Now Trump Is Really Hurting the GOP Race

Jonathan Chait: “Donald Trump’s candidacy exposed a burning, and heretofore mostly concealed, resentment of immigrants among large segments of the Republican base. As the campaign has proceeded, it has exposed a second related resentment, which Republicans have only barely concealed: paranoia and hate against Muslim-Americans.”

First Read: “If you wanted another example of how Donald Trump — who helped lead the “birther” movement against President Obama during his first term in office — has negatively impacted the Republican presidential race, look no further than the last 72 hours… This is what happens when a party welcomes with open arms someone who continues to espouse ‘birther’ views — and when that someone leads the party’s presidential nominating race. Would we be discussing President Obama’s religion (again) and whether a person of Muslim faith can/should be president without Trump? Doubtful.”