Political strategist Lucy Caldwell claims that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is a "rebel" for defying the MAGA base, as evidenced by the growing acceptance of Donald Trump among former detractors.
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the amiable disposition of the locals was a topic of discussion among attendees. However, there was an underlying current of newfound openness towards Donald Trump.
Political strategist Lucy Caldwell spent time outside the convention's security zone, interacting with non-credentialed individuals. At the Milwaukee Brat Bar, she overheard a woman express a gradual shift in her attitude towards Trump, particularly after the July 13 assassination attempt. The man accompanying her, who had previously voted against Trump, now indicated a willingness to support him in 2024.
The MAGA Transformation: How Trump Seduced Reluctant Republicans
Caldwell observed that the support for Trump was not primarily driven by policy but rather a growing tolerance for his personality. The former president was no longer deemed a dealbreaker for social gatherings.
At Who's on Third, Caldwell encountered enthusiastic Trump supporters Jay and Jeff, who believed that Trump's image after the assassination attempt was a pivotal moment. They expressed a newfound boldness in their support for him.
The MAGA Transformation: How Trump Seduced Reluctant Republicans
Caldwell has consistently asked strong Trump supporters if their colleagues are aware of their political views. The response has shifted from being hesitant to openly expressing support.
Trump's taboo status has waned, prompting speculation about its impact on Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race.
The MAGA Transformation: How Trump Seduced Reluctant Republicans
Caldwell's personal experience in Milwaukee exemplified the growing acceptance of Trump. When stranded by her friends after dinner, she encountered Scott and Lizzie, a couple who offered her a ride back to her hotel despite being halfway across the city.
During the drive, politics became a topic of conversation, revealing that all three had gradually warmed to Trump. The couple also acknowledged their past opposition to the former president, highlighting the widespread evolution in perspectives towards him.
Caldwell drew parallels between her experience and the American tradition of receiving assistance from strangers. However, she sensed something new in Wisconsin: a societal shift where Trump's persona was no longer an obstacle to social acceptance.
The transformation of Republican attitudes towards Trump has significantly altered the political landscape. His once-divisive presence has been gradually normalized, a phenomenon that may have contributed to Biden's withdrawal from the race and the changing dynamics of the American political discourse.
