Who were the GOP leaders pre-Trump? Mitt Romney was the 2012 nominee, and he has condemned Trump for years. John McCain, condemned Trump. The George W and George HW Bush both have condemned Trump. Dick Cheney, the absolute worst pre-Trump republican, has condemned Trump as has his brave daughter.

This is the type of leader the Repubican party will return to. I think that's where DeSantis, Youngkin, et al are at. I agree it's not a pretty picture given their horrible policies, but they will not seek to overturn the constitution if they are voted out of power. I also think, or hope, the GOP has learned a lesson. Trump is an aberration that was largely caused by decades of republicans giving a wink and a nod to right wing fringe conspiracy theories. I suspect we'll see at least a little less of that leadership by stoking deranged fear bullshit in the future.

John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech in 1961 used this metaphor: "Those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside."