Longtime Republican strategist Steve Schmidt, who now runs the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, announced he is finally registering as a Democrat.
Steve breaks some big news about his party affiliation. And the legendary @carlbernstein breaks down today’s news and puts it in historical context. It may not be the episode you want to hear, but need to hear. https://t.co/buZYaKs2Sc pic.twitter.com/0n59vgjv92
— David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) December 15, 2020
“I spent 29 years as a Republican, I’ve spent two and a half as an independent, and later this afternoon I will register as a member of the Democratic Party,” Schmidt said in a recent interview with “Battleground” podcast co-host David Plouffe.
“Because in America today, it’s only the Democratic Party—which is the oldest political party in the world—that stands for the ideas and ideals of American liberty,” Schmidt said.
Plouffe, who served as one of former President Barack Obama’s senior advisers welcomed Schmidt to the party.
“Well, we’re glad to have you. Welcome brother,” Plouffe said.
Schmidt was a key member of the late Sen. John McCain’s, R-Ariz., presidential campaign in 2008 and on former President George W. Bush’s campaign in 2004.
He renounced the Republican Party in 2018 and began to identify as a NeverTrump independent, co-founding the Lincoln Project.
Both Democrats and Republicans have eyed the organization with suspicious, criticizing its members as “grifters” for raising money to wage a largely ineffective campaign based around online attack videos.
Though Schmidt blamed President Donald Trump for forcing him out of the GOP, Schmidt also claimed that the entire GOP is complicit for allowing “white nationalists” and “militia groups” to become “the mainstream part of the coalition.”
“I think we win—and by we, I mean America—or they win,” Schmidt said. “And I think the place where that fight will take place from is in the Democratic Party.”
Like Plouffe, Conservatives were quick to celebrate Schmidt’s exit.
Byeeeee ???
— Lisa Boothe (@LisaMarieBoothe) December 16, 2020
Lmao!!! This guy isn’t a damm Republican. He’s a treasonous fool. Belongs with the Dems.
— Breanna Morello ?? (@breannamorello) December 16, 2020
