Gregory Graf discusses how to navigate the extremes of modern GOP politics

The rollercoaster politics of the Republican Party is a real ride. The heated debates around what some people refer to as “extremism” within the GOP can be hard to miss if one has been following the news. Gregory Graf is an expert in political analysis and we had a great conversation.

Greg (as he insistently called himself) then threw me off guard by telling that the term “extremism” was as slippery and slippery as a greased-up pig. Some people may find it difficult to accept that something which makes them jump up and down is simply another day at work for others. The Republican Party is more than just some people with funny hats.

You remember the days when being Republican meant having a heated discussion about tax reforms over dinner. It’s true that times have changed. It seems that a whole new set of people has moved into town. Greg claims that the shift in thinking has made some individuals wonder if they have missed an important memo.

And here is the real kicker: not everything will be gloom and doom. Greg believes extremism is not the end. While it might make for some spicy headlines on Twitter, many Republicans continue to try and steer the boat away from iceberg land. It’s like having a friend who stops you from calling your ex after midnight.

Then let’s have a turkey talk to see how Washington is affected by all of this chaos. You’ve probably tried herding a cat or two. If you compare it to the difficulty of getting opposing viewpoints on the same page, that’s a piece of cake. Budget talks can quickly turn into a stand-off before you even say the words “government shutdown” leaving all concerned wondering whether compromises were no longer fashionable.

But before you start thinking I am only picking on Republicans, as though they have stolen my lunch cash, let’s be clear. Extremism is not a party-specific thing. As if glitter were thrown everywhere in a craft fair, this is what we’re dealing with. Greg’s reasons were many, but it seems to be the hot topic in recent GOP circles.

Never even mention social media to me. It is like throwing gasoline into a bonfire. These days extreme views receive more likes than cats videos, which makes it harder for moderate voices. There are enough videos to make you throw your smartphone into a pond (but do not actually try this).

Then what? Greg has been playing this game longer than I do, and according to him it boils down people to put their hands in the sand to choose what kind of political party they wish to belong to. It is about choosing leaders with the ability to communicate and who are able to find common grounds without GPS.

Greg, in closing our discussion (and it was a long one), left me this little nugget. Politics can be like making the sausage. It’s not always pretty but is sometimes needed. And how many Republicans are willing and able to put in the effort to create better sausage could determine whether or not Republican extremism is a permanent part of their politics.

What a surprise! Politics can be quite spicy. How could politics be so…spicy!?

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