By Matt Underwood McConnell: ‘There’s certain similarities right now to the ‘30s’ — that’s what he’s saying, and it’s a pretty loaded statement. He’s drawing a comparison to the pre-World War II era, a time of global instability and rising authoritarianism. He’s pointing to things like the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which is widely seen as having worsened the Great Depression by hindering international trade. But, the underlying feeling here is, the world is at a precipice.
He’s also highlighting what he sees as a resurgence of isolationist sentiment, referencing the “America First” movement, which, in the context of the 1930s, was hesitant to engage in European affairs. Now, he identifies China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea as adversaries. He sees their shared animosity towards the United States as a unifying factor, a dangerous one. The emphasis here is on preparedness, the idea that the nation isn’t ready for the challenges ahead.
The piece also focuses on the situation in Ukraine, and the potential consequences of a Russian victory. McConnell warns against the potential outcome, stating the importance of avoiding a situation where Russia wins and America loses, due to the enormous implications worldwide. He also wants people to remember that the money spent in support of Ukraine is, in part, being used in the United States to modernize industrial bases.
The response to McConnell’s warning is, in a word, pointed. Many people are saying, it’s hard to take him seriously. Some people directly place a large portion of the blame on his shoulders. They believe his actions paved the way for many of the current problems. He’s being accused of enabling Donald Trump and his rise to power, prioritizing political gain over the well-being of the country, and of not acting against the ex-president after the January 6th insurrection.
There is a strong feeling that McConnell is complicit in the current state of affairs. The criticism centers on his role in shaping the Supreme Court, and the lasting impact of his actions, such as preventing President Obama from appointing a Supreme Court Justice. Many see these moves as contributing factors to the political climate.
The overall tone suggests deep disappointment and anger. The common sentiment is that it’s too little, too late for McConnell to express concern. Some people are of the opinion that he is the architect of the issues he is now highlighting. He is called out for what is considered a lack of self-awareness, and accused of contributing to the very dangers he’s now warning against.
The feeling is one of betrayal, with many believing he sacrificed the country’s future for political expediency. The focus is not just on Trump, but also the Republican party as a whole. This perceived betrayal is amplified by the fact that it seems to have been done in the name of a specific political agenda.
The critique is harsh. People are calling out what they see as his hypocrisy. The accusations are of deliberately creating the situation he now decries. He is being held accountable for his past actions. People are claiming that he is the single biggest person at fault for creating the current MAGA dominated political environment.
Overall, this reflects a sentiment of profound frustration and disillusionment with McConnell’s role in shaping the political landscape. He’s seen as one of the key enablers, responsible for the very problems he now claims to be concerned about. His words are not met with agreement, but with a mixture of anger, disbelief, and a sense of utter contempt. The response seems to be, “You helped build this, now you’re complaining about it?”