In a post last week I mentioned Principles First, an alternative convention to the CPAC sycophants dancing with Trump last week. The participants at the counter meeting yet have no tent. They're hoping not to become Democrats. They know a third party fares poorly, but the Trump side-show isn't the same Republican Party that they can relate to. But even the most disenchanted among them couldn't have imagined the Trump/Zelensky meeting on Friday.
By late Friday afternoon, all the click-baiters on media and the social media undercard were analyzing the brawl. Those on the right side of the ring said that Zelensky wasn't respectful and appreciative. Those on the left side said that Trump and Vance tag-teamed their guest. Assuming that the European and world media would be more objective about what happen, most, with Hungary being the exception, agreed that Zelensky was the abused party.
Getting back to the Principles First tent looking for a label. I think that after hearing the Lindsey Graham types rattle on Friday night that Zelensky should resign, some more thoughtful Republicans will be coming out of their zombie trance and start looking toward the future. The super-partisans are praising Trump for putting America first, and his peace before endless wars. That raises the question, was the ambush coming Zelensky's way, regardless of what he said or didn't say? Either way, Trump's tantrum(s) lowered our esteem on the world stage. Trump later trying to defend himself after the meeting in a red hat, may have been a sight too far, even for the partisans.
