Jumped for Trump

It was Representative Lee Zeldin’s right, we concede, to endorse whomever he chose in the race for the United States presidency. However, it was an insult to a large proportion of the people he is supposed to represent that he jumped aboard the Donald  Trump train so quickly once his nomination appeared assured. By supporting Mr. Trump, Mr. Zeldin has appeared to hitch his political future to an incendiary demagogue, one who appears ready to throw the world into assured economic turmoil and closer to nuclear war. 

Mr. Zeldin is hardly alone. On Long Island, Representative Peter King, who is also a race-baiting demagogue, has come out for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. The Atlantic magazine published a rundown late last week on who else among the party had supported Mr. Trump. These included Bob Dole, John Boehner, Dick Cheney, Eric Cantor, and Newt Gingrich. Even the speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, appears to be coming around after earlier hesitation.

It is all deeply disappointing: There was a time when being a Republican meant something other than hate and ignorance. That so many of the party’s leaders are climbing aboard the Trump ship says they are putting their careers above principle, and above decency. 

We would have hoped Mr. Zeldin would stand on the side of restraint. It is a sad moment for the American political process and the First Congressional District.