(RightWing.org) – Politicians are finicky creatures. On the one hand, they’ll tell you what they think, while on the other hand keeping all their options open if the political environment changes around them. It’s a way of protecting their political careers while advancing the causes they value. However, if not careful, their words can create contradictions and open them to charges of hypocrisy.
Since 2017, Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and former President Donald Trump have had, at best, a complicated relationship. When the two leaders align, there is harmony. When they don’t, it appears that a brawl between the two men could erupt at any time. Who’s to blame? McConnell is a purely political animal. It’s not clear he would support Trump in the 2024 primary for president, but he claims he would if he’s the GOP nominee.
McConnell Presents Conflicting Views
Over the last decade, the media declared that McConnell was a political genius. Some say there isn’t anyone on the Democratic side of the aisle who shares his political skill or wins more political battles. Others say he’ll do whatever it takes to win.
On Thursday, April 7, McConnell sat with Axios reporter Jonathan Swan. During the interview, Swan called out the senator for his statement after the former president’s 2021 impeachment trial. Early that year, McConnell said Trump was morally responsible for the riot on Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021. He all but denounced Trump and condemned him for the riot despite voting not to convict. McConnell added that Trump committed a disgraceful dereliction of duty.
Swan asked McConnell to explain how he could say he would fully support Trump two weeks later if the GOP nominated him for president in 2024.
Party Over Feelings
McConnell’s answer may be a shock to some, but those who follow his career shouldn’t be surprised at his hypocrisy. The long-time Kentucky Senator said it shouldn’t be headline news if he fully supports the GOP nominee for president. As a good Republican, McConnell said he had an obligation to support the party’s nominee, whoever that person may be.
In his view, McConnell said there wasn’t anything inconsistent. Republican voters across the country vote for the nominee, and he stands behind them. However, the Senate minority leader said he stood by everything he previously said about his view of Trump’s role in the January 6 riot.
McConnell is unlikely to support Trump in a primary if a competitive Republican emerges against Trump. The two don’t have a personal relationship. Trump continually attacks McConnell as a Republican In Name Only (RINO), accuses the Senator of harming the GOP candidate’s reelection bids, calls him a loser, and says Senate Republicans shouldn’t vote for McConnell to serve as their leader.
Trump has repeatedly stated he will not announce his intention one way or the other about a 2024 presidential bid until after the November midterm elections. Still, he is holding rallies, endorsing Republican candidates, and very much talking like a person who intends to run.
So, will McConnell become a distraction if Trump runs? Will voters pay any attention to McConnell if he endorses anyone other than Trump?
Stay tuned.
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