Op-ed by Elad Hakim | Photo: Alamy
Some Republicans believe that President Donald Trump has “too much baggage” to seek reelection. They point to other potential Republican candidates, who they assert are easier to “sell” to the American people and come with much less “baggage.” Such claims entirely miss the mark and show a misunderstanding of how the Democrats function in today’s political climate.
Donald Trump was attacked from the day he announced his intention to run for office. He was accused of Russian collusion, which was entirely false. He was impeached for a perfectly legitimate phone call with the president of Ukraine and, rightfully, not convicted. He was impeached a second time without any legal or factual basis and not convicted. Rogue prosecutors have pursued Trump and his businesses, including a recent lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Incidentally, Trump’s family immediately issued a strong response to the recent lawsuit. Recently, the Department of Justice ordered a raid of his house without notice based on what some consider an apparent document dispute. Democrats took these unprecedented measures because they despise the 45th president. As James previously stated when discussing President Trump, “We’re definitely gonna sue him we’re gonna be a real pain in the ass.”
Some Republicans believe that what Democrats did, and continue to do to Trump, was a one-off, that it was limited to Trump, and that other Republicans would have a much easier time if they decided to run for office.
Really?
Perhaps they should talk to Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., who was recently sued simply because he was unwilling to allow Florida to become a sanctuary state.
Gov. DeSantis, a graduate of Harvard Law School and a distinguished military man, had a fantastic and unblemished record until he stood up to the far-left’s efforts to indoctrinate children, implement woke policies, and turn Florida into a sanctuary state. Once he took a stand, he was immediately labeled as an alleged “racist” or as an alleged criminal who engaged in “human trafficking,” among other things.
Maybe they should talk to Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who endured a grueling and unnecessarily cruel confirmation process. He was subjected to threats of impeachment, multiple FBI investigations, and a public hearing where he had to defend himself against uncorroborated and unsubstantiated allegations of sexual assault. Finally, perhaps they should talk to the millions of MAGA Republicans whom Joe Biden recently referred to as “fascists.”
Justice Kavanaugh had a stellar record until Democrats thought he was a threat to their agenda. As a result, they “created” unsubstantiated sexual assault allegations against him.
Those who think a person with seemingly “less baggage” would make a better candidate are living in a utopian world, as Democrats will not allow that to happen. Such candidates do not exist because the “baggage” some Republicans are worried about is, on most occasions, “made up,” fabricated, exaggerated, or politicized.
If a Republican is deemed a threat to the Democrats’ quest for unfettered power and control, or a threat to the swamp in Washington D.C., he or she will suffer the same fate that Trump has endured for years. Fake news, fake bombshells, politicized allegations, and the weaponization of the different governmental agencies are all fair game. Nobody will come out unscathed.
Rather, the question is: who can handle it best? Donald Trump has shown the ability and willingness to do so. If some Republicans think that another candidate would simply be left alone, they will be in for a very rude awakening and will be playing right into the Democrats’ hands.
Mr. Hakim is an attorney and columnist. His articles have been published in The Washington Examiner, The Daily Caller, The Federalist, American Thinker, and other online publications. He is also a regular guest on OANN’s Tipping Point, and has appeared on Newsmax, The Jenna Ellis Show, Steadfast and Loyal Podcast with Allen West, The Dave Weinbaum Show, and Real America’s Voice.
