GOP senators say there is less enthusiasm for former President Trump among Republican-leaning voters compared to 2016, a drop in voter energy that was apparent when only 15 percent of Iowa’s registered Republicans showed up for Monday’s caucuses.

Lawmakers acknowledge the weather was a factor behind the low turnout in Iowa but point to other signs of diminished enthusiasm for Trump, something that could hurt down-ballot Republican candidates in swing states.

Senate Republicans hope that Trump’s problems will be balanced by lower enthusiasm among Democrats for President Biden, though they expect Trump being atop the ticket will drive Democratic voters to the polls in large numbers.

Another concern among GOP senators is that Biden will have a big fundraising advantage over Trump, who is pouring his resources into his legal defense in the face of four criminal trials and two civil cases.

  • @alvvayson
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    3411 months ago

    Indeed.

    And you’d think the Republicans would get tired of losing after the third time.

    But it seems they really want to lose four elections with Trump.

    The problem is their base is just too crazy. Bernie bros still showed up to vote for Hilary and Joe.

    But the Trump maga crowd will not show up for anyone else, unless their cult leader is in charge.

    • @silverbax
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      1811 months ago

      I have wondered what the GOP will do when they lose again with Trump. If they do what they’ve done in the past, they will learn the wrong lessons and try to make up for it with more illegal power grabs.

      • Jaysyn
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        711 months ago

        The Capitol police will have their submachine guns & permission to use them next time.

        • @HerrBeter
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          111 months ago

          How to ensure the capitol police won’t be involved in the hypothetical next insurrection?

    • ripcord
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      611 months ago

      Four elections? Are you counting midterms, I guess?