

A Guide to the Suddenly Crowded Republican Primary
13 snips Jun 8, 2023
Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the surprisingly crowded field of Republican candidates for the 2024 presidential nomination. Despite Donald Trump leading the polls, lesser-known candidates continue to emerge, driven by the hope of capitalizing on perceived weaknesses in frontrunners. The conversation sheds light on Mike Pence's attempts to redefine himself, Chris Christie’s tactical bid, and the unique strategies candidates employ to navigate a complex political landscape, all while grappling with Trump’s dominant presence.
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Rationale of Lower-Tier Candidates
- Many long-shot Republicans are entering the 2024 race despite Trump's lead and DeSantis' strong second position.
- Their rationale includes the historical precedent of frontrunners stumbling and perceived weaknesses in DeSantis' early performance.
Framework for Understanding the Race
- The Republican primary race can be best understood through how candidates relate to Trump.
- They either mimic him, try to outdo him, or, like Chris Christie, aim to move the party past him.
Chris Christie's Stance
- Chris Christie, once a Trump advisor, now positions himself as the candidate to take Trump down.
- Christie cites Trump's actions after the 2020 election and January 6th as reasons for his opposition.