Ripon and the GOP Legacy Leading to Trumpism
From Abolition's Cradle to Trump's Throne: The GOP's Journey through Time and Ideals
A mere 86 miles and 170 years separate two pivotal moments in the Republican Party's history, yet the gulf between Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1854 and Milwaukee in 2024 feels far wider. In Ripon, amidst a raging March snowstorm, a diverse group of men gathered in a modest schoolhouse, united by their abhorrence for slavery. Their fervent discussions laid the groundwork for the party that would, seven years later, elect Abraham Lincoln as president and lead the nation through the Civil War to abolish slavery.
Fast forward to present-day Milwaukee, where the same party, transformed and emboldened, has once again rallied behind Donald Trump, a figure whose rhetoric and policies often stand in stark contrast to the ideals of its founders. This juxtaposition raises profound questions about the party's evolution, its core values, and its future trajectory.
Ripon's Little White Schoolhouse, the site of that historic 1854 meeting, stands as a symbol of the GOP's humble origins and its commitment to equality. Today, it serves as a nonpartisan museum and educational center, welcoming visitors to learn about the party's roots in abolitionism. However, the stark contrast between those roots and the current state of the Republican Party under Trump's leadership has not gone unnoticed.
From Unity to Division: The Republican Party's Evolution and Challenges
Visitors to the Little White Schoolhouse often grapple with this dissonance. Tim Lyke, a former newspaper editor in Ripon, laments the party's shift away from its unifying principles towards a more divisive stance, often targeting marginalized groups. Similarly, Luther Olsen, a retired Republican state senator, contrasts the spirit of compromise and unity that marked the party's founding with the current polarized political climate.
The schoolhouse itself, having survived multiple relocations and near-demolition, stands as a testament to the resilience of its legacy. Its exhibits highlight the role of figures like Alvan Bovay, a staunch abolitionist who played a pivotal role in the party's formation. Yet, the museum remains largely nonpartisan, focusing on the historical significance of the site rather than endorsing any particular political agenda.
The Republican Party's journey from Ripon to Milwaukee has been marked by significant shifts in its platform, priorities, and demographics. Once a champion of racial equality and individual liberty, the party now grapples with accusations of racism, xenophobia, and authoritarianism. The rise of Donald Trump, with his populist message and nationalist rhetoric, has exposed deep fissures within the party and alienated many traditional conservatives.
The 2020 presidential election further highlighted the party's demographic challenges. While Trump maintained strong support among his base, he struggled to attract new voters, particularly among women, minorities, and college-educated individuals. This led to his defeat by Joe Biden, who successfully assembled a diverse coalition of voters.
Image Credit - Politico
A Complex Legacy: Ripon's Republicanism Today
The future of the Republican Party remains uncertain, as it grapples with internal divisions, demographic shifts, and the ongoing debate over Trump's legacy. Some advocate for a return to traditional conservative values and a more moderate approach, while others embrace Trump's populist and nationalist agenda.
The legacy of the Republican Party's founding in Ripon is a complex and often contradictory one. On one hand, it is a source of pride for many in the town, a reminder of their ancestors' courage and commitment to equality. On the other hand, it is a source of unease and disillusionment for those who see the current state of the party as a betrayal of those ideals.
John Splitt, a sixth-generation Ripon resident and descendant of one of the party's founders, embodies this duality. A self-described moderate Republican, Splitt supports Trump but acknowledges the deep divisions within the party. He participates in local parades, proudly displaying a replica of the Little White Schoolhouse, yet he also grapples with the party's current direction and its divergence from its founding principles.
Glenn Grothman, the Republican congressman representing Ripon, also claims a connection to the town's history. He has publicly supported efforts to restore the Little White Schoolhouse's status on the National Register of Historic Places. However, Grothman's controversial views on race, LGBTQ+ rights, and social welfare programs have drawn sharp criticism from many in Ripon, who see his stances as a far cry from the inclusive and egalitarian spirit that birthed the party.
Cinema Reflects Reality: Spencer Tracy's "State of the Union"
The complex relationship between Ripon and the modern Republican Party is perhaps best captured in the 1948 film "State of the Union." The film, starring Milwaukee native and Ripon College dropout Spencer Tracy, tells the story of an idealistic businessman who compromises his principles in pursuit of the presidency. This cautionary tale resonates with the current political climate, where the pursuit of power often seems to eclipse the ideals upon which the Republican Party was founded.
The Path Forward: A Party at a Crossroads
The Republican Party stands at a crossroads. The demographic shifts in the American electorate, the rise of populist movements, and the lingering influence of Trumpism have created a turbulent landscape for the party to navigate.
Some Republicans advocate for a return to the party's traditional values, emphasizing fiscal conservatism, free markets, and individual liberty. Others argue for a more inclusive and diverse approach, recognizing the need to appeal to a wider range of voters. Still others remain firmly entrenched in the Trumpian mold, embracing his populist message and nationalist rhetoric.
The outcome of this internal struggle will determine the future of the Republican Party and its role in American politics. Will it return to its roots as a champion of equality and individual liberty, or will it continue down the path of populism and division? The answer to this question will have profound implications for the nation as a whole.
The Great Depression and World War II brought further shifts in the party's focus. The New Deal era saw the rise of a more moderate Republicanism, with figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower emphasizing bipartisan cooperation and social welfare programs. However, the post-war period also saw the emergence of a more conservative wing of the party, which opposed the expansion of government and championed states' rights.
The Rise of the Religious Right and the Culture Wars
The 1960s and 1970s marked a period of significant social and cultural change in America. The Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of feminism and counterculture movements challenged traditional values and norms. In response, a new conservative movement emerged, known as the Religious Right, which sought to restore what it saw as America's moral foundation.
This movement found a home within the Republican Party, and its influence grew steadily in the 1980s and 1990s. Figures like Ronald Reagan and Pat Robertson championed socially conservative policies, such as opposing abortion and promoting prayer in schools. The Republican Party increasingly became associated with the culture wars, a series of political battles over issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of religion in public life.
Image Credit - Foreign Policy
The 21st Century and the Rise of Donald Trump
The turn of the century brought new challenges and opportunities for the Republican Party. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led to a renewed focus on national security and foreign policy. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, launched under the Republican administration of George W. Bush, further solidified this focus.
However, the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent recession dealt a blow to the party's economic credibility. The election of Barack Obama, the first Black president of the United States, also signaled a demographic shift in the electorate, with minority voters increasingly aligning with the Democratic Party.
In this context, the rise of Donald Trump in 2016 represented a major turning point for the Republican Party. Trump's populist message, nationalist rhetoric, and anti-establishment stance resonated with many voters who felt disillusioned with traditional politics. His promise to "Make America Great Again" tapped into a deep-seated nostalgia for a bygone era and a desire for radical change.
The Trump era marked a significant departure from traditional Republican orthodoxy. Trump's protectionist trade policies, his skepticism of international alliances, and his embrace of culture war issues alienated many establishment Republicans. However, his ability to mobilize his base and win over working-class voters who had previously voted Democratic proved to be a potent political force.
Trumpism's Legacy: Navigating the Post-Trump Era in American Politics
The Trump presidency, while divisive and controversial, further solidified the party's appeal to a specific segment of the American electorate: white, working-class voters who felt left behind by globalization and cultural change. Trump's rhetoric resonated with their anxieties and frustrations, promising to restore their economic security and cultural dominance.
The legacy of Trumpism continues to shape the Republican Party today. The 2022 midterm elections saw a mixed bag of results for the party, with some Trump-endorsed candidates winning and others losing. This suggests that while Trump's influence remains potent, it is not absolute. The party is grappling with how to navigate the post-Trump era, balancing the desires of his loyal base with the need to appeal to a broader range of voters.
Meanwhile, the demographic changes in the American electorate continue to pose a challenge for the Republican Party. The party's traditional base of white, rural voters is shrinking, while minority groups, particularly Latinos and Asian Americans, are growing in numbers and political influence. The party's failure to adequately address the concerns of these groups could hinder its electoral prospects in the long run.
The 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee is a microcosm of this internal struggle. The decision to nominate Trump once again reflects the party's continued allegiance to his brand of populism. However, the presence of the Little White Schoolhouse replica at the convention serves as a stark reminder of the party's roots in abolitionism and its commitment to equality.
The Republican Party's Future: A Balancing Act
The Republican Party faces a daunting task in the years ahead. It must find a way to balance its commitment to traditional conservative values with the need to appeal to a more diverse and changing electorate. It must navigate the complex legacy of Trumpism while also charting a path forward that resonates with a broader range of voters.
This balancing act will require difficult choices and compromises. The party will need to confront its internal divisions and find common ground on issues like immigration, trade, and social policy. It will need to develop a message that appeals to both its traditional base and new voters, while remaining true to its core principles.
The Ripon model, with its emphasis on grassroots activism, bipartisan cooperation, and the pursuit of common goals, offers a potential roadmap for the party's future. By returning to its roots and embracing the values that inspired its founders, the Republican Party can once again become a force for unity and progress in American politics.
Image Credit - NY Times
The Ripon Model: A Blueprint for Renewal?
In the face of these challenges, the Ripon model offers a glimmer of hope. The town's history of bipartisan cooperation and its commitment to shared values serve as a powerful reminder that political divides can be bridged and common ground can be found. The Little White Schoolhouse, a symbol of grassroots activism and courage in the face of adversity, stands as a testament to the power of ordinary citizens to effect change.
The spirit of Ripon, with its emphasis on compromise, unity, and the pursuit of a common good, could serve as a guiding light for the Republican Party as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century. By embracing diversity, inclusivity, and civil discourse, the party can reclaim its mantle as a champion of liberty and opportunity for all Americans.
A Return to First Principles
To achieve this renewal, the Republican Party must return to its first principles. It must reaffirm its commitment to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and the rule of law. It must also recognize the importance of social responsibility and compassion, embracing policies that promote economic opportunity and social mobility for all Americans.
Furthermore, the party must confront the divisive rhetoric and policies that have alienated many voters. It must reject the politics of fear and resentment, and instead offer a positive vision for the future based on hope, unity, and shared prosperity.
The Republican Party's Future: A Choice to Make
The future of the Republican Party is not predetermined. It is a story that is still being written, a story that will be shaped by the choices its leaders and members make in the years to come. Will the party choose to embrace its diverse and inclusive future, or will it cling to a nostalgic vision of the past? Will it choose to return to its first principles and build a broader coalition, or will it continue down the path of populism and division?
The stakes are high, not only for the party but for the nation as a whole. A revitalized Republican Party, committed to its core values and open to new ideas, could play a vital role in shaping a more prosperous and equitable future for all Americans. However, a party that remains mired in the past and caters to a narrow base risks becoming increasingly irrelevant and marginalized.
The choice is clear. The Republican Party must evolve or risk extinction. It must embrace the spirit of Ripon, the spirit of unity, compromise, and the pursuit of a common good. Only then can it truly fulfill its promise as a party of the people, by the people, and for the people.
