By Bryan Williams

Much ink has been spilled over the decades about how Democrats always circle the wagons whenever one of their own members encounters scandal, controversy, etc., and Republicans do the exact opposite. This leads the GOP to being viewed as less cohesive a party and the party that flounders in elections and in the hearts and minds of a growing number of American voters. I would point to the 2010 midterms and even the 2020 election as proof that this conventional wisdom is not so wise after all.

The latest example of the Republican Party not protecting its own is Rep. Liz Cheney, of Wyoming, who was just ousted from the GOP’s number-three leadership position in the House. Whether or not you agree with her stand against President Trump (for the record, I do), you have to wonder how the “Party of the Big Tent” as Reagan put it ousted someone with the bona fides of conservative Republicanism as Liz Cheney. Donald Trump still holds a peculiar hold on the GOP. Republican Leader (and my congressman) Kevin McCarthy publicly say they need to stop relitigating the past election and move on, all while giving a wink that Trump is the one who will usher in a new majority in 2022, and McCarthy’s ascendency to the House speakership.

Now there are 100 former Republicans who are “threatening” to form a third party over their distaste of Trump, Trumpism, and Trumpistas like McCarthy. Ho-hum. I again say forming a new party is not necessary. I believe a bigger message the voters could send to the Republicans is simply to not vote. I am not suggesting Republicans should vote for a Democrat to send a message – just do not vote. I have not voted for several local Republican representatives because I do not believe in them, but I certainly do not believe in their Democratic opponents either. Believe me, the political leadership pays attention to the numbers. If the pro-Trump Republicans still win, but with only 53% of the vote instead of 71% in a heavily Republican district, they’ll wonder, “Why don’t they really like me anymore?”  Being less popular is killer to these politicians. A little natural selection never hurt anyone, and this is what our current crop of Republicans need more than a “Third Way” party. I know who I will leave blank in 2022.