One thing about this whole thing surprises me.......Why Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy did not have more of an effect (which was none) than it did.
Would have expected it would have at least brought a handful of reps over to McCarthy. Go figure.
“One thing about this whole thing surprises me.......Why Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy did not have more of an effect (which was none) than it did.
Would have expected it would have at least brought a handful of reps over to McCarthy. Go figure.”
I think the results of the midterms exposed Trump and Republicans are no longer in fear of him. They can openly defy it be critical of him without fear of repercussions.
I can think of three possible reasons why President Trump would endorse McCarthy as Speaker:
1) He really wants McCarthy to be Speaker, and believes his opinion as de facto leader of the Republican Party and the MAGA movement will sway some Republicans to vote for McCarthy.
2) He believes that since McCarthy has over 200 votes, no other nominee has any chance of beating McCarthy… and a protracted battle over it is pointless and only hurts the Republican cause.
3) He believes the 20 rebels will eventually have to concede, and McCarthy will win. By endorsing the winner, he will build his status as “kingmaker” in the Republican Party, which makes him more powerful leading up to 2024.
If I had to guess, I’d say it’s a combination of 2 and 3. Not 1.
“Why Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy did not have more of an effect (which was none) than it did.”
You are actually asking why the swamp inhabitants don’t do what Trump wants. You can’t separate out any other body in the country where Trump has less support.
Written differently. All house democrats agree with Trump.
Trump is ending his own political career and showing himself to be the non-ideologue he has always been. Chastising the pro-life base and blaming them on the losses was kinda the last straw. He is losing support and will likely not be the nominee. We’re tired of being attacked for what we believe and we’re tired of leaders who are ideologically melonheads.
Perhaps it’s no surprise at all that Trump’s exhortations carry no weight on this issue