Coming off the greatest upset in American political history, Trump supporters have the best opportunity to create a lasting political movement since Ronald Reagan stormed the White House in 1980.
There are three essential elements that the Trump-wing needs to work on during the upcoming years. First, applying for jobs in the new administration, elevating intellectuals who focus on policy, and winning more down-ballot elections to grow the brand.
The upcoming elections in 2017 and 2018 offer a chance to build the Trump-wing of the GOP. Ideally, it’s the fraction of the party that values America-first principles on immigration, trade, and foreign policy.
Replacements for those filling Trump’s cabinet should be a primary focus. Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke, and Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo all will need to be replaced in special elections within the next year or so.
Sessions’ replacement is an easy pick; Trump supporters should draft, donate, and campaign for Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) who is the most similar to the outgoing Senator. As for the two House races, no candidate has emerged as leading contenders to be critical Trump allies in either seat.
Besides the special elections, 2018 offers some chances to win over more America-first Republicans. Rumors have begun that Rep. Dave Brat may be eyeing the Virginia Senate race against incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine. Rep. Lou Barletta might take on Sen. Bob Casey in Pennsylvania. And even Sean Duffy could possibly challenge Sen. Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin.
The Trump movement should also find contenders for the Senate race in Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, and Indiana.
House races offer to give Trump supporters a chance to run in districts that voted for the President-elect and the Democratic congressional candidate.
According to Daily Kos, there are nine seats that Trump won that a Democratic Congressman also carried. They are in Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona, and New Hampshire. It would be a great opportunity for the America-first movement to gain traction by adding to their numbers in the House.
Aside from the federal level, there are hundreds of competitive state legislative seats and dozens of mayoral elections in mid-size cities that could create a bench of future national candidates.
Campaigns and elections are just part of the process. Trump supporters who would qualify should be applying for jobs in the new administration. If the America-first movement loyalists don’t take those jobs, they’ll be occupied with the same swamp creatures that have been in Washington D.C. for decades.
Part of the reason that the establishment has an edge on the burgeoning Trump movement is that they have had decades to create institutions to foster their ideas.
Conservatives have The Heritage Foundation, libertarians have the CATO Institute, but the America-first movement has nothing. What they do have, however, are many intellectuals hiding in various universities, magazines, and online publications.
Sneering at intellectuals may be fun, but the America-first movement needs to build an army of thinkers, who can draft policies, conduct studies, and influence lawmakers.
Intellectuals are like lawyers: it’s fun to hate them, but some are essential. Over 130 writers and thinkers supported Trump in the election. We need to create a space for these people’s ideas to thrive.
If the millions of people who backed Trump legitimately want to promote a lasting political movement and prove it’s more than just the caricature the media is making it out to be, then they need to stop gloating after the inauguration and working towards their future.
