It seems the 2016 version of the GOP actually bases itself around merely acting as the liberalism of 30 years ago. They appear to be saying the same things now as liberals were then, but presenting it as moderate and necessary for greatness to return. It’s all on the same trajectory, and thus, on the course that they’ve plotted, is only a matter of time before true conservatives are betrayed yet again.

Occupying a “neither/nor” space during this rather polarizing election makes it easy to look at both sides and point out their respective failings. Had I remained a Sean Hannity Republican, I may have guzzled the same Kool-Aid as the crowds at MAGA rallies. This means I would never dare question someone with an (R) next to their name, especially an anointed presidential candidate.

As Sean Hannity and other Republican pundits have shown, their loyalty is to party, not principle. That’s entirely the wrong attitude to have and one of the major reasons we ended with Trump. This default setting may draw in viewers and fill meeting halls with red hats, but what does it leave in its wake? A crowd of people who play follow the leader but convince themselves they’re part of a grand movement set to restore America. The problem is, they don’t have anything of conservative value to support. Unfortunately, many of them would rather have it this way and worship at the altar of persona, instead.

I was once a member of the same crowd who focused on not letting my heart be troubled when maybe it should have been. I was once a Sean Hannity Republican, but gave that up for principle.