At the recent reception for Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, I talked with two Republicans who were there in support of his candidacy. During our conversations both brought up their disbelief and dismay that some of their closest friends remain adamant in their support of Trump, even after his coup d’etat attempt. Neither, in telling their experiences, could suppress their astonishment that long- time friends would continue to support a man like Trump. They and their friends always had so much in common socially and politically and shared life views. Their estrangement saddened them.
This is a theme that continues to haunt me. I have lost good friends and continue to suffer weakened relationships with those who clearly think that nothing Trump has said or done would warrant their withdrawing their support. Most preface their remarks by saying there are things they don’t like about Trump and offer up false comparisons. Democrats, they say, do the same things and the alternatives are worse. The conversations always seem to become word games or disingenuous arguments so as not to face the truth about Trump.
When pushed, all reveal their absolute contempt for Democrats. They “hate” Democrats so much that they are willing to fool themselves into believing that it is all right to give up moral, legal and ethical values whatever Trump and his supporters might say and do. I’m astonished that it has come to this. I’m appalled that some of my longtime friends fit this profile, and I’m saddened to write this.