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I've been asking myself this question too, and I've come up with a theory that might explain why conservatives are so quick to purge themselves of those they perceive as moderates - say, alleged "RINOs" such as Liz Cheney - yet so reluctant to part ways with clear extremists. 1/8 https://twitter.com/kylegriffin1/status/1355014054603939848
My theory is that today's conservatives need to be rejected by the larger society. They seek a clean, sharp separation, and will create it when necessary. Moderates are thus despised because they blur the edges, because they imply a continuum between the right and the rest. 2/8
If that theory holds, it also explains why the conservative refusal to compromise has become so strong that it now threatens democracy itself. Compromise also blurs the edges; it suggests that the breach can be healed, and for conservatives the breach has become the point. 3/8
The Marjorie Taylor Greenes of the world are invaluable because they piss off the libs and help to create that separation that conservatives crave. They can't reject her because doing so would communicate a desire for reconnection that they fear. 4/8
In that mindset, Biden's non-threatening persona and his attempt at outreach are not welcomed but are actually perceived as dangerous. And Trump's eagerness to anger and divide are not unfortunate side effects of his personality but are central to his appeal. 5/8
Being "canceled" is what they want, and they will do whatever necessary to earn that badge of honor. When the elite multi-millionaire Kelly Loeffler needed some way to bond with the GOP base, getting herself perceived as "canceled" was key. See also, Josh Hawley, Ted Cruz. 6/8
Those Republicans who do not crave separation -- and there are many -- are themselves being forced to leave the party as it becomes more and more extremist. As they do, the remaining core of the party becomes even more resentful and grudge-focused, less willing to moderate. 7/8
Again, if the theory's accurate, then it's hard to see how the GOP death spiral ends in any way other than how death spirals always end. Because the more outreach you attempt, the more they'll need to pull away. Depressing, but ... 8/8
