SC Governor McMaster reminds us that the GOP's America is not a meritocracy

For years, the American people have been assailed with hysteria about DEI and building back a strong meritocracy. Pete Hegseth has done a fantastic job of showing just how hollow an ideal this is, but McMaster’s move here is a good reminder of how systemic the back-patting, rotting hypocrisy within the GOP is. President Trump suggested the appointment and McMaster abided within hours.

To be sure, it appears that the actual effect on American politics of this appointment will be limited. Darline Graham Nordone, the next Senator from South Carolina, will only be in office for six months - assuming that she doesn’t run and win in next month’s primary. She has no experience in elected office, but has worked for SC’s Vocal Rehabilitation Department and for the South Carolina Commission for the Blind.

Why it’s here:

1. The emptiness of the GOP’s attacks on DEI must be understood by the voting public, There’s no way out of this environment without it. The key isn’t the hypocrisy; it’s that the GOP cares for the actual outcome so little that they’re willing to tear everything down around us.
2. Expect the defenses of this to focus on McMaster’s stewardship of the party. It could be risky to appoint a current leader to the seat, fracturing the party and impacting the primary process negatively. The answer to this is: who cares? This isn’t a pageant with points for the most moving tribute to a dead Senator. This is a political system that is dangerously close to destroying every norm that’s kept it together as long as it has.

Cover photo: Rainer Ehrhardt - AP Photo, June 2015