Why I left the GOP

Those who have known me most of my adult life probably ask why I left the Republican Party. My answer: It goes beyond the lack of character of Donald Trump. You could say, it left me. In one recent survey, 77% of Republicans said tariffs help create jobs. Another 2023 survey showed only 50% of Republicans see a benefit in security alliances. Both of these contrast to the Republican Party I knew.

A phone conversation with a conservative friend and former college roommate a couple of weeks ago was revealing. Because I have always been a centrist, we often sparred in the past over where the party should go. However, we are both now in agreement we don’t like the path it’s been on recently. We also agreed that trifectas (when one party controls the presidency and both houses of Congress) are not good for the country. I was particularly surprised when he said he likes Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

The big question: Is there any chance the party will revert to where it was? Probably not. The heir apparent, JD Vance, is the epitome of the new Republican Party. Note: Almost all of my college buddies and former business associates, (with whom I have been in regular contact) as well as current friends/neighbors who have considered themselves Republicans, did not vote for Donald Trump in the past two elections.

David Sherwood

Cedar Rapids