Graham sums up how stupid the GOP has become

[ashling]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/02/20/graham-sums-up-how-stupid-gop-has-become/?fbclid=IwAR2BJVDV7k7PPfCg2FRpc9zwya5zK3aPoOm9hNqNO9ykOssrO4-FYHcaqYM&utm_term=.368eddc89c65

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in a number of ways epitomizes the Republican Party’s descent into intellectual rot and immoral opportunism

...

Tragically, the dishonest political shenanigans of people such as Graham widen inequality (by geography, class and race) and accentuate polarization. They make constructive policymaking nearly impossible and play into the hands of demagogues. It’s then that authoritarians like Trump come along who insist “they alone” can fix problems and falsely place blame on outsiders rather than some of their own disastrous policy choices.

...

The strategy of fear, deflection and willful ignorance has a short shelf-life. In the end, voters know if their lives are getting worse or better. To the extent Democrats talk to voters about the actual problems and realistic solutions, they will go far. They cannot merely deplore the fear-mongering and race-baiting, however deplorable they are. If Democrats address the actual problems of average voters, Republicans will lose power and be forced (maybe) to reevaluate their approach.

[RainCaster]

1. Graham's change of heart tells me that Putin owns him

His sudden change came after the GOP mail hacking. What does Russia have against him?
Inquiring minds want to know...

[Panich52]

4. I don't buy it.

He was thoroughly against Trump in primaries. I think McConnell may be the one pulling Graham's strings. Mitch is so obsessed with maintaining Repub power he's supporting Trump, too, if only in a silent way. With WH & Senate in their control, Mitch can continue filling the intentionally open fed judicial seats with young ideologues who will taint the system for more than a generation.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

2. "In the end voters know if their lives are getting worse or better."

That may be true, but if they continue to blame the getting worse on those people that have already been demonized and blamed for what's gone wrong (minorities, immigrants, women) then they will continue to vote for the politicians who promise to bring them into the Promised Land of White Supremacy.

Most people are woefully ignorant of almost everything. And the internet only makes things worse.

[tanyev]

3. The thing is, someone like Louie Gohmert has always epitomized the GOP's

intellectual rot. Lindsey Graham’s descent happened much more recently. Like right after a golf game with Trump recently.

[Beausoleil]

5. That golf trip was when the "asset"

presented Graham with the dirt Putin has on him.

Pure speculation, but it makes sense.