Goal: Do not punish Republican politicians for speaking out against former President Trump’s actions.
Republican commentators and politicians far and wide have railed against so-called “cancel culture,” whereby a person is condemned and often ostracized for taking actions or expressing views considered objectionable or offensive. The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) has even devoted a significant portion of its agenda to “uncancelling” America. With all the outrage and righteous indignation, why are Republican leaders in states across the country attempting to excommunicate Republicans who dare express an independent thought?
During the 2
nd impeachment vote for former President Donald Trump, a total of 17 Republicans from both chambers of Congress cast their votes to convict Trump for incitement of insurrection. The representatives and senators in question knew the political peril they would face for breaking from party lines, but they decided to vote their consciences. The blowback was immediate, as nearly every Republican who cast a conviction vote faced censure from his or her state Republican leadership. The GOP conference chair, Liz Cheney, even endured a vote that could have resulted in removal from her post.