In a speech on Thursday, Joe Biden warned of “extremism”, complaining of “attacks on equality and democracy”: Donald Trump and his supporters embodied “an extremism that threatens the foundations of our republic”. For the US President, these were unusually harsh words. Yes, it was a verbal attack that Biden dropped on his possible challenger in the 2024 election in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
In large parts he presented an apt political analysis. Trump has increased his extremism since leaving office. For example, this week he announced pardons for those accused of storming the Capitol, and said he was even offering some of them money (“They were in my office two days ago”).
A party that applauds this game with fire is a sin against democracy and freedom. But the Republicans are no longer a party, they are a Trump cult. The Grand Old Party is “dominated, led and intimidated” by Trump, as Biden aptly put it, without demonizing every Republican or even every constituent.
While the President has recently achieved more than expected in terms of legislation, Trump remains
In fact, success is limited. Just this week, Trumpist candidate Sarah Palin lost to a Democrat in a by-election in conservative Alaska. A pointer. With ten weeks to go before the US midterm elections, it would be wise for Republicans to come to their senses quickly. A party can succeed, a cult not so much.
