Will Mitch McConnell finally reject Trumpism and choose America?

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) tenure in the upper echelons of American politics — which he announced yesterday will soon come to an end — has been defined by an unwavering pursuit of power, frequently at the cost of sidelining ethical leadership in favor of strategic advantage. 

His career, distinguished by a tendency towards opportunism and an affinity for backing contentious figures, serves as a stark illustration of a political ideology that places party loyalty above national welfare, with a preference for immediate victories over principled integrity. 

McConnell’s decision to vote against convicting Donald Trump in the wake of the Jan. 6 impeachment trial marks a critical juncture, laying bare his preference for political maneuvering over the tenets of democracy. Opting for this route in the aftermath of an attack on the Capitol that shook the nation, McConnell’s choice highlighted a deep-seated allegiance to party and power and rejected a staunch defense of the Constitution and the principles of justice.

Now, McConnell finds himself at a historic fork in the road, mirroring the challenging decision once faced by former Gov. George Romney (R-Mich.) in the 1960s. While Romney courageously resisted Barry Goldwater’s extreme conservative wave, prioritizing his party’s inclusivity and core principles over radical demands, McConnell seems inclined towards a less admirable path. 

Today’s circumstances present McConnell with a golden opportunity to embrace moderation, rejecting the dangerous conspiracy theories and attacks on democracy that plague his party. Yet, his history of yielding to the party’s extremes suggests he might persist in his quest for power, neglecting ethical considerations. 

The stark contrast between Mitch McConnell and George Romney highlights a critical crossroads: the decision to perpetuate a legacy marred by division and self-serving tactics or to adopt a principled stance that elevates national interest above party lines. McConnell’s steadfast allegiance to Trump, despite the latter’s controversial conduct and ethics, has estranged many who value the essence of integrity in public office.

Choosing to walk in George Romney’s footsteps would demand of Mitch McConnell a courageous stand against the more extreme wings of his party, urging a return to the foundational principles that the Republican Party was built upon. This is no small task; it’s a significant pivot from the tactics McConnell has long embraced, calling him to rise as a leader who unites and upholds the foundation of democratic rule.

This shift is about more than changing strategies; it’s about changing hearts and minds. It’s about McConnell putting the lasting welfare of the country ahead of fleeting political wins; engaging in dialogue that heals rather than divides. While the road may be steep, the outcome could very well lead to a political climate marked by greater unity and a renewed commitment to the principles that define us.

McConnell’s political instincts, honed over decades in Washington, have often seemed to lean towards strategic calculation rather than moral clarity. To emulate Romney’s legacy, McConnell would need to display a level of courage and integrity that transcends political calculations, standing up for what is right in the face of adversity and potential backlash from his colleagues.

The stakes of McConnell’s decision extend far beyond his legacy. They encompass the future direction of the Republican Party and the health of American democracy itself. The choice between opportunism and principle, division and unity, will not only define McConnell’s place in history but also shape the nation’s political landscape for generations to come.

As McConnell contemplates his next steps, the lessons from George Romney’s stand against extremism offer a beacon of hope. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, leaders have the capacity to choose a path of redemption and renewal. 

Whether McConnell seizes this opportunity to redefine his legacy is a question that only time will answer. However, the implications of his choice will resonate far beyond his career, influencing the contours of American politics and the principles by which it is governed.

Mitch McConnell may not be a hero, but he has been presented with a unique opportunity to perform an act of profound heroism. 

The choice before McConnell is clear: Will he choose the convenience of the present political currents, or chart a new course that might just restore faith in our collective governance? It’s about looking beyond the horizon and the immediate power struggles to what truly makes our nation great. 

This is the moment for Mitch McConnell to redefine not just his legacy, but the future of the Republican Party and, indeed, the very fabric of America’s democratic process.

Michael Starr Hopkins is host of the “Political Roots” podcast.