What becomes of GOP?

Regarding the Oct. 10 column from Leonard Pitts Jr. (“What becomes of Trump believers?”): A better story would have been “What now becomes of Republicans?” As a lifelong member of the GOP, it pains me to say, “We got what we got.”

When there were 16 other candidates on that debate stage, this all could have been stopped then by simply asking Trump for specifics on how he was going to do what he said. But, initially, no one asked because they didn’t take him seriously. Then later they were too intimidated by his insults to ask. He still doesn’t have the answers. Much of what he campaigned on are, in fact, questions that need to be answered and issues to be addressed.

Now, here we are. Where does the party go from here? Is there someone out there who can tap into the legitimate concerns and fears of the American public, but who can do it in a fair and respectful way, rather than by bombast and insult?

My hope is that by 2020, that candidate will emerge. If the Republican Party still exists.

Mike Payson

Spokane Valley