Stupid Is As Stupid Does

It was the character Forest Gump who coined the expression, “stupid is as stupid does”.  Today’s Republicans may no claim ownership of this expression.  What could be more stupid than the outright opposition to the relief package that will be passed without a single Republican vote?  Consider the fact that Republicans have failed to win a majority of the popular vote in any of the past seven elections.  Further consider the fact that Republican voter registrations continue to decline and the recent losses in “can’t lose” Republican strongholds like Georgia.  What is the possible downside of Republican support of the relief legislation?  Over 65% os Americans support the various measures and some of the measures have 60% Republican support.  Opposition to the legislation because of the cost is ludicrous considering the extent the Republican tax cuts blew a hole in the deficit.  Even the Republican President, Trump, called for a $2000 check after Republicans reduced the amount to $600.00.  The upside is Republicans could share in the credit for passing legislation that would help a significant number of Americans.  Many of those in need found themselves facing economic hardship as a result of Republican mismanagement of the Corvid-19 pandemic.  By opposing the measure Republicans continue to reinforce the impression of a do-nothing political party incapable of governing and only able to obstruct.  While there is no reason to wish Republicans well there remains a need for a viable opposition party.  Good government requires opposition and compromise but stupid policy does not constitute either good government or relevant opposition.  The idea that the Republican failure to support any Democratic policy is a move to placate the Trump base is just another losing proposition.  The Trump base no longer has the power or the numbers to put any one into office in the future and is shrinking on a daily basis.  Winning politics entails giving people a reason to vote and support policy.  Obstructing the passage of policies that benefit a majority of voters is not smart policy.  Stupid is as stupid does has become the keystone of Republican political thinking.