WATCH: Paul Ryan urges Republicans to reject “dishonorable and disgraceful” Trump
Pollemix News
The Lowdown
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- Paul Ryan attacks President Trump in speech at Reagan Library
- Says voters will not vote for ‘yes-men’
- “Horrifying to see a presidency come to such a dishonorable and disgraceful end”
- Calls for return to conservative principles
By Jefferson Hitchens – 28 May, 2021
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan unleashed a scathing diatribe against Donald Trump Thursday, in a speech at the Reagan Library. Although the relationship between the two has always been frosty, Ryan’s denunciation of Trump was still surprising. Particularly as he now sits on the board of the rabidly pro-Trump Fox News channel.
Alongside his broadside at the former President, Ryan mocked Trump loyalists within the GOP. Declaring “voters will not be impressed by the sight of yes-men and flatterers flocking to Mar-a-Lago.” He also took aim at Republicans seeking to emulate Trump’s populist brand saying “if the conservative cause depends on the populist appeal of one personality, or on second-rate imitations, then we’re not going anywhere.”
Watch Full Speech Below
It was a surprising departure from Mr Ryan who has largely remained in the shadows after quietly exiting the political scene in 2019. Donald Trump and Paul Ryan never enjoyed a cordial relationship but they were still able to work together on a number of Republican agenda items, however, it was clear that they never truly saw eye-to-eye.
Yesterday’s speech was the first signal that the establishment wing of the party is looking to wrest back control of the GOP from Trump’s grasp. They face an uphill battle, however, as Trump’s popularity remains untarnished by his 2020 loss. Nobody is even close when asked who voters would prefer as the GOP nominee in 2024. Paul Ryan’s own fall from grace is a cautionary tale for those who dare cross Trump. Once touted as the future of the GOP, Paul Ryan saw his star dim as voters punished him for not showing sufficient fealty to then President Trump.
Verdict
Ryan should take heed of the recent removal of Liz Cheney from the Republican leadership group. Although considered among the most powerful people in the party Cheney’s outspoken criticism of ex-President Trump quickly led to an unceremonious exit. Despite Trump’s loss his support among the base remains as strong as ever and any attempt by the establishment to reassert control is likely doomed to fail.
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Tags: Trump, Republican
