David Rothkopf, a political analyst and Daily Beast columnist, did not hold back while discussing the Republican Party’s reverence for Donald Trump. Rothkopf looked at the latest numbers and was baffled at how the Republicans are still sticking to Trump.
He told Hugh Dougherty on The Daily Beast Podcast, “This guy is like an anvil around the neck of the Republican Party.” Rothkopf further added, “And yet they’re like, ‘Oh yes, sir, boss, we’re in line, we’re doing whatever you say,’” asking, “What is that about?”
Political analyst wonders why Republicans are ‘lining up’ with Donald Trump
As The Daily Beast highlighted, the backdrop is grim for Donald Trump. A new New York Times/Siena poll, which Dougherty called “absolute gold standard,” puts Trump’s approval rating at just 37 percent, with a full 59 percent disapproving.
On the cost of living, 69 percent of voters say he’s failing. On the war in Iran, 65 percent say the same. Even on immigration — supposedly his strong suit — 56 percent disapprove. Rothkopf said, “Nothing’s working for Donald Trump,” adding, “It’s a political disaster scene.”
With the economic and political situation all over the place, Rothkopf noted that Republican primary wins by the president-endorsed candidates do not reflect the real story. He argued that those primaries only reflect “the most active Republican voters.”
Besides, he emphasized, “They’ve got some problems between now and the general election, which is — nothing looks like it’s going to get better.”
When Dougherty asked Rothkopf why Republicans are not walking away, the analyst did not pretend to have a clear answer. He pointed to the Kentucky primary challenge against Congressman Thomas Massie as a coming test.
However, he stressed that primary loyalty would not help in a general election, when a majority of Americans oppose Donald Trump on nearly every major issue. Rothkopf said, “This country is being squeezed.” He announced, “To the Republicans and to MAGA, enjoy this last moment of thinking what you’re doing works.”
