Vichy Republicans. During his commencement speech at Stanford University, historian Ken Burns coined the term to describe Republicans who’ve endorsed their party’s presumptive presidential nominee even though they don’t think he’s qualified to hold the office.
In this extraordinary election year, it seems like Vichy Republicans outnumber all other kinds of Republicans:
- Those who are happy with their party’s nominee and are happy to endorse him.
- Those who are unhappy with their nominee and have publicly declined to support him.
- Those who have nothing to say.
Ken Burns speaking at Stanford’s commencement – 12 June 2016 (Image credit: L.A. Cicero, published on news.stanford.edu)
If you fall into one of these three groups, I can respect that. Although I might not agree with you, I can see that your actions align with what you say you believe.
But to the Vichy Republicans, I echo Burns’ words: please reconsider.
I have some experience here. Continue reading
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