GOP Leaders Betray Lincoln's Legacy, Embrace Moral Decay

Idaho Republicans' embrace of Trump-aligned figures like Matt Gaetz would horrify the Great Emancipator

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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This article argues that if Abraham Lincoln were to return today, he would be appalled by the moral decay and white nationalist leanings of the current Republican Party leadership, both nationally and in Idaho. The author contends that GOP officials in Idaho, including the governor and congressional delegation, have abandoned Lincoln's principles of inclusion, equality and decency in favor of aligning with figures like former congressman Matt Gaetz, who has been accused of sexual misconduct and other unethical behavior.

Why it matters

Lincoln's vision of a party dedicated to human rights, dignity and welcoming immigrants has been betrayed by the modern GOP's embrace of white nationalism, nativism and moral decay. This represents a troubling departure from the Republican Party's historical legacy and the principles of its most revered leader.

The details

The article traces the GOP's moral decline to Nixon's 'southern strategy' that brought segregationist Democrats into the Republican fold. It argues that current Idaho GOP leaders, including the governor and congressional delegation, have aligned themselves with this crumbling anti-civil rights and anti-immigrant faction, out of fear of displeasing former President Trump. The author is particularly critical of the decision to feature Rep. Matt Gaetz, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, as the keynote speaker at a recent Lincoln Day dinner in Kootenai County.

  • On February 28, 2026, Rep. Matt Gaetz was the keynote speaker at the Kootenai County Lincoln Day dinner.
  • In December 2024, Idaho Reps. Fulcher and Simpson voted to block the release of the Gaetz report, which detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against Gaetz.

The players

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, known as the Great Emancipator for his role in abolishing slavery. Lincoln was a founding member of the Republican Party and championed principles of inclusion, equality and welcoming immigrants.

Matt Gaetz

A former Republican congressman who has been accused of paying women for sex and having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. Gaetz was featured as the keynote speaker at a recent Lincoln Day dinner in Idaho, which the author finds deeply troubling.

Richard Nixon

The 37th President of the United States, whose 'southern strategy' is credited with bringing segregationist Democrats into the Republican Party, contributing to the moral decline of the GOP.

Len Jordan

A former Republican U.S. Senator from Idaho who was fiscally conservative but also a champion of human rights and dignity, voting for landmark civil rights legislation.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous women and was found liable for sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Imagine the shock, dismay and disgust Abraham Lincoln might feel about the state and national leadership of his beloved Republican Party, if he were to return to life today.”

— Jim Jones, Author (rawstory.com)

“He would find a leadership of the Grand Old Party dedicated to white nationalism, nativism and moral decay.”

— Jim Jones, Author (rawstory.com)

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

The Republican Party's embrace of figures like Matt Gaetz and its drift toward white nationalism and moral decay represents a betrayal of the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and other principled GOP leaders who championed inclusion, equality and human dignity. This troubling trend raises concerns about the future direction of the party and its ability to uphold the values it was founded upon.