Republican Presidential Contenders Handle Trump with Care at Atlanta Gathering
Republican presidential contenders gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday for a conservative convocation organized by radio host Erick Erickson. The event provided an opportunity for candidates to present their visions and make their case to conservative leaders and activists. However, the dominant figure in Republican politics, former President Donald Trump, was noticeably tiptoed around by the participants.
Despite facing criminal indictments, Trump continues to dominate the primary polls and media attention. His standing among core GOP voters seems to have been hardened by these legal challenges. While a majority of Americans disapprove of Trump, many party loyalists are reluctant to criticize him, even if they are open to considering alternative candidates.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, although acknowledging his real differences with Trump regarding the future of the country, emphasized his loyalty to the former president. Pence referred to the Capitol insurrection as that fateful day and asserted that he fulfilled his constitutional duty by certifying Joe Biden’s victory.
Another contender, Nikki Haley, offered a balanced critique of Trump’s policies, commending his focus on China’s trade practices while expressing disappointment in his lack of action regarding Chinese acquisition of U.S. land. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, known for his attacks on wokeness, urged the party to look forward, hinting at Trump’s baseless claims of a rigged election.
South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also focused on the future and his optimism for the party and the country, reserving his criticism for President Biden. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, in contrast to most Republican hopefuls, criticized Trump for his behavior and legal troubles, potentially shifting the dynamics at the gathering.
According to Republican pollster Whit Ayres, it is not feasible for a candidate to win the GOP nomination by attacking Trump directly. Ayres explains that the primary electorate consists of Never Trumpers who account for about 10-15% and ardent Trump supporters making up around 30-35%. The rest are Republicans who have doubts about Trump’s electability in a general election but are still reliable party voters.
Attendees of the convocation expressed their fatigue with the Trump-centric discourse and appreciated hearing the candidates’ actual ideas about policy matters. Although there were overlaps in ideology, with promises of smaller government, lower taxes, and increased military spending, Trump’s big personality and contentious rhetoric have set him apart in a party he has dominated for years.
While some Republicans tolerate Trump’s behavior and election lies, others, like Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia, urge the party to look ahead and focus on winning future elections rather than dwelling on the past. Kemp, who defied Trump in 2020 by certifying Biden’s electoral slate, urged Republicans to get involved in the political process by becoming poll workers or volunteers rather than complaining.
In conclusion, the Atlanta gathering provided a platform for Republican presidential contenders to present their visions and ideas. While most of them handled Trump with care, there were different degrees of criticism and loyalty expressed. The dynamics reflect the reality of the GOP primary electorate, which includes ardent Trump supporters, skeptics of his electability in a general election, and a smaller contingent of Never Trumpers. As the candidates vie for the nomination, they must navigate this delicate landscape carefully to appeal to a broad range of Republican voters.
