Ex-GOP Congressman Urges Democrats: ‘Get Tough’ on Trump

GOP Splits and Democratic Strategy Take Center Stage

In a week marked by significant political developments, including the conclusion of the “No Kings” protests and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, attention is turning to the internal dynamics of the Republican party and advice for Democrats heading into the midterm elections. Former Virginia GOP Congressman Denver Riggleman joined former special assistant to President Biden, Megan Hayes, to discuss the fractured state of the MAGA movement and offer strategic insights.

CPAC Highlights Republican Divisions

The CPAC conference, often seen as a gathering for the most committed Republican base, revealed growing divisions within the party. J.D. Vance, once considered a potential heir apparent, appears to be losing favor, while Senator Marco Rubio is noted for his comparatively moderate stance. Riggleman described CPAC as a “fight at a furry party,” suggesting a chaotic and splintered environment.

“CPAC is like the base of the base of the Republican Party, and it’s shrinking, it seems, every year,” Riggleman stated. He pointed out that many Republicans had hoped for a less contentious path forward, but the reality appears to be a significant internal struggle for the party’s future direction.

Rand Paul and the Search for a Voice

Senator Rand Paul’s potential 2028 presidential bid was also a topic of discussion. Riggleman suggested that Paul’s involvement might be more about fundraising for his political action committees than a serious presidential run. He noted Paul’s history of differing with Donald Trump on key issues, such as tariffs and the war in Iran, questioning if there is still a place for such dissent within the modern Republican party.

“Rand Paul has been the one Republican who has cited more so with Democrats on major issues than anyone else in the Senate,” Riggleman observed. He highlighted Paul’s opposition to Trump’s tariffs and the Iran war as examples of his independent streak, which sets him apart in a party largely aligned with the former president.

Democratic Energy and Economic Concerns

Meanwhile, the Democratic side is seeing a surge in energy, as evidenced by the growing numbers for the “No Kings” movement, which saw its participation climb from 5 million in June to 8 million by March. Hayes emphasized that this energy is not solely directed against Donald Trump but also towards Democratic leadership.

Hayes urged Democrats to focus on tangible economic issues that directly affect voters. “People are starting to feel the gas prices rising again, and they can’t afford things,” she explained. “The direct effect here is gas prices are rising, and people can see that. They’re starting to cancel summer vacations.” She cautioned that simply campaigning against Trump is not enough and that the party needs concrete solutions to economic anxieties.

Riggleman’s Advice: “Get Fricken Tough”

Riggleman echoed Hayes’s sentiment, advising Democrats to adopt a tougher stance. “When they do take the majority in Congress, it’s time to get fricken tough and to look at this in a data and facts based way and rip apart the self-dealing that’s going on in this administration,” he urged.

He specifically pointed to potential self-dealing within the Trump family, citing investments in drone technology and AI shortly before the war in Iran began. Riggleman believes this is an area where Democrats can effectively challenge Republicans, especially if it impacts voters’ ability to afford essentials like gas.

Trump’s Comments on “Losers”

The discussion also touched upon controversial remarks made by Donald Trump in Miami, where he stated he prefers to surround himself with “losers” because it makes him feel better. Hayes described this as a reflection of Trump’s demand for constant praise and his tendency to insult those around him.

“He demands people praise him and then he turns around and fires them like a day later or insults them and says they’re low,” Hayes said. “But that’s kind of the deal you make, right? You make a deal with the devil here. You want a job in the cabinet or you want these high-profile jobs at the behest of Donald Trump, you are going to get insulted at some time. He is loyal to no one. He is loyal to himself.”

Looking Ahead: A Difficult Path for Republicans

Both Riggleman and Hayes expressed skepticism about the Republican party’s ability to recover and unite before the upcoming elections. Riggleman noted the difficulty of turning things around, especially given the economic challenges and the ongoing war in Iran, which he believes will keep gas prices high. The focus for Democrats, they suggest, should be on economic relief and holding the party accountable for any perceived self-dealing, while Republicans grapple with their internal rifts.

Source: ‘It’s time to get fricken tough’: Fmr. Repub Congressman’s advice to Dems going into the midterms (YouTube)