In a series of events that are beginning to play out like the third act of Godfather II, prominent members of the Republican Party are being called on to kiss the ring of their new godfather. Those who don’t pay him the proper respect have the wrath of Trump to fear.
Among those already feeling bite of Trump’s words is a national television personality. Less than twenty-four hours after MSNBC host Joe Scarborough admitted he couldn’t vote for him, Trump fired back.
Joe Scarborough initially endorsed Jeb Bush and Jeb crashed, then John Kasich and that didn't work. Not much power or insight!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2016
Scarborough is a known conservative who served in the Congress in the 1990s. He was then, as he is now, a Republican. At odds between them, is the presumptive GOP nominee’s call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States.
While that may have been their only stumbling block initially, the war of words on social media is quickly heating up.
I hear @JoeNBC of rapidly fading @Morning_Joe is pushing hard for a third party candidate to run. This will guarantee a Crooked Hillary win.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 6, 2016
Disagreeing on policy positions or endorsements are one thing…but attacking a television host on his ratings? Now that’s presidential!
"Rapidly fading?" Umm…we are enjoying our best ratings ever. Lots of luck, fella. https://t.co/DVsBHctzgd
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) May 6, 2016
Define "rapidly fading," Donnie boy. https://t.co/DVsBHctzgd
— Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) May 6, 2016
While the spat between them is mutually beneficial in terms of attention, the Trump v. Scarborough war may be a preview of things to come. Plenty of other well-known Republicans are on record stating they are not supporting Trump. In what should not a surprise to anyone, Trump seems determined to call each one out by name.
During an interview yesterday, he was quick to single out noteworthy conservatives Charles Krauthammer and George Will — both of whom have refused to support Trump. Ironically, his comments appeared on MSNBC’s Morning Joe.
As the GOP continues to crumble and the war between the populists (Trump) and conservatives (Will, etc.) rages on, those on the Left have only to sit back and watch the show. It’s a long way to November and these guys have plenty of time to tear each other up.
Featured image screengrab via YouTube
