Chicago Tribune to Republicans: Put country over party

[kpete]

The Republicans' clumsy Trump straddle
It may be impossible to support him while renouncing his offensive antics

Do these GOP politicians really want to spend the next five months repeatedly explaining why they (a) strongly disagree with what Trump just said but (b) intend to support him regardless? If so, they are likely to feel the need for a long shower at the end of the campaign to scrub off the stench of Trump. They may also find the conservative philosophy they treasure discredited for years to come — to the long-term detriment of the Republican Party.

They'd be better off saying that, forced to choose between their deepest values and their nominee, they must choose the former. If Hillary Clinton gets elected, Republicans will have no trouble mounting a vigorous and principled defense of limited government, fiscal realism, responsible use of American military power and respect for individual freedom. If Trump wins, they'll have the presidency — but they may have to kiss those policies goodbye.



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