, it referred mainly to elected Republicans in Washington who posed as conservatives for their home-state constituents (“severely conservative” as the squishy Mitt Romney described himself), but who, at best, mounted little meaningful resistance to the progressive ascendancy and Leviathan’s expansion.

RINO is inapposite with the Republican Party having become the Trump Party. Indeed, it’s the Republican Party that is now “Republican in name only.” No longer are we talking an entity that is substantively the Republican Party — meaning the politically and ideologically conservative major party in the United States. A party wedded to that orthodoxy no longer exists, so it is irrational to speak of RINOs who feign allegiance to the orthodoxy. ....

The RINO insult is incoherent. Most of what Trump labels RINOs are what, until recently, we thought of as actual Republicans. They are on the outs now because (a) they won’t join the Trump personality cult and, (b) to the extent there is an ideological “Trumpism” (as opposed to one man’s eccentric, reactive views), they won’t swallow its heresies from traditional conservatism (e.g., big intrusive government, runaway spending, unsustainable entitlements, protectionism, skepticism about America’s leadership in the world, embrace of anti-American dictators while vilifying American political rivals, and the promise of a Democrat-style retributive-justice system rather than a traditional American justice system that reveres equal protection under the law). (Continue reading and see "why he can't win")

Also see my blog post, You might be a Rino, if ... and Confessions of a RINO.

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Trump's attack on Nikki Haley and Americans for Prosperity

by Rod Williams, Jan. 16, 2024- Wow! Donald Trump says so many crude, untrue, nasty, bombastic, embarrassing things that one almost becomes immune to them.

Americans for Prosperity has helped elect a large number of conservatives to Congress and it has advocated for conservative causes.  To call AFP "RINO" is nuts.  

RINO no longer means what it used to. By Trumpinista standards, Ronald Reagan was a RINO. Republican in Name Only, RINO, was a term applied to less conservative Republicans.  Over time, the term became a name-calling device for anyone not in lock step with Rush Limbaugh or Shane Hannity or other loudmouth right-wing voices. It was a way to marginalize thoughtful people in the Republican Party and shut down thought and dialogue.  

Still, the term had meaning. I could guess one's views if they were called "RINO."  Now, "RINO" is a term for anyone who is not part of the Trump cult.  I would contend that the Trumpinistas are the real RINO's. However, since the Trumpinistas have captured the Party, I guess they get to define the terms. Now, when someone is called a RINO, I think "normal Republican." There is a new term that normal Republicans are applying to themselves. It is "normie."  I was beginning to embrace the term RINO to describe myself, but I like "normie" better, and it is more accurate.

As regards Trump's claim that AFP supports open borders that is simply a lie. Do you know how to tell if Trump is telling a lie? His lips are moving or his fingers are tweeting. To see AFP's position on immigration, follow this link. 

A normal candidate after winning such an overwhelming victory in Iowa would have respectful words to say about his vanquished opponent, but Trump is not a normal candidate.  A normal victor would think toward the general election and want his challengers' supporters to become his supporters. Trump, of course, is not a normal candidate. 

Imagine that the Republican parents of a fist grader is told by a teacher that their child called another child "Birdbrain."  I bet most of them would chastise their child and tell them it is not nice to call other people names.  Of course, the child might say, "Well, Trump called Nikki Haley "Birdbrain." A grown man calling his smart, articulate, educated, accomplished opponent, who he appointed to an important position, "Birdbrain" is beyond the pale.  A normal political leader would not do it'; but, of course, Trump is not normal. Somehow, people kind of like it. Of course, a lot of people like really crude name-calling comedy and in reality, a lot of people like bullies.

Crudeness, incivility, and impoliteness did not start with Donald Trump, but he has made it more normal. "Let it all hang out" and "tell it like it is," has been with us for a while. I always thought, however, that Republicans were more civil and well-mannered than Democrats.  Republicans were less likely to do sit-ins, block doors, shout down speakers with whom that disagreed, and chant obscenities. Well, not anymore. Republicans can be just a nasty and crude and impolite as Democrats.

Society needs rules of procedure; society needs politeness. There is a reason Senators refer to their adversaries as "the honorable."  There is a reason we have rules to conduct meetings. Manners are not phony; they are essential. If things are not done civilly, then the alternative is violence. 

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You might be a Rino, if ...

 by Rod Williams, Dec. 8, 2022- ... you fail to claim the 2020 presidential election was stolen, if you doubt the Arizona and Georgia mid-term elections were stolen, if you are not holocaust-denier-friendly, are not White-supremacist-friendly. and do not support terminating the constitution.

For more on this topic see these posts: 

• Confessions of a RINO, by Rod Williams, July 18, 2022
• Ronald Reagan was a RINO, by Rod Williams, Dec. 31, 2010
• Names to call Republicans, by Rod Williams, Dec. 30, 2010
• You might be a Rino. by Rod Williams, Dec. 28, 2010

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It's our party.

The following essay is from a prominent local well-known Republican activist who has asked to remain anonymous. Rod    

by Anonymous

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a local blogger asking me to write an article. The request seemed simple enough; who did I plan to support in the 2012 GOP Presidential Primary in Tennessee? I had planned to write about how the remaining four candidates would all be a marked improvement over President Obama, but now I know I cannot do that. If I do, I will quickly be branded a RINO, the dreaded moniker assigned all Republicans that don't conform to the most strict of conservative mantras.

Over the past eight months I have supported different candidates for President. Each candidate is different in many ways. The only thing that matters to me at the end of the day is whether they can defeat an incumbent president. That's it. 

Yes, I care if they supported abortion at any point in their lives. Yes, of course I care if they didn't support a strong military in years past. I care that they support reasonable tax reform, and I want the candidates to consider many other reforms as well. I care about debt, spending, foreign affairs. I care about all of those things. 

So what should conservatives care about most? Debt or Spending? Abortion or Capital Punishment? Foreign Affairs or Homeland Security? Any conservative planting their flag into any single issue is missing the point. Our biggest concern is President Obama; a known quantity who also happens to be a worse option for President than any of the remaining GOP candidates (my opinion, of course). Conservatives need to unite behind whomever wins the nomination. Period. End of discussion. RINO or not. Doesn't matter. Maintaining control of the house as well as winning back a majority in the Senate would make for a very happy two-year period, pending any 9/11-like event. 

I've been hearing and seeing an incredible amount of angst in the Republican party in Nashville. It is utter foolishness. I may be a RINO because I believe that if we can elect someone more conservative than the liberals want to elect, it constitutes a minor victory. I'm a RINO because I like that Senator Corker and Senator Alexander aren't afraid to engage in open compromise on Capitol Hill. I also support Rep. DesJarlais and his absolutist policy stances. I support Rep. Blackburn, despite her initial support of SOPA/PIPA. Yes, Republican legislators may not always vote the way I want, but it's better than a democrat. Every single time, it is better. 

If you want to make a valid case as to why your preferred candidate is best, do it. But be civil. Leave the name-calling for another purpose. Talk of "kicking people out of the party" is ridiculous and should cease immediately. Its a non-starter for young Americans looking to engage in the political discourse. What could possibly be less inviting than knowing if you disagree on some issues that the perceived powers that be would excommunicate you? 

Trust me, it's no one's party to dominate. It's our party. As much as you may want to, you can't take the ball home with you when you get frustrated. That's the beauty of a social society and social political parties. 

As conservatives, we have a mandate: elect someone that will help restore and preserve the fabric of America. If we are too fractured to understand the need for every possible vote to accomplish this, then we have already lost. Romney, Santorum, Paul or Gingrich, I don't care. I know the vote I cast on March 6th matters less than the vote we will all cast on or before November 6th. 

If you don't see it the same way, then we've already lost in November.

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Tennessee Republican Assembly Endorses Santorum After Paul Landslide In Straw Poll

Reposted from Daily Paul, Submitted by everlasticity on Sun, 01/29/2012 - 08:25

Here is the news through facebook, from Combat Veterans for Ron Paul:

Combat Veterans for Ron Paul
URGENT UPDATE:
Local news stations in Nashville tonight reported that the TRA had their straw poll (with no mention of vote tallies, percentages, or any numbers), and that THE TRA IS ENDORSING RICK SANTORUM. After the landslide victory Tennessee delivered for Ron Paul today, the TRA should refund the voters money and publicly apologize for ignoring the straw poll results and adding insult to injury by trying to use all the Ron Paul voters money to endorse Rick Santorum. The Republican establishment obviously doesn't want to embrace what could be the future of the party. Instead, they insist on pushing us out of the process and/or resorting to corrupt tactics to blackout the Ron Paul groundswell. Research this story! The Republican establishment doesn't care what the voters think!
EDIT: here is the link to TNRA contact
http://tnra.org/Contact-Us.html

My Comment: I don't blame the the Ron Paul supporters for being mad. It was duplicitous of  TRA to have a straw poll and then issue an endorsement for a candidate other than the winner of the straw poll. This is highly unusual. I don't know that I have ever seen this done before. Last year when Ron Paul won the CPAC endorsement, we knew Ron Paul may not have not been the favorite of most regular CPAC members, but the Paul supporters organized and went to the convention and paid their fees and won the straw poll. If an organization fears the outcome of a straw poll, don't have it. If you have a straw poll then don't issue an endorsement for a different candidate. Play fair. TRA just used the Paul supports.

I like that the above writer called TRA "the Republican establishment." To be against "the Republican Establishment" seems to be TRA's only reason to exist. Now, someone considers TRA "the Republican establishment." He should have also called them "RINOs."

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"RINO on the menu:" Tea Party Nation targets Bob Corker for defeat.

OK Republican, get in a circle. Ready, Aim, Fire!!

Republicans have had a taste of victory, but it is still not too late to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. We can now start shooting each other.  To insure we do not take the Senate in 2012, we must defeat sitting Republicans and nominate unelectable "real Republican."  Real Republicans  like Sharron Angle, Christine O'Donnell, and Joe Miller.

Nashville's own Judson Phillips, founder and CEO of Tea Party Nation says 2012 will be good year for the Tea Party and, "RINO is on the menu! Senator Bob Corker is his number one target for defeat.

Running colorful candidates who say interesting things and have a lot of passion is a lot more fun than actually trying to govern. Governing is hard work. We would not want to actually win elections and have to take responsibility for solving problems would we? Being on the outside and going to demonstrations is a lot more fun than actually winning elections isn't it?  Do you think we could nominate Christine O'Donnell as our Presidential nominee? Or, maybe Judson Phillips?

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Ronald Reagan was a RINO

by Rod Williams, Dec. 31, 2010 - Even conservative icon former President Ronald Reagan could not pass muster today with the faux-conservative populist faction of the Republican party that fashions themselves as the "real Republicans." Reagan would not pass the Party Purity test and would be denounced as a RINO.

Below is a list of Reagan's sins that would get him denounced as a RINO and targeted for purging from the party.

• His background: Reagan was once a liberal Democrat, an admirer of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and active supporter of New Deal policies. He was an ex-Hollywood actor and an ex-labor union leader. 

• He would fail the "family values" and religious test: He was divorced, had a poor relationship with his children, had a gay son, and he did not attend church regularly.

• He raised taxes: He signed laws that raised taxes 11 times and the 1982 tax hike was the largest hike in history at that time.

• He supported and Congress passed into law Immigration reform or "amnesty for illegal aliens."

• National debt: Our national debt more than tripled during Reagan’s time in office. We went from a major creditor nation to a leading debtor nation.

• Reagan compromised: He "worked across the aisle", he negotiated, he cut deals. One of his most successful deals was the 1983 agreement extending the Social Security trust fund's solvency for a couple of generations by raising the retirement age and expanding social security to government employees.

• He appointed liberal judges: Judge Vaughn Walker who recently struck down California's proposition 8 which barred gay people from marrying was a Reagan appointee. 

• Reagan accomplished arms control: Reagan made bold, some would say radical, proposals for nuclear arms reductions. Reagan proposed the abolition of all nuclear-armed missiles. Reagan and Gorbachev eventually concluded the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) agreement and established the foundation for the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) process.

• Reagan advocated playing nice: Regan's 11th Commandment was, "Thou shalt not speak ill of any other republican.” He was civil. He advocated a "big tent" Republican Party. He courted those outside the party. He reached out to “Reagan Democrats." In order to build a majority he campaigned for many people with whom he disagreed.

Yep, Reagan was a RINO.

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Names to call Republicans

A Republican with whom you disagree is a "Rino.”  A Republican with whom you really disagree is a "Rino Neo-con Republican." Some Republicans are " dyed-in-the-wool Rino, neo-con Republican." If you want to play the class envy card you can call a Republican a "Country Club Republican."  Thus we have the "neo-con, Country Club, dyed-in-the wool Rino." If a Republican ever changes his mind or reverses his position when circumstances change he may be a  "flip-flopping, Rino, Country club, neo-con Republicans."  We also have "traitor republican Rinos." And then we have the "establishment insider-old boy network Republicans."  We also have "Rockefeller Republicans" and "Blue Blood Republicans."

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You might be a Rino.

by Rod Williams, Dec. 28, 2010 - Are you a Rino? RINO is the acronym for "Republican in Name Only." It is the new invective to hurl at fellow Republicans with whom you disagree. Republicans are real good at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. One way they do that is by driving from their midst anyone who does not agree with them 100% of the time on all points. Holier-than-thou "real" Republicans want to purge the Party of all but the pure in heart. Their favorite sport is the circular firing squad.

Some famous Rinos are William F. Buckley, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, both Bushs, John McCain, George Will, and David Brooks. There are a lot of Rinos. Our own Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker are Rinos.

There are only a few "Real" Republicans and they include Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and Ann Coulter. We can't be sure about Glen Beck.

I must be a Rino; I get told I am a lot. I generally want to enlarge the Party, not shrink it. I tend to think that if someone agrees with me 51% of the time, I want us to be on the same side. Like Ronald Reagan, I am a "big tent" kind of Republican. That makes me a Rino.

Below is a list to use to determine if you are a Rinos.

• If you supported the Party’s presidential candidate in 2008, you might be a Rino.

• If you supported the START treaty because it leaves our country with enough nuclear warheads to blow any attacker to Kingdom Come and because the President committed to an $85 billion, 10-year plan that would make sure that our weapons work and because it allows for inspection of Russian warheads and because our military leaders say it does nothing to interfere with the development of our missile defense system and because the last six Republican Secretaries of State supported it, you might be a Rino.

•  If you think that maybe-just maybe, there could be something to this global warming theory and if you have any doubts that all of the scientist who endorse it are part of a grand liberal conspiracy, you might be a Rino.

• If you think that at some point we need to pass some sort of legislation (similar to that proposed by George W. Bush), that will document the illegal immigrants who are in this country and allow an earned path to citizenship for some of them (after paying back taxes and a penalty), and work permits for some others, you might be a Rino.

• If you think that Barack Obama, was born in Hawaii and is an American citizen, you might be a Rino.

•  If you have any doubts that Barack Obama is a Muslim, you might be a Rino.

• If you think that the Muslim faith, practiced by 1.2 to 1.57 billion people or about 20% of the world’s population, is really a religion, then you might be a Rino.

• If you think the First Amendment is just as important as the Second or the Tenth, you might be a Rino.
   
• If you think the First Amendment applies to followers of the Muslim faith and they have the right to build a house of worship in Murfressboro, you might be a Rino.
   
• If you think it is OK for foreigners to own property in America and you are not absolutely outraged that some illegal immigrants have Visa cards and bank accounts and can get loans and you do not think it wise to take power away from the private sector and transfer that power to the government to decide who can get loans and visa cards and bank accounts, then you might be a Rino.
   
• If you agree with the late William F. Buckley and religious right leader Pat Robertson that we should decriminalize marijuana, you might be a Rino.
   
• If you do not think “compromise” is a dirty word, you might be a Rino.
   
• If you think “pragmatism” is a virtue, you might be a Rino.
   
• If you think “electability” should be a consideration in choosing your party’s candidates, you might be a Rino.

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Five Former top Republican U.S. diplomats urge support for START

By David Morgan, WASHINGTON , Wed Dec 1, 2010 11:57pm EST

Former secretaries of state for five Republican presidents urged Senate Republicans to back the New START nuclear treaty with Russia, suggesting failure to do so could affect Moscow's role on Iran, North Korea and Afghanistan.
In an opinion piece published in the Washington Post on Thursday, top diplomats in Republican administrations from Richard Nixon's to George W. Bush's called on senators to set aside their domestic partisanship and ratify the treaty in U.S. national interests.

"The most important thing is to have bipartisan support for the treaty, as previous nuclear arms treaties did," said authors Henry Kissinger, George Shultz, James Baker, Lawrence Eagleburger and Colin Powell.(link)

My Comment
Who you gonna' trust?  I may be a dreaded "RINO." for supporting the START treaty and I guess I should assume the newly active tea party participants know best, but for some reason I tend to trust the last Secretary of States of Republican Presidents. I guess all of those Republican Presidents and their Secretary of State were RINO too and so are our own two Republican Senators. If supporting START makes me a RINO, I am in good company.

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