Staff Reports
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has thrown his hat into the ring of political correctness by taking a public stance against attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity, seemingly aimed at former President Donald Trump. Hogan’s recent post on X claimed such attacks are “unacceptable and abhorrent,” showcasing a curious blend of virtue signaling and career positioning as he gears up for a challenging U.S. Senate bid in a decidedly blue Maryland.
Hogan, who has never been shy about criticizing Trump, seems to be taking advantage of the current sentiment among some GOP voters disillusioned by the former president’s colorful remarks regarding Harris’s racial background. Trump’s musings, including a curious observation that Harris “was Indian all the way and then all of a sudden she made a turn and she became a black person,” have not done much to endear him to moderates. Naturally, Hogan’s comments appear to be more about securing his political future than any belief in civility as he tries to navigate the treacherous waters of Maryland’s political landscape.
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Hogan indirectly calls out Trump comments at NABJ convention: ‘Unacceptable and abhorrent’ Former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan posted on X that it’s “unacceptable and abhorrent to attack Vice President Harris or anyone’s racialhttps://t.co/j4iWZTjiki
— Conservative News Daily (@ConservNewsDly) August 1, 2024
The race is an uphill battle for Hogan, a self-proclaimed centrist with an abortion-rights background, trying to woo voters in Maryland with its entrenched Democratic majority. Despite Trump’s endorsement, Hogan has made it clear he prefers to dance around any associations with the former president. This avoidance feels less like a principled stand and more like a tactical retreat from a candidate worried that Trump’s polarizing presence might hurt his chances in a state that still seems allergic to GOP candidates.
Hogan has even faced flak from members of his party, with Lara Trump calling him out for suggesting that the results of Trump’s New York trial should be accepted. Her criticism serves as a reminder that in today’s GOP, loyalty to Trump is not just a suggestion; it’s an unwritten rule. The former president himself has chosen to play it cool, suggesting that he “would like to see” Hogan win while steering clear of any direct criticism, perhaps to ensure he doesn’t alienate any potential Republican voters in the process.
Polling indicates that Hogan is up against tough competition, with Democrat Angela Alsobrooks currently holding the lead and benefitting from Maryland’s solid Democratic base. The political scene in Maryland is notoriously difficult for Republicans, and Hogan looks to be carving out a path based on his brand of moderation. As he tries to balance the demands of a radicalizing Republican base with the need to appeal to a broader electorate, the question remains whether he’ll emerge as a true challenger or simply a footnote in a blue state’s continued Democratic dominance.
