By Eyad Abu Shakra

Those with better insights about former US President Donald Trump’s personal considerations, as well the Republican Party’s factions on the rise, can determine whether the Republicans are at an ideological crossroads … or not.

Many, including myself, who do not claim to have privileged information about what goes on within the Republican Party, were surprised when Trump chose J.D. Vance, a young senator from Ohio, as his running mate for the presidential election in November. We, the community of foreign observers, have seen, over the past months and even years, how much Trump has succeeded in tightening his grip on a party with a long history and that is traditionally known for having many “heads.”

We saw how many leaders he eliminated … and how many others he marginalized.

We saw how many positions and policies were imposed on a partisan institution. Empowered by his simple, direct slogans, he managed to swiftly ensure shifts on matters that had been mulled over and considered painstakingly until the recent past. So much so that the party is not prepared to play the game under customary terms and restrictions.

Trump, who has absolute control over his base, has rebuilt the party, which now operates his way.

In turn, the party did not object to handing a “magician” the reins and giving him a mandate to do whatever he wants, as we saw and heard at the end of last week’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The two historical models closest to the Trumpian phenomenon, be it in........

© Eurasia Review