Editorial: A Contest That Breaks The Mold

It is unusual for an acting president to say that the incumbent candidate aiming to replace him is “unfit” to govern, much less to call on the Party – Republicans, in this case – to refuse to back Donald Trump.

The fact is that this is not a normal election in which parameters and behaviors fit recognizable molds. The presence of the New York millionaire turned the Republican primary on its head, breaking every pattern in front of an electorate who valued the candidate’s insolence, eccentricities and aggressive tone as a sign of sincerity. Now, the virtue of independence that Trump boasted during the primary has become a nightmare for the Party.

In the last few days, Trump showed on several fronts and all by himself why he is one of the most inadequate candidates to the presidency in recent memory.

The unnecessary controversy with the Khan Family, whose son died in Afghanistan, is the best example of an uncontrolled temperament with an ego that admits no criticism, and of a lack of judgment in picking his battles – Not to mention the lack of empathy of a potential commander-in-chief toward the family of a soldier killed in combat.

The same can be said about the fights and resentment he displays in the media against other Republicans, as was the case with Congressman Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Or his ignorance to the fact that Russia already took over a part of Ukraine, and his support of the rebels who are fighting the government. Many leaders make the most of the knowledge of the people surrounding them. That is not the case with Trump, whose narcissism does not allow him the humility required to accept the advice of others.

What has become clear is that Trump is not going to change the way he is, thinks or behaves while he is candidate or as a president. This reality is causing an increasing number of Republican figures to publicly say that they will not vote for him. Our respects to them for being consistent with their values and not staying silent as their Party falls prey to hateful and ignorant populism. Somewhere along the line, it will be worth the trouble to ask future GOP candidates where they stood during the Trump era.

The Republican Party is undergoing a crisis testing partisan loyalties. We hope, in the name of the general well-being, that everyone votes with their conscience instead of voting for an egomaniacal dictator wannabe.