Conservative Strategists Debate Urgency of Institutional Control Ahead of 2028 Election

A prominent conservative voice, Kevin Bass PhD MS, has publicly challenged the "have patience" approach within his political movement, warning that a failure to secure institutional control could lead to dire consequences in the 2028 election. His recent social media post reflects a growing internal debate among conservatives regarding the strategy needed to prevent a repeat of the 2020 political landscape.

In a direct statement, Bass articulated his concerns, stating, > "In 2020, COVID happened. Democrats dominated the narrative for the year. Trump lost the election. All you 'have patience' folks: how do you know something like this will not happen in 2028? If it does and we are not in control of the institutions, we are f*cked." He further characterized the "have patience" strategy as "just a gamble. A gamble you would be willing to make for the country. How does that make sense? To me, that is completely insane. I am completely unable to understand."

Bass, a controversial figure known for his critiques of COVID-19 public health policies and appearances on conservative media, frequently aligns with anti-establishment viewpoints. His remarks underscore a sentiment among some conservatives that the 2020 election outcome was significantly influenced by what they perceive as a dominant "narrative" controlled by Democrats and a lack of institutional leverage.

The discussion around institutional control and election integrity has intensified within conservative circles since 2020. Reporting from sources like The Guardian indicates that some Republican efforts are aimed at ensuring "permanent control of the US government" through various means, including legislative changes to voting rights. This perspective views control over governmental and societal institutions as crucial for future electoral success and policy implementation.

Political analysts have noted that the "MAGA movement" and broader conservative factions express hostility towards the "federal administrative State" and harbor "suspicion of elite institutions, scientific establishment and the knowledge infrastructure," as highlighted by Hindustan Times. This distrust fuels the urgency expressed by figures like Bass, who advocate for more proactive measures rather than a patient, long-term approach to political influence. The debate reflects a strategic crossroads for conservatives as they look toward the next presidential cycle.