Fealty: Last night, the Republican National Convention (RNC) was centered around showing loyalty to Donald Trump. Those who had previously opposed him gave speeches one by one: first Vivek Ramaswamy, then Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. “The atmosphere was reminiscent of the Roman Colosseum, with Trump playing the emperor watching from above as those who had crossed him tried to regain his favor,” according to Jonathan Weisman of The New York Times.
“Haley, Vance, DeSantis, Marco Rubio [whom Trump defeated in 2016], and even Vivek Ramaswamy—who supported Trump even when running against him—all represent different ideological views on the right, from neoconservatism to populism to the new right,” writes Robby Soave of Reason. The shift between traditional conservatism and the new conservatism, which differs greatly from that of William F. Buckley or Ronald Reagan, was disorienting, especially when realizing that even old-school conservatives have adopted Trump’s anti-immigrant stance.
Do you feel the Ramaswamentum? Perhaps the only positive aspect was Vivek Ramaswamy, who identified the issues concerning many right-wingers but also offered a more optimistic vision for the party and the country’s future. “We’re in the midst of a national identity crisis right now,” said Ramaswamy on the main stage. “Faith, patriotism, hard work, and family have been overshadowed by race, gender, sexuality, and climate.”
“We won’t win this election by just criticizing the other side; we’ll win by standing for our own vision of who we truly are,” he declared. “We uphold the ideals of 1776. We believe in merit, that success in this country is not determined by the color of your skin, but by the content of your character and contributions.”
He emphasized that being American means respecting the rule of law and ensuring that elected officials, not unelected bureaucrats, govern the country. He criticized the focus on group identity, victimhood, and grievance, asserting that the nation is not in decline but can still ascend.
In contrast to the exaggerated fear-mongering about immigration and crime, Ramaswamy’s message is one of personal responsibility, accountability, and a belief in the potential for a better future. He urges individuals to take control of their lives, judge based on merit, and challenge those in power. Vance (R–Ohio) and Vivek Ramaswamy are often compared to each other; both were classmates at Yale and are rising young politicians who have garnered favor with former President Donald Trump. However, Vance represents a darker version of conservatism, using state power to punish perceived enemies who control important institutions. On the other hand, Ramaswamy embodies a lighter conservatism, advocating a return to Founding ideals while engaging in some culture-war debates.
In New York, the departure of restaurant critic Pete Wells marks the end of an era of incisive critique. His sharp reviews, like the scathing takedown of a high-priced Korean restaurant, showcased his unique perspective on the culinary world. As Wells steps down, there is anticipation for his successor to maintain his high standards.
In other news:
– California has passed a controversial law that restricts parental rights regarding children’s gender identity changes.
– President Biden’s interviews continue to raise concerns about his ability to serve another term.
– Senator J.D. Vance’s alignment with Trump-led changes to the GOP platform has sparked debate among pro-life advocates.
– Biden is considering legislation to implement term limits for Supreme Court justices.
– The Secret Service heightened security at a rally amid concerns of an Iranian threat against Trump.
– Trump’s economic policies remain consistent, with a focus on speed and efficiency in implementation.
– A patriotic video circulating on social media captures the spirit of America’s resilience.
The political landscape continues to evolve, with key figures and policies shaping the future of the nation. Please rewrite this sentence.
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