Cassidy said Republicans can triumph in the 2022 midterm elections, as well as in the 2024 White House race, “talking about the issues that are important to the American people,” not “putting a person on a pedestal.” and making that person our focal point. ”
He added: “If we worship a person, we will lose. And that was very clear in the last election. “
The senator’s comments contrast sharply with the fervently pro-Trump rhetoric that has been on display for the past few days at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida – where prominent Republican officials promoted the former president as the future of the party and sought to embrace his legacy.
But the comments are not necessarily outside the character of Cassidy, who surprised his party earlier this month by voting in favor of Trump’s second impeachment trial and then became one of seven Republican senators who found him guilty of inciting the July 6 uprising. January at the Capitol.
Republicans remain divided over Trump’s role in the party going forward, with a small group of more establishment-oriented Republican leaders increasing their criticism of him in recent weeks.
But even Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, who called the former president “morally and practically responsible” for the siege of the Capitol, said he would support Trump if he were the next Republican candidate for president.
And Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) also argued last week that Trump would easily win the Republican Party nomination if he seeks the White House again in 2024.