We’ve seen this movie before, or at least something similar. Trump uses his gut feeling to pick those he would support in certain situations. Top of the list of qualifications is loyalty to him. Whether they are up to the job is quite secondary. Gazing at the fawning chosen is like looking in the mirror; the more they ape him, the more he sees himself. The reflection, of course, pleases him. A narcissist likes nothing better than himself.

I’ve pointed all this out before. Who can forget those Trump-backed candidates who used his blessing to edge out people who could win in the primaries only to flame out in the general elections? Herschel Walker, Dr. Oz, Blake Masters, Karri Lake, Doug Maestriano, etc.

Losing winnable contests had dire consequences. Trump put himself first, rather than his party and, if he thought about it, the country, resulting in legislation and actions that brought us inflation and an open border. Control of the Senate in the Biden administration could’ve blunted his leftward lurch.