When This Blows Over

country and to its founding ideals. If you care about the future of this
republic, it is time to endorse Marco Rubio. Kasich, there's a little wind
in your sails, but it's not enough. Your country is calling you. Do the
right thing.
Ted Cruz is, I believe, pulling votes away from Trump, and for that
reason is useful in the race. But, Mr. Cruz, you are drawing too close to
Trump's politics. You too should change course.
Democrats, your leading candidate is too weak to count on as a firewall.
She might be able to pull off a general election victory against Trump,
but then again she might not. Too much is uncertain this year. You, too,
need to help the Republicans beat Trump; this is no moment for standing
by passively. If your deadline for changing your party affiliation has not
yet come, re-register and vote for Rubio, even if, like me, you cannot
stomach his opposition to marriage equality. I, too, would prefer Kasich
as the Republican nominee, but pursuing that goal will only make it
more likely that Trump takes the nomination. The republic cannot afford
that.
Finally, to all of you Republicans who have already dropped out, one
more, great act of public service awaits you. As candidates, you pledged
to support whomever the Republican party nominated. It's time to
revoke your pledge. Be bold, stand up and shout that you will not
support Trump if he is your party's nominee. Do it together. Hold one
big mother of a news conference. Endorse Rubio, together. It is time to
draw a bright line, and you are the ones on whom this burden falls. No
one else can do it.
Marco Rubio, this is also your moment to draw a bright line. You, too,
ought to rescind your pledge to support the party's nominee if it is
Trump.
Donald Trump has no respect for the basic rights that are the foundation
of constitutional democracy, nor for the requirements of decency
necessary to sustain democratic citizenship. Nor can any democracy