To the editor:

It’s not guaranteed that Donald Trump will legally be allowed to run for president. If the legal system forbids his run, who will the Republicans offer? Trump has created an alternate reality that has spiraled into a race to the bottom: a big-tent party of extremism, racism, propaganda, sexism, grift and lies that has morphed into the Big Lie Trump Cult! Their refusal to follow the rule of law and democracy and their dependence on violence has produced loyalty oaths with streaks of authoritarianism.

Not all Republican candidates have embraced this cult leader, but many have taken positions they would never have imagined prior to Trump. Trump’s rogue and lawlessness appeal has pulled many into his personality circle and developed an alleged criminal enterprise approaching that of a mob following the commands of its boss. The playbook has been written. Will they continue to follow it? Will it still play out without Trump? Even if he is behind bars? Will they still abandon the norms that politicians take for granted they should abide by? Will there still be loyalty oaths?

Republican candidates face a critical turning point. We are still waiting for someone to break and pivot toward a more positive direction. MAGA Republicans have trouble honoring the rule of law and democracy. Will we still see a further polarization, or a functioning democracy? Will any be able to shed the bonds of loyalty? Will it still be Trump without Trump?

Charley Crabtree,

Lawrence