Today in News: Republicans Ghosting Trump Campaign
SAN FRANCISCO — Former California gubernatorial candidate and Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman became the latest Republican to break ranks and openly support Hillary Clinton. Although a handful of prominent Republicans have done the same, the vast majority of defectors are taking a different route.
Ghosting, in dating parlance, is the complete cut off of contact and communication for the purpose of ending a relationship without explanation or confrontation. Now, GOP leaders are using it en masse with the Trump campaign.
"It's just not worth the vitriolic response you get back from the guy when you try to let him down gently," explained a Midwestern congressman, who, like others interviewed for this story, requested he not be named. "I know the lack of closure can be disheartening for the other person, but I've seen what happens when my colleagues have tried to be honest."
Mr. Trump has shown a propensity for attacking those who, in his opinion, don't fall properly in line. In addition to dismissing their worthiness of his time and attention, he has taken to insulting their careers, their net worth relative to his own, and their physical appearance.
"The ambiguity helps you avoid getting harassed or threatened," noted one Red State governor. "He can always assume I moved away, got hit by a truck, or became 'a gay.'"