Bret Stephens, a columnist for The New York Times often labeled as a “conservative,” recently wrote an op-ed titled “Republicans Will Regret a Second Trump Term.” In it, he outlines three main reasons why he believes a Trump reelection would be disastrous for the GOP.

First, Stephens argues that Trump’s return to the White House will “re-energize and radicalize” the left. He suggests that the extreme reactions seen during the George Floyd protests were primarily Trump’s fault. However, this perspective fails to account for the broader societal issues contributing to such unrest.

Second, Stephens predicts that Trump will be a “down-ballot loser,” causing further division and paralysis in government. Yet, many would argue that the current political landscape is already deeply divided, and a Trump reelection might not significantly change that dynamic.

Third, Stephens fears that Trump will appoint his most loyal supporters to key positions, leading to policies that traditional Republicans may find extreme. He worries that Trump’s second-term personnel will be more aligned with Trump’s direct influence and less with established Republican ideals.

Stephens’ viewpoint highlights the disconnect between coastal elites and everyday Americans. His claim that the Biden years have been “mostly free” of leftist extremism ignores significant events, such as the anti-Semitic riots in Los Angeles. These incidents reflect ongoing societal tensions that cannot be overlooked.

The timing of Stephens’ op-ed, published just before the assassination attempt on Trump, underscores the volatile political climate. Since the attempt, media narratives have continued to blame Trump for various societal issues, aligning with Stephens’ predictions.

For many conservatives, Stephens’ warnings are viewed through a lens of skepticism. They see him as part of an elite group disconnected from the grassroots Republican base. These voters believe the mainstream media will oppose any Republican who poses a threat to their preferred political order, whether it’s Trump or another candidate.

Stephens’ column reflects a broader issue within the media: the tendency to view conservative movements through a narrow, elite perspective. For many in the GOP, the challenges and criticisms highlighted by Stephens are part of the ongoing struggle to represent the interests of everyday Americans against a deeply entrenched establishment.