2024 Presidential Field Launches in 2022 – “The Sunday Political Brunch”
Mark Curtis, MNDSETTER™
2024 Presidential Field Launches in 2022 – “The Sunday Political Brunch”
“Trump Challengers” – The presumption right now is that former President Donald Trump will take a “third bite at the apple” in 2024. As I’ve often reported, if his slate of endorsed candidates carries Republicans into control of the House or Senate, or both, then it will be hard to deny him the nomination. Still, I expect he will face a least a few challengers, some of whom could be formidable. Over the next few weeks, we will look at some possible contenders, along with other headlines.
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“Gov. Larry Hogan” – The two-term Republican Governor of Maryland is a lymphoma survivor. He’s a moderate in a very blue state. He gained a national profile as Vice Chair and the Chairman of the National Governor’s Association. The 65-year-old is certainly no ally of former President Donald Trump. Hogan opposed Trump’s nomination in 2016, and in 2019 supported the House Impeachment inquiry that investigated Trump. He has visited Iowa and New Hampshire and has strongly hinted he may run in the 2024 presidential primary, regardless of whether Trump is in the race. His was pronounced cancer-free in 2016, and he underwent successful skin cancer surgery last year. If his health holds, he could be viable in 2024.
“Rep Liz Cheney” – She is one of the Republican House incumbents who is facing a primary against a Trump-backed challenger. Trump has poured money into the campaign of Wyoming lawyer Harriet Hageman. Two weeks ago, Hageman also received the endorsement of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R) California. Cheney, of course, voted for Trump’s second impeachment, and also serves as one of just two Republicans on the January 6th Capitol Attack Commission. Regardless of how she fares in 2022, she has hinted at a possible presidential run in 2024, by saying she wants to be "the leader, one of the leaders, in a fight to help to restore our party.” She would have the vast resources of the Bush family and her parent’s network if she decides to run.
“Rep. Adam Kinzinger” – Like Liz Cheney, Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R) Illinois, is on the outs with the Trump wing of the party. He was one of the Republicans who voted for Trump’s second impeachment, Kinzinger also serves with Cheney as the only Republicans on the January 6th Commission. For those efforts, both were recently censured by the Republican National Committee. At age 44, Kinzinger decided to not seek reelection this year after serving 12 years in Congress. He is also a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran with three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I am excited about continuing the fight for the country. At some point, you’ve got to look and say, ‘Is the House the best place to do it?’” Kinzinger told Roll Call last month, fueling speculation of a White House bid.
“Manchin in the Middle” – In other headlines this week, he’s done it once again, as he has done so many times before. Senator Joe Manchin (D) West Virginia announced he was opposing President Biden’s nominee to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve. With 50 Republicans opposed, Manchin was the key 51st no vote, and so Sarah Bloom Raskin withdrew her nomination. Manchin cited concerns about Raskin’s view of the fossil fuel energy industry. Manchin said, “Her previous public statements have failed to satisfactorily address my concerns about the critical importance of financing an all-of-the-above energy policy to meet our nation’s critical energy needs.” The joke in West Virginia these days is, “Who is the most powerful Joe in DC?” The answer to many is Manchin.
“Zelensky’s ZOOM Diplomacy” – Folks, the presidential race isn’t just decided by the likes of Donald Trump or Joe Biden. There are the outliers who have an indirect influence. I’m talking about Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and no, I’m not talking about past claims of direct Russian interference. What I am saying is that how foreign leaders act on the international stage, and then what U.S. leaders do to deal with them, matters. Will Biden stand up to Putin, more than he has already? Will Trump continue certain comments that smack of praise of Putin (though the recent invasion is not among them). In 1980 President Jimmy Carter was flummoxed by Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini, and it contributed to his loss to Ronald Reagan. Will Biden rally, or face a similar fate as Carter’s in 2024? Stay tuned!
“A Powerful Address" – President Zelenskyy’s address was a rarity. Foreign leaders are seldom given permission to address a joint session of Congress. It was extraordinarily powerful, especially with a raw video he showed of the continued unprovoked Russian bombings. The impression on members of Congress was searing. “We need to arm them. We need to give them more weaponry to fight back against the Russians. The video he showed was very powerful to me. And I just want to thank him for his bravery and the Ukrainian people for their bravery,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R) West Virginia. Zelenskyy also asked the U.S. and NATO to enforce a No-Fly Zone over Ukraine. “I would support the No-Fly Zone. I don’t know how it’s to be enforced, because obviously, it’s complicated when it comes. But before we would do that, we could supply the planes as long as we don’t get dragged into this because I don’t want American troops on the ground,” said Rep. David McKinley (R) West Virginia.
