Darwin, Trump, and the GOP

 

Republicanus Moderatus (Extinct?)

If it were not for the connotations of the term “RINO,” the GOP should drop the elephant mascot and go with the rhino instead. It is more emblematic of the current state of the party led by Donald Trump.

Eons ago, the ancestors of the rhino were hyracodonts, critters who came in varied sizes but were mostly chunky, slow, skinny-legged targets for predators, especially giant crocs. But eventually, they grew thicker hides and a big dangerous horn and now rhinos have no natural predators. Nothing (except humans) can hurt an adult rhino.

In Darwinian terms, McCain and Romney were hyracodonts, their conservative positions were politely shaved and minimized. When subjected to accusations of racism, sexism, and indifference to the plight of the poor and marginalized they did not counterattack but politely semi-apologized and retreated slightly in the spirit of a herd used to regularly sacrificing one of its own to predators.

Trump is a Darwinian phenomenon. The GOP rank and file took an evolutionary leap in the battle for survival during the 2016 primaries. Amazingly, the new form they nominated has survived despite some oddly unsuitable traits and adaptations. The unprecedented coordinated assault by the “deep state,” the MSM, social media moguls, academia, and the nation’s very rich jaded elites would have destroyed anyone else. The Billy Bush tape a month before the election would have sunk any other politician. Cockroaches and sharks are vulnerable softies compared to Trump.

Joe Biden would not survive a week under that level of attack. His swaddled campaign is the perfect choice for the campus Eloi huddled in their safe spaces. However, barely able to survive the rigors of a political campaign, once in the wild, wouldn’t the species Biden be devoured easily by China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Islamicists, the insane American left, and the real economic and social challenges ahead? A lamb wandering into Jurassic Park would have a better shot at success.

Whatever happens in this election I hope the new traits that emerged in the Trump phenomenon persist in other GOP candidates, though perhaps with a tad less baggage and stylistic detriments but hey, that is what evolution is for.

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  1. James Gawron Inactive
    James Gawron
    @JamesGawron

    Old Bathos: Whatever happens in this election I hope the new traits that emerged in the Trump phenomenon persist in other GOP candidates, though perhaps with a tad less baggage and stylistic detriments but hey, that is what evolution is for.

    OldB,

    Biden in the bathroom.

    Regards,

    Jim

    • #1
  2. Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger
    @BryanGStephens

    And Rhinos are just mean! 

    • #2
  3. Valiuth Member
    Valiuth
    @Valiuth

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about. 

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members. 

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

     

    • #3
  4. James Gawron Inactive
    James Gawron
    @JamesGawron

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    Val,

    You have stymied me again. Every single sentence contains either a false premise or a false conclusion. Where does one start?

    Regards,

    Jim

    • #4
  5. JoelB Member
    JoelB
    @JoelB

    Nothing (except humans) can hurt an adult rhino.

    Well actually an elephant can.

    • #5
  6. Hang On Member
    Hang On
    @HangOn

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about. 

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members. 

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

    Truly clueless.

    • #6
  7. Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger
    @BryanGStephens

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

     

    You really have shown yourself to be quite the Nazi here recently. 

    • #7
  8. Old Bathos Member
    Old Bathos
    @OldBathos

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    Oddly enough, the GOP may now outnumber Democrats according to Gallup but both are outnumbered by independents.

    Predictions of the imminent demise of the GOP have been around since at least 1964.  I can remember reading an article In Newsweek after the 1964 election about how the Goldwater wipeout meant one-party rule until a new party emerged.  The GOP won the White House in the very next election in 1968.

    The Democrats seem determined to exclude normals of all races and creeds from their coalition.  A multi-racial besieged middle class is the future of the GOP not through any strategic brilliance but because the left is forcing that outcome.  The snotty, credentialed but not all that well-educated Outer Party worker who thinks she speaks for the oppressed and downtrodden while overtly despising them along with the religion-ridden, patriotism-besotted demographic middle is the now the base and new core of the Democratic Party.  I don’t see a big future in that.

    • #8
  9. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    I prefer elephants to Rhinos. Elephants are like the most intelligent herbivore ever.

    • #9
  10. Stina Member
    Stina
    @CM

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    I prefer elephants to Rhinos. Elephants are like the most intelligent herbivore ever.

    Truly the meekest animal around that has not ruled out stomping out threats.

    • #10
  11. OmegaPaladin Moderator
    OmegaPaladin
    @OmegaPaladin

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    @valiuth

    I know you think you are funny, but this kind of attack is pathetic and a violation of the Code of Conduct.

    If you can’t post without wishing suffering on the majority of Ricochet’s members, then just stop posting here.    Your occasional discussions of science are not worth caustic trolling.

    I am leaving the post up because it shows just what kind of a person you are.

    • #11
  12. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Aveng… (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

     

    You really have shown yourself to be quite the Nazi here recently.

    Godwin’s Law

    • #12
  13. Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger
    @BryanGStephens

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Aveng… (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

     

    You really have shown yourself to be quite the Nazi here recently.

    Godwin’s Law

    Must be true if we are on the same side

    • #13
  14. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    OmegaPaladin (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    @valiuth

    I know you think you are funny, but this kind of attack is pathetic and a violation of the Code of Conduct.

    If you can’t post without wishing suffering on the majority of Ricochet’s members, then just stop posting here. Your occasional discussions of science are not worth caustic trolling.

    I am leaving the post up because it shows just what kind of a person you are.

    Hi Omega Paladin,

    I differ with you slightly.  I am really aware that many of my fellow Ricochetti are in huge personal pain, and for that reason I do not taunt them.  I have thought some of the very thoughts that Valiuth has expressed, but I have either not expressed them, or have expressed them and when sanity returns to me, deleted my caustic comments.  I have not hidden my opinion of Trump and have received extremely personal attacks by a dozen or so Ricochetti.  I would note that Brian called Valiuth a Nazi in Comment 7, which is par for the course.  (I would ask that Brian withdraw that slur.)  I would ask that you consider cutting a break to Valiuth given the vitriol that Trump Skeptics like me have been receiving recently.  I do not wish pain and suffering upon everyone who supports Trump, but I must confess that the thought occurs to me when I am berated or demeaned, or when I was doxxed. 

    I look forward to the campaign being over in 12 days. 

    Gary

    • #14
  15. philo Member
    philo
    @philo

    Gary Robbins (View Comment): …or when I was doxxed.

    Any proof of that? (Sorry, but you have a long history around these parts of lying.)

    • #15
  16. Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger Thatcher
    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Avenger
    @BryanGStephens

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    OmegaPaladin (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    @valiuth

    I know you think you are funny, but this kind of attack is pathetic and a violation of the Code of Conduct.

    If you can’t post without wishing suffering on the majority of Ricochet’s members, then just stop posting here. Your occasional discussions of science are not worth caustic trolling.

    I am leaving the post up because it shows just what kind of a person you are.

    Hi Omega Paladin,

    I differ with you slightly. I am really aware that many of my fellow Ricochetti are in huge personal pain, and for that reason I do not taunt them. I have thought some of the very thoughts that Valiuth has expressed, but I have either not expressed them, or have expressed them and when sanity returns to me, deleted my caustic comments. I have not hidden my opinion of Trump and have received extremely personal attacks by a dozen or so Ricochetti. I would note that Brian called Valiuth a Nazi in Comment 7, which is par for the course. (I would ask that Brian withdraw that slur.) I would ask that you consider cutting a break to Valiuth given the vitriol that Trump Skeptics like me have been receiving recently. I do not wish pain and suffering upon everyone who supports Trump, but I must confess that the thought occurs to me when I am berated or demeaned, or when I was doxxed.

    I look forward to the campaign being over in 12 days.

    Gary

     

    And Valiuth is calling for people to die, Gary. (It is Bryan by the way, but I don’t expect someone as unable to be intellectually consistent as you to get it right). Calling for 40% of the population to die off is pretty bad. James called him on it in the other thread. Or do you now dismiss James Lilikes as you dismiss anyone who does not agree with your Orange Man bad approach. 

    Gary. I hope Trump wins, and with that, you have to suffer. You deserve it. And if he loses, and your magic world does not come to pass, I hope you suffer in the knowledge of how badly you screwed up. 

    • #16
  17. Gary Robbins Member
    Gary Robbins
    @GaryRobbins

    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Aveng… (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    OmegaPaladin (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    @valiuth

    I know you think you are funny, but this kind of attack is pathetic and a violation of the Code of Conduct.

    If you can’t post without wishing suffering on the majority of Ricochet’s members, then just stop posting here. Your occasional discussions of science are not worth caustic trolling.

    I am leaving the post up because it shows just what kind of a person you are.

    Hi Omega Paladin,

    I differ with you slightly. I am really aware that many of my fellow Ricochetti are in huge personal pain, and for that reason I do not taunt them. I have thought some of the very thoughts that Valiuth has expressed, but I have either not expressed them, or have expressed them and when sanity returns to me, deleted my caustic comments. I have not hidden my opinion of Trump and have received extremely personal attacks by a dozen or so Ricochetti. I would note that Brian called Valiuth a Nazi in Comment 7, which is par for the course. (I would ask that Brian withdraw that slur.) I would ask that you consider cutting a break to Valiuth given the vitriol that Trump Skeptics like me have been receiving recently. I do not wish pain and suffering upon everyone who supports Trump, but I must confess that the thought occurs to me when I am berated or demeaned, or when I was doxxed.

    I look forward to the campaign being over in 12 days.

    Gary

     

    And Valiuth is calling for people to die, Gary. (It is Bryan by the way, but I don’t expect someone as unable to be intellectually consistent as you to get it right). Calling for 40% of the population to die off is pretty bad. James called him on it in the other thread. Or do you now dismiss James Lilikes as you dismiss anyone who does not agree with your Orange Man bad approach.

    Gary. I hope Trump wins, and with that, you have to suffer. You deserve it. And if he loses, and your magic world does not come to pass, I hope you suffer in the knowledge of how badly you screwed up.

    Bryan G. Stephens, Trump Aveng… (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    OmegaPaladin (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    @valiuth

    I know you think you are funny, but this kind of attack is pathetic and a violation of the Code of Conduct.

    If you can’t post without wishing suffering on the majority of Ricochet’s members, then just stop posting here. Your occasional discussions of science are not worth caustic trolling.

    I am leaving the post up because it shows just what kind of a person you are.

    Hi Omega Paladin,

    I differ with you slightly. I am really aware that many of my fellow Ricochetti are in huge personal pain, and for that reason I do not taunt them. I have thought some of the very thoughts that Valiuth has expressed, but I have either not expressed them, or have expressed them and when sanity returns to me, deleted my caustic comments. I have not hidden my opinion of Trump and have received extremely personal attacks by a dozen or so Ricochetti. I would note that Brian called Valiuth a Nazi in Comment 7, which is par for the course. (I would ask that Brian withdraw that slur.) I would ask that you consider cutting a break to Valiuth given the vitriol that Trump Skeptics like me have been receiving recently. I do not wish pain and suffering upon everyone who supports Trump, but I must confess that the thought occurs to me when I am berated or demeaned, or when I was doxxed.

    I look forward to the campaign being over in 12 days.

    Gary

     

    And Valiuth is calling for people to die, Gary. (It is Bryan by the way, but I don’t expect someone as unable to be intellectually consistent as you to get it right). Calling for 40% of the population to die off is pretty bad. James called him on it in the other thread. Or do you now dismiss James Lilikes as you dismiss anyone who does not agree with your Orange Man bad approach.

    I apologize for misspelling your name.  Can we agree that calling someone a Nazi is in bad taste.

    I greatly admire and respect James Lileks.  (That’s one misspelling for both of us.)  I trust that James used a tactful, but straightforward light touch for which he is famous.

    Gary. I hope Trump wins, and with that, you have to suffer. You deserve it. And if he loses, and your magic world does not come to pass, I hope you suffer in the knowledge of how badly you screwed up.

    As a Christian I believe that while it is tempting to want someone to suffer, that is something to not be hoped for.  And I recognize that as an apostate, folks are more likely to revile me.  

    • #17
  18. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Valiuth (View Comment):
    MemberValiuth Ricochet Charter Member

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about. 

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members. 

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

    Valiuth did you really want forty percent of people to die? It’s OK if you really do want that. I encourage diverse opinions on Ricochet. 

    • #18
  19. Old Bathos Member
    Old Bathos
    @OldBathos

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):
    MemberValiuth Ricochet Charter Member

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

    Valiuth did you really want forty percent of people to die? It’s OK if you really do want that. I encourage diverse opinions on Ricochet.

    I think “death” was a metaphorical wish for the end of the party rather than personal deaths. Extreme, even silly but not beyond the pale of political discourse.

    • #19
  20. Henry Castaigne Member
    Henry Castaigne
    @HenryCastaigne

    Old Bathos (View Comment):

    Henry Castaigne (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):
    MemberValiuth Ricochet Charter Member

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

     

    Valiuth did you really want forty percent of people to die? It’s OK if you really do want that. I encourage diverse opinions on Ricochet.

    I think “death” was a metaphorical wish for the end of the party rather than personal deaths. Extreme, even silly but not beyond the pale of political discourse.

    That’s what I figured. But I must admit, it’s a little conventional. 

    • #20
  21. OmegaPaladin Moderator
    OmegaPaladin
    @OmegaPaladin

    Gary Robbins (View Comment):

    OmegaPaladin (View Comment):

    Valiuth (View Comment):

    And like the Rhino the GOP will find itself vastly reduced in numbers and on the verge of extinction too. But unlike the Rhino no one will miss them when they are gone, or work hard to keep them about.

    To the death of the GOP. May it be painful and humiliating to all of its members.

    All hail Biden America’s Savior!!

    @valiuth

    I know you think you are funny, but this kind of attack is pathetic and a violation of the Code of Conduct.

    If you can’t post without wishing suffering on the majority of Ricochet’s members, then just stop posting here. Your occasional discussions of science are not worth caustic trolling.

    I am leaving the post up because it shows just what kind of a person you are.

    Hi Omega Paladin,

    I differ with you slightly. I am really aware that many of my fellow Ricochetti are in huge personal pain, and for that reason I do not taunt them. I have thought some of the very thoughts that Valiuth has expressed, but I have either not expressed them, or have expressed them and when sanity returns to me, deleted my caustic comments. I have not hidden my opinion of Trump and have received extremely personal attacks by a dozen or so Ricochetti. I would note that Brian called Valiuth a Nazi in Comment 7, which is par for the course. (I would ask that Brian withdraw that slur.) I would ask that you consider cutting a break to Valiuth given the vitriol that Trump Skeptics like me have been receiving recently. I do not wish pain and suffering upon everyone who supports Trump, but I must confess that the thought occurs to me when I am berated or demeaned, or when I was doxxed.

    I look forward to the campaign being over in 12 days.

    Gary

    When someone supports the mass death of a large portion of the population for political reasons, Nazi is a valid term.  Stalinist would also work.

    Your therapeutic pity is not wanted.   You can flag personal attacks when they arise.    Valiuth is a troll using shock humor, but you defend him despite your normal love of civility.  I get it, Biden is like your client now, and you will do everything legal to help his side.

    • #21
  22. philo Member
    philo
    @philo

    philo (View Comment):

    Gary Robbins (View Comment): …or when I was doxxed.

    Any proof of that? (Sorry, but you have a long history around these parts of lying.)

    Yea, that’s what I thought.

    • #22
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