The majority of politicians are glorified sock puppets who are funded by special interest groups and possess very little self-awareness, let alone agency.
However, the emerging populist wing within the Republican Party offers an alternative in both policymaking and how to kindle genuine grassroots support. Congressmen like Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has shown in both his legislative record and ability to raise funds that he is a bonafide populist that has an organic support base.
According to a tweet that Gaetz posted on April 16, 2022, he raised over $5 million with over 100,000 donors. All without having to rely on lobbyists and PACs.
He tweeted, ”Thanks to the support of over 100,000 donors our campaign has raised over $5m.
I refuse donations from lobbyists & PACs.
I work for you, not them.
Your prayers, cheers, kindness and even criticisms make me a better congressman.
We will not be stopped. We will Save America.”
Thanks to the support of over 100,000 donors our campaign has raised over $5m.
I refuse donations from lobbyists & PACs.
I work for you, not them.
Your prayers, cheers, kindness and even criticisms make me a better congressman.
We will not be stopped. We will Save America.
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 16, 2022
Gaetz’s support among liberty conservatives is very much warranted given his track record on several issues. The Florida congressman is a staunch Second Amendment supporter who has opposed draconian ATF regulations on firearms accessories and has backed legislation to abolish the ATF.
Gaetz has also supported the RAISE Act, legislation that restricts legal immigration, and legislation to defund sanctuary cities. When it comes to foreign policy, Gaetz has solid non-interventionist instincts. Gaetz opposed efforts to use direct military intervention in Venezuela and opposed escalations against Iran during the Trump era. During the Biden regime’s rule, Gaetz opposed punitive sanctions directed towards Russia.
Overall, it makes sense that grassroots conservatives support Gaetz. Issues ranging from immigration patriotism to foreign policy restraint are incredibly popular among the grassroots.
On top of that, Gaetz has populist appeal for his rejection of donations from political action committees, a move that he made on February 27, 2020.
Politicians should not be reflexively praised. But in the case of Matt Gaetz, who has a proven track record of standing up for populist issues in Congress, support is very much merited.
Politicians who exhibit good behavior should be rewarded accordingly.
