Where Trump Took the GOP Down

One notable casualty of the Donald Trump deadweight that burdened Republicans on Tuesday was a previously safe GOP seat in Michigan that had been held by one of the most libertarian members of Congress, Peter Meijer. The incumbent was defeated in a party primary by a Trumpist after having voted for an impeachment article against the 45th president. (D.C. Democrats helped fund the hit on Meijer.) Sure enough, an Obama Democrat captured the seat in what was a general setback for Republicans in the swing state, as well as in other key parts of the national election map. It was a reminder to the GOP that, whatever galvanizing effect Trump may have on parts of the “base,” his influence also puts a ceiling on the party’s gains even during a period of unpopularity for many Democrats. Together with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s smashing victory yesterday, this may dissuade many party officeholders and funders from jumping aboard any Trump candidacy for 2024 that materializes as early as next week. A lot may depend on how Tuesday’s results are described in the realms of Fox News and other right-wing media, which had led their audiences to expect much better returns in the midterms. These echo chambers did not do their side any favors this time.

Published by timwferguson

Longtime writer-editor, focusing on topics of business and policy, global and local.

2 thoughts on “Where Trump Took the GOP Down

  1. I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Democrats’ sleazy effort to help Gibbs win the Republican primary, in the interest of setting themselves up against a MAGA candidate who didn’t have much chance of winning the district in the general election. And helping their opposition keep itself in a box with a firm ceiling.

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