In the post-Trump era, Republican candidates must be able to win over a critical mass of party loyalists, including hardcore Trump voters, to prevail in contested primaries. They must then be able to maintain enough support among swing voters to have a fighting chance in competitive general elections.
It’s not easy: This year’s Senate runoffs in Georgia demonstrated the heavy price Republicans pay if they’re seen as total toadies of the former president. But if Republicans end up breaking with the president, like Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey did over the farcical Maricopa County election audit, or any of the 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment, they risk an unceremonious end to their political careers. …
The political sweet spot for Republican candidates: Support Trump, sidestep his election denialism and hollow threats, and focus on traditional conservative policies while dwelling on left-wing excess. Don’t poke the bear, but don’t indulge his conspiratorial fantasies, either. CONTINUED
Josh Kraushaar, National Journal
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