The Definition Of "Republican" Is Changing

By Noah van Mierlo on May 22, 2016

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, it became more and more clear what it meant to be a Democrat or a Republican. As the GOP drifts farther off to the right, though, the definition of “Republican” is changing.

For many, thinking of what it means to be Republican is pretty standard. Republicans generally want smaller government, lower taxes, and a strong military, among other things. However, the party’s new presidential nominee, Donald Trump, is causing a divide in the party, and not only ideologically.

Photo by Gage Skidmore via Flickr.com

It’s not difficult to find many Republicans in a tough position. Mr. Trump has won the nomination by appealing to the more extreme side of the party, and it has left many moderates saying, “I’m a Republican, but I do not support Donald Trump.”

The new Republican divide was exemplified when Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking Republican in government, said that he was “not ready” to endorse his own party’s nominee.

Ideologically, Mr. Trump does not represent a true Republican. The GOP often calls for small government, yet Mr. Trump has frequently supported the opposite. He endorsed a version of universal healthcare and has said that he will potentially use the government’s power to deport illegal immigrants and increase surveillance on mosques. Even his now-famous slogan implies that he will use the power of the government to “make America great again.”

Looking at his past political statements only verifies the claim that Mr. Trump is not actually conservative. In the past, Mr. Trump has openly supported nationalized healthcare, backed the pro-choice movement, and has opposed a flat tax. He has changed positions on issues multiple times in the past, and recently said that he’s capable of changing into anything he wants to change into.

Another aspect of Mr. Trump that Republicans have trouble getting behind is the manner in which he acts. During his campaign, Mr. Trump has insulted various politicians, the media, Mexicans, Muslims, the disabled, and even the pope. Nowadays, identifying as a Republican, the party of Trump, implies that one finds this behavior to be acceptable.

The Republican Party has begun to fall in line by accepting Mr. Trump as their nominee. Saying that he is not a Republican is no longer accurate. It cannot be forgotten that by becoming the nominee, he is also becoming the party leader. As he is the leader of the Republican Party, it would be illogical to attempt to contradict the following: yes, Donald J. Trump is a Republican. Those who question this need to wonder if, now, they are still considered Republican. With Mr. Trump as the head of the GOP, the definition has changed.

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