Posted on 12/07/2021 3:21:19 AM PST by cotton1706
By any measure, Charlie Baker is one of the most popular governors in the country.
In 2018, he won reelection as Massachusetts' chief executive with 67% of the vote and his approval ratings regularly crested 60% -- even amid the worst throes of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
That Baker did so as a Republican in one of the most Democratic states in the country is absolutely remarkable. In anything close to a normal Republican Party, Baker would be one of its stars -- someone touted as a future national leader.
Instead, Baker announced late last week that he would not seek reelection next year. And, in so doing, he made clear that while he loved his job, he was far less interested in the prospect of another campaign.
snip
While Diehl was not yet seen as a serious threat to Baker, the idea of having to prove his conservative bona fides in the face of an all-out personal onslaught from the former President was clearly deeply unappealing to the incumbent.
And THAT is the hidden cost of the party's ongoing adherence to the Trump cult of personality. Rather than Baker running for a third term -- a race he would be heavily favored to win -- Republicans are now nearly certain to lose the seat next fall. ("'A real fight for our existence': Massachusetts GOP spirals in Baker exit," read a recent headline in Politico.)
And, rather than rallying around and raising up a Republican who has clearly created a blueprint for how to win over Democratic voters, the Trumpist wing of the GOP is driving Baker into retirement.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
This is NOT how things were supposed to happen.
Trump was supposed to be marginalized, ostracized and exiled.
"We know who have abused us...but the time is coming when they shall lick the dust, and melt away." - Samuel Adams
Charlie won two terms, maybe he figured that was enough for anyone?
When is Cillizza going to praise Gabbard and Manchin as models for Democrats?
there is a reason that US TRAITOR Charlie Parker (BAKER)
is beloved by the CCP.
TREASON.
“When is Cillizza going to praise Gabbard and Manchin as models for Democrats?”
Never, of course.
“Baker is a political star with a track record of success. “
Yeah, as a lock down fascist.
He was a socialist, the other guy is a communist.
Socialists hurt the Republican Brand, Brand Management is the long view.
More importantly, he saw the writing on the wall.
This guy is a moron. Baker didn’t win with 67% because the rank and file rodents love conservatism - no they love faux conservatism. The rodents supported Baker only for show biz purposes.
Gabbard?
Do you mean Sinema?
According to wikipedia, Diehl was a dem. Supported dems in the 90s and early 2000s including fjb.
Don’t trust him.
All these Trump all the Time stories are so pathetic.
Trump is living rent free in their heads, 24/7.
Get a grip, Chris Da Lizard. You ain’t a journalist.
I’ve been at rallies with Geoff Diehl. He shows up and talks to the people, which is more than can be said about ANY other politician here.
Charlie Baker wasn’t there. Karen Polito wasn’t there. Scott Brown wasn’t there. Scott Brown’s wife, who now wants to be a congresswoman, wasn’t there.
Etc.
Geoff Diehl was.
I meant Tulsi Gabbard, but Kristen Sinema works too.
Charlie Baker... a conservative?? LOL!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.