Bret Stephens argues that the nomination of former Representative Matt Gaetz as attorney general is a symptom of the Republican Party’s moral decay. Stephens, writing in The Times, criticizes the party for its refusal to release the Ethics Committee report on Gaetz’s behavior, citing disingenuous excuses and hypocrisy. He suggests that Trump sees Gaetz’s unsuitability as a virtue, reflecting the party’s commitment to “perpetuating the spirit of cynicism” and prioritizing power over moral standards.
Stephens references Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s 1960 essay “Defining Deviancy Down,” which argued that societies can only punish a certain amount of deviant behavior before normalizing it. Stephens notes that if Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Gaetz, is considered suitable despite his alleged misconduct, the party’s moral standards are indeed perishing.
Stephens also references a hopeful alternative to this trend: the recognition of societal limits and the commitment to defining deviancy “up.” He cites examples of crime bills and law enforcement innovations that have helped make cities safer. Stephens urges readers to start soon after him, emphasizing the need for politicians to prioritize moral standards in their pursuit of power.
Stephens’ article highlights the tension between Trump’s cynicism and the long-standing tradition of holding public figures accountable for their actions. He suggests that if Republicans cannot be trusted to uphold moral standards, they risk losing the trust of the American people.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/19/opinion/trump-gaetz-investigation-report.html