Businessman Glenn Youngkin sold himself to Virginia voters as a “moderate” Republican, and was elected governor in 2021.
Some Virginians probably regret their votes, as Youngkin is an extremist who supports abortion bans and rightwing efforts to radicalize public schools. But let’s play along and pretend he’s a Republican “moderate.”
Actually, I’m going to blow up that pretense — right here, right now.
Youngkin endorsed Kari Lake, an extremist and election denier. He says Lake, who refuses to say she will accept an election loss, is “a really clear choice” for Arizona governor. (See story here.) No, governor, she’s not. She’s a lawless bum who wanted to “decertify” the 2020 election and has blatantly said that as governor she would not certify a Democratic win in Arizona. Legitimacy has nothing to do with it.
There’s nothing “moderate” about endorsing an extremist like Lake.
The lesson here is very simple. Youngkin isn’t what he told voters he is. Furthermore, there’s no such thing as “moderate” Republicans anymore; anyone who refuses to back the party’s radical agenda gets run out of the party. (Do you need examples?)
Which brings me to Tiffany Smiley, who’s running against Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) in a blue state, and portraying herself as a “moderate” Republican to lure voters. For example, she’s said she opposes a federal abortion ban; but if a GOP bill banning abortions nationwide, and overriding Washington’s permissive abortion laws, came up for a vote in the Senate and hers was the deciding vote, do you think she’d vote against her party? Don’t bet on it.
What if Trump returns to the White House, commits even worse abuses of power, and is impeached again; do you think she would vote to remove him from office? Don’t bet on it.
When Republican candidates claim to be “moderate,” don’t believe them. There’s no such thing anymore. In any case, within the GOP party discipline is rigid; you either toe the party line or get purged. The “R” label behind a candidate’s name means “Radical.” Vote with that reality in mind.