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The radicalization of the GOP continues as House Republicans voted to remove Rep. Liz Cheney from her post this week.
Cheney’s ouster comes in the wake of her criticism of former president Donald Trump over his continued attempts to undermine the election results. Since his defeat by Joe Biden, Trump and his allies have spread unfounded accusations of election tampering in several key states.
Cheney emerged as the most outspoken voice against Trump’s lies, branding him as an existential threat to American democracy.
“Today we face a threat America has never seen before. A former president, who provoked a violent attack on this Capitol in an effort to steal the election, has resumed his aggressive effort to convince Americans that the election was stolen from him. He risks inciting further violence,” said Cheney during a speech on the House floor.
Cheney becomes the latest casualty in an ongoing battle against radical Trumpist elements within the GOP, bent on seizing power from mainstream Republican leadership.
Gone but not forgotten
Trump’s departure from the White House has done little to quell the fear he struck in the hearts of the current GOP leadership. His takeover of the party was swift and complete, leaving no doubt as to who is still calling the shots. Trump’s strongman tactics along with his vast support from the far-right have rendered mainstream Republican leaders all but useless as the radicals continue to make inroads.
Cheney’s removal as the 3rd most powerful GOP House leader is a not-so-subtle reminder to others that no dissent is allowed when it comes to their de facto leader and no one is safe from Trump’s wrath.
With Cheney now out of the mix, the GOP moves another step closer to implosion, paving the way for Trumpists to seize full control of the party.
The cardinal sin
In 1966, during his bid for the California governorship, Ronald Reagan invoked the so-called “11th Commandment” which states, “Thou shalt not speak ill of any fellow…
