The Trump era is coming to a close. Whether the @GOP is able to recover it's soul depends substantially on whether elected GOP officials stand up for democracy and the peaceful transfer of power right now or cower before the base Trump has radicalized. Thread:
1. First, understand what is happening. The elections on 11/3 saw a surge of first time votes by white men without a college degree. That substantially explains why the @GOP did better than anticipated (bc first time voters are hard to poll)
2. But with no one in senior @GOP leadership who is capable of leading, they are afraid of what might happen to their party if that base doesn't stay mobilized (see: Georgia special elections).
3. So, given the choice between ensuring a peaceful transfer of power and an affirmation of our democratic institutions vs. risking it all for a couple Senate races in GA, McConnell, McCarthy and their ilk are all betting on the latter.
4. That is cowardly. It is dangerous. It is unpatriotic. It is the opposite of leadership. But it is their choice, and no one in the @GOP should expect any more of them at this point. They told us who they were the first time.
5. So the question for the @GOP at this point is whether their future lies in the center they are struggling to hold, or the radical, ever-widening gyre of their QAnon crazy fringe.
6. I'm a Democrat, obviously. But I'm an American first and fear for our country if a major political party is doubling down on racism, lies and fear. No matter what party you belong to, you should not welcome the absence of genuine, patriotic leadership in today's GOP.
7. But - as I said in my election night speech - leaders rarely arise before a movement exists. Lots of rank & file members of the GOP aren't Trumpists. They don't have to lead the party back; they just have to stop being silent. "Come on, rise up", as the song says.
8. So to all the city, county and state level Republicans who what the party of McCain back, who were secretly happy that Trump lost but have spent the last four years afraid to speak lest He tweet at you. The emperor is gone. Speak.
9. You needn't do much. Just imagine if all of you started congratulating @JoeBiden on his victory. If just one of you did it, people might think you're crazy. But imagine if 50 of you did it? Why they might think it's a movement.
10. While you're at it, consider thanking all our election officials who pulled off a safe election under unprecedented stresses. Consider thanking all Americans who participated in our democracy, regardless of who they voted for.
11. And if you're feeling particularly brave and patriotic, consider defending objective truth and the germ theory of disease. Encourage people to wear masks and social distance. Thank Dr. Fauci.
12. But in all cases, you don't need to be partisan. You just need to be a proud American, and to recognize that in this moment, we need your voice. Nothing in this thread should be seen as partisan. But it will be unless you speak. This is your moment. Rise up. /fin
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