When you say this to Trump supporters, they reply by hurling a word salad about a shadowy organization called “The Establishment” that’s working to thwart the will of the majority. Talk-radio hosts rant about this cabal’s effort to “steal” the nomination from Trump.
For instance, Romney’s speech was denounced by many as an outrageous effort to sway voters. Similar criticisms were made when the magazine I work for, National Review, dedicated a special issue to opposing Trump.
“How dare you try to tell voters how to vote!” cried countless pro-Trump cable-news commentators, pundits, and radio hosts. It’s a fascinating complaint coming from people who make a living by offering their opinions on how voters should vote.
It’s also nonsense. If opposing Trump is now the definition of the establishment, then roughly 66 percent of GOP primary voters are members of the establishment. The “silent majority” isn’t a majority and most certainly isn’t silent. Alas, “The Loud Plurality for Trump!” doesn’t look as good on homemade signs at rallies.
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