Is Trump Losing His Grip on the GOP?

The former president’s clout with voters seems less formidable all the time.

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Like a lot of people, I get a ton of thirsty emails from Donald Trump. On Saturday, he sent this note: “See you in Sunrise, FL, in a little while and tomorrow, Orlando. Big crowds!”

He was referring to the first installment of his road show with former Fox host Bill O’Reilly. Attendance was lackluster.

It would be silly to read too much into this. While I would consider tickets to an O’Reilly-Trump roadshow expensive at any price, including free, these tickets—at least prior to last-minute discounts—were pretty steep.

But other evidence suggests Trump’s appeal is becoming more selective—to borrow a term from “Spinal Tap.” His ability to draw big TV viewership started to crater back in June.

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  1. Avatar photo
    Ben Connelly

    I sure hope Trump is and I agree there are some early signs. But he also took it over to a far greater extent than I expected in the first place. And I’m not sure he’s the only thing wrong with the GOP at this point.

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  2. Eli Harden

    I am wondering why Republicans cannot look beyond Trump? Can we really say that the entire country is better off now than in 2018? Republicans need to be looking for the Trump alternative. A person who has staunch conservative values, is compassionate, firm, and loves America more than himself. I do not believe the country will be better off should Trump decide to run and maybe even win. He caused too much drama, put too much focus on himself, was downright mean and disrespectful of his critics and others, and caused too much overall division in America. Which Republican has the courage to tell him that he would not be the best thing for America? I guess we will see.

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  3. Kurt Von Fuchs

    Both parties are broken possibly irrevocably thank god I'll be dead in 25 years

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  4. Richard Palzer

    The "orange-jumpsuit," as fitting as it would be, would just intensify the divide because his no-matter-what supporters and sycophantic Party leaders/enablers continue the hypocrisy of supporting law-and-order yet not holding him responsible and accountable. That no one, even the president, is above the law apparently doesn't apply.

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    Pat Riot

    The GOP is paying Trump's *personal* legal bills. For no reason other than tribute to the party's leader.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/republican-party-trump-legal-bills-new-york-probe/2021/12/16/08af4524-5c3f-11ec-9c0e-a955f8a009c1_story.html

    “The RNC’s Executive Committee approved paying for certain legal expenses that relate to politically motivated legal proceedings waged against President Trump,” said Emma Vaughn, a GOP spokeswoman, in a statement Thursday. “As a leader of our party, defending President Trump and his record of achievement is critical to the GOP. It is entirely appropriate for the RNC to continue assisting in fighting back against the Democrats’ never ending witch hunt and attacks on him.”

    (And by the way, those who think Trump being actually imprisoned would be a setback for him politically, please see above--that's what the GOP spin will look like).

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  6. Gabriel Salas

    Nah. This is distilled wishful thinking (which is very understandable).
    The GOP's base is not in suburban Virginia or Chamber of Commerce guys in Connecticut, but in white, less educated, mostly rural areas in the South and Midwest. And Trump has that beat wrapped around his finger.

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    Carolyn

    But will republican primary voters still support the candidate who says the election was stolen?

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    Rick Bealer

    It would be so helpful for many policies under Mr. Trump's administration to influence our government as Mr. Trump fades away into the sunset....please!

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  9. Stevie Van

    Thank you for quoting Spinal Tap. Selectively. Merry Christmas!!

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  10. Avatar photo
    Belt

    I while back I predicted that Trump's logical next step is to form his own religion, with himself as prophet/messiah/whatever. It'd be something to keep him at the center of attention without having to rely on elections.

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