Over the past few months, I have extensively examined how the modern Republican Party looks very different from its former self. From its policies to its voter demographics, the GOP has undergone a significant transformation.

Another significant change is in the party’s personnel.

In the last decade, the Republican Party has shifted from traditional conservatism to a MAGA ideology, largely driven by former President Donald Trump.

This is evident when we compare Trump’s reelection efforts to the current political figures guiding the party. The GOP has transitioned from having leaders focused on a conservative agenda for the nation’s benefit to a group of followers whose primary concern is advancing Trump’s interests.

Consequently, conservatives find themselves tied to an ineffective Trump campaign that lacks strategic direction and shows no intent to learn from past Republican successes. Instead of seeking advice from seasoned GOP politicians of earlier years, they plunge headlong into MAGA politics, pushing the party toward instability.

Past Republican leaders are sidelined

This was evident during this year’s Republican National Convention, which featured neither Mitt Romney nor George W. Bush—two prominent figures who were absent as the party officially introduced a new presidential team.

These events took place during a year when Trump again criticized the legacy of Senator John McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential candidate.

In contrast, the Democrats showcased former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton to garner support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the Democratic Party has evolved since the Obama presidency, they have managed to steer clear of the intense infighting that now characterizes the GOP and the apparent disdain for its own history.

This shift isn’t limited to candidates and presidents. The traditional Republican leadership has diminished significantly. This includes the departure of Senator Mitch McConnell, a key figure in achieving conservative goals over the past two decades.

Even Mike Pence, Trump’s former vice president, has been pushed out of the party for his refusal to unlawfully assist Trump in claiming victory in an election he lost.

These individuals made the critical mistake of not fully embracing the MAGA philosophy and were subsequently forced out.

This year’s GOP convention featured mostly legislators aligned with Trump, alongside celebrities like UFC CEO Dana White and ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson. There was even an OnlyFans model among the lineup.

The closest representation of the old guard was Nikki Haley, whose inclusion seemed like a feeble attempt at unity despite the rest of the event neglecting her constituents’ concerns. One must question whether Haley, given her history as a former U.S. ambassador and governor, would have taken this stance had she not faced significant criticism from Trump during the primaries.

Breaking ties with leaders known for delivering tangible conservative achievements over recent decades reflects the arrogance within the Trump faction. A culture of defeat has taken root in the GOP since 2016, yet Republicans continue to chase the same path.

MAGA lacks a focus on broad coalition-building

Whereas past conservatives could look to names like Bush, McCain, and McConnell for reliable leadership, today’s Republican Party is devoid of such guidance.

The individuals the MAGA movement elevates underscore a preference for loyalty over competence.

For instance, when Sen. JD Vance of Ohio was chosen as Trump’s vice presidential nominee, it highlighted his lack of political experience and raised questions about what really helped him succeed.

His current inclination to speak positively about Trump is evident.

There are instances like the unsuccessful candidates in the 2022 midterm elections, where Trump’s endorsements did not meet expectations. This was primarily due to the fact that their only strong point was their admiration for Trump.

The MAGA faction desires two main results from their elections. They either aim to win by energizing their supporters, proving their independence from traditional Republican leadership, or they wish to lose and then blame the establishment for their failure.

Unsurprisingly, both scenarios occur without any support from principled conservatives. The MAGA movement seems to prefer losing rather than seeking collaboration with us. In Trump’s perspective, conservatives who resist his agenda are nearly as problematic as Democrats.

Take Arizona as an example, where the Republicans have chosen to nominate Kari Lake for the Senate for the second consecutive election cycle. It’s evident that Lake is unlikely to succeed, especially considering her past performance in the 2022 gubernatorial contest.

At this juncture, the GOP seems indifferent. The primary focus is solely on the MAGA influence.

Conservatives Discontented with Trump Can Only Watch

Instead of cultivating a united political front, the current GOP prefers to thrive or fail based entirely on Trump, regardless of the potential for electoral success.

Conservatives who are not fond of Trump are fatigued by the incessant spectacles that unfold repetitively around us. In light of repeated defeats, the GOP continues to double down on Trump, attempting to recapture the surprising win of 2016, rather than returning to the stability the party had in the 2000s.

Despite their continuous losses, the GOP appears to believe that the real issue lies with Republicans who desire proper, respectable candidates.

Americans want stability in their political landscape, even if that seems like a lofty expectation. It would be refreshing if the Republican Party acknowledged that.

Dace Potas is an opinion columnist for YSL News and holds a political science degree from DePaul University.