Published on: Sun, 14 Jun 2026 23:28:00 GMT
Original Story: In Georgia, Senate hopeful Mike Collins celebrates being Trump’s latest ‘MAGA’ pick in GOP primaries – AP News

Trump Picks Georgia: Loyalty’s Only Game

Alright, settle in, folks. Grab your lukewarm coffee and prepare for another riveting episode of “As the Political World Turns,” brought to you by the GOP. This week, we’re casting our weary gaze upon Georgia, where Senate hopeful Mike Collins has apparently hit the political jackpot. The man received the coveted “MAGA” pick from none other than Donald J. Trump himself. And honestly, aren’t we all just so terribly surprised?

The AP news blared it out, as if this were some kind of groundbreaking revelation. “Trump’s latest ‘MAGA’ pick!” they exclaimed, probably with a few exclamation points for good measure, because the world definitely needed to know that the former President continues to endorse people who pledge fealty to his brand. It’s less news, more just… Tuesday. Or whatever day it is. Honestly, the days just blur into one long, exhausting scroll now.

Mike Collins is, naturally, “celebrating” this divine intervention. And why wouldn’t he? In today’s Republican Party, a nod from the big man isn’t just an endorsement; it’s practically a coronation. It means you’ve passed the ultimate litmus test, proven your allegiance, and, crucially, demonstrated that you understand who the real sun in this particular political solar system is. Policy platforms? Debates on the issues? These are quaint notions from a bygone era, like dial-up internet or the idea of a bipartisan compromise. Now, it’s all about the brand, baby. And the brand demands loyalty, preferably in all caps.

The Kingmaker’s Decree: Georgia Edition

So, what exactly does it mean to be a “MAGA” pick in the current political climate? Well, it certainly isn’t about being the most qualified candidate, or having the most innovative ideas for infrastructure, or even demonstrating a profound understanding of legislative processes. No, no, no. Those are for the nerds. Being a “MAGA” pick means you’ve successfully navigated the labyrinthine, yet oddly straightforward, path to Donald Trump’s good graces.

This path typically involves a few key steps: Publicly affirming the 2020 election was stolen, regardless of the inconvenient facts or mountain of legal defeats; vociferously attacking any Republican deemed insufficiently loyal to Trump; and generally performing a masterclass in sycophancy. Mike Collins, it seems, has checked all these boxes with the dedication of a corporate drone trying to hit their quarterly KPIs. And for that, he gets the golden ticket – a retweet, a rally shout-out, and the tacit understanding that he’s part of the club. The very exclusive, very demanding club.

This isn’t about endorsements in the traditional sense, where a party leader might back a candidate based on shared ideological goals or a strategic vision for the state. This is a purely transactional affair. Trump grants you his blessing, and in return, you become a loyal foot soldier, ready to parrot talking points, defend the indefensible, and generally act as an extension of his political will. It’s a political patronage system, but instead of handing out government jobs, he’s handing out primary victories. Or at least, the *potential* for primary victories. Which, let’s be honest, is often all it takes in the modern GOP.

From “Rigged System” to Rigger-in-Chief

And here’s where the elder millennial in me just wants to curl up in a fetal position and scroll TikTok until my brain turns to mush. The sheer, unadulterated irony of it all is enough to give you whiplash. Remember 2016? Ah, simpler times. Donald Trump, then a mere political neophyte, burst onto the scene, railing against the “establishment.” He famously, and repeatedly, dismissed the idea of endorsements from party elites. He mocked the “rigged system” and the notion that party bosses should dictate who the voters chose.

During his 2016 primary campaign, Trump went out of his way to brand himself as the anti-establishment candidate, the outsider who didn’t need or want the blessing of Washington D.C.’s entrenched political class. He’d famously say things like, “I’m not asking for endorsements. I don’t need endorsements. I’m doing this for the people.” He even went so far as to call the entire political process “rigged” and claimed that endorsements were just part of the swampy machine he was there to drain. He presented himself as above the political patronage system, a man of the people who didn’t play by the old rules.

Fast forward to today, and what do we have? The very man who once decried the “rigged system” is now arguably the biggest rigger in chief, the undisputed kingmaker, wielding his endorsements like a royal scepter. He has become the ultimate establishment figure, demanding absolute fealty from those who seek to climb the Republican ladder. The man who once scoffed at the idea of party leaders dictating choices now *is* the party leader, and he *is* dictating choices. It’s a masterclass in political evolution, or perhaps, just a straightforward demonstration of power consolidating itself, regardless of past rhetoric. Truly, a sight to behold for those of us who appreciate a good full-circle moment, even if it makes us want to scream into the void.

The Unwritten Rules of the Trump Primary

So, what are these brave, ambitious souls like Mike Collins doing to earn their stripes? It’s not a secret handshake, though sometimes it feels like it might be. It’s a public, often performative, display of unwavering loyalty. Candidates are expected to echo Trump’s talking points, even the ones that defy logic or verifiable fact. They must be prepared to defend his past actions, no matter how controversial, and vociferously attack his perceived enemies.

The chilling effect this has on independent thought within the Republican Party is palpable. Why risk expressing a nuanced opinion, or God forbid, disagreeing with the former President on a minor point, when the penalty is political oblivion? The “litmus test” isn’t about conservative principles, fiscal responsibility, or even a coherent foreign policy anymore. It’s about Trump. Pure, unadulterated Trump. Can you say the right things? Can you project the correct level of adoration? Can you withstand the inevitable scrutiny from the MAGA base if you ever waver?

It’s a zero-sum game, and the rules are crystal clear. You’re either with him, or you’re a RINO, a traitor, and an enemy of the people. There’s no middle ground, no room for dissent, and certainly no space for critical thinking. Just fall in line, collect your endorsement, and hope it’s enough to drag you across the finish line.

A Political Faustian Bargain?

One has to wonder, what’s the long-term play here for these candidates? Sure, a Trump endorsement provides an immediate, undeniable boost in a Republican primary. It opens doors to donor networks, energizes a significant portion of the base, and provides instant media attention (even if it’s just from us, sigh). But at what cost?

Do these candidates truly believe in every single thing they’re forced to say and do? Or are they making a cynical calculation, trading their independent political identity for a shot at power? It feels like a political Faustian bargain, where the candidate trades their soul – or at least their political autonomy – for a chance at winning. Once you’re branded as a “MAGA” pick, you’re expected to remain in that lane, forever beholden to the whims and pronouncements of the man who gave you your start.

The implications for the Republican Party, and indeed for American democracy, are significant. When loyalty to an individual supersedes loyalty to principles, institutions, or even the truth, the entire foundation begins to crack. It breeds a generation of politicians who prioritize pleasing one man over serving their constituents or upholding the Constitution. And that, dear readers, is a recipe for… well, let’s just say it’s not looking great for the long-term health of the republic.

The Grand Illusion of the “People’s Choice”

And let’s not forget the grand illusion woven around these endorsements. They’re often presented as a reflection of the “will of the people,” as if Trump is merely channeling the desires of the grassroots. In reality, it’s the exact opposite. It’s a top-down imposition, designed to shape the grassroots in his image, to mold the party to his specifications. The “people’s choice” becomes whatever Trump chooses for the people.

The performative aspect of “MAGA” loyalty is almost theatrical. Candidates trip over themselves to be seen at Mar-a-Lago, to tweet the most fawning praise, to repeat the most outlandish conspiracy theories. It’s a constant audition, a never-ending quest for validation from the ultimate arbiter of conservative bona fides. And the media, bless our hearts, dutifully reports on each new endorsement as if it were a significant development, further amplifying the power of the kingmaker.

So, Mike Collins is celebrating. Good for him. He played the game, and he got the prize. But for those of us watching from the sidelines, with our eyes firmly rolled into the back of our skulls, it’s just another dreary reminder of the state of play. The loyalty test continues, the contradictions pile up, and the political theater goes on, utterly oblivious to the collective burnout of anyone paying attention.

Snarky Takeaway

Another day, another Trump endorsement for a candidate who passed the ultimate loyalty test. Who needs policy debates when you can just pledge fealty to the grand poobah and get a golden ticket? It’s almost as if the man who railed against “rigged systems” in 2016 has discovered how much fun it is to be the one doing the rigging. Shocking, I know. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find where I put my “This Is Fine” coffee mug.