This is the second such ad dinging Trump on his Russia ties and affection since his inauguration.

McMullin, who has become one of the most prominent conservative leaders in opposition to Trump and Trumpism, in these ads actually pressures Republicans, who have resisted a transparent, independent process. In doing so, he makes a critical point: Trump would not be concealing his taxes, apparently violating the emoluments clause, spitting out inhumane and constitutionally suspect executive orders on immigration and spewing loony conspiracy theories (only to send out Sean Spicer to walk back his “Obama wiretapped me” nonsense) if Republicans would stand up to him.

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Republicans continue to operate under several false assumptions: Trump won’t help them get conservative agenda items if they challenge him; Trump can actually help them; and their agenda items are popular. Let’s look at each of these.

As we can see from the health-care debate, Trump needs to keep his campaign promises for his own benefit. He doesn’t care about the substance, only “winning.” Republicans who think Trump won’t try to pass tax reform or tax cuts if they make a “fuss” over corruption don’t understand Trump’s motivations. Even if they challenge him, say on emoluments, he cannot stop pushing for Obamacare repeal, tax reform or other agenda items without losing his support.

Moreover, there is no sign Trump will provide much help in any event. His administration provides no policy proposals, preferring to tag along with whatever the House comes up with. His approval ratings are low, so the “threat” recalcitrant members won’t enjoy his support in 2018 is empty. Conversely, GOP members in congressional districts that voted for Hillary Clinton aren’t going to want him coming into their district (heaven forbid!) to “help” in 2018. Trump is a polarizing figure whose credibility drops daily with each new fanciful conspiracy theory. Frankly, if he did nothing at all Republicans would be better off.

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And finally, Republicans need to rethink what they really hope to accomplish. The wall is unpopular. Kicking 24 million people off of health-care insurance and transferring wealth from less well-off to rich people is a political loser. A tax plan that slaps a border adjustment tax on consumers and gives more tax breaks to rich people isn’t going to win them kudos either. If they came up with a more reasonable agenda, they wouldn’t need to go hat in hand to Trump; the agenda would succeed on its merits.