Feb.12

electoral-vote.com

Dem 47

   

GOP 53

We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us

Could Donald Trump be a secret Democratic asset trying to help them win the Senate? It sometimes looks like it. Consider these observations:

• Trump drove Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) out of the Senate, resulting in a likely Democratic pickup.
• He said Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) should never be elected again, which could produce another pickup.
• He encouraged and supported a primary opponent for Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).
• He hasn't come to the aid of embattled Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who needs it badly.

In short, Trump's priorities seem to be getting people to praise him and vote the way he wants them to vote, regardless of the impact that has on the composition of the next Senate. Republican leaders in the Senate are tearing their hair out over this lack of focus on holding the upper chamber. Strictly from a personal viewpoint (which is the only one Trump knows), he should be worried about the Senate because if the Democrats capture both chambers of Congress, most of his appointments will be blocked in 2027 and 2028 and he could be impeached and there could be an extensive televised trial in the Senate. On the other hand, the ratings would reach to the moon, maybe even better than Bad Bunny's, which might make it worthwhile for Trump.

The consequence of Trump getting rid of incumbents, dissing some candidates, and withholding support where it is needed is that a number of Senate races will be harder and more expensive than need be. Even though Republicans have a lot of money already, having to waste a lot in places like Texas means there is less to spend in swing states. Some senators are starting to see Trump as more of an enemy than as the leader of their party. (V)