With the rancor of the last Republican CNN debate between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, and former President Donald Trump’s decision to not show and have his own town hall on Fox News, you wonder if Republicans are trying to find a way to lose. The attacks on each other seem more personal than substantive. There is a question that ought to be asked to all three—will you support whoever eventually wins the GOP nomination? I’m not sure of the answer from any of the remaining candidates.
Both Haley and DeSantis were right in criticizing Trump for not participating in the debates. He should have been there to answer the questions about his past performance as president and his priorities should he be elected. True to form, Trump wants the election his way. He wants a coronation.
The candidates taking turns attacking each other instead of taking on the failures of Biden and the Democrats may prove costly. Thankfully, no matter which one wins, there are a lot of areas of agreement that hopefully will help the party come together in the Fall. Focus on promoting the policies all candidates should be supporting and discuss their remaining differences respectfully. President Trump delivered early in his administration as president. Both DeSantis and Haley have had successful track records as governors.
Listening to the candidates has surfaced what Republicans ought to be able to get behind no matter who wins. Here are some of those priorities:
Ensure law and order in our cities and be ready to use the Insurrection Act to bring in the national guard if needed to support law enforcement.
Cut government spending to pre-COVID levels and require balanced budgets, cut earmarks, and allow line-item veto by the president.
Deliver school choice for parents that will reward schools that produce results.
Support energy independence by taking an all-of-the-above energy source approach that will take advantage of innovation and lower energy costs.
While supporting legal immigration, deport illegal immigrants and stop putting their needs ahead of American citizens.
Require e-verify so that companies are allowed to hire only workers here legally.
Support Israel and our allies and stand tough against those attacking our military forces in the Middle East.
Cut spending on welfare and entitlements reducing the size and scope of government.
Social Security is a promise made and it must be kept, but the retirement age requirement may have to be raised if life expectancy expands.
Be tough on and less reliant on China for critical products and resources.
Winning in November is critical to the future of America. If President Trump refuses to support the eventual winner of the GOP primaries, Democrats will win again in 2024. If the polls are right, Trump should be able to translate his support into victories in the voting booth. If he wins the nomination fair and square, all Republicans should get behind his campaign. The alternative would be another four years of liberal control.
If Trump is unable to win the nomination, may all Republicans put the party, our priorities, and our country ahead of any one candidate. We need to come together to win with whatever candidate earns the nomination. Hopefully, Trump will agree.
Terry Paulson is PhD psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.
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