The article discusses how Republican candidates who once embraced Donald Trump during their primaries are now distancing themselves from him as his popularity wanes. Progressive commentator David Pakman argues that these candidates view Trump as a liability, using him as an 'anchor' to navigate primary elections but now needing to appeal to voters who oppose him. Ralph Alvarado, a Trump-backed GOP nominee in Kentucky, is cited as an example, with his campaign removing references to Trump from its website and replacing photos of him alongside the president with images highlighting Alvarado's personal attributes. Pakman notes that while candidates may have relied on Trump's influence during primaries, they must now focus on attracting voters who cannot tolerate his presence. The article highlights the strategic shift in political messaging, emphasizing that although candidates can edit their content to exclude Trump, their records remain unchanged. This trend reflects broader concerns about Trump's impact on Republican campaigns and the challenges of maintaining a cohesive message in a polarized political landscape.