Pod Save America "Will Trump Cost Mitch the Senate?"
Aug 23, 2022
Beto O'Rourke, a former U.S. Representative and current Texas gubernatorial candidate, joins the discussion on the chaotic dynamics within the GOP. He shares insights on how Trump’s influence is unsettling Senate races and McConnell's leadership. They delve into fundraising challenges and the potential consequences for the Republican agenda. O'Rourke also emphasizes grassroots mobilization in Texas, tackling issues like gun control and voting rights, amid the ongoing voter suppression debates.
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McConnell's Strategy
- Mitch McConnell appears to be setting Donald Trump up to take the blame if Republicans fail to retake the Senate.
- McConnell’s unusually candid remarks about candidate quality suggest a strategic move to shift responsibility.
Past Republican Candidate Quality Issues
- In 2010 and 2012, Republicans lost winnable Senate races due to poor candidate quality.
- Examples include Todd Akin's comments on rape and Christine O'Donnell's "I'm not a witch" ad.
NRSC Financial Troubles
- The NRSC canceling ad spending in key states suggests financial troubles and concerns about Republican candidates.
- This, combined with Democrats' fundraising advantage, paints a worrying picture for Republicans.
