THE REPUBLICAN BURINDAN'S ASS

Hurricane Trump, the event the republican establishment failed to forecast, or the payback orchestrated by one faction against the other, or others within the GOP has not only made this an unusual election in many ways, but has also underscored the growing gap between the leadership and the base of the party. It was clear since day one that the Donald was not the party's sweetheart; and yet he demolished one by one his 16 opponents and against all odds (in a normal election) became the nominee. Some elements within the establishment slowly and grudgingly expressed support for Trump, but some in the apparatus stubbornly remained hostile to the Brooklyn mogul. A sizable chunk of the "chieftains" invoked their deep rooted love for America and/or their fear of drifting towards the wrong course if Trump were elected; as if our great nation had not been flirting with disaster for the last 15 years; former government officials who participated in the ill fated "nation building" in Irak became suddenly appalled by the possibility of hurting America; as though the dire current situation were not partly their fault.

Even after Trump had gathered the necessary votes to be the GOP candidate a few untouchables remained unmoved; thus, distancing themselves not only from the uncomfortable winner but also from the base of the party. Then came the infamous recording in which the businessman turned politician uses the same language most of us would use in the locker room and less graphic than I have heard some women talk, but it was enough to turn grudging support into outright repudiation; in some cases because they couldn't wait for an excuse to abandon ship and in others, as in the case of House Speaker Ryan, to salvage at least the House majority. It is now a matter of how each constituency views Mr Trump; representatives and senators may save their hide or may succumb if the electorate perceives a cut and run attitude. In the end not supporting Trump in a desperate attempt to win the legislative body may end up putting the Republicans against the wall and turn that embattled party into a sad, impotent minority vulnerable to Pelosi's whim

Whichever the outcome of this campaign we all lose, both parties need urgent renewal and someone must warn the establishment that an eviction notice is on its way. It's time to clean the house, and while we're at it, let's clean the Senate as well. One thing is certain: hesitation never pays.