The GOP Is Acting as if This Year Is Its Last Campaign Ever

As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, tensions are getting higher. At the moment, it appears as though former President Donald Trump will likely be the Republican nominee, given his overwhelming success at the polls. However, some political analysts have criticized the Party’s approach to campaigning, arguing that they appear as though this is their last ever election.

Trump’s Final Political Move

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Currently, it appears as though Trump will become a three-time presidential nominee. He has repeatedly spoken about the upcoming election being his ultimate chance for political redemption following the 2020 loss. He has repeatedly spoken about getting ‘revenge’ against his political rivals and those who have launched legal cases against him.

The Legal Stakes for Trump

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Additionally, the outcome of the 2024 election is not just political – for Trump, it is also personal. If he loses the election, this would greatly affect his political influence, and it would also expose him to legal challenges. Given the sheer number of cases he is currently dealing with, a loss could mean that he is jailed and/or suffers financial ruin.

Legal Battles for the Campaign

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The Trump campaign is using Trump’s numerous legal challenges as part of his presidential campaign. Previously, Trump has used already courtroom appearances and outcomes as a platform to communicate directly with supporters. This “Courtroom Strategy” is part of their attempts to portray Trump as a victim of political persecution.

Challenges to Ballot Access

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Another major problem for Trump involves his eligibility to appear on the ballot. Both Colorado and Maine ruled that he was ineligible to appear on the Republican primary ballot due to his involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack. They claim this violates the 14th Amendment. However, Trump has appealed this and is currently awaiting a US Supreme Court verdict.

Remolding the Republican Party

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Throughout his time in the GOP, Trump has managed to influence the Republican Party and create significant structural changes. There have been changes in leadership to create a party that mirrors his personal political goals. He has also appointed several loyalists to key positions in order to expand his support.

Lara Trump’s Vision for the RNC

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Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law, recently rose to a prominent role with the Republican National Committee (RNC). This is just one of many examples of how the GOP has been molded to support Trump’s vision. She has spoken about how the RNC will be focused on supporting Trump and Trump alone.

New Focus for the RNC

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She said, “The RNC needs to be the leanest, most lethal political fighting machine we’ve ever seen in American history. Every single penny will go to the No. 1 and the only job of the RNC – that is electing Donald J. Trump as President of the United States and saving this country.” Critics have questioned this, as the RNC is meant to support each candidate fairly during the primaries.

Framing the 2024 Election

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Throughout his campaign, Trump has used language to suggest that his victory in the election will allow the United States to survive. He has spoken about his political rivals, like incumbent President Biden, as being “the destroyer of democracy.” Trump has frequently spoken about how he is the only person who can bring America to victory.

Attacks on Opponents

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Similarly, Trump has increased his attacks on his opponents. He has targeted Joe Biden with claims of mental unfitness and inability to ensure safety against crime. He has consistently argued that Biden’s administration is ‘ruining’ the country and has used issues like the economy and immigration to support his view.

Authoritarian Fears

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However, some people are worried about the apparent authoritarian undertones within the GOP. Trump has repeatedly made statements suggesting that he would support a more authoritarian style of government. He has talked about being a “dictator” for a day, and some people have compared his comments to those made by historical dictators like Adolf Hitler.

Trump’s Personal and Political Fate

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However, Trump’s inability to separate his personal ambitions from the broader GOP agenda will be a challenge for the Party. Mixing the two together risks overshadowing the Party’s long-term goals and values. Focusing on Trump’s personal problems may alienate potential voters who are more concerned with policy issues and the future direction of the country.

Intimate Campaign Events

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An important part of Trump’s 2024 campaign has been his more personalized strategy. Instead of traditionally large rallies, Trump has gone for smaller, more “intimate” events. Political analysts have suggested that he is trying to build a more direct connection with voters and set the foundations for his campaign in early primary states like South Carolina.

Focusing on Key States

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Trump’s campaign strategy also involves strengthening his position in states with important nominating contests. He has built relationships with and been endorsed by state party officials in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Nevada. This more focused approach could be the deciding factor in securing the GOP nomination.

Engagement with Top Donors and Party Leaders

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Behind the scenes, Trump is actively engaging with top donors and Republican Party leaders. He has held numerous dinners and discussions to secure financial and political support for his campaign. Again, this is part of his attempts to get more support within the GOP to ensure a united front as the campaign progresses.

Other Candidates

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Of course, Trump is neither the only Republican candidate nor the only presidential candidate. The 2024 election cycle has seen many candidates stepping into the field, challenging the traditional two-party dominance. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. began an Independent bid, while Nikki Haley is the last remaining Republican candidate running against Trump.

Democrat Primary Contests

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On the Democratic side, President Joe Biden leads with a significant number of pledged delegates. He is currently competing against Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson. Williamson had previously exited the race but recently announced that she would continue competing against Biden and Phillips.

Election Security and Integrity

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Following Trump’s allegation of electoral fraud in the 2020 election, many people are concerned about the integrity of the upcoming election. As such, election officials have tried to make people trust the system again. They have taken measures to improve security and training and address public criticism. They want to ensure a fair and secure election process for all.

The Republican Dilemma

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It is clear that the Republican Party must make its final decision. It could choose to continue supporting Trump, risking further division and potentially moving further away from its core ideals. However, it could also choose to redefine its identity, independent of its influence. Only time will tell which decision the Party will ultimately choose.