Former New Mexico governor and independent presidential candidate Gary Johnson frequently expressed his sense of being ignored by the Republican Party. He has voiced his displeasure in interviews and public appearances that his social beliefs did not coincide with the party's growing conservatism on topics such as social welfare, immigration, and abortion rights.
Johnson's sentiment is comparable to someone who is standing in a vast desert and feels cut off from the busy city in the distance. Johnson felt excluded by a political establishment that appeared to drift further away from his beliefs over time, much like this person finds it difficult to get acceptance or support from people in the city.
Johnson has a reputation for holding positions on matters that deviate from the views of the majority of Republicans. He advocated for legalizing marijuana and allowing abortion, for example, both of which run counter to traditional conservative beliefs. Despite having previously been a member in good standing, this divergence made him feel alienated within the party.
Johnson is also irritated because he believes that more outspoken Republican Party members who support more stringent social policies are drowning out his voice. His calls for moderation and flexibility are ignored or disregarded, while others' voices are readily heard and amplified. It's as though he's shouting into a storm.
Johnson's candid expression of these sentiments brought attention to a larger trend in American politics: the growing polarization that can cause people to feel cut off from the parties they once believed represented them. The intricacies of political affiliations and the dynamic character of ideological alignment in modern society are brought to light by his remarks.