He won’t resign and he is charging full force to the presidency. Many Americans did not even think Donald Trump would get this far, but here we are. Now, the Republican Party has not had a great history of cohesion. Social conservatives vs. socially moderates, for example. Those republicans elected in democratic states are typically quite different than those elected in red states. Nevertheless, when it comes to the presidential election, mostly all republicans would be on board with the party nominee. This is the first time I have ever witnessed this level of in-party division.

Paul Ryan attempted to align with Trump and support the choice of the people and party; however, after the release of the sexist 2005 tapes, he expressed great displeasure with Trump and withdrew his participation in a joint rally. Ryan, being the chairman of the Republican National Committee, is in a tough spot (1). Normally, after the primaries whoever is selected is supported by the party. In most recent history, the party itself will show support even if there are policy differences among politicians. This election is unique in that many republicans in leadership and in the community want him out.Trump is a product of a chronically unhappy voter demographic. Those who elected him for candidacy, were citizens who were convinced by his different, non-political talk, and his crassly honest way of speaking. It is true, Trump is not a politician and does not act like one.

Nevertheless, some more moderate Republicans who would normally vote for the Republican candidate at hand, are considering jumping party lines. It is true that in some ways, Trump does align with the standard vernacular of the GOP, in terms of economic freedom, more manageable taxation etc. Ryan was quoted saying, “..the reality is, the issues that make up our agenda, we have more common ground than disagreement.” When Trump was first nominated, this may have been the mentality of many republicans, after the sexist tape release, all that is shifting and Paul Ryan is not the only one. 160 elected officials have stated they are not in support of Trump (2).

Trump's initial reaction to the backlash was true to his nature. He was incredibly aggressive. He has started calling naysayers unloyal Republicans and has stated that he feels, “unchained” from the party. In suit with the rest of his campaign, he does not seem to care very much about the lack of support. Trump is well funded, and has found a base of diehard, loyal supporters. The opinions of others and what the party technically represents, seem to be trivial in his mind when it comes to the result of the election.

Overall, it would seem that Trump continues to dig a grave for himself by turning away voters and turning away politicians. Some may still vote on party lines, however if enough Republicans are fed up and flip flop to Hillary or Gary Johnson’s side, this could show a very different outcome and most definitely the end of Donald Trump’s great attempt at the presidency.

Sources:

1) Tom Kertscher, “After Donald Trump’s Campaign Missteps, Does Paul Ryan Still Support Him, as Hillary Clinton Says”, Politifact, 10/11/2016, Read

2) Karen Yourish, Larr Buchanan and Alicia Parlapiano “More Than 160 Republican Leaders Don’t Support Donald Trump. Here’s Why They Reached Their Breaking Point.” 10/9/2016 NY Time, Read