What is becoming clearer and clearer is that the majority of Republicans have core beliefs more similar to the Democrats than to Donald Trump. As the House vote for impeachment is poised for Wednesday, some of the most prominent conservatives have written their strong rebuke of Trump, calling for his impeachment in an op-ed for The New York Times.
One of these men George Conway is a well-respected Washington attorney and married to the Counsel to the President Kellyanne Conway. George Conway, Steve Schmidt, John Weaver, and Rick Wilson write that Trump is unfit to serve. They also blamed the Republican Party for substituting conservatism “with an empty faith led by a bogus prophet.i
They write “patriotism and the survival of our nation…are a higher calling than mere politics:”
‘Patriotism and the survival of our nation in the face of the crimes, corruption and corrosive nature of Donald Trump are a higher calling than mere politics. As Americans, we must stem the damage he and his followers are doing to the rule of law, the Constitution and the American character.’
The four men announced the Lincoln Project, which calls people back to patriotism, values, obligations, and sacrifices:
‘That’s why we are announcing the Lincoln Project, an effort to highlight our country’s story and values, and its people’s sacrifices and obligations. This effort transcends partisanship and is dedicated to nothing less than preservation of the principles that so many have fought for, on battlefields far from home and within their own communities.
‘This effort asks all Amerians of all places, creeds and ways of life to join in the seminal task of our generation: restoring to this nation leadership and governance that respects the rule of law, recognizes the dignity of all people and defends the Constitution and American values at home and abroad.’
They continue, saying that they will be “dedicated to defeating President Trump:”
‘Over these next 11 months, our efforts will be dedicated to defeating President Trump and Trumpism at the ballot box and to elect those patriots who will hold the line. We do not undertake this task lightly, nor from ideological preference. We have been, and remain, broadly conservative (or classically liberal) in our politics and outlooks. Our many policy differences with national Democrats remain, but our shared fidelity to the Constitution dictates a common effort.’
They predict turnout in the 2020 presidential election will be “expected to be at record highs:”
‘The 2020 general election, by every indication, will be about persuasion, with turnout expected to be at record highs. Our efforts are aimed at persuading enough disaffected conservatives, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents in swing states and districts to help ensure a victory in the Electoral College, and congressional majorities that don’t enable or abet Mr. Trump’s violations of the Constitution, even if that means Democratic control of the Senate and an expanded Democratic majority in the House.
‘The American presidency transcends the individuals who occupy the Oval Office. Their personality becomes part of our national character. Their actions become our actions, for which we all share responsibility. Their willingness to act in accordance with the law and our tradition dictate how current and future leaders will act. Their commitment to order, civility and decency are reflected in American society.’
They said that this president “has neither the moral compass nor the temperament to serve…(and Republicans did) no less than abdicate their Article I (Constitutional) responsibilities:”
‘Mr. Trump fails to meet the bar for this commitment. He has neither the moral compass nor the temperament to serve. His vision is limited to what immediately faces him — the problems and risks he chronically brings upon himself and for which others, from countless contractors and companies to the American people, ultimately bear the heaviest burden.
‘But this president’s actions are possible only with the craven acquiescence of congressional Republicans. They have done no less than abdicate their Article I responsibilities.
To read the entire op-ed, click on this link to the New York Times.
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
