It seems like just a few weeks ago the “Anyone But Trump” movement was operating full steam ahead. Now that Donald Trump has all but officially locked up the nomination, some Republicans are singing a different tune.
Republican National Convention chairman Reince Preibus, who just last month was publicly exchanging barbs with Trump over the nomination process, is now trying to pretend like the party is going to unite behind him come November.
But that “Anyone But Trump” movement hasn’t gone away yet, and they’re looking for someone to step up against Trump as a third-party candidate. And now Reince Preibus is suddenly Donald Trump’s best friend.
In an interview with Fox News, Preibus pleaded that:
“They can try to hijack another party and get on the ballot, but, look, it’s a suicide mission for our country because what it means is that you’re throwing down not just eight years of the White House but potentially 100 years on the Supreme Court and wrecking this country for many generations.”
This is hilarious considering how hard Preibus and other Republicans tried to keep Trump from the nomination in the first place. Former GOP Texas Governor Rick Perry told his own party just last year that:
“I have a message for my fellow Republicans and the independents who will be voting in the primary process: what Mr. Trump is offering is not conservatism, it is Trump-ism – a toxic mix of demagoguery and nonsense.”
Fast forward to April 2016, and suddenly Rick Perry is singing the Donald’s praises. Priceless. Rick Perry isn’t the only Republican to make a 180 on Trump, either.
But not everyone is falling into line. Mitt Romney is standing firm against a Trump nomination, and is actively campaigning to find a suitable third-party candidate to run in November. And he’s not alone. Conservatives all over the country are demanding an alternative, or they will jump ship.
I have officially de-registered as a Republican. pic.twitter.com/DjRI21Oyvx
— Philip Klein (@philipaklein) May 4, 2016
Looks like you are going to lose voters either way, Reince.
Featured image via Getty/Win McNamee.
