NY Times’ Bret Stephens Warns Of GOP Regret If Trump Wins Again

Bret Stephens, a columnist for The New York Times who is often presented as a “conservative voice,” recently wrote an op-ed titled “Republicans Will Regret a Second Trump Term.” In it, Stephens outlines his concerns about the potential consequences of former President Donald Trump returning to office.

Stephens, who has a privileged background, argues that the GOP will face three significant regrets if Trump is reelected. First, he claims Trump’s return will “re-energize and radicalize” the left. He suggests that the extreme reactions seen during the George Floyd protests were largely Trump’s fault, ignoring the deeper societal issues at play.

Second, Stephens predicts that Trump will be a “down-ballot loser,” leading to further division and gridlock in government. However, many argue that the current political landscape is already deeply divided, and a Trump victory might not change this reality.

Lastly, Stephens fears Trump will appoint his most loyal supporters to key positions, resulting in policies that traditional Republicans may find extreme. He believes these appointments will drive Trump’s agenda even further than in his first term.

Stephens’ perspective highlights the disconnect between coastal elites and everyday Americans. His assertion that the Biden years have been “mostly free” of leftist extremism overlooks significant events, such as the anti-Semitic riots in Los Angeles, which reflect ongoing societal tensions.

The timing of Stephens’ op-ed, published just before the assassination attempt on Trump, underscores the volatile political climate. Since the attempt, media narratives have shifted to blame Trump for various societal issues, aligning with Stephens’ predictions.

For many conservatives, Stephens’ warnings are viewed with skepticism. They see him as part of an elite group disconnected from the grassroots Republican base. These voters believe the mainstream media will oppose any Republican who threatens their preferred political order, whether it’s Trump or another candidate.

Stephens’ column reflects a broader issue within the media: the tendency to view conservative movements through a narrow, elite perspective. For many in the GOP, the challenges and criticisms highlighted by Stephens are part of the ongoing struggle to represent the interests of everyday Americans against a deeply entrenched establishment.