It took four years and an electoral defeat. But someone with real power within the Republican Party is facing – and fighting back – President Trump: Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell.
Why it matters: This is a preview of the power struggle that will define the Republican Party in 2021.
Did you see that with McConnell recognizing Joe Biden as president-elect.
- You saw this with McConnell blocking Trump’s pressure to raise stimulus checks to $ 2,000, which would split Senate Republicans.
- And you’re seeing it now, with your effort to curb the Republican Party’s useless resistance to Congressional certification of Biden’s victory.
Yes but: So far, McConnell’s strategy has been shaken by the chaos created by Trump. Now the leader of the Senate – whose autobiography is called “The Long Game” – can finally set the course for the party.
- “McConnell is trying to regain his role in 2009 – leader of the opposition to a new Democratic president,” said a Republican member familiar with the thought of the leader.
What he’s thinking: Depending on the outcome of Georgia’s runoff on Tuesday, McConnell will have to find a way to protect – or win back – the majority of the Senate in the face of Trump and his operatives promoting candidates who could win the primaries but could lose.
- During Trump’s presidency, according to Margaret Talev de Axios, McConnell won with an alliance that yielded more than 200 lifetime trials – including three Supreme Court judges. As a former president, Trump carries more responsibilities.
The final result: From 19 days on, McConnell is the most powerful Republican in the country.