Tuesday, December 01, 2020

Mr. President: It's Past Time to Concede

Despite the denials - the truth about the election is on his face( CNN)
I know that my liberal friends don’t like to hear this. But as a politically conservative leaning Jew that cares about his religious rights, the State of Israel, and the economy, I have tremendous Hakoras HaTov to the outgoing President. I have said as much many times. So, thank you Mr. President. I will be forever grateful for  implementing policies that support my ideals. 

That said, I can’t help but feel that his exit from office could not be more damaging to the party best suited to perpetuate those ideals. And thereby damaging to the country. His refusal to let go of power - and worse- his ridiculous pursuit of overturning the election would be laughable if the consequences were not so serious for people that share my values.  Which is why there are an increasing number of former conservative Republican  supporters of the President that are turning on him. Rightly so. 

The damage I am referring to is turning a conservative Senate that acts as a check and balance against an incoming liberal Democratic President - into a liberal rubber stamp for his polices. I can’t think of too much more that would accelerate the overturning the current administration’s achievements. 

Here’s what i mean. As things stand now, there are 50 Republican senators an 48 Democrats. There is a runoff senate election in Georgia where two Republicans are running against two Democrats. My gut feeling has been that at least one of the Republicans will win - which will allow the senate to retain is Republican majority. If on the other hand both Democrats win, there will be a 50/50 tie vote. Which gives the Vice President who is the President of the Senate the tie breaking vote. I don’t think I need to say where Vice-President elect Kamela Harris stands. She will vote with her party, the Democrats. 

The way the President is behaving, it may just move Republican voters in Georgia to vote against the Republican candidates as a sort of protest against his current behavior. If that happens it will become part of a legacy that will undermine much if not all of the conservative legislation passed under his watch.

Unfortunately if the President is anything, he is a narcissist. His loyalty is to himself. Sure, he cares about the country, but despite his slogan, America does not come first. It comes second. His current quest to retain power at the expense of the country proves that. Not that it ever needed any proof. That has been obivious ever since he took that ride down an escalator announcing his candidacy. So as much as I appreciate what he has done for me as politically conservative leaning Jew, I am disgusted by what he is doing now. And I join the increasing chorus of Republican voices that are saying, ‘Enough’.

Do the right thing Mr. President and concede the election. Gracefully if you can. It might be the most difficult thing you have ever done. But if there is an ounce of care about the people you have served, you must! 

I know your base is as loyal to you  as they come. And contrary to public opinion, it is a lot larger than most people think. You received more votes in this election than any other Republican in American History. You even received a higher percentage of black votes than any previous Republican. There is a reason for that. The conservative leaning half of the country - of which there are more than a few black people - acknowledges the same accomplishments I do. 

But the truth is you still lost the election despite that increase. Because your opponent got even more votes than you did. Not because they love him. But because they hate you. Think about that Mr. President. More than half the country hates you!  If  both Democrats win the Georgia senate seats, your base will be justified laying the blame at your feet. 

Political popularity is a fickle thing. The very base that loves you so much now may become so disappointed by that – that they will drop that support like a lead balloon. 

The rumor is that you are thinking of a run in 2024. In my view that’s not gonna happen. You will not be re-nominated if the senate loses their majority because of you. My guess is that another more attractive, more qualified candidate with impeccable conservative credentials - who will implement the kind of policies you have will be nominated. Someone like Nikky Haley for instance. 

If that happens, my guess is that she will win against an incumbent that will be in his 80s by then. Or against the current Vice-President elect if he doesn’t run. You, Mr. President will be toast if you don’t stop behaving like a spoiled child – a cry baby who didn’t get his way. It not only dishonors you, it dishonors your high office. But then again that has been the case since the very beginning of your term. 

So, once again. I ask you to concede graciously now and then to please get out of the way. And tell your base to do the same thing. You have no hope of overturning the election. None! Zero! Nada! It is what is best for this country both now and for the future. 

Although I’m not sure your are capable of it you ought to give humility a try. It would not hurt you if for once in your life you had a little.