Opinion | Republicans Find a New Way to Lose: Attacking Asians
- Bo French sparks backlash by targeting Asian demographic in UT admissions scheme
- Strategists warn GOP is abandoning the 'politics of addition' for divisive rhetoric
- Midterm prospects dim as internal factions favor ethnic grievances over traditional conservative values
Brief Summary
Texas GOP candidate Bo French is under fire for ditching the meritocratic ideals of the party in favor of a divisive, identity-based assault on Asian admissions at UT. By leaning into ethnic grievance politics, critics argue that the campaign is alienating a crucial voting bloc and abandoning the coalition-building necessary for electoral success.
Why This Matters
You are witnessing the slow-motion implosion of party strategy as internal factions choose culture war skirmishes over winning elections. When political candidates prioritize identity-based attacks, they shift the focus away from policy issues like the economy, inflation, and public safety that directly affect your wallet and day-to-day life. Expect this shift to make the political landscape more volatile and less focused on the substantive solutions you need.