If the Republican Party is the Party of Trump, What Does it Stand For?

President Trump’s refusal to commit to accepting November’s election results is the latest example of this president abandoning the norms of constitutional democracy. And although high-profile Republicans have issued statements affirming that they support a peaceful transfer of power, they have also been carefully deferential to Trump.

This is a notable continuation of the party slowly becoming the party of Trump. Nowhere was this clearer than in the decision not to have a 2020 party platform and instead simply affirming “enthusiastic support” for Trump and his “America First agenda.” That move, more so than statements pledging fealty to the peaceful transfer of power, signals wavering Republican commitment toward equal rights and democracy.

Platforms declare a party’s values and commitments. While the substance of the Democratic and Republican platforms often differs sharply, both have historically used certain key words, like the American Dream, economic opportunity and freedom from discrimination. Examining Republican platforms over time shows that what once had been a big-tent strategy of carefully managing intraparty differences over equality has been replaced by a hierarchical model of leadership where the party faithful should acquiesce to one individual’s vision of political community. Indeed, the 2020 resolution “ruled out of order” any effort to adopt a platform.

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Without a platform, a party signals that it values personal obedience to its current leader more than adherence to more lasting principles or institutions. Perhaps this declaration could serve as the foundation for a reinvigorated Republican Party and the beginning of a return to democracy on the basis of respect and dignity for all.