The result of capitulation is predictable: The Republican Party is increasingly captured by the extremism of the Trump strain, which is unwilling to make any sort of accommodation with Democrats — even obvious moderates such as Obama and President Biden. Legislating becomes impossible, which fuels extremists’ charge that the system should be overturned rather than overhauled. The failure of Flake, Portman, Corker and others to seek anything but a sure-shot reelection enables a self-perpetuating cycle. Members of Congress leave for lots of reasons, including the lure of the private sector, but it’s hard not to think that Portman and others departed partly because they wouldn’t fight for the kind of comity, moderation and principle they claim to yearn for.
Contrast their exits with the pending fate of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), an increasingly outspoken critic of Trump who has already drawn a 2022 primary challenger but says, “Leaders have got to start telling the truth.” Our democracy cannot last for long without two parties that compete on the basis of programs and ideas.
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