Breaking Ranks

THE Republican loss in November brings to mind the old adage that victory has many fathers, but defeat is an orphan. In this case, it would be more apt to say that defeat is an illegitimate child: no one will accept responsibility, though many are ready to accuse others.

There are a number of candidates for the honor, starting with Mr. Bush and his team. Their frequent abandonment of conservative principles, and their general incompetence during the campaign, forced many components of the “Reagan coalition” to confront a difficult choice. Stick with Bush because the Democrats were even worse, or jump ship?

About the Author

Elliott Abrams

Elliott Abrams is a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and served in the Reagan, George W. Bush, and Trump administrations.

Featured Tags

Manage following

George H. W. Bush

Bill Clinton

Presidential Election

THE Republican loss in November brings to mind the old adage that victory has many fathers, but defeat is an orphan. In this case, it would be more apt to say that defeat is an illegitimate child: no one will accept responsibility, though many are ready to accuse others.

There are a number of candidates for the honor, starting with Mr. Bush and his team. Their frequent abandonment of conservative principles, and their general incompetence during the campaign, forced many components of the “Reagan coalition” to confront a difficult choice. Stick with Bush because the Democrats were even worse, or jump ship?

About the Author

Elliott Abrams

Elliott Abrams is a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and served in the Reagan, George W. Bush, and Trump administrations.