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March 17, 2021 | by Chris Cillizza, Lauren Dezenski and Allison Gordon
What, exactly, does the Republican Party stand for?
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) made a really important point in a recent podcast interview with conservative commentator Matt Lewis.
“There’s more to being a conservative than just ‘owning the libs,’” Cox told Lewis. “I believe in a Republican Party and a conservatism that is about opportunity for everyone. We don’t do that with these fake controversies, these false choices we keep presenting people.”
Cox doesn't mention Donald Trump in that quote, but the former President is all over it. Trump and his brood -- most notably his eldest son and namesake Donald Trump Jr. -- have steered the GOP over the last four years into a box canyon populated by memes and misogyny.
But as Cox notes, posting altered videos that make President Joe Biden look old or mocking International Women's Day -- isn't a policy position, much less a party platform.
"There’s not much interesting policy work going on on the right," he told Lewis. "It seems we’ve just defined ourselves in opposition to whatever it is the left is doing.”
And yet, Cox is in the minority within his party on that view. Or at least, he is in the minority in his willingness to voice an opinion that runs counter to the cult of Trump that continues to seize the GOP.
Trump's four years in office so many establishment Republicans simply walk away from long-held policy views like concerns over deficit spending (and the broader debt), moral values in their leaders and a free trading penchant.
In place of those beliefs, Republicans subbed, um, whatever Trump tweeted about or happened to say. But the only common thread was a desire to freak out the squares -- to make the elites squirm, or something.
Jonathan V. Last, writing in the xxxxxx, made a similar point in writing about why Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) continues to be a Republican.
"Political parties build their ideologies around a pyramid of ideas and on the defining idea of the Republican party—Trump—Murkowski is not onboard," wrote JVL. "Any other pieces of policy alignment are incidental."
I think that's broadly right. The Republican Party believes in Trump. That's the policy. That's the platform. (Even though it is, actually neither.).
The Point: Voices like Cox are lonely cries in the Republican wilderness. The party is too busy posting "hilarious" memes trolling Biden to notice that Cox is right.
-- Chris
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"I do want to say to our Asian American community that we stand with you and understand how this has frightened and shocked and outraged all people."
-- Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the tragic shootings at a series of spas in the Atlanta area. The gunman killed eight people, six of them Asian women. These are her most formal remarks yet about the ongoing issue of violence against the Asian American community.
MEANWHILE IN ULSTER, NEW YORK
One New York county is deploying a new kind of social safety net.
Ulster, New York will select 100 people to receive $500 a month for one year -- all in an effort to institute a universal basic income funded by community donations, according to Patch Mid-Hudson Valley.
Universal basic income became a talking point during the 2020 Democratic primary when then-candidate Andrew Yang proposed a $1,000/month universal basic income to certain Americans, all to encourage economic growth for those left behind by an evolving job market.
Yang dropped out of the race, but the idea still has its fans.
The project is currently in the pilot phase. Once the list of participants is finalized, people will receive their first checks on May 15, according to Patch. Quarterly surveys will be used to track employment status and any improvements in mental and physical health.
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LUCK OF THE TRIVIA
Question: Who was the first US president of Irish descent?
a. John F. Kennedy
b. Andrew Jackson
c. Harry Truman
d. James Buchanan
Send your answers to [email protected] and [email protected]! Test your political trivia prowess with The Point trivia on Chris' Instagram stories.
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LAUREN'S GOOD READS
Gavin Newsom is in for a fight
Don't throw away those face masks just yet
"Europe's plan to save summer?" You have my attention ...
Nothing like an extended deadline!
Some majorly bad weather is headed for the Southeast
Of COURSE The Simpsons did this first
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MUSICAL INTERLUDE
Justin Bieber Tiny Desk (at home), oh my!
Today's episode: Condemning violence against Asian Americans.
FUR-ST FAMILY LATEST
President Joe Biden’s embattled first pup, Major, is now working with a trainer in Delaware following a “biting incident” at the White House.
Biden shared the news in an interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos Tuesday night.
"Major was a rescue pup. Major did not bite someone and penetrate the skin. The dog's being trained now with our trainer at home in Delaware,” Biden said.
Earlier this month, Major had a "biting incident” with a United States Secret Service agent, as first reported by CNN’s dog whisperer Kate Bennett.
Here’s hoping the future is looking less ruff for Biden’s furry friend!
ONE BIG 🍀PROMISE
"Next year in Washington"
President Joe Biden's location for a 2022 meeting with Taioseach Micheál Martin of Ireland, as the two held a virtual bilateral meeting to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
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