Notice the strong third word atop Nolan Finley's latest column.
Not "could." Not "might." Not even the nearly-as-direct "should."
The Detroit News' generally conservative opinion editor goes with a compelling four-letter verb to say why his Republican Party must nominate a 2020 national candidate other than "the most widely despised president since Richard Nixon."
"The president has proved toxic," Nolan Finley writes Sunday on his Detroit News editorial page.While . . . Trumpites are intensely loyal to the president, there aren't enough to re-elect him. And the midterm demonstrated that the independents who gave him a shot two years ago are now heavily against Trump.
Unless the GOP dumps Trump and unites behind a more appealing — or less unappealing — primary challenger, the destruction of the Republican Party that began with the 2018 vote will be complete in 2020. . . .
The president has proved toxic to the GOP's political prospects. His power to inspire Democrats to the polls in overwhelming numbers is confirmed, and won't dissipate over the next two years.
The Dump Trump movement within the Republican Party should start now.
Finley, whose page four years ago endorsed Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson, now mentions five prospects and recommends one -- Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska.
He's young and hasn't been afraid to criticize Trump. Sasse is dynamic and excites young voters.
-- Alan Stamm
