So, you want to be the next Republican nominee for President of the US and you are not Donald Trump? Your mission is not to tell us how bad he was and, thus, what a bunch of ignorant rubes we are. Your mission is to take up his mantle. You do not need to be his clone, but you do need to be his successor beyond being number 47.
We members of the so called Republican base stand by him because he stood by us. He defeated Hillary Clinton when every indicator was that none of you could. When they attacked him, and by extension us, he fought back. For the first time since Reagan, a presidential nominee did not just roll over when Democrats insulted and attacked, as Democrats always do. Trump nominated and fought for three excellent Supreme Court justices. He fought to control the border. He told our so called NATO allies to step up instead of being a bunch of freeloaders. He questioned 3,000 page “free trade” agreements that shuttered our factories. He endured a fabricated Russian hoax, two spurious impeachments, and lawless indictments. He reminded us that is we the People of the United States, not of some other place or group.
Your mission is to thank him for his accomplishments and service not to denigrate him. Reagan’s eleventh commandment is not enough. If you want to succeed him, persuade us that you can take up his mantle so that both he and we believe that he can safely retire to Mar a Lago.
Where he was a brawler, show us you are boxer who can give as good as you take in the clinches.
Where he did not know the Constitution, cite it fluently and demonstrate that you have the fortitude to restore its role in our governence.
Where he deferred to the peculiar institution of the technocratic, adminstrative, welfare, nanny state, show how you will put it on the path to ultimate extinction.
Where he was brash and crude, exercise grace and a cutting wit.
Where he was impulsive, have a vision and prudence.
Where he was hesitant, be decisve. How many executive orders and pink slips will you have ready on inauguration day?
Where he accomodated the wrong people, show judgment and prudence.
I am grateful for what Trump did for us, but he is 83 years old and carries much baggage. Show us how you will be better at making America great again.