I’m gonna hit myself in the head a couple times, because that’s the only way any of this makes sense to me. Bear with me for a moment here while I get into character: I’m a big-money GOP donor. 

Yes, it’s the worst cosplay ever. But, what the hell?

I’ve just purchased a mansion in Palm Beach with a trust fund because that’s what all the cool kids are doing. Tax haven, amirite?

I’ve got my Mar-A-Lago membership stashed away (for when it becomes fashionable again in like two weeks.) 

My voter registration might be tied to my Fifth Avenue apartment in New York or my house in Napa, or is it my ranch in Wyoming? It doesn’t matter. I don’t really vote. I just send fat checks to GOP candidates across the country.

As for my political views, democracy I could take or leave (mostly leave), but abolishing the income tax is my white whale. Trump was my guy when he gave me that huge tax cut. I attended every big fundraiser in 2016 and 2020, even sat at the man’s table a few times, and pretended to agree that Diet Coke is the best pairing for a well-done porterhouse.

But 2024? I’ll admit, I’m a bit worried. In January 2020, I was done with him. Too much baggage,  plus is he even a real billionaire? Does he really understand people like me? 

I had dinner last night in a wine cave, and people seemed to like this DeSantis guy. As long as he adds to my bottom line, he’s alright with me. But really, I’m just going with whoever’s got the juice.

Ok, Rick back now. What we just witnessed above is the current stage in the  life-cycle of the GOP donor. Youngkin was the country club darling back in 2021. DeSantis is the new kid on the block.

But let’s cut the crap. A year from now, the primary will be almost over and the ultra-MAGA base will launch these wannabes into the graveyard of lost GOP souls. Ever hear the legend about the weeping ghost of Marco Rubio? Apparently he comes out every anniversary of the 2016 Florida primary. Creepy!

So just to put it clearly on paper, when we’re inevitably proven right. It goes:

2020: Trump is gone. 

2021: It’s Youngkin’s GOP now.

2022: DeSantis makes me tingle. 

2023: I’ll never leave you, candidate X!

2024: Where do you want my million dollar check, Mr. Trump sir?

They aren’t leaving Trump. Don’t be fooled. Just look at the House right now Marjorie Taylor Greene is running the show with McCarthy as her meat puppet. That’s where the power is in Washington: MTG, Trump, and MAGA. Everything else is media distraction. 

 Help us defeat Trump and MAGA now.

-The Lincoln Project