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The fact that Donald Trump won the election despite unprecedented opposition may be nothing short of a miracle. In fact, his opposition didn’t just come from liberals and the media, it came from conservatives as well. Since Trump locked up the nomination seven months ago, many forget just how fierce the “Never Trump” movement was within his own party. The GOP establishment wanted nothing more than to derail his candidacy.
Establishment Republicans had many anointed favorites, moving from Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio to John Kasich. However, what became clear was nothing could stop Trump from steamrolling his way to the nomination and eventually the White House.
Of course, that didn’t stop the GOP establishment from trying. It was an effort doomed to fail, although it included comical moments like Kasich giving a delusional victory speech after the Ohio primary, despite being mathematically eliminated from contention.
Unsurprisingly, math and logic were no obstacle for the establishment. The new plan was for Kasich to essentially steal the nomination from Trump at a brokered convention. Ultimately, that plan was also doomed to failure, and Kasich finally dropped out in May.
End of story, right? Not so fast!
Efforts to deny Trump the election he fairly won are still ongoing. In addition to the recount effort started by Green Party candidate Jill Stein, some electors are attempting to hatch a plan to deny Trump the White House via the Electoral College. And who might these electors have in mind to take his place? None other than John Kasich. From Politico:“The Democratic electors have already revealed that they’re close to a consensus pick for whom they will vote: Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Kasich is increasingly seen as the most acceptable Republican alternative to electors on both sides of the aisle, according to multiple electors familiar with the conversations. They note that Kasich defeated Trump in Ohio’s primary, that the governor boasts a high approval rating in his state and that Kasich was reportedly under consideration to be Trump’s vice president before he selected Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.”
It’s hard to believe that these faithless electors believe Kasich is the perfect choice, considering he was firmly rejected by the voters in every state but his own. Alas, the “Never Trump” crowd has never let logic get in the way of their crusade.
Kasich hasn’t indicated whether he would get on board with such a plan, but it’s not hard to see a guy as bitter as he was about Trump’s nomination (and with such delusions of his own grandeur) being persuaded. However, it’s clear the same people who called it “horrifying” that Trump might not accept the results of this election are having a very hard time doing so themselves. Talk about hypocrisy.
[Note: This post was authored by Michael Lee. Follow him on Twitter @UAMichaelLee]
