Editorial: The Trump message Bloomberg wants Republicans to hear
Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg generated considerable buzz when he showed up at the Democratic National Convention last week to endorse Hillary Clinton in prime time.
Or rather, to excoriate Republican nominee Donald Trump. His endorsement of Clinton was less about her - although Bloomberg did offer some kind words - and more about Bloomberg's fellow New York billionaire.
What does it say about Trump that someone like Bloomberg, who was elected mayor as a Republican, would show up at the Democrats' convention to warn against him?
What does it say about Trump that Bloomberg is hardly a lone voice of opposition among those who normally would be expected to support the Republican nominee but instead seem frightened at the prospect of his presidency.
In Illinois, Sen. Mark Kirk opposes him. So does Rep. Bob Dold of Kenilworth, among others. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Channahon so far declines to endorse. Likewise, Gov. Bruce Rauner ducked the Republican National Convention and refuses to get drawn into conversations about Trump.
Some might argue that Kirk and Dold are too moderate. But then what do they argue about Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas?
The Atlantic put together a partial list of Republicans who are either opposing Trump or at least so far sitting the race out.
In addition to the names we already mentioned: Former presidents George W. and George H.W. Bush; former First Lady Barbara Bush; former presidential nominee Mitt Romney; former House Minority Leader Tom DeLay; political strategist Karl Rove; former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage; former National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft; former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson of Barrington; former senators Larry Pressler of South Dakota and Norm Coleman of Minnesota, senators Susan Collins of Maine, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Dean Heller of Nevada and Mike Lee of Utah; governors Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Larry Hogan of Maryland, John Kasich of Ohio, Susan Martinez of New Mexico, Brian Sandoval of Nevada and Rick Snyder of Michigan.
So many Republican leaders so cool toward Trump. His defenders like to think it's because the establishment wants to crown its own.
But so many? Not just a few. So many.
Bloomberg argued that Trump is "a risky, reckless and radical choice." He called on voters to "elect a sane, competent person."
So many Republicans so cool toward Trump. Are we to believe that none of them are motivated by their view of the country's welfare?