It’s a frustrating season on the right side of the aisle and discouraged Republicans are looking for someone other than the inevitable to support in 2020.
As it stands now, Democratic presidential hopefuls are increasing in number almost by the day. So far, they include controversial, and oftentimes outlandish, firebrands such as Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii to name a few. Most of these current candidates are using theatrics or identity politics to define their progressive campaigns.
One Democrat who stands out from the crowd is Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who announced her candidacy on Feb. 10. Overwhelmingly, the term “pragmatic” has been used to describe this politician from the Upper Midwest. Klobuchar is incredibly likable (despite reports that she has been overly tough with her staff), seemingly down-to-earth, and has earned a great reputation on Capitol Hill. Even Republican colleagues sing her praises. As Politico reports:
Klobuchar has been known for her willingness and ability to compromise when making deals with her political opponents. More publicly, she was a breath of fresh air during Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. This isn’t to say her questions to the nominee weren’t meant to make him appear less than capable; just that compared to those like Booker and Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii., she was downright reasonable.
Klobuchar is a pleasant and practical politician. She has set herself apart from her emotional peers and an excitable president. But disgruntled Republicans and right-leaning moderates should stay far away from supporting her. Despite her affability, Klobuchar is every bit a liberal whose positions and policies go directly against the core values of conservatism.
During her three terms in office, Klobuchar has voted to support the extreme positions of the Democratic Party on the most divisive of issues: abortion and immigration. In addition, she supports Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s mess of a big government plan known as the “Green New Deal” (though she sees it as “aspirational,” adding, “I’m not for reducing air travel”). She even has an “F” rating from the National Rifle Association.
Standing opposite the president in personality will make anyone seem like a better option. Standing alongside Democratic colleagues who make wild claims or invent media spectacles has the same effect. But none of these issues surrounding public temperament or tone make Klobuchar the best option on the ballot.
Some “Never Trump” Republicans believe the best way to fix the GOP is to vote for Democrats and let their once-loved party come out stronger by way of electoral defeat. This tactic may feel good on primary or general election day, but it would be to both our short-term and long-term detriment. To this crowd, someone like Klobuchar represents a reasonable alternative to both President Trump and her fellow candidates who are prone to histrionics.
Voting for a candidate is akin to endorsing them, something conservatives who believe in the sanctity of life, national security, and Second Amendment rights simply cannot afford to do when it comes to Klobuchar.
Just as the juvenility of Trump can often cover up substantive progress on the policy front, so can the pragmatism and pleasantness of Klobuchar distract from just how harmful her political positions truly are. Trump-critical Republicans should not allow themselves to be swayed.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
