It took four years and an election defeat. But someone with real power in the Republican Party will face – and strike back – President Trump: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Why it matters: This is a preview of the power struggle that will shape the Republican Party in 2021.
You have seen this with McConnell recognizing Joe Biden as President-elect.
- You saw this when McConnell blocked Trump’s pressure to raise stimulus checks to $ 2,000, which would have divided Senate Republicans.
- And you see it now with its attempt to curtail the GOP’s futile opposition to Congressional certification of Biden’s victory.
Yes but: Until now, McConnell’s strategy has been ravaged by the chaos Trump created. Now the senate leader – whose autobiography is called “The Long Game” – can finally set the course of the party.
- “McConnell is trying to reclaim the role he had in 2009 – leader of the opposition to a new Democratic president,” said a Republican agent familiar with the leader’s thinking.
What he thinks: Depending on the outcome of Tuesday’s run-offs in Georgia, McConnell will have to find a way to protect – or regain – a majority in the Senate in light of Trump and his agents promoting candidates who could hold primaries. win, but possibly lose.
- Axios’ Margaret Talev points out that during Trump’s presidency, McConnell benefited from an alliance that produced more than 200 lifelong justices, including three Supreme Court justices. As an ex-president, Trump bears more accountability.
It comes down to: McConnell, starting in 19 days, is the most powerful Republican in the country.