In today’s edition of From the Politics Desk, Steve Kornacki explores the challenge facing Republicans in turning Trump voters into full-fledged Republicans moving forward. While Trump’s coalition and the GOP coalition are not entirely the same, the drop-off in votes for GOP candidates compared to Trump in battleground states poses a challenge for the party. One factor at play is the presence of “Trump-only” voters who turned out for the president but did not support other Republican candidates down the ballot. Another issue is the need to address Democratic defectors who supported Trump but did not vote for GOP Senate candidates.
Additionally, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is facing scrutiny in the Senate due to reports of alleged drinking, mistreatment of women, and other concerns from his past. Several Senate Republicans are hesitant to support his nomination, and even Senator Joni Ernst has expressed reservations regarding his history.
In other news, Hillsborough County, Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister, Trump’s pick for DEA administrator, has withdrawn from consideration. President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son could have political implications for Trump moving forward, especially regarding potential pardons for Jan. 6 rioters. Meanwhile, Trump is preparing to travel to Paris for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Senate has approved the promotion of a general who oversaw troops during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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