For years, the Republicans have laid claim, however speciously, to being the party of God, guns, and the rule of law and order. Younger voters may think the Democrats are a bunch of spineless, gutless, finger-in-the-wind types now, but kids I’m here to tell you it was a LOT worse back in 2000 after Bush seized the White House. After 9/11? HOLY SHIT. Democrats and TV-liberals were always apologizing. “I’m a Democrat — but I believe in free trade” “I’m a liberal — but of course I love America.” “I may be left wing — but I’m no socialist!” And of course, everyone’s favorite refrain, “I’m a Democrat, but we have to do something about SADDAM HUSSEIN.”
The party has come a long way, even if some mangy, old scaredy cats are still slinking around. Let’s not forget that Barack Obama was REVOLUTIONARY and he was so milquetoast, goddamn JOE BIDEN was more progressive on same sex marriage, so go jump in a lake on THAT specific issue Biden haters (we can talk about all the other stuff Uncle Joe can be rightfully taken to task for later, but seriously on that one he crushed it).
So it’s with no small measure of amusement that I present to you the latest from Republicans for Rule of Law, a “never-Trump” organization whose very name indicts the party to which they belong.
Everything about this project is hilarious. “We’re Republicans, But We’re Not Crooks” is right up there with “NAMBLA: We’re Not Killers” so far as bona fides go.
If their online presence is any indicator, Republicans for Rule of Law don’t put a lot of effort into achieving their goal.
Republicans for the Rule of Law is a group of life-long Republicans dedicated to defending the institutions of our republic and upholding the rule of law. We are fighting to make sure that the laws apply equally to everyone, from the average citizen to the president of the United States. We believe in fidelity to the Constitution, transparency, and the independence of prosecutors from politics.
How do they take the fight to their largely unnamed foe? Apparently with a barebones website featuring links to Twitter and Facebook that don’t work properly (the “Donate” page seems to work fine, however). Their “About” page that consists of a list of lawyers (all white men, the youngest of who looks to be in his forties). None of these lawyers have links to their bios, even though some -like Chris Gagin– are kind of interesting. They defend freedom by publishing a few videos, and by asking you to sign a petition (with a convenient box you can click identifying you as a Republican). There is no plan listed anywhere. There is no strategy.
Further investigation of this lonely, sterile little site leads you to Defending Democracy Together, another anti-Trump organization led by some familiar faces. Bill Kristol, the man who brought you Sarah Palin. Mona Charen. Christie Todd Whitman. A few assorted also-rans with political connections.
This, presumably, is the “coalition of Republicans” who believe in the rule of law: nine lawyers and ten disgruntled has-beens who have no home in their party anymore and are utterly irrelevant to Republican internal politics today.
Digging deeper into DDT (that sounds like huffing poisonous chemicals, and in a way it is) you learn that “Republicans for Rule of Law” is in fact one of four projects including “Republicans Fighting Tariffs,” the “Becoming American Initiative,” and my very favorite, Republicans Against Putin. How far we have come! Why, I’m old enough to remember when it was the LEFT that was Russia’s fellow traveler!
“Not all Republicans!” Wonder how long they can work THAT grift, especially in the age of #Metoo?
