Opinion: Serious Republicans Should Avoid the Current National GOP Circus

Three one outlet columnists expressed bewilderment that Republicans with a genuine interest in governing would engage in national contests under Donald Trump’s influence. They describe the national party as a chaotic show, lacking any appetite for competent leadership, and note that state officials such as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp exemplify the kind of serious governance that is missing at the federal level. The writers highlight that despite pockets of effective Republican innovation at the state level, the national arena suffers from dismal poll numbers and widespread voter animosity.

Consequently, they advise serious Republican contenders to steer clear of current national races and consider returning when the party’s environment improves, possibly after figures like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance have exhausted the “poison chalice.”