Gaetz out, Oz in, and your lingering election questions
Nov 22, 2024
auto_awesome
Leigh Ann Caldwell, a senior political reporter at The Washington Post and co-author of the Early Brief newsletter, shares compelling insights about Matt Gaetz's abrupt withdrawal from the attorney general race, likening it to a fleeting Trump administration moment. The discussion dives into the challenges Trump faces from Republican senators and the implications for future nominations. Caldwell also tackles listener questions about the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2024 election, highlighting the contrasting views among voters and Democratic reflections on engagement.
Matt Gaetz's swift withdrawal from the attorney general nomination highlights fundamental divisions within the Republican Party regarding Trump's influence.
Emerging election data reveals that despite Trump's victories, his perceived electoral mandate is weakened due to Republican losses in competitive swing states.
Deep dives
Withdrawal of Matt Gaetz
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for attorney general shortly after it was announced, lasting less than a week. His unpopularity among fellow Republicans and ongoing investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use contributed to this quick downfall. Even though the Department of Justice closed its investigation into him, a pending House Ethics Committee investigation made his confirmation untenable. Ultimately, it became evident that Gaetz lacked the necessary votes to succeed in the Senate, leading to his decision to step back.
Implications for Trump's Influence
The failure of Gaetz's nomination represents a significant setback for President Trump, as it shows that some Senate Republicans are willing to resist him. Initially, there was an expectation that Trump's influence would ensure a smooth confirmation process for his candidates. However, the resistance faced by Gaetz signals that certain institutional boundaries still exist within the Senate, preventing Trump from being able to impose his will unchallenged. This situation raises questions about how the Senate will react to future controversial nominations and whether this event will embolden them to push back against Trump.
Voter Mandate Complexity
The notion that voters provided Trump with a clear mandate in the recent election is complicated by emerging election data. Although he achieved notable victories, Republicans did not significantly expand their presence in swing states, and some Senate races were lost. Analysis reveals that Republican gains were largely concentrated in states already strongly favoring Trump, while losses occurred in competitive areas. As a result, the Republican Party's claim of a broad mandate becomes increasingly strained amid the complex reality of these election outcomes.
Trends in the 2024 Election Turnout
Turnout in the 2024 election was high but did not exceed the record levels of the previous election, with approximately 156 million votes cast. Much of the in-person voting reduced reliance on mail-in ballots compared to 2020, contributing to longer lines at polling places. However, a notable drop in turnout among Democratic voters, particularly in urban areas, suggests shifts in voter engagement as the dynamics of party loyalty evolve. Additionally, Trump's campaign efforts specifically targeted infrequent voters, contributing to Republican enthusiasm, while Democrats faced challenges without their leader on the ballot.
“Post Reports” co-host Martine Powers and senior political reporter Aaron Blake talk with reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell, who co-authors the Early Brief politics newsletter for The Post, about why Gaetz’s bid for attorney general lasted just eight days. Aaron breaks down why Trump’s electoral mandate is actually weaker than he claims. Plus, answers to listeners’ and readers’ lingering questions about the 2024 election.
Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Mary Jo Murphy and mixed by Justin Gerrish.
Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here.